​By: Brian A. Yeager
Are you counting on others to tell you when you are right or wrong with the Lord? Do you think if no one is correcting you that you must be doing everything right? Have you considered that people may not see in you, what you know about yourself? Have you considered that others may be more involved in their own self-examination than to think about everything you say or do? I am not trying to downplay the importance of brethren correcting one another. If a brother or sister errs, we are commanded by God to correct them (Galatians 6:1-2 and James 5:19-20). We do have a responsibility toward the salvation of one another (Hebrews 3:12-13). However, your salvation is not everyone else’s primary concern.
The word of God says: “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). The Apostle Paul could not be everywhere all of the time. He wrote epistles. He sent evangelists (I Corinthians 4:17, Philippians 2:19-23, etc.). He made it a significant goal to see brethren but was often hindered (i.e. I Thessalonians 2:18). In his absence, as we have read, he instructed the brethren to work out their own salvation. No person, including the beloved Apostles, could ever personally make sure any other person was fully faithful to God. No one can be in your life and mind 24/7, except you (I Corinthians 2:11)!
The word of God tells us the following: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway… But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another” (I Corinthians 9:27 and Galatians 6:4). You need to first be concerned about your soul, as I too must have my soul as my first concern. Frankly, you cannot even begin to teach another if your life isn’t right anyway, for that is the sin of hypocrisy (Matthew 7:1-5). Brethren, we must take the time to be critical judges of ourselves.
Judging Ourselves
In a context wherein Paul was teaching about the proper observation of the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11:16-34), we read this: “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world” (I Corinthians 11:31-32). The inspired Apostle Paul showed the way for us as Christians not to be condemned by the Lord. The instruction, as you have read, is to judge ourselves.
We should be able to search and try our ways (Lamentations 3:40). If we are failing, we need to urgently turn back to God (Psalms 119:59-60). Words, which show us how much thinking is involved, are important. Consider what it means to “consider yourself” (Haggai 1:5 and Haggai 1:7). However, what about people who are strangers to themselves?
Know Yourself
Some people do not know who they are, whose they are, and what they are. Some have convinced themselves that they are someone different than who they really are (Proverbs 30:12-13 and Galatians 6:3). So, knowing yourself is going to start with being honest with yourself. Can you step back and consider your ways without putting a spin on what you see in yourself? If you can take an honest look at yourself, using the Scriptures as a mirror that will reveal the real you (James 1:21-25), think of how that can help you properly judge yourself.
Who can know you, better than you, outside of God? Obviously, no one can know you better than you if you are honest with yourself. Consider, for a moment, an application to this point. If you have internal concerns about your spiritual well being, what does that tell you? Here is the Scriptural answer to that question: “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God” (I John 3:20-21).
One passage of Scripture on this subject matter has, for a long time, stuck in my mind. The Psalmist said: “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still” (Psalms 4:4). Another Psalm speaks in a similar manner. Notice: “I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search” (Psalms 77:6). Think about what it means to “commune with your own heart”. The Hebrew word used there appears 4338 times in the Old Testament (Strong’s # 559). It is translated, in different ways, such as “said”, “speak”, “command”, “tell”, etc. Therefore, we are left to understand these verses show one needs to communicate with him/herself.
In the New Testament we read: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates” (II Corinthians 13:5)? There are a lot of things to consider in this one verse. First, self-examination is the point we have been addressing throughout this whole study. Secondly, knowing whether or not you are in the faith. Most are deceived in this point alone (Matthew 7:21-23 and II Timothy 3:13). Then, we found we are to prove [test] ourselves (Ephesians 5:10). It is amazing to me how many realize they are to test others (Matthew 7:15-20 and I John 4:1), but they do not apply such to themselves. Don’t be that person! Then, we read Paul question if they knew their own selves. Think on that for a moment. Put that question to yourself. Do you know you?
If you have not examined yourself, communed with your heart, and opened the Scriptures up as mirror to see the true spiritual state of yourself; what are you waiting for? The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) shows a man who came to himself and returned to his father. What if your “wake up” moment is too late? Know who you are, whose you are, and what you are (I John 3:1-10).
Conclusion
We are all INDIVIDUALLY going to stand before the Lord on the Day of Judgment (Romans 14:11-12). We are all INDIVIDUALLY going to be judged based about our actions during this life (II Corinthians 5:10). You have the standard we will be judged by (John 12:48). Use that standard in the here and now so that you are not condemned there and then!

