By Samuel Matthews
“30 But when he (Peter) saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:30-31). Loved ones, doubt is an experience common to all people. Even those with faith in God struggle with doubt on occasion. A working definition of doubt is “to waver in opinion, to lack confidence, to consider unlikely.” Doubt is an obstacle which needs to fly away for a Christian to be of real service to God. The Bible has much to say about the cause of doubt and provides examples of people who struggled with it. God knew we would doubt and has built into His word truths to help combat the sin of unbelief, “which doth so easily beset us” (Hebrews 12:1). The very first expression of doubt in the Bible is in Genesis 3, when Satan tempted Eve. God had given a clear command regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and had specified the consequence of disobedience: “16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17). Satan introduced doubt into Eve’s mind when he asked, “Hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” He wanted her to lack confidence in God’s command. When she affirmed God’s command, including the consequences, Satan replied with a denial, which is a stronger statement of doubt: “Ye shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:1-5). Doubt is a device of Satan to make us lack confidence in God’s Word and consider His judgment unlikely (2 Corinthians 2:11). However, we cannot lay all of the blame on Satan, for the Bible clearly holds us accountable for our own doubts. When the angel of the Lord told Zacharias his wife would have a son (John the baptizer), he doubted the word given to him. He logically assumed that he and Elisabeth were too old to have children. In response to his doubt, the angel said, “Behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season” (Luke 1:11-20). Zacharias doubted God’s ability to overcome natural obstacles – many of God’s people today share the same doubt. Any time we allow human reason to overshadow faith in God, sinful doubt is the result. No matter how logical our reasons may seem, God has made foolish the wisdom of this world, and His (seemingly) foolish plans are far wiser than man’s (1 Corinthians 1:20, 25). The remedy for doubt is faith. Faith is trusting God even when His plan goes against human reason or experience. Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). God gave us the Bible as a testimony of His works in the past, so we will have a reason to trust Him in the present. “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old” (Psalm 77:11). Contrary to the humanistic view that doubt is essential to life, the Bible says that doubt is a destroyer of life. James wrote: “5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (doubting). For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord” (James 1:5-7). If we doubt God’s ability to respond to our request, what would be the point of asking in the first place? God says that if we doubt while we ask, we will not receive anything from Him, because we are unstable: “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). In order for us to have a faith that is pleasing and approved by God, we must diligently study His word to know what He has said (2 Timothy 2:15). Once we understand what God has done in the past, what He has promised us for the present, and what we can expect from Him in the future, we can come and bow before our Lord Jesus in faith instead of doubt (John 6:44-45). The most famous doubter in the Bible was the Apostle Thomas. When the others told him they had seen the resurrected Lord, he declared he would not believe in His resurrection until he could see and touch Jesus himself. When he later saw Jesus and believed, he received the gentle rebuke, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:24-29). Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We can have confidence even in the things we cannot see, because God has proven Himself faithful, true, and able. Dear friends, we will close this post with several divine truths to remember when you find yourself doubting God. 1st Truth: Christ died for you. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). If God was willing to sacrifice His Son for you, there is nothing that He won't do for you! 2nd Truth: God loved you even when you were still dead in sin. “4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)” (Ephesians 2:4-5). God already knew your sins past, present, and future and loved you anyway. He still loves you now. 3rd Truth: God is your heavenly Father. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1). Your Heavenly Father is in control of ALL circumstances; therefore, you can rest in His love and provision no matter the circumstance. 4th Truth: God has compassion on you. “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” (Psalm 86:15). Your bad days do not disqualify you from His love or His faithfulness. His compassion will woo you back to Him in confession and repentance. 5th Truth: God has good plans for you. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11). God has an expected end for your faith, works, trials, and afflictions. You can trust with hope because your future is with Jesus. 6th Truth: You must pray. “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:24). God wants your honesty. He already knows what you are thinking and feeling. Being honest with the Lord will increase your faith and grow your walk of obedience. 7th Truth: You must be still. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). When all else is in chaos and you find yourself doubting God and His plan, remember that God is the center of the story, NOT you. Trust His word, for It has power to still you before His holy presence. May we all grow stronger in our faith and may our times of doubting God diminish as we apply all the powerful truths of the Holy Spirit’s word (Ephesians 6:17). To the God of heaven be the Glory as His Will is done (1 Corinthians 10:31). Please pray for wisdom, for me and my wife, Cynthia, and for the Liberty NW church of Christ meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. We are praying for you, and we love you all so much. Samuel.
