Campus Bible Ministry

Read Romans 6:1-7 carefully. There is a change described in the text. The man of sin dies and the new man begins to walk in newness of life. What separates between these conditions? The separation is baptism. The old man of sin goes down into the water, and the new man of righteousness arises from the water.

Is water the cleansing agent, the agent of spiritual rebirth? It is the agent in which we are buried, but the water is not ‘magic’. The cleansing comes by the blood of Jesus (Eph. 1:7; Rev. 1:5). The Lord has promised that as we are immersed in water he will forgive us. This immersion is called baptism.

For the Christian, we must remember this blessing. And, we must remember our calling. We are called to live in righteousness and not sin. The old man of sin is dead!

Greg Weston

The Ten Commandments were a part of the law of Moses. They were given by God to Moses for the guidance of Israel in daily living. Nine of those ten are seen in the law given by Jesus Christ, the New Testament. We should not teach people to observe the Ten Commandments, but we must teach them to obey Jesus.

If a person teaches another to keep the Ten Commandments, they are teaching false doctrine. It would be the same as teaching that person to make animal sacrifices or to observe the Passover. All specifics of the Old Testament, as a law binding upon any person, ended when Jesus was nailed to the cross (see Col. 2:12-14). If we are under the Ten Commandments then we must observe the Sabbath (Exod. 20:8-11). However, Paul said to allow no one to judge us in respect of the Sabbath day (Col. 2:14-16). We cannot do both, for these commands are opposite. But since they are found in different covenants which were in force during different time periods, there is no problem. We no longer observe the Sabbath, which is the 7^th day or Saturday. The covenant of Christ instructs us to assemble on the first day of the week which is called Sunday (1 Cor. 16:1, 2; Acts 20:7).

"Thou shall not covet" was one of the Ten Commandments. This is part of that law which Paul said we are no longer joined or ‘married’ to that we can be ‘married’ to the covenant of Christ (Rom. 7:1-7). This does not mean we can now covet and be acceptable to the Lord. Paul told the Colossians not to covet, for it is idolatry (Col. 3:5). Covetousness is prohibited in the law given by Jesus through the apostles and prophets - for all humanity. This is also true for every one of the ten commandments - except for the Sabbath [see above].

We should study and know the Old Testament, but we are not under the specifics of the Old Testament law. Teach each one this truth so each one can understand. With this understanding we will all be able to serve the Lord faithfully.

"For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have" (2 Cor 8:12).

A great blessing we have from God is his expectation of us concerning that which we are able to give rather than that which we are not. We are to give according to what we have. Our giving is to be generous, with a liberal heart. But, we are not called upon to give what we do not have.

Many people express a desire to have more so they can give more. But, we have the responsibility to give from what we have. It is sad that many seem to be waiting to do better, and neglect what they can do now.

Paul did not give this encouragement to give us an excuse. It is in the context of great encouragement for the Corinthians to fulfill what they had committed. As they did, we need to decide [purpose] in our hearts what to give and give with joy.

"Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."  (2 Cor 9:5-8)

Bulletin.  May 18, 2008

Greg Weston

"Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work" (1 Tim 5:9-10).

"Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully" (1 Tim 5:14).

The two passages above tell us what God’s pattern for mothers include. Ladies, consider these passages, and think about your role as mothers. Focus on those you need to work on more diligently. Make these your aim, for this is God’s desire for mothers.

In addition, remember the great praise given to Timothy’s mother and grandmother. Why? Because they taught Timothy the scriptures (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15). In their teaching they gave him the spiritual training which resulted in his salvation, and the salvation of many others through his life and preaching. As you manage the house, focus on the spiritual training of your children. That training will be a blessing to your children, and will hopefully extend to multitudes of others!

There are many books on motherhood today. There are self-proclaimed experts on every corner! However, the comments given above come from God. He knows what makes a successful family. Consider these passages, and all others in Scripture, and be the best mother possible.

Bulletin:  May 11, 2008

That which they were to follow was not anything they had heard from any source, but that which they heard from the Lord and those who followed him. They were to hear and follow the inspired instructions. We always need to keep ourselves firmly tied to the will of God, for we too can drift.

