The Proclaimer
PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD

Edited and Published by Jack Critchfield

Volume 5 Issue 8

August, 2001

In This Issue:

Pain That Never Ends
Be Ye Followers Of Christ
Jesus Is Coming To Church Next Sunday
Then Cometh The End...
Bible Neglect


Pain That Never Ends
Jack Critchfield

The tires squeal as the brakes are applied, but too late. The sickening sound of metal being crushed reaches our ears. Tomorrow morning, we will read in the newspaper of the death or the permanent maiming of some of those involved in the wreck.

It is not easy to loose someone we love. I can remember to this day (some 35 years) watching my grandfather lying in the hospital, in pain from kidney failure, the final hours of his life. The mental anguish involved at loosing one that you love can be excruciating.

There is also the physical pain that many live with on a daily basis. Many are afflicted with arthritis; others, because of accidents, etc., have physical ailments, which cause pain every time they move. Yet, as bad as the mental and physical pain we endure in this life might be, there is something that is much worse.

We have an example of what this might be like in Luke 16:19-31. The rich man "died and was buried." The next few verses tell us what it was like for him. "And being in torments in Hades, he (the rich man, jlc) lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off...Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send lazarus that he may dip his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame'" (Lk. 16:23-24). The apostle John describes that torment as a "lake of fire, burning with brimstone" in Rev. 19:20. Those who do not obey the words of Jesus will be cast into that lake at the final judgment (Matt. 25:41).

In Matthew 8:12, Jesus, said those who would not believe Him would be "cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Again in Luke 13:27-28 He says, "...Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth..." He also used the same terms in Matthew 22:13 as the punishment for the one who came to the wedding feast unprepared. In all these instances Jesus is describing what the conditions will be like for those who are eternally separated from God.

Jesus said, "...if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (John 8:24). Today, the word sin is a word that we do not hear much (even by those who claim to be religious). The scholars of this world have tried to change the definition to something that carries no consequences. But God does not share that same attitude. He has promised that those who do not obey Him will know pain that they have never dreamed could exist. Just think, contrary to what many teach today, of that pain never having an end, for Paul calls it "eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord" in 2 Thessalonians 1:9.

The pain and anguish of this life is nothing compared to what awaits those who reject the Lord. But those who obey Him will have rest from pain and suffering. "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world'...And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain for the former things have passed away" (Matt. 25:34; Rev 21:4).

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A few ladies were meeting to study the scriptures when they came upon the remarkable statement of Malachi 3:3.

One lady decided to visit a silversmith and report to the others on what he said about the subject. She went and without telling the silversmith the reason for her visit, begged him to tell her about the process of refining silver.

After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you watch while the work of refining is going on?" "Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith. "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the statement, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (Malachi 3:3). God sees it as necessary to put his children into the furnace-but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is finished?" "Oh, that's quite simple," replied the silversmith..."When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is complete."

Author Unknown
Reprinted from North Hills church of Christ bulletin
July 1, 2001

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Be Ye Followers Of Christ
The Salt of the Earth
Bob Dodson

The DEMAND of the one faith is obedience. Faith without obedience (works) is dead (barren, worthless) (James 2:26).

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus referred to his followers as "the salt of the earth" and as "the light of the world." Someone wisely commented, "As salt, it is our duty to make the world thirsty for Christ." Certainly that fits the context, as Jesus also said, let your light so shine before men, that they might see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16).

Peter said, "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear" (1 Pet 3:1-2). Certainly we know the word is necessary (Rom. 10:17, 1:16), yet Peter here says even if they can't reach them the word, their actions may the influencing factor to lead them to the truth.

He also said, "Beloved, I beg as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation" (1 Pet. 2:11-12). Again, it is our actions that will make them reconsider their charges, and ultimately lead to their obedience (that they might glorify, not fear, God in the day of visitation. Realizing the importance of what people look at, Jesus prayed the night before he was crucified, "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe You sent Me" (John 17:20-21).

And he also said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). This love for one another, when seen by the world hungry for such love, motivates them to seek to learn more of that love, as John again says in 1 John 4:19: "We love Him because He first loved us." "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (4:11). Can you not see the drawing power of such love being manifested to the world? Paul said, "You are our epistle, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ" (2 Cor. 3:2-3).

