Woodland
Hills Church of Christ
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Sunday, June 17, 2007 Volume 51, Issue 23 Mark Your Calendars V B S Summer is almost here, and that means it's
time for June 24th - 27th
Truths Believed Among Us It is not unusual, during home Bible studies, for someone to ask, "What does the church of Christ believe about _______?" Obviously, the question should be "What does the Bible teach about ________?" There are, however, some truths that should be believed among us. It is truth that God is. "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) God is the ever present, all-powerful Creator of the universe. God knows everything about us and He cares deeply about our eternal destiny. It is truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Peter said, "We have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:69) Jesus died, was buried and rose again to make our salvation possible. (I Corinthians 15:1-4) Jesus lived a perfect life and therefore serves as our example. His teaching was with authority. (Matthew 7:29) It is truth that the Bible is the word of God. In John 17:17 it is declared that God's word is truth. "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." Scripture must be studied with a desire both to learn and to obey. No book can ever have such an impact on your life as the Bible. It is the inspired word of God! It is truth that sin is man's problem. The Bible teaches that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) The miseries of this life are caused by sin. Sin brings a terribly payday. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Christians must be on constant guard against sin! It is truth that life passes quickly. In James 4:14 life is said to be life a vapor. "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." Think of the funerals you have attended. Read the death notices in the newspaper. Think of those that have gone on. As they are today we all shall soon be. Life passes by quickly and we all know this to be true. It is truth that all should obey the gospel. Christ saves all that obey and only those that obey. "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.' (Hebrews 5:9) Only those willing to obey Jesus will be saved. "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46) Gospel obedience includes hearing God's word, believing in Jesus as the Christ, repenting of sins, confessing Christ as Lord, and being baptized. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47) Disobedience is a tragic thing. Those that fail to obey are condemned. It is truth that not everyone will be saved. The Bible teaches that few will be saved and many lost. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) Only those that have learned truth and been obedient to it will be saved. Let's face the fact that the majority will be lost. You cannot expect to enter that narrow gate without living the Christian life. It is truth that how you live is important. The way you live your life will determine your eternal destiny at judgment. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." (II Corinthians 5:10) How many people think, talk, hear and do will determine where they will spend eternity. How are you living? "Are you living right, should you die tonight, is it will with your soul?" It is truth that God desires our worship. "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24) God desires, God deserves, and God expects our worship. Singing, praying, preaching, giving and the Lord's Supper are the items of worship ordained by Our Father in Heaven. (Ephesians 5:19; Acts 2:24; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Matthew 26:26-30) Faithful Christians worship faithfully! It is truth that there will be no second chance after death. The rich man in Luke 16 proves this fact. There was no second chance for him. It was too late. "Then he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us." (Luke 24:26) It is truth that Christ has only one church. The church is Christ's body. God "put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all thins to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23) "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4-6) It is not enough just to be in a Church. You must be in the church that is in the Bible. If you are not a member of the church mentioned in the Bible you certainly should be! It is truth that Satan tries to cause is to be indifferent. Complacency or indifference is a terrible spiritual state. "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16) There is no such thing as pleasing God while being just a casual Christian. It is truth that there will be a judgment after this life is over. The Bible teaches that we have appointments with both death and judgment. "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27) Each person is accountable to God for his life. (Romans 14:12) Can you even imagine what that great day will be like - that great Day of Judgment and accountability? Do not put off doing what you know you should. Opportunities pass quickly. Are you doing that which meets with God's approval? Is your life built on truth? "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
FAMILY NEWS OUR SICK/HOMEBOUND WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS OUR RECORD SERVICE GROUPS RECYCLING MEMORIAL SUMMER SERIES We encourage you to make plans to be here. THANK YOU MIND YOUR MANNERS The country boy felt somewhat awkward at the formal banquet in the big city. His tuxedo restricted his movement. His necktie interfered with his breathing. He could not figure out why he needed three forks, four spoons and two knives to eat one meal. The child of God may experience similar emotions as he or she tries to serve the Lord. He struggles with making the right decision. She wrestles with peer pressure. He wants to fit in, not to feel out of place. Help! The Lord spoke through Paul to teach Timothy and other saints how He expects His children how to behave. Our Father wants His children to engage in conduct that is holy. He expects His people to possess attitudes that are pure. He plans for us to build our lives on the solid foundation of His truth. Two challenges face the individual who belongs to God’s family. One - to know how one should conduct himself/herself. Two - to do what he/she knows. Our Father can help us meet each of these challenges. The question is, "Will we let Him?" Think about it. MIND YOUR MANNERS.
GIVING GOD OUR VERY BEST Malachi chapter one details God’s displeasure with His people because of their ingratitude. This ingratitude was manifested in their failure to give God their very best. Please read Malachi 1:6-14. Two of the most sobering questions to be found in all of God’s Word is recorded in verse six. The wise will give serious consideration to the questions: "if I then be a father, where is mine honor? And if I be a master where is my fear...?" I hope as you read this small article, you will give serious thought and consideration to these fourteen verses. In doing so, it will cause you to reevaluate your on gratitude toward God and His blessings you receive each and every day. Consider God’s relationship in verse six. He is depicted as a father over his son. He is also depicted as a master over his servant, and he is due his just respect and honor (cf. Exodus 20:12; 21:15-17; Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Consider God’s care, provisions, and love for us as His children (cf. 1 John 3:1; Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 6:36; James 1:16-17). How could we not consider our responsibility in honoring God with a grateful attitude? If you read verses 6-14, you could not have missed the people’s response in verses 7-13. They had no problem in presenting to God their substandard offerings. They "offered" the blind and sick animals as recorded in verse eight. How sinful it was for them to "offer" sacrifices to God that they wouldn’t think of offering their governor. In verses thirteen they even considered their worship to Him to be a burden. We should consider the contrast between their attitude and attitude of the Psalmist in Psalm 122:1. Those we read about in Malachi were heartless. Brethren, knowing all God has done for us, we should always be concerned with our response to Him. Let us not forget that we are required by God to offer "spiritual sacrifices" also. (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:5-9). When our relationship and service to God do not meet the standards we have set in other areas of our lives, we are showing contempt rather than honor. Man can do as he pleases. God isn’t going to force anyone to love, honor, serve, and obey Him. Yet, He is holding everyone responsible for their actions, devotion, commitment and so on. He is also holding everyone responsible for their lack of the same. In Malachi 1:1, we read of God’s rejection of His rebellious people. Cursed be the deceiver who gives God second best and keeps the best for self (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). We too will be rejected by God if we fail to give Him our best. Brethren, our love and gratitude for and to God (or lack of) will be seen in whether or not we give Him our very best. Jimmy Young |
