____________________________________________________ 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). ____________________________________________________ July 13, 2003 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) What is a Christian? (an acrostic) (Tom Edwards) 2) News & Notes: Gospel Meeting; Remembering "Chief" Traynor Halftown ____________________________________________________ -1- What is a Christian? (an acrostic) by Tom Edwards Let's take the letters in the word "Christian" to make an acrostic, in which each letter will stand for that which should characterize the child of God. C - Concerned The Christian is concerned about his soul (Mark 8:36), as well as for the souls of others (Rom. 10:1). He wants to see the world come to Jesus -- for all to be saved -- and does something about it (cf. Mark 16:15; Acts 8:4; 26:28,29). After Andrew, for example, had realized that Jesus is the Messiah, he first brought his own brother Simon to the Lord (Jn. 1:40-42); and the woman at the well (after talking with Jesus), immediately went into the city, leaving behind her waterpot, in order to tell others of the Christ (Jn. 4). What greater way of caring for someone can there be than in leading that person to Jesus? The Christian has a concern for all mankind -- which includes even his enemies (Matt. 5:44). How nobly this was exemplified in the life of Stephen, who -- while being stoned to death -- said in his last dying words: "...'Lord, do not hold this sin against them!' And having said this, he fell asleep [died]" (Acts 7:60). Do we care for others to that degree? Stephen reminds us of the Savior who prayed from the cross, "...'Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing'..." (Luke 23:34). What a genuine concern that was! Early Christians were concerned for also their needy brethren: "And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need" (Acts 2:44,45). They, as individuals, were concerned also about the needs of the non-believers (cf. Gal. 6:10). In answer to the lawyer's question, "Who is my neighbor?," Jesus gives the parable of "The Good Samaritan" to show that anyone -- regardless of where they live -- is our neighbor (Luke 10:29-37); and, therefore, the second greatest commandment of the Law, to love "your neighbor as yourself," is clarified (v. 27): Our neighbor is not merely our brother in Christ or the fellow who lives across the street, but rather a neighbor is any human being -- regardless of whether he believes in God or not, and regardless of where that person lives. H -- Hater of Iniquity To be well balanced, we need to not only love what is good, but also hate that which is bad (cf. Amos 5:14,15). Unfortunately, the world today often does this backwards: they love the evil and scorn the good -- and often blatantly (cf. Micah 3:1,2). To truly hate evil, however, is part of the "fear of the Lord" (Prov. 8:13), which is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10). The Old Testament command to "Hate evil, you who love the Lord..." (Psa. 97:10) is also a principle taught in the New Testament as well. R -- Redeemed Something that is "redeemed" is something that is "bought back." We think, for instance, of the individual who takes a gold pocket watch to a pawn shop. He is then given a certain amount of time in order to redeem that watch -- or to buy it back. The only price that can buy back fallen man -- who through his sin has sold himself over to Satan -- is the blood of Jesus: "knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ" (1 Pet. 1:18,19). The blood from Calvary's cross figuratively flowed three different ways: past, present, and future. Christ died for the sinners who had previously lived, for those who were presently living, and for those who were yet to come. As Paul shows in pointing out the purpose for why Jesus was sent into this world, it was "in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons" (Gal. 4:4,5). And not only that, but the Lord also "...gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds" (Titus 2:14). Paul states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight" (Eph. 1:7,8). I -- Interested in Spiritual Things As we noted in Titus 2:14, the Christian is to be "zealous for good deeds." Two of the parables of the Lord that express a fervent interest in spiritual things are "The Hid Treasure" (Matt. 13:44) and "The Pearl of Great Price" (Matt. 13:45,46). In both parables, the kingdom of heaven is likened to something found that is of such great value that it motivates the finder to sell all that he has in order to obtain it. Moses, for example, willingly gave up the prestige of being the son of Pharaoh's daughter, the pleasures of sin, and the treasures of Egypt, in order to "endure ill-treatment with the people of God" instead. This was because Moses was more interested in heavenly things and being on God's side -- no matter what the cost (Heb. 11:24-26). In similar manner, the early Christians had "accepted joyfully the seizure of" their "property" because the things of God meant more to them than mere material possessions. Are we also that interested in spiritual things? The Christian is one who seeks after God's kingdom first and all His righteousness (Matt. 6:33), who sets his affections on things above (Col. 3:1-3), and who has laid up for himself treasures in heaven, "for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-21). In view of what Paul had to gain spiritually through Christ, the apostle was able to view everything else