WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT

Have you ever wondered what it would be like;
the day that Christ should come again or maybe, it cold be night!
To stand before the throne with all that's ever been;
the books of life are opened - I hope my name is clean.
I think my life's all right. There's nothing I forgot.
I was baptised in seventyfour and I've studies quite a lot.
I've been a goodly person, although there's times I could try harder,
No. I reckon I'm alright, I'll just wait and watch the Father.
Now, just a minute I recall our Lord did state
"Not all that call me Lord will enter heaven's gate.
They're moving fairly fast now, some left, and others right;
the latter he embraces because they followed in the light.
Boy, I sure hope that my name is written in the book;
I don't suppose that there's a chance I could have a little look!
Oh, Oh now its my turn what way will it be;
lucky I can stop this He hasn't come yet, you see.
But have you ever wondered if our Lord will say
Well done thy good and faithful servant On that final day???
[by Graham Quate]

WAS PAUL AN ISRAELITE OR A JEW?

You refer to Paul as a Jew, but he said he was an Israelite. He was Jew only in the sense that he was a resident of Judea. You cannot, in truth, use the terms Jew and Israelite to mean the same thing. Please read Josephus, Box XI, Chapter V.

Josephus was a great historian, and we owe much to him for our knowledge of life among the Jews 1900 years ago. But he was a Jew, uninspired, and quite often capable of bias in his view of history. The source of my faith is the Bible...(II Tim. 3:16). Let us, then, go to the Bible and let Paul speak for himself...(Rom. 11:1; Acts 21:39; Acts 22:3). When I state that Paul was a Jew, I simply take his word for it! Or, more correctly, I take God's word for it, for Paul was inspired of God in his preaching and writing (I Cor. 2:13).

For various reasons, usually to support some unsupportable, far-out religious teaching, many would like to differentiate between the terms, "Israelite" and "Jew." But in the New Testament scriptures there is just no such distinction made. When Jesus sent the apostles out after His death, He told them...(Mark 16:15-16). What "classes" were included? Listen as Paul tells us...(Rom. 1:16). He later argued that God's judgment will be just...(Rom. 2:9-10). It is evident that "every creature" of Mark 16:15 is called by Paul "Jew and Greek" and "Jew and Gentile" in Rom. 1:16 and Rom. 2:10.

Jesus stated that His mission was also to "The lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. 15:24), but that mission included "Jews" (Matt. 2:2; John 3:1; John 4:9; John 4:22; John 8:31-32; John 11:54; John 18:20; John 18:33-37, etc.). Paul shows that it is not the fleshly Jew which God accepts (Rom. 2:28-29), then states the same thing with regard to Israel (Rom. 9:6). But even if there were a difference between Jew and Israelite at one time, it could hardly matter now. Paul wrote...(Gal. 3:26-29). Then the pronouncement in Gal. 6:16. This side of the cross the fleshly distinction of Jew, Israel, Greek and Gentile are erased: all are to be one in Christ. And the "Israel of God" today is the bride of Christ, not the fleshly descendants of Abraham.
[by Clem Thurman from Gospel Minutes]

You can't punch a clock on your Christianity. It must be a way of life or it is nothing!
[from Savannah Church of Christ bulletin]

It's great to be a Christian! If you are not one now is the time to start!
[from Savannah Church of Christ bulletin]

There is no man so poor as he who has only money.
[from Savannah Church of Christ bulletin]

WHO GAVE US THE BIBLE?

When one considers the basic question, "Who gave us the Bible?," it is quite evident that the position we occupy as Christians is the only logical stance in the religious realm. We ardently affirm that...(II Pet. 1:21). Some tell us that the Bible contains only words of good and brilliant men. But good, brilliant men do not LIE and the writers of the holy scriptures said over 250 times, "Thus saith the Lord." In other words, the eight penmen of the New Testament gladly told the world of that message...(I Thes. 2:13; see also I Cor. 2:11-13). Over thirty Old Testament penmen acknowledged divine inspiration (see Jer. 1:9; Amos 1:1; II Tim. 3:16-17).

Brilliant, evil men would be smart enough not to give us a book that condemns them to eternal ruin. Therefore, such an hypothesis as to the origin of the Bible crumbles into absurdity. Satan would not give the world a book that disrobes himself as the perpetrator of all evil and shame. The only sensible answer as to the origin of the contents of the Bible must be the position faithful children of God have always held: God revealed its message and inspired the men who wrote the sacred contents of the Book of Books! Jesus told the apostles in Matt. 10:19.... He promised to the apostles the Holy Spirit to "guide you into all the truth," and "teach you all things" (John 16:13; John 14:26), and they...(Acts 2:4). We now have that divine revelation fully confirmed (Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:4) in our Bibles. God is the divine Architect, not men!

It makes sense to affirm that the God who made us gave us a revelation of Himself that can be understood. Surely it makes no sense at all when the libertine in religion speaks of the love of God and then denies that God gave us a message we are capable of understanding! If God made us and loves us, He can and does reveal His will in language we can gladly receive, comprehend and obey. In John 8:31-32, we clinch this point. Since Jesus later tells us (John 17:17) that God's word is truth, we can forever be assured that His word is something we can know and understand and obey (Eph. 5:17; Acts 2:41; II Cor. 1:13).

It makes no sense at all to speak of a loving Father who confuses His creation! Sometimes the brilliance of the sceptic is highly suspect. Such critics often write books, which they expect us to understand, in which they tell us we cannot understand the Bible. Strange logic indeed!
[by Johnny Ramsay from Gospel Minutes]

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER!

The church of Christ has no human head or leader. God has appointed only his Son as the head of the body, the church (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18).

The importance of the church is shown in the fact that the Lord "purchased it with his own blood" (Acts 20:28), and that what is done to the church is done to him (Acts 8:3; Acts 9:1, 5).

It is inconsistent (by Christ's New Testament definition) to claim to be a Christian and deny membership of his church. There is no choice - the person who becomes a Christian, becomes a member of Christ's church (Acts 2:47), and accepts all the responsibilities of that privilege.

The visible evidence of membership in Christ's church is active involvement in the work of locally-organised congregations (Heb. 10:21-25). Such congregations are independent, have no jurisdiction over each other, submit to no human coordinating arrangement and owe allegiance directly and separately to Christ only.

The internal organisation of each local church is in accord with Christ's directions in his New Testament - each member sharing in the various duties and work allocated by the Lord. The only leaders are those who meet the Lord's terms in each congregation and are duly appointed elders (I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:4-9; I Pet. 5:1-4; Acts 20:17, 28; Heb. 13:17). Such elders have no jurisdiction outside their own congregation, and there is no divine authorisation for the creation of a hierarchy of elders (or pastors, bishops, overseers), either within congregations or between them.
Take me to your leader? (John 1:29).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 47, Dec. 2, 1990, p. 6]

JESUS CHRIST OUR REDEEMER
(John 4:25-26)
At the time of the Roman occupation of their land, many Jews were eagerly anticipating the coming of the long-promised Messiah foretold in their scriptures by the prophets. John the Baptist's father, Zacharias...(Luke 1:67-71). Zacharias quoted from several of the Old Testament prophets about the Redeemer of Israel who was to come.

Not long after, when Jesus was born, his parents took him to the temple in Jerusalem for the customary dedication to the Lord. While there, a prophetess names Anna came to them...(Luke 2:38).

Years later, during Jesus' teaching ministry, John the Baptist sought reassurance that Jesus was indeed "'the coming One or shall we look for someone else?'" (Matt. 11:3). When people saw Jesus' miraculous powers, they said...(John 6:14-15). Some, like Martha, said to Jesus...(John 11:27; Matt. 16:16).
Others were saying...(John 7:40-43).
People were confused because Jesus of Nazareth did not match their expectations of a great redeemer and deliverer come to lead them to "salvation from our enemies". In fact Jesus told his disciples to "tell no one that he was the Christ" (Matt. 16:20). Jesus had some difficulty convincing his disciples that he had to "suffer many things...and be killed." They refused to accept this (Matt. 16:21-22). Jesus' easy arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, his submissive demeanour under trial and his meek acceptance of the death sentence shattered even his closest followers. In despair and despondency they abandoned him. He was not the Redeemer they had expected.

On the day of Jesus' resurrection, he joined two disciples on the road to Emmaus and heard them say...(Luke 24:21). It seemed their hopes for a national hero, shared by so many, were dashed completely. Jesus had to show them that they had misunderstood the scripture prophecies about the Messiah - That, far from being a warrior king of this world, it was necessary for him to "suffer these things" (Luke 24:25-27, 44-47) for the "redemption of transgressions" so that "those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance" (Heb. 9:15).

But, with the blessing of the New Testament record and hindsight, we now know the true purpose and nature of Jesus' work as redeemer. He had not come to redeem national Israel, but to redeem from the world of sin all who would accept him and become part of the new spiritual "Israel of God" (Gal. 6:16; Rom. 9:6; Phili. 3:3). Despite Jesus' repeated teaching concerning the true purpose of his mission, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36) and despite explaining the true nature of "the things concerning himself in all the scriptures" (Luke 24:27, 44-46), most people at the time refused or failed to recognise Jesus' real mission of divine redemption.

Consider some scriptures showing Jesus as divine redeemer:
The Redeemer as deliverer: Isa. 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21; Isa. 49:20; Rom. 11:26
The Redeemer as "the prophet": Deut. 18:15-18; Acts 3:20-22
The Redeemer as "high priest": Psa. 110:4; Heb. 5:6, 10; Heb. 7:21-24; Heb. 9:11, 24-28
The Redeemer as "king of kings": II Sam. 7:12-13; Isa. 9:6-7; Luke 1:30-33; Rev. 17:14
The Redeemer as suffering servant: Isa. 53:2-3; Matt. 13:55-57; John 1:10-11; Mark 9:12; Matt. 26:67-68; Isa. 53:7-9; Mark 14:55-61; I Pet. 2:23; John 11:50-53; Matt. 27:38, 57-60; I Pet. 2:22; Isa. 53:12; Mark 15:28; Heb. 7:25
The Redeemer as "a ransom for all": Isa. 62:11-12; Jer. 23:5-6; Acts 20:28; Rom. 3:24-25; I Cor. 1:30; I Cor. 6:20; I Cor. 7:23; I Tim. 2:6; Titus 2:14; Heb. 9:15; I Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 5:9
The redeemer to come
(I Pet. 1:10-12)
Long before Jesus appeared on earth, Job had looked forward to the time when his redeemer would come. He knew that only in him would there be salvation. Although we live at a time in history the other side of Jesus from Job, we too look forward to the Redeemer to come, not "to bear sin" as he did on the first time, but we "eagerly await him for salvation" - at his second coming - to take us to our heavenly home for eternity (Heb. 9:28).
Job uttered with conviction...(Job 19:25-27)
1500 years before Jesus came, Moses...(Heb. 11:24-26).
The apostle Paul, towards the end of his life, was confident that...(II Tim. 4:8).
"The revelation of Jesus Christ" to the apostle John, depicts a visionary scene in heaven where Jesus "the Lamb" is addressed...(Rev. 5:7-10).

