____________________________________________________ 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). ____________________________________________________ November 11, 2001 ____________________________________________________ "Let There Be No Strife" by Steve Klein When contention arose between the herdsmen of Lot and the herdsmen of Abram, "Abram said to Lot, `Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren'" (Genesis 13:8). God's friend Abraham knew that brotherhood demands the cessation of strife. I fear that some brethren today believe that brotherhood demands incessant strife. What causes strife? I have a preacher friend who tells me that he believes that virtually every problem in the church can be traced back to pride. If by "problem" he means things over which there is strife, he may well be right. Proverbs 13:10 says that "By pride comes nothing but strife," and Proverbs 28:25 states that "He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife." When we believe our viewpoints and our interests are more valid or important than those of others, strife cannot be avoided. According to the apostle Paul in Philippians 2:2-4 the secret to being "of one accord" is to "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." We must let go of our pride and self-interest! Only when that is done will we be properly motivated to do the things necessary to avoid strife. These practical measures for keeping peace include the following: 1. DO NOT START A QUARREL! Proverbs 17:14 says, "The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts." While it is true that there are principles of truth that must be defended, argued and contended for (Jude 3, Philippians 1:17), MANY quarrels among brethren are over things that have not even been revealed in Scripture. Others involve judging hearts and motives by appearance, instead of judging with righteous judgment (as Jesus instructed in John 7:24). This kind of strife should be nipped in the bud! We must simply "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife" (2 Timothy 2:23). 2. DO NOT SPREAD TALES! Nothing fans the flames of strife more effectively than gossip. Conversation that is seemingly well meant can provide fuel to a fire that would otherwise die out. When a brother begins a conversation (or e-mail message) by asking, "Do you know what brother so-and-so said about you?" he may mean well, but what follows is usually combustible! "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases" (Proverbs 26:20). 3. LOVE YOUR BROTHER. "Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins" (Proverbs 10:12). It is amazing how easy it is for folks to tolerate the faults of their loved ones, family, longtime friends, etc., while at the same time refusing to tolerate similar or lesser faults in those outside their circle of friends. If we could learn to show love, without prejudice or partiality, we might find a lot less to pick at in others (cf. 1 Timothy 5:21). 4. FORBEAR. The instructions given in Ephesians 4:1-3 for "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" include "forbearing one another in love" (KJV). According to Strong's Dictionary "forbearing" means to "put up with, bear with, endure...suffer." Some have the idea that they "don't have to put up with" anything from a brother in Christ. Nothing could be further from the truth. Even if you are being unjustly mistreated, "putting up with it" and taking it patiently is one of the truest marks of a follower of Christ (cf. 1 Peter 2:20-21). Suffering real or imagined injustice from a brother is a sad excuse for causing strife. It's an excuse Abram would not use, and neither should we. We might learn to be more forbearing if we would stop and realize how much we need others to "put up with" us! "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them..." (Matthew 7:12). -- Via The Exhorter, March 11, 2001 ___________________________________________ God Says: "This Is Your Part" by Jim Everett Based on our faith, Peter requires character development on "our part" (2 Peter 1:5) described by some seven, different terms (vv. 5-7) -- character is not automatically acquired. God's part has been to give "exceeding great and precious promises" (superlatives in comparison) that enable us to become "partakers of divine nature" (1:3-4). His promises are immutable (Hebrews 6:17-18); hence, if we fail to develop into God's character, we cannot blame God. However, becoming partakers of "divine nature" is not becoming sharers in His omnipotence, omniscience, etc. Rather, it makes us sharers of His divine, moral character. This sharing of divine nature is unlike rulers in the ancient Babylonian and Roman empires that were exalted to the level of gods. Such rulers, who elevated themselves to god status, were not thought to be gods because of superior moral character -- it was exaltation to the position and power of god. We become like God only as we grow into His character. There is an inter-relationship between all the characteristics found in vv. 5-7 that equalizes development. The total character of man must be balanced, because virtues, unbalanced, become vices -- character that is overdeveloped in one area is skewed and dangerous. For instance, moral courage, not tempered by knowledge and love, becomes misdirected fanaticism with no tolerance for weakness. God says He has done His part -- now do your part. Exertion is required and without "diligence" no growth will occur (vv. 5, 10). Though it is certainly required that we "lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness" in order to "receive with meekness the engrafted word" (James 1:21), building is more than a negative force -- man does not build just by being against things. Like building muscle, building character requires nourishment -- "desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2). Then, the nourishment enables us to assimilate the energy by exercising "moral courage." We must aggressively assert right principles and values as we resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9). Each of us will find some of these characteristics harder to develop than others, because of our