that he had going for him (in the flesh) as nothing but "loss" and "rubbish" in comparison (Phil. 3:7-11). It is only by being spiritually minded that we can put to death the sinful works of the flesh (Rom. 8:5-9); so may we always be interested in spiritual things. S -- Student of God's Word Who is the true disciple of the Lord? Jesus answers that in John 8:31,32 by saying that the true disciples are the ones who "abide" or "continue in" His word. By doing that, the truth will set them free. Paul exhorted Timothy to "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). The only way that can be done is by studying the Scriptures. The Ethiopian eunuch is a fine example of one who was intent on learning God's word. He didn't merely wait for a "convenient" opportunity to do so; but even while returning home in a chariot, on a few-hundred-mile journey from Jerusalem to Ethiopia, he took the time to study the Scriptures (Acts 8:32-34). Paul had commended the Bereans for being "...more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). Rather than gullibly accepting what others were saying about God, the Bereans wanted to know the truth for themselves. Are we that way, too? Peter exhorts the Christian to "...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..." (2 Pet. 3:18). That doesn't happen passively! We might have many Bibles in our library, but we still need to infuse that message into our hearts and minds, if we want to grow by it. We each need to be a student -- and a doer --of God's word. T -- Teachable The Christian needs to not only be able to teach, but also to be teachable; which, of course, is necessary to be a good student of God's word (as seen above). Solomon states that "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid" (Prov. 12:1). If we cannot receive instruction, we can then be likened to hard clay that can no longer be shaped into anything. Jude refers to certain ungodly people as being like "unreasoning animals," who "revile the things which they do not understand" (Jude 1:10). What's the sense in that? There is no sense. A person like that would not be very teachable and, therefore, would not be able to comply with God's gracious invitation to "`Come now and let us reason together,' Says the Lord..." (Isa. 1:18). On the other hand, Jesus shows that it is those who have "heard and learned from the Father" who will come to Him (Jn. 6:44,45). Being teachable gives us the ability to learn and to, also, "...receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls" (Jms. 1:21). I -- Innocent Innocent does not mean "having no knowledge of wrongdoing." A sin of ignorance, for example, is still a sin that will make the transgressor guilty and bar that person from the kingdom of God. Since all accountable persons have sinned and come short of the glory of God (cf. Rom. 3:23), there is that need for the atonement of Christ by which the penitent believer can be cleansed of every sin and be made innocent in God's sight -- to then, as a result, be "`just-if-I'd' never sinned," as one person put it. Paul was "innocent of the blood of all men" because he "did not shrink from declaring...the whole purpose of God" (Acts 20:26,27). He also exhorted the Romans "to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil" (Rom. 16:19). In writing to the Philippians, Paul gave the following exhortation: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain" (Phil. 2:14-16). A -- Active It takes more than being a mere hearer of God's word; one must also be a doer (Matt. 7:21-27) -- otherwise, one would deceive himself (Jms. 1:22). James also points this out very clearly: "faith without works is useless" (Jms. 2:20) and "dead" (v. 26). Paul was one who was certainly active in his relationship with God: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7). The more Paul lived for the Lord, the more he also suffered for the cause of Christ; but that did not deter him. Paul persevered. He remained an active follower of Jesus Christ throughout his life; and when we think of it, would it even be possible to be an "inactive follower"? What a contradiction of terms that is! We need to remember that Jesus is the "source of eternal salvation," "to all those who obey Him" (Heb. 5:9). And being saved from past sins involves more than merely being able to confess faith in Christ: "Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21). So let us activate ourselves with the word of the Lord, and strive to always be faithful in carrying out His will. N -- Nonabrasive Rather than being abrasive, the Christian is to strive to be a peacemaker: "So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another" (Rom. 14:19). One of the beatitudes' states, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matt. 5:9). To what extent is one to be a peacemaker? "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men" (Rom. 12:18). Unfortunately, there are those who don't want to be at peace with us, no matter how much we would seek that kind of relationship. For the parental realm, Paul gives the following admonition: "...fathers, do not provoke your children to anger..." (Eph. 6:4). To the Thessalonians, Paul pointed out that, "...we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children" (1 Thess. 