The Elon Challenger
ELON CHURCH OF CHRIST
New Hope, Alabama
Seeking to challenge your interest in things
spiritual & eternal (Eph. 6:10-18)
Volume 14 Number 11
July, 2017
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Table of Contents
Fishers of Men —————————————————- Dylan Stewart
Bad Company—————————————————— Mike Johnson
Bad Language—————————————————– Mike Johnson
How Can You Know God? ————————————-Carrol Sutton
Have Ye Not Read? ——————————————– Hoyt Houchen
Could It Be? ———————————————————– Unknown
Don’t Punch the Parrot! —————————————- Joe R. Price
The Blessing in “No” ———————————————– Unknown
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FISHERS OF MEN
Dylan Stewart
In Matthew 4:19, Christ told his apostles “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This phrase is one of the most well-known lines in the entire New Testament, and, arguably, one of the most important metaphors for evangelism. All followers of Christ have the responsibility to be fishers of men. We are saved to save others. We are Christians to make others Christians. We are born again to win others for the Kingdom. We are God’s children to bring others into God’s family. We are wanting to go to Heaven, and we cannot meet our Lord empty-handed! How then can we become successful fishers of men?
What Are We Using as Bait?
When fishing, it is vital to know the fish you are looking for and how to attract them so you can make the catch. For fish, it’s bait. They swim around in search of food, so we offer them worms. In the case of fishing for men, we must offer the only effective bait—the gospel of Jesus Christ. The unsaved are searching for grace. They’re searching for unconditional love. They’re seeking acceptance. Show Christ to them. Tell them what He did on the cross. Show them what he has done in your life. Speak honestly and from the heart. Speak from experience. Show them what the Bible says about His saving Grace in spite of anything they have ever done or said or been. The gospel message has the power to change lives, shine light into darkness, and deliver sinners from Hell. There is power in any other message and no other bait can catch the fish of God. Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Thus, the bait we use should reflect the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should be fishing with the “incorruptible seed”- the word of God – which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).
Where Are We Fishing?
Fish will not come to us simply because we want them to. It is the same for Christians who are fishing for men. We have to find them. We have to find locations where the conditions are favorable and advantageous for us catching fish. Sometimes we fall into the trap of believing people will come to God when they get ready. Sadly, this is not always the case. That is why Christ implored his disciples during the Great Commission to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). However, we must be careful not to fish in poor conditions. For example, if we attempt to fish in stormy weather, we can risk our boat getting capsized. Similarly, if we spend too much time around those indulging in sin, it can capsize us. Consider Christ’s admonition during His Parable of the Sower. He informs us if we attempt to plant the seed of Christ “among thorns,” it will become “choked” (Luke 8:7, 14). While we have the responsibility to teach all nations, we need to avoid fishing in poor conditions for too long in order to prevent evil company from corrupting our good habits and intentions (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Are We Catching & Releasing or Keeping the Fish?
If we use the correct bait and fish in good locations, we will likely catch fish. But what do we do next? Do we keep the fish or simply release them? Consider Paul’s concern for the church at Corinth in 2 Corinthians 11:1-4. After spending time with the brethren teaching them about Christ, converting lost souls, and establishing the church there (in other words, catching the fish), he did not simply release them. Instead, he kept them on his mind and in his heart and prayers. In fact, he was so concerned for their spiritual growth and safety he told them “I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” (v.3-4). Paul recognized the fish he caught needed guidance in order to grow, which is why he eventually went back to Corinth and stayed with them for three months (Acts 20:3). He did not want them to fall back into their sinful ways. We should share this same mentality after converting others. We should help bear their burdens (Galatians 6:2), striving to emulate Paul’s encouragement to the church at Colosse: “We . . . do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (Colossians 1:9-11). We cannot leave new converts on their own. Don’t leave the fish lying out of water. They need fellowship. They need guidance. They need help. Continue leading them to the living water.
