Month April 2024

Just a Christian

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The word “CHRISTIAN” is used only three times in the bible, and they tell us volumes about what it means to be one.

In a world filled with denominations, doctrines, and religious labels, the concept of simply being just “Christians” can be both refreshing and thought-provoking. This idea challenges individuals to strip away the layers of man-made traditions and sectarian divisions, focusing solely on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the early church. Embracing the identity of being just “Christian” emphasizes a return to the core principles of faith, love, and unity found in the New Testament.

It encourages believers to seek a shared commitment to following Christ without the barriers created by denominational affiliations.

Through this lens, being just “Christians” emphasizes a simple yet profound approach to live out the teachings of Jesus in a world that often complicates true faith.

“And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).

When we are baptized into Christ through faith we are added to the church (Acts 2:38-47). A disciple in the Lord’s church is an adherent of the doctrines of Christ. In this passage we learn that a CHRISTIAN is synonymous with being a disciple who had been added to the church by God when they obeyed the gospel. Many who claim to be Christian are neither adherent to the doctrine of Christ, and have not been added to the church not having obeyed the Gospel.

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

In this passage, Agrippa demonstrates his understanding that the name CHRISTIAN involves doing something to become one. Here, “CHRISTIAN” is used interchangeably with what Paul taught and what he had done. Agrippa was being taught about Christ. What did Paul teach and what had he done? He was a Christian because he had been baptized into Christ (Acts 22:16), and he was a disciple (adherent to the doctrine) of Christ. “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Act 26:19).

“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1Peter 4:16,17).

CHRISTIAN can be used interchangeably with “HOUSE of GOD.” A Christian is a member of the house of God. It can also be noted that Christian stands in contrast to “them that obey not the gospel.” As adherents to the teaching of Christ, and obedience to the gospel, we are not ashamed to bear the name “CHRISTIAN.”

There was no ‘church of your choice’ in New Testament times. Division was condemned (1Cor 1:10-13). When individuals obeyed the gospel of God by believing in Jesus, repenting of their sins, confessing their faith in Jesus and being baptized to wash away their sins, they were ADDED TO THE CHURCH by the Lord and were known by Him as His true disciples, (Acts 2:38,47). They were CHRISTIANS.

Agape,

Spencer

Here’s a link to another article about being a CHRISTIAN.

You’re invited to visit one of our assembly times or bible studies to see for yourself what we do and say.

What is a DEVO book really?

The Preacher 1 Comment

What’s a DEVO book? DEVO is short for “DEVOTIONAL.”

A devotional book is a text, often religious in nature, designed to inspire and guide individuals in their spiritual practices. These books typically contain daily readings, reflections, prayers, or meditations aimed at fostering a deeper connection with one’s faith or spiritual beliefs. They can cover a wide range of topics, from personal growth and introspection to theological teachings and biblical passages.

While devotional books can be valuable tools for spiritual growth and contemplation, they can also potentially lead individuals into a false sense of godliness or spirituality for several reasons:

One. Verse. Every. Day.

What’s wrong with reading a DEVO?

DEVO’s…

They DON’T TEACH the Whole Bible, and often Don’t teach it accurately. It’s really just a commentary of man on one or a few verses.

Surface-Level Engagement: Some devotional books offer quick, easily digestible readings that may encourage a superficial understanding of faith or spirituality. Readers may mistake this cursory engagement for genuine spiritual depth.

Acts 20:27 KJV. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

They’re usually full of EMOTIONALISM without the whole truth. They often have highly charged stories that can make one believe something that’s not true.

Emotional Appeal: Devotional books often appeal to readers’ emotions, offering comforting words or inspiring stories. While emotional resonance can be a powerful aspect of spiritual experience, it can also lead individuals to prioritize feelings over critical thinking or authentic spiritual growth.

Romans 10:2 KJV. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

They VIOLATE basic Bible authority by not handling the word correctly. They often ignore who’s speaking, who’s being spoken to, and ignore the covenant that is in place.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Lack of Covenant context: Many devotional books are written from a particular Old Covenant, potentially limiting readers’ exposure to the New Testament covenant. This lack of diversity can reinforce existing biases and prevent individuals from engaging with more accurate and applicable viewpoints.

Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

They’re usually OUT OF CONTEXT Joel Osteen style of reading the Bible. Not everything in the Bible is written about you. Everything in the Bible is for us, but not necessarily about us.

