Our Creed and Purpose

By: Gary Colley

             Many seemingly have difficulty understanding the church of Christ. The denominational atmosphere, a lack of Bible knowledge, and slothfulness in study cause spiritual illiteracy in multitudes. Professed preachers of the world care little about doctrinal matters or the creed and purpose of the church of the New Testament.

            The church of Christ does have a creed. It is not written by men nor devised by human thinking (2 Peter 1:20-21). It is the all-sufficient and verbally inspired Word of God which declares to all men the reigning and resurrected Christ and His teaching (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Matthew 16:16-18). The word “creed” means, “I believe.” The New Testament, sealed with the blood of Christ is the creed of the church of Christ. Of necessity it stands against all man-made creeds and revelations. It must be accepted by all who want to be saved in Heaven at last (John 14:6).

            The purpose of the church of Christ is the same as its mission. It is the greatest aim, object, and work ever assigned to mortal man. It is to preach the Gospel to every creature, persuading sinners to come to a knowledge and submission unto the Truth; for these to have remission of sins, life in Christ, and hope of the celestial city after the end of life here (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Rev. 22:14). Obedience to the Gospel brings one into the grace of God and frees him from the mastery of sin (Roman. 6:16-18). His name is written in Heaven (Acts 2:38-41; Revelation 2:10). The hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15) brings sustaining peace and an expectation of the Lord’s return, our resurrection, and eternal life.

            Let each one who professes the name of Christian give his best in obedience, living as Christ lived, and teaching the simple plan to all men.

Responsible Christians
Part 2 

By: Keith McNeely

            To be responsible involves being accountable; in fact, who better to be held to the highest standards of all than Christians?  God has certainly set standards for Christians by which to live, and we are ever encouraged to enjoy the good life these standards bring to us. The book of Ephesians gives several responsibility groups. We started our study last week by noting the first four. Please consider the final three as we continue our study of Ephesians.

            “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;” (Ephesians 6:5).  As reprehensible as slavery is in our society today, it was obviously existent in Paul’s day.  Today, while slavery is no longer existent, we can still make application to our job setting. Slaves were bound to serve their masters. Paul here sets forth the idea of slaves, or employees today, being faithful to their employer. Be reminded that this entire book is written to the Christian. We know this because he clearly states “To the faithful in Christ” (Ephesians 1:1). Thus, we here learn that Christian employees are held to the highest of standards.

            “Ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven;” (Ephesians 6:9).  In this passage the “masters” or employers (as we earlier suggested), are held to the same exacting standards as the servant. In fact, here we are reminded that our “Master also is in heaven”. Friend, picture a business or place of employment where both the employee and employer are Christians (in the true biblical sense of the word). Assuredly such a place would be the very best place for both parties to work.

            “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10). Paul here introduces our final responsibility group of this section of scripture, brethren.  Improvements in each of the groups (wives, husbands, children, fathers and servants) will absolutely produce positive results in life; however, most of all when we each faithfully live the life of “brethren”, the benefits will be bountiful. Notice that Paul gives an assignment to us as brethren that we “Put on the whole armour of God”. As we mature as Christians we learn that the armor that is available to Christians not only capably protects us as individuals but it strengthens the entire body of Christ that is made up of individuals!

            Unfortunately, in our society many live their life longing for the time when they will no longer be held accountable to anyone; I believe the phrase is “I am my own boss”.  On a sad note this irresponsible attitude can and has found its way into the Christian life, and thus, into the Lord’s church. Irresponsible Christians make up irresponsible churches, or congregations of the Lord’s people, and it shows. One does not have to look far to find marriages (wives and husbands) living irresponsible lives, or homes (children and fathers) constructed in a reckless manner, and places of employment (servants and masters) that are modeled after the world’s pattern rather than the Lord’s. Finally, the very best way for us to improve marriages, homes, and workplaces is for Christians to faithfully live as “brethren”.

The Cost of Salvation

By: Kevin E. Key 

            What does it cost? Brethren, we live in a busy and costly world. Everything has a price and from my personal observation and experience – NOTHING IS CHEAP! Seemingly – each day the cost of living explodes to higher levels. Often I find myself wondering and asking, “How high will it go and when will things level off?” Good people, if you are like me – you are ready for the rollercoaster ride of inflation to stop – I AM READY TO GET OFF! In life, one thing will always remain the same and that is that nothing is completely free.

            What about salvation? Sin separates mankind from God (Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2). Because of sin – man stands condemned before God – thus, living without hope in life and in the Day of Judgment. The “good news” is that the Bible tells us that salvation is offered by God unto all of mankind (2 Peter 3:9). According to the Scripture salvation is a “free gift” from God (Romans 6:23). Yet, we need to understand that while salvation is “free” it did not come without cost! What is the cost? In order to satisfy the debt and to redeem man from the guilt and consequences of sin – “the blood of Jesus was required” (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus Christ, the spotless Son of God, personally and willingly offered Himself at Calvary for our sins (John 15:13). Jesus is God’s gift to man!

            In return – God commands, expects and deserves that mankind live for Him. God has established and instituted laws that He commands man to know and to keep (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). In order for man to receive God’s gift of salvation he must accept and do all that God commands. Good people, this requires SACRIFICE! Man must be willing to sacrifice his will for the will of God (Romans 12:1). Brethren and friends, I pray and trust that each day we will appreciate all that our God does for us. Plus, I hope and pray that we will live our lives dedicated to loving and serving our God. May our God bless each of you, always!