Spend time daily in study and reflection upon God’s inspired book, the Bible. Do as he instructs. Keep yourself firmly tied to him.

Greg Weston

Jesus promised the apostles that they would receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would aid their memory, guide them into all the truth, and show them things to come (John 14:26; 16:8-16). In the second chapter of Acts that promise began its fulfilment. The apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit. They spoke with tongues [languages they had not previously learned] and told those present of the wonderful things of God. This began the revealing of the will of God for all.

In Acts 8 Philip demonstrated the power of God, preaching the word and performing miracles. When several obeyed the Lord and were baptized, Peter and John came from Jerusalem so they could receive the Holy Spirit. Certain ones received the Spirit through the laying on of the apostles hands. They received the gifts of the Spirit, such as healing, speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues, wisdom, revelation and other gifts [see 1 Cor. 12:3-11]. Philip could perform miracles, but could not pass to others the gifts of the Spirit. That required the apostles.

The key to revelation from God was the apostles. They were given the promise, and they had the authority to pass on the gifts of the Spirit. Those gifts were passed to no person after the death of the last apostle. When those who had received the gifts of the Spirit from the apostles died, there were no people who possessed those gifts. This provides the latest time possible for revelation from God to man, directly through the Spirit of God.

God did not, however, leave us without guidance. Apostles and prophets wrote the New Testament within that first century. This written document bears all the authority of the one who wrote it, and most importantly the authority of the one who gave the instructions to them - God himself, through the Son, and by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-15). We have all the revelation which God intends us to have, and it is sufficient to make us complete in his sight (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). There is no modern day revelation, but there is the certain word of God found in the book we call the Bible.

"Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" (Heb 6:17-20)

Hope is the anchor for our soul. Our lives are tied to God who gave his Son, and to his Son Jesus who died for us. By the Spirit of God we have the scriptures which tell us of God’s plan for our salvation through Jesus. We know him and the life he gives. We are also assured, by the power of God, that we are heirs of righteousness and have the great expectation of the glorious home in heaven.

This hope enables us to endure difficulties and is the true focus of our joy in life. We do not understand all things. We do not know why certain things may happen. But, we know that God loves us and has a better home waiting for us.

Do not lay aside your faith, and do not let go of your hope. While we are still in this life, let us share our hope with all others we can. Help them see the glories God has prepared for those who love and obey him. Won’t it be great to be with God through eternity!

Bulletin.  May 4, 2008.

"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Col 4:5-6). Our lives are the light of the world, when we walk in wisdom. We can, as Paul was referring to here, be more effective in teaching others when we walk in wisdom.

Walking in wisdom involves our speech. We are to speak with grace or favor. It is to be seasoned with salt. This latter demonstrates that our words are to be pleasant to those who hear, like our food is more desired when properly seasoned with salt. We do not compromise on what God declares, but we say it gracefully.

James also speaks of wisdom as seen in our daily lives (James 3: 17). But here Paul instructs us to walk in wisdom and puts the focus of that walk on the fruit of our lips. Let us be diligent to walk in wisdom, for in so doing we will save souls.

Greg Weston

At death, it is the body which dies. The spirit of man is separated from the body at death (James 2:24). The spirit of man returns to God (Eccl. 12:7). But what is the place of the spirits called?

God will bring back those saints fallen asleep [the dead ones] when Jesus returns (1 Thess. 4:15). Where will he bring them back from?

Jesus tells us of the condition of these departed spirits (Luke 16:19-31). They are in a placed called hades. Hades is separated into a place of comfort and a place of torment. There is no ability for any to pass from one place to the other.

Jesus also informs us that there will be consciousness. The rich man recognized Lazarus and knew the condition each was experiencing. The rich man desired relief.

Jesus also said that Abraham was conscious, though he had been dead for nearly two thousand years (John 8:56). Jesus said Abraham saw his, Jesus’, day and rejoiced. We cannot speculate on the details, but Jesus says Abraham was conscious and able to rejoice at the fulfillment of God’s promise to him.

