FACTS ABOUT UNITY - Number 21
In order for unity in religion to exist, there must be a willingness of everyone involved to accept one source of authority (i.e., the 66 books of the BIBLE). Whenever everyone accepts the Bible as the only source of religious authority there are many other false standards of religious authority that will be rejected, a partial list of rejected items of religious authority follows:
WHEN MAN AGREES
TO ACCEPT THE BIBLE AS THE SOURCE OF RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY
THE FOLLOWING SOURCES OF RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY WILL BE EXCLUDED:
The "Koran"
The "Book of Mormon"
The "Pearl of Great Price"
"Doctrine and Covenants"
"Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures"
"The New World Translation of the Bible" {There are a number of translations of the Bible today that are unreliable}
All man made, religious "Creed Books"
The various books of religious authority used by the eastern mystic religions:
The "Moonies"
The "Hindus"
The "Satan worship cult"
"Witches"
"Astrologists"
And related religions philosophies
Various ancestor religious forms of worship found in Africa, South America, and the Pacific regions.
The religious views of fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, etc., whenever they conflict with the Bible.
Religious standards that conflict with the Bible as set by:
The Lodge
The school system
Humanist Manifesto
Evolution
The Supreme court
CONCLUSION:
All of these must be rejected whenever the Bible becomes the only source of religious truth for mankind -- this is the only path to true unity of all people on the earth.
Jesus said:
John 8:32, "and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ASV
John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth." ASV
The truth Jesus refers to here is contained in the Written Word
(i.e. the BIBLE)!
THAT IS THE WHOLE TRUTH ABOUT "Unity"
EXTENDING OUR INFLUENCE - Number 22
“CONVERSION OF THE SINNER IS A BIBLICAL DOCTRINE”
Those of us that seek to expand the borders of the Lord's church need to be constantly aware of that necessity in this present world. The concept that we are not responsible for the millions that are caught in the web of sin is contrary to the teaching of the Bible and ought not to be seriously considered. The world religious movement of today insists that evangelism of other religions is not acceptable, this response is totally contrary to the basic philosophy advocated by the Bible. You see, the Bible clearly teaches that true Christians are to "Go into all the world {i.e., unto all nations and races of people} and to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ" for the purpose of converting aliens and those that practice false religions --
THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST UNDERSTOOD THEIR MISSION WAS TO CONVERT ALL MANKIND
Matthew 28:18-20, 18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:
20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. ASV
This charge given by the Savior is repeated by Mark in Mark 16:15-16, 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. Again, the Savior gave this instruction to His apostles just preceding His accent up into the presence of the Father. He told them that they were to wait in Jerusalem until they received power to perform the task He had assigned them, please note the underlined portion of the contexts here: Luke 24:46-49, 46 and he said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day; 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 Ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from on high. ASV
PAUL, THE APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES ALSO UNDERSTOOD THAT HIS MISSION WAS TO CONVERT ALL NATIONS TO CHRIST
Paul, was a devout Jew and did as he thought was right while in the Jewish religion - cf., Acts 23:6,
6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees: touching the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. ASV
Acts 26:5-6,
5 having knowledge of me from the first, if they be willing to testify, that after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
6 And now I stand (here) to be judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers; A
Acts 26:9-11,
9 I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 And this I also did in Jerusalem: and I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.
11 And punishing them oftentimes in all the synagogues, I strove to make them blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities. ASV
From these verses of Scripture it is apparent that Paul was a member of the Jewish religion and was very devout about this religion. Indeed, he was convinced that the Jews religion was correct, yet his convictions were not correct as he found out on the road to Damascus cf. Acts 9:1-21,
1But Saul {i.e., Paul's name before he was converted}, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven:
4and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he (said), I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:
6but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7And the men that journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but beholding no man.
8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink.
10Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I (am here), Lord.
11And the Lord (said) unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth;
12and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.
13But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14and here he hath authority from the
chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name.
15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:
16for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake.
17And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, (even) Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
18And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized;
19and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.
20And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.
21And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests. ASV
Indeed, it is amazing that Paul was willing to convert to the religion of Christ from Judaism. Paul is an example of a sincere follower of the one true God; he understood that whatever God instructed is the truth. Paul also understood that all that he possessed was not worth throwing away his soul to hold on to. Please note the reading in Phil. 3:5-9,
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
7 Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, (even) that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith: ASV
THE CONGREGATION AND THE INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN ARE TO WORK AT EXTENDING THE BORDERS OF THE LORD'S CHURCH
Ø THE CONGREGATION:
Each congregation of the Lord's people have been instructed to evangelize the world. There are some congregations today that do not consider this as significant work for the congregation; I say some, because their actions show that this is not an important part of their planning and current work. Since the Scripture clearly indicates that this is a work of the church as demonstrated by the apostle Paul and clearly taught by him -- cf., Acts 14:26, 26 and thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.
