The Birth of the Future King

When the news from the palace came that Prince William and Kate Middleton were expecting, the world became obsessed with the birth of the future king. As the day approached, millions of people were aware of the birth and the arrival of the new prince was widely discussed. The media gathered at Saint Mary’s Hospital, and crowds around Buckingham Palace became increasing larger. The new heir to the throne was about to be born. Would that heir be a boy or a girl? How much would he weigh? What name should would be given him? Millions were fascinated about the coming king.

Years before this, there was another King who was born. His coming birth was announced, not months before, but hundreds of years before His arrival. The city where He would be born was even foretold, but King Herod was not even aware of where the birth would take place. There were some wise men from the east who were aware of His arrival, but there was little attention given by any others of what was happening.

In London, massive preparation was made for the birth of Prince George, but in Bethlehem, there was none. There was no royal birthing suit for the new King, for His first bed was a manger, and His first clothes were simply a cloth that was swaddled around Him. That birth in Bethlehem was almost unnoticed except by His mother and His earthly father.

There was an announcement of His birth, but not to those one might expect. It was told to shepherds in the fields and scarcely any details were given them. They were told it had happened in the city of David and that the new King would be found in a manger. That was all that was told, but these men rushed to Bethlehem and found Him who was to become the King of all kings and of all mankind. There was no media to herald His coming to the world, it was given to common men and was almost unnoticed by anyone else. What a contrast!

The world will watch the growth and development of Prince George. There will be pictures of him over the next decades. We will know which school he attends, and there will be speculation some day of his bride. That other King has a bride, but the world has little idea of her identity! This King and His bride have been mocked over the centuries since His coming.

What about you? Were you more aware this past week about the future king in London or that other King? Which of the two kings had more of your attention last week? That prince born in London will hardly impact your life, but that other King will affect you now and eternally. Do not ignore the birth of the only King who matters!

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The Antioch Church of Christ

The Lord’s Church at Antioch in the Roman province of Syria began with a handful of refugees who fled to the 3rd largest city in the Roman Empire. The church in Antioch was established in two phases: First by those which were scattered abroad. (Acts 8:4; 11:19). This group was likely composed of Hebrew Christians from Jerusalem. These came and preached to the Jews only. (Acts 11:19). The second phase included preaching to the Gentiles. (Acts 11:20-21). This second group was composed of Christians from Cyprus and Cyrene (Libya) preaching to the Grecians. This term Grecian is often applied to the Jews of the dispersion, who had adopted the Greek culture, but in this context it seems to indicate that these were non-Jewish Greeks, i.e. Gentiles. Therefore, this would likely have been sometime after conversion of Cornelius. It is interesting that at this time, there were no “big name” preachers among them. The Apostles were still residing in Jerusalem. These were simply a group of fully-committed every day, anonymous Christians, who had a desire to go forth and conquer the world for Christ.

To be able to do so, they first devoted themselves to the study of God’s word and as a result they grew into one of the great bastions of faith – teachers and preachers of the Glorious Gospel! They were of a great diversity of cultures and nationalities with ONE important thing in common: The Love for God and His Son Jesus Christ: (Eph 4:4) they demonstrated this great love by zealousness in evangelism! They evangelized a great city, crossing every cultural and religious boundary to turn men from darkness to light. With this church at Antioch we see in action the ideal that all men, regardless of race, nationality or cultural heritage are truly ONE in Christ Jesus! (John 17:20-21; Acts 17:26; Rom 1:16; Eph 2:14)

It was here at Antioch that the appellation “Christian” is first applied to the disciples of Jesus Christ. This came about in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isa 62:1-2. “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth…”  This points to the establishment of the church and its spread throughout the Jews. (Acts 2:1-8:4) “And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory…” This points to the Gentiles coming into the church. (Acts 10:1-11:18) “And thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name…” Perhaps this name change came about because it was at this location that the cultural, racial, social and religious divide between Jews and Gentiles was most firmly set aside, thus shattering all labels so that the only commonality that could be affixed to them was that of the name Jesus Christ! They were simply Christians! Not Jewish Christians; not Grecian Christians; not Roman Christians – the name of Christ was sufficient for them, as it should be for us today!