Have the faith of Job, Moses, Paul and John in our Redeemer.
[from the Truth in Love, Dec., 1990]

CHRIST'S CHURCH FOR TODAY
(Matt. 16:18)
Some terms for salvation

Before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus Christ promised his apostles that he would build his church. After his death and resurrection, Christ's church was set up, as he had promised, first in Jerusalem. As Jesus foretold, Peter was involved in declaring the terms of forgiveness and salvation as described in Acts 2. As a result, those who heard and complied with those terms were added by the Lord to the number of the saved (Acts 2:47). Peter and the other apostles shared in the elements of worship of the new church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42). "The church in Jerusalem" (Acts 8:1) did not have a denominating title and, indeed, no "churches of Christ" (Rom. 16:16) in any other place in the first century were described other than by their location.

Same church everywhere
As the same terms were proclaimed in other places, the same church appeared elsewhere; for example, in the city of Samaria (Acts 8:4-12), throughout the provinces of Judea, Samaria and Galilee (Acts 9:31), in the city of Antioch (Acts 11:19-26), and in many other towns throughout the Roman Empire in that first century. All these churches were established in the same way - someone came and spoke the same message of Jesus Christ, those who believed it obeyed the same terms for salvation, and then they worshipped in those other locations in the same way that the first converts did in Jerusalem. Concerning these churches in other places, the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that he was sending the evangelist Timothy to help them by reminding them of Paul's ways...(I Cor. 4:17).

Different churches today
It is apparent, as one reads the New Testament, that there was no problem for the travelling Christian regarding worship with churches everywhere in the first century. Since then, sadly, and without our Lord's authority, there are now many different churches in every place and each has different terms for membership and different forms of worship. Anyone today who referred to the New Testament for guidance would be hard-pressed to find a church identical with the churches of the first century. Compliance with the simple terms of salvation which enabled the Lord to add converts to his church is not now the universal practice.

Different forms of worship
The forms of worship in different churches today range from the spartan to the very elaborate. While the first churches continually devoted themselves...(Acts 2:42), consider the great variations which now exist. The "apostles' teaching" is often set aside and various creeds, doctrines and philosophies are substituted. Its authority and validity are often challenged or selectively rejected. The "fellowship" varies from one church to another and ranges from simple meetings to elaborate ritual and pageantry. The "breaking of bread" is not usually observed "on the first day of the week" (Acts 20:7) in its intended simple way, but it has been replaced in many churches by a very different ceremony. The "prayers" are often not as they were in the beginning, but have acquired a grandiosity and pomp, with swelling orchestral accompaniment, alien to the original design and purpose.

Why the changes?
There is no divine authority for these changes, there is no necessity for changes for any reason, and there is no justification for retaining the changes.

In an attempt to rationalise and make acceptable the present confusion and profusion of different churches, some have suggested that it is impossible to be like the early churches in teaching and practice and, therefore, we should accept the present situation and accept all churches. This is not what our Lord intended and we should not compromise his plan.

The same can be done today
It is untrue to say that it is impossible to have churches today that are the same as the Lord built in Jerusalem and elsewhere in the first century. We have the New Testament which describes the one set of terms for salvation and the one form of worship to ensure that, just as the same church appeared in other places in the first century, so it can appear in the same way in other times, including the twentieth century, provided people are prepared to submit their will to the Lord and obey him.

No authority to change
Further, we have no authority to change what Christ authorised his apostles to teach, and that teaching was intended for all time (Matt. 28:18-20). Some have suggested that we need a modern church for modern times. Why? Our spiritual needs are the same as those of past generations, the death of Christ provides the one way of salvation for all humankind, and the terms of forgiveness have not been altered by God. Since the Lord adds the saved to his church, it is insulting him to then go and join a church he did not build. Those who believe and obey him are saved by him need only do what the first converts did in Jerusalem and be Christ's church where they happen to meet together.

Misplaced emphases
Too much attention is given to the number of members of a church, to the size and grandness of its physical properties, and to the impressiveness of its organisation. These qualities are not Christ's measure of the church he built. The church he built is his body (Col. 1:24) composed of his followers (I Cor. 12:27). Not much is said in his apostles' teaching [the New Testament] about the form of worship of his church, but much teaching is devoted to what the church members should do with their lives. Having met the simple conditions given for salvation, and then practising the simple worship of God as described by Christ's apostles, each member of Christ's church should strive to live as Christ lived day by day (I John 2:5-6; Eph. 5:1-2). This is what being the church of Christ is all about. This church is not like man-made churches, just as the Redeemer wasn't like people's preconceptions (Luke 24:21-27).

The church's mission
Sometimes even members of Christ's church think like members of man-made churches. The influence of common tradition is powerful. Hence some Christians act as though they have discharged their duty to their Lord by building a grand church building in which to meet and to meet therein regularly. A careful reading of Christ's New Testament should dispel this mistaken notion. The first churches met in private homes and yet the members' individual and collective efforts "upset the world" (Acts 17:6) of their time. They lived in such a way that persecution was inevitable (II Tim. 3:12), and yet they "kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ" (Acts 5:42). The "word of the Lord sounded forth" from those churches such that everyone heard Christ's message (I Thes. 1:8). Are we as devoted to tell the gospel which is the power...(Rom. 1:16), and to tell it without adornment, letting its power do its own work in the hearts of earnest seekers for salvation?

The members of Christ's church should have the same attitude commended in the Bereans who received the word...(Acts 17:11). Too often we may be told that it is impossible to know the truth. This is an insult to Jesus who assures us that if you abide...(John 8:31-32). The apostle John recognised those who were walking in truth...(II John 4). Our Lord expects each of his followers to be diligent...(II Tim. 2:15).

All members of Christ's church in every place must know to what they have been saved. They are a people...(Titus 2:14). God saved them so that those who have believed God...(Titus 3:8). (Eph. 2:10).

Don't sit back as members of Christ's church without accepting the God-given responsibilities which go with membership.
[from The Truth in Love, Dec., 1990]

THE NECESSITY OF BEING PREPARED

As Christians we have to be prepared on two levels - we must be spiritually prepared for our eternal future and prepared in a day - today context to show forth a Christian example to the world. In his first epistle, in the first chapter, Peter (I Pet. 1) praises God for having caused us to be born again to a living hope through resurrection of Jesus Christ. He tells us that we are protected by God through faith for salvation. If we have this faith and live accordingly we may have to suffer for a time but the trial is good for us. We have not seen Jesus. Neither had those to whom Peter was directly addressing but as we read in John 20:29.... I Pet. 1:13 bids us fix our hope on the grace to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ and to be holy. Thus we look to the past - at what has been done - but also to the future and the need to live accordingly. Paul says (Phili. 1:6).... I Pet. 3:8 bids us to be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kind-hearted, and humble in Spirit. I Pet. 3:12. We must always be prepared. We must be clear in our minds as to our belief, being able as Peter says (I Pet. 3:15) to give account.
[from The Outreach, vol. 15, no. 9, 2 Mar. 1985]

Doubt digs the grave of faith.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

When men are in doubt, they always believe what is most agreeable.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

The best way to get even is to forget.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

He dropped five cents in the plate,
Then meekly raised his eyes;
Glad that his weekly rent was paid
For a mansion in the skies.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

If God loved you as much as you love Him, where would you be?
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

A hypocrite is neither what he seems nor seems what he is. He is condemned by the world for seeming a Christian and by the Lord for not being one. On earth he is outwardly a picture of a saint - a wolf in sheeps' clothing; but in eternity, stripped of his ill-appropriated apparel he will appear at the judgment in his true color and his hideous deformity.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

We stamp our own value upon ourselves, and we cannot expect to pass for more.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

It is no fault of Christianity if a hypocrite falls into sin.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Prejudice is a lazy man's substitute for thinking.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Lack of pep is often mistaken for patience.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

It is wise not to seek a secret, and honest not to reveal it.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Pay what you owe, and you'll know what's your own.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

A lie stands on one leg, truth on two.
from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Are you angry that others disappoint you? Remember, you cannot depend upon yourself.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Better is little with content, than much with contention.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Creditors have better memories than debtors.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Fools multiply folly.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Another person's secret is like another person's money; you are not as careful with it as you are with your own.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness - it is usually returned.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Tact is the art of recognizing when to be big and when not to belittle.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Many complain of their memory, few of their judgment.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

How strange to use, "You only live once" as an excuse to throw it away.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Ignorance never settles a question.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

If principle is good for anything, it is worth living up to.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

You can't expect a person to see eye to eye with you when you're looking down on him.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

It's important that people know what you stand for. It's equally important that they know what you won't stand for.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

We have committed the Golden Rule to memory; let us now commit it to life.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Sometimes your natural bent needs to be broken.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

A good many of us seem to be allergic to food for thought.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

It is always bad judgment to stake your "think so" against the other fellow's information.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Religion without Christ is a lamp without oil.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

"You only can give milk," a pig said to a cow, "and I give bacon, ham, pork chops, and roasts. I give more than you do." "Yes," replied the cow quietly, "but I give while I am still living."
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

We sometimes say that money talks. To be sure it does. Get to know two things about a man - how he earns his money and how he spends it - and you have the clue to his character, for you have a searchlight that shows up the inmost recesses of his soul. You know all you need to know about his standards, his motives, his driving desires, his real religion.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Sometimes the Bible gets credit for some saying that got its start farther down the line. There was, for instance, the lady I heard about who, though troubled by adversities, was always smiling. When asked how she was able to be so cheerful, she replied, "Oh, I just do what the Bible says - 'Smile and the world smiles with you. Cry and you cry alone."
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Drink does not drown care, but waters it, and makes it grow faster.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

He who tells what he would do if he were in your place seldom ever knows what to do in his own.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Show me a man who is offended when no one visits him and I'll show you a man who seldom visits those who needs visitation.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

The fellow who tries to get by on just as little as he can and expects something for nothing will surely be surprised.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Some folks give their "mite." Others give with all their "might". And some don't give who "might."
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Sins are like old neckties to some men. The longer they have them, the dearer they grow.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Religion that controls one's heart and hand can easily convince another's head.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Train
...your mouth to smile when the day is dark;
Your tongue to speak for the benefit of others;
Your nose not to sniff at those beneath you;
Your ears to hear nothing but good of others;
Your eyes to see the need of your fellowman.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Alcohol will remove grass stains from summer clothes. It will remove summer clothes, also spring and winter clothes, not only from the man who drinks it, but also from his wife and children. It will remove household furniture from the house and also eatables from the pantry; it will remove smiles from the face of his wife and happiness from his home. As a remover, alcohol has no equal.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Lose the day loitering, 'twill be the same story tomorrow, and the next more dilatory,
For indecision brings its own delays,
and days are lost lamenting over lost days.
Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute!
What you can do, or think you can, begin it!
Only engage, and then the mind grows heated;
begin it, and the work will be completed.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

I WISHED I HAD LIVED IN THE TIME OF THE APOSTLES!

