"If we never meet again..." - Joey Ferrell

It was a vibrant spring Saturday morning on March 31, 2012. I had plans to work in the yard, get the mower out and cut the early spring grass, daffodils and onions and just relax a bit since it was the first Saturday I had not had plans in several weeks. I was laying in bed at about 7:40 a.m. Kristie had left to take our youngest daughter to a martial arts competition. Our oldest daughter was probably still asleep. And then, my cell phone rang.

“Hello.” The voice on the other end of the phone was one I knew very well, but it was different this day. “Joey, get out here now!” It was my dad. He sounded angry, but also scared and confused. I had no idea what was wrong until the very next words came through what seemed like such a distant connection. “Your mom isn’t breathing. Get here now!”

After I called Kristie and screamed for our oldest daughter, who tried to calm me as we waited on Kristie to get back home from just a few minutes away, I fell on my knees and prayed. I prayed so hard that very moment. It was a prayer like probably none other I had ever prayed.

A few minutes later, we were in route to my mom and dad’s house. When we got there, there was an emergency officer there and he told us they had gone to the hospital. We quickly headed that way as well. When we got there, my dad was in the ER waiting area along with a lady that worked for my mom. Dad was hysterically crying, and he kept saying he didn’t know what was happening. My brother and sister arrived from out of town some time later, but only after what seemed like hours of waiting for the doctor to come to the small waiting room with the heart-wrenching words - “we did all we could do. She just wasn’t strong enough.” I replied, “what do you mean? She wasn’t strong enough for what??” You could see exactly what he meant in his facial expression when he replied, “she was on a lot of medication for her heart.” I knew by the form of past tense statement what he meant. Oh it hurt so bad to hear those last words. I am sure he had more to say, but my mind was tuned out as reality began to sink in. My mother was gone. 66 years old. She had just emailed me and my siblings the night before (and I still keep that email to look at often). It couldn’t be true. She just had her birthday on March 5 and they celebrated their 47th anniversary on March 6. There had to be a mistake. But there wasn’t.

After my siblings arrived, I met them in the parking lot. They did not know as of yet, and that was one of the hardest things I have ever had to tell them. It was definitely something that we could not understand. It just didn’t seem right. It wasn’t fair. This was our mother! But she was gone. We all went into the room where her precious body laid and it was clear that her soul had left her body as there was no life to be found. It was to this day, the saddest I believe I have ever felt. It had been quite a few years since we had lost my grandfather - her father, and a handful of years since we had lost my dad’s mother. This was the first “close” family member to die in a while, and it certainly was not expected.

This past Sunday evening, at the local church service that we attended, a brother led the song “If we never meet again” written by Albert R. Brumley in 1945 (ironically, the year before my mother was born). I love to sing this song and it brings special feelings to my heart as I do. Look at some of the words of the song:

“Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey,
and perhaps we'll never meet anymore,
till we gather in heaven's bright city,
far away on that beautiful shore.

If we never meet again this side of heaven,
as we struggle through this world and its strife,
there's another meeting place somewhere in heaven,
by the side of the river of life,
where the charming roses bloom forever,
and where separations come no more,
if we never meet again this side of heaven,
I will meet you on that beautiful shore.”

Verses 2 and 3 are just as beautiful to read and sing.

After mom passed, I struggled with the idea of how we are to be judged in our lives for an eternal home in heaven. Sure, the bible is very clear on what it takes to be saved through faith, repentance, and obedience in baptism. It is also very clear about what we need to do about remaining faithful, and not wavering to a sinful world. My mom was saved (Mark 16:16). The story I was told was that she tried to teach my dad that her upbringing in a denominational church was just fine…but she studied herself (and him) into the truth of God’s word and they were baptized at the Main Street church of Christ in Manchester, TN some time before I was born. Later in life though, her health kept her from being at worship services a lot and I could not help but wonder how her spiritual well-being may have been as we know that we can certainly steer away from a place of salvation and our “blessed assurance” if Satan can figure out how to get between us and God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Personally, I cannot go for any extended length of time without being fed spiritually and not feel myself coming up short, and I was concerned.

After a few weeks, I was helping my dad clean up some things around the house. I looked up at the bookshelf where all of mom’s “bible books” were. Commentaries, multiple bibles in various translations, study aids, books…and there it was…a spiral notebook that contained mom’s notes of her studies. I asked dad if I could take it with me to read and to bring back. He said of course I could. I am so happy that I did. Within this spiral notebook, I could see a glimpse into the spiritual heart of my mother that there was no other way of seeing. Her notes were fantastic. Lots of scripture. Lots of comments about things she had read. I even found some notes she recorded from a sermon that I had preached that she was able to be in the audience some time before. My heart felt so much better. Some of her notes were much more detailed and scripturally accurate than some preachers’ (including my own) notes were for their own sermons!

My mom has been gone from this life 13 years now. But, her legacy is not. Her spiritual influence is still thriving in me as I recently started my 17th year of working for the Lord in ministry. Her name is on the sign in front of The Gospel of Christ building in honor of her life and influence on others. One of the only pictures that I have of her (with my dad and oldest daughter) hangs on the wall in the building where our office and studio are as that building was built by her and my dad to operate a business in over 25 years ago. (We are blessed to be able to house our efforts here still with renting the property). Certainly, Treva Ferrell still lives on in her legacy.

But, what about that song. You see, we never met again in this life, and we never will. Hebrews 9:27 says that it is appointed for man once to die, and then the judgment. Every human being will face that day until the Lord returns to call the faithful home and this earth will be laid bare with no life left on it. That day, each one of us will give an account for our lives, the things we have done in the body, whether secret or visible. And that day, we will all find our eternal home…either in heaven with our God and our Savior Christ Jesus, or in the eternal clutches of Satan in a horrible situation that is described as a lake of fire with weeping and gnashing of teeth and where the worm dies not (Revelation 19-20). One day you and I will leave this earth to never meet our friends, coworkers, brothers and sisters in Christ and our families again “this side of heaven.”

Where will you be? Will you meet your loved ones in heaven? Will you meet our God in heaven? Will you be in that bright city and by the shining river of life with no sorrow, no tears, no pain, and no strife? (Revelation 21). Friend, it is my prayer that we will meet on this earth, if only by chance or through our brotherly love for one another, but, if it is not in God’s will that we may, I pray that “If we never meet again this side of heaven…I will meet you on that beautiful shore!” Are you ready? Have you put on Christ in baptism for the remission of your sins? Have you remained faithful to God and His word? If not, it is our prayer at The Gospel of Christ that we can help is some way and we would love to hear from you.

May God bless.

Joey

"Sharing the Greatest Gift" - Amy Lawrence

Evangelism

Sharing the Greatest Gift

Whether we grew up in the church or came into the fold later in life, every Christian has a story of the where, when, why, and how they were taught the gospel. I live in an area where there is a sound congregation of the Lord’s church around every corner. We are in what is known as the Bible Belt of the United States. If Tennessee is a belt, then Warren County is the buckle, with over 40 congregations of the church of Christ. Americans have the advantage of an amazing amount of resources when we need to know more about God…but this isn’t the case everywhere. In Communist China, Bible distribution is regulated by the China Christian Council/Three-Self Patriotic Movement (CCC/TSPM). Only one company is authorized to print Bibles, the Amity Printer company, and only 3-3.5 million copies are distributed annually. (The Scripture Distribution Statistics report for Bibles distributed in the United States in 2022 was around 35.5 million copies.) A Bible in China can only be purchased in places approved by the CCC/TSPM, and in-house churches are reluctant to go to CCC/TSMP churches to purchase Bibles for fear of surveillance. Only one translation is available for purchase: the Chinese Union Version. We often take for granted the availability of scripture here in the US; over 3,100 versions of scripture in over 750 languages are accessible through the World Wide Web. (For the sake of accuracy, I would recommend using ASV, KJV, or NKJV.) For the most part, we as American citizens are blessed with religious freedom. This is a blessing that allows us to share the gospel in any of the 50 states, and elsewhere if possible. No one is beyond reach if we are brave enough to share what we’ve found with others. Let’s talk about how to do that.

The first step to doing anything worthwhile is having the desire to do so. God wants us to love Him - and each other - as much as He loves us, 1 Jn. 4:9; 5:3, and only a heart that has a love toward God and a desire to do His will can be pleasing to Him, Heb. 13:6, 1 Jn. 2:3-6. We as females are given responsibilities in the church. Although we cannot take on the leadership roles that are allotted to men, we can still do our part in evangelism. Being a God-fearing mother is one of the most influential of those responsibilities. Teaching the gospel should begin at home, Deut. 6:1-9. The influence is found in living what we teach. Children that see God in their parents are most likely to become Christians that continue sharing this gift. We also have the benefit of everyday living among others that may not know Christ. In the workplace, at home, at the sports court/field, even from grocery store conversations to bumper stickers and t-shirts, we can glow Christ. We have so many opportunities that we unfortunately often overlook. We can be billboards for Christ! Let’s look at all the opportunities we as women have by looking at the endeavors of the Proverbs 31 woman: She…

1.)  …is trusted by her husband and blessed by her children, making her first and foremost an evangelist at home by shining Christ, Mt. 5:16.

2.)  …“seeks wool and flax” and “brings food from afar”, most likely at a local market.

Both vendors and customers are potential audiences for the gospel, Acts 16:13-14.

3.)  …“provides food for her household and a portion for her maidservants”, and in this is the opportunity to give both physical and spiritual sustenance to her family and employees.

4.)  …uses her good work to be a beacon toward God, leading others to appreciate her work ethic and ask what makes her so dedicated, Acts 9:36,39.

5.)  …“extends her hand to the poor”, another opportunity to give both physical and spiritual sustenance to anyone in need, Lk. 4:18.

6.)  …”opens her mouth with wisdom and upon her tongue is the law of kindness”. We can teach children and other women in the church, we can aid in the work that goes into preparing for evangelical work, and we can be supportive to any missionary endeavor.

There are so many opportunities we as women have to aid in spreading the gospel. Don’t fall prey to the idea that any job toward evangelism is menial. Even if it’s something as simple as mailing Bible Correspondence Courses to someone interested in learning God’s Word, dedicate yourself to it. Mt. 6:4 - God sees! Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation about Jesus if the opportunity arises, never let an open door close because you think you are too busy, and be a billboard for Christ every chance that you get to do so! We are His ambassadors, and that in itself is phenomenal. We are given the responsibility of showing the world the message of salvation, the blessing of sharing with others the grace and mercy we ourselves have received, and the honor of serving the One who gave all for us. Let us do so with joy, Acts 20:24!

If I Only Had This, I Would Be Happy—Wrong! - Ben Bailey

If I Only Had This, I Would Be Happy—Wrong!

