____________________________________________________ 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). ____________________________________________________ August 1, 2004 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) Self Examination (Andy Diestelkamp) 2) Enduring Life's Trials (Gilbert Alexander) 3) News & Notes ____________________________________________________ -1- Self Examination by Andy Diestelkamp Many of us have a negative association with the word test. I know, some of you reading this enjoyed taking exams, but that was probably because you were prepared for them. Even those with high grade-point averages probably did not relish taking tests for which they were unprepared. The uncertainty of how we will perform when tested causes us to dread exams. Despite the apprehension and uneasiness we may have at the prospect of taking a test, we know that tests are important. Testing is an important spiritual activity. To test means to examine and scrutinize, to determine genuineness or ability with a view toward approval or improvement. We see this usage in scripture in reference to a man who wanted to see what his newly purchased oxen could do (Lk. 14:19). In more modern times, we start the engine, look under the hood, and take the car for a drive to see what it can do. We often don't mind tests if we are the ones giving the test. Certainly, in spiritual contexts, it is important that we "test all things" so as to discern between good and evil (1 Thess. 5:21,22). Unfortunately, many are unprepared to do this because they personally have not grown as they should spiritually (Heb. 5:12-14). As a result, many have little ability to apply scriptural principles to current issues so as to "test all things." Unless the scriptures explicitly say, "Thou shalt not...," many are unable to determine if something is contrary to the will of God. Why is this? Because instead of being transformed through renewed minds, many have conformed to the world and, therefore, are not able to test and approve what God's will is (Rom 12:1,2). This testing is not limited to doctrines but extends to people as well. Those who would serve as deacons are to be those who have been proved (1 Tim. 3:8-10). In other words, they have been first observed and examined in their behavior and are then appointed as deacons when found blameless. The apostle Paul told the Corinthian Christians that he was testing their sincerity and challenged them to complete the doing of what they had said they intended to do (2 Cor. 8:1-15). Sincerity is tested or proved (shown to be genuine) by willingness and perseverance. Jesus praised the church in Ephesus for exposing false prophets by testing them (Rev. 2:2). John tells us to test the spirits to see if they are of God (1 Jn. 4:1). Indeed, we are not to be spiritually gullible. Yes, testing is an important spiritual activity. However, when it comes to testing, we have likely found it easier to be diligent in testing others and their doctrines than in testing ourselves. The ability to test or prove becomes most valuable and practical when we first examine ourselves. Even the spiritual man must beware when attempting to restore one who has been tested and found wanting (Gal. 6:1). If we think ourselves to be something, when we are nothing, then we just deceive ourselves (vs. 3). On that basis each of us is admonished to examine (test, scrutinize) his own work (vs. 4). This self-examination is primary and prerequisite to being the spiritual one who can restore those overtaken in trespasses. Thus it is imperative that we first remove the beam in our own eyes before we pick specks out of the eyes of others (Matt. 7:3-5). Many of the Jews knew the truth ("approved the things that were excellent") but were then hypocrites in the application of truth to themselves (Rom. 2:17-24). This gives occasion for blasphemy by those who have not approved the things that are excellent and who have no interest in any so-called excellence that apparently allows such hypocrisy. Christians have often fallen into the same trap into which the Jews fell. Thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought, we prove what is truth and expose error but then fail to practice what we preach. We must always keep in mind that, even if we have all knowledge, without love knowledge is nothing (1 Cor. 13:2). We examine and correct all of the externals that can be tested by the word of God, but we often neglect the internal self-examination necessary to becoming the truly spiritual people who can restore others not just externally, but internally as well. Before we can effectively examine others as to whether or not they are in the faith, we must examine and prove ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5). Part of Paul's remedy was for each participant to "examine himself." I believe many have misunderstood Paul's instruction. The Lord's Supper is not intended to be a time for self-examination or to determine personal worthiness. The examination of self is to precede and therefore guide the attitudes and actions of the participant. Prior self-examination with a view toward approval or improvement would result in the proper