Use Your Bible

I Know Whom I Have Believed

II Timothy 1:12

1. Knowing Jesus

A. He is our Friend (Matthew 11:19; John 15:13)
B. He is our Saviour (Luke 19:10)
C. He looks for doing good (John 9:1)
D. He will be our judge (John 12:48)
E. He is the Lord of our life:

1. Head of church (Ephesians 1:22)
2. King of the kingdom (I Timothy 1:17)
3. Our Shepherd (John 10:1-10)

F. We must learn to have personal knowledge of Jesus (Philippians 3:8)

2. Jesus is Able to:

A. Save believers (Hebrews 7:25)
B. Nourish us (Hebrews 4:15-16)
C. Get us access to the Father (John 14:6)
D. Raise us from the dead (Revelations 1:18)

3. To Keep What We Commit to Him

A. The most precious thing we have-our soul (Matthew 16:26)
B. Why do we commit our soul to Him? Because we know Him.

Imagine taking something we value most of all and letting a total stranger take care of it. Would we let a stranger, someone we don't know, babysit one of our children? Hopefully we would not. This is the essence of what Paul means in this verse. He knew His Lord so well that he felt very comfortable that Jesus could take care of his soul until the reward be given. How willing are we to commit our soul to Jesus?

Many are willing to commit their soul to someone other than Jesus. There are many man made creeds out there declaring things that Jesus did not say. Everyone is going to leave this life and go to eternity and we can't trust our soul to just anyone. Everyone should make absolutely sure that what they are doing in the name of Christ has scriptural authority to back it up. Jesus has the words of eternal life (John 6:68) and no religion has the right to change those words. Giving our soul to Jesus means putting our complete trust in Him and no one else. Have you committed your soul to Jesus yet?

Thanks

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (II Corinthians 9:15) One does not have to look far to see the gifts God gives us. Life itself is a gift from God and every day we live should be a cause of giving thanks (James 4:13-17.) Each day carries with it more blessings and gifts from our heavenly Father than we could possibly count. Certainly we should try and count them to keep a sense of perspective about God's goodness but we can hardly know them all. Life, health, comfortable homes, nice cars, computers, microwave ovens, dishwashers, jobs, money, family, good friends-the list could go on and on. Indeed, God is good to us.

More so than we deserve. God blesses us over and over but do we show Him the proper gratitude? When we sit down to eat our daily bread do we give thanks? When we recover from sickness, do we recognize God's hand in our recovery? God blesses us with transportation that is convenient and comfortable and we thank Him by not using it to come to church services. God blesses us with jobs to support our families but we spend all our time complaining about the company we've been blessed with and that we agreed to work for.

Nor is there just the physical aspects of God's goodness to consider. All spiritual blessing are in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3.) Thinking about all the physical blessings we can see ought to cause us to appreciate the innumerable spiritual blessings from God. We see and experience God's love in this life and that should cause us to have a better understanding of just how much God loved us in sending His son to die on the cross for us. What does that mean to us? Are we just as guilty of taking God's spiritual blessings for granted? Do we pray as we should? Miss the opportunity to worship at the drop of a hat? Life and eternal life are an indescribable gift from God and He deserves our constant and daily gratitude in word and in deed.

Authority

In our society we find that rules govern everything we do. One cannot drive down a highway without noticing speed limit signs. The red light means "STOP". In other words there are rules of the road to govern the safe and orderly flow of traffic. Failure to abide by the rules can bring penalties such as fines or loss of driver's license. or worse, bodily harm and death can result.

When the Kentucky Wildcats play football, 'the players have to play by certain rules. A defensive player cannot tackle a player by grabbing the facemask. The defensive line can't jump offsides or the offensive line can't false start. You can't block in the back or grab the jersey to block someone. Failure to abide by the rules will result in a penalty call against the offender and loss of yardage thus hurting the team. Of course, all sports have their particular set of rules.

When we go to the grocery store, there are rules to follow. Just try and walk out of the store without paying. No matter what we do in life, rules are there to keep things in line. Whether we talk of the store, bank, barber shop, amusement park (don't cut in line), gas station, or what ever we put our hand to do, there are rules to abide by with penalties for breaking the rules.