Ephesians 4:12, 12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:
Acts 11:26,26and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people, and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. ASV
Paul traveled throughout the world of his day preaching the gospel, he was involved in four journeys that involved preaching the gospel and setting up churches. Paul also received his financial support from some of the churches that were established which indicated that the congregations of his day understood the importance of converting the lost to the religion that Christ had established on Pentecost day - cf., Acts 2:1-47. The same is true of congregations of God's people today, we all should understand that the congregation that we are a member of needs our support so that the gospel can be spread abroad -- this will result in an increase in the numerical strength of the Lord's church in the community in which it resides.
Ø AS AN INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN:
Indeed, I have a responsibility to help the congregation do whatever work in evangelism that it is able to do with its resources. On the other hand, I may, as an individual evangelize the community by exerting my knowledge and influence with my friends, neighbors, work related contacts, and any other opportunities that are available to me. The Scripture is also clear about this facet of the Christian's work; please observe the following reference - Acts 8:1-4, And Saul was consenting unto his death. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2And devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.
3But Saul laid waste the church, entering into every house, and dragging men and women committed them to prison. 4They therefore that were scattered abroad, went about preaching the word.
TODAY, AS IN THE FIRST CENTURY WE MUST TEACH/PREACH THE GOSPEL WITH THE INTENTION OF CONVERTING THE SINNER
The disciples of the Lord in the first century were not always received with open arms; many times their audience detested the message of the gospel. There is still today many that detest the gospel yet we must not waver in our insistence of bring the message to the lost.
CONSIDER THESE FACTS:
1. Because of the teaching of the gospel the teachers were charged with "turning the world upside down"
Acts 17:6,
6 And when they found them not, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying, these that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; ASV
Psalms 146:9,
9 Jehovah preserveth the sojourners; He up holdeth the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. ASV
2. Because of the teaching of the gospel the teachers were put in jail.
Acts 5:17-19,
17 But the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees),
and they were filled with jealousy, 18 and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public ward
{i.e., jail}. 19 But an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and
said, ASV
3. Because of the teaching of the gospel the preacher was killed.
Acts 7:58-60,
58 and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at
the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon (the Lord), and
saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord
lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. ASV
As can be seen from these three examples from the first century, many of the teachers of that period were not well received even though they did teach the whole truth. Therefore, we ought not to become discouraged if we are not well received part of the time whenever we attempt to teach other people the gospel of Christ.
REMEMBER THIS:
1. The truth can free men and women from sin - John 8:32, 32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ASV
2. The Written Word of God is the truth available to us today.
John 17:17, 17 Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. ASV
3. The Word of God {i.e., context - Christ} will be the standard of judgment in the last day. John 12:48, 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.
IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANTTHAT WE EVANGELIZE, AS A
CONGREGATION AND AS INDIVIDUALS LET US DO GOOD UNTO ALL
James 1:27, "Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless
and widows in their affliction, (and) to keep oneself unspotted from the world." ASV
Galatians 6:10, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men,
and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith." ASV
THE USE OF METHODS IN TEACHING OTHER PEOPLE
Methods have to do with different approaches to the subject matter. Such methods as using
the name of Biblical characters to prepare a study or preparing a study of the miracles in the Bible, the parables of the Bible, etc.
THE USE OF TACT IN THE TEACHING OF OTHER PEOPLE
This has to do with the approach of the teacher and how he/she comes across to the students in
the class. A good teacher is always conscious of their mood and how they are coming across to the class. If a teacher can not get good attention of their students, it may be because they are not being tactful in their approach to a Biblical subject. It is never a good idea to use course, or a caustic disposition in any discussion in a Bible class.
ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH - Number 23
INTRODUCTION
The concept of church organization is a subject of considerable variation among religious groups in the world. Church organization is one of the major obstacles to any form of unity among different religions; it is something that will probably never be addressed because of human pride. I say human pride because many religions have a sort of hierarchy with a grand Bishop, a pompous leader of great charisma, a board of leaders similar to General Motors, a Pope, etc. Most men have a level of pride that encourages them to seek after a high office in the church.
Yet, Jesus said in Matt 20:25-28 - 25But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister; 27and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant: 28even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. ASV
Indeed, there is a great division among religions about the organization of the church today. In response to such a great variety of organizational systems, we need to find out how God suggest that churches should be organized.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH AND THE LOCAL CONGREGATION
1. The "universal church" consist of all the saved of all time and
includes those that the Lord adds daily; Acts 2:47 - "praising God, and having favor with
all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved" {ASV}.
