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What to EXPECT in the New Year

The Preacher 1 Comment
Bible Reading Bookmarks for the Old & New Testament

“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

A large corporation brought in a consultant to give them a forecast about the next 5 years. As they surrounded the conference table awaiting his prognostication, the consultant said, “everything will be about the way it’s always been.”

There will be weather, seasons, traffic, births, deaths, holidays, elections, etc. There will be good times and low ones. That is the record of history. The sad condition of mankind is that many live expecting it always to be different, to always be better, and are unhappy and bitter when it’s not.

The preacher wrote, “there is no new thing under the sun.” We can reasonably predict what life will be like next year.

We will never predict the details, but we can reasonably expect certain things.

We all should be expecting to pile up a TREASURE. We need money & stuff for our earthly needs, and to share with those in need (Eph 4:28). We should expect those things if we’re doing those things God has prescribed in His word. A word of caution, we may become distracted from serving God and will be heaping up treasure against ourselves in judgment. “Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days” (James 5:3; cf. Matt 6:19-21).

We as Christians ought to expect to bear our Cross. “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34). This is about commitment to the Cause of Christ and not about some personal pain or shortcoming.

We also ought to expect more wisdom, but we must seek it. Education is one thing nobody can take away from us. Divine wisdom is the most precious of all (Prov 8:1-11).

Christians ought to expect Persecution, but we think it strange even though the Holy Spirit said to expect it (2Tim 3:12).

Everyone ought to expect High & Low eXtremes (Ecc 3:1-10). Sadly, folks expect things to always be better than they are with no pain whatsoever. That condition is in Heaven, and we ought to see the pain in this life as motivation to qualify for the next.

Finally, we all ought to expect Eternity to begin for us. Whether we meet Jesus after our death, or we remain alive when he returns, there is an Eternal hereafter. Where do you want to spend your ETERNITY? “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thess 4:17).

Agape, Spencer

We invite you to visit one of our services at the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger, Texas.

Let’s talk about Jesus #5; He FORGIVES sin

The Preacher 1 Comment
Copyright Rob Baker, used with permission.

“When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.”

(Mark 2:5).

When speaking about Jesus, we must remember that He is able to forgive us our SINS. “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1John 2:2).

Some see license to sin in the above verse, but when carefully reading the context they’ll see the exact opposite. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1).

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). We all sin, but what is that? Sin Separates us from God and is against Him, (Isa 59:2). It Imprisons us, (Rom 6:16; 23), and we have Nothing to pay the cost (Rom 3:23).

We need the forgiveness of Christ.

Sadly, some say their sin is so bad that Jesus can’t forgive them, or still feel guilt even after having faithfully obeying the gospel. Maybe we need a reminder of the sins Jesus FORGIVES for those that obey Him. We have a couple of lists of sins that Saints can have forgiven through Christ.

Jesus forgives Fornicators and all manner of sexual sins. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1Cor 6:9-11). Notice that it says, “such WERE some of you.” They had repented and been forgiven, but how? It says, “ye are WASHED.” How were they washed? Look to what the writer said had happened to him when he obeyed the gospel. “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Paul had his sins washed away through his faithful baptism in water.

Jesus forgives Outbursts of wrath, Drunkenness and Revelries which are works of the flesh. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, outbursts of wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal 5:19-21). This passage shows that Jesus also forgives our Greed, Idolatry, theft, strife, and seditions. 

Jesus even forgives Violent & Murderous crimes as seen in the forgiveness of Paul. As Saul of Tarsus, he once persecuted the church of Christ. “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities” (Acts 26:9-11).

 He too found forgiveness in Christ; “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. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1Tim 1:15).

As noted above, we know how he obtained mercy; by obeying the Gospel, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). It is what he taught everyone, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:3-6).

Jesus also forgives all manner of Evil, Envy, “and Such like” (Gal 5:21b).

Jesus FORGIVES sin. He has the power and the authority to forgive us of all unrighteousness, but we must obey the gospel and be faithful to Him. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:8-9).

