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If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all people in the world are personally responsible for the way they respond to it. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, someday everyone in the world will be judged by its contents. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all people in the world should look at its contents and make life choices about how they will react to it. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, everyone will one day bow to Jesus Christ Who is "King of Kings and Lord of Lords." If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all of humanity must follow whatever God has said about any subject named in it, unless there are exclusions contained within the instruction. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, every statement and every thing in it is absolutely true and cannot be contested by any man or group of men. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, the first two verses in the Book of Genesis are true. Therefore, mankind is composed of simply created beings whom God has blessed beyond expression. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, I will obey, live accordingly, love God, love my neighbor, and do as He instructs me. I will thank Him continually for my life; for my mind and body health; for Jesus Christ, His great gift for my sins; indeed, for everything.
I will be a Christian because I believe in God, the Bible, and everything about God's Book:
If the Bible is not from God, I will live out my life as a Christian not knowing it. I will eventually die and be buried somewhere, and my memory will finally subside so that one-thousand years from today, no one will ever know that I have lived. If the Bible is from God, because I made a personal choice in my life to believe and obey Him, someday all the promises He has made to me will become reality. I will gain victory, the thought of which encourages me to continue faithfully day by day seeking to do God’s will. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-58)
Mydocuments contain Number 1-45 Mydocuments contain Number 46-55 Mydocuments Number 56-67 Mydocuments January - December 12, 2007 Mydocuments December 13-07 to 3-4-08
CURRENT BIBLE STUDIES
WHO IS ABLE?
Many have been the times in life that we ask ourselves the question, “I can’t solve the problem and I do not know who can!” Indeed, to many problems and terrors of life we silently ask the question, “Who is able” for we know that we cannot deal with the calamity that has come upon us. Another question that invades our thought processes from time to time, becoming more and more urgent as age creeps upon us is; “Who can help me with this great trouble that I am in?”
Perhaps an example that many of us can relate is found in the pitiful cry of Job as he suffers in almost every way that a human could suffer --- Job 19:7, “7 Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry for help , but there is no justice.” ASV - Job 30:24-28, “24 Howbeit doth not one stretch out the hand in his fall? Or in his calamity therefore cry for help? 25 Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? Was not my soul grieved for the needy? 26 When I looked for good, then evil came; and when I waited for light, there came darkness. 27 My heart is troubled, and resteth not; Days of affliction are come upon me. 28 I go mourning without the sun: I stand up in the assembly, and cry for help” ASV.
Do not be discouraged, do not give up, stand up and look for relief for there is help available for all our calamities and hurts. Indeed, if we will look to our Creator, God! We might look at the great example of David, a man who in spite of his failings and great loss always knew that he could not loose his sanity or his secure relationship with Jehovah if he continued to place his trust in Him. David understood this fact even though he stated in this Psalms, “through the valley of the shadow of death” that God would be with him and never abandon him. --- Psalms 23, “1 Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, thou 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 hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever.” ASV
This is the peace that God’s children possess if they will come to Him and remain faithful to His instruction, God will always give us the victory over troubles, trials, and tribulations. Proverbs 21:31-22:1, “31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.” ASV 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, “57 but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.” ASV ---glclair@aol.com
… DO YOU POSSESS INTEGRITY …
Definition: Noun: integrity (uncountable); Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code The state of being wholesome; unimpaired The quality or condition of being complete; pure
Synonyms: honesty - uprightness - rectitude - unity - wholeness - purity - goodness -probity - sincerity - virtue - decency Possibly one of the greatest attributes a person may possess is integrity, now integrity is a characteristic that each Christian ought to possess, yet many do not. The reason that many do not possess integrity may be attributed to a lack of application and a failure to grow as directed by Scripture – cf. 18 but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. {2 Peter 3:18 (KJV).
Synonyms of the word integrity give us an idea of the many facets that are added to the person’s character that possesses it. Please notice the description of the synonyms to the word integrity following;
Honesty - The quality or state of being honest; probity; fairness and straightforwardness of conduct, speech, etc.; integrity; sincerity; truthfulness; freedom from fraud or guile. That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. - 1 Tim. 2: 2.
