Lights in the World

The apostle Paul told the Philippians, "that you may be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15.) Just as in the first century, the world today is crooked and twisted. Immorality, humanism, false religion, broken homes, drug abuse, lying, homosexuality, and so many other sins run rampant now just as they did back then. Of course we have many today that see no sin. Every deviant behavior is explained away as some "psychological defect" or sickness. The motto of many is to "please number one." It is a shame that so many seek to soothe their conscience in such ways but God still sees the violation of His will as sin and condemns such.

Christians do not live separate from this "crooked and twisted" generation. Jesus prayed, "The world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from evil" (John 17:14-15.) In other words, the Lord's disciples lived in the world and the world hated them. It was not possible for them to be removed from the world to live separate from evil people but the Lord prayed that they might not be taken up with the evil around them. So it is with Christians today.

If God's people wanted to be away from sin, they would have to leave the world (I Corinthians 5:10) but that is neither possible nor God's will. As His people we are to live right here in this crooked and twisted generation to shine as lights among it. Our love for the Lord keeps us learning from His word and we do not listen to the "council of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, not sit in the seat of the scornful" (Psalms 1:1.) We meditate on God's word night and day (Psalms 1:2.) John admonishes us to "Love not the world" (I John 2:15.) Clearly the focus of the Christian is not on worldly things but spiritual and such being true, does not practice the sin he sees around him.

As Christians, we are "lights" in the world. It is not our job to be the "police of the world" to force conformity to the gospel of Christ. Our job is to bear fruit. We grow in the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and as the world sees our love, joy, peace, longsuffering, patience, etc grow, they see something better than themselves. A Christian is a blessing waiting to happen and as we come in contact with others, we are showing them a better way of living. Then the time is right to teach them about Jesus Christ and salvation so they too can know and experience this more noble way. We have to be right in the midst of the turmoil of the world while living above it but this should make us a beacon to those around us.

Knowing Each Other in Heaven (Part 2)

What a happy time heaven will be. Together with the saints of God and free from the toils and burdens of this life. We will be at home and at rest in the presence of God. But, there are some other things to consider about our existence in heaven.

Recognitions will be different that what we have known in this life. I Corinthians 15, that great chapter on the resurrection, reveals to us, "the body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption" (verse 42,) and again, "For this corruption must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality" (verse 53.) In this life we tend to recognize folks by physical characteristics. It may be a hairstyle (or lack thereof) or some scar left from an accident. We notice physical characteristics more than anything else but in heaven those physical characteristics will be gone. We are transformed from this lowly, physical body into a glorious body like the Lord's (Phillipians 3:21.) We don't know what this body will be like because it hasn't happened yet (I John 3:2) but it will be without corruption and suited for eternity.

Paul said, "Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer" (II Corinthians 5:16.) Paul had seen Christ and was an eye-witness to the resurrection and could have given us a physical description of Jesus as He was on earth. But after this life, Paul would not know Him in that fleshly relationship. It would be a spiritual relationship and that is what Paul was looking for. So should we.

Christians should be aware that what we have known in this life and how we recognize others will be different. Jesus tells us, "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like the angels in heaven" (Matthew 22:30.) We like to think of being reunited with out spouse in heaven and that we will just keep on "house-keeping" for all of eternity but such will not be the case. The physical relations we have on earth are just for that-while we are on the earth and in the here and now. Each person here has the responsibility to serve the Lord and will give an account of their life (Romans 14:10.) In the church, we are all "one" in Christ (Galatians 3:28) regardless of our fleshly relations or recognitions and like Paul we should begin to look at others through spiritual eyes as we will in heaven. This may scare or sadden some but remember that in heaven we will be in the presence of the eternal God, surrounded by His love, quite frankly more so than we could ever experience here. What a joy to sit down with all the saints and experience love and spiritual relationships far surpassing anything we could experience in this life. We will know one another in far superior ways than we do here but we better begin preparing.

Knowing Each Other in Heaven (Part 1)

The question is often asked, "Will we know each other in heaven?" There is universal interest in this subject because we would like to think that we don't lose all memory of our loved ones after death. We want to pick up in heaven without loved ones where we left off here on earth.

The New Testament gives us an idea of what to expect in heaven. At least as far as it can describe it for us. Paul said, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of the Lord at His coming? For you are our glory and joy." (I Thessalonians 2:19-20.) The Thessalonians were going to be a joy for Paul when he saw them at the coming of the Lord. How could that be if he couldn't recognize them? In another passage, Paul said, "knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you" (II Corinthians 4:14.) Again, what joy would there be if there were no eternal recognition. Paul knew the saints he worked with in this life and looked forward to being with them in heaven. He certainly thought he would know them there.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 is a wonderful passage. The Thessalonians were afraid their dead brethren would miss the coming of Christ but Paul assured them the dead in Christ will rise first. Then those alive on earth would be caught up together with them to be with the Lord forever. Notice verse 18, "Therefore, comfort one another with these words." Here Paul portrayed the return of Jesus and the reunion that would follow and this would provide comfort to them. But what comfort there be if everyone was a stranger at that great reunion?

Luke's account of the transfiguration yields some information as well (Luke 9:28-36.) Moses and Elijah appeared as men but in glory and could be recognized. Will we know each other in heaven? Yes! How? By the power of God. But there is more to consider on this. Keep reading!

