A Minute With The Bible Aired during July, 2001 When a certain man was beaten and robbed, a priest and a Levite passed him by and ignored his needs. A "certain Samaritan...was moved with compassion" and "bound up his wounds, pouring on them wine and oil; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him"(Luke 10:33-34). The religious leaders ignored the need of this suffering human; the compassionate Samaritan saw that he was relieved of his agony. Which of these two truly cared about their fellow humans? Certainly not the pious religious leaders, but rather, the one who was despised by those religious hypocrites. The Samaritan lives through the centuries as an example of one who cares and proves his care by his actions. To promise help for others is one thing; to actually assist them is the goal of one who follows Jesus Christ. Do I merely talk about helping the unfortunate or do I follow through with my help?
The apostle Paul wrote, "...but that your earnest care for us might be made manifest unto you in the sight of God"(I Corinthians 7:12). The church at Corinth had some problems. Paul addressed those difficulties in the first epistle. Now, he is commending them for their care in making sure that things were made right, especially in regard to the matters about which he wrote. He was so elated with their response that his "earnest care" brought forth words of praise in their promptness and willingness to correct wrongs. When others care about us, even in our transgressions, they will show an interest in our spiritual well-being and encourage us to do that which is right in the sight of God. The brethren at Corinth were to display the proper attitude toward those who sinned, as well as accepting the sinner when repentance is manifest. Paul cared for them and they learned to care for Paul. It works!
"But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus"(II Corinthians 8:16). Those whom you love, you care about. Titus, as well as Paul, would have a great affection for the saints in Corinth. They responded to Paul's first letter and proved themselves to be worthy of the gospel of Christ. They received those who repented and welcomed those who were faithful. They had a concern for the souls of all men and sought to see the gospel was preached. This same attitude was manifest by the gospel preacher Titus. And the Christians in Corinth would develop a great care for this follower of Christ. The source for this care, according to the read passage, was God. Paul did not hesitate to commend Titus to these disciples since he know the interest this Christian would have in those who do right. How splendid it is when you can commend others because of their faith.
Paul commended Timothy in Philippians 2:20 by stating, "For I have no man like-minded, who will care truly for your state." Timothy had been with the apostle Paul. Timothy had seen several churches and many Christians. He knew about Philippi and he cared for them. His example has been remembered almost 2000 years. Timothy was truly a man of God and Paul was so bold as to say he had "no man like-minded." All of us are impressed by those who care enough to do their best in the Lord's kingdom. All of us are impressed by those who care enough to help others and set an example of righteousness. Timothy cared enough to live the life of a Christian and to teach others about the Christ because he cared for the souls of people. His example and his words would inspire others to have the same kind of care. Does my example and my words indicate that I care?
Jesus warned, in Luke 21:34, "But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare." Jesus knew the hearts of men. He recognized their weaknesses and as well as their strength. Knowing the strength of temptations, he warned them not to surrender their souls to the ways of Satan nor to let the "cares of this life" overtake them and cause them to be lost. Most understand that "surfeiting"(that is, overindulgence) as well as "drunkenness" can, and would, capture the souls of many. The third item he addressed was the "cares of this life." Perhaps this third one is the most dangerous and affects the most people. It is easy to be so caught up in the affairs and interests of this life that we neglect to serve the Lord.
“By awesome deeds You answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, You who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea; Who established the mountains by His strength, Being girded with might”(Psalm 65:5-6). All of creation exists because of the power of an Almighty creator. The Psalmist recognized the evidence and accepted that one should trust in Jehovah, the only living and true God. While men invent gods that imitate their own weaknesses, the God of heaven is unlike men because He is eternal in the heavens. The Psalms, as many other inspired writings, give much praise and honor to the one who made each of us. The church meeting on Glen Springs Road respects the awesome nature of God. We believe in his power to create and sustain all that exists in a material sense. In our teaching, worship, and practices we seek to honor the one who brought each of us into existence. Is he your God?
"Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts, Whose name is the Lord, and exult before Him”(Psalm 68:4). The beauty of the human voice, since it was created by God, is a proper way to offer praise unto God. Even under the Law of Moses, the Hebrews were encouraged to sing to their creator. Must more so, should those who follow the New Testament of Jesus Christ lift up their voices in song to the creator of all mankind. Under the law of Moses, using mechanical instruments of music was acceptable. In the New Testament the command is to sing(Ephesians 5:19), not play. Since singing is for each saint, there is no choir. The opportunity for each Christian to lift up his/her voice to the Creator of mankind is a wonderful gift from God. Faithful churches of Christ Road follow the pattern of the New Testament in regard to music: Each member expresses praise to God in Song. Won’t you come and sing the praises of the Lord with us?
“O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!”(Psalm 68:35). Whatever power David possessed, he attributed such to Jehovah. He had experienced the power of God as the Lord helped David to win battles, assisted him out of sin, comforted him in his loneliness, and accepted his repentance. He knew that it was Jehovah protecting him when he had to flee and not David’s personal magnetism that enabled him to serve the Lord and rule the people of God. There was strength given to others who would have an attitude that trusts completely in Jehovah. The strength and power of any individual or congregation is from the great creator of mankind. Faithful churches of Christ who follow the New Testament recognize the power of the gospel of Christ to change men, strengthen men, comfort men, and keep the obedient in the hollow of His hand.
“I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; Surely I will remember your wonders of old”(Psalm 77:11). Reflection on the miracles that the Lord performed beginning with the creation of this world should be an awesome evidence to the existence of the Almighty. What if you had been there when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, would you have believed as the waters parted and the Hebrews crossed over on dry land? Would you have believed if you had seen Jesus restore the life to a young maiden? Would you accept the Lord had it been your lot to hear the apostles speak in foreign languages they had not learned? Or any of the other miracles revealed in the Bible? The Psalmist remembered and recalled the mighty deeds of God. This convinced him of the power of the Almighty and the position of God. The miracles have been recorded in God’s book so that each of us may read the marvelous works of God. The churches of Christ believes the Bible account of miracles and accepts the power of God. There is a power, however, much stronger than physical wonders. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation: more powerful than miracles!
“The righteous man will be glad in the Lord and will take refuge in Him; And all the upright in heart will glory”(Psalm 64:10). The worthies of the Old Testament knew they could trust in Jehovah to protect and care for them. The Lord was truly their refuge. The upright in heart did not have to concern themselves with the dangers of their world for they had the living God to care for them. Righteousness brings gladness and happiness to those who will place their faith in the Creator of mankind. As they walk in the light of God’s word, they have reason to glory. The saints of God in the present age know they can fully trust in the Lord. They have his revealed word, the New Testament, for answers to their hope. With great confidence, they search the scriptures to learn what the Lord expects of those who live today. At every service, in every class, in all publications, and on this radio message the church Christ built respects the authority of the God’s word and follows the pattern set forth in that book in all that is taught and practiced.
“The righteous man will be glad in the Lord and will take refuge in Him; And all the upright in heart will glory”(Psalm 64:10). The worthies of the Old Testament knew they could trust in Jehovah to protect and care for them. The Lord was truly their refuge. The upright in heart did not have to concern themselves with the dangers of their world for they had the living God to care for them. Righteousness brings gladness and happiness to those who will place their faith in the Creator of mankind. As they walk in the light of God’s word, they have reason to glory. The saints of God in the present age know they can fully trust in the Lord. They have his revealed word, the New Testament, for answers to their hope. With great confidence, they search the scriptures to learn what the Lord expects of those who live today. At every service, in every class, in all publications, and on this radio message the church Christ built respects the authority of the God’s word and follows the pattern set forth in that book in all that is taught and practiced.
“And there went out unto him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem; and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins”(Mark 1:5). When the people heard the message of John the Baptist, they realized it was from God. They responded by confessing their sins and submitting to immersion in water(the river Jordan). They wanted to be faithful Hebrews, following and obeying the messages from God that came through the Law and the prophets. In that sense, John was a prophet revealing to them what they were to do to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. To the credit of those who listened, they responded to the message John had from the God of Heaven. While we do not live under the Law of Moses, as did John and those who believed and obeyed what he taught. We are under the New Testament of Jesus Christ. Whatever he commands of us, we are to be willing to obey. Faithful churches of Christ teach each person the gospel of Christ and encourages those who are willing and obedient to follow the Lord’s commands in all matters of faith and practice. We obey the New Testament, as those who listened to John obeyed the Law of Moses.