Uprightness - uprightness as a consequence of being honorable and honest
Rectitude - 1: the quality or state of being straight 2: moral integrity: RIGHTEOUSNESS 3: the quality or state of being correct in judgment or procedure
Unity - 1 a: the quality or state of not being multiple: ONENESS (1): a definite amount taken as one or for which 1 is made to stand in calculation <in a table of natural sines the radius of the circle is regarded as unity> (2): IDENTITY ELEMENT 2 a: a condition of harmony: ACCORD b: continuity without deviation or change (as in purpose or action) 3 a: the quality or state of being made one: UNIFICATION b: a combination or ordering of parts in a literary or artistic production that constitutes a whole or promotes an undivided total effect; also: the resulting singleness of effect or symmetry and consistency of style and character 4: a totality of related parts : an entity that is a complex or systematic whole
Wholeness - a: 1. constituting an undivided unit: UNBROKEN, UNCUT 2. Having all its proper parts or components: COMPLETE, 3. Constituting the entirety of a person's nature or development
Purity - 1: the quality or state of being pure 2. un-polluted, without pollution
Goodness - 1: the quality or state of being good 2. Being Christ-like {i.e. imitator of the Divine Nature – cf. 2 Peter 1:4-7, “4 whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” KJV
Probity - probitas, from probus honest adherence to the highest principles and ideals: UPRIGHTNESS
Sincerity - the quality or state of being sincere : honesty of mind: freedom from hypocrisy Paul clearly indicates as well as instructs children of God to be sincere as they participate with other Christians in service to the one true God {i.e. have fellowship together in God’s Service}; cf. Phil 1:9-11, “9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” KJV
Virtue - 1: conformity to a standard of right: MORALITY b: a particular moral excellence 2: a beneficial quality or power of a thing 3: manly strength or courage: VALOR 4: a commendable quality or trait: MERIT 5: a capacity to act: POTENCY 6: chastity especially in a woman 7: quality instructed for all Christians by Paul; cf. 2 Peter 1:5, “Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in (your) virtue knowledge;” ASV
Decency - 1 archaic a : FITNESS b: ORDERLINESS 2: the quality or state of being decent: PROPRIETY b : conformity to standards of taste, propriety, or quality 3: standard of propriety -- usually used in plural 4: conditions or services considered essential for a proper relationship between a Christian and other Christians or conditions of service considered by God as conditions of fellowship with man.
CONCLUSIONS:
Integrity then, is the personal conformity of a person to the will of God as pertains to life and service to God and to his fellow man; cf. Mark 12:30-31, “30 and thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart , and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. 31 The second is this; Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” ASV In our lives as faithful children of God we are obligated to be men and women in service to God with real INTEGRITY.
Definitions are from Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, the K.J.V., and the A.S.V. and Commentary from the author: --- glclair@aol.com
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH?
The spirit leaves the dead physical body and returns to God. Eccl 12:6-7, “6 before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 7 and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.” ASV
David was confident even in his day that the soul will survive through physical death shown in the Psalms: NOTE the passages of following passages of Scripture; Psalms 16:10, “For thou wilt not leave my soul to Sheol; neither wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see corruption.” Psalms 25:13, “ His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the land. Psalms 30:3, “O Jehovah, thou hast brought up my soul from Sheol; Thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.” ASV Psalms 33:19-20, “19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul hath waited for Jehovah: He is our help and our shield.” ASV Psalms 49:15, “But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol; for he will receive me. (Selah)” ASV Psalms 23:1-6, “1 Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, thou 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 hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever.”ASV
THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS: A CASE OF LIFE AFTER DEATH - THE SOUL [I.E. SPIRIT] CONTINUES ON, THE SPIRIT IS CONSCIOUS DURING THIS PERIOD ACCORDING TO THE TEXT HERE IN Luke 16.
Luke 16:19-26, “19 Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day: 20 and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 and desiring to be fed with the (crumbs) that fell from the rich man's table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham's bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried. 23 And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus , that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us.”
