____________________________________________________ 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). ____________________________________________________ July 11, 1999 ____________________________________________________ The Sinner's Prayer? by Tracy Schell Perhaps false doctrine should be more aptly named deceptive doctrine. Many believers who would never deny Christ by embracing other religions such as Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism, are readily duped by utterly baseless doctrines that are taught in the name of Christ. The most dangerous false doctrines, in my opinion, are those that profess belief in our Lord and Savior while teaching doctrines contrary to His word. ``For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works'' (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Likewise, false doctrine appears on the surface to be a doctrine of light. Its purpose is not to oppose the Gospel of Christ, but to subvert it! One such false doctrine that does just that is the ``Sinner's Prayer.'' The following arrived in my e-mail box: "Hello, I would like to take this chance to tell you how you can get to heaven, and live with God for all eternity. Jesus Christ was God in the flesh, who came to earth to die for the sins that you and I have committed. He did this so that you would not have to pay the price for your sins by spending all eternity in hell. Jesus did the hard part, all you have to do is accept his forgiveness. Pray the following prayer to do this: "`Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I accept responsibility for my sins and ask that you forgive me. I ask that you come into my heart and cleanse me from all sin, and everything that displeases you. I believe and except that you died on the cross for me. In your Holy name I pray, Amen.' "If you prayed the prayer above and meant it with all your heart, let me welcome you to the family of God. Your eternal destiny is now secure with the Lord. I encourage you to read the Bible to find out what God's will is for your life and how he wants you to live. I also encourage you to join a local church to have fellowship with other believers. "If you didn't pray the prayer above, I hope you will reconsider. God gives many chances throughout a person's life to accept him, but there is a day in which you will have your last chance. This could be that day." The ``Sinner's Prayer'' appears to be promoting the Gospel of Christ. Its stated goal is your salvation. But its methods are contrary to that which is taught in the word of God. Most false doctrine has portions of truth in it. It accurately states that Jesus came to earth to die for our sins. But that is where truth stops and the doctrine of men begins. Look at what Jesus said to do in order to be saved: ``And he said unto them, go yea into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned'' (Mark 16:15-16). Note that our Lord failed to mention the ``sinner's prayer'' in any way. Also note that the ``sinner's prayer'' neglects to mention baptism, which is specifically mentioned by the Savior. Now look at what Peter said to do on Pentecost: ``Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost'' (Acts 2:38). Peter appears to have made the same mistake as our Lord -- he neglects the ``sinner's prayer.'' But he includes baptism! How can this be? I am assured by the e-mail in my box that one needs only to recite the prayer! The e-mail promises that if one recites the prayer, and really means it, then his/her eternal destiny is secure! If this is true, why does the letter then say to read the Bible to find out what God's will is. It has us saved without either knowing or doing the will of God! My friends, the whole thing makes no sense of any kind. Let me close by asking you this: With your immortal soul at stake whose instruction for salvation would you rather follow -- our Lord's and Peter's, or man's? The choice is an easy one. -- Via The Bulletin of the North Courtenay church of Christ ___________________________________________ In Illumination -- A Light by Wilson Copeland As children, many of us grew up singing the song, ``This Little Christian Light of Mine.'' Although normally sung by children, the words of this song remind us of the important adult themes and spiritual truths that each of us remembers if we are to be ``lights in the world.'' ``This little Christian light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.'' This little song begins with the simple determination--''I'm gonna let it shine.'' Strong determination is necessary because we live ``in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation'' (Philippians 2:15). Paul encouraged the Roman brethren ''...Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day...``(Romans 13:12,13). The challenge is often intensified because of the habits of our former life. The world keeps calling us back. But to Christians who live in the midst of such challenges, Paul writes, ``For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord; walk as children of light'' (Ephesians 5:7-11). Let us begin each day with this same strong determination, ``Today, I'm going to walk as a child of light! I'm gonna let it shine.'' ``Hide it under a bushel, No! I'm gonna let it shine.'' The purpose of light is to illuminate. God sent His Son Jesus, the true light of the world, that those who believe on Him should no longer walk in darkness but have the light of life (John 1:9; 8:12). Jesus calls His followers to be lights in the world (Matthew 5:14). We understand, of course, that we are not primary sources of light, but like the moon, we reflect the light of another. Our purpose is to reflect the light of Christ by filling our lives with good works (1 Peter 2:12), and pointing others to our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:9). But this purpose is thwarted if we hide our lamps under bushels. Sin is the bushel that keeps the world from seeing our lights. We must put away worldliness, lukewarmness, neglectfulness, and sinful attitudes so that our lights will not be hidden. Let