The only head of the church universal is Jesus Christ - Eph 5:23, "For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the church, (being) himself the savior of the body" {ASV}. The universal church has no earthly headquarter like many of the religious institutions that have come into existence since Christ founded it. The head of the universal church is Christ and the members, worldwide are its body. Man therefore, cannot activate the universal church -- there is no divine arrangement to activate it. Since there is no Divine arrangement revealed to man we are left to simply let Christ be the head and each one of us individually submit to the Kingship of Lord, Jesus.
2. The organization of the local, independent, congregations is another matter. You see, the Lord has given instruction about how the congregation is to function. The organization of local congregations consists of a plurality of Scriptural appointed elders, and a group of Scriptural qualified deacons. This is the organization of the congregation, as God's Word instructs.I will have more to say about these, "ELDERS" and "DEACONS" as we develop the study further.
SCRIPTURAL LEADERSHIP NEEDED IN EACH CONGREGATION
Each congregation ought to have qualified leadership {i.e., elders}. Of course, the congregation must not appoint unqualified men to the office so there are many congregations that do not have elders. Since this is a reality in many congregations, these congregations must function by meeting in business meetings {i.e., a scriptural expedient} to conduct the necessary business of the congregation. Even though many congregations are working and growing through this expedient way, the Bible clearly teaches that this is not the best way for the congregation to function. Since the Bible does give us a pattern for the organization of the congregation we ought to work tirelessly until we have reached this lofty goal, this is the best way for the congregation to function - please note the following references:
Titus 1:5 - "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;" {ASV}
Phil 1:1 - "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:" {ASV} It is apparent that each
Congregation does need to have qualified leaders {i.e., a plurality of qualified elders} so that the work of the church may go on to maturity - cf., Eph 4:10-16,
10He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11And he gave some (to be) apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:
13till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
15but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, (even) Christ;
16from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in (due) measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love. ASV
… ELDERS …
THEIR QUALIFICATIONS
The man that is to become an elder in the Lord's church must meet the qualifications that are listed in the Holy Scriptures. There must not be qualifications that men devise for the office, only those qualities that the Written Word instructs.
1. The first list of these qualifications are found in
1 Tim 3:1-8,
1Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not
contentious, no lover of money;
4one that ruleth well his own house, having (his) children in subjection with all gravity;
5(but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. ASV
2. The second list is found in
Titus 1:5-11,
5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge.
6if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.
7For the bishop must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
8but given to hospitality, as lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;
9holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.
10For there are many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision,
11whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. ASV
CONSIDER THIS:
Each Christian in the congregation is to look at the qualifications and compare the man that desires the office with them, if he possesses these qualities he ought to become an elder, if he does not possess these qualities he still has some work that he needs to do and should not be appointed to the office. I do not think any man wants to be appointed to the office that does not meet the qualifications -- therefore, we must be careful that we do attempt to enlarge these qualities beyond the demand of the context, nor read into these qualifications something that is not contained in them. If we are not careful, we might destroy any hope of appointing elders through imagined and unnecessary conclusions.
THE ELDER'S WORK
The work of the eldership is probably best identified by the names that are used to identify them. Let us look at the meanings of the words that are used in the Scripture that apply to the office:
1. Elder
NT:4245
presbuteros (pres-boo'-ter-os); comparative of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; or Christian "presbyter":KJV-elder (-est), old.
2. Pastor
NT:4166
poimen (poy-mane'); of uncertain affinity; a shepherd (literally or figuratively): KJV-shepherd, pastor.
3. Overseer
NT:1985
episkopos (ep-is'-kop-os); from NT:1909 and NT:4649 (in the sense of NT:1983); a superintendent, i.e. Christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively):
KJV-bishop, overseer.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
As we examine these Greek words
that were translated into English words we can understand, to a large degree, the work of elders when we look at the words as they appear in the ASV and the KJV -- we notice that there are five English language words that are gleaned by the translators of the Greek texts:
{1} From "presbuteros" comes the word elder.
{2} From "poimen" comes the words shepherd and pastor.
{3} From "episkopos" comes the words bishop and overseer.
Now these five words give us a picture of the work of the office:
1. Elder -- an older man, of experience.
2. Shepherd -- one who cares for the flock.
3. Pastor -- same meaning as overseer.
4. Bishop -- superintendent
5. Overseer -- same as superintendent.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE QUALIFICATIONS
1. We must never put undue pressure on any member of the congregation
to become an elder, if he does not desire the office we must not try to force him to take it. REMEMBER THIS -- The man that is appointed to the office must want to be an elder, that is the first qualification in 1 Timothy 3:1 - "Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." {ASV}
2. We must understand that the requirement that the elder have
believing children simply means that his children that are responsible must be Christians
at the time of his appointment to the office.