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 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.

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.

A Dying Request

The night before Jesus died on the cross, he had a great many things on His mind and he prayed to God. John records his wish that His disciples “would all be one, just as you Father are in me, and I in you, that they may be one in us…” (John 17:20-21.) That is a dying wish of the Lord, but do people today recognize the sacredness of His request? This was our Savior’s dying request.

Jesus wanted his followers to be united, not divided. We all have to agree that God and Jesus speak the same thing and so should their followers. All saints of God must follow the example of Jesus and seek to do His Father’s will. Jesus wanted His followers to be “one.” He prayed for it, and he died for a unified church (Acts 20:28.)

Today’s Condition

Today, anyone with an honest heart must admit that Christianity is nothing like Jesus wanted when he prayed. Just drive down the Main Street of any town and notice the many different religious groups. The simple fact is that the religious world is in a state of confusion and division. Every group has its own “brand” of salvation, worship plan, and organizational chart. In “Christianity” today there are those that stress faith, others stress works, some works because of faith, and unfortunately some do not stress anything at all.

One Body

Read Ephesians 4:4-6 very carefully. Notice there is “one God” and “one Lord.” Remember the Lord’s prayer in John 17? God was in Christ and Christ was in God. They were in complete unity. This fact has not changed over the centuries. But, Paul also said there was “one faith” and “one body” (the church—Ephesians 1:22-23.) If God and Christ are in complete unity today, why are we not followers of the Lord? Why are there so many different belief systems? Why so many different church names? Doesn’t it make sense to recognize that something has gone wrong with religion today? It is not God’s fault. He gave us His Word so we may have the “one faith.” Man is the one who has made the religious world a confusing place.

Follow the Leader

Read the text of I Corinthians 1:10-12. Notice that the Corinthian church was breaking off into different groups. They were following the leader instead of Jesus. Paul tells them to “speak the same thing—let there be no divisions among you.” Can it be said today that there are no divisions among God’s people? Our problem is that we want to be loyal to our “brand” of Christianity rather than being loyal to Jesus Christ and His Word. God hates division!

A Biblical Example

God’s word is the answer to today’s religious confusion. If you are asking, “what must I do to be saved?” The answer can be found in God’s Word — the Bible.

John 3:16—God’s love provided a sacrifice
Ephesians 2:5—salvation is God’s gift
James 1:21-22—Do what the Word says
Matthew 17:5—God said “Hear Jesus”
Romans 10:9—Believe in Jesus
Luke 24:46-47—Repentance is required
Romans 10:10—Confession of our faith
Mark 16:16—Jesus said baptism is required

If a verse mentions salvation, doesn’t it make sense to follow God’s directions? It is no more difficult than that. As you read these scriptures you will also see that there is a difference between working apart from God and doing God’s work. We strive to do God’s work. Do you now see the simplicity of God’s Word?

THE ANSWER

The Bible is the Word of God and is the answer to religious division. It says what it says and settles every religious question. Man should not add his own “brand” of salvation, worship plan, or organizational chart to God’s Plan. Don’t you agree?

It takes courage to step away from creeds and organizations, but there must be a standard to follow in religion if we are to fulfill the Savior’s dying wish “to be one.” John 17:17

Reprinted from brochure written by :
Wayde Miller, Evangelist

Edited by:
a member of the congregation

Our Story

OUR PAST
(Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 2:1-3)

Without Christ we were dead in sin. Sin is a terrible thing as it separates us from the God who loves us. Ultimately it brings eternal separation from God.

The devil convinced us that the pursuit of our own desires would bring fulfillment and happiness. We then became consumed by a multitude of sins. Some were full of envy, hatred, and jealousy. Others may have lied and cheated somehow. Whatever the sin, the result was the same. We were lost and dead in sin. Our lives were empty for we had bought into the devil's deception.

But God still loved us. God sent His son to offer His own perfect, sinless life as a sacrifice for us. What love!

JESUS, THE LOVING SAVIOR
(Isaiah 53; John 3:16; Hebrews 2:14-17)

We read verses like "he was led as a lamb to the slaughter" and "by His stripes we are healed" and we see that great love he has for us. What horrible suffering he endured for the sins of the world as He died alone on the old rugged cross.

But Jesus also raised from the dead and demonstrated His power over death to take the power of the devil away.

We believe that Jesus is alive for evermore. The story of the Lord's death, burial , and resurrection is the gospel of Christ - the good news of salvation and hope of eternal life. It is there for anyone who will come to Jesus
( Heb. 5:8-9).

WHO WE ARE NOW
(Romans 6:3-6; Ephesians 2:4-10)

It's not about us any more.

Through God's love and mercy we have been made alive in Christ. We have become disciples of Jesus Christ now desiring only to follow and serve Him. We have had our sins removed by being baptized into Jesus' death and now we have been raised from baptism to a new life.

We are God's chosen people, a holy nation, and His own children. We have been created in Christ for good works and to give God glory, praise, and honor.

We are far from perfect as we still war against sin. But, we do our best, realizing that God does not allow us to be tempted above what we can bear.

We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and it is the sole basis for our beliefs. It lights the pathway before us and we delight in its meditations always.

We know you will be blessed in so doing.

Reprinted from brochure written by :
Wayde Miller, Evangelist

Edited by:
a member of the congregation