____________________________________________________ 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 6, 1992 ____________________________________________________ Where Is God?? by Lawrence Kelly The story is told of a man whose two young sons were notoriously mischievous. One day, when he was at his wits end about how to correct them, he took them to the church office to see the preacher. As the preacher sat the oldest boy down in the chair across his desk, he asked the thought provoking question, ``Where is God?'' Immediately the boy's face turned pale, then he opened the office door, ran outside, grabbed his little brother by the arm and took off down the sidewalk. After they had run a ways from the building the older boy gave a stern look to his little brother and exclaimed, ``We've got to change our ways; they've lost God and they're blaming us!'' What about you? If the preacher asked you, ``Where is God?'' what would you answer? It seems to me that many people have misplaced God. People seek to confine Him to certain places, like the church building. Some folks pretend that God is only present at special times in their life, such as their wedding or funeral. Still others have the notion that God is really more of a concept than a being; they say He isn't actually anywhere, except in your mind. None of these ideas are true. They are the result of ignorance and guilt of men who don't want a holy God to inhibit their ``fun.'' In John chapter four, Jesus taught the Samaritan woman at the well that God is not confined by geographic location. God is spirit and seeks to be worshiped in spirit and in truth (John 4:20-24). It is difficult for mortal man, limited by a body of dust, to comprehend our God who transcends these physical dimensions. We live in a universe so large that our most powerful telescopes cannot discover its vastness nor can the microscope discover its smallness. Yet, God created it all with the breath of his voice. Almost everything we do is gauged by time and space, but time and space have no power over the God who created them. Paul told the Athenian philosophers that God who made the earth is not confined to manmade temples on the earth nor does he exist in idols made by the hands of skilled craftsmen (Acts 17:24-29). Man has always sought to make a physical representation of spiritual God. When the eye of faith is weak, man longs to behold a symbol of God. We have all seen the time when we thought God was a million miles away. Such feelings are nothing more than our imagination. Paul says God can be found if we diligently seek Him because He is not far from each of us (Acts 17:27). It is remarkable to observe how few people give any attention to Him who is the ultimate being of the universe. When was the last time you heard a news reporter make a legitimate reference to God? When was the last time you heard a politician mention God? When was the last time you discussed God with a friend, a co-worker, a relative? When was the last time you spoke to God alone? You see, the question isn't really where is God but where am I with regard to Him. God is, and all the wishing, pretending, and ignoring in the world cannot change that immutable fact. I must learn that God has put me here for a purpose. I must face the fact that God is watching me with keen interest. I must know that I will someday stand before Him and answer for the deeds I do today. I must remember that no matter where I go, God will be there--I cannot hide. These truths should sober us and help restrain us from engaging in activities we know to be wrong. How can a thinking being continue to do evil in the presence of the all holy God of heaven knowing that He will judge me accordingly. The Christian should rejoice over God's abiding presence. Unless we are determined to do evil God is not our enemy. For those trying to please Him, it is good that God is watching us. He is our protector and provider. He is not simply there to mark down the sins we commit, but to help us in our flight to heaven. Let us remember who we are and who is there wherever we go. ___________________________________________ ``Yes, You Can'' by Don Truex One question asked with frequency is, ``What can I do as a member of this local congregation?'' That is truly a fine inquiry and manifests a spirit that is much needed today. To be happy in the work of the Lord is to cultivate a real sense of BELONGING--To legitimately feel that YOU are a vital part of the work. To be active in the work of the Lord is to have CONCERN for that work--and a genuine LOVE for those who share in that same work with you. There is much that you can do today to share the good message of salvation that has graced your life. You can: * CONCENTRATE, one on one, in leading a soul to salvation. * ENTERTAIN a group of members in your home in order to cultivate better friendships and relationships. Take a personal interest in and responsibility for the peace, harmony and growth of the church family. * INVITE a friend or family member to Bible study and Worship. Countless people are sincerely searching for truth and would cherish and accept your interest in them. * TAKE AN ACTIVE INTEREST in the visitors to our services. Greet them with warmth and friendliness. Talk to them, sit with them, encourage them. Never allow them to merely be lost in a sea of humanity and thus leave feeling that their presence is not important and valued. * ENCOURAGE. Through a card, visit, or call encourage those members who are absent from our assemblies. Absenteeism is a symptom of a deeper need which must be addressed immediately. * WRITE a note of appreciation to someone who has truly influenced your spiritual life. * FORGIVE someone who has set himself to be your enemy. Ask God to help you rise above anger, revenge and ill-will. Pray for that enemy and do him good. Always conduct yourself as a Christian in both word and action. * DO SOMETHING THOUGHTFUL for a sick or homebound person. What better way can one illustrate love for those less fortunate than ourselves? * SHOW HOSPITALITY. Show hospitality to someone who has lost a loved one or is struggling with some grave personal challenge. * PRAY EVERY DAY for the saints and the Kingdom of God on earth. You see, there is much YOU can do in using this day to the glory of God and the betterment of His Son's Kingdom. ___________________________________________ Why Sermons? by Rick Harlow I am sure that down through the years there have been those who have pondered the question, ``Why Preach A Sermon?'' I would like to show the importance of the sermon. 1) Instruction In Righteousness. It is the responsibility of gospel preachers to instruct individuals according to those divine truths revealed in the word of God. ``All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works'' (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Sermons are designed to instruct in righteousness. 2) Bring To Remembrance. Repetition is one of the best ways to cause individuals to remember something. It is the hope of all gospel preachers to ``bring to remembrance'' things which folks need to know to be pleasing to God. Paul told Timothy that this was a part of his job as an evangelist. ``If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained'' (1 Tim. 4:6). 3) Exhort To Faithfulness. Sermons are also designed to exhort brethren to remain faithful unto the Lord. Things are difficult many times in this world and all Christians need someone to encourage and exhort them from time to time. Peter's first gospel sermon not only included words by which the listeners ``were pricked in their heart,'' but also included an exhortation to faithfulness. ``And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, save yourselves from this untoward generation'' (Ac. 2:40). 4) Reprove And Rebuke The Unruly. This is probably the area which is the most difficult for the gospel preachers. It is a difficult task to point out error in folk's lives. Many times preachers are said to be ``harping'' on this subject or that. Reproving and rebuking the unruly comes with the territory. ``Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine'' (2 Tim. 4:2). As one gospel preacher said, ``Preach it when they like it, and preach when they don't like it.'' 5) Persuade Men. Another reason for the sermon is that there are folks in the world who will be eternally lost unless someone is able to persuade them to obey the gospel of Christ. Realizing the terror of being lost and our responsibility in fulfilling the great commission will create a sense of urgency in the message which we share with others. (2 Cor. 5:10). We must warn men (2 Th. 1:7-9). ___________________________________________ "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27:1). "Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed" (Proverbs 27:5). ________________________________________ 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 ________________________________________