____________________________________________________ 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 18, 2005 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) "Workers Together With God" (Eugene Crawley) 2) A Good Answer (David Thurman) ____________________________________________________ -1- "Workers Together With God" by Eugene Crawley "For we are laborers together with God..." (1 Cor. 3:9). "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain" (2 Cor. 6:1). These passages introduce a vital subject, one that needs to be better understood, and even better put into practice. Jesus set an example of work (labor) while He was upon the earth doing the work that God gave Him to do. He said, "I must work while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work" (John 9:4). He was, indeed, a worker of the kind which pleases God; one willing to do that which was commanded Him (John 8:29; 12:49). Further, He said, "If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not" (John 10:37). Therefore, Jesus was a worker, a laborer with God, His Father. Too many today could not be so described. Therefore, it behooves us to think seriously concerning our relationship and our responsibility because of this relationship. Among some other things this means that we are not to be shirkers; such seek to evade their duty and work. Neither are we to be players; too many are doing no more than playing at religion -- even the religion of Christ. Time is too valuable to be wasted in such a way. Nor are we to be idlers; such are no more than drones, sluggards, loafers. Neither would gossipers fit the description of workers; such idly pass the time, and become involved in this destructive sin. Thus, emphasis is placed upon our being workers in the kingdom of God. To conclude that worship is all that is required of the child of God is to fail to understand the entire duty of God's people. Another matter of importance suggested by this language is that of working together. And, this working together means with God and others. This impresses the idea of unity, harmony; not "I" but "We." And, it further teaches that we are not to work against Him. Thus, if we will see to it that we work in unity and harmony with God by learning His will and doing His will, then the greatest work on earth will be accomplished; and it will be preparation for eternity by all those engaged. The word or expression "with," in this thought means in "some particular relation to; especially implying company, association, or connection"; this can be seen from the instruction of Christ in John 15:1-6. Too, it means, "Not against; not ahead of; not behind." The whole idea is that of full cooperation and fellowship (2 John 9; John 14:23). Are we working with God? Not to be overlooked in this matter is the one with whom we are to work. This is truly an essential matter. We could be workers together, and still not be workers with God. We must, therefore, be certain that as we work together that our work is in keeping with, is according to, the instruction of God. What it amounts to is this: we could be united in error, as are many people in the religious world. If we are to work with God, we must study His word, learn His pattern, and then work accordingly; then, and not before, are we "laborers together with God." We need to realize that there is no neutrality, no middle-ground, no middle-of-the-road (Matt. 12:30); so we must labor in the proper realm (in Christ), and according to the correct pattern (God's word) if we are to succeed in pleasing Him. To be blessed we must work together with him. Without Him we are nothing, and can do nothing (John 15:5). When we do work as He directs, He is honored and glorified, souls are saved, and we prepare for that inevitable meeting with Him in judgment. Now, before saying "there is nothing I can do," stop and think seriously. Even though it may not be as great as you have seen others do, or as great as you may want to do, remember that before one can do great things, he must learn to do little things, and do them well! There is work for all to do, for each of us; but let us not forget that we are to be workers together, united, and with God; respectful of His authority and of His way. Let each member of the body of Christ find something that he is able to do in the service of God, and begin now to do that! We can work with Him, and with all others who are following His divine plan. Do we really need anything better? The fact is there is nothing better; there is nothing that begins to be anywhere near to as good as His way! Surely all should be content with His way! -- Via Guardian of Truth XXVI: 5, p. 75, February 4, 1982 ____________________________________________________ "...I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). ____________________________________________________ -2- A Good Answer by David Thurman "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ" (1 Pet. 3:15-16). What is the best way to share your faith in Jesus Christ? With a rapidly changing world how can we best represent the message of Jesus to others? Peter answers this question in these verses. First, Peter assumes the fact that the unbeliever would notice a difference in the Christian and would ask about the hope within the believer. The first step in sharing Jesus is to live like Him so consistently that others can't help but see the contrast between our lives and theirs. Too often, we try to force the message to people who have not noticed a difference in us. Or, we try to take the message to those who have not asked. Peter wants the horse before the cart. Live so others will ask. Then, when we are asked about our faith, we are to have a ready answer. There should be little doubt about what we believe, or why we decided to follow Jesus. This is a personal answer based on each person's faith in the gospel of Christ, not some church position or creed. If others ask us about our faith, we should be ready with scriptural responses that tell not only what we believe, but why we act the way we do. Simply put, others should recognize the authority that governs our lives. Next, Peter says that our answer must be more than Biblically accurate. This answer must also reflect the spirit of Christ. We cannot properly represent our faith if we live so as to discredit it. Our response to any inquiry should be done with gentleness and respect. In this way others will see not only the authority that governs our lives, but will see that this authority changes our inner nature. We must also answer with a good conscience. To do this we must be free of ulterior motives when we speak with others about Jesus. We must be more interested in saving a soul than in being right on an issue. A clean conscience insists that we be honest with others. Even as we encourage them to leave sin and follow Jesus we must be willing to share our own sinfulness with them. If they can see that God has forgiven one sinner they will be more likely to accept God's grace. If they hear that believers are real people with real problems, they will more readily come to a real God. The end result is simple. We gain credibility by being true to our calling regardless of the response we receive. Even if others fail to accept our faith as their own, our lives will be above reproach. Peter tells us to live in such a way that even if they speak evil of us, the evidence will be against them. Our lives are to reflect the will of Jesus in such a way that no charge can be proven against us. To be what Jesus was and to be as effective as Jesus was, the world needs to see Him within us. As we share the good news of the gospel with others, they need to see the gentleness of Jesus. If we are abused because of our faith, the world needs to get a first hand lesson in cheek-turning. If others are critical of us for any reason, the world needs to be able to see who is true and who is false. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" (1 Pet. 2:21-23). This altitude challenged the shallow legalism of the Pharisees. This gentleness called the most wicked of sinners to leave sin and live righteously. As we recapture the lifestyle of Jesus we can do what Peter says. Others will seek us out and ask us concerning our faith, just as they mobbed Jesus for His answers. The world may reject us, but in turning away will be seen for what they are, false accusers, just as they accused Jesus falsely. Finally, the world will turn to God in our day, just as they did following the death and resurrection of Jesus. The world will respond because God's people reflect the mind of Jesus today. What is a good answer? A life that constantly reflects the teaching and attitudes of Jesus, the Christ. -- Via The Bulletin of the Church of Christ at New Georgia, September 19, 2004 ____________________________________________________ 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 ____________________________________________________