Topic(s): Encouragement

We've failed many times, although we may not remember. We fell down the first time we tried to walk. We probably almost drowned the first time we tried to swim. Did we hit the ball the first time we swung a bat? Heavy hitters, those who hit the most home runs, also strike out a lot. Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times, but he also hit 714 home runs. R. H. Macy failed seven times before his New York store caught on. English novelist John Creasey got 753 rejection slips before he published 564 books. Don't worry about failure. Worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" –Phil 4:13

 

The Safest Place

Topic(s):  Church, Worship

Those interested in increasing their chances for long life are being told:

• Do not ride in an automobile or get in the way of one – they cause 20% of   all accidents.

• Do not stay at home – 17% of all accidents happen in the home.

• Do not walk on the street-14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.

• Do not travel by air, rail, or water - 6% of all accidents happen in these places.

• Only .0001% of all deaths occur at worship (physical disorders, heart attacks).

So, obviously, the safest place in the world is at worship. Be on the safe side; be at church services every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening. It might save your life-and your soul!

“Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some...”  -Heb 10:25

 

Should Christians Keep the Sabbath?

Topic(s):  Bible Authority, Christian Life

Does the Fourth Commandment apply today? Should Christians keep the Sabbath? In these times when so many are concerned about the moral deterioration of our nation, this recommendation is occasionally made: "We need to get back to the Ten Commandments as our code of conduct." Although the motive for such an admonition is doubtless honorable, it suggests a common, though erroneous, concept about the nature of the Ten Commandments.       

In the first place, most of us (all who are non-Jews) have never been under the Decalogue. The Ten Commandments were a part of the Mosaic Law, and that system was given to the Hebrews alone (Deut. 5: 1-5). That does not suggest that the ancient Gentiles were exempt from religious and moral responsibility; it docs mean that non-Israelites were never amenable to the Mosaic code per se.      

That aside, it is a logical the that if one argues for the re-institution of the Ten Commandments, he must, if consistent, contend that the Sabbath requirements are binding as well. This view, of course, is promoted by sabbatarians, but it does not reflect the Biblical perspective. The church of the first century, as directed by inspired leaders. did not observe the Sabbath. Let us pursue this line of thought.       

Try as one might, he will search in vain for New Testament evidence that the primitive church observed the Sabbath with apostolic approval. Yes, it certainly was the case that the apostles frequented the synagogues on the Sabbath for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel. That is where the greatest concentration of Jews would have been (cf. Acts 13:14; 17:l-2, etc.), and the message regarding Jesus was to be spoken first to them (Rm. 1:16). But where is the evidence that the early church, under divine guidance, came together to worship God on the Sabbath day?

1. The kingdom of Christ was established on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1 ), which always fell on "the morrow after the Sabbath" (Lev. 23: 15-16), hence, on Sunday. So the church started out meeting for worship on the first day of the week (cf: Acts 3:42).        

2. The disciples at Troas "were gathered together" [passive voice] upon "the first day of the week" to break bread, i.e..to worship (Acts 10:7). The specific day of meeting was n o accident. Though Paul was anxious to get to Jerusalem (20:16), lie waited seven days for the opportunity to assemble with the church. Moreover, the passive voice (see above) indicates that tie assemblage &.as orchestrated by someone other than the disciples; it was of divine initiative.      

3. The saints in Corinth were assembling, and contributing into the church treasury, "every first day of the week" (1 Cor. 16:2, Greek text). 

4. On the isle of Patmos, John was "in the spirit" on "the Lord's clay" (Rev. 1 10). The term for "Lord's" is kuriakos, which is defined here as "relating to the Lord." 'Thayer comments: “...the day devoted to the Lord, sacred to the memory of Christ's resurrection" (365).     

The gospel narratives, of course, make it clear that the resurrection occurred on Sunday. While Revelation 1:10 would not be conclusive by itself, the very fact that the day is specifically mentioned is significant.  

 -adapted from Wayne Jackson

 

Four Versions of Mark 16:16

Topic(s):  Baptism, Jesus, Salvation, Bible Study

The Universalist says: "he that believeth not and is not baptized shall be saved." All are going to be saved whether they are baptized or not.

The Roman Catholic says: "He that believeth not and is baptized shall be saved." Whether it be a newborn baby or an adult at the point of death. The "sacrament" of baptism has validity to take away sins.

The Protestant says: "He that believeth and is not baptized shall be saved." Salvation is by faith only, without baptism or anything else.

The LORD said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."

Which "versions" should we accept?

-Roy Foutz