Have you ever said to yourself, “My life would be happier if…”? If I had more money, if I had a better job, if I had a better education, I would be happier. We have all had thoughts along those lines at one time or another in our life. Would these things really make your life happier? More money might make you worry more about losing it. A better job might mean more responsibility and more stress. A better education may not be the answer to the problem either. The real problem is we look to the wrong places for happiness. C. S. Lewis put it so simply when he said, “Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” 

Think back to the first time this failed venture arises in Scripture. Adam and Eve had everything they needed to live the best life provided by God in the Garden. They did not have to worry about the stresses of life that often bring us unhappiness. They truly were in Paradise! Despite living in Paradise already, the Devil was able to convince them something was missing. He tempted them with the forbidden fruit, and they thought they were missing something. Was it how good the fruit looked (Lust of the Eyes) that tempted them? Maybe It was how the fruit would improve their knowledge and power that appealed to them (Pride of Life). Or was it a desire to taste that new fruit they had never eaten (Lust of the Flesh)? Adam and Eve failed to realize that true happiness does not come from the pursuits of this earthly life but from God himself. God was the source of their happiness; they were just deceived into believing something was missing (Gen. 3:1-15).

Another clear picture of someone who had it all but could not be satisfied is Solomon. God blessed Solomon with wisdom, wealth, and power beyond our wildest imaginations (1 Kings 3:5-15). Even more important than the physical blessings Solomon had was His close relationship with God (1 Kings 3-5). Solomon truly had it all. Surprisingly, things change very quickly for Solomon and his happiness. He begins to add more stuff, and more wives and more earthly pursuits in his life. This man who was blessed supernaturally by God finally reaches a point in his life where he is so despondent and depressed that his conclusion on life is this: “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled: And indeed, all was vanity and grasping for the wind.  There was no profit under the sun” (Eccl. 3:11). How could Solomon reach such a low point in his life? He failed to learn that our happiness is not based on earthly pursuits, but rather our happiness is in God. 

What about us today? Are we any different? Do we still try to base our happiness on the successes and attainments of earthly pursuits? Have you been where Adam and Eve, and Solomon were? Do you feel like if you could just taste something new or if you could just have more it would make you happy? Are you ready to learn an important but hard lesson? None of that stuff will really make you happy. Why not? Because true happiness is only in God not in earthly pursuits! Listen to the words of Psalm 1: “How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3). May we learn the wonderful lesson that wherever we are at and whatever state we are in we can be happy because of God (Phil. 4:11). –Ben Bailey

"A Helper Comparable" - Amy Lawrence

A Helper Comparable

Seeking and Finding a Spouse

When browsing on Amazon, we as consumers can just type in a description of the item we seek, and hundreds if not thousands of possibilities present themselves at our fingertips. Pictures, videos, and customer reviews allow us to see the items in a more personal way. We can modify our search to limit it to a specific range - color, size, price, rating, even the name of a particular brand - and it will show us our heart’s desire. Seeking a spouse is not so simple. Many would suggest any number of dating websites that use this idea to find a compatible significant other, but there is a personal element missing from such tools. Given that this is an article that is geared toward a study for Christian women, one must ask: how does one find a godly husband in an ungodly world? As He is God, our Lord has answered any question that any Christian will ever have through the written documents we all know as scripture. Before we can glean from it, though, there is a certain foundation a Christian must have before God’s answer can be understood. God expects a student of scripture to have eyes and ears that are capable of seeing and hearing and a heart that is ready to receive, Mt. 13:13-17. If your eyes, ears, and heart are ready, let’s begin a study from God’s Word on the subject of finding a godly spouse.

We’ll first begin with the basics: 

1.)  A woman should be seeking a man and a man should be seeking a woman, Gen. 1:27, Mt. 19:4-5. Seeking the same gender is not an option, Lev. 18:22; 20:13, Rom.

1:18-32, Heb. 13:4. Enough said.

2.)  A divorced man/woman is not always allowed to remarry, Lk. 16:18, 1 Cor.

7:10-11. If you are a woman that has divorced for reasons that are not authorized by

God, then you are still married in the eyes of God Almighty and are ineligible to date. If dating a divorcee, make sure you know whether or not their divorce was scripturally authorized. One should always be in possession of the facts before considering marriage to a divorcee.  

3.)  Although marrying a Christian is recommended, it is not a requirement, 1 Cor. 7:12-13. There are some in the brotherhood that attempt to bind where God has not bound in this matter. Scripture does not support the notion that marrying a nonChristian is disallowed. Having said that, I will also say that a wise Christian that considers not just their own future but also the future of their children, will seek out another Christian to marry.

Now, to the meat of the matter. 

When seeking the person with whom you plan to spend the remainder of your life, do so more with intelligence than emotion. Anyone that allows emotion to steer the helm of their ship is one that is without the anchor of reason to keep them from crashing into the rocky shore. USE. YOUR. BRAIN. FIRST. When making decisions now, consider the impact today’s decisions will have on your future. There’s a word for this concept: prudence. Scripture has a lot to say about prudence, Prov. 8:12; 12:16, 23; 13:16; 14:8, 15, 18; 15:5; 16:21; 18:15; 19:14; 22:3; 27:12, Hosea 14:9. It is always coupled with wisdom. One who lacks wisdom suffers, Prov. 10:13. A lot. A wise person uses patience and observation skills to learn the person they are considering marrying. No, I’m not suggesting fingerprinting, a background check, and an application process for every date. I am suggesting an attention to detail that is not clouded by emotional judgement. People will tell you everything you need to know about them if you just pay attention. 

Another element of prudence is being able to let them go if they are not the right person for you. Being “in love” with someone does not make marriage to that person mandatory nor does it mean the love is reciprocated. One of the biggest mistakes made by people that are dating is that of confusing lust for love. Sexual attraction alone is a terrible way to decide if that person will make a good spouse/parent. With marriage, you are creating a team of two people that become one entity, Eph. 5:31. These two people must work in tandem to build a successful household. The health of a household depends directly on the health of the marriage that is the first building block of that household. If the foundation is God and His will, every block that is laid on that foundation will hold up against any storm.

Make sure love is the tie that binds, and make sure you know how to define “love”. The definition of true love can be found in 1 Cor. 13:4-8. This is the only love that has the power to withstand anything this life can throw at you as a couple. Be prudent when seeking this love, recognizing this love, and being this love. I know you’re thinking, “Well, Amy, you told us earlier not to think with our emotions.” Read 1 Cor. 13 again. Every term that Paul uses to define “love”, ἀγάπη (agapé), is a verb. It’s an action. A person can say “I love you” all day long, but it’s nothing but hot air - until it is shown through their actions. (If actions do not match words, then that’s a red flag, ladies.) The actions listed in 1 Cor. 13 are those of a care for another’s wellbeing ahead of your own. Seek someone whose needs you can put ahead of your own, but also can do the same in return for you. 

Let’s be honest; what we seek most when considering marriage is attraction. As I will agree that beautiful people have a much easier time gaining attention, one must be careful that their beauty is not only skin-deep. Absalom was an incredibly handsome man, but his character was appalling, 2 Sam. 13:30; 14:25.. A Christian seeking true beauty will seek spiritual beauty, not just physical. David had such beauty, 1 Sam. 16:6-13; 17:42, Ps. 34:18. We should also consider, though, that outward attractiveness is not a necessity. Jesus Himself was recorded as being average in His outward appearance, Is. 53:2. He is still beautiful to the spiritually focused mind that knows Him and is eager to see Him, 2 Tim. 4:8. Don’t overestimate (or underestimate) what you see, Jn. 7:24. A person can look like a 10 on the outside, but if their character is a 3, then they’re a 3. The opposite is true, as well; a 3 on the outside that is a 10 on the inside is a 10. Kindness is beautiful. Joy is beautiful. Meekness, self-control, gentleness, patience, intelligence, selflessness are all beautiful. Outward beauty will fade. Only inward integrity can stand the test of time. Be more attracted to that beauty.

When it comes to finding someone that you will share space with indefinitely, there’s not really a checklist. That’s not how it works. Everyone is attracted to varying combinations of attributes. You can set your own standard, though. It is important to find a person with whom you can coexist well. Common likes and dislikes are essential to the success of any relationship. You will never find that success if you don’t know what you stand for - and won’t stand for - in the relationship. Set boundaries for yourself. Respect boundaries of anyone you date. Learn habits! Whether they are your own or those of anyone you date, LEARN HABITS! If it’s a bad habit, change! Part of setting boundaries is asking your significant other to change bad habits as well, and if they refuse to change, that’s another red flag! Never assume that a person cannot change. (It takes time, so be patient.) We are all a fluid concept. It’s the willingness to change what needs to be changed and keep what needs to be kept that is the determining factor of maturity. (Don’t sell yourself short by assuming they will change after marriage, either. I know many women that have made that mistake. If they won’t change while you’re dating, they won’t change while you’re married, Luke 16:10-11.) A couple that desires a successful marriage has to be two people that can communicate within a balance of being accountable to one another. They also, above all, must be forgiving. Mistakes will be made. A successful marriage is that of two good forgivers, Eph. 4:31-32.

When God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, He said, “It is not good that man should be alone. I will make him a helper comparable to him.” (Gen. 2:18) The word used for “comparable” here is the Hebrew word נָגַַד (nagad). This word is used elsewhere in scripture to describe proximity, the space and time shared in the relationships of people. There is more detail given to this relationship between husband and wife, though. Gen. 2:21-22 describes the very first Father that led His daughter to her waiting bridegroom. Adam describes Eve as being “bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh”, vs. 23. Husband and wife do not just share time and space. They share flesh, vs. 24-25. Before I go on, I need to make one thing inescapably clear; boyfriends do not get husband privileges. Period. There is no such thing as a “test drive” when it comes to physical relations between a man and a woman. Purity is a requirement in every aspect of God’s law, and marriage is no exception, Heb. 13:4. This is where it is most vital that we USE OUR BRAIN and not our emotions. If you are susceptible to losing your good sense in situations where there is the temptation to go too far with a date, then don’t put yourself into those situations. Paul dealt with a problem the Corinthians were suffering when it came to physical relations. The city itself was rife with sexual immorality. One of the questions the Corinthian Christians asked Paul was answered in 1 Cor. 7:1-2: “to avoid sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife and each woman have her own husband.” This is the only relationship in which the sharing of flesh is allowed. If a date refuses to respect this boundary, that’s not just a red flag - that’s shark-infested waters. Find a man that is as obsessed with purity as you should be.