0 Comments
By Devadas Prakash
What is the relationship between the kingdom and the Lord’s Supper. Our Lord promised those disciples in the first century that the kingdom would come in their lifetime. Read the following words carefully as though you were standing in the presence of Jesus. What would you have understood when He said, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power” (Mark 9:1)? Jesus taught the Lord’s Supper would be part of the kingdom. It was in the upper room that Jesus promised He would eat the Lord’s Supper with His followers when the kingdom came. Jesus said, “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matt. 26:29). He and eighty-three other Divinely sent messengers had proclaimed that the kingdom was about to be established. Now in the upper room, what Jesus said placed a time limit on the time it would come. He said, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I say to you I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God . . . I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes” (Luke 22:15-18). His words clearly state that the cup with the fruit of the vine as part of that feast was ending and was about to be fulfilled when Jesus would assemble with the disciples at His table, His supper—the Lord’s supper. The Passover, as a God-appointed feast, was within a year of coming to an end. The Lord’s Supper became part of the promised kingdom for He made it part of His kingdom, the church. Within two months of His words in the upper room the church began. Peter proclaimed that Jesus ascended on high as an exalted king (Acts 2:20-33). His promised kingdom had come and notice what immediately happened. “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Jesus had become part of the communion at His table in His kingdom! The Lord’s Supper will end when Jesus returns. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He come” (1 Cor. 11:26). The words “till He comes” proclaim that at His coming the Lord’s Supper will end. Those who see the establishment of the kingdom as a future event cannot reconcile these Divine words with their teaching. The kingdom has come, as He promised, and He meets with us every week at His table “till He comes.” By Samuel Matthews
Read John 3:16-17 (KJV) Loved ones, in the above text we learn that God loves the world. The “world,” in this case, refers to the people living in the world for whom Jesus died. Jesus’ death burial and resurrection will saved (or justify) those people who believe and obey Him (Romans 5:1; John 8:24; Matthew 7:21). They then can live by faith in Jesus (Hebrews 10:38). Many people say they believe in Jesus, and thus they THINK they are saved by “faith only.” With love, we must tell you the truth – they are DECEIVING themselves (Galatians 6:3). We say this because faith is shown in action (James 2:14-26). We must show our faith by what we do (Acts 2:37; 9:6; 16:30) – by our obedience to God (Romans 1:5). There are many believers who are NOT saved because they have NOT obeyed the Gospel of God (Romans 10:16; Luke 6:46). Jesus will give eternal salvation ONLY to those righteous souls in the world who show their faith by obeying Him (Hebrews 5:9; Matthew 25:46). As in the days of Noah, the world has become exceedingly wicked and thinking only of evil (Genesis 6:5). Righteous conduct will never be popular in the world; however, once saved, Christians must be DIFFERENT from the world. God commands Christians to: “15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17). The world’s way has no future promise – it is “passing away.” God is telling His children to show they do not love the world by being different from the world! Those who desire God’s spiritual blessings and rewards must be willing to be DIFFERENT. We must seek God and live His way (Acts 17:24-28). That means we will not be the “usual” people in the crowd. We will be a purify “peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). If “usual” or “typical” represents the majority (the many), and “different” represents the minority (the few), the wise Christian would rather be with the few. The “usual” or “typical” people who are conformed to this sinful world are NOT heading in the right direction. According to Matthew 7:13-14, they are with the “many” who are going down the broad way to destruction. Only the “few” that are willing to be different find the narrow way that leads to life. Christians should all choose to be “different.” We must decide to do what is right, and stick with our choice (James 4:17). Those