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 4
December, 2017
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Table of Contents
Hiding from God ————————————————– Dylan Stewart
Teach Me Something New! ———————————– Dylan Stewart
“Let There Be No Strife” ——————————————Steve Klein
The Wrath of God ———————————————-Mike Johnson
To Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain ————————– Mike Johnson
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HIDING FROM GOD
Dylan Stewart
In Genesis 3, after eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, Adam and Eve tried to hide from God. The Bible tells us “they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8). Although Adam and Eve tried to hide from God, the Lord called out to them, seeking his sheep who had gone astray. There is no way to hide from the presence of God -“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13), yet Adam and Eve still tried to hide. Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony and alignment with God. He gave them dominion and authority over all of His creation. But now, they were nervous and timid. God said, “In the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17). Adam and Eve knew they lost something of great value. More than just becoming vulnerable, they damaged their relationship with God.
How do we respond when we sin against God? Do we hide, hoping He won’t notice? The wisest choice is to come out of our hiding place, confess our sin, and have our fellowship restored. Human nature has not changed since the days of Adam and Eve. People believe they can hide from God, not fully realizing He is present everywhere and sees all. No one can hide from God -“He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see?” (Psalm 94:9). Adam and Eve are not the only biblical examples of people attempting to hide from God. Consider some other Old Testament examples of people attempting to hide from God, and consider the applications we can make as we serve Him today.
David
No matter how hard David tried, no matter what measures he took, David could not hide his sins with Bathsheba from God. After laying with Bathsheba, a married woman, David, demonstrating how he was human just like the rest of us, went with his first instinct: he tried to cover up his sin and shift the blame to someone else.
First, after finding out Bathseba was pregnant, David called in Uriah, a faithful warrior and Bathsheba’s husband, from the battlefield (2 Samuel 11:6). After a few pleasantries and war stories, David told Uriah to go down to his house, assuming he would have marital relations with his wife while he was home, allowing Uriah to think the baby was his own, effectively covering up David’s affair. The one thing David didn’t consider in the plan was Uriah’s sense of honor and loyalty. He would not enjoy the pleasures of home while his fellow soldiers were camping in the battlefield (v.11). In fact, Uriah was so dedicated he “slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house” (v.9).
After the first failed attempt to cover up his sin, David then tried getting Uriah drunk in hopes of having the same outcome as before, but the man’s sense of duty and honor was strong enough to overcome David’s tactics (v.13). Finally, David became desperate, and like most desperate people, he did something rash: “David wrote a letter to Joab . . . saying, ‘Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die.’ So it was, while Joab besieged the city, that he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew there were valiant men . . . and Uriah the Hittite died” (v.14-17). Although he did not know why the king ordered Uriah’s death, Joab obeyed David’s command. It appears the only way Joab could arrange for the death of a seasoned warrior such as Uriah was to use some unwise battle tactics, causing several good men to die with him. Cover-ups are often like that — a lot of innocent people get hurt while we are trying to hide the truth. With Uriah finally out of the equation, David could now make the cover-up complete. As a gesture of supposed nobility, the king took in Bathsheba, now a widow, and made her one of his wives (v.27). David thought the whole incident was covered. All of his bases were covered, or so he thought. He only overlooked one detail: he could not hide his sins from God.
We often make the same mistake as David – we believe just because we can hide our sins from the world, we somehow can hide them from God. We should realize this is not possible because David himself later realized he could not hide his sins from God by acknowledging, “my sins are not hidden from [Him]” (Psalm 69:5). Instead of trying to hide our sins and essentially hide from God, we should hide ourselves in God, for He will preserve us from trouble and surround us with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7).
Jonah
The Lord told Jonah “go to Ninevah the great city, and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me” (Jonah 1:2). Jonah was commanded to preach against the wickedness of Nineveh, but he did not follow God’s commands. Instead, he attempted to flee “from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare, and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord” (Jonah 1:2-3). Jonah was afraid. When God said Nineveh was wicked, he wasn’t kidding. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, the most powerful empire in the world in that day. The Assyrians had a reputation for cruelty that is hard for us to fathom. When their armies captured a city or a country, they would skin people alive, decapitate and mutilate them, rip out their tongues, and make a pyramid of human heads, piercing the chin with a rope and forcing prisoners to live in kennels like dogs. Ancient records from Assyria boast of this kind of cruelty as a badge of courage and power. Jonah tried putting as much distance as he could between himself and Ninevah. Jonah certainly underestimated the Lord. If he could find Tarshish, then so could the Lord! In fact, had Jonah made it that far, he would have found the Lord was already there!