God set a pattern for all households. In order to enjoy the success God’s law provides, one must adhere to the organization God’s law commands, Gen. 18:19. As Christian women, we are commanded to submit to our husbands, Eph. 5:22. Once you are married, you don’t get to decide at that point that you cannot submit to the man you chose. Find a man to whom you can submit BEFORE you marry. This is the only time you get to decide. Understand also the wording of Eph. 5:22. It doesn’t say, “husbands, make your wives submit”. That is not his job, so don’t make it his job. He has a heavy enough responsibility already. Submission is our responsibility. I have found, however, that it is easy to submit when I love the one to whom I submit. My husband takes care of me, the care that is described in Eph. 5:25, sometimes even to the sacrifice of himself. THAT’S love, Phil. 2:3-5. It’s only fair that I reciprocate, Prov. 31:27-28. Does this mean I don’t have to reciprocate if my husband doesn’t take care of me? No. I’m not just submitting to my husband. I’m also submitting to God, 1 Pet. 2:18-25, and He has commanded that I submit to my husband - no matter how easy or difficult that becomes. Even if it does become difficult, don’t underestimate the influence of good character. If I do what I should do, even if my husband does not, my conduct could one day convince my husband to behave as God would have him, 1 Pet. 3:1-2. This works both ways. Good husbands can also influence wives to be more godly. 

Most women get this idea in their heads that “submission” is a bad word that carries undesirable connotations. This is usually because all they have ever known was a misrepresentation of submission. I clean my husband’s dirty socks and underwear, but I’m not his maid. I wash my husband’s used dishes, but I’m not his waitress. I know this because of the appreciation he shows for the things that I do for him. He earns the money that enables him to mow a lawn he barely gets to enjoy, maintain the structural integrity of a house and its utilities he spends less than a quarter of his time using, and ensure the wellbeing and happiness of the people that get to reap the benefits of these things more than he does - but that doesn’t make him my personal ATM. He knows this because I show appreciation for the things he does for me. Communication and selflessness are two very principal keys to a working relationship between husband and wife. He doesn’t treat me as chattel and lord over me, either. Husbands should love their wives as they do their own flesh, Eph. 5:28-29.

Submission is not a baser, degrading position to hold. It is simply that of a follower. Any good leader is aware of the needs of anyone under their leadership but also takes into account the desires and opinions of those in their care. Such respect makes submitting to such a leader an easy choice. This, of course, doesn’t mean that they do not have the final authority. My husband frequently asks my opinion on important decisions, but ultimately the decision is his and his alone. There have been (and I’m sure will be) times that I have not agreed with the decision my husband has made. This does not give me the right to overstep the boundaries God has set. Sometimes my husband was right and I didn’t see until after the fact. Sometimes, he was wrong. I would love to tell you that I have always handled the “I told you so” conversation with patience, understanding, and forgiveness…but that would be a lie. I will say this; any time the conversation WAS handled with patience, understanding, and forgiveness, that’s where growth happened. Such communication gave him the wherewithal to admit his mistake and also to more freely forgive my mistakes in the future. God’s way works best, every time, Ps. 1:1-3, Nahum 1:7.

I have been blessed with a wonderful husband. He wasn’t dropped into my lap nor I into his. He wasn’t miraculously instructed to find me and woo me, nor was I divinely struck upon the back of the head and told to locate and marry this man. We were blessed through the providence of God with sense, circumstance, and opportunity. God still left the decision up to us. I have now been happily married for almost 21 years. “Happy” doesn’t mean there wasn’t trouble. We’ve had more good days than bad, but the bad days have made the good all the more pleasant. We are a team as we raise our daughter, we are a force to be reckoned with when battling those problems that come along, and we owe all of this to God because it is Him we follow.

His word is our shield and buckler, Ps. 91:4.

If you are a woman in search of a good husband, God’s word describes how such a man can be recognized. It makes them so much easier to find when you know what you’re looking for and doing so in the right place - the church. Just don’t ignore the probability that those good men are seeking good women. If you want a good husband, you have to be a good wife. The woman in Proverbs 31 is the kind that doesn’t ignore chapters 1-30. I hope this study has given you a starting point to a bountiful harvest from the will of God in how to find a good husband and be a good wife. I pray that every wife finds herself as blessed as this one is.

My Most Contrary Convert - Ben Bailey

My Most Contrary Convert

                  Who is the one person you must work on most with the Gospel? Who would you, more than anybody else, like to see conform to the image of Christ? If your answer is anyone other than self, you are not looking in the right direction. Jerry Bridges expressed it correctly when he said, “Preach the gospel to yourself every day.”  We all believe in preaching the Gospel. Reaching our friends and neighbors with the good news is a high priority. But like Mr. Bridges said, I need to preach the Gospel to myself first every day. I am my most contrary convert! Yet, it is encouraging to know I am not the only one who felt this way.

                  The Apostle Paul said, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27).  Paul knew it was a challenge every day to crucify self and live for the Master (Gal. 2:20; 1 Cor. 15:31). Like us, his struggle was real. Paul said, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin” (Rom. 7:24-25).  Like the Apostle Paul we must never stop preaching the Gospel to ourselves and striving to live faithful to Jesus every day. Do you remember what Paul said about the struggle? He said, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12-14).

                  While it is indeed a wrestling match with the flesh every day, do not give up. Keep fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12). Keep dying to self and crucifying self every day (Gal. 2:20; 1 Cor. 15:31)! If our mindset is that we are not going to give up and we are going to keep working on self and walking in the light, then we have the right mindset to win the battle (Luke 9:23; 1 John 1:7). Keep working on your most contrary convert—Yourself! He is worth it! —Ben Bailey

Everything Makes Sense with God - Ben Bailey

Everything Makes Sense with God

In his book Desiring God, John Piper said, “The proper understanding of everything in life begins with God.” How do we make sense of this short, temporary existence on this terrestrial ball? What does it all matter anyway? We are only going to be here a while, and in a few years it will all be over, right? It only makes sense if everything in life begins with God!  Notice two ways this impacts my everyday life.

God is My Life. In a dark and dreary book, the wise sage tried everything to find the proper understanding. He focused on building projects.  He fulfilled every pleasure he desired.  He planted gardens and flower beds.  He acquired treasure and had many servants at his beckon command.  He put his attention on music and the arts, as well as the lust of the flesh.  How do you think all that worked out for him?  Listen to his own words: “And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun” (Eccl. 2:10-11).  That is a little bit shocking and so counter to what the world would have us believe today.  Imagine all the money, time and effort Solomon put into these ventures!  And his final analysis of it all was it was a worthless waste of time.  Why? Because Solomon had not yet learned that life only makes sense with God.  He would later realize this and say, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Eccl. 12:13).

God is My Glory.  If life only makes sense when we put God in the proper place, what does that change about my life.  It causes us to recalibrate around a different and selfless purpose in life.  Through the prophet Isaiah, God said “Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him” (Isa. 43:7).  Everything I do now, I do it to God’s glory and not my own selfish interest. My Job—an opportunity to Glorify God.  My recreation—I am looking for opportunities to magnify the name of God.  My home life—It is one of my greatest ways to glorify and magnify the name of God.  What we really need to learn is everything in life, even the trivial things, are about glorifying God.  That is why I am here!  Paul said this to the Corinthians in these words, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). 

Does your life have the meaning and purpose you so desperately long for it to have? The real question we need to ask is, “Is God my purpose and my glory?”  May each of us be encouraged to think about why were here and make sure we realize that everything begins with and only makes sense when God is the center of our life

Evangelism or Benevolence? Both! - Joey Ferrell

Sometimes the church may get encumbered by the “works” of the church and maybe at time lose balance and even sometimes the focus of the work of the church.

One “three-legged stool” thought of the work of the church is at times described as 1. Benevolence, 2. Evangelism, and 3. Edification. Certainly, all three of these can be supported in scripture with passages such as Ephesians 4:11-12, Colossians 3:17, James 1:27, Galatians 6:10, Matthew 28:18-20 and many other passages that show compassion, edification, and benevolence.

But, why do we sometimes try to separate these things…when truly, they should all be in conjunction with one another? Yes, evangelism is hard work. Yes, benevolence can be costly with money and time. Of course, edification is necessary for the saints to grow! Balancing these things can be much more than just an obligation. It can sometimes be quite rewarding to not only those receiving the benefits of the three, but also the church and each individual Christian as these works “collide.”

Please allow me to share one illustration of this “three-legged stool” being strengthened and the glory of our Lord being shown quite evident through such a collision.

At the end of September, many will remember that our Southeastern area of the United States became victim to not just one, but two back to back hurricanes. The first, and most powerful of these was Helene. Not only did Helene pack a huge punch, but it also was preceded in some areas by not only inches, but feet of rain - in turn causing flooding, mud slides, lingering wind and tornadic damage and just pure utter chaos to some areas that had never seen these kinds of events happening all at one time in areas that were previously unthought of to be in the paths of such storms and devastation. It was (and still is) a widespread MESS!

Many Christians began trying to figure out what to do as many prepared for the “known” storm that was heading toward the Florida gulf coast - including me as we have a strong personal attachment to the area that was in the eye of the storm. I had been on the phone with Mark Weaver with Crisis Evangelism (https://crisisevangelism.org/) whom I have become very acquainted with and count Mark and Dawn as great Christian servants and friends. We were trying to “get ahead” of the needs that were about to show themselves evident. We had put together some “game plans” on where to go based on the areas that were in the “target.” Overnight, the storms shifted, but Mark went ahead to the area close by where we had talked about might be hit.

The storm hit…and then it hit again…and then it kept pounding…all the way up the eastern coast. But, what was not expected was that a frontal system was already dropping rain in the mountainous areas of North Carolina and Northeast Tennessee. The aftermath would soon be seen. While the good folks in the Big Bend of Florida and Southern Georgia were feeling the direct effect of the hurricane, these other areas were starting to wake up to water…more water…and even more water. Reports were coming in that lives were lost, homes were gone, and roads were caving in. The devastation was unfathomable.

I wanted to help. After some contact with different people in North Carolina, Virginia, and NE Tennessee, there was a place I could go. The destination was Mountain City, TN. This area is on the fringe of the major damages, but, with the mountain ranges around them, they were also victims of no power, major flooding in areas, wind damages, no internet (for contact and using payment methods outside of cash), roads impassable, and more. After talking with one of the members - my good friend Dean Jones, and getting all set up with the elders, I started my journey with a borrowed trailer in tow, meeting with one of the deacons at Lenoir City church of Christ after coordinating with Kelly Warren who wanted to try to help get involved as the church there. And we were off to Mountain City.

By the time that Rick and I arrived with as much supplies and food as we could bring, after staying the night at Kelly’s house because there were no suitable hotels closer, the church was already in action. I had shared with them experiences from former storms I had seen and relief efforts I had been a part of as well as advice from Mark Weaver. They had set up a feeding line and started organizing supplies to be given out. Souls were starting to show up for essential needs. Food…water…cleaning supplies…baby supplies…and of course, some sort of comfort from those who could offer an ear and a heart.

These Christians that had assembled there at the church building, who had brought their own food to cook, had brought extra supplies from their own homes, who wanted to “be the church” in every way, showed up and they showed up shining the glory of God through His church with His people!