who purpose to be DIFFERENT from the world are the wise hearers who do God’s will by honoring and respecting His word (Matthew 7:24-27). Unfortunately, excuses are being made by some Christians to justify sinful-wanderings. Young people who are encouraged in worldly successes more than righteousness, ARE BEING DECEIVED. Much of their wickedness falls back on the example of their parents who have embraced the world and are NOT following God’s directions (Ephesians 6:4). Christians must choose and determine to be “different from the world now” and “saved in Heaven then,” rather than the opposite, which will be an eternal-disaster (Matthew 25:46). We can listen to God, maintain righteous conduct, and be morally good, even if no one else around us does. Peter wrote, “1… For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God” (1 Peter 4:1-2). God commands us to be DIFFERENT and to not love the world. Our love for God, shown by keeping His commands (Matthew 22:37-40), will make us different from the world. We are then assured of this promise: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Romans 1:18-32 describes why God rightfully condemns the “world” and some of what He has done about it. Humanity's fall is pictured as a downward progression. It starts with rejecting God as creator, then refusing to see what can be known about Him by what He has made (vs. 18-20). The world also rejects the fact that He is our provider; and thus, has stopped giving Him thanks. They worship His creation instead of Him (vs. 21-25). Finally, God acts by giving this unbelieving world over to the unchecked expression of their corrupt sexual desires and all other kinds of sin (vs. 26-32). In part, He expresses His wrath by giving sinners what they want and condemning them to suffer the painful consequences. Christians must learn to be “different” and turn away from such foolish living! Paul wrote, “1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Like God’s people of old (Deuteronomy 7:6), Christians should be different from the people of the world. WHY? Because “9 Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy (1 Peter 2:9-10). HOW WE SHOULD BE DIFFERENT In the wisdom of God, He has not left it up to His people to figure out how to be different; He has plainly told us in many ways. Please search the below Scriptures to clearly learn HOW. Philippians 2:14-15 Psalm 1:1-2 Proverbs 1:9-16 Proverbs 4:5-7 Jeremiah 29:12-13 Matthew 5:13-16 Matthew 6:24-34 John 15:3-5 John 15:18-19 Romans 1:14-16 Romans 12:1-2 Romans 14:13 John 7:24 1 Corinthians 1:10 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 1 Corinthians 16:14 2 Corinthians 5:7, 17 Galatians 2:20 Galatians 6:1-2 Galatians 6:4 Ephesians 4:22-32 Philippians 4:13 Colossians 3:1-10 1 Timothy 2:1-2. 2 Timothy 1:7 Hebrews 12:1-2 James 3:13 1 Peter 1:14-16 1 Peter 2:5 1 Peter 3:13-16 1 Peter 4:7-11 1 Peter 5:6-7 1 John 4:16-17 Dear Friends, success in being DIFFERENT requires a change of heart from being self-centered, to self-denial (Matthew 16:24-25); from being self-serving, to focusing on what God wants (Psalm 119:97-105); from being self-guided, to willingly-instructed by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). True success is eternal success, and it requires diligence. God’s way is difficult, but it is worth it (1 Peter 4:1-5, 13-16). Life is full of choices; how we choose now will make all the difference in eternity. God’s way is NOT the world’s way; it is DIFFERENT… different conduct, different hope, for a different home. God’s “different” people are those who will be saved in Heaven in the end (1 Corinthians 15:24). How will you choose? You can be like most of the world and chart your own course that will never get you to Heaven (Jeremiah 10:23). Or you can choose to be DIFFERENT, righteous, and filled with the hope that comes with seeking and pleasing God (Hebrews 11:6). So, WHICH WILL IT BE? To the God of heaven be the Glory as His Will is done (1 Corinthians 10:31). Please pray for wisdom, for me and my wife, Cynthia, and for the Liberty NW church of Christ meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. We are praying for you, and we love you all so much. Samuel. By Wayne Jackson