For example, do we need to do animal sacrifices? Nope! Look at this verse. Are we to continue to make animal sacrifices now that Christ has sacricfied Himself?

Psalm 66:15 KJV. I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

Hebrews 10:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

There are 31,102 verses in the Bible. At that pace of One. Verse. Every. Day. It would take 85 years to read through the Bible.

I don’t have that kind of time left.

Agape,

Spencer

Here is a link to printable bookmarks to help you read through the bible in an organized fashion.

Daily Bible Bite; Prayer

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Psalm 54

This is David’s prayer when the Ziphites revealed to king Saul his location (1Sam 26).

As a matter of fact, many of the Psalms of David are his personal written prayers.

This got me thinking about how helpful it might be to us if we made a habit of writing out our prayers.

David’s Psalms are examples of

Praise.

Requests for forgiveness.

Asking God to fight for him.

Yearning to worship God.

Prayer is a spiritual blessing for the Saints.

Let us use this privilege without neglect.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “PRAY without ceasing.”

Messages of Hope: Insights into the Minor Prophets

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In the Old Testament, a collection of writings from twelve individuals collectively forms what is known as the “Minor Prophets.”

These books might be brief, but their messages are profoundly significant, providing lessons, that resonate deeply with the human experience.

As stated in Romans 15:4, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

The minor prophets might occupy a small section in the Bible, but their teachings echo through centuries, resonating with timeless truths about justice, repentance, and hope. Through a study of these texts, believers today can deepen their understanding of God’s character and His desires for humanity, leading lives that look to Him for how to live.

The minor prophets consistently call for moral integrity. Amos vehemently condemns the exploitation of the poor and the perversion of justice under the Law of Moses, while Micah famously declares, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). This push towards Moral Integrity and Justice is as relevant today as it was then, reminding us that God requires a morally upright people under the covenant of Christ (2Pet 1:5-11).

The minor prophets powerfully illustrate the immutability of God’s word—His unchanging truth and unwavering promises. Figures like Hosea and Malachi declared God’s steadfast love and justice amidst Israel’s unfaithfulness, underscoring His consistent character and eternal decrees. In the New Testament, this theme resonates in Matthew 24:35, where Jesus affirms, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

A significant portion of the prophetic messages involves warnings about impending judgments due to the people’s unfaithfulness and idolatry. Prophets like Hosea and Zephaniah offer vivid descriptions of the consequences that await if the nation does not turn back to God. Yet, even within the stark warnings, there is always a call to repentance—a plea for turning away from wrong and returning to God. This pattern underscores a profound truth about God’s character: His justice is tempered with mercy, and His corrections are aimed at restoration, not destruction. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2Peter 3:9).

Despite the frequent messages of doom, the minor prophets are also vehicles of incredible hope. They foretell the coming of a Messiah, and the establishment of a kingdom characterized by peace and mercy. For example, Zechariah speaks of a future King who will rule in righteousness and bring peace to the nations (Zechariah 9:9-10). These prophecies provide evidence that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and that the church He built has always been in the plan of God.

The minor prophets, like Micah and Zechariah, emphasize the righteousness and holiness of God, calling for justice and moral purity among His people. They highlight that God detests sin because it is contrary to His holy nature. In the New Testament, this theme is echoed in 1Peter 1:15-16, where believers are exhorted to be holy in all their conduct because God is holy.

Agape,

Spencer

The Dilemma of Situation Ethics: Does Context Override Sin?

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In the annals of ethical debates, one recurring question persists: Does the situation in which an action occurs negate its moral implications? This quandary, often debated through the lens of religious texts, confronts individuals with profound moral choices. In examining this issue, we turn to the biblical narrative and explore various instances where situation ethics clash with divine standards.

Consider the tragic fate of Uzzah, recounted in 2 Samuel 6:6-7. When the oxen shook the Ark of God, Uzzah instinctively reached out to steady it, resulting in his untimely death. David’s subsequent realization underscores the importance of adhering to divine commands, (1Chron 15:2).

Despite Uzzah’s noble intention to prevent the Ark from falling, his actions were deemed irreconcilable with God’s decree that only Levites should handle the holy chest. Here, the severity of the situation did not absolve Uzzah of his transgression.

