____________________________________________________ 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). ____________________________________________________ January 5, 1997 ____________________________________________________ Taking Up One's Cross by Tom Edwards Like the Energizer Bunny, the 55-year old Arthur Blessitt keeps on going. Since 1969, this man has walked 31,602 miles, toting on his shoulder a cross that is 12 feet long, six feet wide, and 40 pounds. It is made of 4''X4's'' and is wheeled on a 12'' inflatable tire that has an average life of 2,000 miles. His grueling trek, in which he wears out shoes at the average of every 500 miles, has taken him through 7 continents (North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, Australia, and the Antarctica), and 252 countries. Just last year, he walked through 35 new nations. The Guinness Book of Records for 1996 and 1997 lists him as the one who has made ``The world's longest walk''--and he is still at it. In addition to his foot mileage, his cross has also accumulated 1.5 million miles in transporting by air; about 225,000 miles by car, and another estimated 20,000 miles by boat. While reading this, do words like ``zeal,'' ``determination,'' ``dedication,'' and ``commitment'' arise in your mind? Though he was arrested 24 times, faced a firing squad, been through 43 countries at war, Mr. Blessitt plans to continue his walk in more countries as well. I personally marvel at this man's great determination to do what he believes God wants him to be doing. If only more of us had half of his zeal. Do I believe, though, that we are each to literally wheel a wooden cross around? No, but in the words of Jesus: ``If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?'' (Matt. 16:24-26) What is this cross Jesus speaks of? Would it not involve the sacrifice on our part or price we must pay in doing the will of God? As Christians, we are to present our bodies unto God as a living and holy sacrifice (Rom. 12:1). This speaks of dedication, commitment, taking up our ``cross.'' For in accepting the way of the Lord, it might not always seem the most pleasant nor easiest way: it cost the apostles imprisonment, punishment, and ultimately a cruel death to virtually all of them. Taking up the cross, brought persecution upon the early church that resulted in their being driven out of Jerusalem (Acts 8:4). Many of these had been ravaged, dragged off, and put in prison (Acts 8:3)--others were even killed (Acts 26:10,11). And as the Hebrew writer exhorts: ``But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly, by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners, and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one'' (Heb. 10:32-34). Just read Hebrews 11:35-38 to see of some of the horrible tortures and death inflicted upon many believers because of their faith in God: ''...They were stoned, they were sawn in two...they were put to death with the sword....'' Though we must remain faithful to God even when things in life do not always turn out our way, I think it is important for us to also note that all these tortures experienced and death inflicted were not merely the result of a ``bad lot in life''--its misfortunes, its natural adversities, etc.--but it WAS BECAUSE THEY WERE DOING THE WILL OF GOD! In other words, taking up their crosses incurred for them adversities that they would not have otherwise experienced. In the very context, it appears that what prompted Jesus to give this response--toward one's need to take up the cross--was part of His rebuke to Peter, who had just previously tried to hinder the Lord from bearing His literal cross to Calvary (Matt. 16:21-23). Clearly, however, Jesus' suffering on the cross was His choice: He not only yielded Himself willingly (Jn. 10:17,18), but He also had the means of rescue at His disposal--but He did not use it! (cf, Matt. 26:53) We must each be willing to take up our cross for Jesus Christ. How do we lift it? By learning and doing the will of God. I am saddened, though, by all those who truly have great zeal and determination to do what is right, but they simply have been misinformed or mislead. Paul spoke of many of the Jews in his day who had a great ``zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge....'' (Rom. 10:1-3). In other words, they were still lost in their sins. This, too, was exactly how Paul had been prior to his conversion: extremely zealous--but also extremely wrong in his religious beliefs. Mr. Blessitt gives the type of ``salvation plan'' that so many in the denominational world also give: a salvation by ``faith only.'' He urges people to pray the following "sinner's prayer": ``Dear God, I need you and want to know you. As best as I know how I give my life to you. I believe Jesus died for me. Arose from the grave, ascended into heaven and He hears me now. Jesus I want to follow you, I repent and turn from my sins as you give me a new heart. Fill me with the Holy Spirit, help me to love everyone, I forgive everybody. Lord Jesus show me your way, I truly want to follow you. Make my home in heaven. I am not ashamed of Jesus - In Jesus name I pray!'' I personally feel that Mr. Blessitt is a good, sincere man, with much zeal and an undying fervor to do what he believes God wants him to do; and though I respect him, I must also point out that God's plan for saving a lost sinner who has never been a Christian requires more than merely repenting or praying a ``sinner's prayer.'' Here is what the Bible shows one must do to be saved. Please read these verses, and then decide for yourself whether it is necessary for you to do these things or not: 1) HEAR the word of God (Rom. 10:17; Jn. 20:30,31; Rom. 1:16). 2) BELIEVE in the Deity of Jesus Christ (Jn. 8:24; Heb. 11:6). 3) REPENT of sin (Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30; Acts 3:19). 4) CONFESS faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 8:36-38). 5) BE BAPTIZED in water so that your sins may be forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21). 6) REMAIN FAITHFUL to God throughout your life (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 10:35-39; Heb. 12:14). Our hope and prayer is that you will do what God wants you to do, so that you may become what He wants you to be--a Christian with the hope of eternal life who'll one day be able to enjoy the endless blessings of heaven! Let's not only take up our own cross to follow after Jesus, but also do our best to help one another take up theirs as well!