Category: Facebook Articles
Short articles for the church page on Facebook
“But for you it is safe”
“…For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1).
Paul repeated a message in his letter to the Philippians, revisiting a theme that was common for him to discuss. “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation…” (vs. 2).
Have you ever thought about why a preacher might repeat the same messages over and over and over? Have you thought that surely he must be tired of covering the same themes and subjects? I fear that some men do burn out. After all, I shouldn’t have to tell the brethren over and over again. Once or twice should suffice!
But, Paul said “to write the same things to you is not tedious.” He was fine with the repetition. The warnings, (“beware”), are found in every letter. Again and again and again. Yet he did not wane in his diligent efforts to warn them about false teachers, doctrinal error, and evil men. He told the Philippians why — ”but for you it is safe.”
The Holy Spirit knows the danger of error; how the false teacher destroys faith; how the devil is ever on the prowl. Some tire of preaching the warning, and others tire of listening to it. They impatiently say “I know, I know!” when the warning is offered. Yet, the importance of the constant “beware” remains. It is to make you safe. It is important. When the warning comes, please listen!
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Walk in Wisdom
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).
This past week I had reason to answer via email an article an institutional preacher had written, defending the practice of supplying a “fellowship hall” and kitchen to facilitate the common meal of a congregation.
The article was sent to me by one who believes that practice to be scriptural, but who has presented herself kindly as a seeker of truth. I prayed long, and carefully crafted a response to facilitate understanding and not to unnecessarily offend. In effect, I tried to follow the admonition of Paul in the passage above.
The intent of teaching is to convict and correct. To prejudice the hearer/reader through inappropriate rudeness or crassness is not conducive toward gaining a proper response from your audience.
Though our Lord and others spoke harshly to hypocrites and dishonest individuals, the truth seeker was always treated with kindness.
Think of that the next time you consider “shooting off” a response via email or social media. Or “shooting off” your mouth when discussing God’s word. Our purpose is to win souls, not drive them away!
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Two Things Melchizedek Teaches Us
Melchizedek was the King of Salem, and a contemporary of Abraham. Hebrews 7 reveals that Abraham paid tithes to the king, and establishes two important points from that short interaction between the two men.
(1) The Genesis account of the meeting describes Melchizedek, “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18). Thus, inspiration describes Melchizedek both as a king, and as a priest of God.
Remember that under the law of Moses, the priesthood (tribe of Levi) and royal lineage (tribe of Judah) were separate. Under the Old Law, one from the tribe of Judah could not serve as a priest. Since Jesus was of the tribe of Judah, it was necessary that the Old Law pass away, and a New covenant between God and man be established. Jesus serves as both Priest and King, (of which Melchizedek serves as a type), under His new covenant for mankind.
(2) Since Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, we can conclude that the priesthood of Melchizedek, (with Christ as high priest), is a greater, better priesthood than the Levitical priesthood of the Old covenant. (See the argument made in Hebrews 7:4-10).
We are blessed to have Jesus Christ as our great high priest, under His new covenant. Through this we have the hope of salvation, an eternal presence before God.
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Partners
The word “partner” is used to describe a special kind of relationship. You may refer to your spouse as a partner, or a friend, or a business associate.
The word “partner” is defined by Webster: “one associated with another especially in an action.”
The idea of action in a partnership indicates that those so associated are pulling in the same direction, striving for the same goal, helping one another to be successful. As such, the word has an obvious application to spiritual matters.
The apostle Paul wrote to a good friend, Philemon, about his desire that Philemon would forgive and receive another (the slave Onesimus). Paul wrote, “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me” (Philemon 17).
Paul’s “action” was the proclamation of truth in order to save souls. Onesimus had benefited from that work, and would be put to use by Paul, if allowed. Philemon could associate with him in that work of preaching by accommodating Paul’s request.
Being a partner in the quest to save souls is referred to in scripture as “fellowship.” It is a familial partnership. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17).
If we are seeking righteousness, we are partners with Christ. If we are partners with Christ, we have access to the greatest of blessings! Something to think about!
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The Veil is Taken Away
Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:14).
The image of the veil accurately expresses the significance of passing from the Old Law to the New. Moses, in giving the law to Israel, paved the way for the redemption of mankind. The Old Testament contains so many things —types, prophecies, law — that God used to prepare mankind for His plan to bring salvation through His Son.
But, that Old Law of Moses was preparatory. It was a harbinger of what was to come. And so, when one looks exclusively at the Old Law, he gets neither the entire picture, nor the full benefits of God’s redemptive plan.
Paul wrote, “Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:16). When the gospel is preached to man, some believe it and place their trust in Jesus Christ. In Him is that which allows believers to “be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19).
The blessing we receive by this unveiling? “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Praise be to God for His great blessings toward us.