Sometimes Christians get so discouraged with the church for a variety of reasons that they may think or express this kind of wish. The reason for it is the common belief that life was easier, more exciting and stimulating, and better in the first century church, because of the presence of the apostles, than it is in present-day churches of our Lord. They may think that the presence of the apostles explains why the Jerusalem church members "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers" (Acts 2:42); why they were "together and had everything in common" (Acts 2:44); why they "broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts" (Acts 2:46); why they "raised their voices together in prayer to God" (Acts 4:24); why they were "all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly" (Acts 4:31); why "there was no needy person among them" (Acts 4:34); why they "never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ" (Acts 5:42) and why "the word of God spread" (Acts 6:7).

But, if we study the Bible record, not one of these activities of the members of the early church was directly due to the physical presence of the apostles in Jerusalem. We can't hide behind the excuse that we may not be the same today because we don't have the apostles among us. In fact, today we have more reason to be active, zealous, bold, devoted and to be of one mind and heart than the Jerusalem church members had.

None of the apostles in the Jerusalem church was an educated or trained teacher (Acts 4:13). Today, preachers and teachers and all church members have greater opportunity and advantages in Bible education and training than their counterparts in the first century.

The apostles in the Jerusalem church did not have or did not fully understand the complete New Testament message of the Lord at the time. For example, the apostle Peter included the Gentiles in the terms for salvation in his inspired proclamation on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:39), yet he had to receive a special vision a long time later to convince him that Gentiles were proper subjects for the gospel (Acts 10). Today, we have the advantage of the complete New Testament message of our Lord (Jude 3). Further, we have the advantage of the Bible examples of those believers in former times to guide and spur us on (Heb. 12:1-12).

The apostles did not personally go and teach everywhere. Yet the early Christians were not hesitant to "preach the word wherever they went" (Acts 8:1-4; Acts 11:19-24). Today, all Christians can carry personal Bibles and tell the same word wherever they go. We have greater facilities for doing so to more people, more quickly and more often than our brethren of the first century.

Some may wish they could witness the apostles' many miracles. But we have the inspired record of those miracles to persuade us today (John 20:29-31). Many people then saw those miracles and did not believe. The people in Jerusalem had no advantage over people today who can read the whole Bible record and judge for themselves whether to believe or not.

Some may think it would be an advantage to actually accompany the apostles who personally went about with Jesus and saw him after his resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). Again, we have the inspired record of their experiences and of the gospel which they were commissioned to declare (Matt. 28:18-20). The people in Jerusalem who heard the apostolic message on the Day of Pentecost had no advantage over anyone today, simply because the apostles "had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). It is the same word of the Lord from the same apostles that we hear today.

There is no good excuse; the same reasons for their energetic and enthusiastic devotion to the Lord, his church and his word are available to energise and enthuse us today to do the same.
[from The Truth in Love]

THE SIMPLICITY OF DEVOTION TO CHRIST (II Cor. 11:3)

Jesus' terms for forgiveness of our sins and salvation for eternal life are so simple (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Likewise, Jesus' terms for our worship of God "in spirit and in truth" are also simple to observe (John 4:24; Acts 2:42). Jesus' terms for our service in the concerned care for those in need are beautifully simple too (Luke 10:25-37; Acts 20:35). Let us simple obey him.
[From The Truth In Love]

A DEVOUT AND GODLY PEOPLE

The Bible shows us that, throughout history, people who are devout and godly are especially approved by God. From the brief description of Enoch who "walked with God" (Gen. 5:24) to the apostle John who "bore witness to the word of God" (Rev. 1:2), the Bible is full of these people of God whom we should seek to be like. What does it mean to be devout and godly?

Two New Testament Greek words and their derivatives are translated into such words as DEVOUT and GODLY in our English versions of the Bible. One word, "eulabes", literally means "hold well", and the other, "eusebes", literally means "revere well". Hence, where the words "devout" and "godly" appear in the New Testament, we may see that these are applied to people who "hold well" and "revere well" their Lord and his teachings.

Let us examine some passages where these words occur:

"HOLD WELL" TO OUR GOD
1. Regarding Jesus, it is written that "in the days of his flesh, when he offered up both prayers and supplications" to his Father, "he was heard because of his piety [eulabia]" (Heb. 5:7).

What we learn from this is that if we want to have our prayers heard by God, we too must have that same attitude of piety; i.e., we must "hold well" to God and his word. (See also James 1:6-8, 22-25 and I John 5:14-15).

2. We are told that (Heb. 11:6). "By faith, Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence [eulabeomai] prepared an ark for the salvation of his household...and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (Heb. 11:7).

What we learn from this is that if we want to be acknowledged as heirs of righteousness we must have the same attitude of reverence which Noah displayed; i.e., we must "hold well" our faith in God, even "about things not seen" (See also I Pet. 1:8-9).

3. Christians are called to "show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence [eulabia] and awe, for our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:28-29).

What we learn from this is that we must not trifle with our God. What service we offer to God must be from hearts which "hold well" to him in awe. (See also Heb. 10:26-31).

4. On the day of Pentecost, the apostles of Jesus told the message of salvation to "Jews living in Jerusalem, devout [eulabes] men from every nation" (Acts 2:5). When these devout people heard the truth they responded with the question, "brethren, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" and "about three thousand" devout people promptly obeyed God's command and were added by the Lord to the company of the saved (Acts 2:36-47).

What we learn from this is that people with the right attitude of heart, i.e., those who are devout [or "hold well" to God] are most willing to hear the truth and obey it. (See also Luke 8:15 and Acts 17:11).

"REVERE WELL" OUR GOD
1. The story is told of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, who was described as "a devout [eusebes] man and one who feared God with all his household" (Acts 10:1-2). He was instructed to invite the apostle Peter to tell him (Acts 11:14). When Peter arrived, Cornelius told him...(Acts 10:33). The result was their salvation (Acts 10:48).

What we learn from this is that people who "revere well" God and his word are as eager as Cornelius to "hear all that has been commanded by the Lord" through his apostles' teaching and to obey as promptly. (See also Acts 2:36-41).

2. Among the several qualities of "the divine nature" which Christians are called upon to cultivate in themselves (II Pet. 1:4-11) is the quality of "godliness" [eusebia]. The constant practice of these qualities ensures "entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (II Pet. 1:11).

What we learn from this is that godliness ["revere well" our God] is an essential attitude for all Christians to have. (See also I Tim. 4:7-8).

3. Indeed, because the end of present things will come suddenly, unexpectedly and unannounced, "what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness [eusebia], looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God..." (II Pet. 3:11-12).

What we learn from this is that when our Lord returns we must be sure to be found to be his godly people - people who "revere well" their God - and as such, we are expected to "be diligent, found by him in peace, spotless and blameless..." (II Pet. 3:14, 17).

THE ALTERNATIVE TO THE DEVOUT, GODLY LIFE

Sadly, many people are "ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (II Tim. 3:7) of the advantages of the devout and godly life. Often such people are like the rich young man who asked Jesus what good thing he needed to do to obtain eternal life. When Jesus told him the truth, the young man could not bring himself to do it (Matt. 19:16-23). Those who do not have rest and peace in Jesus Christ are either unaware of or hesitant to do what is necessary for them to have that peace. (Matt. 11:28-30). Some have the true teaching and good examples of devout and godly people constantly before them, and still fail to heed the message. Some want "a different gospel" (II Cor. 11:4) which is more appealing to them. But Jesus remains the only "way, truth and life" through whom we may come to God (John 14:6), on his terms and not ours (Acts 4:12).

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE DEVOUT, GODLY LIFE

Human beings are made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27; James 3:9). God has always ordered things for our good (Matt. 6:25-34; Matt. 10:29-31; Acts 14:15-17), but all transgressions of all of God's laws obtain appropriate penalties, either immediate or deferred (Rom. 1:18-Rom. 2:11). This principle is true for spiritual laws as for physical laws. So long as we learn and conform to these laws of God, we can enjoy a safe and satisfying life. We can ensure this by being devout and godly people. Provided we "hold well" to God's laws and "revere well" our God, we put ourselves in his good care, he hears and responds to our prayers, he owns us an heirs of righteousness and he will accept us into the eternal kingdom he has prepared for us because we will be found by him to be "in peace, spotless and blameless" in Jesus Christ our Saviour.
(I Pet. 5:6-7).
[from The Truth In Love]

WORTHLESS RELIGION
A religion:
That does nothing,
That gives nothing,
That costs nothing,
That suffers nothing,
Is worth nothing.
[from North Shore News, December 24, 1989]

The church can not be built with stumbling blocks!
[from North Shore News, December 3, 1989]

If you think of Wednesday night as "preparation time for Sunday," it should be important to you. If you think of Wednesday night as "a learning experience," it should be important to you. If you think of Wednesday night as a "mid-week hour of power," it should be important to you. If you think of Wednesday night as "a time of Christian fellowship," it should be important to you. If you think of Wednesday night as "a Bible Study time," it should be important to you.
[from North Shore News, December 3, 1989]

Christ is not valued at all unless He is valued above all.
[from North Shore News, December 10, 1989]

A STUDY ON GOODNESS

Of all the writers in the Word of God, Luke is the most complimentary of the people he writes about. Two men in his writings were referred to as being "good" men. In Luke 23:50-53 reference is made of the goodness of Joseph of Arimathea. Then in Acts 11:22-24 Barnabas is referred to as a good man. What was it about these two gentlemen that caused Luke to refer to them as "good" men? Surely there were others in the Bible who were good people, but these two were the only ones referred to as being "good."

The word "good" in the Bible comes from the Greek word Agathosune which means uprightness and kindness. In Gal. 5:22-23 Paul refers to it as a Fruit of the Spirit. Often "goodness" and "righteousness" are confused as being one in the same. The Bible, however, makes a distinction. "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth (Eph. 5:9). (Rom. 5:7). A righteous man is one who will do the will of God. He will love the truth, and desires to please God. A good man, however will go beyond the call of duty to do things for the furtherance of the kingdom. In the case of Joseph of Aramathea it was the willingness to give up his family tomb for the Lord to use when he died (cf. Luke 23). With Barnabas he was the one who sold his property and gave all his money to the church (cf. Acts 4).

