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 7
March, 2017
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Table of Contents
Presumptuous Sins ———————————————————- Mike Johnson
Why Did John Die? ———————————————————- Jarrod Jacobs
The Trouble Lies Deeper ——————————————————– Unknown
Give Me the Truth—————————————————————– Bill Crews
The Church’s Purpose————————————————————–Bill Hall
The Wooden Spoon—————————————————————Unknown
Living on Earth, Longing for Heaven——————————Richard Thetford
Properly Equipped by God —————————————————Paul Bailey
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Presumptuous Sins
Mike Johnson
Psalm 19:13 says, “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression.”
What is a presumptuous sin? This is a sin which is committed with arrogance and grows out of self-reliance and pride. A person who commits this sin knows he is doing wrong and does not care. He is unconcerned if anyone else knows although sometimes a person may commit sins secretly with a prideful attitude.
Consider two Old Testament passages. Numbers 15:30-31 says, “But the person who does anything presumptuously, whether he is native-born or a stranger, that one brings reproach on the Lord, and he shall be cut off from among his people. Because he has despised the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall be upon him.” Deuteronomy 17:12-13 says, “Now the man who acts presumptuously and will not heed the priest who stands to minister there before the Lord your God, or the judge, that man shall die. So you shall put away the evil from Israel. And all the people shall hear and fear, and no longer act presumptuously.”
Presumptuous sins can be especially dangerous due to the fact that arrogance and pride can be such obstacles in the way of true repentance. Not only must we be concerned about secret sins, but, with God’s help, we need to avoid an attitude which can result in presumptuous sins.
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Why Did John Die?
Jarrod Jacobs
John the Baptist plays a very important role in the first century. It was he who prepared the people for the coming of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3-6; Luke 3:2-6). He stands out for the work he did. In fact, he was prophesied as coming “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Malachi 4:5-6; Matthew 17:11-12; Luke 1:16-17). Yet, after a time of preaching and preparing the people for the coming Messiah and His kingdom, we see him die at the request of a wicked woman (Mark 6:22-28). Why did John die at her request? Let me suggest to you some reasons why he died.
John died because he would not change God’s message when people got mad. His message of preparing for the coming kingdom included crying out for repentance (Luke 3:7-14) and warning Herod it was not lawful for him to be married to his brother’s wife (Matthew 14:3-4; Mark 6:18). Since he would not relent or change the message, Herod had him put in prison and later killed. John was not the first nor the last to suffer such treatment for standing strong in the faith (Acts 12:2; Hebrews 11:36-39; Revelation 2:13). Yet, he stands out as a great example of faith and courage; and his godly example lives on to this day.
John died because a wicked woman saw no other way to silence him (Mark 6:17-28). After Herodias’ daughter danced for Herod, he promised her: “Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.” She consulted her mother, and Herodias demanded John’s head. It is evident that John’s faithfulness to God and His message was not wavering despite cruel treatment; so she decided to silence him the only way she could. Sadly, there are people today who, like Herodias, blame the messenger when they do not like the message! As we know, from putting John to death, to the crucifixion of Christ, to the persecution of Christians, such treatment did not silence the gospel message, but spread it farther (Acts 8:4)!
John died because a wicked man made a foolish vow (Mark 6:23). We do not know if John was told why he was executed. It was simply carried out “immediately” after the request was made. Herod was “sorry” for what he had vowed to Herodias’ daughter, but not sorry enough to try to change her mind or offer something else. John died that day because of a man’s unruly tongue (James 3:2-12)!
Be thankful for John and people like him who are faithful to God to the point of death (Revelation 2:10). John’s righteous life serves as a great example to this day. Truly, his death was not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Timothy 5:24-25; Revelation 14:13). John teaches us how to conduct ourselves in this life. When persecutions and imprisonments come, be encouraged and inspired by John!
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The Trouble Lies Deeper
A good story is told of old Thomas K. Beecher, who could not bear deceit in any form. Finding that a clock in his church building was habitually too fast or too slow, he hung a placard on the wall above it which read: “Don’t blame the hands— the trouble lies deeper.”
That is where the trouble lies with us when our hands do wrong, or our feet, or our lips, or even our thoughts. The trouble, sin, lies so deep that only God’s power can deal with it.
“Repent ye, and be immersed every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38).
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Give Me the Truth
Bill Crews
If you are my friend, if you are concerned about my soul, give me the truth. Do not flatter me. Do not praise my virtues while remaining silent about my vices. Do not fear the truth will offend me. Do not treasure our friendship, our friendly relations, above my salvation. Do not think that by ignoring my sins you can help me. Do not thing that being blind to my sins will prove yourself charitable. However I may react to it. Whatever may be my attitude toward you after you have done it, give me the truth! For the truth, and only the truth, can make me free from the shackles of sin, strengthen me in the pathway of righteousness and lead me to the joys of heaven. If I am wavering, weak, lukewarm, indifferent, neglectful; if I have been overtaken in a trespass; if I have been drawn into the pleasures of the world; if I have left my first love; if I have been led astray by error; of if I have done not of these but simply need to grow in knowledge and to be edified, GIVE ME THE TRUTH!
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Points to Ponder
- God’s promises are always greater than our problems.
- What we weave in time, we wear in eternity.
- Some folks don’t look up until they are flat on their backs.
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The Church’s Purpose
Bill Hall
What is the purpose of the Lord’s church? Is it to eradicate poverty, disease, social injustice, illiteracy from among men? Is it to bring about a cessation of war and conflict? Is it to campaign for a temptation-free society for Christians to live in?
