____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ September 17, 2000 ____________________________________________________ $5 Religion by Steven F. Deaton The other day we were handed material sent out be the local Seventh Day Adventist church. It tells of ``An Amazing Prophecy Seminar,'' and invites people of the community to attend. Also, included, was a letter of invitation which was closed with the following P.S., ``Bring this invitation, come each of the five nights and fill out a critique form and you will receive a $5.00 bill. Feel free to bring your family and friends.'' Well, we hate to tell our Adventists friends, but their price is too low. There are ``churches'' who pay more than $1 a service for people to attend, with or without a critique. For instance, in the Houston Chronicle, a story appeared about a man in Bryan, Texas, paying people $10 to attend one service (July 16, 2000, p. 1A). He did this every service, and so, it was reported, that a woman with five children went twice one Sunday, receiving $120. Another man said he planned to spend the money on cigarettes! You see, $5 for five nights is just not enough. Folks, when will men understand that the kingdom of Christ is not carnal, nor is the attraction to be carnal (cf. Rom. 14:17). The kingdom of Christ is a spiritual kingdom, one not of this world (Jn. 18:36). Yet, men try to offer worldly allurements to get people interested in the kingdom. They will shamelessly offer cash money, secular entertainment with a religious twist, food, and recreation. This is an abomination. That which ought to draw people to the Lord is God through His word. ``No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, `And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me'' (Jn. 6:44-45). If men are attracted to Jesus because of a worldly offer, then when a ``bigger and better'' offer comes along, they will usually go with it. However, if men are attracted to the Savior by God's power unto salvation, the Gospel, then they will usually stick with it because the offer never changes (cf. Rom. 1:16; Jas. 1:21). The religion of Jesus Christ is worth much, much more than $5 or $10, gold or silver, or any other worldly thing. It is built upon the blood of the Son of God, nothing less (1 Pet. 1:18-19). Offering cash only cheapens it. ___________________________________________ Knowing God's Will by Robert F. Turner Epistemology, the methods and the grounds for ``knowing,'' is particularly important when our concern is with knowing God's will. Since the very nature of God necessitates self-revelation, ``how to know'' God's will is a study in how God imports, and how man receives information from a divine source. There are four chief answers. Modern theologians, reasoning that ``God'' transcends (rises above) man, have their ``existential'' doctrine. We know material things via our senses, reasoning, etc., they say. But ``transcendental'' matters are known via the heart -- feeling, inner response, etc. Of course this makes each man his own ``receiver and interpreter'' with no point of reference save himself. Authority is determined subjectively, so man becomes his own God. Excuse me. The second concept is that of Roman Catholicism -- the ``church'' (meaning the clergy) become the repository of truth. God spoke, but must have an infallible interpreter to be understood. However Peter, the ``first Pope'' who wrote 1 & 2 Peter, cannot be understood without additional interpreters. I don't know why I should be expected to understand a later-day interpreter, if I can't understand the first in line. But we would not be fair if we failed to mention that others also filter truth through ``the church.'' Creed, Confessions of Faith, and ``Baptist usage'' -- as well as ``the great middle section of the Churches of Christ'' -- adopt the same error, when they allow such human standards to become their rule of faith and practice. ``Thou which teacheth another, teachest thou not thyself?'' The third concept might be called Calvinistic, although it is found in all ``evangelical'' churches. God's word can only be understood by those whose hearts are touched directly by the Holy Spirit. It is not enough that the Spirit delivered the words of the Bible (1CO. 2:13), that the word is the cutting instrument of the Spirit (EPH. 6:17; ACT. 2:37; 7:54); we must have the Holy Spirit before the Holy Spirit can effectively reach our understanding. 1COR. 2:14 is taken out of context to make it say man cannot understand the Spirit's work. It really says that man must accept the revelation of truth (through inspired messengers) instead of relying upon human ability to fathom things of God apart from revelation (See ``Natural Man'' Vol. 11, No. 7). If direct operation of the Spirit must precede understanding, then all must have this operation, or we must accept the concept of particular election. We believe the gospel is for all (1TI. 2:4), and those who accept its call in trusting obedience will receive its blessings (1TI. 4:10; MAR. 16:15-16). The fourth concept, and the one we accept, is stated rather clearly in EPH. 3:2-5. God revealed, through His Spirit, hithertofore unknown truths. He revealed these unto chosen messengers (Apostles and prophets), who then wrote them (2PE. 1:15; 3:1-2, 15; LUK. 1:3-4; JOH. 20:31), confident that we could understand and believe them. ``Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God'' (ROM. 10:17). We trust not the ``word alone,'' but the Spirit-filled word, to lead us to God. -- Plain Talk, December 1975 ___________________________________________ Free Bible Courses Are Available Upon Request ___________________________________________ Not Exactly by Al Diestelkamp Perhaps you've seen the TV commercial in which businessmen are walking through an airport terminal on their way to an important meeting. The one who had made the travel arrangements