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As the Deer
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).
What a beautiful sentiment expressed here by the Psalmist. A famished deer, longing for the water that gives relief and refreshment — is used to express the desire the man of God has for His maker.
Did you know that in the midst of a secular world, where evolutionary theory and humanistic influences are used to attack faith in the Almighty, fully 89% of Americans still believe in God. Only 11% deny His existence, and only 9% total express their denial in sure terms (2014 Pew Research Study).
It is hard to destroy faith in God’s existence, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Unfortunately, it is much easier to undermine the effects of that belief.
The Psalmist wrote, “When shall I come and appear before God?” He desired to return to the sanctuary to worship the Creator. His faith was strong, and His desire for the Almighty stirred His spirit. Think of that next time you are deciding whether you wish to come to the sanctuary yourself. Do you long to come and worship your God?
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An Excellent Wife (Or Husband)
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones” (Proverbs 12:4).
The book of Proverbs was written by a father desiring to share wisdom with his son. In this case, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. We can as easily state that an excellent husband is a true blessing, but a husband that causes shame is like a cancer to his wife.
This truth is why it is so important to choose carefully the one who will be your companion for life. Jesus said, “So then they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6).
Marriage is a lifetime commitment. No man or woman has the right to renege on that commitment. The decision to marry has an impact not only on the rest of your life, but on your eternal destiny. When choosing, it is important to marry one who will help you to reach heaven. Be sure that no other person in your life will have a greater impact upon your standing with God.
It is possible to overcome a bad choice. However, it is not easy. There will always be regret and difficulty if your life companion is an obstacle rather than a blessing.
Choose wisely and well!
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Entrusted with the Gospel
God gave the apostles the work of presenting the gospel to the world. Paul wrote, “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
By extension, any time any Christian shares the gospel of the Lord, he is acting as a steward. As Paul wrote, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
It is logical, and also scriptural to assert that our speech when proclaiming the gospel is to conform to God’s expectations rather than men. Paul warned Timothy of a time when men would not want to hear the truth, and would instead “heap up for themselves” teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear rather than what they needed to hear (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Two questions we need to ask ourselves:
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Are we the type of stewards who feel compelled to speak God’s word, as God desires?
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Are we the type of listeners who are willing to listen to and heed truth, no matter how much it hurts?
Being entrusted with the gospel is special. It requires faithfulness and dedication on our part. May we all, like Paul, take this honor given us by God, and act in a worthy manner.
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Warped and Sinning
“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11).
Paul’s description of the divisive man is a rather strong denunciation of the sin. In the NKJV, the word “warped” is used in translating the Greek ekstrepho. Other translations use the words words “perverted” and “subverted.”
Warped best reflects the etymology of the word. It literally means to twist or turn out. Thayer defines the word, “to change for the worse, pervert, corrupt.”
Picture a warped piece of wood. It is useless to the carpenter who desires a precise and square result for his project. Since it is twisted or turned from that which is straight, it can’t serve its intended purpose.
The purpose of the Christian is to reflect His God. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The primary attributes of God include love (John 3:16) and unity (John 17:20-21). A divisive man has turned away from these fundamental characteristics, to something that is much worse, something corrupt.
Brethren, we need to examine ourselves, and be sure that we are not guilty of bringing strife to God’s people. There is nothing more antithetical to being a child of God!
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Tedious
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1).
Tedious: too long, slow, or dull;
tiresome or monotonous.
Paul, as an apostle and preacher, continually exhorted Christians to faithfulness, and was committed to instruction in the ways of righteousness. As such, he often repeated himself, even to the same congregations. This was not irksome to him. It was a labor of love. It was important. He told the Ephesian elders, “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God… Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:27,31).
Two certain motivations for Paul in the repetition were:
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The sense of debt he felt toward God and man because of the grace shown him, cf. Romans 1:15-16.
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As stated in our text, because such repetition was “safe” for those who heard and read him.
Being constantly reminded of God’s will for man provides Christians with security. It equips us “for every good work” (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). For the faithful preacher, it is never tedious to declare any aspect of God’s will, though it may have been preached thousands of times before. He knows its importance, and its benefit to God’s people.
The question for you… is it tedious for you? Or is it, (as it should be), appreciated, because of the security it provides?
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Learning Respect
2 Kings 2 is an interesting chapter. It chronicles the departure of Elijah, taken up in a whirlwind by God in a chariot of fire. It must have been quite a sight.
The chapter also contains a simple object lesson for our consideration. Elijah’s protégé, Elisha faithfully followed Elijah. (Note: Though younger than Elijah, Elisha himself was a mature man). Perhaps his maturity is what led him to act as he did as Elijah was taken up. In their last conversation, Elijah said, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” In response, Elisha requested, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me” (cf. vs. 9-15). Such an interesting request, showing the great respect Elisha had for his mentor.