​By: Brian A. Yeager
We often consider how we will be judged for the things we do and the things we fail to do (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Matthew 25:1-46, John 5:28-29, and II Corinthians 5:10). Thinking along those lines are right. However, sometimes we are too limited in our thinking. We can consider what God wants and doesn’t want us to do. We can consider what rewards and punishments we could receive. What if we don’t consider though the immediate responsibilities we have and the immediate consequences of failure in those things.
Consider, from the following inspired statements, that God has trusted us with something very important: “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts… O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen” (I Thessalonians 2:4 and I Timothy 6:20-21).
We are not Apostles. What Paul stated about being trusted with the Gospel doesn’t directly apply to us. Paul, as an Apostle, was an ambassador for Christ with authority to speak on His behalf (II Corinthians 5:20). We are not ambassadors for Christ and have no authority to speak for Him. Yet, one thing we do have in common with the Apostles, as the body of Christ, is that we have been entrusted with the word of God. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth (I Timothy 3:15). Therefore, the things stated by Paul and about Timothy being trusted with the Gospel apply to us in similar ways.
Like Paul, we are earthen vessels that carry the word of God (II Corinthians 4:7). No other group of people on earth currently has that task. Consider that for a moment or two. What pressing, current ramifications, are there if we fail at the task God has entrusted us with? Without a faithful congregation on the earth, where would people look to for a group of people that have the truth (I Thessalonians 1:7-8)?
The work of teaching the Gospel to the lost certainly requires having faithful evangelists (II Timothy 2:2, II Timothy 4:1-5, and Titus 1:1-3). Yet, without faithful congregations, there would be no evangelists at work. The Scriptures teach that local churches sent (Acts 13:1-4 and Acts 15:40-41) and supported evangelists (I Corinthians 9:1-14, II Corinthians 11:8, and Philippians 4:11-17). Faithful preachers need faithful congregations.
In addition to the needs of preachers, consider the needs of Christians physically and spiritually. Without a faithful congregation on the earth, with whom would someone assemble to properly worship the Lord (Hebrews 10:23-25)? The local church edifies and comforts the faithful (Ephesians 4:16 and I Thessalonians 5:11-14). The local church also helps truly needy saints (I Corinthians 16:1-4). If we fail, those immediate needs are not met.
If We Fail With What We Are Entrusted To Do
Since the body of Christ is the pillar and ground of the truth (again; I Timothy 3:15). We are, in a sense, stewards of the word of God. We have been entrusted to uphold and support the truth. As people trusted with a task of management, such as a steward, it is required of us to be faithful (I Corinthians 4:1-2). Now, that goes far beyond just teaching the truth. We can teach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; and still be found unfaithful (Revelation 2:1-7).
If we (collectively and individually) are not sound in living the truth, what good is there in teaching the truth? Let’s say we teach a person the unadulterated truth of the Gospel. That person is converted to Christ. Yet, we are hypocrites in that we say the right things but do not do them (Romans 2:1-29). Where is this new convert going to worship? Isn’t he or she expected to assemble with faithful saints (Acts 20:7)? What happens to this new convert when they have fellowship with us if we are erring in the faith (II John 1:9-11)?
If we (collectively and individually) are not properly walking in Christ, how do we even have the right to teach the truth? Doesn’t any time of unfaithfulness among us need to be spent fixing ourselves (Matthew 7:1-5)? If we are busy doing that (James 5:19-20), how are we succeeding in being a faithful group of people to look to for the truth and for fellowship in Christ? Are we succeeding, if we are fixing our sins, in helping others to be right with God? Clearly, the answer is NO!
If we (collectively and individually) are not learning and growing spiritually, how can we be looked to for answers? Our Bible studies often emphasize personal growth (II Peter 3:18), but if we only focus on personal growth we are missing our task as vessels of the truth. People need to be able to look to us for answers. They should not look at us and get more questions because of ignorance on our behalf. They should see people that are fruitful and increasing in knowledge (Colossians 1:10). In addition to that, they should see people who live what they preach. Paul instructed Timothy to be an example of believers (I Timothy 4:12). That point does not only apply to evangelists (Philippians 2:14-16 and I Peter 2:9). If we fail in these things, we do more than just fail ourselves.
