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 2

October, 2016

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Table of Contents

 A Broken & Contrite Heart (Psalm 51:16-17)———Mike Johnson

Lessons from the Seven Churches of Asia———-Dylan Stewart

Is It Narrow Minded?——————————————–Jere Frost

The Walls of Jericho——————————————–R.J. Evans

What Must I Do?———————————————Shawn Smith

 

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A Broken & Contrite Heart

(Psalm 51:16-17)

Mike Johnson

In Psalm 51, the writer expresses great sorrow for sins he had committed. It is thought this Psalm was written by David after his sin with Bathsheba. He repeatedly asked God for mercy and forgiveness. Consider verses 16-17 which say, “For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart — These, O God, You will not despise.”

What did David mean when he said God did not require sacrifice? Sacrifices were required under the law of Moses. David was not trying to nullify the Old Law, but instead, he was placing an emphasis on the inward man (note also vs. 6 and 10). The idea is this, “You do not only require sacrifices, but You also (especially or in particular) require a broken and a contrite heart.”

David probably could offer more animal sacrifices than anyone in Israel. Sacrifices were necessary, but God also wanted a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart (note also Is. 1:11-18). Usually, a broken spirit is not good. For example, an animal which has been beaten and abused is sometimes characterized as having a broken spirit. But, in David’s case, this would be a good feature. David had sinned; he needed to feel guilt for what he had done; he needed a broken and a contrite heart. His heart, or mind, needed to be crushed, or broken, by the guilt of his sins.   This would lead to repentance and ultimately to the forgiveness he longed for, and then he could again experience the joy of his salvation (vs. 12).

Today, when we sin, we need to have sorrow and guilt.   Note what Paul said in II Corinthians 7:10, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Some people sin and have absolutely no sorrow. This is very dangerous because without sorrow there is no forgiveness of sins.

In conclusion, David makes it clear that God could not be “bought off” by sacrifices. As with us today, he needed to have the proper sense of remorse and contrition; he needed to repent so his sins could be forgiven.

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Lessons from the Seven Churches of Asia

(Revelation 2 & 3)

Dylan Stewart

The letters to the seven churches of Revelation serve a three-fold purpose. The letters describe various conditions in each of the churches at the end of the 1st century AD. The initial lessons—commendations and admonitions—were intended for the churches at that time. However, the letters are part of a book of prophecy about the future. The church conditions described in the letters prophetically describe conditions that would prevail in each successive era—where the same lessons would be applicable. John addressed the book of Revelation “to the seven churches” (1:4), indicating the letters to each church were to be read in all the churches. Thus, the purpose of the letters is to convey universal lessons that describe and deal with universal human tendencies that still apply to the Church today.

Loveless Church (2:1-7)

Ephesus

Christ commended this church for its works, labor, patience, abhorrence of evil, ready detection of false teachers, steadfastness in bearing burdens, and the fact that they had not grown weary (Rev. 2:2-3). These characteristics indicated that this church had served the Lord well. In spite of these desirable traits, the Ephesian church was soundly rebuked in one important matter: “I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Rev. 2:4). The charge against this church was not “you have lost your first love” but “you have left your first love.” This church was backslidden and had gone off the track, not in doctrine but in its personal relationship to Christ. This same charge is common among God’s children today. It’s sad when a saint loses his first love for Christ, when he begins to seek his happiness in earthly things, and when Christ is no longer the center of his attention. Christ identified the problem and outlined the remedy: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works” (Rev. 2:5). The message to Ephesus is clear: get back on track, do the Work, preach the Gospel with zeal, love the Truth, and love each other.