Having concluded his third missionary journey, the apostle Paul hurriedly was making his way toward Jerusalem, hoping to arrive in that renowned city before the Jewish Pentecost (doubtless because of the great crowds that would be assembled). Sailing southward in the Aegean Sea (that arm of the Mediterranean between Greece and Asia Minor) the apostle came to Miletus. Miletus was an ancient seaport on the western coast of Asia Minor. It was the birth-place of the Greek philosopher Thales. Since Paul was to be in Miletus for two or three days (probably while his ship changed cargo), he sent for the elders of the church in Ephesus — some thirty miles away — that he might briefly visit with them. For three years (Acts 20:31; cf. 19:8,10,22) he had closely labored with these brothers, and now, anticipating that he would see them no more, he desired to communicate with these bishops of the Lord’s church. This presentation (Acts 20:18-35) is the only example in the book of Acts of Paul addressing an exclusively Christian audience. The speech is personal, admonitory, and exhortative. Topically, it may be studied under three headings — Paul’s claims, his charge, and his commendation. Paul’s Claims The noble apostle was not without his critics wherever he went, and this apparently included Ephesus. Some seem to have been attacking Paul in his absence, and so he deems it advisable to remind them of his credentials while among them. First, he affirms that he was a servant of the Lord. The implication is this: at the point of his conversion he had surrendered all his personal rights; he had become the property of Jesus Christ; he was totally at his Master’s disposal. Further, in this connection he mentions several qualities characteristic of his servitude. Note: He was a humble servant, possessing that “lowliness of mind” that thrusts the interests of others to the forefront. As he later explained the matter, the Christian should count the other person better than himself in terms of service (see Phil. 2:3). He had been a sympathetic servant. His heart had gone out to those who were entrenched in sin. One is reminded of how the apostle wrote to the Corinthians “with many tears” (2 Cor. 2:4). He informed the Philippian brethren that when he thought about those who were enemies of the cross he wept (Phil. 3:18); so, similarly, had he served his Lord among the Ephesians with tears night and day (Acts 20:19,31). At Ephesus, Paul had also been a persecuted servant of Christ. “Trials” had befallen him. For example, the Jews had plotted against his welfare. Moreover, his life had been in danger when the apostle dared to tell the idol-worshippers of that great city that gods that are made with hands are, in fact, no gods at all (Acts 19:26). Paul knew what it was like to be a victim of true religious hatefulness, and daily he laid his life on the line. Read 2 Corinthians 11:23ff [which was written shortly after the apostle left Ephesus] and observe the abuse to which this brother was heir! But the apostle also stresses that he was an independent servant of the Lord. By that we mean that he was never a financial burden to these brethren. Paul was not adverse to receiving monetary support from his brethren. The congregation at Philippi had generously sustained the tireless preacher (cf. Phil. 1:5; 4:14ff), and he plainly taught that it was the church’s duty to assist those who labor in proclaiming the truth (1 Cor. 9:1ff; Gal. 6:6). Occasionally, though, Paul had refused support from some brethren. And so of his work in Ephesus he could claim: “I coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me” (Acts 20:33,34). Making tents by night (Acts 18:3) and proclaiming the Word by day; such doubtless was the routine of the selfless servant of the Lord Jesus. Second, though, the peerless apostle declared that he was a proclaimer of the gospel. Again, there are a number of descriptions that detail the type of preacher that Paul was. The substance of his message was spiritual, not secular or social. He proclaimed the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. He announced that in repentance men should turn to God and in faith submit to the Messiah (20:21). Paul testified concerning the “good news” of the availability of Heaven’s grace (20:24) by means of obedience to the gospel (cf. 2 Thes. 1:8). Too, he went about “preaching the kingdom” (v. 25). One can only wonder how certain modern preachers view this passage, in light of their claims that an understanding of the nature of Christ’s “kingdom” is irrelevant to genuine gospel obedience. Paul was a thoroughly courageous minister of the truth, uncompromising in character. He asserted: “I shrank not from declaring unto you anything that was profitable . . . I testify unto you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God” (20,26,27). The criterion of the