There is only one sin that never has forgiveness. “Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation” (Mark 3:28-29).

What is this unforgiveable sin? It is any unrepentant sin that a person is unwilling to put away before death or the return of Christ. This is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Disobedience to the gospel is blaspheme of the Spirit, for it was the Holy Spirit that has revealed to us the commands of God through the inspired word. If we are unwilling to repent, we are committing the “sin leading to death” (1John 5:16).

This is the confidence we have in Christ, the forgiveness of sins. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” (1John 2:1-3).

Jesus has power to FORGIVE sins.

Agape,

Spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger, Tx.

This is part of a series of articles about reasons to Talk About Jesus.

Let’s Talk about Jesus #4; His Unspeakable Gift

The Preacher 1 Comment

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

(2Corinthians 9:15).

While we’re talking about Jesus, let’s see if we can talk about this unspeakable gift.

The word here is the idea of indescribable, something we’re often unable to put into words. We are allowed to speak about it, but we’ll find it difficult to fully describe the good gifts of God.

Since most folks are talking about Jesus, let’s talk about Him too. Jesus told a healed man, “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19). Perhaps, we can do the same?

Maybe we can try to put into words the unspeakable GIFTS of Christ.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”
 (James 1:17).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

What are a few of the spiritual GIFTS we have from God in Christ?

We have GRACE. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11; cf Eph 2:8). We need to start here for it is by the GRACE of God in Christ that we have access to salvation. Grace is a gift of God. It is God’s Rescue plan for sinful man. Grace gives us Access to God through Christ. The sacrifice of Christ is the central component of God’s Grace. When we are baptized into Christ we are saved and can Escape the corruption of this life (for by Grace are you saved). Truly Grace is an indescribable gift.

The divinely INSPIRED word is a Gift of God. After James says that every perfect gift comes down from above, he writes this, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures” (James 1:18). His inspired word is the source of knowledge about salvation in Christ, and is the source for how to live a life that is pleasing to Him. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy; “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2Tim 3:15-17).

On a personal level, God gives us the Gift of bearing FRUIT. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25).

He also gives us gifts for our earthly TREASURE for our physical needs as well as for the church, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God” (2Corinthians 9:8-11; Mat 7:11).

Not just for our own use, but to share with those in need as the church in Macedonia did for the Saint in Jerusalem, “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints” (2Corinthians 8:1-4).

Lastly but certainly not least, God gives the gift of SALVATION. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift He brings to all those that repent and are baptized (Acts 2:38) will not be removed. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (won’t take them back) (Romans 11:29).

People often mistake God’s Gifts as automatic & universal salvation, and that He gives physical blessings for all mankind regardless of their beliefs or actions. Not so. God gives the Gift of Access to salvation ONLY through His Son Christ Jesus. There is no other way. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

The Gift of Salvation comes to those that obey Him. “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus has told us what will be said to the disobedient who call His name at the day of judgment, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)?

It is such a shame that even though we all have access to the Gift of God in Christ many will refuse it. God is full of Grace and Mercy, but one day everyone will stand before the throne of Christ to give an account and He “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2Thessalonians 1:8).

While we still have breath, we can obey the Gift of the Gospel of Christ and be saved. Then when death comes, we shall hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).

Agape,

Spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger, Tx.

This is part of a series of articles about reasons to Talk About Jesus.

Let’s talk about CHRIST

The Preacher 1 Comment

As part of a series of lessons about evangelism, part 3 is about Redemption through CHRIST.

Jesus Christ was CRUCIFIED for us.

Jesus Shed HIS own blood.

Jesus was RAISED from the dead.

Jesus is the very IMAGE of the Invisible God.

Jesus is God’s SACRIFICE for us.

Jesus TASTED death for everyone.

Here are some questions for us…

Have we CRUCIFIED the flesh? Gal 5:24

Have we come in contact with HIS BLOOD? Rev 1:5; Matt 26:28; Acts 2:38.

Have we been RAISED to walk in newness of life in Baptism? Rom 6:3-6.