The rest of the first chapter deals with how the Lord caused a storm to threaten the ship and Jonah eventually being engulfed by the fish. After the fish swallowed Jonah, he lived within it beneath the waves for three days. People cannot naturally survive such an ordeal. Some say this proves the story is made-up, but Christians understand it only proves the power and mercy of God. Jonah’s ill-advised attempt to escape from God was doomed to fail. He realized God was with him everywhere he went. Even though God had every right to punish Jonah for his disobedience, He sought Jonah and heard his prayers (Jonah 2:2). Jonah’s example helps us realize we should not run from God’s commands. Instead, we should follow the advice found in Proverbs 18:10, which says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”
What qualifies as Nineveh for us today? Nineveh is whatever pulls us out of our comfort zone. Nineveh is the place God calls where we don’t want to go. Nineveh is the people who have hurt us deeply and God says, “Go and give them my message.” Nineveh is danger. Nineveh is discomfort. Nineveh is whatever we dislike that God loves deeply. What do we do when God says, “Go to Nineveh,” and we dislike those people? We have the responsibility to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). We cannot hide from God’s commands.
Conclusion
If we long to experience peace with God, we must run to Him and not away from Him. He is always there and wants to embrace us. Moses said, “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, Who shelters him all the day long; And he shall dwell between His shoulders” (Deuteronomy 33:12). The choice is ours: we can run to God or we can run from Him.
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TEACH ME SOMETHING NEW!
Dylan Stewart
Do you ever get tired of listening to the preacher or bible study teacher teaching “simple things?” Maybe you have thoughts such as “I just wish Brother So-and-So would teach something new” or “I just wish Brother So-and-So would teach more difficult concepts.” If we find ourselves having thoughts such as these, we need to consider one essential question: Do we really understand the difference between the Milk and Meat of God’s Word?
In Hebrews 5:12-14, Paul wrote, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” The words meat and “solid food” refer to more advanced Christian teachings, but “milk” refers to basic Christian teachings and biblical principles.
Just as babies need milk to grow, new believers need the fundamental principles of God’s word so they can have a sure foundation, one that is built on the rock (Matthew 7:24). Once the foundation is in place, we can build the superstructure using the higher dimensions of God’s dealings. God’s demands on us keep increasing as we get closer and closer to Him. As we advance in age spiritually, we are expected to be more and more consecrated unto God. We should never grow complacent with only feasting upon the milk of God’s word. Instead, we should always desire to attain the meat that will help us mature as Christians. With that being said, we should never stray away from reflecting upon the basic biblical principles (the milk) because those precepts help us understand the more difficult concepts in the Bible (the meat).
If you find yourself always thinking “Brother So-and-So needs to preach something new,” consider a few “milk of the word” questions:
- What all is involved with repentance? Does repentance of public sins require different actions than repentance of private sins?
- Compare Romans 3:28 and James 2:24. Are we saved by faith or works?
- What does baptism literally mean? Why is understanding the meaning necessary?
- Can a person have scriptural grounds for divorce? Is it okay for a Christian to remarry after a divorce?
- Can a person remarry if his/her spouse dies? If so, are there any qualifications?
- Is it okay to use instrumental music in worship services? Is it okay to use instrumental music with the intent of praising God outside worship services?
- Can a Christian female teach a class of non-Christian males? Can a Christian female teach a class of Christian males?
- What is “the greatest commandment,” according to Christ?
- Why did Uzzah die? What does his death tell us about God?
- What is the significance of the hierarchy spoken of in 1 Corinthians 11:3?
If you do not know or have forgotten how to answer these questions, or do not know where to find scriptural evidence to support your responses, you need to pay closer attention whenever the preacher/teacher presents “simple subjects” because you might lose the ability to eat solid food!
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“LET THERE BE NO STRIFE”
Steve Klein
When contention arose between the herdsmen of Lot and the herdsmen of Abram, “Abram said to Lot, `Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren’” (Genesis 13:8). God’s friend Abraham knew that brotherhood demands the cessation of strife. I fear that some brethren today believe that brotherhood demands incessant strife.
What causes strife? I have a preacher friend who tells me that he believes that virtually every problem in the church can be traced back to pride. If by “problem” he means things over which there is strife, he may well be right. Proverbs 13:10 says that “By pride comes nothing but strife,” and Proverbs 28:25 states that “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife.” When we believe our viewpoints and our interests are more valid or important than those of others, strife cannot be avoided. According to the apostle Paul in Philippians 2:2-4 the secret to being “of one accord” is to “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
We must let go of our pride and self-interest! Only when that is done will we be properly motivated to do the things necessary to avoid strife. These practical measures for keeping peace include the following:
- DO NOT START A QUARREL! Proverbs 17:14 says, “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.” While it is true that there are principles of truth that must be defended, argued and contended for (Jude 3, Philippians 1:17), MANY quarrels among brethren are over things that have not even been revealed in Scripture. Others involve judging hearts and motives by appearance, instead of judging with righteous judgment (as Jesus instructed in John 7:24). This kind of strife should be nipped in the bud! We must simply “avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife” (2 Timothy 2:23).
