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Vol. 12 No. 6 June 2010 |
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Vol. 12 No. 6 June 2010 |
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Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor
I love being a child of the King! What a true blessing indeed it is to be a Christian. Sometimes in the midst of fighting the adversary (1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:12), Christians get tired. Who among us has not felt like life is just too hard, or I am weary of being faithful. Yes, indeed, Christianity has it trials and times of testing (James 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:12), but I know it is all worth it! Why do I love being a Christian? Even though temptations, trials and tests come our way, being a Christian is the greatest way to live. Why?
First, Christians have a family. Family is one of the greatest blessings known to mankind. God designed the family all the way back in the paradise of Eden (cf. Genesis 2:7; 18). God, through David, later divulged the wonderful blessings found in the family that grows numerically (cf. Psalm 127:1-5). However, on top of the blessings of a physical family, the Christian enjoys the blessings of a spiritual family. In fact, even if our physical family fails us because of our faith in Christ, God has promised to make certain we still have a family (cf. Mark 10:29-30)! As the tear-making song reminds, “We’re part of the family, that’s been born again, part of the family, that’s love knows no end, for Jesus has saved us, and made us His own, now we're part of the family that’s on its way home!” It is great to be a Christian, because we have a family!
Second, Christians have a function. One of the saddest scenes indeed to witness is people who seem to have no goals, focus or function in life. These ones simply go about day-to-day breathing and physically existing, all the while having no real function or purpose in life. However, such is not the case for the Christian! Our first and foremost function in life is to bring honor and glory to our Father (cf. Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12). Therefore, our aim (even though it is sometimes a feeble effort) is to make certain everything we do “in word or deed” we do by the authority of Jesus Christ (cf. Colossians 3:17; Acts 4:7-10). Our speech (Colossians 4:6), our attitudes (i.e., mind Philippians 2:1ff), our clothing (1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-4) and our daily work (Colossians 3:22) should reflect Jesus (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6). The Christian’s function is to “shine for Jesus” (Philippians 2:15-16). A lofty goal, indeed, but one that will keep even the pious person humble. It is great to be a Christian, because we have a function!
Third, Christians have a future. When faced with the difficulties and turmoil that life sometimes brings, people occasionally feel that the situation at hand is the end. Certainly and quite sadly, for those in the world, hope is only found in what this world has to offer (1 Corinthians 15:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:13). Yet, those in Christ (i.e., Christians) have a wonderful future no matter in what situation they find themselves. God’s Book affirms the fact that the Christian’s future is bright (Luke 10:20; 1 Peter 1:1ff; Romans 6:22; et al). Truly, I know not what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds tomorrow! It is great to be a Christian, because we have a future!
I love being a child of the King! Christianity is the best life one could ever live (cf. John 10:9-10). Sure I have an adversary who is trying to devour my eternal soul (1 Peter 5:8), but thank God, I also have an Advocate (1 John 2:1), who died to deliver my eternal soul (2 Corinthians 1:10)! I love being a Christian because only Christians have the “…promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8b). Do you have that promise? Oh, I pray you do!
What Does the Bible Say
about the Purpose of the Bible?
Adam Cozort
Many people misunderstand the Bible because they do not understand its purpose. Some see it as a history book, some as a book of stories and mythology. However, such ideas are not accurate representations of what the Bible is, or of its purpose.
John wrote, “But these things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). John states that there are two reasons for the writing of the Scriptures. First, it was so that man would believe in whom Jesus was. The Old Testament prophesies of the coming of Christ and shows what God did to pave the way for His coming. The New Testament tells of His life and teachings, proclaiming the new covenant under which we live today.
The second reason is that we might have life through his name. The New Testament teaches us how to get to Christ, and how to remain in Christ. This is the purpose of the Bible.