The Elon Challenger
ELON CHURCH OF CHRIST
New Hope, Alabama
Seeking to challenge your interest in things
spiritual & eternal (Eph. 6:10-18).
Volume XIII Number 12
August, 2016
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Table of Contents
Lessons from 1 Corinthians 10———Dylan Stewart
I’d Rather Have a Little Rose———-Unknown
Answer Your Prayers———-Unknown
The Walls of Jericho———-R.J. Evans
Praise the Lord———-Mike Johnson
Peer Pressure———-Bob Waldron
Things to Remember When in Worship———-Unknown
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Lessons from 1 Corinthians 10
Dylan Stewart
In 1 Corinthians 10, we find several Old Testament examples of what happens when we stop following God and, instead, follow our own desires. Paul, addressing the Church at Corinth, sets the stage in the first verse of the chapter by admonishing his readers to always keep in mind the events of the Old Testament through an allusion to the Israelites of the Exodus.
He asserts, “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:1). In other words, the Church at Corinth was not to be ignorant of the events which occurred under the Old Law, and neither should we. More specifically, however, Paul’s statement, through direct references to Deuteronomy 1:33 and Exodus 14, helps us realize that although a person might be in good standing with God, he or she can, in fact, lose that position through sin and disobedience.
For example, God was with Israel when they traveled from Egypt because they were led at night by “fire” and in the day by a “cloud” by the Lord (Deuteronomy 1:33). Similarly, God also aided the Israelites “through the sea” in Exodus 14 by raising the walls of the Red Sea so they could pass through in order to escape the Egyptian army who chased after them. Those same sea walls that were raised by God in aiding the Israelites were also used to defeat the Egyptians through God collapsing the walls of the Red Sea upon them, killing the soldiers trying to enslave God’s people. Although God aided His people in both of these situations, as well as in countless other circumstances, the Israelites ultimately turned their back on God numerous times through disobedience. Christians should consider and be aware of the Israelites’ example, just as Paul encouraged us to be, in order to help strengthen our faith and service to our creator because we, much like the Israelites, can fall out of favor with God. Although we are not “baptized into Moses” today as the Israelites were (I Corinthians 10:2), we do “drink from the same spiritual Rock that followed them” because that Rock is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). That is why, as Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 10:11, the events of the Old Testament occurred as “examples, and they were written for our learning.” One thing we can especially learn about by studying the Old Testament is God’s mercy.
As we see throughout the Bible, but especially in the Old Testament, God is longsuffering and merciful towards us. Time and time again in the Old Testament we find examples of the Israelites turning away from God, yet God remained patient with them. For example, Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:7, describes the Israelites’ fall into idolatry and exploration of their carnal desires. Paul, continuing in verse 8, also speaks of the Israelites sins of sexual immorality. It is important to note, however, that God not only exhibited incredible patience with the Israelites, but also never tempted His people into sinning. All of the temptations that the Israelites faced are “common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13), which is to say that men and women all over the world encounter similar temptations, even today. Thankfully, we have a God who is “faithful” and will not allow us to be tempted beyond that which we are able to withstand (1 Corinthians 10:13).
This sentiment is supported by the Israelites constant murmuring against God when they wandered in the wilderness after Moses led them out of bondage. For instance, consider Exodus 16 when the Israelites complained about a lack of food. God blessed His people with manna to nourish their bodies. Also consider Exodus 15 & 17 when the Israelites grumbled about a lack of water on two occasions. God, in both situations provided drinkable water for His people so they could survive. God never tempted the Israelites into sinning, and neither does he tempt us today.
Although God does not tempt us, He, through his infinite mercy, understands how sinful the world is and how easily we can fall to temptation. Due to his great mercy and the fact that all, like sheep, go astray and sin against God (1 Peter 2:25), He has provided us with a “way of escape” (1 Corinthians 10:13). That escape is forgiveness and redemption of sins through Christ’s sacrifice. Temptation is all around us, but we have a hope and an avenue of escape through “that spiritual Rock” which the Old Testament examples longed for.
Just as God displayed his mercy and patience with the Israelites by providing them with manna and water in the wilderness even though they constantly murmured against and turned their backs on Him, He exhibited the same mercy and patience for us by sacrificing his son so that when we fall to temptation and turn our backs on Him, we can return unto him.
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I’d Rather Have a Little Rose
I would rather have a little rose
From the garden of a friend-
Then to have the choicest flowers-
When my stay on earth shall end.
I would rather have the kindest words-
And a smile that I can see,
Than flattery when my heart is still-
And this life has ceased to be.
I would rather have a loving smile-
From friends I know are true,
Than tears shed ’round my casket-
When this world I bid adieu.
Bring me all the flowers today,
Whether pink or white, or red;
I’d rather have one blossom now-
Than a truck load when I’m dead.
Author Unknown
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Answer Your Prayers
A man prayed fervently every morning at family worship for the poor in the community, but he was never known to give anything to the poor. One morning at the conclusion of the family worship, after the usual prayer had been offered for the needy, his little son said:
“Daddy, I wish I had your corn crib.”