Are we striving to IMITATE Christ in this life? John 13:15.

Are we offering SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES in our own body? Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15-16.

Have we TASTED Death in baptism so that the second death has no power over us? Rom 6:3.

Would you like to study more about how to be Redeemed by the Blood of Christ? Click here for access to self paced studies.

Let’s Talk about Jesus the Strength Giver

The Preacher 1 Comment

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

People are talking about Jesus. Let us be ready to talk about Him also, but with purpose and power.

We have seen in the last two articles that Jesus gives JOY, and ETERNAL LIFE, the above verse shows that He also gives us strength.

While this verse doesn’t explicitly tell how He strengthens us, there is scriptural evidence within the New Testament that teach us how and when we can be STRONG in the Lord.

All of us could use a little more strength in this life, but the true strength we need is only in Christ.

In what ways is the Saint made STRONG in the Lord.


Christ makes us SPIRITUALLY STRONG. Eph 3:16 “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love” (Eph 3:16-17). How can we be strong, and how does He dwell in our hearts? If you read the comparable passage in Colossians 3, you’ll see that it’s through scripture. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16a). Paul would continue to reveal to the Ephesians how to be strong; “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph 6:10-12; cf. 13-18).

Jesus gives us strength to TRANSFORM us by the renewing of our mind. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom 12:1-2). This transformation gives us the strength to change our character as seen in the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23).

Christ gives us strength to rise up in the face of persecution. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matt 5:10-12). We can have the Resilience to endure this life knowing that He sees, and that we have a reward in heaven.

This strength gives us Hope and Optimism in the face of death. Paul said, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21). This optimism gives us peace of mind instead of vexation because we know that a better place awaits the faithful in Christ (cf. John 14:27). “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). This optimism can be seen in personal contentment with our needs, (Phil 4:11-12).

He gives us the strength to be bold in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Apostles prayed for this strength of courage when they faced physical violence against their preaching (cf. Acts 4:29). “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment” (1John 4:18). When we commit to and look to Jesus with our whole heart in love, we shall have the nerve to speak the truth in love to our family, friends, and neighbors.

Ultimately, we have the strength of Christ through His Grace. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2Cor 12:9-10). Paul had an immediate empowerment from a change of perspective of his “thorn in the flesh.” Instead of viewing it as a weakness that hinders, it became a weakness that empowers! The thorn never changed, the pain never lessened, but the Power of Christ was displayed.

Agape,

Spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger, Tx.

This is part of a series of articles about reasons to Talk About Jesus.

Let’s Talk about Jesus, the Eternal Life Giver

The Preacher 1 Comment

“Thou hast the words of eternal life.”

The statement above is one of the most significant realizations a person can make. (John 6:68)

There are 3 life questions that many folks ask about life…

Where are we from?

Why are we here?

Where are we going?

To answer these questions, one needs a divine source. Jesus is the answer to these questions, and His written word is where we will find His answers.

Let’s see how Jesus is the answer to the question of where we are going.

He has the words of ETERNAL LIFE.

There are some 30 specific references in the New Testament to “ETERNAL LIFE.” It seems to this writer that this holds some significance.

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and LEARN OF ME; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matt 11:29) The context of this verse is about learning. “HEARING” is another way the Bible says the same thing. “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” (Mat 7:24). These verses clearly teach there is individual responsibility to Hear & LEARN. Some would have you believe that we’re unable to do either except miraculously. UNTRUE! We are all called by the Gospel message. “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2Thess 2:14).

Paul wrote to Timothy to remind Saints to “Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth” (2Tim 2:15 ASV). The discourse of Jesus in John 6:26-68 is all about believing and learning of Christ. “I am the living bread which came down out of heaven” (John 6:51). Compare this to what Jesus said to the Devil, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).

The beginning of attaining Eternal Life is LEARNING.