NOTE:
There are a few people that believe that the elder must resign as soon as one of his children backslide {i.e., sin and go into apostasy}.
It is my understanding of this qualification that the elder's children that are of accountable age must be Christians at the time of his appointment. Whether they backslide in later years or do not backslide in later years is not the question here.
QUOTE FROM AN ELDER:
"I agree with your conclusion about it. I do not believe in the impossibility of apostasy and to say that one's children must be forever faithful as an indication of one's ability to raise them is contrary to overall Bible teaching. Even Christians that have attained spiritual maturity can fall away, Hebrews 6. That is not any slap at their forbears."
3. A question has arisen over the matter of the death of the elder's wife. The
question is, is the elder meeting the qualification of having "one wife" now that his wife
has died?
NOTE:
As I examine this question there is one matter that seems to override all
other conclusions in my mind. If there is some objection to the elder continuing as an
elder the question ought to be discussed openly with good will by everyone. If it appears
that the congregation will divide over the elder if he continues in office, I would suggest
that he resign. It is always possible that he has angered someone in the congregation
and the death of his wife is the first chance that the offended person has had to get even
with the brother. If this is suspected the question is one of sin {1 John 4:20-21,
20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God whom he hath not seen.21And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also. ASV} rather than concern for the welfare of the congregation.
Another question concerning the "one wife" matter has to do with men who have a second wife. This situation may arise because of the death of the first wife and the scriptural remarriage of a man.
It is my considered opinion that because the text states clearly the husband of "one wife" this eliminates as qualified any man that has more than one wife.
Some commentators and Greek/Hebrew Lexicons take the position that this qualification was inserted because of the common practice of polygamy among the Gentiles. Yet, for this argument to have substance it would have to exclude the Jews because they did not believe or condone multiple marriages in the first place. Among the Jews of the first century they believed that marriage was for life -- remember they observed the Law of Moses, the Gentiles did not. Therefore, it is not reasonable to accept the philosophy that because of this condition the qualification does not apply today.
4. Another question has surfaced regarding the scope of the Eldership's authority,
does it extend to other congregations in the area or does it extend to the local
congregation only?
NOTE:
I am of the opinion that the 4th question relates to the concept of a church assuming control of a project that it cannot afford to fund and then calls itself a sponsoring church. As a sponsoring church having elders, it then seeks financial assistance from other churches and other Christians in local and distant places to fund the sponsored program. Through this process, the eldership of the sponsoring church has assumed responsibilities beyond its membership, thereby becoming a national or international eldership attempting to oversee the funds, or part of the funds of other churches and individual members of the church from which funds are received. In such a case the Bible is surely being ignored because 1 Peter 5:1-4 teaches clearly that the eldership is to oversee the local membership, only. Now, overseeing the local membership excludes any other members or congregations in the area or in the world. Please notice the reading in 1 Peter 5:1-4. Notice also the underlined references:
1The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to (the will of) God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.
4And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. ASV
WHO SELECTS THE ELDERS?
The elders are selected for the office by the congregation and are approved by the congregation. Whenever the time arrives for a congregation to consider appointing elders, someone {NOTE: this person ought not be a candidate for the office himself} will be selected {i.e., someone must lead} to make the announcements that pertain to the process as the process goes forward.
NOTE:
At the time, a decision is reached in the congregation to seek out qualified men that desire the office of elder. The process may proceed as follows:
{1} The leader will go to the men and ask them if they would like to become an elder.
{2} The leader will get a list together of all the men that say they want to be
an elder.
{3} The men will be asked if they meet the qualifications.
{4} Those that say that they do not know will examine carefully all the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-8 and Titus 1:5-11. After which these will be asked the same question again.
{5} At this time all those that desire the office and think that they are qualified will be presented to the congregation as potential elders.
{6} A period of time may be specified {example, 3 weeks} to give the membership of the congregation opportunity to talk with each of the men named if they have any doubts or questions for any of them.
{7} If anyone presents a scriptural objection to any of those presented with book, chapter, and verse -- then the man under question and the presenter of the objection ought to resolve the question in private. If the problem cannot be Scripturaly resolved then the man who is seeking the office might withdraw or call others to assist in resolving the problem.
{8} At this point, after everyone has had opportunity to satisfy themselves that the men remaining are qualified and worthy of leading the congregation they ought to be approved.
{9} The approval of those men remaining should be publicly proclaimed on the date agreed upon in point 3 {at the end of the three weeks}.
{10} Perhaps the men approved may stand at the front of the building on Lord's- day morning on the agreed Sunday, and a prayer offered for them.
{11} Perhaps there are some other minor steps not included. The above list will help us better understand the process.
SOME ORDERLY SYSTEM IS NECESSARY!