If the church had as one of its great goals the eradication of disease, the Lord could have easily equipped it to accomplish that goal. Could not the same power that enabled one blind man to see have enabled all blind man to see; that enabled one lame man to walk have enabled all lame people to walk; that cured many people of varied diseases have cured all people of all diseases? And could not this same power have been given to the church in all generations?
If the church has as one of its great goals the eradication of poverty, the Lord could have easily equipped it to accomplish this purpose. After all, He fed the five thousand with five loaves and two fishes. He similarly fed four thousand on another occasion. Could not He who did these marvelous works have enabled His church in all generations to feed, clothe, and shelter the impoverished masses of the world through miraculous powers?
If the Lord had wanted His church to become a lobbyist group to apply political pressure toward a temptation and persecution free society in which to live, He would have given instructions in that direction. He did not even lead His church into a direct effort to destroy slavery, but taught the Christian slave to be a better slave and the Christian master to treat his slaves as he would have his heavenly Master treat him (Colossians 3:22-4:1).
The church’s purpose is to save souls and prepare people for eternity- It holds out to the impoverished the hope of someday walking a street of gold; to the suffering a time when there will be no pain; to the sorrowing a moment when “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” It tells the tempted and persecuted that there is value in these afflictions, that the testing of their faith is “more precious than of gold,” and to rejoice – It tells all to live godly lives in whatever environment they find themselves. It seeks to change people through the power of the gospel, not society through the coercion of legislators – Its weapons “are not carnal, but are mighty through God.” Its motivating theme: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
When churches become involved in hospital and health clinic work, or when they build schools for the education of their children, or when they see as one of their great missions to provide for the world’s poverty, or when they feel obligated to create social upheaval and campaign for human rights, or when they feel called upon to express their views on the government’s use of nuclear armaments or whatever, they have a distorted view of the purpose of the church.
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The Wooden Spoon
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about Grandfather,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.”
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives.
The wise parent realizes that every day the building blocks are being liad for the child’s future.
Let’s be wise builders.
From “Lessons of Life”
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Living on Earth, Longing for Heaven
Richard Thetford
Bible Christians are truly blessed by God. We enjoy the time that we have been given to live here on earth to serve and honor God, while at the same time sharing His refreshing plan of salvation to everyone we can. We do this because we know that when we die, we have so much more to live for at the resurrection. The longing that we as Christians have for heaven motivates us to be pleasing to our heavenly Father while living on earth. Let’s take a moment to consider some facts concerning heaven.
What Is Heaven?
Heaven is God’s throne. “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest” (Acts 7:49). “But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne” (Matthew 5:34). Christians look forward to the day that we can inherit an eternity with God in heaven where His throne is. Unlike this earth where we now live, we realize that heaven is a very secure place. Jesus said, “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20). It certainly is going to be a much better place (Hebrews 11:16).
What Are We Going to Have There?
While we live here on earth it is important for us to invest in our eternal home. We do that by laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 19:21). When we practice righteousness, obey, love, and honor God here on earth we are going to have our names written in the Lamb’s book of life. “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20, see also Revelation 20:12). When we stay the course here on earth, even when we are persecuted and treated unjustly until the very end of our life, then we can be assured that a great reward awaits us there. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew5:11-12). What a great and tremendous day that will be to know that we have gained an inheritance in heaven that is kept for us with our Lord (1 Peter 1:4)! What a peaceful thought it truly is to know that we will be living in heaven for evermore with our Father (Matthew 6:9) and Jesus Christ His Son (Mark 16:19; Hebrews 9:24). These are the reasons why the Christian can and should stay motivated to work and serve God faithfully and diligently while living on earth – knowing that we are going to enjoy the beauty and joy of heaven for eternity!
Who Will Be Able to Enter Heaven?
The Bible (the word of God) clearly teaches us who will be able to enter into the beauty of heaven. Bible Christians, those individuals who have become Christians based on the teaching of God, not man, will be able to enter heaven. These are the ones who have heard the word of God (Romans 10:17), believed the word and in Christ (John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6), repented (turned) from sin (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3); confessed Christ as the son of God (Acts 8:37; Matthew 10:32); and have been baptized for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21). Once one has had their sins forgiven by being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, then one is considered to be a Bible Christian (Acts 11:26). The Christian must then be faithful to God until death to be able to receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
Conclusion
We, as Christians, are able to live here on earth, enduring all the persecution, pain, and suffering that may come our way because we know there is something much better awaiting us. The Hebrew writer penned these words, “but now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:16). Satan is alive and well, seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). Therefore, we must remain “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Jesus said only those who do His will be allowed to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 7:21-23). I encourage every Christian to stay the course, be faithful until the very end of life so that we can hear the words of Jesus say to us at the judgment day “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew25:34).
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Properly Equipped by God
Paul Bailey
If you have traveled through the beautiful Canadian Rockies in Western Alberta, you have probably seen some of the mountain goats that dwell in those rugged mountains. These amazing creatures seem to defy gravity as they move freely up and down the steep slopes on the most difficult of terrains. They leap sure-footedly from ledge to ledge, scampering around with the utmost confidence. How can they avoid slipping and falling?
The mountain goat’s great stability comes from their unusually flexible two toes of their hooves, which have the ability to spread apart wider than the hoof is long, so as to distribute their grip on the rocks. Or, if they need to, they can draw together to grasp a small knob of rock. They also have a rough, pliable traction pad on the bottom of each toe which makes them skid-resistant, even on ice. In addition, they have dewclaws which project from the rear of their ankles to provide additional traction on steep, downhill slopes.
Just as God has made adequate provision in the animal world for creatures to stand with stability in difficult terrain, He will make provision for His children to stand in the most difficult spiritual circumstances. He can and will stabilize you in the midst of seemingly insurmountable difficulty. God has promised “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). As Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
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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