—-

Matthew 7:24-29 is a link in the chain connecting the first action with the next; we must be INVOLVED in doing the things that we’ve LEARNED. We’re involved by obeying the commands of God. “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

The clear teaching by Jesus here, and in other places (cf. Phil 2:12), is that the INDIVIDUAL is responsible to LEARN & get INVOLVED in his own salvation. “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” (Acts 2:40b). In the immediate context of this verse, they LEARNED to be baptized in the name of Jesus. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41).

James wrote under the influence of the Holy Spirit, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing” (James 1:22-25).

Eternal Life is for those INVOLVED people that obey.

—-

When we write articles like this some will often decry “LEGALISM” or say that we’re working our way into heaven. Nothing of the sort is being said. Obedience to the will of God is FAITH (Heb 11:6). We trust that God will do what He promises for those that obey Him. God works through our faith. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” (Col 2:12). Eternal Life is for those who are emotionally engaged.

Therefore, that the person striving for Eternal Life must have FAITH from the heart and is not just checking boxes on a list. Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Mat 22:37). He said in another place, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). And also, “This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” (Mark 7:6). Those that have Eternal Life in Christ have their whole heart, mind, and soul engaged.

Eternal Life is for those that have FAITH.

—-

It then stands to reason that as a person LEARNS, is INVOLVED, this person must FINISH what he began. “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28) The clear teaching here, and other places (cf. John 15:1-6; Rom 11:21), is that there’s no such thing as “once saved, always saved.” The Hebrew writer warned, “but Christ as a son, over his house; whose house are we, if we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end” (Hebrews 3:6).

Eternal Life is for those that ENDURE to the end.

Agape,

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger, Tx.

This is part of a series of articles about reasons to Talk About Jesus.

Let’s Talk about Jesus, the Joy Giver

The Preacher 1 Comment

Jesus is the real Joy Giver.

We have no need of a season to talk about our Lord. Let it be continually on the tip of our tongue. While everyone around us is scurrying to find a reason for the season, we already have reason to rejoice.

“Let’s talk about Jesus” will be the theme of the next several articles. It’s not because I desire to put Christ back into Christmas, He never really was part of that holiday. I write about things that are already on people’s minds, and perhaps we can persuade them to look into the True Jesus of the Bible (2Cor 11:4).

Since this is the season of giving and joy, in this first article Let’s talk about Jesus as being the Real Joy Giver. To do that we will look at the JOYS in Jesus from the book of Philippians.

This book is described as the book of Joy. Over and over, we can see the words “Joy” & “rejoice.”  This book is also one of the “prison epistles” of Paul, which makes those words even more astounding.

Let’s talk about the JOYS of Jesus.

JESUS IS PREACHED. While Paul was imprisoned for the cause of Christ (1:13), he found joy because JESUS was being preached. “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (1:18). Some preached Christ out of insincerely, and out of contention, seeking to add to Paul’s bonds. While others preached Jesus out of Love and Good will. Paul rejoiced that Jesus is preached, and that many brethren had grown bolder. They preached boldly the word of Jesus without fear (1:14).

We can rejoice today knowing that Jesus is being preached. Certainly, many preach from error, but I see it as an opportunity to preach boldly the word of Jesus from sincerity and truth. Instead of taking the negative nelly approach, we can ask friendly questions to help folks think accurately about the truth. One was is to ask about the birth story of Christ. Here are a couple of ice-breaker questions to Preach Jesus more accurately (cf. Acts 8:26).

How many wise men are listed in the nativity story (Matt 2:1-12)?

How old was Jesus when the wise men came to Him (Matt 2:11-16)?

Open up your bible and show the answers to these questions. Perhaps a deeper discussion will occur because we were bold to preach Jesus.

ONE MIND IN CHRIST. Paul called for the Joy of having unity, ONE MIND in CHRIST. “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Phil 2:1-3). Joy would be made complete when we have the same LOVE, being of one ACCORD (harmony), and of one MIND.

Does it bring you Joy to know that there are others out there who have come to the same conclusions when they read and study the truth for themselves? While the world is on a mission to have contrarian view points on everything, there is Joy in the church when folks from different backgrounds and walks of life come together in Unity having learned the truth and obey it. “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph 4:2-6).

