____________________________________________________ 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). ____________________________________________________ April 1, 2001 ____________________________________________________ Jesus is Coming! by Andy Diestelkamp The signs say so. The yard signs all over Pontiac, that is. Actually, the signs were foretelling His coming on video tape in a mass distribution of a 1979 Warner Brothers movie entitled Jesus. The Jesus Video Project is part of a nationwide effort to get the story of Jesus into every home in America. Several local churches sponsored the event. First there were the yard signs. Then each home received a plastic bag containing microwave popcorn and an announcement that the video would be arriving. We were encouraged to pop the popcorn, sit down with our families and watch. To be critical of this movie in view of all the garbage Hollywood usually produces will surely disappoint some, but I am compelled to speak. The gravity of the subject demands it. While it would be legitimate to focus on the content of the movie, it is the evangelistic segment that followed the movie that deserves the most criticism. Not be misunderstood, let me assure you that I am not critical of the desire to get the message of Jesus into every home in America. Nor can I be critical of the desire to make an evangelistic appeal to those who have heard that message. The message of the cross does nobody any good unless ultimately they make application of it to their own lives. However, the application made by the distributors of this movie was the same diluted message that has typified the evangelical movement in this country throughout the 20th century. At its best it is an abbreviated gospel, and at its worst it is another gospel (Gal. 1:6-10). Frankly, believers need to return to the word of God for answers rather than to Campus Crusade or any other man-made organization, for "if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch" (Matt. 15:14). That was a warning given by Jesus to disciples who were concerned that some people had been offended by some of His pointed remarks. The Jesus Video promises, "...you can pray a prayer of faith, and Jesus Christ will come into your life." It invites the viewer to repeat its suggested prayer. Then, assuming that some will have repeated the prayer, the video says, "having prayed this prayer of faith and invited Jesus to come into your life, you can be sure that He came in on the authority of God's holy, inspired word, the Bible. You can also be sure your sins are forgiven, that you are a child of God, and that you have eternal life." Now we get to the blind leading the blind part. One would think that, if all this assurance is being offered on the authority of God's word, there would be at least one scriptural text that teaches that disciples of Jesus are made through prayer; however, there is not one. Of all the conversions to Christ detailed in Scripture, none mention anything remotely close to the video's suggested prayer. Warner Brothers's ending with Jesus' great commission as quoted from Matthew 28 was far superior for the purposes of evangelism to that which was tagged on by the Jesus Video Project. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..." How? By having them pray a prayer of faith? No, "...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you..." (vss. 19,20). On the day of Pentecost some of the people cried out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Did Peter respond by saying, "Repeat this prayer after me"? No. Consistent with the commission given to him by His Lord, he said, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Ac. 2:37,38). In all the conversions in Acts, non-Christians were never told to pray in order to be assured of salvation. Ironically, the Jesus Video emphasizes a prayer of faith in its evangelistic segment, but doesn't say anything about repentance or baptism. It may not be popular, but I'm going to follow the instructions of Jesus on how to make disciples. Anything which teaches you can become His disciple in some simplified, man-made manner is another gospel. -- Via Think on These Things, January-February-March, 2001 ___________________________________________ A Bigger View of Jesus by Steve Klein From a Babe in a manger, to a Carpenter, Preacher, Miracle Worker, Man on a cross, and finally a risen Lord -- the concept most of us have of Jesus is limited to the life He lived on earth. And, as glorious as that life was, it gives us only a glimpse of His true greatness and majesty. Among men on earth, perhaps only Peter, James and John were ever privileged to see something of the full glory of Christ. You'll remember that Jesus took these three men up to a mountain alone and was "transfigured before them" (Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:1-9). Years later, Peter wrote about this incident and affirmed that he and James and John "were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). While the full majesty of Jesus may not have been revealed to all men while He walked the earth, it is spoken of and referred to in Scripture. Increasing our field of view beyond the borders of Jesus' perfect earthly life can do us nothing but good. As we consider His eternal majesty it will humble us, motivate