Integrity with God’s word emerges as a central theme in assessing ethical conduct. Matthew 22:37-39 underscores the importance of genuine intentions rooted in love for God and others. However, the case of misguided zeal, exemplified by Saul of Tarsus before his conversion to Christ, serves as a cautionary tale. Despite his fervent dedication to what he perceived as righteous, Saul’s actions contradicted God’s will, as evidenced in Acts 22:3-4 and Acts 26:9. This distinction between sincerity and righteousness highlights the inadequacy of integrity alone in determining moral correctness.

The danger of zeal divorced from truth is clarified in Romans 10:1-2, where Paul laments the misplaced fervor of his fellow Jews. Their zeal, though commendable, lacked the necessary foundation of divine knowledge, rendering it futile. This warning resonates in contemporary contexts where churches compromise doctrinal integrity to appeal to broader audiences, as seen in the emphasis on entertainment over spiritual truth.

Scriptural admonitions against deviating from doctrinal purity underscore the gravity of adhering to divine truth. 1Timothy 1:3 and 2John 1:10 caution against the acceptance of alternative teachings, emphasizing the exclusivity of divine doctrine. The solemn declaration in Galatians 1:8, 9 reinforces the unequivocal nature of the gospel, rejecting any deviation from its foundational truths. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

The problem of situation ethics poses a formidable challenge to individuals grappling with moral decisions. The biblical narrative offers valuable insights into the intersection of context and morality, emphasizing the enduring relevance of divine standards. While circumstances may vary, the timeless principles articulated in Scripture serve as unwavering guides, reminding believers that situational complexities do not negate the eternal truths of righteousness and integrity. We are to navigate the intricacies of ethical dilemmas with steadfast adherence to divine precepts, knowing that no situation can justify a departure from the immutable standards of God.

Agape,

Spencer

This article is part 4 of a series titled, God’s Moral Law. click here for part one.

You’re invited to attend one of our services at the church of Christ on Franklin and Juniper in Borger Texas.

Mark 4, the Parable of the SOILS

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“Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:3-8; cf. 14-20).

The Parable of the Sower, found in the synoptic Gospels, paints a vivid picture of the different kinds of soil representing the human heart’s receptivity to the Word of God.

God reveals His will to mankind, but it is up to us to seek it out. This parable teaches us to be aware of our own hearts as we hear the word of God, and not to try to assess another’s heart.

We’ll explore the four types of soil, examining their characteristics and drawing parallels to our lives.

Hard Surface Hearts – falling to Satan’s Schemes.

The first type of soil represents hearts where Satan keeps the seed from germinating. In these hearts, God’s word merely rests on the surface, vulnerable to Satan’s subtle deceptions. James 1:13-15 reminds us that we cannot blame the devil for our sins; we are responsible. These hearts easily fall prey to deception. Satan used deception to bring in the first rebellion, and deception continues today from false teachers, (cf. 2Cor 11:4, 13-15). The Word fails to penetrate and make an impression, lying loosely on the surface until Satan snatches it away. The danger lies in a heart that remains hard and unyielding, drawn away from the truth of God’s word toward the belief of lies (2Thess 2:10-12).

Oppressed Heart – Yielding to the pressure of persecution.

The second soil type signifies hearts that are easily overcome by persecution. Oppression may come in various forms, but the key is to remain steadfast. Matthew 10:28 encourages believers not to fear those who can harm the body but cannot touch the soul. Acts 4:29 and 5:29 exemplify the courage to stand firm under pressure. Paul emphasizes in 2Timothy 3:12 that persecution is inevitable for those who desire to live a godly life. Jesus emphasizes the need to remain faithful amid adversity, Himself being the reason why, (Jno. 15:18).

Inattentive Heart – Succumbing to the cares of the world.

The third soil type represents hearts choked by worldly interests. Inattentiveness to spiritual matters results from the distractions of obligations outside the church. Matthew 6:25-34 from the sermon on the mount is a stark warning about losing sight of the Kingdom of God in pursuit of our physical needs.

Lasting & Focused Heart – Lucrative and Fruitful.

The fourth soil represents hearts that bear lasting and loving fruit. These hearts are lucrative and profitable, echoing the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:15-30. This urges believers to continue in God’s word for lasting discipleship (John 8:31; 15:1-8). Titus 3:8 and 2Timothy 3:16 underscore the profitability of living according to God’s word. The key to fruitful soil lies in continuous and consistent effort – sowing, working, weeding, waiting, watching, praying, and reaping (cf. Gal 6:7,8).

Agape,

Spencer

This is part 4 of a series “Preaching through Mark.” Click here for the complete series.