For goodness to work there must be a set standard. If one were to ask the atheist what is the standard for good, his answer, of a necessity, would be himself. In response James said that every good and perfect gift comes from God (cf. James 1:17). Paul said the God-breathed Scriptures thoroughly furnish man unto every good work (cf. II Tim. 3:16-17).

Goodness comes from possessing the characteristics of God. A Christian must prove what is good (Rom. 12:2). A Christian must be a follower of that which is good (I Pet. 3:13). A Christian must cleave to that which is good (Rom. 12:9). A Christian is to do that which is good (Rom. 13:3). A Christian must overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21). A Christian must possess the attitude found in the Roman church. Paul said, (Rom. 15:14). To possess these qualities one must be committed to God and His authority.
[By Scott Harp in North Shore News, December 17, 1989]

A Good man will go beyond the call of duty.
[from North Shore News, December 17, 1989]

Life is short;
Death is sure;
Sin the cause;
Christ the cure.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin, 4 February, 1990]

We become involved in a local congregation not for what we can get, but for what we can give.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin, 4 February, 1990]

WORDS THAT HURT

There are many warnings in the Bible about the consequences of our words. The most powerful is expressed by Jesus. He said...(Matt. 12:16) Please don't let your words hurt someone this week. Think about the consequences.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin, 11 February, 1990]

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin, 18 February, 1990]

Men do not ordinarily reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.
[from The Capital Letter... Wellington bulletin, 14 January 1990]

Shamgar had an ox goad. David had a sling. Dorcas had a needle. Rehab had some string. Mary had some ointment. Moses had a rod. Have you some small talent you'll dedicate to God?
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin, 14 January, 1990]

MAY WE NEVER BE AT PEACE...

Until every soul on this earth in our age has heard the pure gospel at least once.
Until we have made every effort possible to relieve the human misery we see around us every day.
Until every member of the church has truly rebelled and revolted against Satan.
As long as our own community scarcely knows that we plead for the complete return to New Testament Christianity.
While we continue to excuse the purchase of multiplied luxuries at the expense of the great commission.
As long as injustice, hate, pride and prejudice stalk our nation and the church.
As long as there are those in the body of Christ who have given up on the ideals of restoring the church of the New Testament.
While there is even one member of the Lord's body here who is uncommitted and unfaithful.
Until we have the very best Bible school program that we are capable of having, regardless of the cost and effort.
As long as 45% of our people treat Bible classes as optional and 25% consider morning worship as dispensable, and 60% consider evening worship and Wednesday evening Bible classes as unimportant.
[By Dub McClish from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin, 14 January 1990]

Love sent my Lord to the cross of shame,
Love found a way, O praise His holy name!
[From The Capital Letter...Wellington Church of Christ bulletin, 7 January 1990]

The TV is my shepherd, my spiritual growth shall want. It maketh me to sit down and do nothing for the cause of Christ because it requirest all my spare time. It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian because it presenteth so many good programmes I must see. It restoreth my knowledge of the things of the world. It keepeth me from studying God's word. It leadeth me into the paths of failure to attend church services and doing anything for God's kingdom. Yea, though I live to be a hundred I shall keep on viewing my TV, as long as it will work. For my TV is my close companion; it's sound and it's pictures they comfort me. It filleth my head with ideas that differ from those set forth in the Word of God. Surely no good thing will come of my life because my TV offers me no time to do the Will of God, and I will dwell in spiritual poverty forever.
[From The Whangarei News. October 1989]

Every day...in every place,...the truth in love...tells God's grace. Acts 5:42, Acts 8:4, Eph. 4:15, Acts 20:24.
[from The Outreach...Dunedin Church of Christ bulletin 17 March 1990]

The trouble with the average man is that he seldom increases his average.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.
[by Benjamin Franklin from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

People seldom lose their religion by a blow-out; it is usually just a slow leak.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Some of the grief you have cured, and the worst you have always survived; but what agonies you have endured from the troubles that never arrived.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Many esteem nothing right but what pleases themselves.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Love that seeks to do men good is cowardice when it refuses to prevent them from doing wrong.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

I never think he is quite ready for another world who is altogether weary of this.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

A bad conscience embitters the sweetest comforts; a good one sweetens the bitterest crosses.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Blessed is the man who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

What is a home without a Bible? 'Tis a home where daily bread for the body is provided, but the soul is never fed.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

Benevolence is allied to few vices; selfishness to fewer virtues.
[from The Messenger...Nelson Church of Christ bulletin]

THE POWER OF A VISIT

One day I rang a doorbell
In a casual sort of way,
T'was not a formal visit
And there wan't much to say.
I don't remember what I said...
It matters not, I guess...
I found a heart in hunger;
A soul in deep distress.
He said I came from heaven,
And I often wondered why;
He said I came to see him
When no other help was nigh.
It means so little to me
To knock at a stranger's door,
But it meant Heaven to him
And God's peace forevermore.
[from Eustis Church of Christ bulletin]

THE LION AND THE LAMB

Jesus Christ is the only one worthy to do all things. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Lamb of God who takes away sin. Titus 2:11-15 tells of the grace of God. BOUGHT as a gift of God's son made flesh. TAUGHT to us to deny negative and fleshly things in our lives (I Pet. 2:11) to starve our sin, and work on the positive (Titus 2:12) grace is taught. WROUGHT our hope is in the appearing saviour, our hope and glory is in God, we as Christians have a reservation made for us in heaven (Titus 2:13). We SOUGHT Jesus (Titus 2:14) who died to redeem us from being possessed with sin, to make us addicted to the spiritual things (Rom. 14:8).

Titus 3 urges us all to be fruitful useful and maintain, be a people zealous because of Christ who is the lamb of God.

Psa. 103 teaches the love of God and the severity of God, Rom. 11:22 Continue in God's goodness, but God also is a God of severity. Some will despise God's goodness, (Rom. 2:4) and will receive punishment. Jesus makes that very clear in Matt. 10:28 to fear those who can destroy both body and soul in hell.

Our Lord is the saviour of the world and the lamb of God also the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The wrathful, vengeful lion who cleansed sinners from the temple, rebuked Pharisees and rebuked whole cities for their wrongdoing. We must have a balanced view. In Heb. 2:1 we see here of transgression and reward, you shall pay in some form or another, apart from the grace of God.

How shall we escape if we neglect (Heb. 10:26-31; Heb. 12:25-29). The will of Christ is demanding and strict. It demands mans loving, demands obedience to His will. It demands that we teach men to be obedient to all things God commands (II Cor. 2:9). Man has no right to be wrong religiously, every nation must know (Acts 10:34-35). No man has rights without God's grace.

Matt. 28:19-20 are the marching orders of the church, there is work to be done. You know the truth, give the truth to others. Rest upon God's word alone, what God has spoken (II Cor. 13:8-9) and left us an example, that we may be obedient in all.
[by Pat McGee from The Capital Letter, vol. 17, no. 32, 19 Aug.]

CHALLENGE

It seems these days in this wonderful country of ours, the only kind of challenge the general public gets excited about is a Ranfurly Shield challenge. Especially if it happens to be your local side issuing the challenge. The anticipation of a win for your side gets the adrenalin flowing, the heart pumping and a shortness of breath. And then? It's all over. The result aside. The enthusiasm has to wait until the next game.

The church has been hearing a great deal about challenges. It is a challenge to bring others along to church, a challenge to learn more of our Lord and a challenge to become the best learning class for the month.

For a major church event, the organisers have the challenge of working together in close contact over months of preparation. All the hitches and setbacks of such a task results in a challenge being issued to the rest of us as Paul issued to Timothy (II Tim. 3:14-15). The resulting enthusiasm of the challenge is overflowing not only to the participants (whose efforts turned out more than worthwhile), but to all the members in other churches.

The enthusiasm from the organizers has been effective in issuing all of us a challenge "to strive to excel in building up the church" (I Cor. 14:12). The church can look forward to the challenge of reaching out into our own community more with the message of Christ. The challenge is, begin now in anticipation to invite others that they may be ultimately led to Christ.

Unlike a football match, where the excitement relies purely upon the moment, Paul tells us in I Cor. 15 that the victory is ours (eternally) through Jesus Christ our Lord, and our labour is not in vain.
[by John Shepherd from the Napier bulletin]

What is involved in building up the church? Every member must:
1. Be present at every service.
2. Give as we prosper.
3. Study and pray daily.
4. Love the brethren.
5. Tell others about Christ.
How about you?
[from Savannah, Georgia Church of Christ bulletin]

THE LAST NIGHT

Way back in the 17th century the English poet John Donne posed a penetrating question to his readers. He asked, "What if this present were the world's last night?"

If I understand the Lord's teaching about his return, he intends for us to go to bed every night fully assured in our own minds that we might be lying down to sleep for the last time on this earth.

"The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night," Jesus warned.

You might be awakened tomorrow morning, but by the raucous sound of your alarm clock, but by the sweet tones of Gabriel's trumpet heralding the return of our Lord. That wouldn't be half bad, would it?

Just think. If you and I lay down at night fully convinced that Jesus might end it all before dawn, we would never have to toss and turn all night wrestling vainly with the next day's troubles. After all, they might never happen.

If we really believed that this might be our very last night, we would never go to sleep angry. Someone has said that if we knew the world would end in five minutes, earth's phone booths would be filled suddenly with men and women calling someone else to say, "I love you." We would never go to sleep angry with our loved ones if we really thought it was our last night.

The various sins we tolerate in our lives could not survive in us if our belief in Christ's imminent return was more than words to mouth at church. If I really believed that Jesus might come back tonight, it would scare me spitless to let my impatience and petty anger trigger harsh words against you today.

Come to think of it, that English poet of long ago asked a question we ought to be asked to ourselves right often. "What if this present were the world's last night."
[by Gene Shelburne from Savannah, Georgia Church of Christ bulletin]

Money...will buy a bed but not sleep; books but not brains; food but no appetite; finery but not beauty; a house but not a home; medicine but not health; luxuries but not culture; amusements but not happiness; religion but not salvation; a passport to everywhere but heaven.
[anonymous in the Reader's Digest via Savannah, Georgia Church of Christ bulletin]

God could have kept Daniel out of the lion's den, Paul and Silas out of jail, three Hebrews out of the fiery furnace, but He never promised to keep us out of hard places, but to go with us till victory. (I Cor. 10:13.)
[from Savannah, Georgia Church of Christ bulletin]

If you expect to be gentle, gracious, lovable and appreciated in your old age, you had better start practicing now!
[from Savannah, Georgia Church of Christ bulletin]

OUR PERSONAL APPLICATION

Some Christians appear to have difficulty in reading the Bible and making personal applications of its lessons in their daily lives.