From their actions (beginning in Acts 13), we can see that these people were not content just to simply remain comfortable in their homes and in their own city, but they looked to spread the gospel into all the world! They supported missionaries of diverse cultures and customs. E.g. Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Titus, John Mark, Luke, Timothy, etc. Each of Paul’s three major missionary journeys, recorded in Acts, began from Antioch. Syrian Antioch became the major hub of most the evangelistic activity with the gentile world. It was, in large part, because of their efforts that many missionaries were sent forth and were able preach the Gospel to, “to every creature which is under heaven…” (Col 1:23)

Truly these were Christians who went on a Glorious Journey with God and may their example inspire us to boldly go forth and bring light into a world of darkness!

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The Show Must Go On…

The Show Must Go On… But Not Here!

The music gets louder and louder; the songs get rowdier and less reverent; the light show and sound systems get larger and more expensive; because all that matters, is that “the show must go on.” No I’m not talking about the latest superstar tour, but about the latest “Pop-Culture,” “Cater-To-The-Young-People-At-All-Cost,” “Concert Christianity” mentality that is cutting a devastating swath of destruction through most ‘churches’ today, as the only thing that seems to matter to many is doing whatever it takes, to hopefully, maybe, get more young people into the building. It doesn’t seem to matter to these entertainment-oriented, increase-the-numbers-at-all-cost (which it usually, in reality doesn’t) supporters, whether or not God is honored and reverenced; whether His deeper truths are actually studied and obeyed; or how many seasoned, stalwart seekers of God are offended and run off in the process; all that matters is the latest fad; that “Rock-n-Roll Religion” is here to stay. The world has indeed fatally infected and afflicted today’s religious world.

If you are one of those more mature members of a local church group who have either been run off from, or are seriously considering leaving a local denomination – including especially even those so-called, once faithful but now fallen away into apostasy “churches of Christ” – because of this egregious epidemic, then please consider coming by to visit your local, still faithful to the old paths, biblically blueprinted church of Christ. What you will find is an extremely faithful to God’s Word, devoted and loving family of God’s children where you will be warmly welcomed to constantly study, seek, and obey God’s will with us straight out of His eternal Word.

Do we love our young people? Absolutely! And it is precisely because we do love them so very much, that we will continue to teach them the all-consuming and soul-saving truth that GOD COMES FIRST, before them and their wants and desires or anyone else’s for that matter. And that we who do love Him will compromise His truth for no one – NO ONE –young or old – including them (Matthew 10:32-39)!

His faithful church has remained fiercely loyal to His truth for the last 1,980 years – even in the face of torture and death; it does not and will not change to fit the latest worldly fads and follies now (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). We refuse to become the “Church of Culture,” preferring instead, to remain the church OF CHRIST (Romans 16:16; John 14:15; Acts 4:12); because both ours and their souls are far too important, and eternity is far too long a time, to do anything less.

What about you? Don’t give up on God because your ‘church’ has chased you off. Come check out His unchanging church instead as seen in the sacred text of the divinely-inspired New Testament!

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The Ministry of Deacons

In Philippians 1:1, among those Paul addressed were  “ deacons .” Deacons comprise a unique office and  function in the local church. God organized the  church to have deacons—special servants to carry out  certain tasks within the work and organization of the  local church.

Humanity has craved power. Jesus observed this  as a problem of the Gentiles:

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know  that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion  over them, and they that are great exercise authority  upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but  whosoever will be great among you, let him be your  minister; And whosoever will be chief among you,  let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man  came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and  to give his life a ransom for many [Matt. 20:25-28].

Yet, Jesus recognized servanthood as greatness. Therefore, deacons are special because of their ministry in the kingdom.

While some deacons in the brotherhood have a  title, but no job assignments, others have job assignments  but are not carrying out their duties. In each extreme case,  deacons and the congregation must cooperate to fulfill  each role in the congregation.