Every soul has an ultimate destiny in either comfort or torment. Every soul will stand before Jesus and receive the righteous judgment based on what they have done in the body, in the flesh (2 Cor. 5:10).

Read carefully Acts 2:22-36. Do you believe Jesus is both Lord and Christ? If you do, read Acts 2:37-47 carefully. Focus on Peter’s words concerning forgiveness of sins. Have you obeyed? Have you been forgiven? Do not delay!

Christians, have you been faithful? If not, repent and pray for forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Acts 8:22). Do not delay!

Jesus made a promise. "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matt 16:18).

Jesus fulfilled his promise. Peter preached the resurrection of Christ, "that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption" (Acts 2:31).

It is unfortunate that the King James Version erred in putting ‘hell’ in place of ‘hades’ in Matthew 16:18. That has led to erroneous conclusions on the meaning of Jesus words. Jesus was preparing his disciples for coming events with the confident assertion that not even death would prevent the establishment of the church, which is his spiritual kingdom.

Hades is the realm of the dead ones. Death is defined as the spirit leaving the body (James 2:24; Eccl. 12:7). The physical body dies but the spirit of man goes to God. The all merciful and just God will place the spirit in the eternal state which is right. Hades is that place where the spirits live. Read Luke 16:19-31 and note that the spirits of these men are conscious and have received the recompense of their life.

No person can leave hades and return to their deceased bodies. Nor do they return to this creation in any other form. Eternity has begun for them, and their eternal state will not be altered. However, God can raise people from the dead. It is no great task for him. The Biblical record shows that God exercised this power at times. And, Jesus also exercised this power. He laid down his life and he took it up again (John 10:18). God raised him from the dead (Acts 2:31). Both statements are true, for the Father and Son are of one mind and purpose.

Each time you read Jesus’ promise to build his church, remember that not even death could defeat him. In fact, his death was a part of God’s plan to build the church, for in death he shed his blood which is the purchase price of the church (Acts 20:28). We can rejoice in God’s goodness toward us in planning the church, which is the body of the saved ones (Eph. 5:23). We thank God for this precious gift, and as his church we each strive to build us up and keep us pure. See Ephesians 5:22-33.

Bulletin.  April 27, 2008

When Jesus spoke to Peter about future events in Peter’s life, Peter looked at John and asked, "What about this man?" Jesus did not discuss John’s future, but told Peter to follow him (John 21:18-21).

Too many are too concerned about others, asking "What about him?" We need to learn as Peter, it does not matter what the others may do, we have a wonderful work before us. We are to live the life Jesus has given and in that life have every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3).

When you are tempted to excuse yourself because others are not doing as they should - don’t! When you begin looking around at others and asking that same question - don’t! Live the life Jesus has given us to live. Follow Jesus!

We must submit to the government. "Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing" (Rom 13:5-6).

We must give to the church as we prosper. "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come" (1 Cor 16:1-2; and compare 2 Cor. 8:11 in context).

We must forgive. "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" (Col 3:12-13).

The bishops, or elders, must meet certain qualifications. "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach... Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil" (1 Tim 3:2, 7 with the whole context. Compare Tit. 1).

False teachers must be stopped. "For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain" (Titus 1:10-11).

We must heed what we hear, what the Bible says. "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away" (Heb 2:1).

We must love one another. "And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also" (I Jn 4:21).

These are some of the things we must do to be pleasing to God. There are more acts of righteousness to fulfill. We will not be perfect, but we need to press on toward perfection (see Phil. 3:8-17).

Faithful Christians build nations, for, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov 14:34).

Righteousness is determined by God and is to be recognized by all people. Some attempt to establish a righteousness of their own (compare Rom. 10:3), but self-righteousness is simply an attempt to justify one’s sins. And remember, sin is a reproach to any people!

The faithful Christian is righteous. He is righteous because God has forgiven him or her (see Acts 2:38; 22:16). As he or she walks in the path God has given they are walking in righteousness. Each righteous life builds the nation.