natural dispositions. In order to be well-rounded in character, we must work on the harder ones with more energy. And, lest we pursue the effort to grow with only a momentary, passing fancy, let us understand that God expects us to abound in these things -- half-hearted efforts produce dwarfed, malformed character and a barren spiritual life (vv. 8-9). There is God's assurance that if we "do these things we shall never fall" (v. 10). And, the more each Christian grows to share in divine nature, the stronger becomes our oneness -- for obvious reasons. ___________________________________________ Young Parents, Don't Be Discouraged by Foy Short You aren't able to enter into the worship. Just when you focus your attention on the song and begin to feel some spiritual responsiveness, eighteen-month-old Missy bangs her head on the back of the pew, and her cries rise in crescendo above the singing. Or you have just begun to grasp his line of reasoning as the preacher expounds on a difficult verse, when three-year-old Johnny tugs urgently at your sleeve and insists in loud whispers that he had to go to the restroom. The ways in which children can distract your attention and break your concentration are endless. Sometimes you feel that there is no real purpose in being at the church services while trying to cope with children. You feel that you are getting nothing out of the service and besides they are probably distracting others, so why take them? Why not keep them at home so that you, the children, and others will all be happier? Your feelings are perfectly understandable. You do have a problem. But don't be discouraged. In reality you have a great and golden opportunity. If you act wisely, you have the power to accomplish wonderful objectives. 1. You can implant in your children the habit of attending church services, thereby opening the way for them to learn about God as they grow up. This may very well mean all the difference between their becoming faithful Christians or going the destructive way of the world. 2. Though you may not be learning much from the sermons, you are learning thoroughly practical lessons in patience, self-control, self-denial, perseverance, discipline, and obedience to God. These lessons are the kind best learned under the pressures of hindrances and obstacles. 3. You are teaching others. By faithful attendance and courageous tackling of your problems, you are setting a wonderful example to the rest of the congregation. Such an example is a priceless asset to any church. It is more powerful in influencing the lives of others than many sermons. A church cannot have too many young mothers and fathers of this kind. We need you all! We want you all! So, young parents, don't be discouraged. Keep coming. Bring the children. Most of us have been through the same experiences and we understand your difficulties. We respect your concern for others. We admire your fortitude in coming. We want your fellowship in worship. We need your help in teaching the church. So keep bringing the little ones to services. ___________________________________________ Second Mile Living by Clarence R. Johnson Jesus instructed His disciples, "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two" (Matt. 5:41), and thus demanded of His followers more than a bare minimum of response to the requirements of life. This principle may be emphasized in a number of specifics. 1. It is fine to believe that there is one God, and to believe other things recorded in the Bible. But even the demons do that, James 2:19. Agrippa believed the prophets, Acts 26:27-28. Many of the Jewish rulers of Jesus' day believed on Him with a faith too weak to acknowledge Him, John 12:42-43. But he who would be a Christian must go the second mile: Obey the truth as well as believe it, Heb. 5:9; Matt. 7:21; 2 Thess. 1:7-9. 2. All classes of humanity are accustomed to the commendable practice of loving their friends, but he who would be a true disciple of Jesus must go the second mile--love his enemies, Matt. 5:43-47. 3. An individual has done the right thing to provide for those who are members of his immediate family, for that is only fair and just, and even infidels recognize such an obligation, 1 Tim. 5:8, 16. But he who would follow Jesus must seek to do good to all, Gal. 6:10; James 1:27. This is the second mile principle. 4. All civilized societies recognize the need for their citizens to refrain from murder, theft, and other such-like crimes against one's fellow human beings. This has ever been the case. But the principles of Christ demand second mile living in such matters. Learn to harness and control anger, Matt. 5:21-22. Learn to avoid the covetousness that leads to theft, Luke 12:15. Bring under control the passion that could lead to adultery, Matt. 5:27-28, etc. Thus we see in these matters--and with but little thought can bring many others to mind--which exemplify the need for second mile living. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus asked His audience, "What do you more than others?" (Matt. 5:47) Being a Christian makes demands on us to do more than the bare minimum that the world in general recognizes as necessary. Christians must be devoted to the second mile living that Jesus commanded. -- Via Susquehanna Sentinel, July 5, 1998 ___________________________________________ News & Notes We were sorry to hear of Lorene Frost (Peggy Frame's aunt) passing away recently. Let us be praying for the family and friends. Let us also continue to remember Mae Cornette. She still hasn't been feeling well and is now on a new medication to, hopefully, alleviate the problem. Upcoming Gospel Meetings: * November 12-16: Annandale, Virginia (different speakers) * November 16-18: Bethlehem, PA (different speakers) * November 30 - December 2: Mt Airy, Pennsylvania (U. G. Baldwin) Greetings visitors! Please come again! ________________________________________ Avondale CHURCH OF CHRIST 1606 Glen Willow Rd., Avondale, PA 19311 (For postal service: P.O. Box 421) (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://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/avondale ________________________________________