Suffering Church (2:8-11)

Smyrna

This letter starts with a commendation for faithfulness: “I know your works, tribulations, and poverty (but you are rich)” (Rev. 2:9). Although this church suffered from persecution and poverty, they were rich in the wonderful promises of Christ. To this suffering church, Christ addressed two exhortations which are badly needed by all Christian today. First, He said, “Do not fear any of those things” (Rev. 2:10). We have nothing to fear because our suffering cannot ro us of our eternal blessings in Christ. We are always in God’s care, and whatever is permitted in our lives is by His wise design. Second, He exhorted them to “be faithful until death” (Rev. 2:10). We also need this encouragement to be faithful when the test comes. What do we learn from the message to the church at Smyrna? In a day when persecution of the saints is being revived, the Church may well heed the exhortation to “fear not,” which is so frequent in the Bible. Our response to suffering should not be fear, but courage, joyous acceptance, and thanksgiving.

Compromising Church (2:12-17)

Pergamos:

Christ commended this church for holding fast in spite of the fact that they lived where “where Satan dwells” (Rev. 2:13), which refers to the evil character this city displayed in its persecution of Christians. But in spite of this evil, the believers held fast to His name and did not deny the faith. In spite of their faithfulness in persecution, the Lord rebuked them for holding the doctrines of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans. Balaam was guilty of counseling King Balak to cause Israel to sin through intermarriage with heathen women and idol worship (Num. 22-25; 31:15-16). They were exhorted to repent, otherwise Christ would fight against them with the sword of His mouth (Rev. 2:16).This message to Pergamos illustrates the constant danger of doctrinal compromise (Rev. 2:14-15). We must never compromise the Truth, or the teaching of it, no matter the circumstances.

Church Tolerating Apostasy (2:18-29)

Thyatira

Though much was wrong in this church, Christ still commended it: “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first” (Rev. 2:19). He commends it for five virtues, including its love, for which none of the three preceding churches were commended. In addition, He mentioned that their last works were greater than their former works – a contrast to the Ephesian church. In spite of this strong praise, there was one frightful condemnation – a sweeping indictment of the church’s tolerance of a woman named Jezebel and her teaching which led the church to commit fornication and eat things sacrificed to idols (Rev. 2:20-23). Though she claimed to be a prophetess, she was not a true messenger of divine truth, as she had urged these Christians to continue the worship of idols. After His condemnation, Christ exhorted the godly remnant in Thyatira: “Hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works to the end, to him I will give power over the nations … And I will give him the morning star” (Rev. 2:25-28). This church was a monument to the danger of moral compromise; today, we should take heed to the departure from moral standards which has invaded the Church.

Dead Church (3:1-6)

Sardis

Christ said to the church at Sardis, “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Rev. 3:1). There is a marked change in His address to this church. To the previous churches He began with commendation; here He begins with a denunciation because there was no commendation. Christ quickly stripped away their reputation of being alive by declaring them dead. Like the Pharisees, their outer appearance hid their lack of life. He added, “I have not found your works perfect before God” (Rev. 3:2). The church at Sardis evidently had a reputation as being spiritual with an effective ministry, yet it was a church that was alive in name only and dead in spiritual life and power. The message to the church at Sardis warns us against the danger of spiritual deadness, of orthodoxy without life, of outward appearance like the Pharisees, who were likened to “whited sepulchers” (Matt. 23:27). A church is in danger of being called dead when it is more concerned with form than life, when it loves systems more than Christ, and when it is more interested in material than spiritual things.

Faithful Church (3:7-13)

Philadelphia

Christ commended the Church at Philadelphia with these words: “You have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (Rev. 3:8). This church had manifested a loyalty to Christ’s name and had publicly confessed its trust in Him. As result, Christ promised that their adversaries, “the synagogue of Satan,” (Rev. 3:9), would be forced to see that this church contained true servants of God. Because of their faithfulness, this church is given a promise that the other churches did not receive: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Rev. 3:10). This is a promise that they would not go through the Great Tribulation, which is unfolded in Revelation 6-18. The message to Philadelphia helps us remember that believers are commended by the Lord, but must “hold fast,” “persevere,” and maintain the “little strength” that they possess while waiting for the Lord’s coming.