us, and enrich us as His servants. Consider the following: 1. All things were Created by Jesus. It was through Jesus Christ that God the Father "made the worlds" (Hebrews 1:2). Colossians 1:16 says of Jesus that, "...by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers...." There is nothing in the physical universe that does not owe its existence to Christ, and that includes you and me! We are here because Christ put us here! 2. Jesus is the Sustainer. Jesus is "upholding all things by the word of His power" (Hebrews 1:3), "...and in Him all things consist" or hold together (Colossians 1:17). Whatever science may say about the mysterious forces that keep the universe going, the Bible declares that Jesus Christ is the Sustainer of it all. 3. Jesus is the Purpose for Everything. In Colossians 1:17, the Scripture states that "All things were created through Him and for Him." Notice the words "for Him." Everything that is has its ultimate destination in Christ. Ephesians 1:10 says that, when the time is right, God will, "gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; in Him." 4. Jesus is Above Everyone. The position of Christ is "far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21). He is "the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords" (1 Timothy 6:15). Have you ever paused at the end of the day and asked yourself "What's it all about?" "What is the meaning of it all?" "What is the purpose of it all?" "Why does the world keep turning?" "Why am I here?" The person who has correctly expanded his view of Jesus has the answer to these questions. "Jesus" is the answer! It's all about Jesus. We are put here and sustained here by His power. He is the reason behind the creation and the reason for the creation. He is above everyone and everything. That's the way it is because that's what pleased the Father in heaven. "For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell" (Colossians 1:19). -- Via The Exhorter, January 7, 2001 ___________________________________________ Jesus says: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light" (Matthew 11:23-30). ___________________________________________ Past-Tense Christians by Robert F. Turner Many years ago a woman became interested in Bible study. Something came up in her life -- a chance conversation, the death of a loved one, a rumble in "her church" -- that made her take a hard look at herself and realize that she had little personal knowledge of God's will. So, she got in touch with a Christian who had a reputation for knowing the Bible, and the studies began. Soon she was led to consider the true meaning of salvation in Christ and non-denominational Christianity, and she agreed to being baptized. I put it this way purposefully, for God must judge how fully she understood and obeyed the gospel of Christ. But she had the opportunity. She worshipped with the saints for awhile and seemed to grow spiritually. Then, "company" came, her husband wanted to take a trip, a dozen other things intervened, and her interest cooled. Perhaps the efforts to revive this interest were inadequate -- elders and other saints came too late, with too little --but efforts were made, and rejected. She began to resent such efforts as "butting into her private life." So, she forsook all assembling with the saints, dropped personal contacts with them and the work of the Lord, and returned to her former worldly affairs. Now, is this woman a Christian? (That means, is she a "follower of Christ, Christ-like"? She gives the will of Christ no precedence in her life. She is morally clean, a good neighbor, a welfare worker, etc.; but this is her desire and is not done because it is Christ's will nor in order to be like Him. (Note Jas. 2:10-12) She ignores teachings of the Lord which she does not consider necessary. We might charitably remember her past life and say, "She was once a Christian!" but I regret having to say this -- for her sake: "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning" (2 Pet. 2:20-f). My heart aches for the past tense Christian!! -- Via Plain Talk, November 1970 ___________________________________________ Free Bible Courses Are Available Upon Request ___________________________________________ News & Notes John Music, the father of a former member (Ron) in Ashland, Kentucky, passed away March 17. We extend our condolences to the family and friends. Carol Music, Ron's wife, suffered a stroke February 25. She is now doing somewhat better, but still experiencing weakness. It appears to have been due to high blood pressure that has also run in her family, and which the doctors are now trying to find the right prescriptions to regulate. Susie Lykins, also a former member in Ashland, will be having a biopsy this coming Friday (4/6) and would appreciate the prayers of the brethren. Though some of his infirmity has cleared up, John Pitman still remains in much pain. Let us also remember Maria and her newborn--Tina Robin. Others to be praying for: Joe and Blanche Thompson, Margaret Mosier, and Mae Cornette. They have all been having health problems. Don't forget to turn in your list of sermon topics that you would like to hear preached. ________________________________________ 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 ________________________________________