That is except for religion. For some reason folks realize the role that rules play in everyday life but then when the subject of religion comes up, all of a sudden, there are no rules. Everyone is free to do what please them or their "religious" group. Jesus is still saying, "why do you call me Lord, and do not the things that I say" (Luke 6:46; see also Matthew 7:21.) Yes folks, there are rules for religion too and those rules are found in the New Testament. The Lord's rules are the only ones that matter.

re you playing by His rules or trying to bring your own?

Accept Jesus as Your Personal Savior

Preachers on TV, radio, and in many religious groups often invite people to be saved by telling them to "accept Jesus as your personal savior." This is never taught from Scripture with people being shown how to accept Jesus as a personal savior. Why rely on a doctrine that is not backed up by Scripture? Yet many do.

The Bible is clear that Jesus is a "savior." "you shall call His name Jesus for He will save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1 :21.) Acts 4:12 and John 14:6 teach the same thing. Without Jesus, there is no salvation.

It is that plain and simple. He is the one who died for us. It is also true that Jesus is a "personal" savior as seen in Romans 14:7 and 2 Cor. 5:10 among other scriptures. Fact is that a parent cannot make their children Christians by virtue of the parent's faith. No government leader's obedience will have as saving effect on the subjects. Each person has the responsibility to accept or reject Jesus and each will answer for the choice (Phil. 2:9-11.)

Those who cry out to "accept Jesus as a personal savior" leave mistaken and unscriptural ideas of HOW we do the accepting. The idea conveyed is " accept Jesus and ask Him to come into your heart" But notice that Jesus Himself said, "Not every one who says Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven' (Matt. 7:21 .)

The question is logical and the answer is obvious to all who have the courage to accept truth. If Jesus says not everyone will be saved just because they asked, then how is it that many teach that ALL who ask will be saved. I think it safe to go with Jesus on this one. Salvation is in the doing of God's will and when we truly accept Jesus, doing what he says will be an easy thing. Even baptism (Mk.16:16.)

Cut to the Heart (Part 2)

So we read in Acts 2:37 that they were cut to the heart over being convicted of their sins. This can be a good thing if it leads folks to obey the truth of God. How thrilling to see someone resolve to come to Him for forgiveness and end the struggle going on in their soul. Many a person has stayed awake all night struggling with this, then make the choice to give their life to God just as those first respondents did in Acts 2.

Even after becoming a Christian, there are times when we need a dose of being cut to the heart. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death" (II Corinthians 7:10.) Many of the Christians at Corinth had gotten themselves in problems and were not serving the Lord as they should. Paul wrote them a letter to show them the error of their way and it cut them to the heart (godly sorrow) and they made the proper corrections (II Corinthians 7:11.) As Christians study the word of God, they sometimes find they are making mistakes in serving Him and this should make us sorry. We want to serve God and not disappoint Him, and when we do, we repent and ask His forgiveness. If we are just sorry we got "caught" at something (the sorrow of the world) we often don't make the proper correction. As Christians, we need a healthy dose of being cut to the heart from time to time.

Sometimes, people are cut to the heart for the wrong reasons. In Acts 7, Stephen is preaching to the Sanhedrin council and delivering a message similar to what was delivered in Acts 2. He showed the Jewish history how the Jews always rejected the prophets and messengers God sent them. Now God sent His own Son and they rejected Him too. Notice the sad result, "When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth" (Acts 7:54.) Then they took Stephen out and stoned him to death. They were cut to the heart too, but instead of responding in obedience, their deep anger was aroused and they rejected the message Stephen delivered unto them. Often today the message of faith in Jesus and baptism for the remission of sins arouses a cutting to the heart that is not good. People become angry at it and resort to name-calling and other displays of hatred. Or some get convicted of their sins and fight tooth and nail to resist what they know is right.

The heart is the key. In Acts 2, the people were of a good heart and upon realizing what they had done, followed the divine steps to remove their sins by being baptized. In Acts 7, we find people not willing to hear the message and showing themselves to not be interested following God. Both were cut to the heart, but only a honest heart will seek to please God and reject all for Him. Again, how is your heart "cut?"

Cut to the Heart

In Acts 2 we find the gospel being preached completely for the first time. Jesus was preached as the one crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. Evidence was given for the resurrection and now Jesus had ascended to the Father and had become "Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36.) At this point the sermon was interrupted by the crowd as they cried out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37.) The verse also gives the reason for the interruption and question. They were "cut to the heart."