These great elders that are there - Tom Reece, Tim Winters and Don Kerley along with their preacher Chuck Stewart and Dean had already been working on how to take this opportunity of service in benevolence into evangelism, but what they may not have realized is the amount of edification that this also afforded for not only their own congregation, other Christians who were able to come, bring thousands of dollars in supplies and assist for days on end like Dennis and Rachel Smith (Dennis is a preaching student at the TCSOP about an hour or so away), members of the Mountain City congregation, and even Christians from as far as Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama and probably more than can be listed. Certainly, I would not want to leave anyone out but there are way too many to name. You see, this work of benevolence that would turn into an evangelistic opportunity, also strengthened the ones who were able to take part… not only in the physical realm…also through prayer and through financial support.

You see, I want to give thanks where thanks is due. Working with The Gospel of Christ, I had opportunity to do what I was able to do in going to help for a few days, but the story did not end,and certainly did not begin or evolve around my extremely small part of being there with a few supplies and some moral support. Calls began coming from all over the country from those that support The Gospel of Christ as congregations and individuals found out about the needs. They wanted to help too! And they did, and continue! Each call I would get, I would hand off or refer to Tom as the treasurer and elder. Many of those calls came within days, but some are still coming. And every single call…even if nothing more than an encouragement to the church there, was so uplifting and comforting and recorded on Tom’s little book.

Fast forward to today…the church there has plans of using the contacts (over 250) that were made in the initial days after in an opportunity to evangelize. So…benevolence was provided. And evangelism is ongoing. But what about that edification part? Well, it is said often that when you are struggling, serve someone…and so many did just that…and growth has been seen! Without naming names, I witnessed first-hand at least three babes in Christ (in a generation of people that is pointed at as being in the dwindling religious realm) getting their hands, heart, and feet involved in this work. What did that do? The ones I saw grew. But it did not stop with them. I grew. I believe many in the church there grew. But, that is not all. In the past few weeks, I have been to multiple congregations that were among those first phone calls that wanted to help…any way they could. And the help continues as many of these same people stepped up just a week ago when some in North Carolina needed propane tanks for heaters and through a concentrated - very quick effort in raising funds to use through some members and a congregation, our good brother Darren Clayton was able to purchase and deliver 30 tanks as well as 30 hoses were shipped directly to the site where people are living in tents! Back to those congregations…I have seen members at these congregations that are very involved in these efforts that may not have known what they could do before. I have spoken with Darren several times as he is also helping with clean up in some of the area…and he is growing!

After all, we all have room to grow, right? That is edification!

As we grow as The Gospel of Christ, a very special thank you is due to all of our supporting congregations and individuals as well as those who watch, pray, and encourage this work. It has been said several times, and it is worth repeating - The Gospel of Christ is not just a television program…and we have you to thank for that! If your congregation or as an individual you helped in any way with these efforts - THANK YOU! You do not know how much good has been done by your sacrifice. Your prayers have been encouraging, your financial support has been helpful. Your love for others and for Christ that is shown is incredibly edifying to us at The Gospel of Christ and to many…but it would seem especially to our God and His church!

Benevolence, Evangelism, Edification….it all matters and souls will be saved because of these efforts!

Here are a few pictures of the efforts.

Christian Relativity - A study on Time - Amy Lawrence

Christian Relativity

A Study on Time in Scripture

Time. In reading the first three words of scripture, we learn that the first thing created was time. It is indeed a marvel. We can spend it, waste it, manage it, or measure it, but what we can never do is change its speed.

Time stands still for no one.

Time speeds up for no one.

Let’s discuss this unstoppable force and what we as Christians are expected to do with it. 

Albert Einstein possessed a mind that had a knack for thinking ahead of his time. HIs theory of general relativity is a description of how gravity works and how mass affects time and space. Einstein postulated that time and space are intertwined, and what affects one also affects the other. He theorized that if one could “fold” space, time would “fold” with it…and one could travel from point A to point B millions of miles away in a matter of seconds. He also theorized that anything that generates enough gravity will “bend” this space/time fabric. Using Einstein’s theory is how astronomers find stars, black holes, planetary bodies, galaxies millions of light years away. Most do not understand Einstein’s theory because most people see space and time as two separate entities. Your phone understands, though. The GPS on your phone relies on Einstein’s theories for accuracy. Satellites in outer space experience time slightly faster than we do here on Earth (by nanoseconds, nothing significant). This means that the technology inside your phone has to use the theories postulated by Einstein in order for your GPS to get you where you need to go. Einstein’s ideas were theorized decades before we even had the technology to confirm his theories, but many of them are now proven fact.

 It’s a lot to wrap one’s head around. And that’s the point.

When God responded to Job in Job 38, he challenged Job to explain the “ordinances of heaven”, 38:33. God was presenting Job with a picture of how awesome He is and how puny we are when we stand before God. As long as it has taken the human race to discover what God has known all along is a testament to our limited ability and  access to knowledge. God tells us, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Is. 55:9) Just because we have learned how time and space work doesn’t mean we’ve suddenly been given the ability to manipulate either. Understanding the relationship between time and space does not change the fact that we are still human. God created Einstein. Even knowing what he knew, Albert Einstein could not bend space. He could not alter time. Only God can. That fact has never changed. In this, we see God. Paul wrote to the Romans, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead…” (Rom. 1:29) God is proven, time and time again, by His creation. Our limits are proven, time and time again, by HIs creation.

But why show us how limited we are?

I’ll get into that in a moment. First, let’s see what the Bible has to say about time.

Scripture talks A LOT about time and the relationship it has with Creation. Everyone can probably quote Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven…” We are the prisoners of time. Solomon also wrote, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all. For man also knows not his time: as the fish that are taken in a cruel net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in a cruel time, when it falls suddenly upon them.” (Ecc. 9:11-12) Time is a determinate of our existence, and we cannot escape it. There is nothing quite like watching the hands of a clock move and knowing that we are at the mercy of the time that clock represents. Imagine, if you will, going through an entire day without knowing what time it is! Would that day feel slower? Faster? Would the sun seem to stand still? (That really happened, once, Josh. 10:12-13.) No matter how we perceive or how much we know about the temporal, it still does not change the fact that our physical bodies have been created with a time-limit. Everything in Creation is temporary, 2 Pet. 3:10, which makes God separate from Creation, from time and space. God is spirit, John 4:24. God existed before time began, 1 Pet. 1:20. God inhabits eternity, Is. 57:15. There is no limit to the space God can take up at any given time, Is. 52:12, and there is no escaping God, Prov. 15:3. His eternal existence in both time and space is depicted in His name, Ex. 3:13-15, Jn. 8:58.

This is part of what makes God awesome. 

Scripture measures time in human terms by hours, Mt. 20:3-5, days, Gen. 1:5, weeks (Sabbaths), Ex. 26:26, months, Ex. 12:2, years, Ex. 12:5, feasts/holy days, Ex. 23:14, Is. 30:29, moons, Ps. 81:3; 104:19, Is. 66:23, and watches, Lk. 12:38. (The Hebrew Calendar is a lunisolar calendar, using both the sun and moon for times and dates. Not all scripture was recorded using the Hebrew references of time, though. Matthew, Mark, and Luke used Hebrew references - but John did not. John used Roman time, which is why it may seem that scripture contradicts itself when in fact it does not, Mt. 27:45, Mk. 15:33, Lk. 23:44, Jn. 19:14). No measure of time, however, is relevant to God, 2 Pet. 3:8, because God is eternal, Is. 43:11-13.

Okay. We’ve covered the physical. Let’s get into our spiritual view of time. I asked a question earlier; why does God show us how limited we are? Being finite, we often are forced to consider the brevity of this life. Eternity is so appealing to us as humans because we know how fleeting this life is, Is. 40:6-8. We’ve seen the truth of death. The other side of suffering shows us how fragile we are. In this, we have the tendency to seek things that make us feel safe and secure. Scripture gives us the answer. Only in scripture can we can find the promise God gives that we do not have to be afraid. God told Joshua, “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9) When we understand our own weakness, we seek a safe haven. Anyone that has a deep knowledge of and appreciation for God’s power finds that safe haven in Him. Our limits should draw us closer to God, Ps. 57:1. He never leaves, Heb. 13:5.

Our weaknesses are also a billboard for God’s power, our imprisonment by time a flashing sign that points to the Almighty. Paul understood this, 2 Cor. 12:7-1. Isaiah 43:1-13 showcases how God’s might is necessary throughout all of Creation and our interaction with it. Mankind’s limitations broadcast the difference between God Almighty and man. This also brings to the forefront the love that God has for us. He has the ability to destroy us…but instead lifts us up, James 4:10.

We may not be able to manipulate time, but we can certainly use what we have been given wisely. The Ephesians were advised by Paul to “walk circumspectly… redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:15-16) All things are given to us by God, including our time, James 1:17. In this, we are made stewards for Christ…and a steward must be found faithful, 1 Cor. 4:1-2. We can be efficient with the time and talents given to us by God (Mt. 25:14-23)…or we can squander them (Mt. 25:24-30).

Either way, we will answer for it, 2 Cor. 5:9-11.

I’ll ask some questions in conclusion:

1.)How much of your day did you dedicate to God?

2.)How much of God’s day did He dedicate to you?

3.) How much of your time would  you invest into eternity?

Every moment we invest into God’s Kingdom is an investment into eternity, because it is the only Kingdom that will cross over into eternity, 1 Cor. 15:24. Give your time to God, and what He will give in return is timeless.

Heaven, Our Forever Home - Ben Bailey

Heaven, Our Forever Home

“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God” (Heb. 4:9).  With these words the Hebrews writer reminds us of our forever home—Heaven.  Unlike the Israelites who were heading toward the physical home of Canaan, Christians are journeying toward our final destination of Heaven.  As we think about that forever home each of us are probably made to ask, “What will Heaven really be like?”  Notice how the Bible describes the beauty of Heaven.

          Our forever home will be a wonderful place of rest after the struggles of this life have ended.  Each one of us gets tired after a long hard day of work.  We enjoy putting up our feet at the end of a long day and relaxing.  While earthly rest will not begin to compare to heavenly rest, what a joy it is to know that Heaven is a place of rest.  There will be no more labor, toil, and striving against sin.    The writer of Hebrews describes it in this way.  “There remains a rest for the people of God” (Heb. 4:9).  This rest contrasted with and was greater than the promise rest Joshua had given the people of Israel in Canaan (Heb. 4:1ff). 

          Our forever home will be great because it will be a place where we can worship God fully.  Someone has said, “If you don’t enjoy worship here on earth, you probably won’t enjoy Heaven either.”  Why?  Because much of what we see going on in Heaven is worship to Almighty God.  For example, in Revelation 4&5 those in Heaven are throwing down their crowns and worshipping God in song.  This gives us insight as to what will happen in Heaven (Rev. 4:9-10).

