Today I would like to answer a few questions about the Gospel of Christ.  First of all, what is the Gospel of Christ?  Why should I obey the Gospel of Christ?  And finally, what would happen to me if I did not obey the Gospel of Christ? I know that the Gospel of Christ is important for the Lord himself told his apostles right before he ascended into heaven in Mark 16:15-16,“Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be.”The word Gospel means “good news,” that is, the good news of Christ.  Without a doubt, everything about Christ is good news, but this special good news deals with a special part of his life that we must obey.  The apostle Paul tells us exactly what part of Christ’s life that we obey when we obey the Gospel.  In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 we read,“Moreover brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand, by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”As we can now see, Paul makes it clear that the …

Few of us know which of our days will be our last, but when one does, it changes the complexity of that day and those leading up to it.  To a man on death row, for instance, every event leading up to his last breath takes on new significance.  The last meal, the last visit with loved ones, the last change of clothes, the last words—are all more significant than they would be under any other circumstances. Death did not sneak up on Jesus.  He laid down his life at the time appointed (John 10:18).  In light of this, it is interesting to note the stops he made as he walked toward a hill called Calvary. Across the River.  “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron . . .” (John 18:1).  As Jesus and the disciples left the upper room and proceeded to the eastern gate, they doubtlessly had to negotiate their way through crowds of pilgrims who were preparing to celebrate the Passover the following day, according to the prevailing custom in Judah.  They went down the steep valley and crossed the channel of the brook Cedron (Kidron), which was located east of Jerusalem between the city wall and the Mount of Olives.  (Though it dries up at certain times of the year, it was still flowing at this season from the late winter rains.) The name Kidron means “murky” or “dark” and refers to the type water that flowed in it.  …

When the topic of salvation is discussed, it is not unusual to hear certain objections to God’ designated plan.  At times, such objections result from a misunderstanding of the steps involved in the salvation process, or the reason(s) for those steps.  On occasion, however, the objections result from a stubborn refusal to acquiesce to God’s commands regarding what constitutes salvation.  I would like to consider three such objections. Is Salvation the Result of “Baptismal Regeneration”? Is the forgiveness of sins that results from being baptized due to some special power within the water?  No.  “Baptismal regeneration” is the idea that there is a miraculous power in the water that produces salvation (i.e., regeneration).  As Wayne Jackson has noted:  “. . . the notion that baptism is a ‘sacrament’ which has a sort of mysterious, innate power to remove the contamination of sin—independent of personal faith and a volitional submission to God’s plan of redemption”—is plainly at odds with biblical teaching. (Wayne Jackson, “The Matter of ‘Baptismal Regeneration,’” Christian Courier, 1997, 32:45-47.)  An examination of the Old Testament (which serves as our “tutor” (Galatians3:24)), and which contains things “for our learning” (Romans 15:4) provides important instruction regarding this principle.  When Naaman the leper was told by Elijah to dip seven times in the Jordan River, at first he refused, but eventually obeyed—and was healed.  However, there was no meritorious power in the muddy waters of the Jordan.  Naaman was healed because he did exactly what God commanded him to do, in …

[Published in Matters of the Faith, Vol. 4, No. 4, January-March 1999 and lately in LemmonsAid e-mail newsletter, produced by David Lemmons — dlemmons@usa.net — preacher for the North Marshall church of Christ, Calvert City, KY.] It is the contention of this article that these three ways are the ways in which God has operated or operates in the world. It is all important in discussing these matters that we define, as much as we can, our terms so we will know what we are talking about. This is often neglected in our biblical discussions and as a result our statements are not on point. As it is being used in this article, miracle means a sign or confirmation from God that he has spoken through a particular person or group of persons. Providence, so far as I am able to determine, is the same act of God, but hidden behind his natural law, so that we cannot know when or even if he has acted. We say, as Mordecai said to Esther, “Who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). We pray in faith and leave the answer of our prayer to God. We should always pray, “Thy will be done.” This prayer he will always answer. Randomness is sheer chance, the sheer accident of natural law. This surely is how God deals with all men most of the time and the very reason for his natural law. It is objective and impartial toward all. As an illustration let …

In a small southern town lived a seventy-eight-year-old-lady. This dear lady was referred to by most of the townspeople as Granny. Granny loved the people of this town and they loved her. Granny met the needs of her fellow citizens in every way that she could. A smile on her face was as natural as the sunrise. Pleasant words of encouragement flowed from her lips in sincerity. Food from her kitchen was found in the home of every sick or grieving person in this little town. One year, in early autumn, Granny fell ill. She was taken to a hospital in a nearby city. Granny’s condition worsened over the next few days. Her doctor ordered a battery of tests for her. When the test results came back, the doctor recognized the problem. He realized that Granny needed immediate surgery. He went to Granny’s room to tell her that while the surgery was needed immediately, her life could certainly be saved. When he walked into her room Granny said, “I do not want to hear any bad news. Just tell me that everything is all right.” The doctor thought, “Whatever.” He said, “Well then, everything is all right.” The doctor then left the room. Granny died the next day never knowing the danger she was in. Were this a true story, how would you feel about it? Perhaps you feel that Granny made a terrible mistake. Certainly, if one goes to a medical facility, one ought to seek the truth concerning …

