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| Volume 21 Number 2 February 2019 | Page 4 |
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| Volume 21 Number 2 February 2019 | Page 4 |
Gary C. Hampton
God speaks today through His Son (Hebrews 1:2). Jesus assumed authority after His resurrection when He brought about the beginning of a new age of God’s dealing with man (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:34-36; Colossians 2:14).
The message is important as is seen in God sending His Son to deliver it to man. God made the worlds by Him and He will rule over the nations (Psalm 22:22-27). They will show their subjection to Christ and honor Him by worship.
Jesus was God come down to earth. His glory was testified by the Father and the Holy Spirit at His baptism (Matthew 3:13-17). He shines forth with the glory that is the glory of the Father and is God’s “express image,” like the exact imprint of a seal in wax (Hebrews 1:3).
Neil Lightfoot said “upholding all things by the word of His power” is a reference to Jesus’ responsibility for the “providential government” of the universe and His direction of its destiny. Jesus is also our Redeemer (John 3:16-17). Our old lives of sin are put away when we are baptized in the likeness of His death, burial and resurrection, which is the beginning of our new lives (Romans 6:3-4).
Jesus “purged” or “cleansed” (NKJV margin) our sins. He did this by offering His own blood as a sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:11-14). He was sacrificed one time to take upon Himself the punishment that was due for the sins of mankind (Hebrews 9:28).
The Savior told His disciples He was going to be with the Father. He also explained that He would build a place for His people to live eternally (John 14:1-6). The singer of Israel is quoted by the writer of Hebrews to declare the Son is now on the right hand of the Father in Heaven (Hebrews 1:3; Psalm 110:1; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1). His place at God’s right hand gives us a glorious hope for the day when He will come to receive us again. Praise God for His Spokesman!
How to Stay
Motivated to Win Souls
Ronald D. Reeves
Everyone, at least among those professing Christianity, seems to be in favor of winning souls. There may be disagreement on doctrinal and practical aspects of Christianity, but in this field of endeavor, unity seems to prevail. Yet, despite the perception of unity, many souls are lost, and our personal motivation may be lacking. So, what shall we do? Here’s my response: Love the Lord with all your heart (Matthew 22:37). Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). Focus on the spiritual dangers facing mankind (Ephesians 6:10-13). Focus on the vast number of lost souls (Matthew 7:13-14). Focus on our inability to save self (Ephesians 2:8-10). Focus on the need of more workers to evangelize (Matthew 9:37-38). Focus on our limited opportunities to win souls (Matthew 25:14-30). Focus on the grace of God in our lives (1 Timothy 1:13). Focus on the power of God to change lives (Romans 1:16). Finally, focus on a positive and confident attitude as we labor in the vineyard of the Lord (Philippians 4:13). Will these points of focus guarantee that we will win a soul to Christ? No. However, such focal points will guarantee that each one adopting these will be better motivated for an enduring effort to evangelize the world, regardless of what others may do.