Shortly after, some youths of Bethel came upon the prophet Elisha. They showed great disrespect for the prophet, and mocked him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” (verse 23). No doubt the youths thought themselves to be funny, but they (as is often the case with those who are young) showed horrible disrespect to this great man of God. In response, we are told that after Elisha pronounced a curse on them in the name of the Lord, two female bears came out of the woods and mauled 42 of the youths.
This narrative shows how important it is that we show proper respect for God, and for that which belongs to Him.
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Is Church Important?
In answer to the question above, it certainly is important to God! The act of His son’s sacrifice on the cross was to, “purchase with His own blood” the church (cf. Acts 20:28).
The term church, used correctly, refers to the redeemed. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
There is no more important fellowship of which to be a part. And, understanding the importance of the church, perhaps it is good to consider the purpose of its establishment.
Men have ideas about this. They believe the church should be an agent of societal change. Of course, there are many such organizations that exist, so the church would only be another voice in the crowd.
Some think the church is simply a community of people who enjoy each other’s company. The church is a place to visit, eat and play together with people you like. A kind of social club. Many congregations make socializing the primary emphasis.
God said the church was established to save people. “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned'” (Mark 16:15-16).
The Lord’s church is unique in the world. It is the divine institution given the responsibility by God to share the precious message of salvation. It is disturbing that men would trivialize it by giving it purposes and works that are neither unique nor divinely authorized.
The West Side church of Christ focuses on God’s work. We would love to have you come visit our worship services. If you do, you have this promise – the effort to save and strengthen souls will be the focus of our worship, teaching and work. That’s what God wants, what we want, and we hope it is your desire as well. Please come join us!
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Reminding You
Most people enjoy learning new things. Gaining new knowledge is exciting and important. This is certainly so when God’s will is the subject being considered.
What is rare is the mastering of a subject. We are in awe of those individuals who show such a mastery. A philatelist who can discuss the value of an inverted Jenny, or the 1847 issue of the block of 16 Ben Franklins is pretty impressive to those of us who had to look up the term “philatelist” (stamp collector), and have no idea what an inverted Jenny is! Conversely, those of us who know Dirk Nowitzki’s rank on the list of career NBA scorers (6th), and who he last passed to get there (Wilt Chamberlain) may be considered a little crazy. (Note: I didn’t have to look those up).
Familiarity and relative mastery of God’s revealed will is impressive (few make the effort), and important (the subject is impactful of our final standing in eternity). As such it is worthy of our effort to not only learn new things, but to become completely familiar with what we already know. With that in mind, consider Peter’s words:
“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease” (2 Peter 1:12-15).
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The Gentiles
It is obvious that the Jews during the first century had no love for other nations. The Gentiles were reviled, dismissed, and disrespected by the Jewish nation.
God had separated to Himself the Jewish nation in preparation for the Messiah’s appearance. As Paul wrote, “the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ” (Galatians 3:23).
The Jews, however, typically took an extreme view of Gentiles as unworthy of God’s mercy and salvation. It took divine intervention (the Holy Spirit “fell upon them”, cf. Acts 11:15) for the Jews to come to grips with the truth, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life” (Acts 11:18).
Paul taught differently, making two points. First, both Jew and Gentile were guilty of sin (cf. Romans 2:1-2) and stood condemned by it. Second, nationality has no bearing on an individuals standing with God, “who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’” (Romans 2:6). “For there is no partiality with God” (Romans 2:11).
Regardless, the New Testament does speak disparagingly of the Gentiles. Paul wrote the Ephesians, “that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind” (Ephesians 4:17; cf. 1 Peter 4:1-6). This was not a criticism of their nationality, but of their characteristically sinful life. Not all Gentiles fell into this category (cf. Luke 7:1-10; Acts 10:1-4; Romans 2:26-29).
Racism is wrong. Prejudice against others is inexcusable. However, pointing out sinful works is both good and necessary. We will be judged by what we do! (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:9-11).
(Note: Image of Peter preaching to the household of Cornelius. Artist unknown. Wikipedia Commons).
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Strange Things
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Peter 4:12).
Have you ever experienced mistreatment, and asked the question, “Why Me Lord?”
Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder
Why it should be thus all the day long
While there are others living about us
Never molested though in the wrong
~ Farther Along
The reality is that Christians do not ultimately belong here. The world is antagonistic towards our faith, and it is inevitable that on occasion their opposition will result in the “fiery trial” to which Peter alludes.
Regardless, we have reason to “rejoice to the extent that [we] partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed [we] may also be glad with exceeding joy” (vs. 13). So, our suffering really is not a strange thing at all, and is a cause for rejoicing!
“…And when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (cf. Acts 5:40-42).
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