COMMENTS: Verse 22, tells us that THE BEGGER WAS IN PARADISE AFTER HE DIED Verse 23, 24, tells us that the rich man was in a place of torments [plural] Verse 25, 26 tells us that the two souls {i.e. the rich man & Lazarus] were in the same state but were separated from each other by an impassable gulf [great gulf].
From research through the years I am convinced that there is a place prepared by God to receive the soul [i.e. spirit] of each person, reserving them for the great day of judgment that will occur someday yet future; cf. Rev 20:13-15, “13 And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, (even) the lake of fire. 15 And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.” ASV John 12:48, “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.”
After the trumpet of God sounds, all that are alive will be changed, The dead small and great will arise, The death [i.e. the grave] and Hades will give up their dead, 1 Thess 4:15-5:1, “15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we that are alive, that are left unto the coming of the Lord, shall in no wise precede them that are fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; 17 then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” ASV 1 Cor 15:51-53, “51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed . 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” ASV
END NOTES:
So far as I can understand these are the events that will occur when a person dies. These events are listed by GLC in the order in which they will occur when a person dies [i.e. Numbered as 1-4].
--- Evangelism --- You are welcome to the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road, Hilliard, OH
Matt 28:18-20, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you." Imagine that Jesus saying these words to eleven of us today and we were one of the eleven. What would be our reaction? Impossible? Incredible? Absurd? Or Lord don't you see there are only eleven of us? Or would we think "Yes Jesus really means me also." We are also under this obligation to teach others. Jesus had just commanded the eleven to go teach and to teach those who were converted to observe all things he had command them which included that we are also to be taught to go and teach.
Paul says in Romans 1:14, "I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise." In like manner today we are debtors to every non-Christian because we have the good news that can save his soul. This places us under obligation to share the gospel with the lost so they can be saved. Because someone loved us enough to teach us the truth, shouldn't we do as much for someone else? What if you were unsaved and doomed to Hell, wouldn't you want someone to teach you the saving gospel of Christ?
If people have not heard and learned the gospel they cannot obey it. In 1 Peter 4:17 the question is asked, "What shall be the end of those who do not obey the gospel?" The answer is given in 2 Thessalonians 1:8 which says when the Lord comes He will come "In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." We should not want to see anyone lost but as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:11, "Knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men." People are going to be lost forever if we don't teach them now!
The Lord doesn't want anyone to be lost. We read in 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord...is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." They can only come to repentance when they know what to do. We also read in 1 Timothy 2:4, "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to a knowledge of the truth." Because of what the Lord has done for us, we have the obligation to teach others so they can come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:16, "Woe is to me if I preach not the gospel." How are we going to answer the Lord if we haven't bothered to tell the good news to others?
Our Lord in teaching His disciples, tells them in John 4:35, "Do you say there are still four months then comes the harvest? Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields for they are white already to harvest." Our Lord was speaking of the spiritual harvest of souls who would be lost in eternity if they are not harvested. There is an urgency to teach the lost for Jesus says in Matthew 9:37-38, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." We must work in the Lord's harvest because if we don't then those we could have taught will be lost and we don't want that to happen.
Teaching the lost is the work the Lord has commanded each of us to do. Successful evangelism is accomplished one person at a time. Evangelism is not only to be done in distant lands, but we must also teach those near us, our next door neighbors. God will be with us as we teach His word to the lost. We will be successful because we read in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." When we do what the Lord says to do we will not fail.
When we teach the lost we cause all of Heaven to rejoice. Jesus tells us that there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God when one sinner repents (Luke 15:7, 10). The joy of teaching one the gospel and seeing them obey it is beyond description.