“Why, my son?” asked the father.
“Because then I would answer your prayers myself.”
Selected
Via The Messenger, (Thayer Street Bulletin) 10-10-46
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Faith Building:
The Walls of Jericho
R.J. Evans
In Joshua 6:1-6, the Israelites were instructed by the Lord to march around the city of Jericho once each day for six days. The priests were told to bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark, and on the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times and when the priests blew the trumpets, all the people were to shout and the wall of the city would fall down flat. The remainder of chapter 6 tells of their obedience to God’s instructions, the wall falling, and the city being destroyed.
Marching around a city thirteen times in seven days, blowing trumpets and making a great shout — who ever heard of such a thing? The wall was of such considerable size that houses were built upon it (Josh. 2:15). How safe the inhabitants of Jericho must have felt. How easy it would have been for the soldiers and commanders on the walls to laugh and ridicule the marchers as they encompassed the city. But suddenly on the seventh day, there was an incredible event — the walls fell! (v. 20).
Now how did the walls fall? Was this some common military procedure that had been used successfully in the past? Absolutely not! “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days” (Heb. 11:30). Yes, it took great faith to carry out such an unusual command. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). It took faith in “things not seen” — “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).
But there are skeptics who laugh and mock at the events recorded in Joshua 6. They say it is absurd to believe that the walls of Jericho fell down after the Israelites marched around them. However, let us consider the following portion of information taken from HALLEY’S BIBLE HANDBOOK, New Revised Edition, pp. 159-161: “Dr. John Garstang, director of the British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem and of the Department of Antiquities of the Palestine Government, excavated the ruins of Jericho in 1926-36. He found pottery and scarab evidence that the city had been destroyed about 1400 B.C., coinciding with Joshua’s date, and, in a number of details, dug up evidence confirming the Biblical account in a most remarkable way. ‘he wall fell down flat’ (20). Dr. Garstang found that the wall did actually ‘fall down flat.’”
There are many lessons learned from Jericho: (1) We learn that God’s ways are not our ways (Isa. 55:8). Man would have planned some scheme to allow a few to enter the city and open the gates or build mounds, use sling shots to pick the soldiers off the wall, use ladders, etc. (2) We learn the meaning of grace. “And the Lord said to Joshua: ‘See! I have given Jericho into you hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor’” (Josh. 6:2). Yes, it was a gift, but it involved active obedience. The same is true today — salvation is a gift from God (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8), yet there are certain conditions that must be met (Matt. 7:21; Jn. 6:29; Mk. 16:16; Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; Eph. 2:10; Heb. 5:9). (3) We learn the meaning of obedient faith (Heb. 11; Jas. 2:24). (4) We learn that God’s way will work no matter how foolish (in man’s eyes) it may seem (1 Cor. 1:18-31).
The Apostle Paul told the Romans that “whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). The Israelites placed their faith and trust in God when they marched around the city of Jericho. We place our faith and trust in God when we are baptized for the remission of our sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). When we faithfully obey the Lord we can hope for and enjoy the blessings and rewards He has promised (Matt. 6:33; Rev. 2:10).
Again, we emphasize — “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days” (Heb. 11:30).
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Praise the Lord!
Mike Johnson
Psalm 111:1 says, “Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.”
This verse starts out by exclaiming, “Praise the Lord!” This expression is sometimes regarded as the title of this Psalm. With certainty, it can at least be regarded as the keynote phrase. Please note some important concepts in this verse regarding the praising God.
First, the Psalmist said, “he” would praise the Lord.” By saying “he” would praise the Lord, he is taking the lead and is not simply telling others to do so. By praising God himself, he is setting a good example which meant his admonition would have even more impact. It is appropriate for us to praise God. He is our Creator and our sustainer. Acts 17:28 says, “for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’”
Next, he said he would praise God with his whole heart. Worshiping and praising God should never be done in a half-hearted, insincere way. We must worship, praise, and serve God with our whole heart. Psalm 86:12 says, “I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore.” Deuteronomy 10:12 points out, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,” On one occasion, a lawyer asked Jesus a question (testing Him). He wanted to know which commandment was the greatest. Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” (Note also John 4:24, Mt. 15:8-9.)
Barnes, in his commentary, has a very good explanation of what it means to praise God with the whole heart. Please note the following.
With undivided affections; holding back nothing. I will allow nothing to be in my heart that would interfere with the fullness of praise; no coldness or dividedness of affection; no love for other things that would deaden my love for God; no suspicion respecting him that would chill my ardor; no unbelief that would drag me down to earth, while the language of my lips ascended to God. (From Barnes’ Notes, Electronic Database Biblesoft, Inc.)
It is important for us to worship, serve, and praise the Lord, but, we must be sincere— a half-hearted effort is no good.