The Bible is not meant to be read as a history book, the stories of which relate remote events of long ago and the relevance of which may seem to have little or no bearing on ourselves. The Bible is also not a book only for the people it describes. While what we call the "Old Testament" books have deep significance for Jewish people and are their scriptures, these records are also deeply significant to all Christians (cf. Rom. 4:23-24; Rom. 15:4; I Cor. 10:11). In addition, of course, the "New Testament" records are the teachings of Jesus' personally chosen apostles intended for Christians to all time and places to apply in their everyday lives (II Tim. 3:16-17).

Those who fail to study the Bible with personal application in mind, often resort to fruitless prayer for God's guidance without realising it is already given to us in his word.

The important fact to realise is that the men and women described in the Bible, even in its earliest records, are no different from ourselves in the range of intelligence, emotions, personality characteristics and so on. It is not hard to identify their described behaviour and feelings with our own today.

Above all, the Bible's main focus of attention is on the ways men and women relate to God [as exemplified in Heb. 11] and to what God has revealed about himself in his created works (Rom. 1:20; Psa. 19:1) and also in his inspired work (II Pet. 1:19-21).

So, as we read our Bibles, let us do so with such questions in our minds as: What is God saying to me in this scripture passage? How does it apply to me today? What lessons for personal application ought I recognise in what I read? For the particular situation I face today, what is God's directive or answer?

The Bible is a marvellous textbook for the kind of life each of us can experience as our Creator intends for us - if we let him!
[from Truth in Love, no. 4, Feb. 3, 1991, p. 1]

THE ISRAEL OF GOD
(Gal. 5:6-16)
When God delivered Israel of old out of Egyptian slavery, he promised the people that if you will indeed obey my voice...(Exo. 19:5-6).

But as time went on it became very clear that Israel was a "disobedient and obstinate people" (Isa. 65:2; Rom. 10:21). in God's plan it was to be from Israel that the Christ would come (Rom. 9:5) and so, "By their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles" (Rom. 11:11; Acts 23:46-47). Now, through his Son, God justifies both Jew and Gentile through faith (Rom. 3:20).

Because of God's great mercy, he has called us "not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles". Where Gentiles were once alienated, through Christ they are now called "sons of the living God" in fulfilment of prophecy (Hosea 1:10; Rom. 9:22-26). Now a man is a Jew if...(Rom. 2:29). Thus "the Israel of God" today is composed of "sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus...united with Christ in baptism...There is neither Jew nor Greek..." (Gal. 3:26-28).

When we observe the Lord's Supper we can also remember that it was Jesus' sacrifice on the cross that made all this possible. We, who are "clothed with Christ" through baptism (Gal. 3:27), are no longer Jew or Gentile, distinguished by fleshly descent, but brethren through him who loves us...(Rev. 1:5-6). God made this possible through his new covenant and made the old one obsolete (Heb. 8:7-13; Heb. 10:9-10).
[from Truth in Love, no. 4, Feb. 3, 1991, p. 6]

TAKING OFF THE MASK

My wife has a cousin named Rob. Rob's good heart and friendly smile endear him to everyone. He's the kind of fellow you can call on when you can't call on anyone else. So when the Girl Scouts needed someone to dress up like the Cookie Monster, guess who they called? Rob.

There were a few problems. First, no one anticipated the day of the campaign would be so hot. Second, Rob didn't know the costume would be so big. Third, who knew that Rob's glasses would fog up so badly that he couldn't see?

As he sat on the stage waiting his turn to speak, the heat inside the mask fogged his glasses. He couldn't wipe them off - his paws were too big to fit in the eye-holes. He started to worry. Any minute he would be called on to give a talk, and he couldn't even see the podium.

He whispered for help. The costume was too thick, and his cries went unheard. He began to wave his hands. The kids squealed with delight. They thought he was waving at them!

As I heard the story I chuckled...then I sighed. It was too familiar. Cries for help muffled behind costumed faces. Fear hidden behind a painted smile. Signs of desperation thought to be signs of joy. Tell me that doesn't describe our world. Ever since Eve hemmed the fig leaves to fit Adam, we've been disguising our truths. We've gotten better with each generation. We are masters of the masquerade. Cars are driven to make a statement. Jeans are purchased to portray an image. Accents are acquired to hide a heritage. Names are dropped. Weights are lifted. Yarns are spun. Toys are purchased. Achievements are professed. And the true pain is ignored. With time, the real self is forgotten.

The Indians used to say that within every heart there is a knife. This knife turns like the minute-hand on a clock. Every time the heart lies, the knife rotates an increment. As it turns, it carves an arc. After the knife has rotated a full circle, a path is formed.

One condition for coming to God is honesty. The first step in coming to the Father is removing our mask. The decision to quit playing games about who we are is the most important decision in our life.
(I John 1:9).
The choice is ours. We can pretend we are perfect and be miserable behind our mask. Or we can be honest about who we are and breathe the fresh air of forgiveness.

Which do you choose?
[by Max Lucado from 21st Century Christian Magazine, June, 1990]

ALL THINGS ARE READY

A common preoccupation of humanity is to lament the condition of things as they now are. Things now are not nearly as good as they once were and neither are they as good as we expect them one day to be!

We deplore the lack of power in our personal lives, the limited influence of the church, and the unresponsiveness of the world. Of course, we entertain a vague hope that ONE DAY these handicapping conditions will change.

But if they do, what will it require? Are we waiting for another Pentecost, or for some literal millennium to be imposed upon the unwilling would by a special act of God?

In God's perspective, ALL THINGS ARE READY! His son has done the work that makes full fellowship with God available RIGHT NOW. His Holy Spirit is NOW READY to reside in the hearts of those who have been reconciled to God. ALREADY He has given us, "not a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and love and self-discipline." That means those who are led by the Spirit can live abundant, vital, victorious lives, RIGHT NOW! The Spirit has also equipped the church with every gift and resource necessary to fulfill its mission. And the world is ready. Two thousand years ago, Jesus said, "The fields are EVEN NOW white unto harvest."

As I see it, the only thing that could possibly prevent committed Christians from realizing the victory God has willed for them is that they somehow missed the announcement, "All things are ready!"

Jesus has ALREADY died, and has risen. He ALREADY sits ruling over His kingdom. Pentecost has happened. The Holy Spirit is here. That being so, there remains nothing to wait for, except for God's people to be "ready unto every good work."

Don't pray for God to "use you". Pray rather for the willingness to be used by Him. Pray for the sense of responsibility and urgency needed to move us all to be faithful stewards of the resources of time, talent, and energy He has already provided. Pray for the love and compassion for souls, the commitment to service necessary to make us faithful ministers of God's grace!
[by Ruel D. Catlett from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, April 25, 1993 p. 2]

THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM

Let's say you have a car. And let's say that car is running poorly. Rather than having the purr of a kitten, it has the cough of a three pack a day smoker. Rather than gliding down the road like a luxury liner, it yanks and jerks like a bull in a rodeo. You describe the problem and the mechanic confidently tells you to wait while he goes to get "just the thing" to fix your car. He returns carrying - not pliers or gauges or a screwdriver - but a can of car wax. "What your car needs is a good wax job!" he exclaims. "Let me have an hour with her and she'll be shining like new."

That sounds a bit odd, but who are you to question? So you leave your car to the polishing mechanic.

An hour later you return. True to the mechanic's word, your car boasts a brilliant shine that it hasn't had in years. Enthused, you hop in. "Now, this car is gonna go!"

But go it doesn't. It shines, but it's still sluggish. It sparkles, but it's still slow. The well-meaning mechanic doesn't give up! He's got all kinds of solutions to your car problems. New roof. Whitewall tires. Fender guards. Fog lights. All add zest to the outside, but nothing puts zip on the inside.

Do you really want to know?
- A housewife battles with depression. Suggested solution by some misguided mechanic? Buy a new dress.
- A husband seeks advice for his marriage that is riding on the crest of a wave about to be slammed into the rocks. Suggested solution? Bail out?
- A dying church flounders like a fish on a beach. What can be done to bring life into the congregation? "Let's build a building!" someone suggests.

Case after case of treating the outside while ignoring the inside. We polish the chrome and neglect the engine. The housewife gets a new dress and her depression disappears!...for a day. Then the shadow returns. The husband trades his wife in for a new model. The result? Happiness!...for a while, then the same personality traits that got him in trouble the first time go to work again. The church meets proudly in its new facility and the people swell with enthusiasm! for a few months. Then the flame flickers and dies, leaving a cold church in a new building.

The exterior polished, the interior corroding. The outside altered, the inside faltering. Cosmetic changes are only skin deep.

Perhaps that's why Jesus and the religious leaders were always singing different songs. The religious leaders thought an outside reformation would be sufficient. Jesus, however, took them to the heart of the problem, which was, and is, the problem of the heart.

Remember the point: The next time your spiritual walk sputters and spews, don't polish or paint; instead, penetrate. Go to the "Master Mechanic." It may very well be time for an overhaul.
[by Max Lucado from Sycamore Chapel bulletin, Apr. 12, 1992, p. 2-3]

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

"Waste not, want not" is an old saying parents and grandparents use, especially those who lived during the Great Depression of the thirties.

Business owners learn quickly that waste equals lost profit. If goods are unsaleable - meaning they have to be thrown out and replaced - the profit margin becomes a loss on that item. When goods are left unsold because too many have been made, then time and materials are a loss. No one can afford losses, even part of the time.

Each of us invests during our lives, not only money but time, talent and energy. Yet so often our investments are wasted. Carelessness is one cause; failing to "read the signs" is another.

For years too many workers wasted time on the job. Affluence meant the extra wages could be absorbed. Now we are paying the price. Suddenly the extra staff needed to cover wasted time aren't employed. Time isn't wasted as much as it used to be, staff have to be more committed to their work, and they have to do a decent day's work. In too many instances, it's not just ourselves who suffer when we waste, but those near and dear to us.

It is widely reported that more marriages are ending in divorce. The level of divorce is related to the level of commitment to the relationship each partner invests. Waste the investment with self-indulgence or self-pity and the other partner soon wants for a more meaningful relationship.