The first church was built by Jesus Christ in Jerusalem about 2,000 years ago. It was during his ministry that our Lord said: “. . . I will build my church . . .” (Matthew 16:18). He only promised to build ONE CHURCH — HIS CHURCH.  That church was not made of ordinary building material. It was not built from wood, stone or metal. Our Lord’s church was made with SPIRITUAL STONES. Jesus himself is the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11) and chief cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6; Acts 4:11). Christians are the other stones with which the Lord’s church is constructed (1 Peter 2:5). Therefore, the saved (Christians) are added to the church by our Lord (Acts 2:47).  Acts Two records the birthday of the church. The remaining chapters of the Book of Acts show how additional congregations of Jesus’ church began. Where the Gospel of Christ was preached, congregations of the church started. The New Testament epistles were written to instruct the Lord’s church.  For hundreds of years there was only one church on earth. Our Lord’s church was described in Scripture as “the church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2), “house of God” (1 Corinthians 2:15) and the “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16). Catholic (A.D. 606), Lutheran (A.D. 1530), Episcopal (A.D. 1534), Presbyterian (A.D. 1536), Baptist (A.D. 1611), Methodist (A.D. 1739) and all other man-made churches did not yet exist.  Each congregation of the Lord’s church was independent from every other congregation. However, congregations enjoyed a religious fellowship through their common …

[Appeared in Yokefellow, Vol. 24, No. 12, December 8, 1997, p. 2.] When our Lord was tried before Pilate, he confessed his deity (1 Timothy 6:13), as did Timothy (6:12) and as must we (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37).  Pilate said to the Jews, “I find no crime in him” (John 18:38).  When the Jews demanded that Christ be crucified, Pilate had him scourged, mocked and smitten with the hand (19:1-3).  He then said, “Behold, I bring him out to you, that ye may know that I find no crime in him” (19:4). His original purpose was to scourge the Son of God and then release him (Luke 23:16).  It seems he was trying by these events to rouse pity in the hearts of the Jews toward Jesus rather than for him to be crucified.  To get their attention, Pilate said, “Behold, the man!” the innocent one.  They but cried the more loudly, “Crucify him, crucify him!” (19:5). Pilate then said, “Take him yourselves and crucify him: for I find no crime in him” (19:6).  “. . . he delivered him unto them to be crucified” (19:6).  After he had finished his work on the cross for man’s redemption, “he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit” (19:30).  Not many, not even Pilate, were fully aware of the characteristics and identity of the one he delivered up to the Jews for crucifixion. “Behold, The Man!” Though Jesus was a man, he was not a mere, ordinary man.  The centurion would later …

When we try to answer the above question, or any such questions, we must not base our conclusion on what is popular or what the majority says about the matter.  We must draw our conclusion on “What saith the scripture” (Galatians 4:30).  Questions like, “What is abortion?” or “What does the Bible say about abortion?” and even, “What can I do about it?” need to be addressed.  The Bible nowhere says, “Thou shall not have an abortion,” but Bible principles do teach that abortion is wrong and that it is an abomination to God. Our nation was founded upon the idea of “in God we trust.”  However, our country is shamed when we pass laws that would fine a person up to $5,000.00 for destroying an eagle’s egg, and yet legalize taking an unborn child’s life.  On January 22, 1973, our U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the killing of an unborn baby is an act protected by the Constitution of the United States.  The Justices decided that the unborn child is not a person in any meaningful or whole sense and therefore not protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.  What is abortion?  It is the killing of an unborn child. The main issue, then, is just when does life begin?  Please consider this.  It is a scientific fact that human life begins at conception.  When the 23 chromosomes of the male sperm unite with the 23 chromosomes of the female ovum, a new being is created.  From this point (conception) not …

Counseling, in the broadest sense, includes many different aspects, among which are listening in order to identify difficulties, trying to help the individual realize his or her own problems and giving advice. Most of us take on this role in some capacity during our lifetime, whether as friends, coworkers or even parents. A problem arises, however, when we become so confident in our own abilities and intelligence that we carry this over into religious matters. In Romans 11:34 Paul wrote, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?” We do not have the capability to understand the “ins and outs” of what God does, and so we are not qualified to give Him counsel. Unfortunately, this does not keep some from trying. Some try to counsel God regarding how Christianity ought to be. How often do we here remarks made to justify an action such as, “I don’t see anything wrong with it” or “It doesn’t say not to do it.” While these comments may be directed toward another person, the counsel is actually being made toward God. Whenever we find ourselves deciding that, “Well, I know it says that, but it means this,” we need to reevaluate exactly what we mean and whom we think needs to hear it. When we start questioning the wisdom of God’s Word, it amounts to an attempt to instruct the Almighty in the way he should have designed Christianity. We may couch it sayings like, “Times …

