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111 S. Curry St.
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West Plains, MO |
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111 S. Curry St.
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West Plains, MO |
God’s Word Is...
(Jeremiah 23:29-32)
By: Keith McNeely
Jeremiah calls our attention to God’s Word. In this passage we learn of Jehovah’s attitude toward His Word, as well as how He feels when it is mishandled. For a few minutes notice...
God’s word is like a fire. God asked Jeremiah “Is not my word like as a fire?” (Jeremiah 23:29). Fire has some interesting and effective characteristics; for example, a warm fire in the winter brings cheer to the home, however, if a home catches on fire, devastation soon follows. God’s Word is like fire. It can encourage and uplift, however, it can bring devastating effects as well. Imagine an individual studying the Bible for the first time in their lives and learning of their sin burden (Matthew 11:28-30) and realize the negative effect sin has. Further, in a few lessons they begin to learn of the precious blood of the Savior.
God’s Word is like a hammer. God asked Jeremiah “Is not my word...like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29). Hammers come in all shapes and sizes and are effectively used in various endeavors. Think of the very smallest of tack hammers used to drive tacks barely bigger than a straight pen, or what about those large twenty pound sledge hammers that can move seemingly immovable items with a single blow. God’s Word is like a hammer; it can accomplish the very smallest of task to the very largest.
In our lives God’s Word is understandable and capable of producing change, but only if you and I will read, study, and learn it. Jesus said “the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48). What is God’s Word to you? Hopefully you have learned how effective it can be in our lives. If not, make plans to begin reading your Bible.
The Letter of the Law
By: Dennis R. Smith
In Luke 18 is the story of the Pharisee and the publican. Here the Lord has shown that the cry of the merciful is heard at the throne of God. In addition, it also shows that self-righteousness is not accepted by the Lord. The reputation of being cold, legalistic and without emotion has been the label which often has been pinned on the Pharisees by many. We have to admit that our Lord often rebuked this group, but on one occasion it seems that he gave them a compliment that might serve as a lesson for all today. Jesus said, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). Since Jesus used these words to encourage his disciples to strive for righteousness, then there must have been some good in the example set by them. What might that good be?
The Pharisee’s righteousness was probably complimented on the basis of his efforts to apply scripture. Often they would “legalize” on the scriptures and make them difficult to understand and certainly next to impossible to live by. But, the fact remains they were students (effort wise) to apply the letter of the law. In the Psalms we find these words: “My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness” (Psalms 119:172). In some of the newer translations the word “righteousness” is condensed to read “righteous.” Either way, we have to concede that to be righteous, it is imperative that we follow the Holy Scriptures. This is possibly why the Lord used the Pharisee’s righteousness to teach us a lesson.
How often have we heard, “I know it’s in the Bible, but I can’t remember where?” Could it be that we need to be better students of the Bible? Could Jesus have used the Matthew 5:20 words to tell us that we must exceed in our studies of scripture the efforts which the Pharisees put forth to make things binding on others? The Apostle Peter quoted our Lord by saying, “be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Our holiness comes from following the commandments of our Lord and it takes effort on our part to know them. Grace, mercy and truth are all credentials of God, but one important thing must be understood – God never goes beyond His Word. Let’s excel the Pharisee in our effort to follow The Letter of the Law but let’s do so with genuine love and humility not leaving the impression that we are more righteous than others.God Provides the Increase
By: Kevin E. Key
The first Pentecost following Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, the Lord’s church was established. Just prior to His death on the cross, Jesus promised to build His church and that nothing would hinder its continual existence (Matthew 16:18). Some fifty days following our Lord’s death at Calvary, God instituted the church (Acts 1-2). That day, Peter and the other apostles taught boldly things pertaining to the Christ. Following the message presented by Simon Peter, some were “pricked in their hearts” and cried out wanting to know “what shall we do?” Evidently, these souls listened closely to the words spoken by Peter and these other inspired men. Based on what they heard conjoined with the realization of what they had done some fifty days before (crucified our Lord), these people came to an understanding that they had sinned against God. What was the sin? They had rejected Jesus and were personally responsible for nailing the Messiah, the Son of God and an innocent Man, to the cross (Acts 2:47). Can you imagine how they must have felt – the guilt, fear and regret for what they had done to Jesus. The Scriptures tell us that because of godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:9, 10), that day about three thousand souls were baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:41).
Some two thousand years later, we can relate with these people! In 2009, mankind still needs the saving blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7). The reason man needs salvation is because “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). With the exception of Jesus, no person has ever been able to live a sinless and perfect life (1 Peter 2:20, 21; 1 John 1:8). As a result of man’s sin, he is guilty before God and therefore, subject to the consequences of sin – death (Romans 6:23). According to the Scripture, Jesus is the only answer to man’s problem with sin (John 14:6). While salvation is in Jesus, it is up to us to reach these souls with the “good news” of the Christ (1 Timothy 3:14, 15). Good people, I am convinced that whenever the gospel is taught in the presence of those who are living in sin and who have sincere hearts, it can and will still have the same effect as it did at Pentecost (Romans 1:16). Likely we will not see the response of three thousand souls at once – but over the course of time, gospel preaching, and a sincere determination to lead souls to Christ, our God will provide the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). As we live, love and labor together in the church, I pray and trust that our God will bless our efforts (Matthew 28:20). May God bless each of you this day and always!