It's the same with our spiritual lives. Wasting the opportunities God gives us soon leads us to moan "why is this happening to me?" How can we tell if we are wasting our lives? - By asking the question, "Am I better now than I was 5, 10, 20 years ago?" To get an accurate answer, don't look at your material gains but at your friends and whether they measure up to those you hold in highest esteem. If your nearest and dearest is not among them, you may have been wasting the spiritual gifts God has given, including love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, etc. (Gal. 5:22-23). Maybe it's time to have another (or a first) talk with Jesus and ask that these gifts be returned (or given) that we may use them properly. A strong, secure family environment is essential for the spiritual development of our children. "Waste not, want not" - still good advice.
[from Rotorua Weekly Reporter, no. 25, 21 June 1992, p. 1 and 4]

CORRUPTION IN THE CHURCH
(II Pet. 2:1, 18-19)
A recent newspaper article [The Australian, 11 August 1992], referred to the opinion of an officer of the Queensland Criminal Justice Commission that corruption is like weeds which, if left alone, eventually take over and ruin the entire garden. "Every day people are going about their work but not necessarily seeing that what they are doing is defrauding their fellow citizens...Corruption is fathered by greed and nurtured by neglect". He also said that a commonly held myth was that corruption "belongs to 'the bad old days' and there is an age-old belief that 'I won't get caught'".

A similar problem occurs in the Lord's church. Brethren may be going about in their worship of God without realising that they are worshipping in vain (Matt. 15:8-9; Gal. 1:6-7). Corruption of Christ's teaching (II John 9-11) may be fathered by greed (II Pet. 2:3) and nurtured by neglect, as in some of the seven churches of Asia to whom the apostle John wrote...(Rev. 2:14-15; Rev. 2:20; Rev. 3:1-2; Rev. 3:15-16).

Too often brethren think that false teaching was rife only in New Testament times and they may be unaware of its presence where they are today. Human nature has not changed, and we should be aware that false teachers are very active today, and we should ask ourselves whether we are sufficiently grounded in the apostolic teaching to be able to detect error when it is introduced.

A great responsibility falls on every Christian to so learn God's word that all have "their senses trained to discern good from evil" (Heb. 5:12-14) and to turn away from false teachers (Rom. 16:17-18). Certainly there is a grave responsibility for church elders to shepherd their flocks against those "speaking perverse things" (Acts 20:28-30) and for preachers to "preach the word" faithfully "in season and out" (II Tim. 4:2).
[from the Truth in Love, no. 33, Aug. 23, 1992, p. 1]

ARE WE READY FOR IT?
(I Cor. 3:1-2)
Some Christians ask questions which indicate their spiritual immaturity and insecurity. They have not grown in their spiritual lives so as to be untroubled by and unattracted to worldly interests.

The spiritually-mature Christian does not ask, for example, "May I have one glass of wine at a function I have been invited to attend?" Instead, the Christian knows that God has said...(Rom. 14:21).

The spiritually-mature Christian does not ask, "May I miss some of the meetings of the church so I can play golf with my friends?" Instead, the Christian knows that God has said...(Heb. 10:24-25).

The spiritually-mature Christian woman does not ask, "May I use mascara and rouge and wear ear-rings and beads?" Instead, the Christian woman knows that God has said...(I Tim. 2:9-10; I Pet. 3:3-4).

The spiritually-mature Christian man does not ask, "How long may I wear my hair?" Instead, the Christian man knows that God has said...(I Cor. 11:7, 14).

The spiritually-mature Christians does not ask, "Can I buy a lottery ticket?" Instead, the Christian knows that God has said...(Heb. 13:5).

And so we could go on. There are many everyday situations where we are challenged to make decisions requiring the ability to "distinguish good from evil" (Heb. 5:14).

The Spiritual Standard
(Heb. 5:13-14)
God's word sets a standard for Christian living which is not a detailed list of "dos and don't's" covering every imaginable occasion. It sets spiritual principles recognised and accepted by those who are spiritually-mature.

New Christians are urged to grow (I Pet. 2:2).
A person may have been a Christian a long time, but is...(Heb. 5:11-13).
All of us need to heed God's word given through the apostle Paul, when he wrote...(Rom. 12:1-2).

The Spiritual Perspective
(Rom. 14:17-18)
We should keep things in spiritual perspective. The important questions are not those like the examples given. The really important questions are those that are seldom asked by Christians perturbed at the thought of losing ties with worldly values. Like Lot's wife (Gen. 19:26), they look back because their hearts still yearn for former pleasures.

The apostle Paul's co-worker in the gospel, Demas, deserted him "because he loved this present world" (II Tim. 4:10). A Christian man said that he would remain with a congregation only if his wife chose to do so. When she left because she preferred the denominations, he left also! He was more fearful of losing his wife, than of losing his soul (Gal. 1:8-9).

Take warning! If you are distressed or upset by the Lord's standard of no compromise with the world (Col. 3:1-3) or with false teaching (II John 9-11), "you are still worldly" and unable to "distinguish between good and evil" and you have not prepared yourself to be ready to be addressed as "spiritual" (I Cor. 3:1-3).

Christians are urged by their Lord to be like Moses who "regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt" (Heb. 11:26). Christians are urged to grow in spiritual maturity by prayerful and careful study of God's word. This is the only way to become "acquainted with the teaching about righteousness" and so, "by constant use", to train ourselves to "distinguish good from evil" (Heb. 5:11-14).

Remember that, in this context...(James 4:4) and this is an "evil". We must learn to distinguish between spiritual and worldly values.

Spiritual Questions
(Rom. 8:6.)
Instead of the questions given as examples earlier, the really important ones to ask are:

"How can I live, 'acting in love' (Rom. 14:15), so as not to cause a brother to fall?"

"How can I maintain meeting together with my brethren, so that we 'age one another' (Heb. 10:25), in accordance with my Lord's will?"

"How can I engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs (Titus 3:14) as my Lord requires?"

"How can I cultivate in my life 'a gentle and quiet spirit of great worth in God's sight' (I Pet. 3:4) and so have an attitude 'the same as that of Christ Jesus' (Phili. 2:5)?"

"How can I honour God's purpose for me by 'acting justly and loving mercy and walking humbly with my God' (Micah 6:8)?"

"How can I learn 'to be content whatever the circumstances and know, like the apostle Paul, that 'I can do...(Phili. 4:11-13)?"

"How can I practise all the qualities of love, so that I am always (I Cor. 13:4-7)?"

"How can I 'make every effort to add to my faith, goodness...knowledge...self-control...perseverance...godliness...brotherly kindness...love? For if I practise these qualities, I will not be 'ineffective and unproductive in my knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ' and I 'will never fall' and I am assured of 'a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ' (II Pet. 1:5-11)."

These are the kinds of questions a spiritually-mature Christian will ask. Are we ready to ask such questions, rather than those which betray a residual worldiness?
(Col. 3:1-4)
[from the Truth in Love, no. 31, Aug. 9, 1992, p. 2-3, 12-13]

HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS
(Rom. 10:14-15)
The apostle Paul made the statement that...(Rom. 10:12-13).

Anticipating the question how this is to be done, Paul answered with a connected sequence of questions in reverse order. Beginning with the last question. (Rom. 10:15), we see that it is the gospel, the good news, or "the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17), which is to be preached or proclaimed. Jesus sent his apostles to preach the gospel (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Acts 26:16-18; Rom. 1:1-5), and sends others to preach that same message today (Matt. 28:20; II Tim. 2:2; Eph. 4:11ff; Jude 3).

"How can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Rom. 10:14). Thus, hearing the gospel message is an essential step towards salvation. No one is saved by direct divine intervention (there is no promise of this) and no one is saved outside of hearing the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16-17; Acts 4:12; John 14:6).

"How can they believe in the one whom they have not heard?" (Rom. 10:14). Hearing the gospel is not enough without heeding it to the point of believing in Christ. To hear the preacher's gospel message is to hear Christ himself (Luke 10:16; Eph. 2:17; Eph. 4:21).

"How can they call on the one they have not believed in?" (Rom. 10:14). They cannot! But if anyone hears Christ and believes in him, that person can call on him to be saved. How? Read Acts 2:21-27, where the apostle Peter quoted this same promise and told his hearers exactly what to do to call on the name of the Lord in order to be saved. We must tell this same message today.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 31, Aug. 9, 1992, p. 6]

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

This is a well-known adage which parents often tell their children to age them not to despair and give up when the first faltering efforts to learn anything fail.

The same principle applies in living the Christian life. Everyone of us turned from our old ways to follow Christ and to learn his instructions for the new life we are to live through him.

There are many people, sadly, who wilfully "practise lawlessness" (Matt. 7:23) and are accounted by God as "worthy of death" (Rom. 1:32). But God has given everyone the way to obtain life by believing in Jesus, turning to God and submitting to baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).

Through baptism we are, in a sense, buried with Jesus into death (to our old ways) and raised with Jesus to "walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:3-4). In my new life I may have good intentions but, like Paul, I find that...(Rom. 7:19).

The solution to the problem of early stumbling in our new life is to...(I John 2:6).
The apostle Paul learned to do this and gives us his good advice (Phili. 4:8-9).

Paul is not suggesting that we find a mathematics solution to be true, or that we consider some great statesman to be honourable, or that our parents' advice on a particular matter is right, or that water in a mountain stream is pure. All of these observations may be true in their way. But Paul discovered the one kind of practice which would lead him to perfection (maturity), and then he urged others to...(I Cor. 11:1). Jesus is the One who is true, honourable, right, pure, and so on, and when we consider him (Heb. 12:1-3), and practise his qualities (Phili. 2:2-5), we find...(Heb. 12:11).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 32, Aug. 16, 1992, p. 1]

HE FELT COMPASSION FOR THEM
(Matt. 9:36)
When Jesus groaned at the stubbornness and pride and hate of those whom he so deeply yearned to help, he signed...(Matt. 23:37).

Jesus has compassion on those who are weary and heavy-laden (Matt. 11:28-30), on the sick (Luke 7:13; Mark 1:41), and on the hungry (Mark 8:2). He demonstrated compassion when he himself was the object of compassion on the cross. He prayed for forgiveness of those who were responsible for his crucifixion (Luke 23:34). He drew a thief to himself in his love (Luke 23:42-43): and he brought together his mother and the disciple he loved, so that their grief might be shared and thereby lessened (John 19:26-27).

When Mary Magdalene came to the tomb after Jesus had risen from the dead, he asked: "Why do you weep?" What compassion there must have been in his voice when he said, "Mary!"

As our High Priest, Jesus...(Heb. 5:2). He was the One who could sympathize with our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15) and, for this reason, we are invited to...(Heb. 4:16).
(I John 4:11)
Let us remember his compassion, thank and praise God for this, and determine to be like him (Eph. 5:1-2).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 32, Aug. 16, 1992, p. 6]

FREED FROM SLAVERY
(John 8:31-36)
Enslaving Sins

We may commit sins against God and society which result in imprisonment (or slavery in bygone times) with physical constraints: but there are many sins for which we may not be physically confined while still being denied spiritual freedom.

