The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
June 16, 2002
In
This Issue:
The
Second Coming of Christ
By
William Woodson
An
Ideal Father
by
Steve Klein
The Second Coming of Christ
The Lord's Supper is properly observed with an awareness, among other reasons, that thereby we "show the Lord's death till he come" (1 Cor. 11:26). How significant is this realization that we look backward to the body and blood of the Lord and that we also look forward to His coming again.
It is remarkable that the Second Coming of Christ has been the occasion of confusion and uncertainty. As one listens to or reads from some advocates of views concerning this event, there are numerous confusing words and ideas, which are presented. Consider for a moment the following: The Rapture, The Tribulation, The Time of Jacob's Trouble, The Two Resurrections, The Time Clock of the Lord, etc. Such terms as the rapture, the time clock of the Lord, and the two resurrections are not found in the Bible; the theory that gives meaning to these terms is not taught in Scripture. Little wonder that such views produce confusion.
The Bible does not confuse us concerning the Lord's return. Note these brief statements concerning this vital theme:
1. Jesus promised that he will come again (John 14:3). This promise was echoed at the time of the Lord's ascent (Acts 1:11); at his return "every eye will see him" (Revelation 1:7).
2. The time of the Second Coming is not revealed; no signs of it have been recorded for us to use in seeking to set its date, whether soon or late. Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only""(Matthew 24:36). He repeated that no one knows that hour of the coming of the Lord (Matt. 24:42,44; 25:13). Assured of its reality, we wait in patience and hope for this fulfillment of Christ's word.
3. The resurrection of the dead will be at the time of the Lord's return, stated in several verses to occur at the "last day." Jesus said He will raise the dead on "the last day" (John 6:39, 41, 44, 54). This will be the time of what Paul calls the "last trump" (1 Cor. 15:52). Also, the judgment, said Jesus, will be at "the last day" (John 12:48).
4. At the Lord's return all will be gathered before him for the judgment (Matthew 25:31ff). Paul stated that at the Lord's return "Then cometh the end" (1 Cor. 15:24). The destiny of those who hear the voice of Christ, calling the dead from the graves, will be determined by whether they have been righteous or unrighteous in this life. Of this Jesus spoke concerning "the hour that is coming" (John 5:28-29).
These clear words concerning the coming of Christ, the last day, and the hour of the resurrection do not provide or allow for an elaborate scheme of human device concerning a supposed rapture, two resurrections of the dead, a thousand year reign on earth, or a host of other purported teachings concerning His return. Better by far to rest content with the clear truth of the revealed word.
--by William Woodson
via Pillar of Truth, May 2002
The world has set aside June 16th as a day to honor fathers. Of course, if you are striving to please God, you will "honor your father" more than just one day a year (Ephesians 6:2, Mark 10:17-19). But "Father's Day" is a day some choose to express their love and respect for fathers in more outward, tangible ways than they do throughout the rest of the year.
There are, however, those who have a hard time honoring their fathers on Father's Day, or at any other time for that matter. Honor is easier to give to those who have earned it. In a time when society is full of dead-beat dads, abusive fathers, and men who have largely refused to fulfill their responsibility as spiritual leaders in the home, it shouldn't be surprising that some find it difficult to honor their fathers. Men of God ought to take this as a challenge to improve - to make themselves worthy of the honor that God has said is due them.
If an ideal father existed, one whom we could all honor and respect, we could use him as a model - an example for other fathers to imitate. Well, such a Father does exist. He is perfect (Matthew 5:48). He deserves honor forever (Philippians 4:20). He is our heavenly Father, and earthly fathers would do well to use Him as a model of the kind of fathers we should be. From Him we learn&ldots;
1. AN IDEAL FATHER KNOWS THE NEEDS OF HIS CHILDREN. Jesus said that our heavenly Father "knows the things you have need of before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:8, cf. 6:32). How many earthly fathers are concerned enough, observant enough and communicate enough with their children to know their children's true needs? Many fathers not only do not know what children need before the children ask, they don't know after they ask either because they don't really pay attention. They are too involved in the game on TV, or the newspaper, or some other selfish interest to give their children the time of day.
2. AN IDEAL FATHER PROVIDES FOR THE NEEDS OF HIS CHILDREN. The Father who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the grass of the field provides for the needs of His children with even greater care (Matthew 6:26-29). Every good and perfect gift we have comes from Him (James 1:17). He provides not only physical bread for the hunger of the body, but also spiritual bread to satisfy the soul (John 6:32-33). He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). Even so, earthly fathers should concern themselves with providing for both the physical and spiritual needs of their children (Ephesians 6:4). Too many fathers neglect their children's spiritual needs in order to work overtime to provide well beyond what is needed materially. Most children have been given far too much of what they don't really need and precious little of what they do. An ideal father provides for every need. And, "if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8).
3. AN IDEAL FATHER LOVES HIS CHILDREN. "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!"(1 John 3:1). The "manner" or sort of love the heavenly Father lavishes on us is much more than a cozy, warm feeling. It is a love that has our eternal welfare at heart. "God the Father... has loved us, and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace" (2 Thessalonians 2:16). This is the "manner of love" earthly fathers need to have for their children. It is love which "suffers long and is kind...does not envy...does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
4. AN IDEAL FATHER DISCIPLINES HIS CHILDREN. It is because God loves us that He instructs us, corrects us and punishes us for disobedience. This is discipline. Earthly fathers who love their children will discipline them just as God does His children. "For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights" (Proverbs 3:12). "He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly" (Proverbs 13:24).
5. AN IDEAL FATHER FORGIVES HIS CHILDREN. Aren't we thankful God forgives? Naturally, there are conditions placed upon the forgiveness He grants -- His children must repent and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22), and they must be willing to forgive others also (Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25-26). In the course of life, most children will disobey fathers and bring upon them untold shame, grief and embarrassment (cf. Proverbs 19:26; 10:1, 5). The father who has truly resolved to be like the Ideal Father will forgive his children from the heart when they seek his forgiveness.
God commands children to honor their fathers. May it be the quest of every father reading these words to be the kind of father who is honorable.
by Steve Klein