Conclusion
A follower of Christ is a fisher of men. When fishing for actual fish, we must know what bait to use and where to fish. The same applies when fishing for men. We must know the Word of God. We must share that Word. We must know where the fish are located. We also must know what that person needs to hear – the gospel of Christ. Lastly, we must realize the need to care for and nurture the fish after catching them in order to help them grow. It is through this loving care we will lead people to become followers of Jesus, and to Heaven and life eternal.
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BAD COMPANY
Mike Johnson
The story is told of two parrots that lived near each other. The one was accustomed to singing hymns while the other was addicted to swearing. The owner of the latter obtained permission for it to associate with the former in the hope that its bad habit would be corrected. Instead, the opposite happened as both learned to swear.
This little story reminds us of a passage in I Corinthians 15:33 which says, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” A person may feel like he can associate with wicked people and not be hurt. He may think that he can be a good influence on the wicked person. Perhaps he can, but influence can go in two directions, and there is a great danger of the wicked person influencing the good person. If a person thinks otherwise, he is “deceived.” Young people, as well as older people, need to pick their friends carefully. Remember, “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
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BAD LANGUAGE
Mike Johnson
The story is told of a farmer who drove his team of mules into town, but he was very late in returning. His wife asked him what had taken so long. The farmer replied, “Well, on the way back I had to pick up the preacher, and from then on, these mules didn’t understand one word I said.” Although this is a humorous story, it is a story which illustrates the attitude of many. The typical person today, however, probably would not care whether or not a preacher was present when he used profanity.
Profanity has become very common and in fact is very acceptable in our society today. Most movies playing at the theater today have dialogue saturated with vulgarity. Profanity is also being used much more frequently on television and words are being used which would not have been allowed just a few years ago. In everyday society, bad language is at an all time high. People can use profanity in almost any setting without fear of censure. “Toilet language,” “sex language,” and the use of God’s name in vain is extremely popular.
The Christian, however, no matter how wicked society gets, is to avoid profanity. Colossians three discusses the new life in Christ. It points out that Christians are to put off the old man with his sin and are to put on the new man. Verse eight lists various sins that Christians are not to practice such as anger, wrath, and blasphemy. It also points out that Christians are to put off “filthy communication” (“filthy language” NKJV) from their mouths.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt communications (“unwholesome words” NASB) proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace to the hearers.” Instead of using “corrupt communications,” we are to use the kind of speech which “edifies” and “ministers grace” to the hearers. Actually, to use corrupt communication is to “grieve” the Holy Spirit (V. 30).
The standard of the Christian is to be higher than the standards of the world. No matter how filthy the language of the world becomes, the Christian is not to use profanity. He is to put away all “filthy language.”
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HOW CAN YOU KNOW GOD?
Carol Sutton
If in the Day of Judgment, the lord says, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity,” or “Verily I say unto you, I know you not,” to you or to me, it will be a very sad occasion for us. (See Matthew 7:21 and 25:12). In view of the impending judgment, each of us should make sure that we know God. In order for God to know us, we must know Him. How can we know God? Our feelings do not indicate that we know God. Evil men may have good feelings. Human testimony of others is no indication that we know God.
In order to know God, you must believe confidently that God is, and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The Hebrew writer says: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6). John says: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” (John 20:30-31). To know God, you must be taught of God. You must learn God’s will for man. You must approve of what God says and be willing to obey God’s commandments. Jesus said: “Not every one that sayeth unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). John also said: “And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3).
If you are an alien sinner, God commands you to “repent”. (See Acts 17:30-31). The Jews on Pentecost, who had crucified Jesus, were commanded to “Repent, and be baptized for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38). Saul, who was a praying penitent believer, was commanded to “…arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins,…” (Acts 22:16).
To know God, we must love God. But to love God is to keep His commandments. Therefore, to know God is to keep God’s commandments. (1 John 4:7-8; 5:3)
SUMMED UP: In order to know God (and for God to know you), you must learn God’s will, believe it with all your heart and obey it sincerely!