Righteousness includes living consistent with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). This means we love. Our love is kind (1 Cor. 13:4). Therefore kindness, another attribute of the fruit of the Spirit, would be a regular part of the nation of Christians. Gentleness and patience would also prevail. Just consider these for a moment. What would a nation be like where love, kindness, gentleness and patience were the norms of society? Surely each one can see how we, faithful Christians, build the nation.

Faithful Christians also work. We labor to provide for ourselves and for others (1 Tim. 5:8; Eph. 4:28). Imagine a nation whose citizens were diligent in their vocations, working for their employer as for the Lord (Col. 3:22, 23)! As each one works to please the employer and produce for themselves and others, the nation in which we live will not have the concerns of a ‘welfare state’ but will be blessed abundantly.

These few examples demonstrate how the Christian is a great blessing to society, and how the growth of the church is an indirect blessing to the nation. Our emphasis is not for the building of the nation but for the saving of souls, including our own. The church is the center of these blessings, for the church is the body of the saved ones (Eph. 5:23). The church is the place where righteousness is seen and from which the light of the gospel shines. It is the ‘institution’ which gives God the glory. Each Christian has a powerful impact. It is important that we do not neglect our spiritual life, for the souls of others as well as our own is at stake.

Bulletin.  April 20, 2008

Every member is to build up the body in love (Eph. 4:16). In our assembly, there is a part of each act of worship which is directed toward the encouragement of each member. It is important for every member to be present at every assembly to participate in building up the others and to receive encouragement from others. But, we must also be building the body outside the assembly.

When others are sick or are in unusual circumstances, we need to be with them. When others are rejoicing for good things we can rejoice with them. Each day we can determine to make an effort to lift the load of another. This heartfelt concern and encouragement will build the body. And, if every member is involved there will be a powerful encouragement for all. Do not wait for others. Begin today to look for ways to encourage brothers and sisters. Do not miss a day. Your efforts are an aid to God’s children and you are a fellow-worker with God. Read and consider Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

Greg Weston

There were four men who wrote ‘gospels’ of Jesus Christ. They were Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Did they know one another? And, did that knowledge influence their writing?

Matthew and John were both apostles of Jesus (Luke 6:13-16). They spend nearly three years following Jesus and learning from him. So, they did know one another and had the opportunity to know one another quite well. Mark was a resident of Jerusalem, or at least his mother was and we assume Mark was too (Acts 12:12). Mark was also the cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10). While we cannot say for certain, it is likely that Mark knew the apostles. He was in the same city where the Lord and the apostles were on many occasions, and he was a cousin to one of the early prominent disciples. While there is evidence for Mark knowing the apostles, there is less evidence for Luke to have known them well. We do know that he was in Jerusalem when Paul was in Jerusalem (Acts 21). But, his knowledge of the other writers is beyond our ability to know. Luke did not claim personal knowledge but spoke of researching all things carefully so Theophilus could have a certain account of the life of Jesus.

Did these personal relationships affect their writings? It is unlikely that their friendship with other writers affected what they wrote. Since two of them were present with Jesus for those three years, they certainly had that knowledge to aid in their gospels. And Mark was in Jerusalem and had opportunity to see many things and hear many additional details from the apostles . Luke is specific about his writing. He researched the life of Jesus and then committed to writing that which he learned. That three of the gospels are near parallels does not mean they borrowed from one another. They were all writing on the same life. We should expect a great deal of similarity.

The most important fact of their writing, however, is that they were guided by the Holy Spirit to produce an accurate record of the life of Jesus. Inspiration prevented error and guaranteed truth.

We should exercise caution in choosing who we spend time with, on the ones who become our close associates. "Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits" (1 Cor 15:33). Who you become close to and spend time with, will affect your outlook on life and your actions.

We cannot leave the world, and will have some association with people in the world who have evil hearts. And even those the world considers ‘good’ the Lord often does not. There are many who live a life which appears good and wholesome, but to follow their path is a way which leads to death. Why? Because they do not serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Some deny him completely and others deny him in their actions. Many have lost their souls by becoming close associates of those who appear good but are not. Sadly, some Christians lead those close to them to false teaching and unfaithfulness. Evil does not always mean morally repulsive. It applies to all that is against God. Think carefully of your close associates. We choose our friends, choose those who will encourage you in spiritual growth.