As the gospel was preached, they realized they were responsible for killing the son of God and this cut them to the heart. They were heart-broken over what they had participated in and were convicted and condemned before God. Not wanting to live this way, they wanted to know what to do to remove the awful guilt they had. "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" was the answer given (Acts 2:38.) Notice that they were to repent and be baptized in the name of the very one they had killed. Jesus' death on the cross was the very means by which they could be saved for in His blood the forgiveness of sins is found (Ephesians 1:7.) We are baptized into His death where the blood washes sin away (Romans 6:3.) Also notice that the apostles mentioned the remission of "sins" (plural.) Their obedience to the gospel would not just wash away the one sin of killing the son of God but all sins.

While we did not physically participate in killing Jesus, we are still responsible none the less. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23.) Our sins put Jesus on that cross just as surely as if we drove the nails in ourselves. However, we can be saved just the same by believing in the son of God, repenting, and being baptized just as they were told in Acts 2. It was for them and it is for us today. All of our sins can be washed away if we are cut to the heart enough to respond.

The Future Today

Life is very hectic with many chores needing attention. Often people give little thought to the future and just try to survive day by day. Then, one day, they look around and discover that the future they taught so far away is here now. Regrets set in as lost opportunities are remembered. Whether we like it or not, the future is only one step away.

I saw tomorrow look at me
from little children's eyes
and thought
how carefully we would teach if we were wise.

I don't know who wrote the above quote but it certainly speaks volumes. Parents who seek the kingdom of God first in their lives have a different mindset than others who care not for God. Their lives go in a completely different direction from those who are not spiritually minded. The difference is striking. Church services are not missed and there is much time spent in Bible study and prayer.Everyone, even their enemies are treated well. In short, the God-fearing father and mother look to heaven and are not centered in things of this life.

But this is a lesson best learned young. As parents, diligently seek God don't forget to teach your children along the way. They will be adults before you know it and you may find you and your child on different paths unless you are wise in this.

Seeing God's Face

Jacob was afraid of his brother Esau and with good reason. First, Jacob got Esau to sell his birthright over a stew (Genesis 25:27-34.) Then, Jacob, disguised as Esau, got the blessing from his father Isaac that should have been Esau's (Genesis 27:1-33.) All of this was in keeping with what God said as Rebecca was promised that the "older shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23.) It was God's will that the Messiah should come through the line of Jacob. Doubtless, that didn't make Esau feel any better.

After serving his future father-in-law, the time had come for Jacob to return to the land of Canaan and a meeting with Esau was inevitable. In Genesis 32, Jacob found out that Esau himself was on his way to meet him. The news greatly distressed Jacob and he began preparations for an attack by Esau (Genesis 32:1-23.) That night, while Jacob was alone, he wrestled with a man and prevailed. That man turned out to be an angel (Genesis 32:24-32.)

"Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." (Genesis 32:30) The whole incident of wrestling with the angel was to show Jacob that he would prevail against Esau and that he was in God's favor. If he prevailed against an angel he was sure to prevail in the present distress. Jacob did not mean to say that he beheld God in all his glory only that he recognized that he looked upon a divine being.

God told Moses, "no man shall see me and live" (Exodus 33:20) although He did show Moses his glory. Sinful man cannot look upon the holy God any more than he can look at the sun. But the time came when man saw God through His Son -- Jesus Christ (John 1:14.) Now we anxiously look forward to seeing him as He is (I John 3:2.)

Do you?

The Blood of Christ

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7.) Here is a statement from the pen of the apostle Paul that must be remembered. Redemption means the forgiveness of sins and neither can be had without the blood of Christ. Also, the blood of Christ and ultimately the redemption it provides came about by the grace of the Lord. In other words, without the amazing grace of God, the Lord's body and blood would not have been sacrificed on the cross and thus there could be no forgiveness of sins for us.

Most folks associated with Christianity admit that we are saved by the blood of Christ. Practically everyone has heard the great song. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. If not that song then certainly we know "There is Power in the Blood." These songs, and many others, are also sung and believed in the church of Christ as well. Sadly, many charge members of the church with believing that water saves and not the blood. This is a false charge made either out of ignorance or hatred that seeks to hide the real issues that are pertinent to salvation. No argument is fair unless it is stated fairly and honestly.