When we talk with folks about our faith with joy, we might meet someone who is coming to the same conclusions. Part of my evangelism is around seeking seekers. I’ve met several folks (pray for the seed to grow) who have started to question the practices in their religion. 

YOU AND I ARE TO REJOICE IN THE LORD. Paul continued to write about joy even as he gave warning about false teachers. “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision” (Phil 3:1-2). It seems a bit odd to rejoice in the midst of false teachers, but as you read you will see that it makes perfect sense. Because we know the truth, and how to recognize error, we can have Joy and Rejoice knowing that we have a home in heaven! “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Phil 3:20-21).

While we still have the same problem today, let us rejoice in the fact we have the wisdom to recognize it, and that we have God’s word available to show the truth to others.

STRENGTHENED BY CHRIST. Paul could rejoice in all of these seemingly difficult obstacles to the cause of Christ because he drew his strength from Christ. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (4:13). He wasn’t saying that he could do whatever he wanted through Christ. He was saying that he could be strengthened to endure all the hardships of preaching Jesus as an Apostle and evangelist through Christ.

While we’re surrounded by a vexing world (2Pet 2:7-9), we can have the same joy and strength through the truth of God’s word. We can have joy because we have heard the truth, believed the truth, and obeyed the truth. We can have joy knowing that our names are written above in the Lamb’s book of life.

“And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Phil 3:3-4).

Agape,

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger, Tx.

This is part of a series of articles about reasons to Talk About Jesus.

Rejoice Always, Phil 4:4

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There is a direct command in scripture that is often overlooked by even the most zealous Saint. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phil 4:4).

It is a discriminating command. In matters of the Lord of what does an alien sinner have to rejoice? All spiritual blessings are “in Christ” (Eph 1:3), and only those that have obeyed the Gospel are in the Lord (Gal 3:26-27). Those that have obeyed the Gospel are the only ones that have reason to rejoice (Acts 8:37).

The command is discriminating in that it also excludes rejoicing in the flesh (Phil 3:3,7). It excludes rejoicing in the wisdom of the world (1Cor 1:20-21). It also excludes rejoicing in one’s own works (Titus 3:5; Is 64:6). We are to work God’s righteousness (Acts 10:34-35; Rom 10:1-3).

By the words of some one is led to wonder if Christians are aware of this command to rejoice.

Let us see about what it means to rejoice always in the Lord.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

“ALWAYS” tells us it is a perpetual command without regard to external conditions. The Apostle Paul wrote this by inspiration while imprisoned in Rome for his faith. This epistle has been called the epistle of joy, for it contains the words “joy,” “rejoice,” or “rejoicing” some sixteen times.

The command is without regard to Adversity or Prosperity. “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me” (Phil 2:17-18). Paul is able to rejoice in adversity because it was in service to Christ. “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God” (Phil 4:18).

The command is without regard to being Loved or Hated. “The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (Phil 1:16-18). Paul is able to rejoice despite the haters because Christ was being preached. “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved” (2Cor 12:15).

The command is without regard to Weariness or Strength. “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:12-13). Paul’s life in the Lord is marked by great adversity (2Cor 11:22-29), but it was from his pen the Holy Spirit wrote, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal 6:9).

The command is without regard to Arrest or Among Friends. “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Phil 1:12-14). Paul could rejoice in his arrest and detainment because of the increased boldness of others to speak the gospel. Peter and John could rejoice for being beaten for the name of Christ. “And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41).

The command is without regard even for Your very life. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” (Phil 1:21-24). The life that one lives in the Lord prepares him for the appointment of death (Heb 9:27). “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Rev 14:13). There is comfort in the death of faithful saints (1Thess 4:13-18). For them “to die is gain.”

The command is without regard to Sickness or Health. Paul could rejoice in the highs or lows of his physical life because of the grace of Christ. “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2Cor 12:9-10). There was rejoicing for Epaphroditus despite his sickness because he didn’t regard his life to supply those things that were lacking from the church at Philippi. “I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful” (Phil 2:28; cf, 25-30).

