The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
December 21, 2003
In
This Issue:
Thinking
About Heaven
by
Glen Young
More
Blessed to Give
by
Steve Klein
Are
You Faithful?
by
Jeff May
Thinking About Heaven
I must confess that I have been depressed over the events of immorality and disregard for rule of law which has characterized our present governmental officials. This has caused me to become somewhat militant about affecting a change in the direction of society's proprieties. I reasoned that if Christians do not become aware of the direction of society and act accordingly, then we are doomed to lose our religious liberties. And should we lose our freedom of religious expression, undoubtedly the ensuing persecution would take away our present life style.
I deceived myself into thinking that my righteous indignation existed because of the lack of character in elected officials. I soothed my conscience by noting that I was not a thief, liar or an abuser of power and that I was only standing against wickedness in high places. The truth of the matter is that, like many other Christians, I have become too attached to this world. The fear of losing one's wealth and personal liberties seems to be more of a motivation than going to heaven.
The Hebrew writer describes the life of the patriarch Abraham in this fashion. "By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a (land) not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:9-10).
As was Abraham, the faithful today are sojourners in this wicked world. This place is not our home, we are just passing through. There is real danger for the Christian when he forgets this truth. Christians are to, "É seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). The Lord's promise is for the necessities of life if we seek His kingdom and righteousness. He has not promised to lavish upon us all the frivolous gadgets of today.
Looking again into the book of Hebrews, we find that the practicing of faith brings about persecution. "And others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth" (Hebrews 11:35-38).
Could the above graphic description of religious persecution be a prophesy of coming events here in these United States? Sadly, I think it could. If this kind of persecution should come, what can Christians do? Center your thoughts on Heaven and do it now. It will be too late when the time of persecution comes.
It is imperative for the Christian to tell Satan and his materialism, "to get thee behind me!" The failure to do so will cause one to seek to save his earthly life style rather than to seek Heaven. "For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self?" (Luke 9:24-25).
So, what concerns you? Losing your religious liberties and suffering persecution, or losing Heaven?
by Glen Young
In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 1/3/99
Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). This time of year, many families enjoy giving and receiving gifts. We recognize that there is no God ordained holy day ordering this, and it is important not to observe any collective worship activity that is human in origin (Colossians 2:16-23, Matthew 15:9). However, we should also heed Paul's charge to "Be ready" to teach and preach the truth "in season and out of season" (2 Timothy 4:1). There is no wrong season of the year to discuss any Bible topic. And so, in this season when many are giving, I believe it would be useful to consider the blessings of giving, especially the kind of giving that involves helping someone who is not in a position to return the favor (Luke 14:12-14). Briefly, here are a couple of important Bible principles to consider:
1. When we give to others, we're giving to God. Proverbs 19:17 says, "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord..." Jesus taught that charity shown to others was charity shown to Him (Matthew 25:40). A lot of the joy and blessedness a Christian experiences in giving comes from the fact that we are giving back to God who "gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17).
2. Giving is an investment in eternity. Proverbs 19:17 not only says that "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord," but then it adds, "and He will pay back what he has given." The rich young ruler was told to give to the poor that he might have treasure in heaven (Matthew 19:16-21 cf. 6:19). Timothy was to instruct the rich, "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life" (1 Timothy 6:17-18). Indeed, this seems to be the point of the parable of the unjust steward -- we make heavenly friends by using our money wisely and charitably on earth (Luke 16:1-12). In Matthew 10:42, Jesus said, "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
It is more blessed to give than to receive. Being a Christian involves a lifetime devoted to seeking that greater blessing, by giving of your finances, your time and yourself.
by Steve Klein
It was a sunny Saturday morning. James stepped outside to get his morning paper. Only a moment later James returned with a disgusted look on his face. No paper! James said, "I'm gonna have to get me a new paper boy. He's just not faithful." The problem was that James' paperboy would deliver about 1 out of every 3 days. Fred was in a hurry to get to work, but it happened again. His car wouldn't start. He had hoped this used second vehicle would be just what he needed, but about 1 out of every 3 turns of the ignition, the car wouldn't start. Fred told his wife, "I'm gonna have to trade that car in. I just need one that's more faithful."
Are James and Fred right to call the paperboy and the car unfaithful? Would you be pleased with a paperboy who delivered I day out of 3? Would you be pleased with a car that only started 2 out of 3 times? Certainly not. The apostle Paul was chosen by God to carry the gospel because God counted him faithful. "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry" (1 Tim. 1:12). Paul was trustworthy. God could count on him when He needed him. Paul would never fail in his duty to God.
What about me and my attendance to the assemblies of God's people? My brethren are counting on me to be there. I need to consider the impact of my absence upon them. My presence helps to stir up my brothers and sisters to love and good works Furthermore, I am drawing near to God and holding fast to my faith (Heb. 10:23-25). Am I faithful if I hit one out of every 3 services? Am I faithful if I hit 2 out of 3? Does God consider me reliable and trustworthy? Is he pleased with such performance? It's something to think about, isn't it? If I wouldn't call the paperboy faithful and the used car faithful then why do I consider myself faithful in my service to God if my performance is no better? All of us need to realize our obligations to God and to our brethren regarding our attendance. We grow weaker through our absence. Huey Hartselle once used good car language on this subject. He said. "Brethren are often like cars. They "sputter" before they "miss" and they "miss" before they "quit." Thanks Huey. I needed that.
by Jeff May