This procedure is just a suggestion for a process that will begin whenever the congregation determines to appoint elder to oversee the congregation.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
If you have suggestions or questions please let us know so that we can teach or write about them for the whole congregation to examine.
… DEACONS …
The second office in the church is the office of "deacon". Now, the office is not the office of the eldership nor is the office an office of authority as that of the eldership. The office of a "deacon" is an office of service. In this part of the study, we will look at this office as we did the office of "elders" and try to cover as much Biblical information as is available to us.
THE DEACON IS A SERVANT
First, let us examine the Greek definitions from two sources so that we will know that the Biblical usage is accurate:
MINISTERING, MINISTRATION, MINISTRY
A. Nouns.
1. diakonua NT:1248, "the office and work of a diakonos" (see MINISTER, A, No. 1), "service, ministry," is used (b) of religious and spiritual "ministration," (2) of the service of believers, e. g., Acts 6:1; Rom 12:7; 1 Cor 12:5, RV, "ministrations" (KJV, "administrations"); 1 Cor 16:15; 2 Cor 8:4; 9:1,12, RV, "ministration"; v. 13; 12, RV, "ministering" (KJV, (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
NT:1248 -- diakonia--
1) service, ministering, especially of those who execute the commands of others
2) used of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men
a) used of the office of Moses
b) used of the office of the apostles and its administration
c) used of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders, etc.
3) the ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection, especially those who help meet need by either collecting or distributing of charities
4) the office of the deacon in the church
5) the service of those who prepare and present food
(from The Online Bible Thayer's Greek Lexicon and Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon, Copyright (c)1993, Woodside Bible Fellowship, Ontario, Canada. Licensed from the Institute for Creation Research.)
NOTE:
From these definitions, it is apparent that the office of deacon is an office of service in each place where the word is used in the New Testament. The work of the deacon is an important part of the organizational structure of the congregation.
The deacons are servants with appointed task; the tasks will be assigned by the Eldership.
DEACON -- THE QUALIFICATIONS
1 Timothy 3:8-12,
8 Deacons in like manner (must be) grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.
11 Women in like manner (must be) grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
12 Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling (their) children and their own houses well. ASV
THE DEACON'S WORK
Some of the works that the deacon may be assigned by the eldership are -- remember; with the deacons, the key word is service:
1. Provide carry-through service to those that the elders declare to
be worthy recipients of benevolence:
ACTS 6:1 - "Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration." ASV
2. Teach those classes that the elders assign them and see that the classes are
properly equipped:
Romans 12:7 - "or ministry, (let us give ourselves) to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching;" ASV
3. Respond to the request of the elders in whatever area of service that is needed within the congregation: - 1 Corinthians 12:5
"And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord." ASV
4. The service {i.e., ministration}
that the deacon renders to the church is a work that he has determined in his heart to fulfill:
1 Corinthians 16:15 - "Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints)," ASV
5. The deacons are zealous and dedicated to their ministry:
2 Corinthians 8:4 - "beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:" ASV
6. The need to minister is evident: 2 Corinthians 9:1 - "For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:" ASV
7. The service of the deacons to minister to those in need - to take upon themselves the work to provide for in whatever capacity needed results in glorification of God: - 2 Corinthians 9:12 - "For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;" ASV
THE CONGREGATION'S RESPONSE TO THE ELDERS AND DEACONS
In any congregation of God's people, there is a need for everyone to work together and recognize the leadership and the great work that is being shepherded by them. The Bible is clear on this, please note the following references:
Psalms 133:1,
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! ASV
Ephesians 4:3,
3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ASV
Ephesians 4:11-13,
11 And he gave some (to be) apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:
13 till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a full-grown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: ASV
CONSIDER THIS:
Those of us that make up the congregation are each individuals, as such, we have joined ourselves together to make up the congregation here. Having joined ourselves together voluntary we acknowledge that we give up our independence to become a part of one body - the congregation {i.e., the church}. Since we are part of the church, we are obligated to abide by the Divine charter of the church, the New Testament example of it. Since we are told to abide within it in peace and unity {example - see the previous three scriptural reference to this section}, we ought to take this seriously and contribute to unity in whatever way that we can.
One of the ways that we as members together can contribute to unity is to understand that we are part of something much greater than ourselves, as Paul makes very clear in Romans 12:1-5,
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, (which is) your spiritual service.
2And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.
4For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office:
5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.
SCOPE OF THE ELDERS WORK
The elders of each congregation are limited to oversee the work of the congregation over which they have been appointed; cf., 1 Peter 5:1-4. No eldership of any autonomous congregation has the right to assume control over any other congregation. Even if a congregation that does not have elders request that an eldership of another congregation oversee the congregation, the elders cannot do so {i.e., it is unscriptural}. No church has a right to ask elders from another church to oversee their affairs {i.e., it is unscriptural}.