The apostle John, speaking of Christ, said, "to Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood" (Revelation 1:5.) The Hebrew writer declared, "Neither by the blood of goats and claves, but by His own blood He entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Hebrews 9:12.) And Peter reminds us that we were not redeemed with corruptible things like money, "but with the precious blood of Christ" (I Peter 1:19.) Peter may have been a quick to speak kind of guy but when it came to the blood of His Lord, it was precious to him and was to be treasured above everything else in life. So it is with us. We believe in the blood of Christ with all our heart and nothing is more precious to us. Without the Lord's sacrifice we are lost.

The question remains - how does the blood save us today? How is it applied? Well, there is a simple answer for all those who are willing to diligently study the sacred scriptures. Romans 6:3-5 is a key in understanding the relation between salvation and the blood of Christ. Notice that those "who are baptized, are baptized into His death." Since the blood of Jesus was shed in His death, we would then contact that blood when we are baptized into that death. The blood is not found in faith but faith leads us to the cross. It is not found when we repent but people were told in the book of Acts, those who had faith and repented, to be baptized. Read the book yourself. The Bible is clear on this and heaven waits on those who take the Lord at His Word.

What does The Church Mean to You - Part 1

If we ask that question to 20 people, we will likely get 20 different answers.

Some live their lives without the church since they don't believe it is important. Others view it as a social club, a benevolent society, or the keeper of community values. Still others view it as a hindrance to doing "one's own thing." Of course, differing views about the church are nothing new. Just look at the bible.

The Jewish leaders regarded the church as a mere "sect" of Judaism. "We desire to hear of you what you think; for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against' (Acts 28:22.) The Jews had many sects among them: the Pharisees, the Sadducees,the Herodians, the Essenes. Now the church of our Lord was not designed to fall in line as just another sect of the Jews. The church was not to be a new patch on an old garment (Mark 2:21.) Jesus is the mediator of a NEW covenant (Hebrews 8:6) built on a new and different foundation (Hebrews 9:15.) Today, many consider the church as a sect among "Christendom." But Jesus didn't build it that way either. He prayed for unity (John 17:20) and commanded it ( I Corinthians 1 :10.) The church was not a sect in the first century and that means it cannot be so today.

Working Out Our Salvation

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, as not only in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13.)

How many people read these verses and come away with the idea that there are many ways of salvation. In other words, "you get to heaven the way you want, and I'll get there the way I want." There is the mistaken notion among many that it doesn't matter what one believes as long as they are sincere. After all, the above verse does say to "work out your own salvation," doesn't it?

The Bible is clear on how a person is saved and it is the same for everyone. Faith and repentance are involved (John 8:24; Luke 13:3.) So is baptism (Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-6.) These things are identified in scripture as relating to salvation.

It is not man's choice. We cannot tell God how we are going to be saved or how we think it should be. God has said to hear His Son (Matthew 17:5) and Jesus said that "all authority" was given to Him. If Jesus has ALL authority then no person, council, or creed can have one bit authority in religious matters. It does not belong to any denomination to decide what their "plan" is. Only Jesus rules in His church and no one will come to the Father but by Him (John 14:6.) The Christian life is a life of obedience starting with baptism. In fact, He is the "author of eternal salvation to all them that obey Him" (Hebrews 5:8-9.)

Well, what does Paul mean by working out "your own" salvation? Notice that the Philippian text says that God "works in us." No one can face the temptations of Satan alone. We need God's help and should praise Him everyday that He helps us overcome the evil one. But what does God work in us?

The next part of verse 13 tells us, "to will and to work." Unless God's will is in us, God cannot work in our life. People are kidding themselves that God works through them or in some way empowers them while they reject His will. God works in us His will and that leads us to eternal salvation. We can overcome all things (Romans 8:37-39) and do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13.) But only if we make God's will our desire can we be saved. Each Christian has the responsibility to study God's word so He can work out His will and pleasure by our life of obedience. No one can do it for us.

Your Attention Please!

Often at a ballgame, in the store, or even at work, a voice will come over the loudspeaker saying, "Your attention please." That is followed by some important announcement. But in order to make the important announcement, the announcer feels the need to get the attention of people. Christianity is no different.

On the back page of this bulletin is an ad about winning the world for Christ and how that begins in our own community. The purpose of it is to show that we need to spread the gospel right here in our own county and let it spread from there. But if we are to teach the gospel in our beloved town, we must first get the town's attention. Everyone knows that.