          Our forever home will be amazing because it is described as a place of endless joy.   One of the great things about Heaven will be the absolute joy that God’s people possess.  All of us will admit that one of the worst things about this life is sadness.  Isn’t it wonderful to know that Heaven is a place of infinite joy?  To the servant who used his talents to the glory of God Jesus said, “…enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matt. 25:21).  

          How wonderful it is to know that when the toils and struggles of this life are over and we hear the Words, “Well done, good and faithful servant enter into the joys of your Lord” that we can partake in all the wonder and beauty of our Heavenly Home.  May God help each of us to life in such a way that Heaven will be our forever home!                            --Ben Bailey

What Does the Lord Teach About Our Speech? - Ben Bailey

What Does the Lord Teach About Our Speech?

            How should a Christian talk? What kind of things should or should not come out of a Christian’s mouth? Hopefully these are questions you have thought about and or maybe are thinking about.  The good news is God teaches us the way we should talk and the things we should avoid saying.  Notice what the Bible teaches about our speech. 

            Let your speech be gracious.  The Word of God says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer each one” (Col. 4:2).  No one enjoys talking to or listening to someone whose speech is abrasive or harmful.  A Christians speech should be gracious and preserving.  The idea here is that our speech should be kind, considerate of others and we should say things in a way that should open doors rather than close them. 

            Speak the Truth in Love.  Someone once told me a truth about speech that I have never forgot…You are never someone’s enemy when you tell them the truth (Gal. 4:16).  It may be uncomfortable.  It may feel like you are becoming their enemy, but if truth sets people free you are not their enemy (John 8:32).  However, our approach with the truth also needs to be considered. When I tell someone the truth it must be done in love.  With a kind an loving heart and with the motivation of love is how I should always approach others.  

            Avoid evil speech.  The Word of God says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Eph. 4:29).  Paul also reminded Christians to put off “filthy language out of your mouth” (Col. 3:8).  Maybe you used to use foul language or say coarse words before you became a Christian.  As a child of God, you must work on breaking that habit and removing those words from your vocabulary.  Remember, the Lord said for every idle word men speak they will give an account of in the judgment (Mt. 12:36-37).

            May every Christian have the mindset and the attitude of the Psalmist when he said, “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3).   Let’s use our speech to encourage, build up and praise God not for evil purposes!       --Ben Bailey

Are You Influential? - Ben Bailey

An old Korean Proverb illustrates the power of one’s influence when it says, “Power lasts ten years, influence not more than a hundred.”  Sometimes we may think, “Am I influencing anyone?”  The question asked is really a faulty one.  It’s not IF we are influencing anyone, but HOW are we influencing them.  All of us are an influence on others either for good, bad, or indifference.  What type of influence should a Christian possess?  Let’s notice what God says.

            Concerning our influence Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt. 5:13-16).  Jesus likened our influence to two powerful examples in this text: salt & light.  All of us can see the value and effect of these in our everyday life.  For example, think back to the most bland and boring meal that you have eaten.  Don’t you remember thinking to yourself, “This needs some spice?”.  Our influence is that “spice” that adds flavor to life.  Oh how we need to add good “spice” to this life.  Then, think about the effects of light.  When you walk into a room at night the very first thing you do is…turn on the light.  Why?  Light helps us to see and adds beauty, vividness and life to all it touches.  The same is true of our example.  Our “light” must shine in such a vivid and beautiful way that others can see it and glorify our God!

            Parents especially have an influence on their children.  Henry Ward Beecher so eloquently said, “What a mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin.”  How parents need to be that good example to set a principle for their children’s lives.  Of the lasting effect of parents upon children the Holy Spirit said, “…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).  As the old hymn says, “God give us Christian homes” and especially Christian influence in the home!

            As we think about influence may our question not be, “Am I influencing anyone?”  But rather, “How am I influencing everyone I come in contact with?”  May God help us to be influential for Him!

The War on Gender - Amy Lawrence

The War on Gender

A Study of Biology

It’s a crazy world in which we live. I will tell you a secret though; it always has been. Solomon wrote, “The thing that has been is what will be, and that which is done is that which will be done; and there is no new thing sunder the sun.” (Ecc. 1:9) We would like to think that the advances or atrocities of our generation are new, but they are just recycled. There have always been men that want to be women and women that want to be men. God commanded the children of Israel that “a woman shall not wear that which pertains to a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for all that do so are an abomination unto the Lord your God.” (Deut. 22:5) One can see that such confusion has been plaguing our race for millennia. The struggle for the Christian, however, isn’t always simply the difference between right and wrong.

Dealing with emotions, desires, and temptations is a task in itself. That begs the question: how do we behave around and talk to those that struggle with such issues? This question doesn’t only need to be answered for those that struggle personally, but also for those that have a close relationship with someone that does wrestle with this issue.

Moses recorded in the book of Genesis that God created us male and female. These aren’t just labels or nametags. A person’s gender exists all the way down to DNA. No matter what one looks like on the outside, the inside tells all. (I am neither a scientist nor a doctor. I cannot give you the details of such genetic disturbances, but there is a condition in which one can be born male with female reproductive tissue or female with male reproductive tissue. It is known as XY intersex/XX intersex or pseudohermaphroditism. It is medically possible to determine if the predominant genome within a patient with this condition is male or female. It is usually determined at birth that a child has pseudohermaphroditism. He does not know what he is, she does not know what she is. The parents choose what gender the doctor will “remove”. This is a rare condition; male pseudohermaphroditism almost always requires a defective genome from both parents. The likelihood for males is 1 in 99,000. It is still uncommon but less so in females, 1 in every 16,000. This is usually because the mother undergoes hormone treatments during pregnancy that introduce or produce masculine hormones that are transferred to the female fetus. Again, this condition is rare. The higher percentage of adults that choose to try and be the opposite gender are males/females with healthy genomes .) There are laws in place that allow us as a species to continue thriving. One of those laws is that in order to reproduce another human, it requires the joining of a male gamete and a female gamete. Two males cannot produce a child. Two females cannot produce a child. God told Adam to “be fruitful and multiply”, Gen. 1:28, just as He did every other living creature, Gen. 1:22. This is not possible between two men or two women.

Some would also put God in a position of contradicting Himself when they say, “God made me this way.” Let me make this inescapably clear; God doesn’t make mistakes. If a person’s DNA says XY, God meant for that person to be male. Nothing any individual says or does will ever change that chromosomal XY. If a person’s DNA says XX, God made that person female. Nothing any individual says or does will ever change that chromosomal XX. This is basic microbiology. It is tested, established truth. Another truth is that God didn’t make us for the purpose of achieving our own happiness. He made us for the purpose of His glory, Is. 43:7. That puts us into the realm of feelings. Emotions are tricky, fickle things, holding on to anything of substance by a thread when not properly secured. More often than not, people use emotion to try and produce truth. Truth is never a product of emotion but rather emotion of truth. Feelings alone cannot be trusted, Jer. 17:9. They must be anchored in the truth that no personal feeling can trump God’s commands.

It is also important to understand that self-control includes managing one’s feelings instead of allowing feelings to control. Paul’s letter to the Galatians speaks of self-control as one of the fruits of the Spirit, Gal. 5:22-23. A healthy brain is able to be trained to do this, but it - as any worthwhile endeavor - requires practice.

God will not command something of us that we cannot give, Deut. 16:17. We have the free will to do whatever we choose, but one must realize that there are consequences to every choice made, Ecc. 12:13-14, 2 Cor. 5:9-11. Consequences are also never predictable. Sometimes they are immediate. Sometimes they take years to manifest. This is where prudence comes into play. Solomon had quite a lot to say about prudence (Prov. 12:16,23; 13:16; 14:8,15,18; 15:5; 16:21; 18:15; 19:14; 22:3; 27:12) and its connection to knowledge and/or wisdom. One that considers what consequences could or will come about from choices made before making them is a prudent person. An imprudent person in scripture is also called a fool, Prov. 13:16, and life is already hard…but it’s even harder when you’re a fool. It doesn’t have to be. Yes, we all make mistakes, and suffer the consequences of those mistakes. There is, however, value in suffering. In suffering, we learn, James 1:2-4. Those who don’t learn from their mistakes are doomed to repeat them until they do learn. Suffering also brings us closer to God, a closeness that is incomparable, James 1:5;4:7-10.

We must also discuss sacrifice. The Oxford Dictionary defines sacrifice as “an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.” There are and will be things we want in this life that we think will make us happy. Whether or not we are right remains to be seen. We are built to survive first, thrive second. In thriving, we as a species tend to forget what surviving was like and how many things we were willing to do without for the sake of better things…because we got those better things. We forget gratitude and respect. This nation has fallen into the time-old trap of the many nations before it; we are deceived into thinking the ease we now enjoy as a product of suffering can never be taken away, as if we have the inalienable right to never suffer again. Suffering for which one is not prepared is a much harder suffering. One who is well versed in sacrificing something now for something better later is a person that is well practiced at handling suffering when it comes. Not “if”. WHEN. Abraham knew, Heb. 11:8-11. Moses knew, Heb. 11:24-26. They knew the value of sacrifice. There will be times in every Christian’s life where a sacrifice must be made to remain children of God, Rom. 12:1-2. It. Will. Be. Worth. It. Jn. 14:1-6.

Hosea wrote God’s words, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hos. 4:6). The best place to start dealing with the issue of gender confusion is in gaining knowledge. One cannot do what one does not know. The roots of knowledge are truth. Gender is a truth, and truth does not change no matter how we feel about it.

Gravity is a truth. No sane person jumps from an airborne plane without a parachute. Only an insane person would think they are actually a bird and won’t need a parachute, and just as insane is a person that thinks they can alter their gender. To change the direction and consequence of ignorance, we must teach truth. We cannot teach what we ourselves do not know, and so the command to study is practical in such situations, 2 Tim. 2:15. Some Christians also have this idea that tolerance is the right thing to do. In the same verse in Hosea, the priests were rejected because they did not teach truth. We must teach truth - no matter how difficult this is.

Our words must be palatable when we teach truth, Col. 4:6. We must teach in love, Eph. 4:15. Our hearts must understand that this is a disease. It is a disease of the mind, one that is incurable unless it is dealt with God’s way. Hate the sin, not the sinner, Mt. 5:44-45. We can be loving Christian people without tolerating sin. We can be respectful when we speak to others, we can be kind in our dealings with anyone, and we can let Jesus’ light shine in us when we do the right thing (ESPECIALLY when they expect us to do the wrong thing), Gal. 6:9-10. We can also set boundaries. We can express what we will not tolerate with kindness and respect, both for them and for ourselves. We are not given a spirit of timidity but of power, love, and self-control, 2 Tim. 1:7.

Love as Jesus loved, Lk. 23:34. Teach as Paul and Barnabas taught, Acts 13:46.

Have the courage of Joshua, Josh. 1:1-11, the patience of Job, James 5:11, and the meekness of Moses, Num. 12:3. Rest in full assurance that the reward is worth far more than the sacrifices of this life, Heb. 10:32-37, 11:24-26.