LIMITS OF THE ELDERS WORK
No eldership may involve itself in any work that the Scripture does not authorize. It is simple to say or assume a work for the congregation and claim that it is a good work - before a work that the congregation is involved in can be a good work, the Scripture must authorize it;
CONSIDER THIS:
Revelation 22:18-19,
18 I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book:
19 and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. ASV
2 John 9,
9 Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.
The Scriptures reveal the work of each autonomous congregation under its elders. The work of each congregation is three fold:
Ø EVANGELIZE
Ø EDIFY
Ø CARE FOR ITS NEEDY
Eph 4:11-12,
11And he gave some (to be) apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: ASV
Acts 6:1,
Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Rom 14:19,
So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another. ASV
1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do .KJV
CONSIDER THIS:
The Scripture dictates to the eldership of each congregation that they are to:
1. Oversee the congregation among them - the local church.
2. The work that they oversee is three fold:
Ø Edifying the congregation.
Ø Evangelizing the world.
Ø Caring for its needy.
And;
In emergencies, aid other Christians even in other nations.
3. The elders do not have a Scriptural right to create a need
for its funds beyond its ability. The ability of each congregation is determined by its own resources. It is not Scripturally permissible to create a work for the congregation that it cannot support and then go to sister congregations and insist that they too are obligated to support it.
EVERY MATURE CHURCH (i.e. Congregation)
WILL HAVE A PLURALITY OF QUALIFIED ELDERS
Psalms 23:1-6 - Number - Number 24
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (KJV)
Commentary by Garreth L. Clair
The thoughts revealed to us in these six verses is surely encouraging, the writer, probably David, states in clear terms his trust and confidence in the Lord God to always provide all things adequate for him regardless of the untoward circumstance, even into the face of death itself. Because of the writers confidence in God to provide adequately, he indicate that he will dwell in the presence of the Lord God eternally, whether in life or in death.
What an encouraging thought to those of us who struggle daily with the problems, trials, and tribulations of this life. Those of us that are children of God ought to feel as confident and encouraged as David in the day to day life that we live here on this earth. Indeed, and we should also be confident of the final outcome because we are promised eternal life and safe care by our Lord as was David.
Note the following Bible references:
2 Timothy 4:7-8
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (KJV)
Revelation 2:10
10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, to death, and I will give you a crown of life.
John 10:27-30
27 My sheep know my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
30 I and the Father are one."
TWO WAYS (Matthew 7:13-14) - Number 25
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV)
Commentary by Garreth L. Clair
In these two verses is contained the truth about man's choices in the spiritual realm, on the one hand is described the "broad way" of which God disapproves and on the other the "narrow way", a lifestyle that God does delight in.
The 13th verse describes a false, crooked, perverse, evil way (i.e., lifestyle), a way of life that is in rebellion against God, a way that is displeasing to God. In this lifestyle the vast majority of the human family reside, this is indicated by the phrase "many there be which go in thereat."
The 14th verse describes the way that God would have everyone travel. Many people do travel the "narrow way" that pleases God but the majority do not. The "narrow way" indicates that there are few that travel the way God, stated by the phrase in the text: "few there be that find it."
Consider this:
God wills that no person may perish in Gehenna (cf. 2 Peter 3:9; "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (KJV)
Definition - (The Numbers in the definition are Strong’s Greek):
1067 Gehenna (gheh'-en-nah); of Hebrew origin [1516 and 2011]; valley of (the son of) Hinnom, ge-henna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment: KJV-- hell. (from Strong's numbers)
HELL
1. gehenna ^1067^ represents the Hebrew Ge-Hinnom (the valley of Tophet) and a corresponding Aramaic word; it is found twelve times in the NT, eleven of which are in the Synoptists, in every instance as uttered by the Lord Himself. He who says to his brother, Thou fool (see under FOOL), will be in danger of "the hell of fire," <Matt. 5:22>; it is better to pluck out (a metaphorical description of irrevocable law) an eye that causes its possessor to stumble, than that his "whole body be cast into hell," <v. 29>; similarly with the hand, <v. 30>; in <Matt. 18:8,9>, the admonitions are repeated, with an additional mention of the foot; here, too, the warning concerns the person himself (for which obviously the "body" stands in <chapt. 5>); in <v. 8>, "the eternal fire" is mentioned as the doom, the character of the region standing for the region itself, the two being combined in the phrase "the hell of fire," <v. 9>. To the passage in <Matt. 18>, that in <Mark 9:43-47>, is parallel; here to the word "hell" are applied the extended descriptions "the unquenchable fire" and "where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched." (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)
(Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Consider carefully your choices in life, we each must travel one of the two ways described in Matthew 7:13, 14. God would have us choose the narrow way not the broad way. No one can make this choice for me I must make the choice myself, dear friend make sure you choose wisely.
"AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?" - Number 26
The statement for the heading of this article is a statement uttered by Cain (cf., Genesis 4:9) in response to God's question, "where is Abel thy brother." Cain had just killed his brother and the statement, "Am I my brother's keeper" perhaps was offered as a disclaimer by Cain to any knowledge of his brother or his status, But Cain failed to understand, God already knew where Abel was, He simply sought an honest answer from Cain, which did not come forth, Cain had Lied to God.
CONSIDER THIS:
1. Within the church of Christ there are many members, we are an autonomous body instructed to worship, and to serve God faithfully as brethren, one of another, note the following references:
Romans 12:3-5
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (KJV)
1 Corinthians 12:12-22
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: (KJV)
2. In our relationship together in the church we are brethren. Since we are brethren we have obligations to help one another overcome problems that we encounter with sin and the Devil. The Word of God (i.e., the Scriptures) instruct us to help one another, please note the following passage:
Galatians 6:1-2
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (KJV)
Hebrews 10:24
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (KJV)
Therefore, in our relationship together as brethren, let us aid and encourage faithfulness in our relationship together. We should be alert and active in helping weaker members to grow and stay on the narrow path. We should never ignore or seek to avoid our obligations to one another -- remember, God already knows where we are and what we are doing.
Indeed, we are in reality "our brothers keeper." consequently let us never manifest an attitude toward a lost or wayward brother/sister (i.e., one who is dead spiritually -- a backslider), like that of Cain, "Am I my brother's keeper?" glc
SOME PEOPLE CANNOT BE SAVED FROM SIN - Number 27
TEXT - Romans 1:16-24
INTRODUCTION:
1. There is a heaven and there is a place of eternal punishment.
2. All will eventually die and will go to either heaven or eternal punishment.
3. Everyone is either saved or unsaved.
4. The Bible states these facts very clearly.
A HEAVENLY PLACE FOR THE RIGHTEOUS:
John 14:2-6,
2 In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, (there) ye may be also.
4 And whither I go, ye know the way.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me. ASV
A PLACE OF ETERNAL TORMENT FOR THE UNRIGHTEOUS:
Revelation 20:10,
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. ASV
Revelation 20:14,
14 And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death,
(even) the lake of fire. ASV
Knowledge of the realities of life, death, and what is after death is important to every person. The wise understand that now is the time to prepare the soul for eternity. The apostle Peter stated clearly in 1 Peter 1:24 the importance of understanding that life is fleeting, please note Peter's statement: "For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth:" ASV
1. Man and his glory (i.e., his life) are fading away.
2. Everyone will eventually return to the dust (i.e., will die) from which they came -- cf. Ecclesiastes 12:7, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." KJV
BODY:
{Even though many realize that life is short and they are unsaved, many will not (i.e., CANNOT) be saved -- those that will not be saved are}
1. THOSE WHO DO NOT DESIRE SALVATION:
A. One must want to be saved, Acts 2:37, "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, " Men and brethren, what shall we do?
B. Each person is personally involved in their conversion, becoming a Christian is not a passive affair!
(1) Each person volunteers to serve God.
(2) No one can be saved for another person.
2. THOSE THAT REFUSE GOD'S WILL:
2 Thess 1:8-9,
8 rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:
9 who shall suffer punishment, (even) eternal destruction from the face of
the Lord and from the glory of his might, ASV
3. THOSE THAT WILL NOT ABANDON SIN:
Luke 13:1-5,
1 Now there were some present at that very season who told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 And he answered and said unto them, Think ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they have suffered these things?
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. ASV
4. THOSE THAT TRUST IN THEMSELVES FOR SALVATION:
Matt 7:21,
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom
of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. ASV
5. THE CARELESS, THOSE THAT WILL NOT TAKE THE TIME TO KNOW THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD:
Matt 15:14,
14 Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both
shall fall into a pit. ASV
6. THOSE THAT HATE THEIR BROTHER:
1 John 4:20-21,
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God whom he hath not seen.
21 And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love
his brother also. ASV
7. AN INFANT CHILD:
{They have no sin - They cannot be saved from something that they do not have}
Matt 18:1-3,
1 In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them,
3 and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. ASV
CONCLUSION:
1. Indeed, there are many people that cannot be saved from the eternal torment that is coming to the wicked.
2. Those that cannot be saved are those that will not allow God to save them for whatever reason.
3. God is willing and able to save everyone but everyone will not be saved from sin and go
to heaven, This is a great tragedy of every generation.