Plan to be with us Sunday morning at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 6:00 PM too; you will always be welcome and the church members will appreciate your encouragement. Perhaps you have not been to our services before – come on and get acquainted with us. Psalms 118:24, “This is the day which Jehovah hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” ASV
Psalms 122:1, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go unto the house of Jehovah.” ASV
SEE YOU IN WORSHIP! --- glclair@aol.com
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDY 2008
52 opportunities to participate in Bible study on Sunday at 9:30 AM
104 opportunities to study God’s Word during preaching each Sunday
52 opportunities to participate in Bible study on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM
8 times each year to hear the gospel proclaimed during our gospel meeting
12 opportunities to read and study the monthly bulletin articles
Tracts to read, study, and give to prospects
2 Free Bible correspondence courses by mail for you or to enroll your friends and interested contacts
Free Bible video checkout or view here at the meeting-house
Free audio-cassette tapes on a variety of subjects to take home or hear and study with your Bible here at the building
In home Bible studies for anyone who wants to study the Bible in a private setting at home or here at the meeting-house at your request.
Home Bible study at any time FOR BIBLE STUDY --- Garreth at (614) 850-7252
Church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
Definition of Faith-J. H. Thayer
Three Essentials Of Faith: -- Thayer's Lexicon gives a most interesting definition of this Greek word pisteuo. If there is a human authority to which appeal can be made to determine the meaning of a Greek word found in the New Testament, Thayer's Lexicon is generally regarded as the authority. On page 511, under the word pisteuo, here is what Thayer says: "Used especially of the faith by which a man embraces Jesus, i.e. a conviction, full of joyful trust, that Jesus is the Messiah --- the divinely appointed author of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God, conjoined with obedience to Christ."
That definition of the Greek word pisteuo forever destroys the denominational conception of believing on the Lord and completely vindicates the position of gospel preachers who maintain according to the Scriptures that the faith which saves is the faith which obeys. Thayer says that saving faith is composed of three elements; (1) conviction, (2) trust and (3) obedience.
If that be true, and it is, one has not really and completely believed on the Lord until after he has obeyed. Obedience is as much a part of saving faith as conviction and trust. I wish that every denominational preacher who emphasizes trust but ridicules obedience would read that definition of real saving faith and be impressed with what it means to believe on the Lord. When they preach conviction and trust, they are preaching only two-thirds of saving faith. What is that faith by which a man embraces Jesus? It is conviction plus trust plus obedience. And yet denominational preachers will stand up and tell a lost and dying world. "Just trust the Lord to save you, just give your life to Christ, just believe on Him and that's all. There is nothing else to do, no commands to obey." Why don't they tell sinners the truth about what it means to believe in Christ? Why don't they preach that saving faith is conviction and trust and obedience to the Lord's commands? We see the connection between faith and obedience in Gal. 3:26-27, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." That is saving faith because it is obedient faith! Internet – Biblemat January 2, 2008