The question becomes what are we getting their attention to. Are we going to win our community by putting on a show? Do we put on an "area-wide golf tournament" or open a "restaurant?" Do we try to be like all the other churches? "Everybody is doing it" seems a poor way to show people that "few" will be saved (Matthew 7:14.) This week we received an announcement from a church that is having an "area-wide" singing at their building. They were also quick to add the "desserts and drinks will be served during the break." One has to wonder that they wanted Christ there but if He was really top on the list.

Christians must always remember that the power is in the product. Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation..." (Romans 1:16.) It is the gospel that saves and our job is to preach the simple truth. A Christian does not need a trumpet to herald his work for by just showing the power of the gospel in his life will cause others to glorify the Father (Matthew 5:16.) A church is a "city set on a hill" but it does not need a lighted billboard to show everyone that the circus is in town. Our work for the Lord is light enough. This is how we should say, "your attention please."

Sadly, many in our own community will not pay attention to the simple truth of God. Their loyalties lie elsewhere-either in their traditional teaching or in entertainment. Christians can and should enjoy the company of one another but when that becomes our big "attention-getter" we have left Christ out. We may want to use gimmicks to get them here to teach them but how would Christ feel about that? Wouldn't he feel He was not important enough to get their attention?

Maybe we could put on an area wide potluck or something but only attention to Christ will save. Our focus should be on Him only and completely.

The Devices of Satan (Part 5)

Hopefully we have learned many things about our adversary and how to not fall prey to him over the last four weeks. In this fifth and final installment of the series we will look at how Satan seeks to use religion as a way to cause people to fall.

Yes, that's right. Satan can use religious tendencies to sometimes cause good meaning folks to go astray. Certainly our study of pride from the last issue comes into play. Many a preacher has fallen prey to feelings of superiority as they have made a name for themselves. Perhaps they have been featured at some well known lectureship attended by many from across the country. Or perhaps they are featured in a "brotherhood" paper. Sometimes, such feel the need to "regulate the brotherhood" or interfere with the local autonomy of churches by seeking to impose their will where it should not be imposed. Remember Diotrephes? (3 John 9.)

One of Satan's greatest weapons is compromise. The result of the compromise of spiritual principles has led to a mess in the religious world and there is no shortage of examples. We hear the invitation to go to "the church of your choice" rather than to the church Jesus built and died for (Acts 20:28.) Salvation by "faith only" seeks to nullify what Jesus said in Mark 16: 16, "He who believes AND is baptized shall be saved." The bottom line is that spiritual compromise offers religion through honesty and sincerity rather than through faithful obedience to the word of God.

James reminds us, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7.) We must beware of how Satan operates in order to resist him but he will flee from us. At least until he discovers another weakness in us he can exploit. And so the battle goes on ...

The Devices of Satan (Part 4)

Not only does Satan prey on what we think our needs are, he also is very good at exploiting our pride. As a result, we sin many times because we were puffed up in some way. The ties of the flesh are strong because we live in the world and thus our focus becomes worldly. We like it here and there are so many things for us to please ourselves with. We seek great enjoyment in this life and when such is our attitude, Satan finds it even easier to prey on our vanity. This is why John tells us to not love the world (1 John 2:15.)

The whole alcohol industry is used by the devil to prey on our vanity. We seldom see the use of alcohol without it being presented as a good thing. Those who use it are pictured as being sophisticated and suave We see our government officials using it at "state" dinners, our favorite ball players endorsing it, company names on the front of stadiums, and movie heroes enjoying it (right down to the martini "shaken not stirred".) Satan is trying to sell us that all the "big wigs" are doing it and if we want to be like them, we should to. Young men and young ladies especially fall prey to this as they seek to become "grown-ups" by imitating what supposed adults do.

There is a keeping up with the neighbors mentallity among many. We constantly look to keep up with bigger houses, more expensive cars,and the latest gadgets so we can maintain "the image." Such pursuits take our eyes from God and the spiritual aspects of life. Sadly, we end up putting all of our worldly pursuits into bags with holes (Haggai 1:6.) Our attitude should be: The world has nothing left to give, it has no new, no pure delight; oh, try the life which Christians live. Be saved, 0 tonight (verse 4 from the song "Oh, Why Not Tonight" by Elizabeth Read.) Don't let the devil lift you up with pride! The fall comes next (1 Corinthians 10:12.)