Judah had not exactly been a model citizen. From his behavior in selling Joseph into slavery to his behavior with Tamar, Judah had many faults. But when he and his brothers were traveling back from Egypt after purchasing grain the second time, only to be stopped and accused of stealing, Judah showed how much he had grown (Genesis 44). He had become surety for his brother Benjamin, guaranteeing to Jacob, his father, that the youngest son would return safely. Then after a cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, requiring Benjamin to return to Egypt as a slave, Judah steps in and offers himself as a slave instead of his brother. When he encouraged his brothers to sell Joseph, he was purely selfish, looking for gain. His actions in regard to Tamar were unfair, and he broke his word. But now we see a different Judah. He is not thinking selfishly, but rather is concerned about his brother and father. He is not about to break his word, but he tells others of his promise. Judah was willing to be a living sacrifice, a slave in a foreign country, because of a promise he made and because of his love for others. When we obey the Gospel, we make a promise to God to do His will (Romans 12:1-2). When we said we would follow Christ, it meant putting others first (Philippians 2:4). Judah grew out of selfishness and into sacrifice. Is it not time that we all did?

In a marvelous passage designed to provide comfort for afflicted children of God, Paul affirms that the “sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward” (Romans 8:18). He continues by suggesting that “the creation,” with great anticipation, awaits the revealing of God’s children (19-23). He notes that this “creation” at one time was subjected to vanity, not willingly, but by the Lord. There is the hope, however, that eventually the creation will be set free from the “bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.” Paul describes “the whole creation” as experiencing the pangs of child birth. The inspired writer concludes this section by affirming that Christians also, who possess the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan (suffer difficulties) waiting for our adoption, even the redemption (i.e., the resurrection) of our bodies. The most difficult aspect of this narrative is the allusion to “the creation,” and particularly what is meant by Paul’s affirmation that the “whole creation” anxiously anticipates its deliverance from the bondage of corruption. How is the term “creation” employed in this setting? The matter cannot be ascertained merely by looking at the word ktisis (creation) for that expression is used in a variety of senses in the Bible. For example: (a) It is employed of the material creation in some passages (Romans 1:20, 25; Colossians 1:15). (b) At other times, it denotes humanity in general (Mark 16:15; Colossians 1:23). (c) It also …

One father told his little son that he couldn’t go to worship because he was suffering from a severe case of voluntary inertia. “I bet you ain’t,” the little boy answered, “I bet you’re just lazy.” Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, always has positions available for workers. No one has an excuse to stand “idle in the marketplace” (Matthew 20:3), for there is “work to do, work on every hand.” As long as there is a lost soul on earth (Luke 19:10; Mark 16:15-16), as long as there is one needy person (James 1:27), as long as there is breath in our lungs to praise the Father (Isaiah 38:18; 1 Peter 2:5, 9), our work is not done. To cut away the nice verbiage and get to the truth, some Christians are going to be lost on Judgment Day because they are lazy. Some are standing on the promises, others only sitting on the premises. No Christian should be satisfied to just be a name on a roll. Each should be a hand in the work. Fill a place–not just a space. The Book says, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11; Hebrews 6:12). Martin Luther said, “If I rest, I rust.” Leonardo da Vinci observed, “Iron rust from disuse, stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so inaction saps the vigor of the mind.” George Whitefield quipped, “It is better to wear out than to rust out.” [Editor’s …

We’re all against laziness, in theory, but how can we tell if we fit the category? A Sluggard . . . Has Problems With His Alarm Clock A Danish proverb says, “A lazy boy and a warm bed are difficult to part.” The Bible says, “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep . . .” (Proverbs 6:9-11). How much sleep is enough? the comedian quipped, “For the average person–about an hour more.” The Italians say, “Five hours of sleep a traveler, seven a scholar, eight a merchant, and eleven every knave.” Truthfully, it varies from person to person. Children need more sleep than adults; young adults often more than older adults. Some on medication or with health problems require nine or ten hours. Others with strong constitutions require only four to five. Each can experiment for a week at a time at different amounts (it takes time to adjust) to find where he or she feels best and is most productive. Once this is determined, don’t spend more time between the sheets than needed. . . . Eats the Wrong Kind of Toast The worthy woman “. . . looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27). You may like Flowers, Merita, Sunbeam, Peppridge Farm or Dixie Darling, but don’t eat the bread called, “Idleness.” Parents should not feed …

Like God himself (Genesis 1:1), providence is not precisely defined in the Bible. Neither does the word providence appear in the Bible with reference to God. However, God’s providence is amply taught throughout the Bible.  There are two types of providence. There is general providence, under which all of humanity shares physical blessings irrespective of individual relationships with God. “. . . your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).  There is also special providence, under which faithful children of God are the direct recipients of physical or spiritual blessings. “And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of …