is questioned by his superior about their car rental. ``Did you go with Hertz?'' he is asked. A timid, ``Not exactly'' is the reply. This is followed by a series of questions related to efficiency and comfort, each evoking the same, ``Not exactly'' reply. Finally, the boss asks the man if he's expecting a promotion. You know the reply: ``Not exactly.'' Suppose we were to pose the same type of questions to members of various sectarian churches: ``Is the Bible your only guide?'' would be one question to ask. If they were honest they'd have to say, ``Not exactly.'' Though they might give lip-service to the authority of the scriptures, they'd have to admit they rely on creeds, manuals and constitutions. Some rely on church leaders or scholars, others on tradition, feelings or human logic. The apostle Peter showed us the true guide (2 Pet. 1:2-3). Exactly! ``Is your church organized like the churches in the New Testament?'' would be another question. Again, they'd have to admit, ``Not exactly.'' Some have the minister in charge (called the pastor system). Often women exercise authority over men. Many have regional, national or international headquarters. The Lord's will is to have elders in every church (Tit. 1:5; Ac. 14:23). Exactly! ``Is your church's work the same as we see in the New Testament?'' With churches involved in social causes, recreational activities, educational ventures and day-care businesses, they'd have to say, ``Not exactly.'' In the New Testament we find the church's primary mission in the area of evangelism and edification, and a secondary work in benevolence toward needy saints in emergency situations. Exactly! ``Is your worship the same as it was in the New Testament?'' Here again, ``Not exactly.'' Everything from unauthorized ritualism to unrestrained emotionalism is the norm. Additions such as the use of instrumental music (sometimes full-fledged bands), rhythmic clapping and performances are common. Many have abandoned weekly communion. On the other hand, the New Testament requires ``worship in spirit and in truth'' (Jn. 4:23-24). Exactly! ``Do you teach the same plan of salvation as did the New Testament Christians?'' Once again, if honest, ``Not exactly.'' They teach faith only, grace only, the ``believer's prayer,'' and shout that water baptism has nothing to do with salvation. Then they declare that once you're saved, you can't fall from grace. The Bible tells us how to be saved (Jas. 2:24; 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 Cor. 10:12). Exactly! Even the appeal that many make to sinners to ``join the church of your choice'' is not exactly what Paul had in mind when he wrote about ``one body'' (Eph. 4:4). Before we get too smug, perhaps we ought to examine our own beliefs and practices (2 Cor. 13:5). It's possible a list of questions could be drawn up to which we might be embarrassed to have to reply, ``Not exactly.'' Remember 1 Pet. 4:11--Exactly! -- Via Think on These Things, July-August-September, 1999 ___________________________________________ You've Only Done Your Duty by Jim R. Everett When Jesus had used an illustration about that which is expected of a servant (slave) in the normal course of his duties, He explained that the master owed the slave, not even so much as thanks, for he had done what was his duty to do. By comparison he said, ``So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do'' (Luke 17:7-10). ``Command'' from a master is his inherent right while ``obedience'' conveys the necessary, positive, slave's response in the relationship between a master and his slave. A centurion came to Jesus asking that his servant be healed. Jesus said, ``I will come and heal him.'' But the centurion felt unworthy of Jesus' presence and, based upon his profound respect for Jesus and a clear understanding of authority, said, ``Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.'' Jesus commended his great faith (Matthew 8:5-10). However, when the centurion explained why he believed that the word of Jesus was sufficient, he paralleled it with his own circumstance. He was under authority, hence understood what it meant to obey commands. He was also over soldiers and they obeyed his commands. That is the very nature of such relationships -- the master commands; the servant obeys. It is inconceivable that slaves would ever entertain the thought that they could earn the things given them by their masters -- as slaves they can only do that which is their duty. Christians are slaves -- Jesus is the master (Acts 16:17; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 2:16. Christians have been made free from sin in Christ but they are not free from obedience to Christ's commands. They want to obey their master for they know that the Master said: ``If ye love me keep my commandments'' (John 14: 1 5); ``If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love...'' (15:10); ''This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you'' (15:12); and, ``Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you'' (15:14). And John, who wrote so much about love, also had much to say about keeping God's commandments: ``He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him'' (1 Jno. 2:4); ``By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments for this is the love of God that we keep his commandments'' (5:2-3). From which command are we slaves exempt? Which one may we choose not to do? Nary a one! ________________________________________ Avondale CHURCH OF CHRIST P.O. Box 421 1606 Glen Willow Rd., Avondale, PA 19311 (610) 268-2088 Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Bible class 11:00 A.M. Worship 6:00 P.M. Worship Wednesday: 7:00 P.M. Bible study evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (610) 925-3567 e-mail: tedwards@onemain.com web site: http://www.mypage.onemain.com/tedwards/avondale ________________________________________