At the same time we need to live in order to encourage and not discourage. We need to extend ourselves as friends to others for their encouragement. The righteous person who is a solitary person has very limited influence for good. Every brother and sister desires the company of others. We need to give one another the opportunity for good company. This is not just when we see them hurting, that may be too late. We can be friends with many, even with those who may not match our personal preferences.

Each of us need to choose friends carefully, and we need to live righteously so we can be that friend who strengthens good morals. Who are your friends? Do you lead others to the truth?

Bulletin.  April 13, 2008.

Paul said we are justified by the blood of Jesus (Rom. 5:9). This justification is our salvation, the forgiveness of our sins. No other could provide this gift for us. It took the only begotten Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth.

Not every soul is justified. Peter told the Jews of his day to save themselves (Acts 2:39). Paul’s preaching was to convert the sinner from his way to a life of service to God (1 Thess. 2:1-5). A simple reading of the New Testament demonstrates that there are two categories of people, from a spiritual consideration: the saved and the lost.

The blood of Jesus is the means of our salvation, but when is that justification received? Peter said salvation is received at the time we are baptized for forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38; cf. 1 Peter 3:21).

Greg Weston

On Sunday mornings we have Bible classes for members and visitors. These are placed just before the morning assembly of the church for each one’s convenience. We also provide Bible classes on Wednesday evening. These classes are provided for our members’ spiritual growth as well as to teach our visitors of the great blessings God has provided for all who believe and obey.

The topics or Biblical texts which are taught in these classes is considered carefully by the men of the congregation. A desire to teach God’s truth in a simple and faithful manner is the goal of our Bible class program. From every class period we desire that each student leave with new information or a fresh review of lessons they knew. In either case, the student is blessed by their learning.

Our Bible class teachers are carefully selected. Before a teacher is placed in a class the men consider their ability to teach. Skill in imparting knowledge is important, but the spiritual maturity of our teachers is most important. None of them is perfect. And each of them are striving to continue in their spiritual growth as they learn.

It is the desire of the men of the congregation that every member be in Bible class every Sunday morning and every Wednesday evening. We ask that each one set this time aside for their spiritual growth, as a supplement to their personal study each day. And, each student is asked to come prepared. Bring your own Bible and be ready to participate in class. Participation means to have a mind to consider carefully what the teacher is saying and being ready to give answer to the questions asked as well as to ask questions. Participation, alertness, a love for the Lord and his inspired message will make every class interesting and profitable.

Our Bible classes provide a unique opportunity for learning and growth. Our focus of study is our right relationship to God and an eternity with him. For that reason Bible class is more important than other activities. Consider your growth. Consider your encouragement to others. Come to Bible class.

It is very sad to see people who began the walk with God, but then stop. Some walk in the paths of righteousness for many years, then for some reason they quit. Others may be on the verge of quitting. Usually this is seen in a slow decline in attendance and participation in the work of the church until the person is seen no more. Those who quit have given up the home in heaven and the blessing of salvation. Don’t quit!

The Lord gives hope to the wicked man who turns from his wickedness. He says he will not remember that wickedness and will reward the man who turns to righteousness. But at the same time, the Lord warns the righteous person that if they turn from their righteousness and do that which is wicked, then that man will answer for his wickedness (see Ezekiel 18, 33). All through our lives we have the opportunity to change. Do not turn from God to live wickedly! The last state will become worse than the first (2 Peter 2:20-22).

Remember that Satan is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). You can withstand him in your faith (1 Peter 5:9), but it takes effort. He will use every tool in his arsenal to cause you to quit. Be diligent to know what God says, and follow it. If a situation is before you and you are not certain it is right - stop! Look carefully and do what you know is pleasing to God. By doing this you are actively resisting the devil. When you resist him, he will flee from you (James 4:7). Walk with God. Live a life of righteousness. Do Not Quit!

