____________________________________________________ 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) ____________________________________________________ August 18, 1996 ____________________________________________________ What Motivates A Person Toward Conversion? by Tom Edwards What is it that causes an individual to want to become a Christian? or what is it that causes a backslidden Christian to want to be restored? Of course, the primary factor should be one's love for the Lord. But, secondarily, there are also the rewards of heaven and the blissfulness of that eternal state that can truly give good reason for obedience to Christ. And, thirdly, there is that punishment of hell that can certainly serve as a helpful deterrent. But though hell is something you would want to strongly avoid, this is probably the least reason of why one should want to be saved by the gospel. Jonathan Edwards, however, a well-known denominational preacher during the Great Awakening period, has been noted for his sermon in 1741 entitled, ``Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,'' in which Edwards might seem to be trying to frighten people into obedience by depicting them as hanging precariously over the fiery torment of hell on a thinly delicate thread that is ready to snap at any moment. Though this did not characterize all his messages, I'm sure his sermons on hell and damnation did instill great fear into many of his hearers. And, yes, there should be sermons on it because it is found in the Bible; but the greatest of all reasons for obeying the Lord is simply because of our love for Him and that it is the right thing to do. The world is filled with millions of kindhearted, sincere people who want to go to heaven; but the only thing that is holding them back is the deception which they have embraced. For they have been lead to believe that heaven is already in their possession--when sadly, it is not. Many people today--who would call themselves ``Christians''--do not teach, believe, nor practice God's plan for salvation. Rather, they tenaciously cling to that which is nothing more than a mere doctrine of man--though taught and revered as a commandment of the Lord (cf, Matt. 15:9). What can be said to help open the eyes of these from denominational error to the truth of God's word? or what can be said to help backslidden Christians return to their God? It might be different points to different people that will seem to do the most good. Some people feel that we shouldn't say much about the purpose for water baptism when trying to win the lost--but how can we help them to become a Christian unless they understand why one is to be baptized? In my own personal experience, it was about 19 years ago when I visited the church of Christ for the first time and saw the bulletin that said in the top-right corner: ``belief + baptism = salvation.'' Having been brought up in denominationalism with the ``faith only'' concept for redemption, this statement about baptism really made me re-think--three weeks later I had left denominationalism and was baptized into Christ to become a Christian. Had it not been for baptism being pointed out to me at the church of Christ during my first visit, I doubt I would have ever returned. Baptism, therefore, was exactly what I needed to hear; it was the key issue that led to my salvation in Christ (Mk. 16:16; Gal. 3:26,27). Another realization, which that jolting experience led to, was in recognizing that since I had been that wrong about the steps in becoming a Christian, I might also be wrong in many other areas of my life--and, sure enough, I was! Over the years, I have seen my way out of many wrong denominational beliefs to what the Scriptures really have to say on these topics, such as how the Holy Spirit is working today; the temporary nature of miraculous gifts (which ceased soon after the time of the apostles); the a cappella music we are to use in worship; the weekly observance of the Lord's Supper; the errors of Premillennialism; the annulment of all Old Testament laws, which have been superseded by New Testament laws; and various other truths. I am thankful to have learned these things--and again I say, that it was having the truth of baptism pointed out to me that led not only to my study on that subject, but to these others as well. For had it not been brought to my attention, I would have most likely never set foot in the church of Christ again--but, rather, would have continued to frequent the various denominational groups I had been more familiar with. Last Sunday, Melissa Maggard, who had been out of fellowship with God for many years, came forward, with tears streaming down her face, to acknowledge that she had been guilty of many sins over those years, but was now wanting to be back in a right relationship with the Lord and His people. We are all very glad for her restoration. She had been visiting with us several times and taking one of our Bible correspondence courses. What was one of the things that caused ``Missy'' to realize her need to obey the Lord? I soon found out that what had produced such great pain in her heart, which led to the tears and her restoration, was the point that Christians who are out of fellowship with God do not have the right to pray for others or for themselves in general-- until they are first restored to a right relationship with the Lord. Often times, though, I have heard of those--or witnessed for myself--individuals who have been away from God for a long time; but then as soon as a crisis arises in their lives or in their neighbors's, they will pray immediately about the situation--even while first the need for their own restoration doesn't seem to occur to them at all. We need to realize what a great blessing, privilege, and duty prayer is; but that it is also for the faithful child of God only. As John writes: ``and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight'' (1 Jn. 3:22). Christians need to realize that when they go astray from the Lord, they forfeit their right to prayer (except to pray to be forgiven and