apostle’s preaching was, “What is spiritually profitable?” — not, “What is socially popular?” How many preachers of today’s church have sold their souls for a mess of popular pottage? When was the last time you heard your preacher condemn salacious conduct, adulterous liasions, gambling, covetousness, substance abuse, profanity, sexually oriented entertainment, etc.? Is a discussion of such matters no longer spiritually profitable? Paul was a versatile minister. He was equally at home publicly preaching the message, or in a personal setting from house to house (20). The apostle was an unprejudiced preacher, testifying to both Jews and Greeks (21), for he knew the gospel was the power to save both (Rom. 1:16-17). Finally, he was a serenely confident preacher. Though the Spirit had warned that in every city bonds and afflictions awaited him (23), and even now he went “bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem,” nonetheless he recognized that there is more to human existence than the mere physical. He did not hold his earthly life personally so precious as to preserve it at all cost. His aim was to accomplish his course and to fulfill the ministry (24), because to this end he had been divinely appointed. What a spirit of self-sacrifice. What tranquility of soul. What a man! Paul’s Charge In addition to a defense of his ministerial integrity, Paul charges these shepherds of God’s flock with certain grave responsibilities. Let us consider several valuable admonitions. The elders were to take heed unto themselves (28). Self-analysis is always a necessity for the faithful child of God, and surely such is to be underscored for leaders of the Lord’s family. The Scriptures are filled with exhortations to “examine yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5), teach yourself (Rom. 2:21), show yourself approved (2 Tim. 2:15), consider yourself lest you be tempted (Gal. 6:1), exercise yourself unto godliness (1 Tim. 4:7), keep yourself pure (1 Tim. 5:22), and such like. No man can be an effective leader who does not first set the proper example. Our Lord both did and taught the truth (Acts 1:1). The bishops were to take heed unto the flock (28). There is nothing more worthless than a shepherd who is neglectful of the flock entrusted to him. The prophet Isaiah dealt with this principle in a stinging rebuke to the corrupt leaders of ancient Israel. “His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber” (Isa. 56:10). Careless leaders are characterized by greed, selfishness, and worldliness. There are some men in the Lord’s church today who serve under the guise of elders, but who do not do the work of elders. They want the position and power that usually attaches to the role, but they eschew the appointed spiritual responsibility. In connection with their responsibility to give heed to the flock, the elders are charged with the duty of feeding the church of God (28). This implies, of course, that elders must be men who have a respectable knowledge of the Bible and who have the ability to effectively teach the Holy Scriptures (cf. 1 Tim. 3:2). This means that the bishops themselves must be sound in the faith. They must allow only faithful saints to occupy the pulpits and classrooms of the local church. They must be cognizant of the literature that is being used in the Bible class program. They must see to it that the church is fed a rich, well-balanced diet of spiritual truth. It is a tragedy that some elders in the Lord’s church have been selected on the basis of their success in business, finance, etc., rather than because of their spiritual qualifications, and the church has suffered the consequences of such a shallow and unscriptural approach. It is also worthy of observation that Paul foretold an impending corruption of the faith (both from within and without the church – vv. 29-30). The elders, therefore, were to “watch” (31) for those “grievous wolves” who would assault the flock as an invading enemy. Likewise they were to keep on the lookout for false teachers who would arise within the body of Christ (some even from within the eldership). Such leaders would draw disciples away after them. Men who allow the doctrinal corruption of the congregation over which they serve, are unworthy of the title “shepherd.” Christ once said: “He that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them: he flees because he is a hireling, and does not care about the sheep” (Jn. 10:12-13). It is likely that much of the apostasy that now plagues the church of the Lord never would