A LIST OF THINGS ALL CHRISTIANS CAN DO To assist in Congregationa growth
1. Send a Card to the sick, lonely, or bereaved.
2. Visit the sick, lonely, or shut-in.
3. Visit new members; have then in your home.
4. Visit the absentees and encourage them.
5. Worship regularly with the church.
6. Contribute regularly to the reverence in the assembly.
7. Read and study God's Word daily.
8. Distribute good literature (I.e., tracts, bulletins, etc.).
9. Use your car to bring others to service.
10. Take flowers to the sick and shut in.
11. Teach Bible classes or arrange them in your home.
12. Be friendly; greet visitors to the service.
13. Develop hospitality.
14. Give of your money as prospered.
15. Use your telephone to invite and encourage others.
16. Take food to the sick, needy, and bereaved.
17. Live Godly and peaceful lives.
18. Pray for one another.
19. Pray for the preacher.
20. Pray for the song leaders.
21. Pray for the weak that they may become strong in the faith.
22. Participate in the worship service, as you are able.
23. Love you neighbor.
24. Love your brethren.
25. Attend gospel meetings.
26. Support the elders of the church in their work.
27. Contend earnestly for the faith, Jude 3.
28. Give a copy of the bulletin to someone that will read it.
29. Help with the ongoing cleaning, preparing the communion, maintenance, etc.
30. Do good unto all men.
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (KJV) --- glclair@aol.com
On Being Considerate of Others
Very few people have the natural inclination to be considerate of the feelings of other people. Yet the Bible teaches that Christians, ought to be non-offensive, and non-aggressive in their day to day interactions with other people
"Jesus extended the concept of neighbor to include strangers, as in the parable of the Good Samaritan <Luke 10:25-37>, and hence all mankind. The apostle Paul declared that "love your neighbor as yourself" was a supreme commandment." (From Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
Romans 13:8-10, “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law.For this, Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall not kill, Thou shall not steal, Thou shall not bear false witness, Thou shall not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." (KJV)
The Christian is to always display the spirit of meekness and sobriety toward everyone that he interacts with, the future growth of the church will depend upon the actions and attitudes of its members to a large degree. The Christian is also to be a light in the world of darkness (i.e., spiritual darkness). How can a Christian win friends and influence people when he constantly exhibits hostile and unfriendly actions and speech? The attitude of every Christian is to be good, clean, holy, and joyful toward others. Indeed, there will be times when the Christian is sick of mind or body, at such times he may feel badly and it may show. Even when the Christian is sick he need not be offensive. The Christian whenever healthy or sickly truly needs to be conscious of his attitude and actions toward others. Together, we are trying to influence the world to join us and serve the one true God, therefore let us be considerate of other people and their feelings asWe interact with them. "
BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS!"
SERMON OUTLINE
SALVATION FROM SIN INTRODUCTION:
The subject matter in our sermon for this month {September 2000) is one of permanent importance in the practice of the religion of Jesus Christ. The church of our Lord is entered through the avenue that is commonly referred to as "the plan of salvation." God's plan is not optional to the person who has a desire to be saved from sin. Please note the following outline:
1. GOD PROVIDES GRACE (i.e., an acceptable sacrifice, etc.) Titus 2:11, “11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,”
2. MAN PROVIDES HIS OBEDIENCE"Hebrews 5:8-9, “8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
3. MAN'S OBEDIENCE CONSISTS OF: A. BELIEF (i.e., faith) John 8:24, “24 “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (KJV)
B. REPENTANCE OF PAST SIN: Acts 2:38, “38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
C. CONFESSION OF JESUS CHRIST AS GOD'S SON: Romans 10:9-10, ‘9 That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
D. BAPTISM: Acts 2:38, “38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Baptism is for the "remission of Sin.” Acts 2:38, “And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” ASV
Baptism is "immersion in water"... Romans 6:3-4, “3 Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.” ASV
Baptism is the last action prescribed for salvation from sin in God's instruction Book --- 1 Peter 3:21, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by theresurrection of Jesus Christ:” ASV
God’s Plan Described
In the process of describing God’s dealings with man we take into consideration the fact that God existed before man was created. This is an important point in describing God’s intentions and actions because we know only what God has revealed about Himself and His Plans for man from the Book that HE authored [i.e. the Bible]. From these introductory remarks I will attempt to formulate a chronological history of events from the beginning [i.e. Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” ASV]
Some scholars have concluded that the church Jesus established was an after-thought devised by God because the majority of the Jews rejected Jesus as the Messiah. This is an incorrect exegesis for the simple reason; God does not change His plans because of man’s reaction. God’s plans are pr-arranged and always work themselves our without man’s help. Man is the created being, God is the CREATOR. Based on this fact I present the following Biblical facts about the concepts of man’s theology regarding the church Jesus Built and the purpose of God from the beginning.
“God” BEFORE THE CREATION
INTRODUCTION: Surely we must have an accurate under-standing of what took place “in the beginning.” It is also very important that we accept the Biblical account of the creation of all things by God in six twenty-four hour days [Genesis 1:1-31] – cf. 2 Peter 3:5, “For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth compacted out of water and amidst water, by the word of God;” ASV --- It is also important for the Bible student to be aware of those things that happened before the creation begin, please note some of them in the following references:
1. JESUS CHRIST WAS WITH THE FATHER BEFORE THE CREATION: John 17:4-5, “4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” ASV
CONSIDER THIS: Jesus Christ is now reigning over the Kingdom {i.e. the church of Christ}, established by His apostles on the first Pentecost after His resurrection according to Acts 2:1-47].