An Honest Look At the Reality of Satan in Our Life - Ben Bailey

An Honest Look At the Reality of Satan in Our Life

Dwight Moody gave a candid  look into the reality of Satan working in our lives when he said, “I believe Satan to exist for two reasons: first, the Bible says so; and second, I’ve done business with him.”   If Christians are not careful, we can become immune to the idea of Satan and His Power and overlook the challenges he brings to our lives today. 

                The Lord reminded us of the present reality of Satan when he taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One” (Mt. 6:13).  Jesu warned one of his staunchest followers of this reality when he said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan desires to have you that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31).  In the long ago, we are reminded of the reality of Satan when God said to him, “From where do you come?”  His response was telling, “From going to and fro on the earth and from walking back and forth on it” (Job 1:7).    Like a pacing lion confined to its cage, Satan is an active and present reality just waiting to pounce on us (1 Peter 5:8).

                Of course, like Mr. Moody, I knew Satan was a present reality not only because the Bible says so, but because I too have done business with him.  I have felt the sting of the bad deals I made with him (1 Cor. 15:56).  I have received his paycheck in the mail, and it wasn’t a good bargain at all (Rom. 6:23).  Satan has held my head under water and tried to drown me many times (Ps. 38:4).  Like the fellow who a con artist has deceived, you think we would learn our lesson.  Have you done business with the Devil?  Are you currently doing business with the Devil?  I assure you; You will not get a fair deal!

                Since Satan is an ever-present reality in our lives, how do we deal with that problem?  Thankfully, the Bible teaches us the plan to overcome Him.  Scripture tells us that Satan has at least one weakness…He is a coward and a quitter!  If we resist Him (and please understand that you CAN resist Him), He will flee from us!  The Word of God says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9).  Jesus’ example teaches us this powerful truth.  After Jesus' temptation, The Word of God says, “Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13).  The key to overcoming the enemy lies in having the faith to say “NO” to Satan’s advances.  You can do it!  Yes, he is real.  Yes, he is powerful.  But “He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Decide today to quit doing business with the Devil and send him packing!                                                                                          --Ben Bailey

It Never Gets Old - and You Had a Part! - Joey Ferrell

I received a video in an email a few weeks ago. It was from the man in the picture’s grandfather-in-law, He had reached out to tell us about his granddaughter’s husband watching one of the episodes on baptism that has been airing throughout October and November.

He said, “The last weeks lesson on baptism helped my grand daughter’s husband to be baptized".”

We hope you will join us in praying for Clayton and for his journey as a new babe in Christ. To God be the glory!

Today, as we opened the incoming mail, there was a letter from a new Christian in North Carolina. He said that he had known what he was needing to do for many years, but in his 80s, he had been studying through some of our transcripts on baptism and was recently baptized at the local church where he lives and has attended for years.

Another soul added to the church. To God be the glory!

What a blessing! We don’t always hear of the good news, but we always are hopeful that one way or another we are reaching lost souls through television, our app, transcripts, articles, studies with people that call in or who come to speaking engagements that we may be present.

These two precious souls obeyed the gospel because they heard the word of God (Romans 10:17), they believed in what they heard through the local preaching and through opportunities to study such as The Gospel of Christ programs (John 8:24). They showed their desire to change their lives in repentance (Acts 3:19-20), confessed Jesus as God’s own living son (Matthew 10:32-33), and they were immersed in the watery grave of baptism for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16). It was at that point that they became my brothers in Christ…your brothers in Christ…members of the one true church - the Lord’s church and they were added to that one body by the blood of the Lamb! (Acts 2:47). Hallelujah Praise Jehovah!

Why do we share this? Because of you! Many of you pray for our efforts, some even daily. We appreciate that so much. Many of you encourage us by sharing our content and telling others about this work. We certainly are thankful for that. Some of you financially support this work…and to that we are unimaginably grateful. You see, it is not our work…it is the Lord’s work. He has entrusted you and I to sow the seed, cultivate it, water it…but it is God who will give that increase. We are soldiers working together to do what we can to reach souls by teaching and living our lives sharing the Gospel with others (1 Timothy 4:16). You were a big part of these precious souls in this process…and to that we say thank you…and to God be all glory!

Be Not Anxious - Amy Lawrence

Women’s Studies Amy Lawrence July 8, 2023

Be Not Anxious

A Study On Conquering Worry

If one were to look at the statistics, it is a truth that women are more prone to worry and anxiety than men. Psychological studies show that this can be attributed to several factors; each gender’s social differences, hormones, size and strength, even sense of morality. It is agreed throughout the medical community that women, due to their worry, are better at staying alive than men - however, we are also more commonly diagnosed with anxiety disorders than men. The Holy Spirit commanded through the apostle Paul that we “be anxious in nothing”, Phil. 4:6. If we as women are both physically and psychologically disposed to worry, how can we keep this command? Let’s find out what God’s word has to say about the matter. If anyone can answer this question, it is our Creator.

The first step to finding the cure for worry is to find the cause. There are as many answers of what worries us as there are branches of a tree, but the root cause is the same for all: fear. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There are two ends to the spectrum of fear. One is a respectful fear, the other disrespectful. Respectful fear can save one’s life. One of my favorite things to do is horseback riding. I love it, but I equally have a respect for the possibilities if I am not careful. In this, fear is bothnecessary and built upon good sense. Throughout the book of Proverbs, there is a foundation upon which such knowledge, understanding, and wisdom stand. Without this foundation, these three fail. What foundation is of such strength as to hold up the weight of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom? Fear of the Lord. (Pr. 1:7,29; 2:5; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26-27; 15:16,33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:7)

Our respect of God’s commandments and promises, both the pleasing ones and the difficult ones, are at the heart of a fear of the Lord. It requires an understanding of the might and wisdom of God and a trust in His power, Pr. 3:5-6, Rom. 1:20. Solomon wrote, “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Pr. 31:30) Fear has its place. There are things for which we should always have a respectful fear, Heb. 10:31. “Concern” is also a synonym we use for this type of emotion. Paul had “concern” for the churches, 2 Cor. 11:28, a healthy care for the well- being of the fellow Christians Paul knew and loved. There are also, however, dangers in being on the wrong end of fear. The most chronic worry I face on a daily basis is that for my child. I’ve learned in my motherhood over the last 14 years that sometimes I allow this fear to be a disrespectful fear. Therein is the danger. This end of the ‘fear spectrum’ does not take into consideration all the things I cannot control. It is also a selfish fear. This fear believes that it can control everything and exhausts all energy into attempting to do so. This fear forgets to trust God. It forgets that if we do things God’s way, it all turns out the way it should in the end, Rom. 8:28. It provokes us to seek our own will over God’s and is the first of a long list of vices that will keep us out of Heaven, Rev. 21:8. The original Greek word for fearful (NKJV - cowardly) in this verse is δειλός (deilos). It means “faithless”. We seek our own will because we lack faith in God’s will, in doing things God’s way.

Now for the cure. As a person who has struggled with anxiety for the better part of 23 years, I have tried several different methods to battling it. I am not a medical professional and will therefore not advise on what method anyone should use. I can, however, share the recipe that works for me. My anxiety is controlled with prayer, Bible study, chiropractic care, exercise, nutrition, meditation, and medication. When used properly, these are blessings from God, James 1:17. Scripture is by far my favorite and the best method of meditation, Ps. 1:1-2. It allows me to rest my mind by reminding me Who to trust, Ps. 146, because He is in control, Acts 17:27-28, Rom. 11:36.

I suffered a brain injury when I was 19, and one of the results of that injury was chronic anxiety. At the heart of that issue was sensory overload, especially in social situations. My brain tries to pay attention to everything, all the time. Sorting through what is relevant and what is not is even more of a nightmare, one that takes time and effort and is often confused as me withdrawing into my own mind. I am frequently accused of not paying attention when in fact I am paying attention, my brain is just busy making sure whether or not all the input coming into it is relevant. It is overwhelming and stressful. It has taken many years and many trials and errors to learn how to maintain peace in my own mind. I have good days and bad days just like anyone. When I study scripture, I still have an abundant amount of information coming into my head, but instead of being a torrential thunderstorm, it flows as a calm river - because it is all connected. It is all relevant. It teaches that in God is peace, the cure for anxiety, Phil. 4:6-7, if I keep my mind on God, vss. 8-9, Rom. 8:6. Spiritual peace can also become physical peace. I study my Bible daily because that is the most peaceful place in the world. It teaches us how and where to find comfort and help when needed, Heb. 4:16.

I pray daily because there is no therapist in the world like God. He listens, 1 Jn. 5:14, and He cares, 1 Pet. 5:7. But how can we do these things on such a busy schedule, Amy? One of the most precious sacrifices one can make for God is time, because it is something that we will never get back. It is something that cannot be accumulated. I am a firm believer that if you are too busy for God, you are too busy. There is a portion of every day that I set aside for God and only God. This is how I keep my sanity. I look forward every day to conversing with God through prayer and scripture. If you want this peace of which I speak, if you find anxiety to be your struggle, let’s have a Bible study together. I will be more than happy to share with you the peace I’ve found.

"Decisions, Decisions..." - Joey Ferrell

A very dear friend of mine, wonderful preacher, licensed therapist, and brother in Christ, Lonnie Jones used a statement some years ago in a lesson designed to reach younger souls that has stuck with me ever since…and I think it is just as valuable to us “older” folks as well and maybe you will agree. Here is the phrase:

You must decide which you want…is it what you want most, or what you want right now.

If that doesn’t make you stop and think for a few minutes, I am not sure you read it. Look at it again! Lonnie told me that it was seen on a poster and attributed to Abraham Lincoln.

---

Every one of us has to make a decision about our lives nearly every minute of every single day. Satan’s hand is in the midst of every one of these decisions and we have to decide where we must fall within this range of the question.

Think about some of our iconic studies of some who have been faced with those similar challenges in their lives:

• Adam and Eve - charged with the first sin…why? They chose what they wanted right now over what they wanted most.

• Lot - He survived the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra because he chose what he wanted most, unfortunately, his wife chose what she wanted right now (looking back to see the loss of her friends and her own family.

• Joseph - He walked away from a sinful situation he was faced with in the story of Potiphar’s wife. He could have yielded very easily to temptation. The opportunity was very similar to what we may see today in a world filled with temptation regarding sexual sin and immorality…but he chose wisely…he chose what he wanted most.

• Judas - We all know that he chose what he wanted right now…when he had what he wanted most sitting right beside him at the very table that he was dining at the Last Supper.

There are many other stories in the Bible that we could look at with this “turn signal” of events. Some were stories that we can celebrate, and the others we mourn over and grieve those decisions.