The Devices of Satan (Part 3)

We know that Satan is up to no good. He is not interested in our well being at all and in fact seeks our eternal loss. He is deceitful and untrustworthy. Falling prey to Satan's lies we can become easily deceived ourselves. The only cure is to look to the Lord and hang onto His every word as He warns us about the devices of Satan.

Satan will appeal to an apparent need. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus had been fasting 40 days and was hungry. Satan tempted Him to fill His hunger by making stones into bread. Satan was trying to get Jesus to see that the apparent need outweighed any evil that could result. Satan uses this tactic often on folks today.

When Satan tries to sell himself to people today, he attacks a "perceived" need. There is the liberation offered by divorce as married folk seek the "need" of being free. Other people are in financial need so the lottery meets their need. Men and women live together without being married because there is a need to avoid government taxes. Homosexuality runs rampant because there is a need for personal freedom and expression.

Churches are not immune from this either. There is a need for more members so entertainment schemes are cooked up. Of course, more money is always needed so all sorts of money making ventures are invented rather than living within their means (1 Corinthians 16:1-2.) Churches get into bingo or casino nights to raise money for all sorts of "good" causes. The devil is always trying to make sin look respectable.

Someone once said there is no good way to do evil and no evil way to do what is good. Well said! Paul reminds us this way, "shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?'(Romans 6:l.) You know the answer.

The Devices of Satan (Part 2)

From the Camden Companion -- a weekly bulletin of the Camden Avenue Church of Christ.

We noticed last week that the devil is really up to no good as seen by the various names and designations he has. He is evil to the core and seeks nothing but our eternal destruction. It is imperative that Christians be aware of his devices (II Corinthians 2:11) and remember that Satan is our enemy.

We should be aware that Satan tries to hide what sin does. We learn that the "wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23.) Every time a grave is dug or we behold or experience pain, suffering, discouragement, or tragedy we can thank Satan. In the garden of Eden, God told Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He told them in the day they did, they would die. In Genesis 3, Satan came along and promised "You will not surely die." He lied. He tried to hide the results of sin and the first humans fell for it. People have been falling for it ever since. Many false doctrines speak of not being able to fall from grace or allow indulgences into sin. People are told to seek what pleases them and thus religion becomes about them while they are deceived into thinking they really want to worship God. Satan is good at what he does and we must be aware of this tactic and not fall for it. Sin will be punished and if we listen to God we know that. Judgment is coming on all those who do not do exactly what God says (Hebrews 9:27; II Thessalonians 1:7-9.)

Satan is not only good at deception but he is also good at making promises but not keeping them. Notice Genesis 3 again. Satan promised Eve wisdom but that wisdom only brought shame. Same with Judas Iscariot and his 30 pieces of silver. Same with the allure and pleasure in a far off land made to the prodigal son. Same in the pill or alcohol bottle, the "other" person that breaks the home, etc. He promises good things but only delivers shame.

author: Wayde Miller, Evangelist

The Devices of Satan (Part 1)

From the Camden Companion -- a weekly bulletin of the Camden Avenue Church of Christ.

Any army will quickly gain an advantage over its enemy if it can learn the tactics and habits of that enemy. So it is with Christians who stop to consider the adversary. Peter warns "Be sober, be watchful for your adversary, the devil, walks about as a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour" (I Peter 5:8.) Paul tells us not "to be ignorant of his devices" (II Corinthians 2:11.) We have a powerful enemy to face and learning about this enemy will help us overcome him.

His names are more descriptive than simple proper names. He is "called the devil, and Satan" in Revelation 12:9. The term "devil" means "slanderer" and the name Satan means "adversary." From these most common designations of our enemy we learn that he is no good. He is opposed to God and His people and will use whatever means necessary (slander) to gain and win. He is pictured as accusing the brethren (Revelation 12:10) and we see him doing just that to Job (Job 1 & 2.) What a nasty person.

He is referred to as "Beelzebub" in Matthew 12:24. This word originally was applied to Baal, the false god so often worshipped in the Old Testament and one variation is seen in II Kings 1:2 "Baalzebub". Again the idea is of one trying to claim an equality with the God of heaven he does not deserve. Other names include "Belial" (useless, reckless, lawless are all in the meaning of this name (II Corinthians 6:15); "Abaddon and Apollyon" (destroyer and destruction) in Revelations 9:11 ; and the list could go on. However, these are enough to show that the devil has no good quality. John 8:44 calls him the father of lies and he is referred to as the "evil one" (Matthew 13:19) and the tempter (Matthew 4:5.) Satan purposes in his heart to sin against God and has done so from the beginning. Those today that purpose to sin are of their father - the devil (John 8:44.) He means us no good - why serve him?

author: Wayde Miller, Evangelist

Food for Thought

From the Camden Companion -- a weekly bulletin of the Camden Avenue Church of Christ.