- DO NOT SPREAD TALES! Nothing fans the flames of strife more effectively than gossip. Conversation that is seemingly well meant can provide fuel to a fire that would otherwise die out. When a brother begins a conversation (or e-mail message) by asking, “Do you know what brother so-and-so said about you?” he may mean well, but what follows is usually combustible! “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases” (Proverbs 26:20).
- LOVE YOUR BROTHER. “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins” (Proverbs 10:12). It is amazing how easy it is for folks to tolerate the faults of their loved ones, family, longtime friends, etc., while at the same time refusing to tolerate similar or lesser faults in those outside their circle of friends. If we could learn to show love, without prejudice or partiality, we might find a lot less to pick at in others (cf. 1 Timothy 5:21).
- FORBEAR. The instructions given in Ephesians 4:1-3 for “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” include “forbearing one another in love” (KJV). According to Strong’s Dictionary “forbearing” means to “put up with, bear with, endure…suffer.” Some have the idea that they “don’t have to put up with” anything from a brother in Christ. Nothing could be further from the truth. Even if you are being unjustly mistreated, “putting up with it” and taking it patiently is one of the truest marks of a follower of Christ (cf. 1 Peter 2:20-21). Suffering real or imagined injustice from a brother is a sad excuse for causing strife. It’s an excuse Abram would not use, and neither should we. We might learn to be more forbearing if we would stop and realize how much we need others to “put up with” us! “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them…” (Matthew 7:12).
– Via The Exhorter, March 11, 2001
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THE WRATH OF GOD
Mike Johnson
God loves us! This fact should cause us to be greatly encouraged. Many people do understand that God loves them but have misconceptions about His love. One of the misconceptions of God’s love is reflected when people say, “God is a God of love; He will not punish me for my sins.” Some, as a result of this attitude, continue committing sins and have little regard for God’s law.
It is important to realize that God is a God of justice as well as a God of love. He will punish man for his sins; He will destroy that which He has created. Evidence of this is seen in both the Old as well as the New Testament. In the Old Testament, we learn in Genesis 6 and 7 that all who lived on earth were destroyed by water except Noah and his family. Later, in Genesis 19, we learn of God’s wrath against the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. In the New Testament, the Bible teaches at the final judgment, God will punish the wicked and destroy the earth. II Thessalonians 1:8 says Christ will return, “…in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Note also II Peter 3:8-10 which speaks of the destruction of the earth at the Second Coming of Christ.
God is a God of love, but He will punish the wicked. Matthew 25:46 says the wicked will go into everlasting punishment, and Hebrews 10:31 point us, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 12:29 says, “For our God is a consuming fire.”
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TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN
Mike Johnson
Paul wrote the book of Philippians, as well as some other books, while in a Roman prison. He was in prison awaiting a decision about his fate. He might be released and would then be able to continue preaching. However, the decision could go against him, and he could be put to death. The attitude Paul had while facing these two alternatives is very interesting. In Philippians 1:21, he said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
First, Paul said “for me to live is Christ.” This meant if he lived, Christ would continue to be seen in his life. He would continue to serve and exalt Christ, living for Him. If Paul lived, his preaching would continue to help other people such as the Philippians. In verse 24 he said, “Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” On the other hand, Paul said if he died it would be gain. This is contrary to what most people would say as death is usually thought of as a loss instead of a gain. However, Paul looked at death as an avenue which would allow him to leave this life, with its hardships, persecutions, and pain, and go to a place of rest, joy, and peace. It would cause him to have a new union with Christ, and he would be able to enjoy the rewards of the afterlife.
For Paul to live would be a great advantage for those he taught. However, even his death would work to his good as he would be with Christ. We need to make sure we live in such a way so we too can say, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Sadly, for many, to live is Satan and to die is loss.
If you are not a Christian, you need to become one. If you are a Christian, you need to be faithful so you can view life and death as Paul viewed it.
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POINTS TO PONDER
- When at a loss for the right word to say, try silence.
- Rumor is one thing that gets thicker as you spread it.
- The religion that costs nothing is worth nothing.
- Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less
- People do not lack strength as much as they lack will.
- Sometimes suffering requires more courage than death.
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“Any relationship that is stitched together with genuine love will never tear apart.”
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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