1. Encumbrances, entanglements and hindrances (Heb. 12:1). Solution: Fix your eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2-3).
2. Inactivity (James 4:17). Solution: Follow Jesus' example (Matt. 4:23).
3. Self-satisfaction. Leads to apathy (Matt. 25:1-13).
4. Self-depreciation. Leads to hopelessness (Matt. 25:14-30).
5. Self-indulgence. Leads to self-interest (Matt. 25:31-46). Solution: Deny self, take up the cross, follow Jesus (Matt. 16:24-27).

Take up the cross which is despised by the world.
Take up the cross of love and care, responsibility and service towards others, enduring suffering and glorying in salvation.
(Matt. 16:25-26).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 32, Aug. 16, 1992, p. 9]

IF THE LORD IS GOD, FOLLOW HIM
(I Kings 18:21)
I Kings 18 is one of the tremendously inspiring chapters of the Bible in one sense and, in another, it sadly reveals the readiness with which people accept and remain in gross sin. When Elijah challenged the people to choose between the Lord and Baal, they said nothing! Silence, in this setting, was tantamount to choosing Baal.

Jesus said...(Matt. 6:24). On another occasion, Jesus said...(Matt. 12:30). If you do not vote for God, your vote is for the other side. There is no neutral or informal vote where God is concerned.

When Elijah taunted the prophets of Baal, there was no doubting their sincerity of religious devotion, but it did not help them (I Kings 18:26-29). Then Elijah stepped forward and prayed a magnificent prayer: (I Kings 18:36). Faithful Elijah and the Lord proved a victorious majority over the assembly of the prophets of Baal, and a convincing proof to the people of Israel, (I Kings 18:39).

There is a like challenge to Christians every week. On the first day of the week they may gather to share in the Lord's supper, in accordance with his will (I Cor. 11:23-26). It is a time to declare our thanks to God in remembrance of his Son's death on the cross to enable us to receive the forgiveness of our sins. It is also the time to proclaim our Lord's death and, in so doing, show that we acknowledge "the Lord, he is God!" Let us be as confident as Elijah in our profession of faith.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 14, Apr. 12, 1992, p. 6]

CHRISTIAN LIVING
Sin
1. Now that I am a Christian, do I still sin? (I John 1:8)
2. Will I ever be tempted so strongly that I can't do anything except sin? (I Cor. 10:13)
3. Should I be content to keep on sinning? (I John 2:1; Rom. 6:2; Rom. 6:11)
4. When I sin after becoming a Christian, what should I do to obtain forgiveness of sins? (Acts 8:22)

Love
5. What sorts of love should we have? (Mark 12:28-31)
6. If I love God, how should I behave towards him? (I John 5:3; John 14:23)
7. If I love other people, how should I behave towards them? (Rom. 13:10; Rom. 12:10; Phili. 2:3-4; Luke 6:31)
8. Is it seriously wrong to hate people? (I John 3:15; Matt. 5:21-22; I John 4:20; I John 2:9-11)
9. If I am not prepared to help people, do I really love them? (I John 3:16-18; James 2:15-16)
10. What are some ways in which we can help other people? (Matt. 25:31-40; Luke 3:11; James 1:27; Gal. 6:10)
11. Should we do good to people only if they are going to do good to us in return? (Luke 6:32-35; Matt. 5:43-47)
12. How should we treat our enemies? (Rom. 12:17-21; Matt. 18:21-22; Eph. 4:32; I Pet. 3:9)
13. Is it all right to say bad things about other people? (Col. 3:8; Eph. 4:29; James 3:6-12)
14. What are some other ways in which we can show our love for each other? (Rom. 13:9)
15. Is it possible to live in sexual immorality and yet be pleasing to God at the same time? (I Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21)
16. Is it all right for a Christian to have sexually immoral thoughts? (Matt. 5:27-28)
17. Is it all right for a Christian to tell sexually immoral jokes? (Eph. 5:3-5; Eph. 5:11-12; Eph. 4:29)
18. Rom. 13:9 says that we should not covet. What is covetousness? (Exo. 20:17; Luke 12:15-21).

Conclusion. As Christians, we still sin, but our sin is forgiven if we repent and pray to God for forgiveness. We should love God and love other people; we shouldn't do anything if God wouldn't like it or if it would harm another person.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 24, June 21, 1992, p. 4-6]

I HAVE SET YOU AN EXAMPLE
(John 13:12-17)
When Jesus and his disciples were together for the Passover Feast, he took the opportunity to...(John 13:1). Jesus proceeded to perform the menial task of a servant by washing his disciples' travel-stained feet.

The apostle Peter, impetuous as on other occasions, remonstrated with his master. He did not realise the deeper significance of Jesus' action. Jesus answered...(John 13:8). Jesus implied much more than fellowship dependent on foot washing. The washing of feet produced a physical cleasing, but the symbolic washing that Jesus meant made those who humbly and obediently submitted to it spiritually clean, and therefore, have a part with Jesus (John 13:10-11, cf. John 3:5; Acts 22:16; I Cor. 6:11; Eph. 5:25-27; Titus 3:4-7; I Pet. 3:21). Among Jesus' disciples one remained spiritually unclean even though Jesus washed his feet clean.

The humility and service by which Jesus exemplified his love for his disciples was commanded to be practised by those who are his followers: not foot-washing itself, but what his action demonstrated. A person may indeed "wash others' feet", and may go through the motions of being baptised, but unless he or she has Jesus' attitude of humility and obedience in love, no spiritual cleansing takes place.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 24, June 21, 1992, p. 7]

WE HAVE ENDURED MUCH CONTEMPT
(Psa. 123:3-4)
The Hebrew word from which "mercy" is translated means God's favour or kindness towards us, and this is what the Psalmist sought in times of persecution.
Jesus promised...(Matt. 5:11-12).
When we "endure much contempt" for our faith, let us remember the advice of the writer of Heb. 12:2-3.
The apostle Peter wrote...(I Pet. 3:14; I Pet. 4:14).
(Titus 3:4-5)
As we consider the sufferings of our Lord, up to and including the cross, we can never fully comprehend what it must have meant for him [who was also known as "Immanuel, God with us" (Matt. 1:23)] to have "endured much contempt" from his created beings. Let us be humbly grateful for his sacrifice for us, and give thanks for his wonderful example, that we might endure too.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 37, Sept. 20, 1992, p. 6]

"YES, BUT...!"

How often have elders and preachers been asked a Bible question by a church member, gone to considerable effort to present the Bible answer, and then heard a response beginning: "Yes, but...!"?

Now, if your elders have been appointed for the right reasons and if your preachers have been allowed to preach for the right reasons, the members of the church should apply the example of the Bereans when the apostle Paul taught them. So often, when people say, "Yes, but...!", they really want a discussion based on human opinions. They don't feel too happy with the Holy Spirit's directions - which is all that elders and preachers are entitled to offer in answer to Bible questions. Some people want more latitude to go beyond what the Bible says.

Consider what the Holy Spirit, in his word through the Lord's apostles tells us.
Elders must be "able to teach" (I Tim. 3:2) and to...(Titus 1:9).
Preachers must also be "able to teach" (II Tim. 2:2; II Tim. 4:2).

But while elders and preachers ought to be very careful in these things those who ask him for Bible answers to their questions also have the responsibility to...(Acts 17:11). That is, don't take answers to be true just because an elder or a preacher says so. But we must take answers to be true if an elder or preacher, or anyone else shows us these are just what God says in his word.

The problem comes when the questioner doesn't like the Bible answer and, instead, wants to find some other answer to satisfy his or her own expectations.

Sadly, there is no shortage of false preachers who...(Rom. 16:18), and there is no shortage of worldly church members who...(II Tim. 4:3-4).
(John 14:23).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 37, Sept. 20, 1992, p. 1]

YOU ERR, NOT KNOWING THE SCRIPTURES Matt. 22:29

The Sadducees had just posed an hypothetical question to Jesus (Matt. 22:23-28). Jesus did not engage with them in a philosophical discussion or in a debate using human wisdom. He answered them directly from the Scriptures (Matt. 22:29-32). Then, when the Pharisees saw how Jesus handled the Sadduceed, they posed another question to him. Again, in response, Jesus quoted the scriptures (Matt. 22:34-40).

Why don't we learn this lesson from Jesus? We have all read articles written by brethren and others, or heard some debate, concerning questions requiring a scripture answer but, instead, we read or heard arguments from human reasoning and experience. Even if such arguments are very persuasive, these are no substitute for the truth of God's word. If Jesus consistently used the scriptures to this end, surely we can do no better than follow his example. It is a great temptation to offer a better opinion to counter the one opposed to ours; but if our disputant won't accept a scripture answer, neither will he or she accept our opinion in preference to their own.

We should also be careful to avoid quoting from "the early fathers or from venerable scholars in support of our own view of a subject. Since there is a wide difference of opinions among these referees, we may be tempted to select the quotes which support our own opinion and conveniently leave out the others. Sometimes, when referring to a Bible lexicon, of several alternative definitions for a word, we may quote only those favourable to our opinion. This practice is really dishonest.

Please just quote scripture and let those who receive it consider the argument in the light of Scripture. When those who opposed Jesus refused to accept scripture, he did not then resort to human traditions to bolster his case. Instead, he challenged them to judge his teaching from the scriptures (Matt. 22:41-46). If their ears would not listen to God's word, how could they think anyone else's word would be more persuasive?

Unless we are prepared to let scripture explain scripture, we are bound to err in trying to understand God's word.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 1, Jan. 17, 1993, p. 13]

MAKE YOUR WAYS KNOWN ON EARTH
(Psa. 67:1-2)
In the opening petition of this psalm, the psalmist repeats the Lord's instruction to Moses...(Num. 6:22-27). No doubt, down the centuries following, the Israelistes heard that petition and promise through their priests many times.

When Jesus was brought to the temple by his parents, the righteous old man Simeon...(Luke 2:25-32).

The apostle Paul declared before King Agrippa that the resurrection Christ had sent him to tell people everywhere the gospel which could...(Acts 26:17-18).

Today, Chrsitians everywhere have the privilege of declaring that same message of God's grace, blessing and love to all through Jesus Christ. In a beautifully moving way, it is told whenever Christians meet on the first day of the week to observe the Lord's Supper, and so...(I Cor. 11:26).
(Rom. 10:15; Isa. 52:7).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 1, Jan. 17, 1993, p. 6]

MAKE YOUR FACE SHINE UPON US
(Psa. 80:19)
When the people of God fall away from doing what is right in his sight, it is proper to appeal to God to restore us and to be favourable to us (I John 1:9). We recognise that restoration to God's favour ensures our salvation which we may lose if we turn away from him (Heb. 10:26-29). However, we must know that restoration to God is conditional on our turning back to him (Luke 13:3). He cannot restore us otherwise, no matter how hard we appeal (Matt. 7:21-23).

