____________________________________________________ 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). ____________________________________________________ December 8, 1991 ____________________________________________________ No Dogs Allowed! by Tom Edwards Several weeks ago while I was walking home from the hospital one evening, I noticed a sign in the park that struck me rather humorously; it said: ``No Dogs Allowed!'' What a funny thing to say, I thought, and also flippantly said to myself, What prejudice! Invoking a good inward laugh, I continued by amusing myself with the following thought: Did this mean that lions, elephants, monkeys, bears, giraffes, rhinos, and any other animal could freely roam throughout the park--but no dogs allowed? Hey, that doesn't seem fair to ``man's best friend.'' Though this one particular sign was very obvious to me, I am sure there are many other regulations that I haven't seen that would apply to the forbidding of various other animals in the park as well--and these laws would be just as binding. This is also true on many of our nation's highways. As we drive onward, we soon discover other signs of regulations--besides merely those which tell of the speed limit that we need to obey. No littering signs (with sometimes the penalty included) and seat belt signs (in certain states) show us of other laws that pertain to one's driving on the roadways. If we, however, are only paying attention to the signs of our choosing while ignoring the rest, we will become lawbreakers--and, consequently, will probably soon be found paying the penalty. How especially true this is in matters of the Bible. God's word is a book we must each thoroughly look over--not overlook. To help us in this, the Bible class arrangement can be an excellent means to increase one's spiritual understanding. It has been said that this is even better than merely hearing preaching because questions can be asked and answered; misunderstandings can be corrected, and dark passages in the minds of the perplexed can become agreeably clear with the sunshine of a good answer. In view of this, we should never be hesitant to ask questions for clarification. It's a shame, though, that some of our brethren in churches world-wide have under-estimated the importance of studying God's word together in group situations in which anyone can have the right to ask a question and make a comment. Though it is not the only way, what a lawfully expedient way to help fulfill one's duty in edifying fellow saints--which doesn't have to be in the ``meeting house'' necessarily. Every Christian--not just the preacher or a Bible class teacher--is to be a sharer of God's truth (Heb. 5:12; 2 Tim. 2:2). If we would get together with the civil authorities who had the sign posted--''No Dogs Allowed''--, we could probably find out from them that there are also many other types of animals not permitted in the park, due to other laws and regulations. In like manner, let us continue fervently in our examination of God's word so that we, too, can learn of those ``other laws and regulations'' that are needful unto salvation. Just because one ``sign'' says one thing, doesn't mean that there are not other ``signs'' expressing additional laws that are just as needful. As Jesus implies in Matthew 4:4, man is to not live on just ``one'' word only, but rather on ``EVERY'' word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Have you considered the ``signs'' of God's word that lead to salvation, and are you following those directions? When it comes to sin, we must obey the STOP sign of God's truth and YIELD to the Lord's ONE WAY that leads to God's heavenly destination, realizing that there can be NO U-TURNS on the highway to heaven if we want to arrive safely at home. ___________________________________________ TWO MEN `KNOW' THEY ARE SAVED by Bill Hall Two men ``know'' they are saved. The first man bases his assurance of salvation on his experience. He had been assured that when he completely turned his life over to Jesus Christ, accepted Him as personal Savior, and received Him into his heart, that an inner peace and feeling of well being would sweep his soul; that he would be able to recognize that feeling when it came; and that this peace and feeling of well being would be unmistakable evidence of his salvation. In keeping with that teaching he did ``receive Jesus into his heart.'' He did feel this wonderful peace sweep his soul. And he ``knows'' that he is saved. The second man's assurance is based on the promise of God. He had read in God's word, ``He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved'' (Mark 16:16). From other passages he had learned the necessity of repentance and confession of faith (Acts 2:38; 7:37; Rom. 10:10). Trusting God's promise of salvation, he obeyed from the heart those commands (Rom. 6:17), and has never doubted since that God forgave him of all his past sins, according to His promise. The first man's assurance of salvation is based upon an unsure foundation. The Bible teaches neither the action he has taken nor the criterion he has accepted. We do not question his feelings; but we do question that such feelings are proof of salvation, for they are the product of his teaching. The cultist who has been taught certain gross practices in religion and has become the victim of his perverted leader will experience similar feelings. If the feelings of the latter are not sufficient proof of salvation, neither are the feelings of the former. ``But an angel appeared and spoke to me,'' someone may be thinking; or ``I spoke in tongues.'' The Bible teaches, however, that even unusual, inexplicable occurrences in one's life cannot set aside the teaching of God's revealed word. Many who will be in hell will have said, ``Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils [demons]? and in thy name done many wonderful works?'' (Matt. 7:22). But all their experiences, even ``miracles,'' will not substitute for their doing the Father's will as it is recorded in the scriptures (Matt. 7;21; see also Gal. 1:8; 2 Thess. 2:9-12; Deut. 13:1-5; Col. 2:18,19). The second man has based his assurance on a solid foundation. God's promises are sure. He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). What He has promised He is able to perform (Romans 4:21). The person who obeys His commandments through truth in His promises can know, because God is faithful. ``And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments'' (1 John 2:3). We ask our readers, ``Who really demonstrates strong faith in God: the one who simply trusts God's promises and finds assurance in His word or the one who must experience some overwhelming feeling that sweeps his soul?'' God's judgment will be based, not on what we ``know,'' but on His word. Be not deceived! ___________________________________________ EGOTISM You're always in the wrong key when you start singing your own praises. If you think you have no fault, that is possible the worst one. An egotist is a person who is always me-deep in conversation. Some people grow under responsibilities; others merely swell. Some folks would rather blow their own horn than to listen to Sousa's band. How much we admire the wisdom of those who come to us for advice. To entertain some people all you have to do is listen. Seest thou a man in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him (Prov. 26:16). ________________________________________ Tri-State CHURCH OF CHRIST 1314 Montgomery Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky 41101 Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Bible class 10:50 A.M. Worship 6:30 P.M. Worship Wednesday: 7:30 P.M. Bible study evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (606) 325-9742 e-mail: tedwards@zoomnet.net Gospel Observer web site: http://www.zoomnet.net/~tedwards/go ________________________________________