If we fail to do what God has trusted us to do as His people we fail everyone. We fail to build on the foundation left to us by the faithful before us (Ephesians 2:19-22). As we’ve already covered, we fail all the lost people of the present. We also fail the next generation. My children, your children, etc. are all depending on us to carefully continue to build (I Corinthians 3:9-11) on the faithful foundation of old. Whether or not this congregation exists in five years, ten years, fifty years, etc. (assuming the world still stands); depends on whether or not we do what God has trusted us to do.
Conclusion
This subject matter is one I have harped on locally. I don’t plan on stopping. Much more can and needs to be said. It is selfish to just think of ourselves when we consider salvation. The faithful are not selfish concerning salvation (Romans 9:1-3). Our unselfish service to God and our fellow man means we have to accept the responsibilities God has given us and we need to fulfill them. Let’s be careful to maintain good works (Titus 3:8 and Titus 3:14).

​By: Brian A. Yeager
Materialism, lacking contentment, seeking earthly wealth, and so on are HUGE problems in our society. I spent ten minutes one morning watching the local news to get the forecast. In that ten minutes there were two commercials telling me I needed a better car, one about getting a new house, and a commercial telling me to get plastic surgery for an ideal body. I never did get the whole forecast. I shut off the television and thought considerably about how much advertising is about trying to make us want more, better, newer, etc.
Happiness has never been nor will ever be achieved by gaining things in this lifetime. Even the most ungodly, carnally minded person knows that earthy gains are temporary. You don’t need the Scriptures to see that. Every hospital, doctor’s office, funeral home, cemetery, obituary, life insurance policy, and countless other things about us remind us life is fragile. Solomon wrote: “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth… He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind” (Ecclesiastes 7:1-4; 5:10-16)?
We see with our eyes what Solomon said. We read those and other Scriptures that state the same things (I Timothy 6:6-12; 17-19). How could any of us ever think we would be happy by gaining more material things? What’s the new house, car, clothes, shoes, electronics, etc. going to really do for your happiness? Almost everything in this world will get old and cease being profitable even before the world ends. What is lasting (Isaiah 51:6 and Luke 12:13-40)? What have you gained by “getting it all” in regard to things of this world?
If You Gain The World, But Lose Your Soul
Consider what Jesus said: “And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:31-38).
Our article last week concluded with some Scriptures for us to consider. Those Scriptures were: Psalms 49:1-20, Proverbs 23:5, and I John 2:15-17. Each of those passages teach that earthly wealth is temporary. What should that realization do for us? The Lord told Israel, under a carnal law without the promises we have today (Hebrews 7:1-12:3), the following: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David” (Isaiah 55:1-3). How much more does that apply to you and I? Think about that.
We have a promise of a better home (John 14:1-3). They of old were kept in the dark concerning the promises that we now look forward to (I Peter 1:3-12). If those who served under the Old Law should have been content with the promises of God, shouldn’t we whom have better promises be much more content? If you gained the possessions of this whole world, all you would essentially own is temporary firewood (Mark 13:31 and II Peter 3:10). Earthly riches will not last forever no matter how much you acquire (Proverbs 11:4; 27:24).
Conclusion
There is no enduring profit in things of this world (Psalms 39:1-6 and Ecclesiastes 2:1-26). Yet, there are the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8) prepared for those of us whom set our affections on things above (Matthew 25:34 and Colossians 1:12). Don’t exchange the eternal for the temporary.

 By Samuel Matthews 
​“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah” (Psalm 68:19). KJV
Loved ones, it has been observed that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. With each mile behind us there remains less ahead and the shortened distance to our destination should motivate us to press on.
Abraham is said to have “Looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrew 11:10). Like Abraham, those men and women of faith listed in Hebrews chapter eleven “all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13).
You and I are traveling the same road as our ancient predecessors. Our journey is not measured in miles, but it does demand maturity on the part of those who would successfully complete the trip. Here are some things to keep in mind.
First, don’t get distracted. Jesus warns: “13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). It is unfortunate that the devil has successfully “blinded the eyes of the unbelieving” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4), so much so that the masses are not even aware of the existence of the inevitable destination to which they are travelling (Revelation 20:12-15; 21:8).
There are many distractions used by the enemy to hindered us on my journey, perhaps even keeping us from our destination. There are many precious souls who are kept from reaching their spiritual destination because they are allowing Satan to deter them from the truly important. Some have taken a “side road” and entered the broad way to enjoy some pleasure for the moment. The “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15-17) distracted them along the way and they ended up pursuing things temporal rather than things eternal.
