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 The Cornerstone 

This is the Stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the Chief Conerstone." Acts 4:11

Pulbished to Support the Work of the West End Church of Christ, Richmond, Virginia

Volume 6 *   Number 15*   April 9,  2006

IN CONTROL

How I handle myself as a Christian in a difficult situation si a very important matter. How the world would react and how I react are often very different. For example when one is rudely cut off in traffic the world gets irate, begins to curse and swear, and seeks to get even. But how is a Christian to react? Well it Is most certainly is not in the same manner that the world reacts, for none of those reactions are becoming of the child of God.

The factors that makes the difference between us as Chritsians and those of the world is we are in control. We control our emotions and therefore control our reactions. Or at least we should be. Consider these passages.

Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law."

II Peter 1:5-7 "Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge;and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; and in your godliness brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness love."

I Peter 1:13 "Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

I Corinthians 9:25 "And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."

Stacy Crim

 

 

OLERATION—THE WATCHWORD IN MODERN RELIGION

Cled E. Wallace

Protestantism as it is commonly known, in its up-to-date development, is sustained more by the authority of its organizations and customs than by its appeal to "It is written". The arguments commonly used in its defense are of a blanket character capable of offering covering to Romanist, Jew and even deists. Toleration is the watchword of modern religion. Any effort to approach any citadel of error with an

open New Testament is challenged by the sentries of toleration.

In modern religion any man who says a man is not right in his religion is wrong, is intolerant. Intolerance is getting to be close akin to treachery. Thus another link is forged in the chain of error that binds the minds of mankind. True tolerance is a good thing and intolerance can become demoniacal, but the proper bounds of these words need to be clearly noted. When tolerance holds out the olive branch to false doctrine, it is clearly abusing its proper functions. Incidentally, some of the apostles of modern tolerance can become flamingly intolerant, when opposition begins to pinch them. Broadmindedness can sometimes express a rather sneering contempt for what is called "narrowness". And "narrowness" has often turned out to be the truth in the realm of religion.

The seeker of truth in religion should keep a New Testament handy. It more often condemns what the world approves and approves what the world condemns than otherwise. It is a good book to know and in addition to its other virtues, it is excellent for mental hygiene.

The Bible Banner: January, 1944

 

Peddling the Word of God

Kipp Campbell

Without a doubt, the apostle Paul was one who took his work seriously. Whether it was in persecuting Christians (Acts 8:3; 9:1-2) or in preaching the gospel after his conversion (Acts 9:19-20), Paul always gave it his best effort. With that in mind, consider his comments to the Corinthian Christians, "For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God" (2 Cor. 3:17). Apparently there were some whom Paul felt were not sincere in their teaching of the gospel. He felt compelled to tell them preaching the gospel is to be done with sincerity. Peddling the word of God is a serious charge and one that demands our attention, even today. Let’s look at some ways we can peddle God’s word if we’re not careful.

When we don’t take seriously its commands. The word of God is a book that must be taken seriously by all people, especially Christians. Sadly, too many in this world view the Bible as a book that can (and probably should) be obeyed, but doesn’t have to be obeyed. However, Jesus clearly stated that if we expect to be called a friend of His, we must do what He says, "You are my friends, if you do what I command you" (Jn. 15:14). The Bible is not a book in which we can pick and choose which commands we will follow and which ones we can’t. Unless we fully commit ourselves to following the Lord’s commands, we cannot be called His disciples (2 Jn. 9).

When we don’t believe in its power. This author knows of people who will not try and teach others simply because they think those people they are trying to reach won’t be affected by the message they bring. The apostle Paul knew how strong and powerful the gospel is when he said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16). Paul knew it wasn’t in the presentation of the gospel, nor was it in his personal opinion for people to be saved, but rather the power was within the gospel that could change the lives of people. Another good example is found in Acts 2 at the establishment of the church. Over 3,000 Jews believed the things spoken by Peter and obeyed from the heart those things that were right, all because the gospel was spoken to them in such a way as for them to understand it. Being a good speaker is ok and using various means to get people’s attention is ok, but let us never forget where the true power of God comes from.

When we don’t give it our best effort. Being a Christian demands we give it our best effort in every aspect of our spiritual life. Especially in the area of living our lives by the commandments contained within the scriptures. Paul wrote, "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching 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). In order for Paul, and us, to reach that prize, he had to continually obey the commandments of the Lord. Without so doing, he would have no hope of spending eternity in heaven (Matt. 7:21ff).

Let us be careful in not treating the Bible as a casual suggestion to life, but rather as a serious look into the mind of God (I Cor. 2:10-12). It is a mind that will eventually judge each and every one of us in a coming Day. Prepare yourself now to stand before Him with confidence knowing you did everything He asked of you during your time here on earth.

Clarksville, IN Beacon

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