What about you and I? Have we decided what we want right now or what we want most? It can be a tough question at times and it certainly appears at every juncture in our lives. I like the way that the English Standard Version renders 1 Corinthians 10:13 regarding our help in these times. Take a look at how that reads:

The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. 1 Cor 10:13, ESV

You see, we each one have a conscience that can be seared when we make the wrong decision, but we also each one have a way of escape. Some may say that it is not as easy as it sounds…and for the ones who may not have a hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus, they cannot understand the power of this verse. After all, Hebrews 4:15 tells us that even our Lord suffered the temptations of this life…not faltering!

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:15 NKJV

If you will recall, He was tempted in all counts in the events of Matthew 4. The devil put forth the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life temptations. Honestly, any sin we commit today falls within those definitions as well.

So, what do we do? Be strong. Study and put the word of God in your heart. Know that you will not escape temptation, but God will give you a way to move beyond that in your decision of:

What you want most…or what you want right now!

Visit Lonnie’s podcast at “Keeping up with the Jones: The Lonnie Jones Podcast Adventure” on all platforms.

Miracles - A Study of the Supernatural - Amy Lawrence - Women's Studies

Women’s studies

Amy Lawrence

July 3, 2023

Miracles

A Study of The Supernatural

I stood on my front porch one evening during a thunderstorm and watched bolts of lightning, one after the other, strike at random. Just as I decided to go back inside, a bolt struck so close to my house that it nearly knocked me back, blinding me with light. I immediately thought to myself, “It’s a miracle that didn’t hit something!!!” I didn’t think anything of it until I saw a video on Facebook of a bolt of lightning striking a tree and causing it to explode. The tree stood by itself in an open field. I thought, “It’s a miracle that bolt of lightning hit the only tree in that field!” That’s when I decided to put Google to the test and see if I could learn something about lightning. As it turned out, everything I saw was absolutely natural and explainable by natural laws. That led to my investigation into miracles.

The first step to understanding the miraculous is to understand its source. When one does not have a healthy knowledge of God from the standard He has provided (scripture), then one cannot properly see the supernatural and how it is used in God’s dealings with mankind. Some dedicate themselves to learning and come to a knowledge of the truth through patience and understanding. This is a hurdle that the majority of people refuse to jump. They want to skip ahead and get to the part where the Almighty, Supernatural Being they know little about will grant them whatever they ask - whether it be proof by a sign (Mt. 12:38), deliverance (Mt. 27:42), or fulfillment of selfish desires (James 4:3). If the first step hasn’t been taken, your study into the miraculous needs to begin in a study of the Godhead. Once one understands the Godhead - three Beings completely united, each with their own responsibilities concerning mankind - one has the foundation upon which an understanding of the miraculous can stand. If one does not

understand this fundamental necessity, one cannot come to an accurate knowledge of the miraculous and therefore cannot know what a miracle is - and what it isn’t.

We all suffer the human condition; we limit our view within a box of what we can understand with our own senses and our own perception. Sometimes this is curable. Most times it is of epidemic proportions. It all depends upon the mind and how well-trained it is to see truth, Heb. 5:14.

The definition of miraculous, as described in scripture, is “an event in the external world brought about by the immediate agency or the simple volition of God, operating without the use of means capable of being discerned by the senses, and designed to authenticate the divine commission of a religious teacher and the truth of his message. It is an occurrence at once above nature and above man. It shows the intervention of a power that is not limited by the laws either of matter or of mind, a power interrupting the fixed laws which govern their movements, a supernatural power.” (Easton’s Bible Dictionary) Many use the term “miracle” in the English language in a much broader sense than it is depicted in scripture. English speakers use this word to express amazement, awe, or to explain happenings we struggle to explain only by what we see on the surface. We often call the birth of a child or the spring season miraculous, but it doesn’t meet the criteria given by scripture of what constitutes a miracle. (Even the birth of Jesus of Nazareth was a natural birth, Lk. 2:6. It was His conception that was miraculous, Is. 7:14.) So this begs the question: we call so many things “miracles”…but are they? The only way to answer this question is to compare what we call miraculous today with what the Holy Spirit called miraculous in scripture.

The word “miracle” was Anglicized from the Latin words “mirus”, “mirari”, and “miraculum”, (“wonderful”, “to wonder”, “object of wonder”). The miraculous in scripture is not described in this singular sense. It is a multi-faceted concept. The original context of scripture uses “sign”, “work”, “mighty work”, and “wonder” as descriptive words of the varying aspects of the miraculous, each with it’s own properties. Let’s look at each one.

“Sign”

Old Testament: תוֹא - ‘ot

New Testement: σημεῖον - semeion

“Sign” is used both as an object or daily activity that has been acted upon by supernatural means to direct the audience toward God. The ten plagues of Egypt were signs, Ex. 10:1, Neh. 9:10. God gave Moses two signs to prove he was the messenger of God, Ex. 4:1-9, and one to Isaiah to prove that his message to Hezekiah was from God, 2 Kings 20:8-11. Jesus Himself was a sign, Lk. 2:12.

“Wonder”

Old Testament: תֵפוֹמ - mopheth

New Testament: τέρας - teras (from which we get our English word “terror”)

This word is often coupled with “sign”, Ex. 7:3, Deut. 13:1-2, Jn. 4:48, Heb. 2:4. It is defined as a special manifestation of God’s power as a supernatural activity and as something unusual that causes the beholder to marvel. As “sign” relates to the understanding, “wonder” relates to the imagination. “Signs and wonders” are used both in reference to God’s activity (Acts 7:36) as well as the work of Satan through human instruments (Mt. 24:24).

“Work”

Old Testament: הֶשֲׂעַמ - ma’aseh New Testament: ἔργον - ergon

This means exactly what it appears - any deed, action, duty, office, or charge of business. When used in reference to God’s works, it is something done outside of physical laws as proof of God and therefore miraculous, Josh. 24:31, Jn. 10:22-42.

“Mighty work”

Old Testament: הרָוּבְגּ - gbuwrah New Testament: δύναμις - dynamis

“Might” and “power” are the common translated words used through the Old and New Testaments for this aspect of the miraculous. The strength of God is unmistakeable. One cannot take something natural and confuse it with the might God puts into the miraculous, into the evidence that supersedes the natural, Deut. 3:24, Mark 6:2. If it is natural, it is therefore by default not miraculous.

Now that we’ve covered “what” a miracle is, it’s time to talk about “why”. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty right away. No human being living today has ever seen a bonafide miracle. Yes,

that’s a bold statement and one that is printed in full confidence of its truth. Let me point out three very important pillars of this truth.

#1: Miracles were not vague. In Acts 4, there is a debate among the rulers of the Jews concerning what they should do about Peter and John teaching Christ. The Jews’ attempts at stopping the teachings of Christ were being thwarted by what scripture called a “notable miracle” (γνωστὸν σημεῖον - gnoston semeion, “known sign”) that was seen by all who lived in Jerusalem, vs. 16. You will also see in that same verse that the miracle was undeniable, even by the men that “could say nothing against it”, vss. 13-14. No matter how badly they wanted to deny that it was indeed a miracle done by Peter and John in the name of Jesus, they couldn’t!

#2: Miracles had a purpose. John 11 records the death of Jesus’ close friend, Lazarus. Jesus did something in this chapter that his apostles found odd; he purposely let Lazarus die. Jesus loved this family dearly, vss. 3,5. So why, having the power to heal Lazarus of his sickness, would the Lord let his friend die? The answer is found in verses 4, 14-15, and 40. The purpose of miracles was to confirm the message of Christ, Heb. 2:1-4, Jn. 20:30-31.

#3: Miracles had a time limit. There is a lot to be said concerning this pillar, so please bear with me. I will be as succinct as possible.

Miracles were like postage stamps. They were necessary to deliver a message. Once that message was delivered, the delivery system was no longer necessary. The envelope and stamp could be discarded. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians draws this out in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 13:

-The delivery system-

1 Corinthians 12 gives the list of nine miraculous categories and how unity is required in order to use them properly. Each miraculous category was a part of the whole. No category on its own accomplished complete delivery of the message. In order for the message to be both delivered and understood, the cooperation of all nine categories was required. Having this nugget of knowledge will make understanding 1 Cor. 13:9-10 a little easier. “In part” refers to each individual category. “Perfect” (this word means “whole” or “complete”) can refer to both the cooperation of all nine miraculous categories and complete delivery of the entire message.

-The delivered message-

1 Corinthians 13 is commonly known as the chapter of love (the glue required for successful unity), but what many do not know is that this chapter also gives the expiration date of miracles.

Verse 8 tells us that miraculous prophecies will fail, miraculous speaking in tongues will cease, and miraculous knowledge will vanish away. When? “When that which is perfect has come”, vs.

10. The message will be completely delivered, Jude 3, and the miracles that confirmed the message will no longer be necessary. One must also understand that miraculous gifts could only be imparted to another through the laying on of an apostle’s hands, Acts 8:14-18, 2 Tim. 1:6. Once death claimed all of the apostles, there was no more imparting of spiritual gifts. Once death claimed all upon whom these spiritual gifts had already been imparted, there were no more spiritual gifts…which is why, through the grace and providence of God, they recorded these truths in the written word, Jn. 20:30-31, Rom. 15:4, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

So…if God is capable of miraculously forcing everyone on the planet to know who He is and what He can do (Rom. 14:11-12), then why use something that seems prosaic to our human eyes to persuade us of the Truth? Why does He need to persuade us of anything He can simply force us to know? The answer is LOVE. Anyone who understands love knows that it is something that cannot be forced. God does not want what we are unwilling to give, Ex. 25:1-2. What He wants from us is our complete and undivided attention, Mt. 22:37, the kind of attention that can see Him without needing miracles, Jn. 20:29.

There will always be those that refuse to be convinced no matter how much evidence is presented. Judas was such a person. He was one of the Twelve, Mt. 26:47. He not only saw miracles, but performed miracles in the name of Christ, Mk. 6:7-13. Neither the message nor the Messenger could convince him. When the rich man begged Father Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers, Abraham’s answer rang all too true to this fact, Lk. 16:27-31.

The miracles in scripture were simply the bell that brought attention to the message Christ spoke and the signature of God that was attached. The Message has plenty of attention now.

According to Guinness World Records, the Bible is the best-selling book of all time. In the 21st century, Bibles are printed at a rate of about 80 million per year. If you want to know the message that was formerly confirmed by signs, wonders, and mighty works, then pick up a copy of the Holy Scriptures and read. All the evidence you will need to see God is there in black and white and red, 1 Jn. 1:1-4.

"Slow to Anger" - Ben Bailey

A while back I did a topical study of the Book of Proverbs that I thought was a very helpful way to study this Book. Here is the first lesson in that series on Anger.

