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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 28*   July 9, 2006

Your Obedience Helps Others

By Raymond Kelcy

When Jonah was on the ship bound for Tarshish, he was attempting to flee from the presence of the LORD.

And the LORD hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up (Jonah 1:4).

The disobedience of Jonah not only endangered Jonah himself, but also the lives of all the others on the ship. Jonah couldn’t say, "It’s no one’s business what I do." Jonah’s disobedience became mighty important business to the shipmaster and the other

mariners.

Consider another sea voyage — Acts 27. This time the principal character is Paul, a man of great faith and of steadfast obedience. While on the ship bound for Italy, Paul and 275 others were in the midst of a terrible storm, "Being violently storm-tossed" (27:18).

Luke says that, "All hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned" (20). But the angel of God stood by Paul saying, "Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you" (24). The

275 others whose lives were saved could not say that it was of no concern to them that a God-fearing man was in their midst. It was of utmost importance to them.

We cannot say it’s nobody’s business how we live. Our disobedience endangers others — those others may be our own children, our associates in business, and our best friends. Obedience helps others — these others may be our own children, our associates in business, and our best friends. Someone is watching you. You are casting a shadow of influence. Let us be careful as to what kind of shadow we are casting.

Via Think on These Things (Texarkana, AR)

 

Reactions to Truth

By Jim Deason

There is an interesting, though tragic, story of the sinking of the steamboat "Robert E. Lee." A fire broke out in a main section of the steamboat. Progression of the fire caused the ship to begin taking on water. A messenger was sent from door to door of the steamboats cabins to warn the suspecting passengers. Damage to the ship was such that time would only allow the messenger one trip around the boat to sound warning. Many people perished that day by fire and water. The reason was attributed to varying reactions of the people to the messengers’ warning. This is that which we wish for you to consider very seriously.

Some Heard, Became Angry

Many were indulged in acts of drinking and pleasure. When the messenger warned them they were angry at being disturbed from such sensual pleasure. Their anger caused them not to take the warning seriously, and they soon returned to their games and eventually lost their lives.

How often, today, do people react in this manner to the preaching of the gospel? People become so engrossed in this pleasure mad world that they, much like the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21), forget about the judgment to come. Being oblivious to any danger, when one warns them of their sinful ways, they become angry. A question asked by the apostle would be appropriate to consider here: "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" (Galatians 4:16).

Some Slept Through the Warning

Some were asleep in their comfortable cabins as the messenger gave out the warning of impending disaster. They were unaware of any problems that were in existence.

How much like many people today this seems to be! Many are ignorant of the Bible, Jesus Christ, and Gods plan of salvation. They are not aware of the destruction that lies in disobedience (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Regrettably, some of this ignorance is

brought about because they have closed their eyes to God by prejudice and other tools of Satan (Matthew 13:15). Dear Reader, if you are in this condition, heed the pleadings of the apostle Paul to "Awake thou that sleepest be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:14-17).

This thought also places a grave responsibility upon those of us who are Christians to teach those who are ignorant. James said, "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:20).

Some Heard, Were Amused, & Waited For a Second Warning

Some, in hearing, thought that someone was playing a practical joke and waited for a second warning that never came. They were, as those who became angry, guilty of taking the warning too lightly. They did not realize the urgency in the words of the

messenger.

Many do not realize the urgency in the gospel message. There is no reason for you to put off your obedience to the Lord. Paul said, "Now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). Do not wait for a convenient season, for it will never be more convenient than now!

Some Heard, Complied, & Were Saved

There were a few abroad the "Robert E. Lee" who realized the truth of the urgent message. They made preparation to be rescued and their lives were spared.

Tragically, in this story only a few of the people made the necessary preparation. But, the same is true when we consider those who are obedient to the gospel. They are few (Matthew 7:13-14). Are you one of these?

To be saved you must obey God (Matthew 7:21). Salvation is not promised apart from obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9). Christ is pleading for you to come unto Him. Do so by believing in Him and His Word (John 3:16; Hebrews 11:16), repenting of your sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30), confessing Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8:37), and being baptized for the remission of your sins. If you will obey Him and remain faithful, He will save you. This is the urgent message of the gospel. We plead with you to hear and obey.

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