Second, don’t get discouraged. There are obstacles along the road to our heavenly home that, if permitted, could discourage us in the journey. TO NAME A FEW: 1. Sexual sins, especially lust. 2. Unforgiving hearts. 3. Telling lies. 4. Pride. 5. Causing divisions. 6. Covetousness. 7. Not contributing towards God’s work on earth. 8. Drunkenness. 9. Envy. 10. Jealousy. 11. Not honoring Sundays. 12. Evil imaginations. 13. Fear. 14. Worry. 15. Hatred. 16. Anger and Murder. 17. Not reading the Bible. 18. A prayer-less life.
There are unforeseen circumstances that come along that would defeat us. The fact that we must struggle with ourselves (Galatians 5:16-17), may very well be the greatest obstacle we encounter along the way. Then there are people who discourage us. They may not do it intentionally, but an unkind word or a failure to uphold our hands in the work we are doing are things that often discourage us. When we do not see the fruits of our labors immediately, we tend to get discouraged in the work, often giving up in despair.
If you find yourself discouraged along the journey, take your Bible, and read again those words from the Holy Spirit penned by the hand of Paul: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Again, “9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9).
Third, let us be determined. One of our first United States presidents is credited with having said, “When we see ourselves in a situation which must be endured and gone through, it is best to make up our minds to it, meet it with firmness and accommodate everything to it in the best way practicable. This lessens the evil, while fretting and fuming only serves to increase your own torments.”
Determination goes by various names: perseverance, persistence, tenacity, resolve, stick-to-itiveness. It means keeping one’s eye fixed steadfastly on a goal, and not stopping, no matter the discouragements, difficulties, or the obstacles, until that goal is achieved. Here, then, are three important keys to beginning, enduring, and completing our journey to heaven… don’t be distracted, don’t get discouraged, and be determined.
The history of mankind is marked by a long list of nameless men and women who began the journey, who faced calamity and hardship, only to give up. In the words of the Psalmist, they “turned back” (Psalm 78:9). Christians must take the journey one step (one day) at a time (Matthew 6:24). Never forget that your sins have been forgiven (2 Peter 1:9). Never lose your love for heaven (Colossians 3:1-4).
The benefits of determination and the reward for successfully completing the journey far outweigh the alternative (Revelation 2:10; 14:13; 22:14-15). REMEMBER: With each passing day behind us there remains one less day ahead of us, and the shortened distance to our destination should motivate us to press on. 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 the Liberty NW church of Christ meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. We are praying for you, and we love you all so much. Samuel.

In Mt. 6:33 Jesus stated in the great sermon on the Mount, “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  What is the context for this statement?
In Mt. 6:19-34 the whole point is made. (v.19) “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; (v20) but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (v21) for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.”  Here Jesus teaches a lesson on the heart which emphasises the importance of one’s heart toward God and the most important thing in life, what man was put on earth for.  Too many peo;e are interested in carnal things of life.  Jesus teaches the spiritual things such as treasures in heaven are much more important.  Carnal things don’t last long compared to spiritual things which are for eternity.  Too many people seem to think riches are the most important thing in life, much more important than the spiritual things like serving God and growing spiritually.  Mt. 6:33 plainly teaches to put the spiritual FIRST.  Few believe it, however, and do not believe it denies what Jesus said.
V.24, “No man can serve two masters:  for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other.  Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”;  Some may try to serve two masters equally, but it is impossible.  The verse teaches you love one MORE than the other.  Which is it, GOD or MAMMON (def. “riches”)?  As our children grow up we need to teach them WHICH is the more important, and we do that by being an example to them of which really is the more important.  GOD! (v25) “Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, which ye shall put on.  Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment?  (v.26)  Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them.  Are not ye of much more value than they?  This teaches the providence of God.  If we love God and keep his commandments, God will surely  care for us.  God cares for the birds and we are more important than birds.  In Psa. 37:25, David made this observation.  “I have been young, and now am old;  Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread.”  This implies God’s providence for His people.
v28, “For the lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.”  This again shows how God loves His saints.  In Romans 1:6-7, “among whom are ye also, called to be Jesus Christ’s:  to all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be SAINTS; Grace to you and peace from God or Father and Lord Jesus Christ.”
When we put God first in our lives, it seems the Bible teaches God will be with us and things will work out to have faithful lives serving God and a good life in this world.  God loves the whole world Jn. 3:16.
TRUTH IN LOVE, Vol. 6, No. 12 December, 2013

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