Via The Instructor
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HAVE YE NOT READ?
Hoyt Houchen
Question: How can I deal with worry, anxiety?
Reply: Worry is a common problem and no doubt a reason that the Scriptures say so much about it. For example, Jesus taught in Matthew 6:31, “Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewith shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.” This is the conclusion of what Jesus had said in the previous verses about worry, or anxiety. He had shown his disciples that they should trust in God and not uncertainty. The principle is that God will provide the necessities of life if we will place confidence in him. The problem with most of us is that we given more attention to the everyday physical necessities such as food, clothing and shelter than to spiritual matters. Our Lord climaxed his teaching on worry, or anxiety, when he said: “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (V. 33).
Paul admonished his brethren at Philippi: “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7,8). How do we cope with worry? How do we overcome it? Both in the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6 and that of Paul in Philippians 4:6, 7 is the solution to worry. It is trust God. Most of us make God powerless by supposing that he is not capable of ruling his universe. We take life’s situations into our own hands and forget that God has promised to supply our needs.
The basic cause of worry is a lack of faith in the promises of God — a failure to trust God. Our lack of faith results from not studying the word of God which supplies faith. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).
When we trust God we will take our burdens to him in prayer. Hear Paul again: “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6). The idea is to let the things we seek be made known to God. Thanksgiving should accompany our requests — not only for the many blessings which our Heavenly Father has already bestowed upon us, but for the very privilege of being able to make our requests known. He is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20).
We all need to stop this foolishness of worrying ourselves into nervous wrecks and remember that God is on his throne; he is capable of running his affairs; he is always accessible and he never becomes weary from our requests. When we trust in God and believe his precious promises, we will go to him in prayer. This relieves us of worry, thus giving us “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). In place of being ruled by fear, worry and anxiety, our hearts and our thoughts will be guarded by “the peace of God.” This peace is another of the great promises which God will keep, if we will but trust him. Jesus told his apostles: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful” (Jn. 14:27).
Let us trust God, go to him in prayer and believe that his promises are true. It is only when we do these things that we can deal with worry, anxiety.
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COULD IT BE?
- …that people reject the Bible – not because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them?
- …that some brethren do not attend various worship periods and Bible study classes because Christ is not really their “first love?”
- …that Satan has lulled us into thinking that we are really standing, when indeed, we are ready to fall?
- …we utterly abhor the violence going on in the world, yet do not think twice about what our families entertain themselves with on television and at the movies?
- …that some brethren honestly see no connection between commitment, attendance, and involvement?
Author Unknown
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DON’T PUNCH THE PARROT!
Joe R. Price
Charlie was a good friend, but the man just couldn’t take it anymore. Charlie’s unending shrieking and constant screeching was driving him crazy. The man, frustrated that his girlfriend had left him, now took matters into his own hands. He punched Charlie. But the problem was not solved. Now, Charlie was dead. In one day the man had lost his girlfriend and his pet parrot!
Reuters reported Thursday the man was fined $925 in a Berlin, Germany court for killing the African gray parrot he had owned for 11 years.
It is ridiculous, but it reminds us of the value of self-control. If the man had used some he wouldn’t be out $925, and Charlie would still be alive.
We have more valuable reasons to use self-control than that. We must exercise control over our emotions and will because we seek an eternal inheritance (1 Cor. 9:24-25). Those who belong to Christ and walk by the Spirit bear the fruit of self-control, thus showing they have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:22-24,16).
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THE BLESSING IN “NO”
I asked God to take away my pride. God said “No”. It is not for me to take away,
but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said “No”. Her spirit
was whole, her body was only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience. God said “No”. Patience is a by-product
of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness. God said “No”. I give you blessings, happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain. God said “No”. Suffering draws you apart from worldly
cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said “No”. You must grow on your own, but
I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said “No”. I will give you life so
that you may enjoy all things.
I ask God to help me love others, as much as he loves me. God said…
Ahhhh, finally you have the idea!
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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