restored--1 Jn. 1:9; Acts 8:22). We are glad that Missy came to realize these truths and gave her life back to the Lord Jesus Christ--and not only do we rejoice, but as the Lord also teaches, ''...there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents'' (Luke 15:10). As Christians, we need to continue to reach the lost with God's word; and to teach the brethren the ``whole counsel of God'' (Acts 20:27)--for sometimes you don't know what it is that will really reach out, grab someone's attention, cause him to realize his error, and motivate him into rendering obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. In closing, we will not be responsible for those who refuse to hear us and do not obey the Scriptures; but we do have the responsibility toward getting the word out to others--for it is the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). If one, therefore, is not motivated by the word of God to be saved, anything else would not be genuine! ___________________________________________ ``Sincere'': ``Without Wax'' by Tom Edwards According to Philippians 1:9,10, the Christian is to be ``sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.'' ``Sincere,'' of course, means ``free from deceit, hypocrisy, or falseness; earnest; genuine or unfeigned.'' It's interesting to note that this word originally meant ``without wax," and it was used by ancient sculptors to describe a flawless piece of work. For wax was then commonly used to conceal defects, such as a chipped nose, a crevassed ear, or a fissured jaw, etc. Sometimes a sculptor's work was tested by having it placed out in the direct sunlight of a sweltering day to see if it would still hold up without revealing any flaws. If some had been disguised by the patches and fillers of wax, they would soon be exposed as the sun's rays melted away this deceptively concealing agent. Are we ``without wax''? or are we sometimes guilty of glossing over or covering up our "flaws" with only the "appearance" of righteousness--and not being genuine? We must beware! For in the Judgment Day, the Son of God will expose all our unforgiven sins! Yes, they will all be brought to the light. Therefore, we cannot hide them under "patches" of hypocrisy. In addition, sincerity without the gospel will not save any more than faith without works (Rom. 10:1-3; James 2:14- 26). We must have the "truth" of God's word, as well as the proper "spirit" (Jn. 4:24)--for sincerity does not make a wrong a right! Instead of trying to "patch up" or "cover" your sins yourself, why not be made anew by the rejuvenating power of God this very day! (Jn. 3:3-5; Mk. 16:16; Acts 8:36-38; 2:38). In Christ Jesus, you can be a "new creature" with "the old things passed away" and have a fresh start in life (2 Cor. 5:17). As Paul writes to the Ephesians, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works...." (Eph. 2:10). You be the clay; let God be the potter! He can make you a genuine Christian--"without wax"--if you will trust and obey! ___________________________________________ NEWS & NOTES We rejoice in the restoration last Sunday of Melissa (``Missy'') Maggard (Susie Lykins's sister). She had been out of fellowship with God for many years, but has been visiting with us several times now and taking one of our Bible courses. The tears she shed while coming forward have truly been turned into joy! We are also happy to have her attending with us. Angie Pitman, also, came forward last Sunday, acknowledging sin in her life and wanting the prayers of the brethren. Al Diestelkamp writes, "Jerry Merten, gospel preacher from Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, who has been suffering with cancer for a couple of years, is (as I write [8/13]) being taken to University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, for emergency surgery. He was taken to the local hospital where they found that the tumor is wrapped around the bottom of his spine. The doctors have warned that this surgery may cause him to be paralyzed, but they also indicate that without the surgery he will likely be paralyzed by the tumor on the spine...Please pray for Jerry and his fine family...." John Smith requests prayer. He was operated on August 12 for his sinus and nose (deviated septum). He is not to chew--or talk more than necessary--for 7 to 10 days. Hopefully, this will help him from getting his severe sinus headaches and infections. Let us also be praying for Sandra Priddy of Louisville who had been hospitalized a couple weeks ago, but is now back home trying to recover from her illness. It is good to have Susie Lykins back with us after her recent surgery. She had to miss only the Wednesday night service of last week, due to her operation; and we are glad that she was able to receive the new laser technique to solve her problem. From July up to last Wednesday (not quite a month and a half), we have had 27 different visitors--and 12 of these who had never been here before--some Christians, and others not; some from our area, and others from distant places. There are now 484 homes--not counting any here--who receive this bulletin; and 390 of those, freely by e-mail. Would you like this bulletin sent to your e-mail address? If so, contact us today. I can be reached with e-mail at the following addresses: tedwards@wwd.net or Tom.Edwards@juno.com * Do you need a ride to our services? * Would you like to take a home Bible course? * Are you interested in increasing your knowledge of the Scriptures through seeing Bible film slides in your home or elsewhere? * May we answer for you a Bible question that you might have? Feel free to contact us right away about any of the above. We extend a cordial welcome to all of you who have taken the time to be one of our honored guests this day. Please come again soon! Your presence gladdens each one of us! Next Sunday, being the last Sunday of the month, we will have our "Sing Night" service. Song leaders be prepared! ________________________________________ 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 ________________________________________