have come if some elders had been doing their jobs. Finally, Paul emphasizes that taking heed to the flock also involves helping those who are weak. “In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (35). Those who are weak in the faith must be encouraged; the strong ought to help bear their infirmities and not to please themselves (cf. Rom. 14:1; 15:1). Paul’s instruction to “admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be long-suffering toward all” (1 Thes. 5:14), is good advice for anyone, and especially for elders and preachers. And so, Paul’s charge to these good men was straight to the point, and we ourselves also must consider the principles involved. Paul’s Concluding Commendation The apostle’s commendation for these brothers has a two-fold thrust. It stresses Jehovah’s part, and man’s part, in bringing the Christian to ultimate spiritual maturity. First he says, “I commend you to God” (32). That means he commends them to the care and keeping of their heavenly Father. Paul believed in the providential activity of God for His people. God is not a remote deity disinterested in His children! Second, Paul commends the brothers to “the word of His grace” which is able to build up and provide an inheritance among the sanctified. But that “word of his grace” will never avail on the shelf! It must be taken into the heart and translated into daily action. Let us thus receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save our souls (Jas. 1:21). Paul’s farewell address to the elders of Ephesus is a remarkable one indeed, and the precious principles it contains are as valuable for this generation as for that of the first century. Scripture References Acts 20:31; Acts 20:18-35; Philippians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Philippians 3:18; Acts 20:19, 31; Acts 19:26; 1 Corinthians 11:23; Philippians 1:5, 4:14; 1 Corinthians 9:1; Galatians 6:6; Acts 20:33, 34; Acts 18:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Romans 2:21; 2 Timothy 2:15; Galatians 6:1; 1 Timothy 4:7; 1 Timothy 5:22; Acts 1:1; Isaiah 56:10; John 10:12-13; Romans 14:1, 15:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; James 1:21
By Samuel Matthews “36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36-37). KJV Loved ones, are you S. A. V. E. D? Is Jesus your SAVIOUR? Has Christ ATONED for your sins? Do you have the VICTORY in Jesus? Are you assured of ETERNAL life in heaven? Are you DELIVERED from Spiritual death? In this brief series, we have with love been discussing the Bible’s teaching as to how one becomes just a Christian. The question should now be asked, “What must I do to be added to the ONE faith and ONE body of Christ”; in other words, “What Must I Do To Be Saved?" (Acts 16:30). Friends, the Bible says there is “ONE BAPTISM" (Eph. 4:5). Jesus commanded His disciples to go and teach all the world the saving Gospel or good news of His death, burial, and resurrection for our sins (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Mark 16:15-16). Jesus said to teach them, baptize them, and keep on teaching them... everything else that He's commanded (Matt. 28:19-20). The one baptism must then be something man administers! Man cannot baptize you with the Holy Spirit or with fire, both of which were given as a promise, NOT as a command to be obeyed (Matt. 3:11; Luke 24:49). Man can only baptize with water! Therefore, the one baptism spoken of in Eph. 4:5 and Matthew 28:19 is water baptism. In keeping with the Lord's command, Philip baptized the eunuch with water (Acts 8:35-39), and Peter commanded the household of Cornelius to be baptized with water (Acts 10:46-47). You too as a penitent believer must be immersed in water to be born again… saved from your past sins (John 3:5; 1 Pet. 3:21). My friends, the blood of Jesus frees us from sin (Matt. 26:28; Rev. 1:5), and Jesus shed His blood in His death (John 19:34). But how do we get into the death of Jesus so that the merits of His shed blood might be ours? The Bible says, “we are buried with him (Christ) by baptism into death” (Rom. 6:3-4). Therefore, the one baptism is a burial or total immersion in water into the death of Christ (Col. 2:12). You have NOT been baptized if you were only sprinkled with water while an infant, or had a little water poured on your head. A person must be totally immersed (buried) under the water in baptism. The one baptism puts you into Christ (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3). Notice the powerful thought contained in Rom. 3:24: “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” In Christ we are: saints (Phil. 4:21), new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17), fellow workers (Rom. 16:3-9), one body... not 300 different denominational bodies (Rom. 12:5). In Christ we have SALVATION (2 Tim. 2:10), all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3), and the love of God (Rom. 8:38-39). The Bible says we get into Christ by grace through faith as we do God's will (Eph. 2:4-8; 1 Cor. 1:30; John 6:65). God's grace teaches us (Tit. 2:11-12). We are taught to believe in the name of Jesus (John 2:23; 3:16; 8:24; Acts 4:12), love and obey Jesus (John 14:15), repent of our sins (Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3), confess Jesus as Lord, the Son of God (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10), and be immersed (buried, baptized) into Christ (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27)... where salvation is found (2 Tim. 2:10). Baptism into Christ is God's plan for man's new birth (John 3:3-5). Baptism washes away our sins by the blood of Jesus (Acts 22:16; Matt. 26:28). Baptism saves us NOW (1 Pet. 3:21; Mark 16:16). Baptism puts us into the one body, the church (1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:47), the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Col. 1:13). Loved ones, for believers to be one we must teach, believe, and obey only the Bible. We receive the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit when we are immersed in water (Acts 2:38; 5:32), after having repented of our sins and confessed our belief that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 17:30; Matt. 10:32-33). We arise from the watery grave of baptism IN CHRIST... a new creature... a Christian... a child of God (Rom. 6:4-7; Gal. 3:26). In the days of the great flood, God used only one Ark to save the people... all who were saved were inside that one Ark (1 Pet. 3:20; Gen. 6). When the Israelites crossed the Jordan and fought against the walled city of Jericho, God used only one house to save Rahab's family... all who were saved were inside that one house (Joshua 2:12-14; 6:25). Today, if you desire to have eternal life; to be saved from the wrath of God to come; to escape the burning fires of hell; then you must get inside God's spiritual Ark... the house of the Lord (Heb. 3:1-6)… the church of Christ. The churches of Christ are a fellowship of Christians who believe the Bible to be God's communication to man (2 Tim. 3:16), and therefore have responded to its teachings (Luke 24:46-47). We acknowledge Jesus as the only head (ruler, monarch, sovereign) of the church (Eph. 5:23). We are organized according to the biblical example with elders (bishops) and deacons (Phil. 1:1), and we worship God according to biblical instructions (John 4:22-24). As Christians, we are approved of God and not ashamed to do His work because we study His word diligently (2 Tim. 2:15); grow spiritually (Phil. 1:9); pray always (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 18:1); assemble with the saints (other Christians) whenever possible (Heb. 10:25), but always on the first day of the week – Sunday (1 Cor. 16:1-2); sing without mechanical instruments, making melody in our hearts (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16); partake of the Lord's Supper every Sunday (Acts 20:7, Matt. 26:26-29); cheerfully give as we purpose in our heart (2 Cor. 9:6-8); become living sacrifices to God (Rom. 12:1-2); continue in good works (Gal. 6:9-10; 2 Tim. 3:17); and are faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10). Our plea is that all mankind might become, “fellow-heirs, and of the same body” of Christ (Eph. 3:6), according to the eternal purpose of God which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Eph. 3:11). We pray that you will choose the truth of God's word as you work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). Please humble yourself and visit a congregation of the churches of Christ at your next opportunity (Rom. 16:16), and remember, you can be JUST A CHRISTIAN (Acts 26:27-29)! To the God of heaven be the Glory as His Will is done (1 Corinthians 10:31). Please pray for wisdom, for me and my wife, Cynthia, and for the Liberty NW church of Christ meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. We are praying for you, and we love you all so much. Samuel. |
Archives
January 2022
Categories
All
|
Site powered by Weebly.Managed by Baggies Web Solutions
Copyright © Eagle Park church of Christ 2022, All Rights Reserved