Proverbs Topical Study: Anger

1. Uncontrolled anger is one of the ways you can identify a fool from a wise man.

A fool's wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. Proverbs 12:16

2. Foolish & hated will be the reputation of a man who cannot control his anger.

A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated. Proverbs 14:17

3. A man who can control his anger is deemed as having “great understanding”.

He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29

4. Our words/responses can affect the course of someone’s anger for better or for worse.

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

5. Where there are people with anger problems there will always be fights.

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. Proverbs 15:18

6. Real strength is found in the ability to control one’s anger/emotions.

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

7. Responsibility in judgment causes a wise man to be slow to anger.

The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. Proverbs 19:11

8. Trying to save a man with anger problems is like throwing gas on a raging fire.

A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. Proverbs 19:19

9. Give an angry man a gift and it will pacify him/An angry man is moved from one extreme of emotion to another by trifle gifts.

A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath. Proverbs 21:14

10. A barren life of poverty would be far better than a life lived with an angry person.

Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman. Proverbs 21:19

11. If rage or anger is the driving force behind a man it will bring utter calamity to his life.

Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail. Proverbs 22:8

12. Don’t make friends of angry people or they will catch you in their trap.

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Proverbs 22:24-25

13. Backbiting and malicious speech causes anger in the hearts of others.

The north wind brings forth rain, And backbiting tongue an angry countenance. Proverbs 25:23

14. Anger is too heavy of a burden to bear; therefore, you have to let it go.

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. Proverbs 27:3

15. A life controlled by anger is a cruel and overwhelming life.

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4

16. The scoffer’s life is set aflame by anger and wrath; it is the burning force behind his actions.

Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. Proverbs 29:8

17. Strife and sin are the end result of a life controlled by anger.

An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. Proverbs 29:22

18. Pressing anger will always cause discord in one’s life and relationships.

For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife. Proverbs 30:33

"The Kind of Preaching You Should Expect" - Jameson Steward

The Kind of Preaching You Should Expect

Those who preach the gospel of Christ don’t get to decide what kind of preaching is acceptable. As the apostle Paul’s life was nearing the end, he gave Timothy instructions that guide us on what kind of preaching we should expect from those who proclaim God’s Word. 

Complete Preaching (2 Timothy 3:14-17). 

Writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul reminded Timothy that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” You should expect preaching that proclaims all the words of God – the Old and New Testaments (Romans 15:4). This kind of preaching is “profitable” to us and thoroughly prepares us for every good work in the Lord. Preachers and teachers are to proclaim the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).  

Serious Preaching (2 Timothy 4:1). 

You should expect the preacher and teacher to approach the proclaiming of God’s word respectfully and thoughtfully. This doesn’t mean the preacher can never tell a joke or crack a smile. However, he should approach the preaching of God’s word seriously. Not only is there a lot riding on the proclaiming of God’s word for the hearers – a lot is riding on the proclaimer! Paul solemnly charged Timothy “before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom.” Because the message proclaimed is God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16), preaching that word must be taken seriously. Those who fail to do so will stand before the Judge of all the earth and answer (2 Corinthians 5:10). 

Balanced Preaching (2 Timothy 4:2). 

Preaching the word of God must be done “in season and out of season,” – meaning you should expect the gospel preacher to proclaim God’s word without first “testing the winds” to see if that message will be popular. This kind of preaching convinces (convicts), rebukes (admonishes strongly), and exhorts (urges into action) “with all longsuffering and teaching.” Balanced preaching points out the wrong path, shows how to return to the right path, and does so in a “longsuffering” or patient way. 

Healthy Preaching (2 Timothy 4:3-4). 

You should expect those who proclaim God’s word to proclaim “sound” (healthy, accurate, trustworthy) teaching. While some gather up teachers who proclaim what they want to hear, the preaching you must demand and expect is preaching that remains true to God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16). Those who proclaim God’s word must put forth great effort into “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). 

This kind of preaching will benefit us as God’s people. We should expect to hear complete, serious, balanced, and healthy teaching from God’s word every time we open His word together. 

Jameson Steward

"Why didn't they offer us a bible study?" - Anonymous

****Editor’s note: This story was used with permission by the author, and is shared for the benefit of opening the eyes of some of our own shortcomings in evangelism and reaching the lost. The article is being published in its entirety without any edits as requested by the family that shared it with us. Their names are not included, neither are the congregations in which they visited. This is just a raw story to help encourage us all to be the best we can.

As an aside, The Gospel of Christ would certainly encourage congregations and individuals to take a look at how this family felt that they were left behind by the church. Our prayer is for this family to continue loving the Lord and that we can all be an encouragement to others in what we see through the eyes of others.

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Their journeys to the baptistry both began as young as 8 and 9 years old. You see both became denominational Christians at those ages. Their hearts were sincere with belief and they did exactly the steps they were told. Fast forward, they are married and continue following the traditions that they were raised in, the Southern Baptist Church. About 4 years ago they moved to a new area and decided to find a church that they could serve God in. In the past, they were always searching for the perfect one to fit their wants. This is when they felt their hearts changing and turning more towards God. They dove right in.  Both started teaching Sunday school classes and volunteering at the local mission house in the community. It felt good to be serving others for the Lord.  The husband was teaching an adult class and the wife the Elementary grades.  They began learning specific things about obedience and the importance of baptism, but they still did not understand it all quite yet. The leadership in the church got noticeably unsound so with heavy hearts they left after 3 years. Amid that they had their second daughter. What joy this brought their lives, but this made it more of an urgent matter for them.  They wanted to lead their family correctly according to His Word.  The husband started searching churches with the oldest daughter while the wife was at home recouping with the newborn. He was more mindful to check the scripture against what the preacher was teaching, and quickly was seeing error.   They went to a few different non-denominational churches and ended up back into a comfort zone of the Baptist congregations again, but this next one was considered Independent. After several weeks they noticed Calvinistic beliefs coming out.  They were familiar with Calvinism and knew from studying that specifically it was contradicting to God’s Word so they left. At this point they are tired and weary.  They just wanted to find a church home and family.  Their love for God was growing as they continued in personal studies and prayer.

 You need to know that they had been around Christians their entire lives.  Growing up in West TN and spending their adult lives in Middle TN, but none of them looked or acted any different from any other denominational Christian.  Their view on the Church of Christ was just another Denomination.  Hearing terrible things of the Church.  For instance, it was a cult, baptism being overly emphasized, and they were the only ones going to heaven. Praying and studying the husband felt a shift and threw out the idea of trying the churches of Christ.  They were very nervous and uncomfortable with that.  By trusting in God, taking deep breaths, and praying they visited their first Church of Christ. It was different, but familiar with the Baptist church minus the instrumental music and observation of the Lord’s supper.  They felt very uncomfortable but continued to go and share with this congregation that they had left the Baptist church and were wanting to follow sound doctrine. They were searching for the truth but didn’t realize what that meant at the time. They felt they were hearing the truth there.  Some people were friendly but most not so friendly.  The wife felt judgement quickly to attend on Wednesday even if it was a baby’s bedtime.   They did not understand at this point faithful attendance.   They hadn’t even obeyed the gospel yet!  They really stepped out of their comfort zone when they accepted an informal lunch invitation at a congregant’s home with two other couples. The husband was candid about what they were going through and were searching for a sound church that preached sound doctrine. There was even a convert from a Baptist church there!  He shared his tension filled story of how his parents and him do not get along because of his conversion. That was intense and they still had no clue exactly why there would have been such a line drawn.  They met deacons and elders and the preacher, and no one offered a bible study. Not one. Because that church seemed unfriendly, they decided to try a neighbor’s church. It was Church of Christ too, but not until later did they realize this was what is called and (Non-institutional). The friendliness factor was there.  They enjoyed the preaching and the people. It did not take long to meet with the two elders and get serious about becoming members there. Still no bible study offered.  They began to study more on Baptism specifically because the elders asked them a question, “were you baptized for the remission of sins?” See to join this church you had to have been baptized for the remission of sins. They thought and thought, and both decided, yes. Why would we get baptized for any other reason?  Still studying, the Lord was helping them put pieces together.  They were still under the belief that we were saved before baptism, but that it was step of obedience after your salvation belief. The eldership never asked any other specific questions to help them.  It was like, if you say yes, then sure you can join up with us.  

Now the wheels were spinning and hearts were opening so they studied even harder. Scripture after scripture they found on how baptism signifies the death, burial and resurrection, and how it’s the antitype that saves us, and flat out plain as day Mark 16:16.  They realized that it is not about just one step, it is about all of them together. The gospel is perfectly put together and easy to see when you simply read and study the texts with a sincere open heart.  

Their driving force was from a sincere love for The Heavenly Father. They ended up listening to a Baptist converts podcast one night getting ready for bed. That evening a lightbulb went off simultaneously for them. Not all of what they were taught growing up was false, but that they were led falsely with the gospel. You see, they are products of you cannot be taught wrong and obey right. They wanted to become members of this church but did not realize they needed to be added to the Lord’s church. The thought of their families hindered their baptisms that night. The next day after those conversations occurred nothing was stopping them from obeying the gospel!  Their families were confused but somewhat supportive. They grew so much through continued personal studies and great GBN resources that they found on their own being broadcast locally on TV.  They were on fire to share the gospel, but no one else was. The more verbal they got to encourage biblical things the more they felt that friendliness leave. It became an intolerable environment to worship. The more they learned about God’s Word and His Church they realized error quickly. Remember that vague question they asked them concerning the reason for their past baptism? There were at least two people in that church who had not obeyed the gospel but were accepted members. It broke their hearts for them to be led so incorrectly.   They attempted talking to one lady by sharing their conversion story with her. She had been convinced she was fine because of elderships vague leadership and acceptance. There were other big issues, and they took these matters to eldership, too. They were aware, but the elders had let the leaven grow so much that it would be too hard to get it out now. They had to leave. Discouraged and sad all they had was God’s Word and programs on GBN that kept them encouraged and striving to share the Good News!! Their zeal had not wavered, and they continued attending other congregations. They seemed to find one that the preaching was sound, and the appeal of several young families was promising. Their loneliness and eagerness to be a part of a family of God made them identify quickly. 

Fast forward to today.  They yet again had to remove themselves from a congregation over unsound leadership arising in this case in an absence of an eldership.   

Questions that flood their minds- Why do we feel like our transformation is not understood by many?  Weren’t we all outside of Christ and converted by the gospel?  Why does it feel the churches of Christ are attempting to convert us to their denomination away from the 1st century standards of the New Testament Church?  Why are brethren more interested in clinging to their own man-made traditions while they point fingers at how the denominational world is wrong?  Why is there an arrogance and pridefulness towards the lost?  Why are members of The Church unwilling to share the good news of the Gospel with all they encounter?  How can we be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear 1 Peter 3:15 when we have lost people every Sunday sit next to us in our pews and we pretend they aren’t lost?  When did Matthew 28:19-20 become an option for a Christian and not a command?  When did offering a simple bible study become the furthest thing from a Christian’s mind?