The Lord addressed the church in Ephesus...(Rev. 2:4-5). To the church in Sardis, because of their failings, the Lord said...(Rev. 3:3). The church in Laodicea was luke-warm and self-satisfied, but the Lord said...(Rev. 3:19).

How do we compare? Have we fallen away or are we asleep? Are we luke-warm and self-satisfied? If so, we must repent and then we can call upon the Lord to restore us; he will look on us with favour and he will save us.

Let us remember that his great action of the Lord's sacrifice made it possible for us to be restored to God (II Cor. 5:14-21). We can take the opportunity to thank him for restoring us to himself.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 3, Jan. 31, 1993, p. 6]

HELP ME, O LORD MY SAVIOUR
(Psa. 38:9-11)
When we are down and in trouble, sometimes it seems no one wants to know us. Sometimes it is true that our erstwhile friends desert us in our hour of trial. The prodigal son, in Jesus' parable, soon discovered the fickleness of his friends. (Luke 15:13-16).

The apostle Paul experienced the painful loneliness of desertion when he needed agement most. (II Tim. 4:16-17).

The prophet Isaiah wrote of One...(Isa. 53:3). And when that One, Jesus Christ, was hunted and arrested, Judas one of his own apostles betrayed him (Matt. 26:49), the other apostles...(Matt. 26:56), and the apostle Peter denied him...(Matt. 26:72). That was a very dark night for the Son of God!

Sometimes my wounds are...(Psa. 38:5), and sometimes because of...(Psa. 38:19). In all situations, whether our wounds are of our own doing or of another's, we can call on God, as David did...(Psa. 38:21-22).

We proclaim that our Lord did not forsake us for, by his sacrifice, he changed what was a destiny of eternal death for our sins (unconfessed and unforgiven) into another of redemption to eternal life.
[from The Truth in Love, no. 2, Jan. 24, 1993, p. 6]

MANY ARE RELIGIOUS, BUT FEW ARE SPRITUAL
(Matt. 22:14)
When Jesus spoke these words he was addressing the chief priests and the Pharisees in the temple (Matt. 21:23). He told them some parables about the rejection by God's people of God's word to them. Jesus then added...(Matt. 21:43). The result was that...(Matt. 21:45). Jesus continued, and concluded by saying that...(Matt. 22:14).

The Jews of Jesus' day were very religious people. Their leaders, the Pharisees, even sent their pupils to tell Jesus that "we know you are truthful and teach the way of God in truth", but Jesus "perceived their malice" and called them "hypocrites" (Matt. 22:15-18). Many of the people were religious, like those Pharisees, but few were described as "righteous in the sight of God" like the priest Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth, the parents of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-6).

All the members of the early church were religious people who professed to believe in God but, as the apostle Paul wrote of the brethren in the church of Corinth, not all of them were...(I Cor. 3:1-3). What is the difference between being religious and spiritual? Earlier in his letter Paul had written that...(I Cor. 2:14-15). Thus, among religious people, there are those who are "unspiritual" and those who are "spiritual".

The difference is in attitude to "the things of the Spirit of God"; that is, some believers are indifferent to "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:17), but others "continually devote themselves to the apostles' teaching" (Acts 2:42), the Spirit-inspired "teaching of Christ" (II John 9), which Jesus promised his apostles beforehand (John 14:26; John 15:26-27; John 16:13-14).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 2, Jan. 24, 1993, p. 1]

IF AND WHY
(John 8:31; Luke 6:46)
1. If creeds are necessary, why is God's word said to be thorough and final? (II Tim. 3:16-17; Jude 3)
2. If we may accept the doctrines of men, why does God's word condemn these? (I Cor. 1:10; Matt. 15:9)
3. If men may assume religious authority, why did Christ claim all authority? (Matt. 28:18; I Pet. 3:22)
4. If we may be saved by any way, why did Christ say he is the only way? (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)
5. If the kingdom of Christ is still future, why does God's word say Christians are in it now? (Col. 1:12-14; Rev. 1:6, 9)
6. If we do not need to be in Christ's church, why was Christ's blood shed for it? (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:23)
7. If baptism is unnecessary for salvation, why did Christ command it for this purpose? (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; I Pet. 3:21)
8. If there is a second chance for salvation after death, why does God's word say NOW is the day of salvation? (II Cor. 6:2; Luke 16:19-31; Heb. 9:27).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 42, Oct. 25, 1992, p. 9]

THE SECRET THINGS
(Deut. 29:29)
God has revealed enough for our every need. We do not suffer because our idle curiosity is not satisfied. When the apostle Peter wanted to know what Jesus would require of a fellow apostle, Jesus answered...(John 21:20-23).

The prophet Daniel sought to understand more about the Lord's prediction concerning the future kingdom of God, but he was told...(Dan. 12:8-9).

There are things which God knows that are no business of ours to pry into. Even Jesus, in his human frame, said that he did not know the time of his coming again - only the Father knew (Matt. 24:36). Yet, while Jesus accepted this without question, others have wrongly attempted to set a date for his return.

The gospel of salvation, prophesied by the prophets of Old Testament times, was hidden from them but revealed through Jesus' apostles in God's own time (Eph. 3:7-11; I Pet. 1:10-12).

There is enough recorded in the Bible (John 20:31). There is enough in the Bible to...(II Pet. 1:3). II Tim. 3:16-17. Beyond this we must not go (I Cor. 4:6).
(Col. 2:18-19; Prov. 3:5).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 42, Oct. 25, 1992, p. 1]

GOD'S GUIDE TO GOOD LIVING Psa. 119:9

Some people don't know how to read their Bibles to obtain the best value. Many don't know how to apply Bible lessons to their own lives. So, many readers mistakenly think the Bible to be a mysterious and confusing book, without much relevance to modern situation.

The Bible is a book of love by the Author who is love (I John 4:8). This love is not the sentimental, romantic kind, but the practical concern and care for others' needs. Therefore, the Bible should be read for the application of this love in our daily lives. The paramount demonstration of God's love (or caring concern for mankind) is found in what he did through his Son.
(Rom. 5:8)
The Old Testament scriptures show us God's love in preparing the way for Christ to accomplish God's purpose (Rom. 5:6). The New Testament scriptures show us that God's love has been proven in what Christ did for us on the cross (I John 4:10).
(I Pet. 1:20)
Thus, we read the Bible with its basic message of love, and we are called upon to learn from it the application of caring concern for the welfare of others.
(Eph. 5:1-2)
In every aspects of human life, whether it be marriage, parent-child relationships, other human associations, secular work, benevolent works, worship, or any situation at all, apply the Bible principle of love for the good of others, and apply the Bible examples of love in action to our own conduct and conversation.
(II Pet. 1:3).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 41, Oct. 18, 1992, p. 1]

LEAVE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE I Pet. 2:12

Professor Fred Hollows, the acclaimed eye surgeon, died last month. He was acknowledged by all for his remarkable self-sacrificial efforts to ease the eye problems of many among Australia's aborigines and the peoples of Eritrea, Nepal and Vietnam. He was an avowed agnostic, but he firmly believed that the main purpose of man was to do good to others. Before he died, Professor Hollows said that it was his greatest wish to have helped his fellow-human beings and so "leave the world a better place". In truth, such an epitaph would be a credit to anyone who had the same attitude.

Not everyone has the God-given talents which Fred Hollows had and which he used so well to the benefit of so many. But everyone of us has at least one talent which we must not bury; instead, we should use what we have for God's glory in helping those less fortunate around us. Consider carefully the message of Jesus' story of the talents in Matt. 25:14-30.

Will such meritorious good works alone save such a good man? God's word says...(Rom. 3:23). I may be a good man, though a sinner, for God created everyone to choose to do good. To the degree each of us falls short of God's standard, to that degree we are all sinners. It is not possible for anyone to so live that he or she can be sinless; only Jesus Christ achieved that standard of sinlessness (Heb. 4:15). (II Cor. 5:21.) Only by being "clothed with Christ" (Gal. 3:26-27), may we stand in the presence of the holy God (Rom. 5:1-11; I Pet. 1:14-16).

Even such an unusually good and devout man as the Roman centurion, Cornelius, needed to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ so that he might believe and obey God's terms for forgiveness of sins in order to be saved (Acts 10). Thereafter, all saved people are expected to do good works (Eph. 2:8-10) in order to remain saved (Matt. 25:31-46; James 2:14-26).
[from The Truth in Love, no. 8, Mar. 7, 1993, p. 1]

THE BURIAL PLACES OF THE PATRIARCHS Acts 7:15-16

This is part of Stephen's recounting of the history of the children of Israel (other name - Jacob). It appears to conflict with the story in Genesis.

Abraham bought a field from Ephron in Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan (Gen. 23:16-20). In a cave of this field, Sarah was buried (Gen. 23:19). Later, Abraham's sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him with Sarah (Gen. 25:9-10). Years later Isaac and his wife Rebekah were also buried there (Gen. 49:30-31). Isaac's son, Jacob, and his first wife, Leah, were buried there too (Gen. 49:29-33). Jacob's second wife, Rachel, had died some years earlier while giving birth to Benjamin, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem) (Gen. 35:15-20).

Before his death Jacob's son, Joseph, asked his brothers to be sure to carry his bones from Egypt back to Canaan, the land of his forebears (Gen. 50:24-26). Many years later, when the children of Israel left Egypt they took Joseph's bones with them (Exo. 13:19). When they arrived in Canaan, Joseph's bones were buried at Shechem, in the piece of ground which Jacob had bought centuries before from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem (Josh. 24:32; Gen. 33:18-19).

While we are told that Jacob was buried with Abraham and Isaac at Machpelah (Gen. 49:29-30). Stephen indicated that "the twelve patriarchs" (Joseph's brothers), the "fathers" of the twelve tribes of Israel, were also buried at Shechem (Acts 7:8, 15-16).

A puzzle appears in Stephen's reference to Abraham purchasing the land in Shechem, whereas the Genesis record tells us that Jacob bought it (Gen. 33:18-19). A valid explanation is that it was common practice to use the name of the father interchangeably with that of the son. For example, the Jews of Jesus' day commonly referred to themselves as "sons of Israel" (Jacob's other name) (Matt. 27:9), and spoke of "our father Jacob" (John 4:12), and also of "our father Abraham" (John 8:53).[from The Truth in Love, no. 8, Mar. 7, 1993, p. 7]

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