____________________________________________________ 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 23, 1996 ____________________________________________________ Setting Your Spiritual Clock by Steve Klein Several years ago it was reported that the telephone operator in a town in Cape Cod received a call every morning asking for the correct time. Finally, overcome with curiosity, she asked the inquirer, ``Would you mind telling me why you call about this time every day and ask for the correct time?'' ``Sure, I'll tell you,'' the man said. ``I want to get the exact time because I'm the man who blows the whistle at twelve o'clock.'' ``Well, that's funny, that is,'' said the operator, ``because every day at the stroke of noon I set our clock by your whistle.'' How often do we set standards for ourselves based on what others are doing without considering what standard they are following? The examples of others are worthy of emulation ONLY IF those setting the examples are following the ONE TRUE standard or rule. This seems to be Paul's point in Philippians 3:16b-17 when he states, ``let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.'' To follow the example of others without being aware of what standard they themselves are following is the height of folly. The scriptures speak of those who, ``measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise'' (2 Corinthians 10:12). Setting Your Watch Every individual has a personal standard which he takes with him everywhere. He may either choose to follow it or ignore it. This inner standard is his conscience. Like a wrist watch which we may check through the day to keep us ``on time,'' the conscience can be used to keep us on the right track if it has been correctly set. But the conscience can be set by a false standard. Saul of Tarsus lived ``in all good conscience'' when he was a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians (Acts 23:1; 1 Timothy 1:13). The individual who sets his watch by asking a stranger on the street for ``the correct time'' is a lot like a man who sets his moral standards and religious beliefs by others. This careless conscience setting is seen, for example, in a Christian whose conscience allows him or her to wear immodest attire because ``it is not as immodest as what others wear'' or ``other Christians dress like this.'' It is seen in the person who believes that they can be saved by ``faith only,'' not because they ever read it in the scriptures (see James 2:24), but because that's what their parents or grandparents believed. Setting the "Church Clock" Groups of people sometimes also set their collective conscience by an uncertain standard. In the days of the judges, Israel pled for a king; they wanted to be ``like all the nations'' (1 Samuel 8:5). As a group of people, they had set their clock by the surrounding nations. In doing so, they rejected the Lord as their standard of authority (1 Samuel 8:7). Even so, many churches today set their programs of work according to what surrounding churches (denominations) are doing. Children's church, Easter observances, and ``rallies'' to entertain the young people are just a few of the practices adopted by some churches of Christ (so-called) which illustrate this point. Each of these things have been done among denominations for decades, and now some churches of Christ are setting their clocks accordingly. Not one of these practices can be found in scripture, either by command, statement, apostolic example or necessary conclusion. These practices are of human origin. Jesus said, ``in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men'' (Matthew 15:9). -- Via The Exhorter, June 1, 1996 ___________________________________________ From The Editor: I would like to just add to Steve's fine article that if it is the correct time you need, try going to the following Internet site: http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/cgi-bin/timer.pl (for the highly accurate Navy time). But for the ``spiritual clock'' that Steve speaks of, I would like to also encourage the reader to turn to that timely word that is revealed in God's divine revelation--before our moments of opportunity cease to be and the hands of time for us no longer turn (James 4:14). What time does God's word show it is right now? * It's time for salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). * It's time to awake from ``sleep'' (Rom. 13:11). * It's time to do good and not lose heart (Gal. 6:9). * It's time to make the most of our time (Eph. 5:16). Let's heed the admonition in Steve's article to make sure that our "watches" and "clocks" are properly set to the Lord's standard--and, that by our obedience, we will keep them properly wound and ticking throughout our lives. In this way, we will not only be in synchronization with God above, but also with one another here below. In addition, if we continue to use our time for God now, the Lord will then share with us His endless blessings in heaven's timeless glory--when this earth-life is through, and all the timepieces of the world--along with the entire universe--will be dissolved into nothingness, when time, as we know it, shall be no more (2 Pet. 3:10-12). ___________________________________________ Fool's Gold by Rob Harbison Many a prospector has been tricked by worthless, colorful minerals which appear to be gold, but under closer examination are found to be something else which pales in comparison--''fool's gold.'' Many a wanderer in this world has been tricked by worthless trinkets. IN our search for real treasure, we have uncovered counterfeits--''fool's gold''--and many have sold their souls for worthless chunks of this world: ``For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?'' (Matthew 16:24). PRIDE. Many will lose their souls rather than swallow their pride (Proverbs 16:18). It is too preach to them. But it is ``fool's gold.'' A man must humble himself for God to accept him (Psalm 51:16-17). ``At least I still have my pride'' is a sorry response to Jesus' decree, ``Depart from me, you cursed.'' RICHES. Whether great or small reserves of wealth, they can be our spiritual undoing: ``you cannot serve God and mammon'' (Matthew 6:24). Greater amounts of money do not insure greater wealth because they are ``fool's gold.'' ``Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...'' (Matthew 6:19,20). SUCCESS. What gain is there in working our way to the top and losing our souls in the process? Many covet a long list of achievements behind their name, but to what benefit? ``Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor on which I toiled, and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun'' (Ecclesiastes 2:11). Don't be taken in by the luster of ``all the works done under the sun.'' Stake your claim on the real thing, not ``fool's gold''!! -- Via The Harvester, May 26, 1996 ___________________________________________ Gifts For Children by Glenn Seaton * THE GIFT OF TIME. Nothing is more important to a child than the time of his mother and father. How many have neglected time with their children, only to find them grown and gone. * THE GIFT OF WONDER. Help children to look and enjoy the great majesty of the world that God has created. * THE GIFT OF DISCIPLINE. God demands that children be disciplined. Children need discipline for their own welling and security. An undisciplined child will be unhappy and a shame to parents. * THE GIFT OF SECURITY. Children need to be touched, hugged, kissed, and held. They want to feel arms of love encircle them. They need to hear words of love and kindness to build their confidence and self-esteem. * THE GIFT OF RESPONSIBILITY. Children need to be given responsibility in the kitchen, yard, school, and home. Working together with others and facing responsibility will aid them in the difficult adjustments of life. Give your child these gifts, and be less concerned about gifts you buy at the store. -- Via Gospel Truth, May 12, 1996 ___________________________________________ My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins" (James 5:19,20). * * * * * "'Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,' declares the Lord, 'rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?'" (Ezekiel 18:2) (See 2 Peter 3:9 and 1 Timothy 2:4.) ___________________________________________ NEWS & NOTES We were glad to have Chris Withrow (a member of the University Heights church of Christ in Lexington, Kentucky) preach for us last Sunday morning while he was visiting with us, along with his wife Pam and son Joshua. Chris's mother Barbara is a member with us; and he and his family, whom we are always glad to have, have visited with us many times over the years. Feel free to contact us for the following: * Information about seeing Bible film slides in your home or elsewhere * A FREE Bible correspondence course * To ask a Bible question * To obtain a ride to our services (provided by one of the members) * To let us know of those whom you would like us to study God's word with My E-mail address: tedwards@wwd.net Greetings to each of you who are new here. We are glad to have you as our special guests and look forward to seeing you again soon. I noticed in a bulletin by the Harding Avenue church of Christ that Rick Harlow was soliciting prayers for his mother Phyllis who has not been feeling well. She is having to deal with cancer in her life. Let us be praying for her. John Trimble has e-mailed an update of the Valuejet situation, which his father works for. As you probably know, it has been temporarily shut down; and John is soliciting prayer for his family during this difficult time for them. Let us pray that all will work out well. ________________________________________ Tri-State CHURCH OF CHRIST 713 13th Street, 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@wwd.net ________________________________________