us ``walk as children of light'' (Ephesians 5:8). ``I'm gonna let it shine.'' ``Don't let Satan (blow) it out, I'm gonna let it shine.'' Satan is the prince of darkness, the enemy of light, and he seeks to destroy the potential good that our lights can do. Satan knows that if God's will is to be accomplished in this world, Christians will have to carry it out. If he can get us to dim our lights by compromising our convictions or holding back our aggressiveness against error, he has won a major victory. In contrast, the apostle Paul encourages us to be ``lights in the world, holding forth the word of life'' (Philippians 2:15,16). Paul gives us the key to success in verses 14 and 15. Our obedience must be without murmuring or questioning, voluntary, and submissive to His will. Our obedience must be, not only the right action, but with the right attitude. Such light Satan can never extinguish! ``I'm gonna let it shine.'' ``Let it shine till Jesus comes, I'm gonna let it shine.'' The job of letting our lights shine must continue all the days of our lives. To the Thessalonians, Paul wrote that the day of the Lord would come unexpectedly to those in darkness, but such would not be the case for the sons of light. ``Those of the day'' should be watchful and sober, ready at any moment for the Lord's return (1 Thessalonians 5:4-11). We cannot ``take a day off'' or ``go on vacation.'' What a tremendous and wonderful challenge we face as we wait for the Lord's return. ``Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.'' -- Via The Knollwood Messenger (the above article was edited by Keith Greer) ___________________________________________ ```For which is easier, to say, ``Your sins are forgiven,'' or to say, ``Rise and walk''? But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins'--then He said to the paralytic--'Rise, take up your bed, and go home''' (Matthew 9:5,6). ___________________________________________ Knowing Is Not Doing by Chuck Bartlett When your time on earth is over, who is responsible for it? Some think it is God. We need to be careful with giving God credit for things He didn't do. Consider Judas. Here is a man who decided to end his life by hanging himself (Matt. 27:1-4). Did God make Him do it? Of course not. Did Judas have a choice? Certainly. Throughout history religious people have had a hard time grasping the power of God. Some feel that God has to control everything in order to be God, to the point that He determines when you breath, sleep, walk and talk. If that be true, then man is nothing more than a robot. It was John Calvin (along with others) who promoted the idea that God predestines everything to happen. If that be true, it ultimately makes God responsible for sin, and who can believe such? The Bible does speak of predestination in Ephesians 1:3-5. In context, Paul simply tells the brethren that God had a plan in mind before the foundation of the world, and that He predestined us (the faithful) to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ. In other words, the Father planned that those who would belong to His spiritual family would have to go through His Son. This doesn't mean that God has already chosen who will be lost and saved. Let us understand that God can choose to know who will be saved, but that doesn't mean He makes it happen without freewill. There is a huge difference between knowing something and actually making it happen. The Old Testament told about the coming Messiah and how He would suffer a cruel death (Isa. 53). Since the scriptures were written by inspired men (II Pet. 1:20-21), it is obvious that God knew about future transgressions. Does that mean God is responsible? According to men like John Calvin the answer would be yes. We must acknowledge that our Father is ultimately in control of all things. When Jesus stood before Pilate, and the ruler told the Lord to speak since he had power to crucify Him, the Lord said, ``You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above....'' (Jn. 19:11). Jesus wasn't saying that the Father was making Pilate act the way he did, just that it is the Father who allows things to happen. Too, keep in mind, what God allows does not mean He approves. Knowing these things helps us realize that if someone's life is cut short by a drunk driver, we will know better than say, ``Well, it was his time!'' It was no sooner ``his time'' to die than it is time for millions of babies to be slaughtered by abortions. Yes, God allows it, but He does not approve of it. God may know what bad things will happen to us, but it doesn't always mean He is responsible for it. May we serve God faithfully all our days, even when evils come upon us (I Pet. 3:1; 4:14-16). We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Phil. 4:13). -- Via Sound Doctrine, November 15, 1998 ___________________________________________ Live Peaceably by Frank Berthold When God led the children of Israel out of Egyptian slavery. He gave them moral laws to live by. If they were to be a community of people, they had to learn how to live in harmony together. God has also given us laws to live by that we may live in harmony together in the church, and with those around us, as a community of people. ``Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord'' (Hebrew 12:14, NRSV). Paul tells us, ``If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all'' (Romans 12:18, NRSV). God tells us how to treat one another, things to do and not do. Of course, we will make mistakes (James 3:2) and not follow His advice as meticulously as we should. That's were our forgiving one another comes in. And, when we ask for forgiveness, we acknowledge that we know we have done wrong and should strive not to repeat the offense. We must realize that our brothers and sisters are human as much as we are. Proverbs 17:9 says, ``He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends'' (NASB). -- Via The Exhorter, April 18, 1998 ________________________________________ 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 ________________________________________