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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 35* September 2, 2007
Though You Know All of This
Nebuchadnezzar was a haughty king. In Daniel 4:33 God humbles Nebuchadnezzar by driving him from men and lowering him to the status and behavior of a beast of burden. He was to be of this mind until he learned the important lesson that “the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever He will.” (verse 32)
In the process of time Belshazzar comes along as one of the family successors of Nebuchadnezzar. He too must learn the lesson of his grandfather. One night while banqueting in his palace, he spots “fingers of a man’s hand” as they write upon the plaster of the wall. Belshazzar is afraid and his knees begin to knock together. (5:5-6) No one save Daniel is able to interpret the writing on the way.
God’s message through Daniel to the king is the same message given to Nebuchadnezzar. He too needed to know that “the Most High God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.” (5:21)
Here is our lesson “And thou his son, O Belshazzar hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this.”
The preachers preach, the teachers teach and we know all of this, yet we do not humble our hearts.
“…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10
Stacy Crim
Can we see the Bible alike?
David O. Lanius, Jr.
Can we all see the Bible alike? Is there a way that all mankind can have unity based on understanding the truth? If a hundred men can read a set of plans to build a house and build the same house in a hundred different places, then we can also read God's blueprint, the Bible, and build local churches which are identical to those of the first century.
Paul told the brethren at Ephesus that they could understand his words if they would but read (Eph. 3:1-7). He also said to the Corinthians that they too could understand his words (1 Cor. 1:13). In the very last book of the New Testament John said, "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those which are written in it; for the time is near" (Rev. 1:3).
Jesus prayed that there be unity among the believers (John 17), and Paul commanded the Corinthians to speak the same things (1 Cor. 1:10). If unity is impossible then God has asked us to do something that we cannot, but yet he shows us how there can be unity (Eph. 4:1-7).
Yes, we can know the word of God, but it might be that we are unwilling to submit our minds and wills to God's. The Bible itself says that we "have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we many know the things freely given to us by God" (1 Cor. 2:12). Let us determine to study God's will, both to learn it and to do it.
2/12/07 Lawrenceburg, KY
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Embracing Correction
Joel Ellis
Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. (Psalm 141:5)
I don’t know anyone who actually enjoys being criticized. Personal critique is painful and humiliating even when its administration is gentle and kind. Though unpleasant, constructive criticism is, nevertheless, an important and necessary experience. None of us are perfect, and if we think otherwise then we deserve a little criticism! Unless we are willing to acknowledge our own imperfections and listen to the reproof and suggestions of others, we cannot hope to grow beyond our present weaknesses.
People can be unkind, less than tactful and even downright rude. Sometimes constructive criticism becomes nothing more than destructive complaint. Oftentimes those most eager to help others by means of criticism are the ones least capable of doing so effectively. But despite the shortcomings of many critics, we must admit the need for honest criticism. We can learn from even our worst critics, and when our defensive mechanisms tune out those we believe are unworthy to criticize, we lose the opportunity to gain from their insight however poorly articulated it may be.
Defensiveness is one of the least flattering traits of mankind. It is intensely frustrating to deal with people who seem obsessed with excusing themselves, shifting the blame to others and indulging in explanations both loud and long as to why they are the wretched object of other people’s scorn. A defensive person hears nothing of what his critic actually says; instead, he hears things as he imagines them to be. Never mind the actual reproof or how kindly and justly it may have been presented. The defensive person sees every critique as a personal attack and bemoans his unjust persecution rather than his considerable personal failings.
Wise men embrace correction especially that which is motivated by true love and concern. (cf. Prov. 9:8) Fools, however, reject reproof. They only pay lip-service to the concept of growth choosing instead to focus their energies on protesting the injustice of their persecutors. The wise man will benefit from the words of his critics, both friend and foe. The fool will gain nothing but a sense of vindication when others finally leave him alone with his folly. –
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Being a Disciple of Jesus
Warren King
A disciple is simply one who follows a teacher. Whether the following is good or bad depends on who the teacher is. As Christians, we are confident that the Teacher is worthy of following. But, what is involved in this? What does it take to be His disciple?
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (Jn 8:31). The implication here is that we have studied His teachings, and made a conscious decision to obey them. Such dedication is fundamental to discipleship. Do you study and obey His word?
“…bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (Jn 15:8). We all have various talents, or abilities, that God has given us. The true disciple of Jesus uses these talents to further the cause of Christ. Are you bearing fruit for Jesus and His Kingdom?
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (Jn 13:35). One of the distinguishing marks of a true disciple of Jesus is the sincere love that is demonstrated (not just professed) toward others. Do others see Jesus reflected in your behavior? Are you a disciple of Jesus?
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