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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 9 * Number 43* October 28, 2007
Read, Read, Read
By David Holder
Recently in our High School Bible class, the students wanted to learn more about studying the Bible on their own. To make a point I referred them to the three most important considerations in buying and selling real estate — location, location, location. I applied this idea to Bible study. The three most important practices for effective Bible study are — read, read, read. Nothing substitutes for carefully and thoughtfully reading the word of God.
Through the Holy Spirit, God oversaw the production of the Scriptures so that they form a God-inspired, God-empowered word (2Timothy 3:16; 1Corinthians 2:9-12). They should be received not as the words of mere men, but for what they are — the word of God that performs its work in those who believe (1Thessalonians 2:13). But for the Word to do its work, we must read, read, read.
Think about it. God commanded Moses to —
At the end of every seven years . . . read this law in front of all Israel in their hearing. Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town, so that they may hear and learn and fear the Lord your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 31:10-12)
When Judah’s King Josiah led reforms throughout the nation, he had heard Shaphan the scribe read from the book of the law that had been found in the house of the Lord. In what must have been an incredible scene, Josiah gathered all the people of Judah to Jerusalem “and he read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the Lord” (2Chronicles 34:29, 30).
Once Ezra and Nehemiah had led the remnant of God’s people in rebuilding projects, they gathered in front of the Water Gate in Jerusalem. Ezra brought the book of the law of Moses before the crowd, stood behind a wooden podium and read to the people from early morning until midday (Nehemiah 8:1-8).
We won’t learn all we need to know in Bible classes. We’ll never hear all the wonderful details of Scripture in sermons. Commentaries, computer programs, and publications can support and supplement our study, but nothing can substitute for taking the Bible in hand to read with our own eyes and hearts. Get out your copy of the Scriptures today and read, read, read.
From Think on These Things, A publication of the Franklin Drive Church of Christ, Texarkana AR &
The Roman Road To Salvation
When one reads the Bible, he is reading God's provisions to save mankind. Paul explained to Timothy, "For this {is} good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:3-4). Paul declares the theme of the book of Romans: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Rom.1:16). Thus, in the book of Romans, Paul is declaring God's power to save.
Having stated his theme, Paul points out the necessity for salvation! In the first three chapters of Romans, Paul explains to the Jews and Gentiles their need for salvation. Paul sets for very plainly WHY man needs salvation, i.e., because of the guilt of sin, as he states in Romans 3:19,23, "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God." "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," The reason one obeys the gospel is to be saved from the guilt of sin. One must realize his guilt and obey. If one chooses to overlook the danger, then he is in trouble. Many fail to realize their need for Christ and remain lost as a result.
Having proved that all were guilty of sin and in need of salvation, Paul reminds the Roman brethren what they had done in order to be saved. In Romans 10:17 he declares, "So then faith {comes} by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." If one never hears the gospel of Christ, he cannot be saved! Ignorance in no excuse, never has been and never will be! The Romans had been told of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Rom. 6:3-4). Apparently they believed. That had the faith that the Gospel produced through their hearing. Thus Paul explained this was the means by which they had: 1) been justified, (Romans 5:1) 2) peace with God, (ibid), and 3) had access to the grace of God (Rom. 5:2). It isn't any wonder the Hebrew writer says: "But without faith {it is} impossible to please {Him}, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and {that} He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Heb. 11:6). Was this faith alone, as some contend? Just read on! The Romans had a working faith! This faith led them to repentance (Romans 2:4; 6:2). Their faith influenced them to make confession of their faith in Christ (Romans 10:9,10). By faith, they were buried with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:3,4). The Romans "obeyed from the heart" (Rom. 6:17). Thus, they were justified by faith in Christ Jesus. For this reason, Paul said, "among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called {to be} saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom. 1:6-7). So many times denominational preacher will take the book of Romans and try to prove that one can be saved by "faith alone." This is impossible to do without twisting and perverting the whole book itself. Paul shows us very plainly that the Romans worked out their own salvation by obeying the word of God (Phil. 2:12; Rom. 6:17). If people are to be saved today, they will have to do the very same things the Romans did.
Having obeyed the Gospel, Paul points out the results, "And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." (Rom. 6:18). These people were righteous. The next step in salvation was to maintain this righteousness. Paul began by showing their responsibility to God. (Rom. 12:1). The Romans were now saints. they were set apart from the world, so Paul teaches them to be a "living sacrifice" by being "transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Rom. 12:2). He taught them their responsibility to the church, (Rom. 12:3-16, to their enemies, 12:17-20. to their government, 13:1-7, to their neighbors, 13:8-14, and to the weak brethren, 14,15. Is there anything less to be done for one to maintain his righteousness today? Jesus explains how one maintains discipleship, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed." (Jn. 8:31).
Kind reader, if you are not a Christian, you need to obey the gospel. It is the only way God offers to save. If you obey, you will be set free from the guilt of sin; you will be a Christian. Then as a Christian, maintain the righteousness of God in your life by abiding in His will. This is exactly what the Romans did, and it is what you must do!
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