The Elon Challenger
ELON CHURCH OF CHRIST
New Hope, Alabama
Seeking to challenge your interest in things
spiritual & eternal (Eph. 6:10-18)
Volume 15 Number 8
April, 2018
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Table of Contents
Design Demands a Designer————————– Mike Johnson
Bring Them Up ————————————————-W.R. Jones
What Is A Christian?———————————–Author Unknown
The Story of Two Bears ——————————Author Unknown
Once You Admit it, Will You Stop It——————Jarrod Jacobs
Some Things the Church is Not————————Heath Rogers
How to See Eye to Eye Religiously———————–Mark White
You Tell on Yourself———————————- Author Unknown
Why Read the Bible—————————————Jarrod Jacobs
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DESIGN DEMANDS A DESIGNER
(Psalm 19)
Mike Johnson
Psalm 19:1-4 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun.”
Have you ever; after having gone out at night and looked at the stars, the planets, and the moon; thought about the concept that design demands a designer? We all understand this concept. Consider the automobile you drive and the house where you live. These did not come into existence by accident. Obviously, someone designed and built them. The same concept applies to our solar system, plant life, and the human body. Obviously, a designer was involved.
Consider the following story about Sir Isaac Newton’s model.
The story is told that he had an atheistic friend who did not believe in God. Sir Isaac devised a plan to try to convince his friend that God did exist and had created the Universe. One day, he went to a carpentry shop and asked the owner to make a model of our solar system. This model was to be to scale, intricately painted, and designed to resemble, as closely as possible, the actual solar system.
Several weeks later, Sir Isaac picked up the model, paid for it, and placed it in the center of a table in his house. Sometime later, his atheist friend came over for a visit. When the friend arrived at Dr. Newton’s house, the model of the solar system caught his eye, and he asked Sir Isaac if he could inspect the model more closely. Of course, that was fine with Sir Isaac. As the atheist inspected the model, he stood in awe of the fine craftsmanship and beauty of the various pieces. After some time, the atheistic friend asked Dr. Newton who had crafted this wonderful model of the solar system. Sir Isaac promptly replied that no one had made the model; it just appeared on his table by accident. Confused, the friend repeated the question, and yet Newton stubbornly clung to his answer that the model had just appeared, as it were, “out of thin air.” Finally, the friend became upset, and it was at that point that Sir Isaac explained the purpose of his answer. If he could not convince his friend that this crude replica of the solar system had “just happened by accident,” how could the friend believe that the real solar system, with all its complexity and design, could have appeared just by time and chance? (Kyle Butt, MA, “Design Demands A Designer” (The Apologetics Press, www.apologeticspress.org Aug. 20, 2015.)
The staunchest atheist should be able to understand the concept of design demanding a designer when it comes to Newton’s model. Recognizing this concept should cause a person to understand that the universe was designed by someone. It should further be concluded that the designer of all of this must be powerful beyond imagination and knowledgeable beyond belief, and this powerful Creator must be divine. The heavens do declare the glory of God! Hebrews 3:4 says, “For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.”
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BRING THEM UP
W.R. Jones
“And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4)
How do we bring our children up? We bring them up in television, movies, and funny books. We bring them up in basketball, baseball, football, and track. We bring them up in the Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the Brownies. We bring them up in math, English, science, physics and music. We bring them up in the ease and comfort of modern living with all supplied.
But what about the Lord? I fear some of us are leaving Him out somewhere along the way, and we shall reap as we have sown.
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WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?
Author Unknown
When people use the word “Christian” today, it is often difficult to know precisely what they have in mind.
To some a Christian is anyone who lives in a nation that is classified as a “Christian nation.” It becomes a matter of citizenship or geography.
To some a Christian is anyone who believes in a god, or at least acknowledges, the one true God.
To some a Christian is anyone who acknowledges Jesus to be the Christ, the son of God, the Savior of the world.
To some a Christian is anyone who accepts the Bible, or consents that the Bible is the word of God.
To some a Christian is anyone who reads the Bible from time to time.
To some a Christian is anyone who professes to be a Christian and sincerely believes that he is.
To some a Christian is anyone who belongs to any Catholic or Protestant church.
To some a Christian is anyone who is honest, sincere, moral and charitable, anyone who seems to be a good person.
But what, really, is a Christian? The word denotes a follower of Christ, one who belongs to Christ, one who is in Christ. It is something that one must become as the result of teaching, persuasion and conviction (Acts 26:28-29; compare Acts 18:4, 8 and 19:8). It is a name given to those who were disciples (learners and followers) of Christ (Acts 11:26). And men became disciples of Christ as the result of being taught the will of Christ and accepting that will (Acts 14:21). Those became disciples of Christ who were instructed to observe all things that Jesus taught His apostles (Mt. 28:20). Christians, in the New Testament sense of that word, were people who heard the word of the Lord, were pricked in their hearts, asked what they must do, were told to repent of their sins and be baptized for remission of those sins, gladly received the word and were baptized and continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. (Acts 2:36-42).