Is your life such as to have a wholesome effect on other Christians (i.e., to edify and build them up)? "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another..." (Heb. 10:24-25). Again Paul said, "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all" (1 Thess. 5:14-15). Will it draw others to Christ, by how you live as a Christian? Will it cause them to glorify God for such godly examples of what Christianity is all about? Or, is it only fit to be cast out and "trampled underfoot by men" (Matt. 5:13)? Again, Peter says, "For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them" (2 Pet. 2:20-22). Jesus said, "Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matt. 18:7).

Let us truly try to live in such a way that we might make others thirsty for Christ!

via "Bible Talk", Aug 30,1998

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"If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 4:11

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Jesus Is Coming to Church Next Sunday!
John Hendrix

After church services on Wednesday night the congregation was abuzz over the announcement that was just made: Jesus was coming to our church next Sunday! He was not coming to preach; He was coming to observe the congregation at worship. We were assured that He would have a seat with a view of everyone.

This was certainly hard to believe, but coming He was, and you could rest assured that things would not be like usual!

For one thing, the preacher hurried home and began to work immediately on his sermon. After all, there was no way he would be caught with a poorly prepared lesson on Sunday morning! He would take extra care, this time, to only preach God's word with no additions of his own. Also he would be very careful of his attitude: he would only preach out of love and genuine concern for the souls in the audience.

The next morning some brother phoned Mr. Jones to tell him the news. Mr. Jones was a member of the congregation, but he was absent last night (he had worked all day and felt too tired to come). Mr. Jones quickly took out a thick black marker and wrote "Reserved" on his calendar for the hours of worship on Sunday. This time he wouldn't let his boss talk him into working (which happened sometimes) or let his friends talk him into playing golf (which happened a little more often, in good weather). No Sir! Jesus was going to be at church next Sunday and Mr. Jones wouldn't miss that for the world!

Coming home from the store on Friday, Mrs. Smith saw a neighbor working in her yard. Mrs. Smith hurriedly slowed down her car and turned into the driveway so she could invite the neighbor to church. She wouldn't normally have done this ("They may think I'm being too pushy or they won't come or--if they did--they might be offended by the preaching."), but Jesus was going to be at church next Sunday and she just knew the neighbor would want to come too!

Saturday night, Mr. Doe was careful to get to bed early so as to get a good night's sleep. Normally, he would have stayed up late watching television and then trying to get his Bible lesson done at the last minute. The lack of sleep (not to mention the lack of interest) often caused him to start nodding off ten minutes into the sermon. But Jesus would be at church tomorrow and he would hate to fall asleep with Him watching.

Mr. and Mrs. Peabody set their alarm clock early for Sunday morning. Quite often they ran about five minutes late for church. While this was a little bit embarrassing it was no big deal. But it was a big deal this Sunday. This Sunday Jesus was coming, and they would never allow Him to see them showing up late!

Even the man who was going to lead singing had his songs all picked out ahead of time. Normally, he would hurriedly pick out his songs just before services. But with Jesus in the audience, singing praises to God seemed somehow much too important to be so carelessly planned.

There is just not room enough to adequately describe all of the changes in attitude and behavior that occurred because Jesus was coming to church that Sunday! Bob was careful to wear clothes that seemed appropriate--not too dressy (didn't want to shame those who couldn't afford to dress as nice) and not sloppy (didn't want to look like someone who just didn't care). Jill had her lesson all filled out for the first time in years. Barbara fed her children at home so that their pew didn't look like a booth at a fast food restaurant. Jack smiled and acted like he was actually happy to be there. And everyone came to enthusiastically study God's word, sing songs of praise and admonition, pray to the One who created all things, and remember the sacrifice that Christ (who would be right there!) had made for them at Calvary.

Because Jesus was going to be there, everyone was determined that this worship service would be the most uplifting, the most joyous, the most moving period of worship that they had ever experienced!

It's too bad that they didn't expect Jesus to come to every worship service. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst off them." (Matthew 18:20)

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"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand."

Psalms 95:6-7

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Then Cometh The End...
Jim McDonald

These words are taken from Paul's discourse concerning the resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:24. In earlier verses he had reminded Corinthians that the resurrection was part of the gospel he preaches to them and which they had received and believed (1 Cor 15:1-4; 11). In view of this he asked then why some among then said there was no resurrection of the dead, showing the consequences that must follow were that premise true (1 Cor 15:24-28). He concludes by saying, "If we have only hoped in Christ in this life we are of all men most pitiable" (1 Cor 15:19).

