____________________________________________________ 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). ____________________________________________________ June 20, 1993 ____________________________________________________ What Hinders You? by Tom Edwards How often has someone racked his brains trying to come up with just the right thing to say that will convert the lost? Could it be we sometimes go overboard and become a little anxious as we strive to find that ``extra special message'' to give--and one that will be really spruced up, dazzling, and simply irresistible? Perhaps we feel we need to use more than that ``plain old gospel.'' The refusal of some toward obeying the plan of salvation sometimes makes the one who is striving to save souls feel inadequate and personally responsible for this lack of response in others; but let us note that even Jesus, the master-teacher who always said and did the right things, often had many who rejected His message and refused to comply with it. Obviously, the fault cannot always be attributed to the teacher of God's truth. We must, therefore, remember that it is not so much in our ability to be eloquent or even overly knowledgeable in Bible truths that helps the seed of God's word take root any better. Many of the early Christians, soon after their conversion, went into all the world, preaching and teaching the gospel with whatever abilities they had (Acts 8:4). I imagine many of these were pretty much like most of us today when it comes to speaking skills and had many of our same strengths and weaknesses in verbal communication; but it appears that one way in which they differed from many of us is that THEY DID GO OUT AND TEACH THE TRUTH--instead of making excuses because of any lack of abilities they thought they had. If one is converted merely because he likes the way the preacher or teacher looks, sounds, or acts, is not something greatly missing in this individual's conversion? Yet, I wonder how many have been converted due to such triviality? Should it not be one's love for the Lord and desire to serve Him that becomes the main impetus to travel salvation's highway? The Obstacles What brings a person to Christ? We know God wants each one to come, but He never intrudes against another's will (2 Pet. 3:9). Loving Christians want to see others come to the Lord, but they can't coerce anyone into obeying the gospel (Rom. 10:1-3). The steps that lead to salvation can only be made by the one who would be saved. Jesus paved the way by His blood, but man must walk upon that way by his faith and obedience and continue in his trek toward the gates of heaven--for conversion involves individual responsibility. Various obstacles, however, often obscure the road that leads toward deep commitment in Jesus Christ. Indifference to the gospel, laziness, pleasures of sin, selfishness, peer pressure, pride, unbelief in God and His word, and many other things are hindering factors that keep one away from obedience to the gospel. These either blind or mar one's vision toward living a new life in Christ--and where there is no vision, of this nature, the people perish (cf. Prov. 29:18). Be Aware of the Problem It's been said that before we can eliminate a problem, we must first be able to recognize it as being such. If you have not yet obeyed the gospel, do you recognize what your problem is that hinders you from doing so? Be honest with yourself, and take a good look at it. Is it really worth it? Is this what you want to remain content with--even though it displeases the Lord and will keep you out of His eternal heaven? ``I can't change,'' many might say. ``I just don't believe.'' Or perhaps others might declare, ``I know I should obey the gospel, but I just don't want to live that kind of life. I'd rather do some of those things which the Bible prohibits and calls `sins.''' Understandably, there is pleasure in some sins (Heb. 11:25); and for many people, the thought of having to give up this kind of satisfaction to be a ``goody-two-shoes'' just doesn't seem worth the exchange. Count the Cost and Reconsider Before we become discouraged toward the life of godliness and be deceived into thinking it is too big of a sacrifice, let us consider God's exhortation to ``reason together'' with Him (Isa. 1:18). We need to give some serious thought to our lives and what we plan to make of them. Fortunately, we live in a time when it isn't ``torture'' to be a Christian; but in the early era of the church, being a child of God was worth it even if it meant literally suffering in some atrocious, inhumane way (1 Pet. 4:12-16). When we really take the time to reason about various possible situations, the godly life is seen as being the best kind of life one could live--even if that one happened to be an atheist (though the non-believer would not be able to experience the spiritual blessings in Christ). Some areas in which this can be seen pertain to the dangers of illicit drugs, alcohol, immorality, ill-will, and a pugnacious behavior. Undoubtedly, giving oneself to any of these things can lead to much trouble while here on earth--and eternal trouble in the hereafter. These are just some of the harmful involvements that God would have us to abstain from. Yes, the Lord's word instructs us as to what is best--whether it be in that which we are to renounce or that which we are to engage in; it is all for our good. And as we consider these ideas, we must also remember that sin is short-lived--though its penalty is eternal. Develop the Proper Attitude In view of this, we must change our thinking, our outlook, by looking into the Scriptures and allowing God's word to restructure our views and attitudes (Rom. 12:1,2; Col. 3:2; Phil. 4:8). Read God's word and give some serious thought to it. Let it speak to your heart. Learn the way of salvation and respond with all your will. Find a sound group of Christians to get to know, to worship with, and to spend time with socially as well. Interests in most things can be cultivated. Is there not more in God and His word that you may benefit by than by anything else that you could possibly become interested in? Surely, you should be concerned about something that is not only for your own good, but also for the good of those whom you love. No hobby, recreation, or any other activity can do more for you and your loved ones than what God can do. Realize Life's Brevity How much time do we have left to live as a Christian--or as anything--on this planet? Swiftly time moves on like a gusty, swirling breeze that quickly brushes against us caressingly and then is suddenly gone. Just the other week I heard a preacher in a gospel meeting that I hadn't seen since my days at Florida College, which doesn't seem too long ago--but it has already been fifteen years. A couple more quick fifteen years like that and I will be seventy--if I live to be that old. Now is the time for each of us to make the most of our lives by giving ourselves unto Christ by our faith and obedience to His word and continuing to obey Him with every new day that He blesses us with. Whatever it is that hinders you from obeying the gospel, you can overcome it. God will help you. Don't let anything keep you from submitting your life to Him. Hear the gospel (Rom. 10:17); believe in Jesus and His word (Jn. 8:24); repent of your sins (Acts 2:38); publicly acknowledge your faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 8:36,37); be baptized for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21), and strive to live faithfully unto God throughout your life (Heb. 10:35-39; Rev. 2:10). No one in the Judgment Day will ever regret having become a Christian and living obediently unto the Lord. Now's the time to overcome any hindrance and begin. ___________________________________________ A Better Vocabulary Learning new words can be interesting, fun, and helpful; but, by far, the best way to build a better vocabulary is simply by eliminating those words that God would condemn. We must remember that it is not just our actions that we will be judged by, but also by what we say. Jesus states, "...that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned" (Matt. 12:36,37). Curse words, using God's name in vain--and euphemisms, such as "heck," "gosh," "darn," "gee," etc.--should not be used by children of God; and if they are not, then this will contribute toward a better vocabulary. If you are not sure as to the meaning of a particular euphemism, try looking it up. Most dictionaries will tell you. ___________________________________________ Write today for our FREE Bible course! ___________________________________________ "...an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:23,24). ________________________________________ 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 ________________________________________