Have you become a Christian?
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THE STORY OF TWO BEARS
Author Unknown
In a village there lived an old couple who often had sharp quarrels. Suddenly they quit quarreling, and they were never heard to dispute after that. The town folk wondered what made the change. Finally one brave woman asked. “Two bears did it,” said the wife. “Two bears?” “Yes, two bears we found in the Bible… ‘Bear ye one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2), and Forbearing one another in love (Eph. 4:2)’.”
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ONCE YOU ADMIT IT, WILL YOU STOP IT?
Jarrod Jacobs
There was a cartoon several years ago in the Saturday Review of Literature in which little George Washington was standing with an axe in his hand. Before him lying on the ground is the famous cherry tree. He has already made his admission that he did it — after all, he “cannot tell a lie.” Also pictured is his father, who is exasperated, and says, “All right, so you admit it! You always admit it! The question is, when are you going to stop doing it?”
The story above is an amusing one, but it makes a good point. Once we come to the point that we admit that we have committed a certain sin or sins, will we stop it? This question deserves our attention. Perhaps you know (as I do) of one who readily admits that he is a sinner, and in need of salvation. At the same time, this person will not take that next step, which is repent of those sins and live right by obeying the Gospel (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). How many people do we know who will admit (while they are smoking a cigarette, drinking their alcohol, etc.) that they are in error, and “it is a nasty habit,” but refuse to do anything about their sin? Many have said that one of the most difficult aspects of any problem is admitting that you have one. It seems like some people have “conquered” the fear of admitting their problem, but will do nothing beyond that. How can continuing in a sin one recognizes and admits is sin, be beneficial to anyone?
In reading the Bible, we learn that it is a book that not only demands that men admit they are sinners in God’s sight, but also demands that men do something about that sin! In Old Testament days, Solomon said, “Whoever conceals his transgression will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Notice please that God expected the man to confess AND forsake the sin in order to have mercy. It is not enough to merely confess and go on living in a particular sin! In New Testament days, Christ said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). What does “repentance” mean? It means turning away from the way you used to live, and living in accordance with Christ’s will! An example of repentance is found in the book of Matthew. Christ spoke a parable concerning two sons who were told by their father to go work in the vineyard. One boy said he would go, but did not. The other refused, but later “repented and went” (Matthew 21:29). This boy not only had to admit that he was in the wrong for disobeying his father, but also had to do what was right! Read Luke 15:11-21, and see another son who was in the same position. In the word “repentance,” we see one not only recognizing he is guilty of sin, but also takes steps to stop it!
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SOME THINGS THE CHURCH IS NOT
Heath Rogers
The gospels inform us that people were sometimes confused about the identity and purpose of Jesus. While some believed He was one of the prophets, others tried to dismiss Him as being possessed by demons. Some saw Him as a good Man, others labeled Him as a troublemaker and a blasphemer. We should not be surprised to find that confusion continues to exist concerning both Christ and His church. The following are some misconceptions that people have about the church today.
- The church is not an ATM machine. When some people fall on hard times, their cupboards get bare and their light bills are past due, they pick up the phone and start calling churches. We usually receive several calls every month from individuals requesting financial assistance. The Bible does not allow the church to be used and abused in this way. Local churches helped their own members who were in need (Acts 6:1, 1 Timothy 5:3-16), and they extended benevolence to needy members of the church in other places (Romans 15:26), but they were never used as a charitable organization for the community at large. The purpose of the church is primarily spiritual in nature, not financial.
- The church is not in the entertainment business. To some people, worship has become a spectator sport. Their feelings about worship are dependent upon what they have experienced with their eyes and ears, not what they have expressed with their own hearts. Preachers are sometimes looked upon as entertainers. They are judged by style rather than by substance. As long as they can deliver a polished, relevant, yet nonjudgmental message in thirty minutes or less, churchgoers are pleased. Paul was not this kind of preacher (1 Cor. 2:1). The Lord warned the prophet Ezekiel that he was looked upon as an entertainer. “Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them” (Ezekiel 33:32).\
- The church is not a social club. To some people, a local church is nothing more than a social club or civic group. They use their membership as a status symbol, and they attend to see and be seen. Some people who are in sales are encouraged to use church membership as a means of making contacts with possible clients. Politicians are notorious for misusing churches in this manner. Several years ago, my sister heard a campaign speech by then presidential candidate Bill Clinton during morning worship services at a Baptist church that she attended. Most people can see through such hypocrisy. The church was bought with the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28). It is despicable for man to use the death of Jesus as a means of self-promotion and personal gain.
