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| Volume 20 Number 6 June 2018 | Page 15 |
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| Volume 20 Number 6 June 2018 | Page 15 |
Jay Jones
When an individual decides to become a Christian (a follower of Christ, a child of God), he or she has decided to turn his or her life over to God, surrender the will to His will and live the remainder of one’s life in subjection to His Word. This procedure begins by obeying the Gospel.
After this, baptized believers are babes in Christ. They begin their journey; it will be a tough journey, but it will be worth it. Jesus said in Revelation 2:10, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” No reward is ever given when one runs a race until he has crossed the finish line. The apostle Paul said at the end of his life in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
The young Christian studies God’s Word daily to learn what he or she is to do—and not to do. Also, Bible study draws strength from His powerful Word. The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” The apostle Paul wrote to the younger evangelist in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Peter penned, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
In addition to growing themselves in faith and knowledge, a thorough understanding of God’s Word equips one with the ability to lead others to a saving relationship with God. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). How comforting it is to know at the end of a person’s physical life that his or her soul or spirit will spend eternity in Heaven with God. We all have that opportunity. God wants us to be saved. Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
All Christians are listed somewhere on a spiritual scale. Spiritual growth is no different than any other type of growth. It happens one day at a time. Let us not become complacent or dormant in our service to the Lord. Jesus said in Matthew 7:19, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:9-10, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
A Friend in Need
Derek Broome
Have you ever had a time in your life where you just needed to talk to someone? Have you ever had a friend come to you and discuss with you the matters of his or her heart? Most of us have had moments like this in our lives where either we or one of our friends needed some help. We have all, at times, received some great help and have given great attention to our friends when they have had a need. Yet, even with all of these things being true, there is a pattern developing among some Christians today. Less Christians are reaching out for help.
The world in which we live can be a very cruel place at times. Weaknesses are exploited and used as ammunition to gain popularity or a higher position. Many people who have trusted in a friend or a companion have found themselves hopelessly sitting by while they are ridiculed, passed over and betrayed. Many people do not know who they can trust anymore.
As Christians, it is our responsibility to be the kind of people that others can trust. James 5:16 gives instruction to us all to confess our trespasses to one another. Here in this moment of personal weakness, another Christian friend has an opportunity to listen and to pray so that an erring Christian or someone that is struggling can receive the healing that he or she needs. This is a moment for healing, not for revenge or personal gain. We as Christians show others around us that we are willing to listen and that we can be trusted. We help restore that bond of trust that should be between us all.
We serve a loving God, a God that we can trust. May we all learn to love one another and be friends who others can trust in times of need.