In the later part of the verse, the psalmist pointed out where this would be done by saying, “In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.” It is so important for us to assemble with “righteous” people so we can praise and worship God. In another place (Ps. 122:1) the psalmist said, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” Assembling is commanded, and while assembling we praise God and receive encouragement from others (Heb. 10:25). From our text, we also learn that assembling is a quality of the upright, or the righteous. Sadly, many do not share the same enthusiasm as the Psalmist for assembling, not understanding the importance of it.
In conclusion, it is important for us to personally praise God and not just tell others to. Further, we must praise God with our whole heart, and we are to praise Him in the assembly of the upright.
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Peer Pressure
Bob Waldron
Much of God’s covenant with Israel of old dealt with human relations. Various and sundry laws pointed out how the Jew was to conduct himself among his peers. One of these admonitions was, “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil” (Ex. 23:2). This was a very important decree; it showed the danger of peer pressure and pointed out very explicitly the dangers of being led astray by evil men. Peer pressure was an important factor in their lives; it has been from that time to the present. And perhaps as never before, peer pressure is an issue we have to wrestle with.
A leading educator noted that peer pressure is the strongest influence exerted on young people today. He stated that in most cases it is twice as strong as the influence of home and family, and yields a far greater influence than religion. I share this educator’s convictions. All young people want to be accepted by their peers. And if to do so means disobeying parents and selling out personal convictions, some are willing to do so just to be a part of the bunch. In dealing with young folks and their problem of peer pressure, we often quote and expound on 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.” I contend this is a very important verse dealing with this subject. This admonition does caution against the dangers of peer pressure being exerted by those who are void of spiritual convictions and virtues. Let us continue to warn our young people of the dangers of their associates that rob them of their virtues.
But is all peer pressure centered in young people? Does this pressure cease when we become adults? Well, certainly at all stages of life there are peer pressures put on us by those with whom we mix and mingle day by day. The Bible is not silent on this matter. Men and women of God have always faced immense pressures in dealing with their peers. And when God has spoken, He has always done so with a stern warning against letting our associates rob us of our moral integrity.
One of the most striking examples of this occurred in the life of Peter. Peter is one of our favourite Bible characters. He was truly one of Christ’s most ardent followers. We hear him saying, “Even if I must die with thee, yet I will not deny thee” (Matt. 26:25). We hear him declare, “Lord, with thee I am ready to go both to prison and death” (Luke 22:33). But on that fateful night of the arrest and mock trial of the Lord, Peter “followed afar off” (Matt. 26:53); he stood with the wrong crowd, the enemies of the Lord (Matt. 26:69). And upon being asked of his allegiance to Christ, he cursed, swore, and denied that he even knew Him (Matt. 26:69-74). Peter, when alone in a crowd of unbelievers who were the enemies of Christ, relented to peer pressure.
What a lesson for the Christian today. I contend that when we are alone, with the wrong crowd, those with no regard for the Lord or spiritual values, we are at the most vulnerable moment of our spiritual life. And so often, like Peter, the pressures from our peers lead to our downfall.
There are numerous other examples in the New Testament on this subject. Peer pressure played a leading role in the rejection of Christ by the rulers of the synagogue (John 12:42, 43). The Scriptures tell us they believed on Him, “but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue. For they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God.”
Likewise, peer pressure was the deciding factor in the heinous crime of Herod (Matt. 14:1-12; Mark 6:23). Herod feared and respected John, but his oath, along with “them that sat at meat with him” (his peers) prevented him from backing down on his promise, and resulted in the vile deed of having John the Baptist put to death. In this we see the influence and power of wicked men and the insidiousness of peer pressure.
But there is another side of the coin of peer pressure. Not all the characters of the Bible collapsed under the pressure of their associates. Many stood, often alone, in the face of severe pressures put on them by others.
Let us ever be aware of the immense pressures put on us by our peers, especially those with no regard for God and spiritual values. And let us profit from the mistakes others made and redouble our efforts to not yield to these peer pressures as they did.
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Things to Remember When
in Worship
- Remember the purpose of worship is not to entertain or amuse one another, but it is to pay homage, love and honor to God.
- Remember the people in worship; they are not perfect, neither are you. Those with imperfections are worshiping Him who is perfect. He who realizes his own imperfections most is better qualified to worship Him who is perfect.
- Come to the worship period thinking how great God is and how insignificant you are.
- Give due attention to the thoughts contained in the spiritual songs as well as in the harmony and melody of the singing of them.
- Remember that a sermon depends as much on the hearing of it as the presenting of it.
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The Elon Challenger is published monthly by the church of Christ meeting at 4021 Hobbs Island Road in Owens Cross Roads. The mailing address is PO Box 149, New Hope, AL, 35760 where any comments, questions, or requests for further information can be sent. The Challenger is also distributed monthly to the Elon congregation as an eight page, paper publication. The editor is Mike Johnson. The website address is www.elonchurchofchrist.com.
Evangelist & Editor: Mike Johnson
www.seekingthingsabove.org