2:7). That was definitely a nonabrasive method they used. Solomon also gives some helpful instruction on this topic: "A gentle answer turns away wrath; But a harsh word stirs up anger" (Prov. 15:1). Many heated disputes can be avoided by taking heed to this wisdom. Paul exhorted Timothy to "...refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition..." (2 Tim. 2:23-25). As the old cliche goes, "It's not what you say, but how you say it" that can often make quite a difference. Let us, therefore, not only say the right things; but also say them in the right way that we might strive to be nonabrasive. Conclusion These are just some of the good qualities that characterize the Christian. Do we have these in our lives? And if so, could some of them be increased for our own betterment -- as well as for the betterment of others? May it be that the Christian will live his life in such a way that the name itself will connote many good thoughts to the world around -- not for self-glory nor for the praise of men; but, rather, for the glory of God. In paraphrasing what Charlie Brown (a preacher of Stanford, Kentucky) used to say: "Take away `Christ' from `Christian," and that leaves you with just "ian" -- which is the part that refers to me, and "ian" stands for `I ain't nothing.' Yes, without Christ, `I ain't nothing."' ____________________________________________________ -2- News & Notes The Gospel Meeting at Lafayette, LA, begins today (July 13-18) with R. J. Evans as the speaker. Services through the weeknights will be at 7:30. Remembering "Chief" Halftown I was sorry to hear that Traynor Ora Halftown had passed away July 5 of diabetes. He was 86. Over the years, I have always felt honored to have his first name as my middle name. The "Chief," as we called him, had been a good friend of my dad (having met probably around the late 1940's); and, coincidentally, had died on my father's birthday (which would have made him 101, if still living). Born in Buffalo, New York, the Chief was a full-blooded Seneca Indian. After serving in WWII, he moved to the Philadelphia area where he had been an accomplished singer and sang on local radio stations and in clubs with the big bands, which brought him the title of "The Singing Seneca." He had also been a DJ, prior to hosting for 48 years the "Chief Halftown" show, which holds the record for the longest running children's show in TV history. It featured cartoons, live amateur acts, and the Chief's Indian talks to give a true perspective of American Indians and dispel the false notion that so many people had picked up from the cowboy and Indian shows, which were especially popular in the 50's and 60's. A phrase given to him by his mother, as advice for how to lead into the featured cartoons after his talk, was "ees-sta-sa-suss-a-way," which means, "Now it's time to begin" and was probably often repeated by many a young listener, as well as nostalgically remembered by the thousands who had grown up watching the show -- which aired from 1951 to 1999. Being a "star bowler," the Chief had also been a celebrity sponsor for Brunswick and would often be present for promotionals or when new lanes had opened. He continued to entertain even after he retired from his TV show. As he had also done prior, he would sing songs from the 20's, 30's, and 40's for senior citizens; visit schools, nursing homes, cub scouts, hospitals, and other venues to share his Indian stories -- often taking along his Indian costume, including the feathery headpiece and ornaments, to explain the symbolism of each piece. On the weekends, the Chief could be found (for more than 30 years) in front of his teepee at Dutch Wonderland, an amusement park in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He had his own "Indian Village" there, and from which he could educate and entertain his visitors. Though often in the spotlight, the Chief was also known for being "a modest, private man" -- one who was "very soft-spoken" and "very loving," as his daughter described him -- and without any airs due to his celebrity status. He had also worked as a "tireless motivator" with Alcoholics Anonymous, as depicted by one writer. The Chief, having lived a life of sobriety for the last 56 years, inspired people toward overcoming their own trouble with alcohol and other addictions. One man at the funeral was still remembering (and thankful for) how his life was changed for the better by the Chief -- thirty-two years prior. The numerous newspaper articles and personal writings I read about Traynor Halftown on the Internet indicate that he was truly a man not only well-known, but also admired and well-loved for his kindhearted and gentle ways. He was a treasure to the many who knew him; and, in their remembrance, he will continue to bring warmth and good cheer to their appreciative hearts. He had lived in Glen Mills, and other suburbs of Philadelphia, for more than 50 years; but then, along with his wife, moved to Brigantine, New Jersey, about 18 months ago, to be closer to family. He is survived by his wife Margaret (with whom he was married for more than half a century), two sons (Jeff and Peter), one daughter (Katie Bargerhuff), their spouses, three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Let us be remembering all his family and friends in prayer. ____________________________________________________ MYRTLE STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST 1022 Myrtle Street Denham Springs, LA 70726 (225) 664-8208 Sunday: 9:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 PM evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520 e-mail: tedwards@onemain.com web site: http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go ____________________________________________________