--In Christ's love!, Amen! ___________________________________________ What Is A Bible Class? by Carl McMurray Action usually represents attitude. Have you noticed that? I believe we all keep a little bit of child within us all our lives. What we really want to do, we do! What we don't want to do, we always have excuses for. What has this to do with the title, you ask? Have you noticed the same things that I have noticed over the years about our Bible classes? There is in most congregations, a noticeable difference between the number attending worship and the number attending Bible class. Of course, some of that number consists of visitors, and latecomers, and some elderly and those recovering from illness that just cannot sit for long periods. But when those numbers are taken into account, there is still a consistent number of people that are absent from class. And that's not all... The number in classes drops even more dramatically when the class is scheduled anytime outside of Sunday or Wednesday evening. Evening classes, daytime classes, or studies in homes of the members can seem almost desolate for the lack of interest shown, even in large congregations. And have you noticed anything that adult classes in different places have in common? In many adult classes participation is rare and preparation even more so. Auditorium classes have the worst reputation in this regard. It occurs to me that perhaps the reason that we don't seem to take our Bible classes seriously, the reason we don't seem to have any qualms about not attending or taking part in the study is we don't really understand what Bible classes are. To that end, I am here to say to Christians that a Bible class, any Bible class is... Motivation to Study 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) teaches us to ``study'' in order to show ourself approved unto God. Let's be honest. Most of us do a better job of studying when we have something specific to prepare for. Vague, general study, without goals is usually useless study. Opportunity to Learn In 2 Peter 1:12-15, Peter appeals to the most basic principle of learning, i.e., repetition. The apostle implied that they needed reminders. Even if you know it all (and the one who gives that impression usually doesn't), you need to hear different viewpoints and refresh your memory. Opportunity to Grow 2 Peter 3:18 states this as a command. There can be no growth ``in the knowledge of Jesus Christ'' without study and learning. Bible class gives one another opportunity to fulfill the Lord's wishes in this respect. As a personal observation, I have never seen a Christian spiritually, knowledgeable, and mature who made it his practice to be absent from the Bible classes. Opportunity to Teach There is an alarming lack of elders, preachers, and teachers in the church today, including older women, who will accept the responsibility to teach the younger. In many areas there is a lack of spiritual maturity. There is also the problem of so many children of God returning to the world and being lost to the Lord. I believe Hebrews 5:11-14 ties all three of the above problems together. All three are fired and fueled by members of the church who continue to need elementary teaching because they have not tried to become teachers themselves. They refuse to have their senses trained by practice. They continue, year by year, to need milk and in so doing they are often the source of petty strifes, quarrels, and doubtful disputations. The great need and number of Bible classes give anyone desiring to grow and exercise himself an opportunity to teach. Opportunity to Stimulate Hebrews 10:24 teaches us to ``consider one another'' and ``stimulate one another to love and good deeds.'' Being present and listening closely often gives one a chance to hear and give consideration to their feelings or attitudes. Insightful, thought-provoking comments can go a long way toward stimulating them to greater works in the kingdom. Opportunity to Encourage Hebrews 10:25 is the oft-quoted passage that so plainly teaches us to not get in the habit of ``forsaking the assembling'' of Christians together. The context of the passage does not limit this to just Sunday morning or ``communion services'' as some have erroneously done. Bible classes are another opportunity for saints to assembly together, and the writer ties this directly to encouragement. Far too many of us have the idea of ``what do I get?'' out of various assemblies (Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, meetings, classes) rather than ``what can I give?'' Your presence says a great deal! Fellowship Acts 2:42 says that the early Christians were ``continually devoted'' to fellowship (i.e., sharing together in the Lord's work). They were doing this weekly and even daily (Acts 2:46). Our Bible classes are part of the work here, of the congregation as well as individual brethren. Participating is one way that New Testament Christians follow the New Testament example and work together in growth, encouragement, edification, and study. Correction and Instruction 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches us that this is one purpose of the Scriptures. When we study and talk and discuss and listen, then our attitudes and actions, sooner or later, are addressed. Wrong actions and attitudes can be identified while proper and acceptable attitudes can be encouraged. It is so sad that most often, the one who needs the word of God working on his heart, who needs God's correction and instruction, is the very one who won't attend. Evangelism This is the purpose for the church. Everything we do should ultimately look toward this goal. Whether you bring a friend and introduce him to Bible study in the various classes available or whether I bring one and you help to make him feel comfortable and welcome--we all can work in this regard. John 1:40-42 illustrates this with Andrew and Peter. The Baptist denomination illustrates this by releasing some figures a few years ago that said that over 90% of their converts were introduced to the church through their Sunday School. Who is doing so much evangelistic work that he can afford not to use this opportunity that we have in front of us every week. And home Bible classes are even more effective as soul-winning situations! These are just a few of the things that Bible classes are. Make these studies an important part of your service to God. -- Via Guardian of Truth, November 21, 1996 ________________________________________ 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 Gospel Observer Home-page: http://www.wwd.net/user/tedwards/go ________________________________________