- The church is not a vehicle for social reform. Politicians misuse churches, not only for elections, but also as a platform to achieve their favorite social programs. The church is not a political institution. The church should have a positive influence upon society, but not because it has been instrumental in signing petitions or applying pressure upon officials or authorities. The church is to support the truth (1 Timothy 3:15) and sound forth the gospel (1 Thess. 1:8). As individual members exert their influence (as salt and light – Matthew 5:13-16), others are won to the gospel. As more people are truly converted to Christ, the world is made a better place.
Don’t mistake what our society tells us churches should be with the clear teaching, or the silence, of Scripture
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HOW TO SEE EYE TO EYE RELIGIOUSLY
Mark White
Why do some people not see religious things the way we see them? Why is there so much difference between what we teach and what the denominations profess? Do we not all have the same Bible? Are we not all trying to serve the same God? Do we not all believe in the same Savior? These are perplexing questions, and they are not easily answered to everyone’s satisfaction.
Basically, our understanding of the Scriptures differs from the majority of the religious world because we operate on a different principle of interpretation. To most religious people “truth” is relative, adjusting freely to different times and circumstances. For us, however, truth is truth. It is unalterable, unchangeable, and everlasting. But did “we” just arbitrarily decide this would be our regard for truth? Not at all. God’s own word boldly claims “thy word is truth” (John 17:17) and “the word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth.” (Psalm 33:4) While there are scoffers at the idea of absolute truth, we accept Bible teaching that such does exist, and we are determined to know it. Pilate’s piercing question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) was prompted by these words from Jesus: “I have come into the world that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
This then, is the basis upon which we may come to see religious matters alike. There must be a commitment to the same standard of truth. No one would ever attempt to use differing standards of measurement if building a house, marking off a football field, or sewing a garment. This would guarantee error and disaster. Twelve inches must equal one foot on all our rulers if we desire uniformity.
There must be a healthy regard and respect for the Bible on the part of every religious person in order for understanding to occur. Without this common devotion to God’s word, all efforts to see things the same will fail. In order to come to agreement on matters essential to salvation, we must begin where we agree. From this point we must study the Scriptures, resolving differences as we go along. Major problems of difference are solved in small steps, and then we can be united in Christ. But we will never see things the same if we cannot agree on the existence, necessity, and location of the truth.
No Bible discussion is profitable unless every participant is a truth seeker. If everyone concerned really wants the truth, then coming to an agreement and an understanding of truth will be achievable. Believe it or not, it is possible to discuss religious differences without becoming rude or creating hurt feelings. People who love the truth are not concerned with who is right, but with what is right. Every truth seeker is willing to surrender any position if it is false. There is no other honorable course for an honest man. An honest man will seek the truth, and when he finds it he will believe it. “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23).
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You Tell On Yourself
You tell what you are by the friends you seek,
By the very manner in which you speak.
By the way you employ your leisure time,
By the use you make of dollar and dime.
You tell what you are by the things you wear,
By the spirit in which your burdens bear,
By the kind of things at which you laugh,
By records you play on the phonograph.
You tell what you are by the way you walk,
By the things of which you delight to talk,
By the manner in which you bear defeat,
By so simple a thing as how you eat.
By the books you choose from the well-filled shelf;
In these ways and more, you tell on yourself,
So there’s really no particleof sense
In an effort to keep up false pretense.
(Author Unknown)
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WHY READ THE BIBLE?
Jarrod Jacobs
Why ought we spend time reading the Bible when we could be reading the newspaper, or other written materials? Put simply, because when we read the Bible, we are allowing our minds to access the very words that were “breathed-out” (inspired) by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). No other work can make this claim and be telling the truth. In connection with this, we are allowed access to the very mind of God, because it is His revelation which has been “breathed-out” when we read the word (1 Corinthians 2:7-16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)!
Furthermore, we need to read because it is by reading God’s word that we obtain wisdom (Psalm 119:98-100), and can cleanse our way (Psalm 119:9-11).
It is this same written word that is described as a sword (Ephesians 6:18), and a fire, and a hammer (Jeremiah 23:29). In fact, when we study about the spiritual armor that Christians must wear (Ephesians 6:13-18), we will find that every piece has a connection with the written word!
So, why read the Bible? How could we not? How can we deprive ourselves of the spiritual knowledge and strength that God has provided? Yet, it is done day by day by the masses of people on earth (Hosea 4:6)!
Friends, how are you answering this most important question? How regular and systematic are we in reading the Scriptures? If we are not doing this, then why not? What excuse do we think God will accept from us for not reading His word?
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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