4. It is a fact, the infant child cannot be saved from sin -- an infant child has no sin
OUR CONTINUING NEED OF GOD’S GRACE - Number 28
Did you ever think that the religious world, including many professing Christians today would get in the sad shape that they are currently in? I refer to the sad state of their “standing for the faith” – Jude 3 – many Christians do not stand for anything unless they are standing for radically unscriptural change, many consider themselves to be the fountain of truth and worthy of exaltation. Let me assure you, I do not consider myself infallible, nor do I consider all my thoughts, statements, and inclinations to be perfect. Indeed, I am trying to get as close to absolutely perfection as I can but I understand that “whenever I have done all that I can do, I am still an imperfect person”, - cf., Luke 17:7-10, “7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? 8 But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do” (NKJV), a person who is in need of God’s grace for my eternal hope to be successful. I cannot claim that I am in complete control of my hope for heaven because I cannot do enough to get there without God’s grace continually being extended toward me - cf. Heb 4:14-16, “14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (NKJV). I know that I need God’s help in my conscious desire to get to heaven, so I pray as often as I offer HIM prayers, “O God, please continue your grace toward me and help me to be pleasing to you as I seek to be with you someday in heaven - cf. 1 Peter 5:5-11, “5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (NKJV).
CONSIDER THIS:
Titus 2:11-12, “11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (NKJV).
The passage here in Titus 2 tells (i.e. teaches) us some things necessary in order to benefit from God’s grace:
And to:
… Garreth L. Clair - February 18, 2005 …
"NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL" - Number 29
Romans 1:15-17
Occasionally we find ourselves in a situation where we must acknowledge the relationship that we have with Christ, do we always do as we should in this matter? or are we sometimes ashamed. Apparently there were some in Paul's day who manifested this spirit also, (i.e., they were ashamed of the gospel). In Paul's opening to the book of Romans he tells those in Rome that he is not ashamed of the gospel,
cf., Romans 1:15-17,
15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (KJV)
Not only does Paul state clearly that he is not ashamed of the gospel but he also describes the value of the gospel to others in the statement in verse 16, "... for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth." and he specifies both "Jews and Greeks."
CONSIDER THIS:
The importance of the preaching (i.e., teaching) of the gospel cannot be over estimated, as a result of the preached gospel men and women will hear and understand God's plan for the salvation of their soul from sin. No action in this world is more important than sharing the gospel with another person, they may respond by heading the message and obeying the gospel. What a wonderful experience for anyone to enjoy, the joy of seeing someone you have taught become a Christian. Indeed, a child of God should never be ashamed of the gospel. glc
THE GOOD LIFE - Number 30
DEFINING THE SUBJECT:
The "good life" has many definitions; some people consider the acquisition of material wealth as the good life. Other people consider the "good life" to consist in personal acclaim or prestige. There are still other people who consider a combination of the two previous matters as the "good life" and yet there is still another lifestyle that is superior to all the three previously discussed. The most important of all accomplishments is to attain the correct relationship with our Creator, this truly does constitute the "good life" -- let us explore this idea further in this article:
1. Man is alienated from God, consider the following:
Romans 5:10,
10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
2 Corinthians 5:17-19,
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Colossians 1:20-21,
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (KJV)
2. God has provided essential grace so that man might be reconciled to God, God providing an acceptable sacrifice (i.e., Christ):
Romans 3:23-26,
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished--
26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Ephesians 1:6-7,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
1 Timothy 1:14-15,
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. KJV)
3. Obedience completes the reconciliation process:
Titus 2:11-14,
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (KJV)
CONCLUSION:
From our study, it is apparent, the "good life" (i.e., the good relationship to God) is acquired as a result of God's "un-merited favor" toward us first and foremost. Without God's initiative toward man in sending His Son, Jesus Christ to atone for our sin, reconciliation would have been impossible.
In addition to that which God has done for us that we could not do for ourselves (i.e., He provided grace), we too, are to participate in establishing that correct relationship with God, we are to obey His instructions (see point # 3 above). To obey God's instructions to acquire salvation from sin (i.e., the "good life") we are to:
A. Hear the gospel, Romans 10:17
B. Believe the gospel, Mark 16:15, 16
C. Repent of sins, Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38
D. Be Baptized, Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38
CONSIDER THIS, TOO:
The "good life" is available to you and me as a result of God's grace and our obedience, one cannot underestimate the importance of having that good relationship with God that can really be considered the "good life". If you are looking for a direction in your life, salvation from sin, or if you have a desire to live "the good life" please examine this option. No one can make this decision for another person, everyone must personally choose to live the good life or reject it. THE ULTIMATE DECISION IS INDIVIDUAL. glc ...
Consider Magazine is an independent work by Garreth L. Clair
Garreth has over 50 years experience as a preacher, and is currently the preacher for the church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road, in Hilliard OH.
http://www.cemeteryroadchurchofchrist.org/
Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. (Please contact us for permission to reprint.)
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