“And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle about his loins, and did eat locusts and wild honey”(Mark 1:6). John was a most unique character. He would not have been accepted in a lot of places today, and a lot of homes. His lifestyle would not be admired by most generations. Nevertheless, he was a man of God who had a message to be delivered. It was the message that was important and not the appearance of the individual. The words he spoke were powerful because they were the message of God. He was telling of a coming Messiah; someone who would die for their sins and make salvation available to all, no matter what one’s status in life. The Lord is interested in every soul, he cares not about the size of your portfolio or the shade of your skin or how evil you have been or what your ancestors were like, nor any other characteristic that tend to prejudice men. Any person, whatever his morals or his status in life, can be acceptable to the Lord. He died for all men, yea, all sinners(that is you and me) and John was preparing those Hebrews for his appearance on earth. Members of faithful churches of Christ are willing to share the gospel with anyone, whatever their status in life.
“And he preached, saying, There cometh after me he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose”(Mark 1:7). John the Baptist knew his position in life. He did not envision himself as some great one. He was only a messenger--not just any messenger, however--he was a messenger from God who would prepare the people for the coming Messiah. His humility bespeaks his character. He would not sit on some powerful seat of government; he would not rise to a powerful position in business; he would not found any great institution. His only task was to spread the message of the coming of Jesus Christ into the hearts of the Hebrews. He did not consider himself worthy of fastening his Master’s shoes. He would perform his task with a willing and loving heart. His work would be done; his task would be finished; his master would give him eternal life for his faithfulness. Christians realize they are only servants of God and willingly sacrifice for the cause of Jesus Christ. They have no greatness in themselves; all the greatness belongs to the Lord. For without the Lord, we are without hope and have nothing to look toward in the future.
“..and he sent and beheaded John in prison”(Matthew 14:10). Herod, a spineless ruler, listened to the insistence of a wicked woman and had John the Baptist beheaded. John had done his work and done it well. His message of truth was heard by the Hebrews, and heard by Herod’s brother(Philip) who apparently told his wife. When the daughter of this woman, Herodias, danced before Herod, she was granted a request for “whatsoever she should ask.” Under the influence of her mother, she requested the head of John the Baptist “on a platter.” Bible students know that the request was fulfilled and John died. Unrighteous people do not always want to hear the truth. They find it more comforting to justify their iniquities if they can silence those who speak the truth. Through a wicked woman and weakling of a ruler, John the Baptist was beheaded. Let us not fear to speak the truth of God’s word. There may be consequences for one’s stand for righteousness, but it is always right to so stand. God’s people have through the centuries and do so even today.
Solomon advised, “Be not hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). The heathen of the Lord’s day thought they would be heard by their lengthy prayers. However, the Lord used what is often called the “Lord’s prayer,” to teach one how to pray. It is a model prayer because of its contents as well as its brevity. When one uses long speeches to God and thinks this makes one holy, such a person is mistaken. When one ambles on and on in addressing God, he is not following the advise of Solomon nor remembering the nature of the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. Wordiness is a failing of many. How many times have you sit in an audience while someone ambled on and on without coming to the point? Even religious teachers do such! It is not the length of a sermon or article that make such proper and right in God’s sight, it is the contents. Many passages in the Bible express great truths in a few words. It does not take a long dissertation to teach
The first verse in your Bible reads, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”(Genesis 1:1). The origin of the material universe is revealed in few words. How profound! How plain! Man has written innumerable volumes trying to describe the beginning of the universe. The Lord stated it plainly: He created it all. The heavens and the earth came into existence by His power. They continue by His will. Man is a mortal, not capable of bringing something from nothing. However, Jehovah has such power and used it to create the universe in which we exist. Man may search for his own answers and spend years writing page after page, but the answer for our existence can be found in the first words of the Bible. Ten words open the revelation from God and explain the origin of our universe! Men may search for other answers to how the universe came into existence, but he will never be able to satisfy his curiosity. The church of Christ meeting on Glen Springs Road accepts the Bible
Genesis 3:9 reveals, “Then the Lord called to the man, and said to him ‘Where are you?’.” In three words, the Lord confronted Adam and Eve with their transgression(eating of the forbidden fruit). They hid from the presence of God because of their acquired knowledge of sin. Sin should make mankind ashamed. Sin often leads one to blame others for their guilt. Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. Such blaming has continued in mankind. It is not easy to face up to one’s sins; it is not easy to assume responsibility for one’s behavior. Hence, the hiding of Adam and Eve from God betrayed their guilt. When we are faced with guilt, accept such and do what is necessary to cleanse oneself so that a clean conscience can be had. Do not try to place the blame for all of your problems and transgressions on others. Face up to your own responsibility and do what is necessary to erase the guilt. You can if you want to!