partaking of the Lord's Supper. "Why am I gathering with others to eat this supper? To remember Christ's sacrifice and share with my brethren in the proclamation of His death" (vss. 23-26). Diligence in self-examination keeps us humble and selfless in all of our relationships and activities. The Christians in Corinth were described as carnal; this made any discussion of spiritual things nigh unto impossible (1 Cor. 3:1-3). For them the Lord's Supper (a spiritual fellowship meal) had turned into a carnal, selfish feast. Their profane attitude despised the assembly that had come together for holy purposes. This was the "unworthy manner" that was bringing guilt upon a number of the saints (1 Cor. 11:27). If we would first examine ourselves to determine that our motives are spiritually sound, then our manner will more likely be worthy. Of course, this principle applies to more than just the Lord's Supper. We must be ready to test and examine ourselves in all areas of our lives; and, in so doing, we will be of greater and more effective use in the kingdom of Christ. Testing is an important spiritual activity! "The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts" (Prov. 17:3). God knows about our willingness, sincerity, and loyalty. When is the last time you examined yourself? -- Via Think on These Things, April-May-June 2004 ____________________________________________________ -2- Enduring Life's Trials by Gilbert Alexander Human suffering has been around since the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden (Gen. 3:16-19). The causes are many: sin, accidents, illnesses, wars, violation of natural laws, hatred, persecution, jealousy, betrayal of confidence, death, etc. All people experience it to some degree and in various ways. There is no escaping it in this life. Some people are overcome by it, some are embittered by it, and some become stronger through it. How suffering affects us is determined by our understanding it and by our response to it. Though we may not always understand the cause of specific suffering, there is considerable understanding available to us, and it can help us immensely in our facing life's trials. A major source of suffering is the Devil's work. Remember that Job's afflictions came from Satan and were a test of Job's faith. Remember the sufferings of Elijah, Micaiah, and Jeremiah as the work of the enemies of the Lord. James said, "My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience" (James 5:10). If we consider any trial or suffering as a test of our faith, and if we determine that we will not allow it to defeat us, we can be strengthened by it; and we can learn the precious and necessary lessons of patience by it. That is why James said, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" (James 1:2,3). Because of understanding, Peter and John could rejoice when they had been jailed and beaten for preaching Christ (Acts 5:41). Sickness and death are often hard to understand, and many times people blame God or sometimes themselves. The death of Job's children was the work of Satan. It was not because of any sin of Job, nor was it his fault. The blindness of the man in John 9 was not the result of his sin or the sin of his parents, but it served a useful purpose -- that God's works be manifest. Whether sickness or death is caused by one's own misdoing or by an unknown source, one can turn that stone of trial into a stepping stone by gaining a stronger faith and greater determination and patience. Rather than viewing life as a struggle that we are ultimately going to lose, we ought to view life as a struggle that we must and are going to win -- even in death itself. There is only one way that we can win the struggle of life. That way is through the strength of the Lord (Eph. 6:l0-20). Only by our properly preparing ourselves through humble submission and obedience to God can we expect to be victorious. That includes godly living and faithful worship and service to Him. If we want to be united with the faithful of all ages when our lives are finished, we must prepare to meet our God. That we will stand before Him in judgment is certain. That we can hear Him say, "Well done" is also certain. We can be "more than conquerors through Him Who loved us" (Rom. 8:35-37). The decision of whether we win or lose is ours. God has made that possible. What will you do with your life? -- Via The Bulletin of the Church of Christ at New Georgia, June 20, 2004 ____________________________________________________ -3- News & Notes Let those of us who are Christians be praying for the family and friends of Faye Wallace, Agnes Shuff's sister, who passed away last Wednesday. There will be a Gospel Meeting at the Northshore church of Christ in Mandeville, Louisiana, August 6-8, in their new building (and new location): 67288 Armel Rd. Friday: 7:30 PM; Saturday: 6:30 PM (congregational singing); 7:30 PM (lesson); Sunday: 9:30, 10:30, and 6 PM. Jeff Carr, the local evangelist, will be doing all the preaching. For more information, call 985-871-0099. ____________________________________________________ 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 ____________________________________________________