But the apostle assures us; Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep. "Firsts fruits" implies "second fruits", those who are Christ's at His coming (1 Cor 15:23). And, then cometh the end.

The end-the end of the world (2 Pet 3:10; Matt 24:35). The end of grace for judgment follows the second coming of Christ (Mt 25:31-65). The end of Satan's freedom to try and tempt men into sin for he will be cast into the fiery lake (Rev 20:10). The end of the reign of Christ; the return of the kingdom back to God (1 Cor 15:24-28).

What a significant thought is this: "Then cometh the end". This verse and the following ones, reveal the lie of the doctrine of two physical resurrections, separated by a thousand year earthly reign of Christ. Notice that:

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In the Northern hill country of India, there are private paths, which lead from the main one to the homes that dot the hillside. At some of the junctions, the owners build two posts and a gate. The posts are not connected to any fence. One can easily step around the gate if he so wishes. However, when the posts are strong, the gate heavy, and a padlock secures the gate, it is the owners way of stating that this is his own private path. In other words, "No trespassers, please! Those who disregard the warning will suffer the consequences." As one thinks about this arrangement, it is exactly the way God deals with us. God has arranged guidelines and laws, which we are to observe and respect. If one so desires, he can step around God's laws. Some day, though, he will suffer bitter consequences for disobeying God.

Author Unknown

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Bible Neglect
Rusty Miller

There are few things more dangerous to the spiritual health of Christians than a neglect of sincere, careful Bible study. Christians need to be immersed in God's word, for that is what makes them different. For instance, Christians are different from the ungodly, because study of His word has led them to the knowledge that an ungodly life will result in destruction (Jude 14-15; 2 Pet. 3:7).

In addition, careful study of God's word separates Christians from non-believers who claim to be moral. Held to an arbitrary standard as set by society, they may be, but someone who is striving to do what God wants must study His word to determine what is truly moral. Acting then, on His word, the Christians separates himself from the atheist who acts merely on what society thinks is moral. The atheist may believe, as much of society does, that a woman's right to an abortion is the position of high moral ground, but a careful student of God's word will understand that murder, no matter the name it is given, is always wrong (Rom. 1:29; 1 Jn. 3:15).

Further, Bible study also separates the Christian from false religions. Millions all over the world are happy in religions which worship figures other than the true and living God, whether it is Buddha, an ancient goddess or even man himself. The Bible student, intent on pleasing God, will grow to appreciate and worship the God who is both Creator (Gen. 1-2) and Deliverer (1 Cor. 15). It is impossible to imagine anyone with an open mind seeking truth studying God's word and not coming to Him in faith.

Bible study also separates the Christian from so-called "Christian" denominations. Many denominations do not teach the truth on such Bible subjects as baptism (Acts 2:38; R0m. 6; 1 Pet. 3:18-22), homosexuality (Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-10) or the ability of the saved to sin and be lost (Gal. 5:4; 2 Pet. 2:20-22). Failure to carefully examine His word with respect to our own practices can result in our being misled by such false doctrine. A Christian, well-grounded in God's truth, will learn to recognize error when it is preached.

Finally, Bible study separates the Christian from the Church-of Christer. The Church-of Christer is tied to a denominational concept of the church. He is what he is out of loyalty to a kinds of party spirit, or because "My family's always been Church-of-Christ!" The Christian is what he is because God's word has lead him to understand, accept (believe) and respond to eternal truths which work to save his soul. He understands that he will reach heaven because he has responded to God's commands and striving to live a life that is Christ-like in nature, rather than because his "heavenly ticket" was punched when his name was added to the Church of Christ role.

How does Bible study accomplish all this separation? By allowing the careful student to see and embrace the mind of God (1 Cor. 2:10-16). Through the word revealed by the Spirit, we are able to gain insight into the mind of God, so that we are better equipped to serve Him. In fact, Paul told Timothy that God's word was perfectly designed to equip us (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and it is that word which "grants to us everything pertaining to live and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3).

It is then, easily seen how a neglect of Bible study can cause one to lose the faith they have in God. We must continue in His word to strengthen the faith we have, and we must study and re-examine our lives as we seek to please Him.

Separation from Evil, from falsehood and from hypocrisy is important; it is only our attention to the scriptures, which can offer us that separation and unite us with God in heaven.

Via Abundant Life, February, 2000

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Jack Critchfield, Editor & Publisher
403 Coit Way, Salinas, Ca. 93907
(831) 772-9557
jcritch@a1above.net