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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 39* September 30, 2007
A Ready Mind & the Search
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11
What is our attitude towards the word of God? Are we willing to receive the word because our mind is ready to hear it? The Bereans were ready to receive the word. Their mind was ready to hear Paul and Silas’ preaching. They were more noble than the Thessalonians who had run the preachers of the gospel out of town at the preaching of God’s word. Again, what exactly is our own attitude towards the preaching of the word? A ready mind is necessary.
Another important part of this text is the searching of the Scriptures. The Bereans not only had a ready mind but they also searched the Scriptures daily to determine whether the things taught were true to the word of God. What is your attitude regarding study? Is it too much trouble to look carefully at the word of God to determine if what is being taught is true? The proper attitude is to study for ourselves the word of God to determine if what is said is so.
One cannot expect to be spoon fed by the preacher all the things that are to be known. There are many false preachers and teachers that must be tried by the word of God. (I John 4:1) Each of us bear the responsibility of examining for ourselves the word of God. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15
Let us emulate the heart of the Bereans and not the heart of the Thessalonians. Stacy Crim
I can't do everything, but I can . . .
Submit to the Elders . . .
and I will!
by Greg Gwin
It is a simple fact that I can't do everything, but there are some things that I definitely can do and, with God's help, I will. For instance, I can humbly submit to those who lead this local congregation.
The command to submit is very clear, and it applies to ME!
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Heb. 13:17)
I understand that the elders cannot instruct me to do things that would be in violation of God's law. If they were to do that, then I "ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). But in other matters I must obey and submit to them.
It seems clear that – since the elders cannot legislate law or modify the commandments of God – the areas in which I'm expected to submit must be areas of judgment. In any local church there will be decisions about implementing the instructions of the Lord. Questions about where, when, and (to a certain degree) how we will proceed must be made. I can give my input when asked, and I can express my opinion about these kinds of authorized expedients, but when a final decision is made I must submit.
Some seem to worry constantly that the elders might "lord it over the flock" (1 Pet. 5:3). That is a potential danger, and elders need to guard against such. But, by far and away, the more common error is a failure to submit.
This is not a matter to be taken lightly. The Lord has commanded me to be submissive to my spiritual shepherds, and with God's help . . . I will!
The Beacon Electronic Edition &
Devaluing "I DO"
Al Diestelkamp
The words, "I do" are heard on solemn occasions, such as wedding vows, court cases, swearing-in ceremonies, and when one is asked before baptism if he believes that Jesus is God's Son.
God takes vows very seriously. The law of Moses said: "If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth" (Num. 30:2). Later, Solomon revealed that "When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed. It is better not to vow than to vow and not pay" (Eccl. 5:4-5).
While we are not under the law of Moses, Jesus warned against the indiscriminate oath or vow and said, "Do not swear at all . . . but let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' be 'No.'. . ." (see Matt. 5:33-37). We need to tell the truth at all times. We don't need an oath to strengthen our word.
Throughout the years "I do" has come to mean anything anyone wants it to mean. Couples who have solemnly said "I do" before God, family and friends, have not kept their "until death do us part" promises; Politicians who have said "I do" with their hands on Bibles seem to think nothing of violating their oaths; Witnesses before judges and juries no longer are expected to "tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth."
Though we are becoming accustomed to breaking of vows, I'm confident that God will bring each one into account (see Matt. 12:36-37). Those who say, "I do," but don't, are liars, who along with other immoral people "will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Rev. 21:8).
Think about that when you're tempted to be unfaithful to your spouse, or contemplate divorce, or backslide from your faithfulness to the Lord.
Think on These Things, Volume 30, No. 2
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