Many churches today have turned themselves to entertainment and food in order to get folks to visit their congregation. Often the story is the same. On days or nights when the "kitchen" is open hardly a spot can be found on a pew. At other times, when there is no food, there is plenty of room.

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:4.) One has to wonder if the days of people seeking the food the Lord provides are really over. There was a time when seeking nourishment for the soul was what people sought and prized more than anything. Now we jokingly say that if we put up the McDonalds "golden arches" we could fill the building up. Perhaps so.

Jesus fed the multitude with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish but this was done to show His mighty power. He did not use the promise of food to entice the crowd to come hear Him teach. The miracle made its intended impact as the crowd acknowledged Him as "the prophet" (John 6:1-14.) But on the next day, the multitude sought Jesus because they had eaten and were filled not because they were seeking righteousness. This time Jesus fed them with a different meal-the truth. He spoke to them about the "true manna" from heaven and how they could partake and live forever. Jesus was that true manna and the bread of life. He told them to "labor not for food that perishes but for that which endures to everlasting life" (John 6:27.) With no more physical food to eat, and with having to listen to the truth, many disciples walked no more with Him (John 6:66.)

Sadly, things haven't changed much today. Kitchens, fellowship halls, lifecenters, or whatever we may call them, are filled with people that seek to elevate physical things with spiritual. Do not be deceived. Many will listen to preaching or "suffer through" a service but the real thing they are looking forward to is the meal afterward. In many places, if the kitchen were taken away, the attendance would decline.

Let us not be like the crowd that followed Jesus to be fed with food. Let us return to a time when seeking truth and righteousness were the primary drive of people looking for God. The Lord provides for the physical needs of life for those who "seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness"(Matthew 6:33.) The kingdom of God is not food and drink but peace, joy, and love. Don't be guilty of turning the Lord's church, that which he purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28,) into a restaurant.

author: Wayde Miller, Evangelist

Do You Believe I Can Do This?

From the Camden Companion -- a weekly bulletin of the Camden Avenue Church of Christ.

Jesus was being followed by two blind men crying out for mercy from Him. There we pick up the story. "When He entered the house, the blind men came to Him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said, "Yes Lord." Then He touched their eyes saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened..." (Matthew 9:27-29.) Thus a miracle was done but there were conditions.

Jesus had the power to heal these blind men but it was the basis of their faith that they were healed. The Lord offered a great blessing to them and their faith claimed the blessing.

What if Jesus were to ask us that same question, 'Do you believe I am able to do this?" We have so may promises of comfort and assistance made by the Lord yet we still fear that there will be failure. Think of an ocean analogy. Christians may often play in the surf, but there comes a time to launch out into the deep and that scares many. Jesus told the people of His day, "You are wrong because you know neither the scripture or the power of God." (Matthew 22:29.) We know scripture but have doubts about the power of God. Like Thomas we want to SEE the nail scars in the hands of the Lord before we will believe.

Jesus promised to be where 2 or 3 were gathered in His name He would be there (Matthew 18:20.) If the Lord asked, "Do you believe I can do this?" we would answer Yes because scripture says so. The reality is that many don't because they stay from services and miss the blessing of being with the Lord. Jesus said He would be with His disciples to the end as they seek to evangelize the world (Matthew 28:19-20.) Do we believe He is able to do this? We know we should be teaching everyone but often don't because we think no one will listen. Jesus still says He is with us. Let's do it.

What of prayer. We know the Lord says prayers will be answered (Matthew 21:22) but we often pray with doubts (James 1:5-6.) Do we believe prayer will be answered? We have to ask according to the will of God to be sure but when we ask, do so with complete confidence and faith.

Jesus will come back some day to take us home to heaven (John 14:1-3.) We know the scripture but live selfishly as though we have all the time in the world. Yes, we miss out on a lot because we don't have the answer to the Lord's question.

author: Wayde Miller, Evangelist