The term deacon simply means “servant” or  “minister.” Their role pertaining to leadership is unique  in that on one hand, they are not leaders. While they  must have certain characteristics to serve in a particular  function (cf. 1 Tim. 3:8-13), they are simply servants  with responsibilities. On the other hand, they are  leaders, because their responsibility (and the leadership  inherent within such responsibility) makes them leaders.  For example, in Acts 6, the apostles encouraged the  congregation in Jerusalem to select seven “servants”  to be responsible for the daily ministry to the widows,  solving the problem that had arisen in the process. Did  they serve? Of course, they did. Yet, did they lead? The  position in which the apostles placed them inherently  carried with it responsibility, and with such, an amount  of leadership. Such is also true concerning elders and  deacons in the local church setting.

To show such is true, deacons are to involve the  congregation in their work, not simply do the work  themselves. Proper delegation is very important in not  only fulfilling the work of the church, but also executing  proper organization in the entire body of Christ working  as a single unit. When Paul described the church as  a body in First Corinthians 12, he did so recognizing  the importance of every single individual member.  Therefore, elders, deacons and ministers are not to do all  the work of the church. Deacons especially must involve  the members in their work.

Deacons must exercise responsibility. One cannot  be a deacon without understanding responsibility and  dependability. The church will greatly benefit when  congregations appoint deacons who understand these and  exercise them in fulfilling their appointed roles.

Therefore, while the seven men of Acts 6 were not  necessarily deacons, they do serve as a model for such  an office. When the church properly utilizes deacons  and they work diligently under the supervision of the  elders, great things will happen! “ And the word of God  increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in  Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests  were obedient to the faith ” (Acts 6:7).

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Forsaking Attendance

Forsaking the Attendance of Christian Assemblies

Question – Please tell me why Christians miss many assemblies of the church; offering no reasons for their absences. Isn’t it essential to spiritual growth to be present at all the assemblies if possible?  – Allen G.

Answer …  Hebrews 10:24-27 – Perhaps one of the most often violated instructions in the New Testament is the admonition found in Hebrews 10:24-27 – 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (KJV) There is no plainer command found in the New Testament for Christian to be faithful in attendance than these four verses. Yet; many members of the congregation will be absent from the assemblies several times each month. I am not suggesting that there is never a time when a faithful Christian will miss an assembly.  The problems of health, family, and emergencies will cause many Christians to miss a service occasionally but for a member or family to absent themselves from the assembly two or more times monthly on a continuing basis is surely a sign that faithfulness is not important to them. Perhaps there is more than one cause of their unfaithfulness; please note the following list:

Perhaps they are too involved in worldly pursuits – Titus 2:11-12 – 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (KJV)

It is also true that many Christians do not consider it needful to be at all meetings of the church; many consider the Lord’s Day {i.e. Sunday} as the only day needed for complying with the admonition to partake the Lord’s Supper, etc. But the Scriptures state

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 – 1 now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. – Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Acts 20:7 – and upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (KJV)

NOTE — Acts 20:7 — [And upon the first day of the week] Showing thus that this day was then observed by Christians as holy time. Compare 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10. [To break bread] Evidently to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Compare Acts 2:46. So the Syrian understands it, by translating it, “to break the Eucharist”; that is, the Eucharistic bread. It is probable that the apostles and early Christians celebrated the Lord’s Supper on every Lord’s day.  — (From Barnes’ Notes)

NOTE ALSO: Christians all; are to grow spiritually – requiring attendance at Bible study, gospel meetings, special classes, etc.

2 Peter 3:18 – But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

1 Peter 2:2 – As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (KJV)

Ephesians 4:15-16 – 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Every Christian ought to seek to grow on a continuing basis; I have been a preacher of the gospel for 52 years and I still am learning more and more as I attend Bible study both as a teacher and as a learner in the teaching of others. We must always do all that we can to gain knowledge so that we can teach others as someone taught us; as Paul instructed Timothy long ago – cf. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 – “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (KJV)

I do not know all the reasons for absences at Bible study and other worship times but I am convinced that the Christian who loves the Lord and wants to please him as well as to grow as they ought; will attend every worship privilege and every study session that they possibly can. Don’t you?

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