The Gospel Has...

(1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
By: Keith McNeely 

Facts to be believed. Paul said that Christ died for our sins, was buried in the grave and was raised on “the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This threefold, concise list of facts make up a summary of the facts we would of necessity need to understand and believe in order to become New Testament Christians.  First, “Christ died for our sins.” Imagine an individual that did not have an understanding of sin. Such an individual that did not understand the burden sin brings to our lives, and the consequences of it, surely would not have a full appreciation of Christ dying for our sins. Further, Paul’s affirmation, “he was buried, and that he rose again the third day” serves as additional facts that are pertinent to understanding and appreciating the price that was paid for our sins.

Commands to be obeyed. Paul advised those in Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) that there would be a day of punishment for those that “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”. The Gospel plan of salvation, as it is sometimes called, which is found in the New Testament requires all to hear of Christ (Romans 10:17); to believe in Him as the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16 and 8:24); to repent of sins (Luke 13:3), and to obey the “command” of baptism (Acts 10:48). Serious and eternal consequences are revealed in God’s Word, the Bible, for those that refuse to obey God’s commands (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

Promises to be enjoyed. There is great news! Those that are willing to come to God on His terms have the promise of having their sins redeemed (Luke 24:47). Such remission of sins gives us the opportunity to live as a free people and is referred to as Christian “liberty” (Galatians 5:1, 13). Understanding the agony of sin and its influence helps us to appreciate the joy of being free from it. Further, according to God’s promises we can enjoy the benefit of being sons of God (John 1:12; Galatians 3:26; 4:6). John said “as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God”.  Those that become God’s sons (also called Christians) are given the promise of sonship which empowers us to likewise be His heirs.

A Contrite Spirit

That Trembles at God’s Word

By: Kevin Rutherford 

            God is so much higher and holier than man (Isaiah 59:8-10). In illustrating His immense power God said, “Heaven is my throne, and earth is My footstool.” (Isaiah 66:1). Yet, one who is so much higher than man has indeed been mindful of man (Psalm 8:1-9). The one, true, great and gracious God has created mankind, created so much for mankind, and has made salvation possible for mankind. We did not deserve salvation and yet God’s love provided His Son as the sacrifice that can make reconciliation possible (Romans 5:6-11).

            While all of this gives evidence of the fact that God is mindful of man in a general sense, we must also be aware that God is mindful of individuals. When God illustrated His power by saying, “Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool,” He mentions the fact that His focus is upon “…him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2). The world may think it is the popular and the powerful who have the most influence with God. However, the opposite is true. Those who have a contrite spirit are those who have humbled themselves before God, have repented of their sins, and have looked to God for salvation. Those who have God’s focus and attention are those who tremble at the Word of God.

            On the day of judgment many well-known historical figures will be judged along side all of the billions who have been forgotten by history. The judgment will not be based upon how great one is considered to be by historians. The judgment will be based upon God’s Word, and everyone will be judged by the same standard (John 12:48). Peter spoke of God as our “…Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work..” (1 Peter 1:18). Peter earlier indicated that God’s judgment is without favoritism when Peter preached to the household of Cornelius. Peter said, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” (Acts 10:34, 35).

            Man will not receive favor from God at the judgment for his worldly achievements. It won’t matter if he is a great military or political leader. It won’t matter if he is very wealthy. It won’t matter how many people in the world thought he was great. The only thing that will matter is whether or not he humbled himself before God because he trembled at God’s Word. The only thing that will matter is whether or not he feared God and worked righteousness.

            Thankfully we will not be judged by man’s standards. Think about how many faithful Christians have quietly and humbly gone about the business of serving God daily. These Christians whose work for the Lord may not receive much recognition; they are Christians who may not be well known. They may not be considered famous or powerful by the world’s standards and yet God looks upon them with favor, and they will receive an eternal inheritance in heaven someday. Do you have a contrite spirit? Do you tremble at the Word of God?

Work Is Good For You!

By: Jimmy Ferguson 

            Haven’t you heard the old adage, “Work is good for you!”? We have tried to instill this into our children and we have tried to set the example for them. Of course, there are those who could not tell you much about work because they have never really became acquainted with it. Others, no doubt, would argue that work is not good for you, and they try to stay far away from it. Generally speaking, people live longer who have worked diligently all their lives. Work also prevents one from becoming lazy (in mind and body). Work gives one an incentive to live from day to day. Statistics indicate that the mortality rate increases following retirement. This certainly does not mean that one should never retire from employment. But it does indicate that one should have regular activities in which to engage even after retirement.

            Consider also that if you are a Christian, work in the church is good for you (spiritually). Perhaps you are familiar with the term “benchwarmer”. This usually refers to those who attend worship services but that is all they do. This individual is usually content with doing nothing. If there is work to be done (visitation, Bible studies, extending invitations, etc.), someone else will have to do it. He may try to fall back on excuses such as, “I work long hours;” “I’m tired at the end of the day;” “I’m not very good at that;” or he may simply say, “I know I need to be more involved,” but that is about as far as he gets.

            If the term, “benchwarmer,” describes someone reading this article, may I ask you something? How can you possibly be satisfied with yourself? Do you not feel that there is something missing in your life? If you talk to a diligent worker in the church, they will probably tell you how wonderful it is to know that you have brightened someone’s day after visiting with them in the hospital; or how exhilarating it is to know that perhaps you have helped to lead a wayward brother or sister back to faithfulness or have helped to lead someone to the way of salvation.

            Work not only benefits the church but it is good for the individual. We are instructed to “be ready to every good work” (Titus 3:1). We are to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). We have been “created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Work not only causes the church to grow (spiritually & numerically), but it strengthens the one working. It will cause you to grow spiritually. As you work in His vineyard, you will find that you are drawing closer to the Lord and your brethren. As if this is not enough, consider the fact that in the Judgment you will be judged by your works (Revelation 20:12). The “one talent man” in Matthew 15 was condemned as being a “wicked and slothful (lazy) servant” (Matthew 25:26).

            If you are a “benchwarmer,” or if you have become lax in your work in the church, dear brother/sister, you need to make a change for the sake of your soul! And I believe that I can guarantee that your life will change for the better.