2. GOD’S PLAN FOR MAN’S SALVATION FROM SIN WAS FORMULATED BEFORE THE CREATION: --- [The church was not an afterthought, the church was not an emergency measure that was formulated by God because Jesus was generally rejected by the Jewish nation: Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” KJV
CONSIDER THIS TOO: Ephesians 1:3-5, “3 Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly (places) in Christ: 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: 5 having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” ASV
NOTE: Foreordained {ASV} or predestined {KJV} is correctly understood as “CONDITIONAL PREDESTINATION” – [i.e. dependent upon faith and obedience of those that receive salvation. The Bible does not teach the Calvinist doctrine of unconditional salvation to those elected [i.e. predestinated]. 2 Timothy 1:8-10, 8 Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God;9 who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,10 but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” ASV
3. THE CHURCH WAS ALSO PLANNED BY THE GODHEAD BEFORE THE CREATION: Ephesians 3:9-11, “9 and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things; 10 to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly (places) might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:” ASV
CONSIDER THIS: With these facts before us we may understand that everything that exists, that has occurred, that the Bible teaches, that the past, present, and future includes was planned and known by Almighty God and nothing is a surprise to God about anything. Indeed, God is in control from eternity to eternity: Romans 16:25-26, 25 Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal, 26 but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith: 1 Timothy 1:17, 17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God,(be) honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:16, 16 who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, no can see: to whom (be) honor and power eternal. Amen.” ASV Revelation 1:5-8, “5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” KJV
CONCLUSION:
These facts indicate that God existed before the Biblical beginnings recorded in Genesis 1. These facts also prove conclusively that it was God who made every provision for mankind including a place for him to reside while preparing for a heavenly home. Not only are these true facts but one is forced to the conclusion that since God is eternal [i.e. The Alpha and The Omega}, nothing created existed before God therefore God is the first cause of all things within the material universe. [Greek; Alpha and Omega]
….. SLEEPERS …..
Our text for this study comes from a passage in Paul’s writing to the Romans, notice Romans 13:11-12, “11 And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep : for now is salvation nearer to us than when we (first) believed. 12 The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. ASV
Today many people may be characterized as “sleepers” when it comes to interest in Divine things. Most people today have become so sensitized to the world and its way of influencing and deadening their senses [i.e. consciousness] that they do not realize their soul is in jeopardy. Indeed, whatever the Bible teaches is of no interest to the vast majority of people in the world today.
I do not know how many people reside on this earth today, the last count I remember reading was approximately 6 ½ Billion. When ever we consider the number of true Christians that may be found in the world we are amazed that God allows the world to continue to exist as it is. Remember the world was once destroyed by a great flood and only eight souls survived {Genesis 6:5-13, “5 And Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented Jehovah that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.7 And Jehovah said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the ground; both man, and beast, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah. 9 These are the generations of Noah . Noah was a righteous man, (and) perfect in his generations: Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 And the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God saw the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth. 13 And God said unto Noah , The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” ASV
We do not know at what time the Lord will return but we do know that according to the teaching of the Bible Jesus Christ will return to earth someday and consummate His Work by judging humankind [John 12:48]. Even as we speak horror stories are coming to via the television us from locations around the world where God is not even respected and people act as though horror and terrorism is a solution to human wants, desires, and difficulties. There can be no betterment of man predicated on human power or human wisdom {1 Cor 3:18-19, “18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness:” ASV}, only God can correct the conditions that people find themselves entangled {1 Cor 2:5-7, “5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6 We speak wisdom , however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought: 7 but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, (even) the (wisdom ) that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:” ASV}
I do not know what to say, what to preach, or how to motivate people to turn to God and seek salvation; other than to continue teaching the Bible truth as it is written down for us. If the truth cannot motivate men and women today nothing can. I still believe that the statements found in John are “true”. Consider these verses: 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 John 12:48, “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.” ASV
Consider Magazine is an independent work by Garreth L. Clair Garreth has over 46 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.) Please help us show up on search engines, by putting a link to http://www.considermagazine.com on your website!
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