Jesus Christ said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged”(Matthew 7:1). The Lord is teaching those who were on the mount concerning their responsibilities to God and to others. Knowing the religious leaders of that day, he found much hypocrisy in their teachings and practices. The harshness with which some would judge others while excusing self is the point the Lord is making to the listeners. He would further state that one is to first take a look at self before passing judgment on others. If a person is guilty of condemning others while practicing the same or other transgressions, ignoring his own failures, he is a hypocrite. Jesus encouraged his audience to take care of their own problems; then they could assist others with their difficulties. How sensible! It seems to be the nature found in some to condemn others for their mistakes and sins while ignoring those in their own lives. The Lord would not justify anyone in their sins. Yet, the proper attitude toward one’s own weaknesses, should help a person to understand their own spiritual needs.
Jesus told a young man that he, in order to please the Lord, would have to sell his goods and give the proceeds to those who were poor. The reaction of the man is found in Matthew 19:22, “But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one of great possessions.” Jesus would further say, “It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” The desire to be rich in this world’s goods has ruined many. Once acquired, they are not easily given up. The young man was of a high moral character, being careful to keep the Law of Moses. He honored his parents and loved his neighbor. The one thing, however, that would keep him from serving the Lord was the sacrifice necessary to please God. Jesus knew the young man’s heart and his affection for the riches of this world. Through the centuries that followed, to the present hour, many have been captured by the pursuit of wealth. My friend, what do you.
Jesus told a young man that he, in order to please the Lord, would have to sell his goods and give the proceeds to those who were poor. The reaction of the man is found in Matthew 19:22, “But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one of great possessions.” Jesus would further say, “It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” The desire to be rich in this world’s goods has ruined many. Once acquired, they are not easily given up. The young man was of a high moral character, being careful to keep the Law of Moses. He honored his parents and loved his neighbor. The one thing, however, that would keep him from serving the Lord was the sacrifice necessary to please God. Jesus knew the young man’s heart and his affection for the riches of this world. Through the centuries that followed, to the present hour, many have been captured by the pursuit of wealth. My friend, what do you truly love? The Lord or the riches and the fame of this life?
Jesus found a man who was sitting at the place of toll. Jesus said, in two words, “Follow me”(Matthew 9:9). The Jews did not like tax collectors, a trait characteristic of many. Some might have looked at Matthew, and said, “There is no need to try to teach him, look at what he is doing.” However, the Lord had the power of knowing the man’s heart and saw in Matthew a disciple who would be willing to follow him and do as the Lord commanded. His despised position did not keep him from having an honest and open mind. In response to the Lord’s request, Matthew “arose and followed him.” He would no longer collect but he would give. The publican would no longer be a collector, but a giver. As an apostle, he would share his knowledge of the ways of God with those whom he met. Do you, my friend, not see how the teachings of Jesus Christ can change a person? If you had been in the place of Matthew, what would have been your reaction to “follow me?” The answer is found in how you react to the Lord’s commands at present.
“Jesus wept” is the shortest verse in the New Testament. It can be found in John 11:35. Yet, the two words are filled with human emotion; for the Lord was human(and divine) while he walked among men. He had the same feelings and desires of others. When he found that Lazarus, his friend, was dead, he reacted as any other human who cared. He wept! Even the antagonizers of Jesus would be moved by how much Christ loved his friend. Jesus further experienced the emotional reactions of a human when he “groaned” as he approached the tomb. Mary had felt that if Jesus had been present prior to Lazarus’ death, he would not have died. When Jesus said, “Take away the stone” from the tomb, Martha was concerned about the natural process of the body decaying. In three words, Jesus quieted the multitude and comforted the sisters, “Lazarus, come forth.” He that was dead is now alive. The reaction of others was that many now “believed on him.” The negative reaction of the Pharisees caused them to take “counsel that they might put him to death.” You know the rest.