Rejoicing in the Lord always brings about many gratifying results. It is the means by which hope can be seen in the midst of adversity (cf. 1Pet 3:14-15). Rejoicing can put to death the PLAGUES of the mind. Rejoicing and negativity cannot coexist nor be done at the same time.

Rejoicing in the Lord always is the means by which our light can shine in this dark world. Our rejoicing in the Lord becomes a beacon of attraction to the lost and our religion will radiate a wholesome influence upon the lives of those around us. 

Rejoicing in the Lord always can do us no harm, but rather only bring about good, and in many ways will preserve our health and effectiveness.

Rejoicing in the Lord always is easy when we remember that our names are written in the heaven as we obey the Gospel of Christ. “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life” (Phil 4:3; Acts 2:38-41; Heb 12:23).

Agape,

Spencer

7 Plagues of the mind pt5

The Preacher 1 Comment

GOD is WORTHY!

God is the Great Creator of the universe, of the earth, and of you and me. (Gen 1:1). Therefore, He is worthy to be GLORIFIED.

Since He is worthy to be Glorified, He is also worthy to be OBEYED (2Peter 3:11; John 6:68).

If He is worthy to be Glorified, and worthy to be Obeyed, He is worthy to be DILIGENTLY sought (Heb 11:6).

The last plague of the mind on our list is vacillation, or being like a See-Saw. This plague can be described as a person that is easily pulled away from one thing to another without being resolute on any one thing. This is a problem when dealing with the truth.

Paul described it this way, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Eph 4:14).

Being irresolute is different from being indecisive. A See-Saw person bounces back and forth and appears to be very confident about opposing viewpoints.

Elijah said it this way, “How long go ye limping between the two sides? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word” (1Kings 18:21).

He calls it “limping between two sides” (ASV). Everyone can see it, but seldom in ourselves. Let’s see why this plague of the mind is so dangerous.

Our Lord warned us that it’s impossible to SERVE two masters. “No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt 6:24). He then connects it to anxiety in verse 25, “Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life…”

It’s impossible to serve and please everyone. “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ” (Gal 1:10). If we seek to SERVE man, we will not be a SERVANT of Christ! THIS IS WHY IT’S DANGEROUS!

Another illustration of this comes from Paul, “Know ye not that your bodies are members of Christ? shall I then take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot? God forbid” (1Cor 6:15). We cannot be both a member of the body of Christ while still trying to remain in sin.

Paul would give the solution in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians. “Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you, And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2Cor 6:14-18).

Our next point on this topic comes from this same warning, (quoting from Luke). “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other” (Luke 16:13).

To limp between two opinions places us in opposition to Christ. We become ENEMIES to God! “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). The Apostle John wrote, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1John 2:15). THIS IS WHY IT’S DANGEROUS!

Finally, believing that everyone or anyone’s opinion is the truth ie, “your truth, my truth, we all have truth,” is a belief of confusion. “For God is not the AUTHOR of confusion,” (1Cor 14:33). There is only ONE truth. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all” (Eph 4:4-6).

Recognition of the fact that there is only one truth will move us from duplicity to certainty. It’s here we had our starting place, “that 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.” Error leads to sin and sin leads to death. “For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. It has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog turning to his own vomit again, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire” (2Peter 2:21-22).

THIS IS WHY IT’S DANGEROUS! To limp, halt, falter between serving mankind or serving the Lord puts us in an impossibility, puts us in the position of being an enemy of God, and makes us confused! Is it any wonder that people are living wandering, hopeless, and worry filled lives?

The solution is a simple one; CHOOSE TO SERVE THE LORD.

This is the solution that Joshua presented to the Israelites after conquering the promised land, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15; emph mine SEB).

Solomon concluded, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc 12:13).

This is the same answer Jesus gives when asked what is the greatest commandment, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matt 22:37).

When Jesus was being tempted by Satan, this was His answer, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matt 4:10).

Let us be focused, and singular in purpose. Anything else is idolatry.

Agape,

Spencer

This is part of a series on the 7 PLAGUES of the mind.