Lukewarm Church (3:14-22)

Laodicea

Much like in the message to Sardis, Christ refrains from providing any words of commendation to the church at Laodicea. These Christians were pictured as abhorrent to Christ because they were “lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot” (Rev. 3:16). Christ refers to three different spiritual states: (1) a state of coldness that includes all those who are cold to the things of God with no evidence of salvation; (2) a state of hotness that includes those who have genuine fervor in serving God and leave no question as to their spiritual strength; (3) a state of lukewarmness that refers to those who have shown some interest in the things of God, but might not have a true relationship with Christ. Such was the church at Laodicea. Their lukewarmness is evidenced by their contentment with material wealth and unawareness of their spiritual poverty. Christ used strong words to describe them: “wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked” (Rev. 3:17). The message to the church of Laodicea is a warning for us today against lukewarmness, self-sufficiency, and being unaware of our desperate spiritual need. The only cure is to become reinvigorated in our service to God and let Christ be the center of our all that we do.

Conclusion

Each message to the seven churches of Asia concludes with a similar statement: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22). Note that it is not what the Spirit “said” about past churches, but what the Spirit “says” to all churches. This tells us that the Spirit still speaks to us – a warning for the churches of today to “hear what the Spirit says” lest we become like the churches of Asia who were rebuked for their mistakes.

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IS IT NARROW MINDED?

Jere Frost

I don’t know about you, but I get a little weary of hearing the word “narrow” used as a slur against preachers who adhere to the Bible in their preaching. Sure they are “narrow,” but so are factory workers, surgeons, druggists, and teachers.

The factory worker is so “narrow” that he uses micrometers and measures to the thousandth of an inch the bores and pistons of engines, electronic components and balancing wheels in timepieces.

The surgeon is so “narrow” that he insists on ultra-technical laboratory analysis and meticulously sterilized instruments of special design.   Why is he so “picky narrow” that he makes his assistants wear cloths over their faces?

The druggist is so “narrow” that he just has to have a prescription before he will let you have certain drugs. He says he has to be “narrow” because government regulations are narrow, and even thinks it is for your good!

As you think about it, it’s a blessing that somebody is “narrow-minded.” And however much we need to be narrow about vital material matters, we must be infinitely more careful and exact about spiritual laws. God will not be mocked!

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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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What Must I Do?

Shawn Smith

A rich young ruler once came running up to Jesus and asked, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). In this man’s case, Jesus told him to sell what he had and give to the poor. His possessions were holding him back. He needed to put the Lord first. Deeply disappointed, he left the Lord clinging to his worldly possessions (v. 22).

When the Jews on the day of Pentecost realized they had put to death the Son of God, their very Lord, they asked the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter told them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:36-38). That day, about three thousand gladly received his word and were baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the Lord added them to the church (v. 41).

When the Philippian jailor realized all his prisoners had not escaped, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas, asking, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They told him he needed to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-31). Then, having spoken the word of the Lord to him and all who were in his house, they were baptized (Acts 16:32-33). Having obeyed the gospel, they then rejoiced, “having believed in God” (Acts 16:34).

What must you do to be saved? Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Will you go away sorrowful today or humbly submit to obedience and have rejoicing today?

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Gospel Meeting

October 9th – 14th

ELON CHURCH OF CHRIST

Different Speakers

Sunday

Are you a Perfect Christian? (9:30 AM)————————–Ben Shropshire

Christians Are (Supposed to Be) Different (10:30 AM)——–Ben Shropshire

Why Preach the Word? (5:00 PM)———————————Murphy Priestly

Monday – Friday

7:00 PM

Monday—————————————-Rodney Hampton (True Greatness)

Tuesday————————-Jeff Archer (Caleb, “Wholly Followed the Lord”)

Wednesday———————————–Isaac Munoz (Two Local Churches)

Thursday————————-David Cox (“Saved by Grace Through Faith“)

Friday—————Eric Reynolds (“Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve“)

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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