Bulletin. April 6, 2008

Peter, James and John left their profession as fishermen and followed Jesus to become "fishers of men" (Luke 5:10, 11). From that moment the lives of these men were forever changed.

Today we are also called into the service of the Lord. One of our joys is to be ‘fishers of men’ too. The great commission given by the Lord calls each of us to make disciples of all nations. But, we must first be disciples! See Matthew 28:19-20.

As we go through our daily activities we can and should teach others. Invite them to class and our assembly. Give them a passage or two on the questions they have or the subjects they talk about. Live the life Jesus has given us in order to encourage them. Remember, your work is for the salvation of their souls. You are a blessing to them as you teach them!

Greg Weston

The apostle Peter encouraged his readers to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Pet. 3:18). This encouragement to grow is seen throughout the New Testament. It is a growth which brings great reward, but it is also a growth which demands effort.

Growth comes through diligence. In the first chapter of his second letter, Peter encourage the same type of growth, and said to give diligence in that growth. Diligence is intense effort. Growth does not come by accident. See 1 Peter 1:5-13.

Growth comes with knowledge. We cannot know what to do if we do not know what God says. The pattern for spiritual living is found in the pages of the Bible. As we grow we will know what to do and how to do it. We will also meet the challenges placed before us by Satan with greater ease as a result of our growth.

Growth is visible. Jesus said we will know a person by his or her fruit. As we grow others will see that growth. Our speech and daily life will demonstrate our growth. We will be conformed to the image of Jesus more each day (Romans 8:29).

In your own life make a decision to grow, and then be diligent in that growth. In your growth you will give glory to God.

Psalms

Hollywood Style

Hollywood producers have made several movies depicting Biblical events. One of the older ones is "The Ten Commandments". If you have watched this movie, compare it diligently with the Biblical account. You will be reminded of the many additions the producers have put into the story. Every Biblical movie is the same. Those who produce them add to and change truths presented in Scripture.

While visual perceptions can be powerful, they can also be damaging. In fact, many movies on Biblical accounts have soul condemning error in them. It would be best to reject these movies and not show them to your children or any others. The Bible is sufficient, simply teach them the truths of God as written.

Greg Weston

Many people confidently state, "Jesus is Lord". Yet their actions contradict their voice. When a person reads the scriptures and decides they will keep one instruction of the Lord but disregard another, is Jesus Lord? When a person understands that the Bible is the revealed will of God, the testament of Jesus (Heb. 9:15), yet does not give attention to reading and studying it, is Jesus Lord? We can add many specifics, but what is the point? Saying Jesus is Lord does not put him on the ‘throne’ of your heart (see Matt. 7:21-23). We are to demonstrate our faith by our works (James 2:14-24). This is not working in order to earn salvation, for that cannot be done. It is being a servant of Jesus. It is recognizing that he is sitting at the right hand of God, and putting our life under his command.

While we can never be sinless, our changed lives will show that Jesus is Lord. Others should see in us the life of Christ. To do that we must know what the Lord says. So we take up his word, the Bible, and read it. We carefully follow the teachings of the New Testament to guide our thoughts and actions. The Lordship of Jesus will be seen in our finances, calendars, and associations. The good things we do will be done for the Lord’s glory and not our own (Matt. 5:13-16). Our actions reveal our heart (see Mark 6:20-23). Do others know that you recognize Jesus as Lord?

Always remember that just because you do not obey the Lord as your master, does not mean he is not Lord. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, and is Lord (Acts 2:30-36). Our rebellion does not diminish his authority. Our failure to follow him completely causes us to lose our soul, because of our rebellion. But when we serve him as the Lord, then we share in the forgiveness he offers and have that great blessing of salvation.

Is Jesus truly the Lord of your life? Always? In everything?

There are many unique things about Jesus. He is the Son of God. He is Lord and Christ. He is our Redeemer. The list is long. One more on the list is that Jesus was a preacher. He was sent to preach (Luke 4:43).

Would Jesus be accepted as a preacher today? Would he be the preacher many would desire to hear? In the gospel record there were multitudes who followed Jesus. They were amazed at his teaching, for he taught as one having authority and not as the religious leaders of his day (Matt. 7:28, 29). But there were also many who rejected Jesus. And, there were some who followed at times, then when his words were hard they left him (John 6:60-66). Would you be excited to have Jesus as your preacher?

There never has been a preacher like Jesus, for he was God in the flesh. Yet, not all followed him. It would be no different today, I am persuaded. In fact, it is probable that those who deny his words today would also deny him if he were among us physically. People still complain about his teachings being hard! The message of Jesus was and is unique. There is great comfort in his words, but there is also great challenge. The Lord often spoke directly to the subject, in words which could not be misunderstood. And, he also spoke of things beyond our capacity to fully comprehend, but revealed the facts of those things so we can know. Yes, Jesus was the greatest preacher ever and his words are to be repeated without change by every one who preaches.

The task of every person of every age is to hear the words of Jesus, the entire truth contained in the New Testament, and obey him. In obedience there is great blessing! Consider Hebrews 5:9.

Bulletin.  March 23, 2008

Greg Weston

When Jesus was in Capernaum he healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Luke 4:38). This emphasizes the fact that Peter was married. We do not know her name and there is nothing specific about his wife given in scripture. We cannot reach many conclusions about his wife, for few details are given. We know, however, that Peter was married.

Paul also spoke of Peter’s wife. He argued that he and other preachers had a right of financial support to preach, and to lead about a wife who is a believer. He gave examples of those who did, and Peter who is also called Cephas was named among them (1 Cor. 9:5).

This detail reminds us of the many saints who are not identified by name in Scripture. In fact, we must acknowledge that few Christians are specifically identified in the records of history. Recognition is not important. We do not need to be concerned about our ‘legacy’ in the world, just our faithfulness to the Lord. Every faithful Christian influences those around her or him. As we live the Christian life and teach the gospel of Christ, we will influence people in ways we will never know. Do not be concerned about others knowing your name, simply live to give glory to God in your daily life.

This detail of Peter’s life is helpful in another way too. The Roman Catholic Church claims Peter as their first Pope. This is an error. One point which proves it to be an error is the fact that Peter was married. He could not qualify as Pope. In addition, the Catholic requirement of celibate priests is not according to scripture. In fact, celibacy as a doctrine is condemned by Paul (1 Tim. 4:1-5). Marriage is not required, but it is encouraged (1 Cor. 7:1-5).

We can learn many lessons from Peter, and his faithful life is an example we can follow. He was not sinless, but he was faithful till death. Let us be the same.

When you give a reason for the things you believe and practice, do you say "I think"? It is better to say, "Jesus said." Our thoughts are the product of human reasoning, his expressions are divine instruction.

Why do we demonstrate kindness to others? Because Jesus said to be kind. He said that through Paul, for Paul said love is kind (1 Cor. 13:4). And since we are to love all, we are to be kind to all (see Luke 6:35).

Why do we assemble on the first day rather than any other day? Not because we think it best, but because the Lord has instructed us to assemble on the first day of the week (Heb. 10:24, 25; 1 Cor. 16:1, 2).

Why do we teach that Jesus only established one church, and that we must be a part of that church to enjoy the blessings of salvation? Because that is what the Holy Spirit guided the apostle to write (Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:4; 5:23, 24). And the Holy Spirit gave the apostles the words of Jesus (John 16:13-16).

Why do we teach that baptism is the point, the event at which God forgives sin? Not because we have any voice in the matter, but because God has revealed this to be true (Acts 2:38; 22:16). And, why do we teach that baptism is an immersion in water and not sprinkling or pouring? Because the Bible teaches that baptism is a burial (Rom. 6:3, 4), and we recognize the word baptize should be translated immerse (see Greek/English Lexicons].

All we do must be done because it is the will of God. If we fail to do what God says, or we change God’s instruction because "we think", then we have just placed ourselves above God. That is a horrible mistake to make! Rejoice in "Jesus said."

Bulletin.  March 16, 2008