Gospel Newsletter July 2009

Gospel Newsletter West Hepburn Ave. Church of Christ 3907 W. Hepburn Ave Pine Bluff, AR 71603 July 2009

Idols

Why people give up on good things?

(1 John 5:21)

Some solutions to consider

Earnest Jones Jr. We are called dear children and are commanded to keep ourselves from idols (1 John 5:21). An idol is an image or a carved image that can be placed in the mind, can be physical, or material. A person can simply look upon another's beauty and physical appearance and idolize that person. One can idolize another for their talent or talents and never mention to that person about Christ. There have been many famous and renowned people that have idolized themselves going down in history, yet dying in their sins choosing not to acknowledge the one true God, the Father through Jesus Christ the son that bought them to do all things that are good, acceptable, and pleasing to him. There will be many more that follow that same way (2 Peter 2:1) One can easily idolize without even being aware that they have idolized or are idolizing something or someone, but at the same time it doesn't make it acceptable to the one true God. Even with material things, we must also be careful about those things that God the Father has given us to enjoy, and must not idolize them by over indulging. Instead, we should focus our hearts and minds on things that will keep our hearts pure (Phil 4:8) and understand that we can never do too much good for one another. We should always be mindful of our blessings, and continue to put our trust in God and not riches, keeping ourselves from idols. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

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Abraham Smith In today's times, many good efforts have been started and then abandoned. Churches have initiated efforts to save the lost, but they stopped. People have given up on themselves. Students have given up on their education. Husbands and wives have given up on their marriages. Children of God have given up on doing the will of God. Children of God have given up the faith. Both Elijah and Paul were tempted to quit serving the Lord (1 Kings 19; 2 Cor. 1:8-11). Why do people give up? Here are some reasons: 1. We forget how important our cause is. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of the importance of the things to which we have committed ourselves. Jesus remembered this in recognizing His commitment to die for the sins of the world (John 12:27). Additionally, we need to remember the importance of keeping commitments. As God honors His promise to us by giving us the gift of eternal life, so should we honor all the commitments we make in our lives. God's gracious gift, which is conditionally received, • Idols (1 John 5:21) honored Christ's commitment to the will of God. Likewise, we • Why people give up should honor our on good things? commitments to Him Some solutions to when we agree to walk consider. (Part 1) as He walked and to participate in the life He demands of us (Lk. 6:46).

In This Issue

2. We have not conditioned our hearts to face difficult challenges. Ezra prepared his heart (Ezra 7:10). Anything that is worth having often cannot be achieved without paying a great price. We must begin our task with the realization that there will be some difficulties ahead, and we should expect them! "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12). 3. We do not attempt to succeed with all our might (2 Chron. 31:21; Jer. 48:10; Col. 3:23; Eccl. 9:10). Sometimes goals cannot be achieved without us giving all we can give. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (Eccl. 9:10). Jesus said, "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33). 4. We do not lay aside every weight and every sin. We cannot carry on with extra weight and sin (Heb. 12:1, 2). Our sins destroy our faith, which "is the victory that has overcome the world" (1 John 5:4).

5. We focus too much on our failures or shortcomings. We must forget the past and press on with the future. Paul said, "Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14). If we do not forget the past, we will be discouraged. 6. We do not learn from our own mistakes or the mistakes of others (I Cor. 10:6, 11; Jude 5). As a result, we experience the same result of failure, and then become discouraged and quit. Paul reminded the Corinthians that they must learn from the failures of those in Moses' day (1 Cor10:1-11). These things are written to the intent that we do not fall after the same example of unbelief and lust for evil things. 7. We do not receive any encouragement, but ridicule. We must remember that we have a responsibility to compliment others when they do well (1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 10:24). Those of us who are weak and have problems need to hear the words, "You can make it if you try!" "I'm here for you!" "Don't give up!" Concerning the assembly, Christians were admonished, "encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Heb. 10:25). Those individuals who do beneficial things

for us need to hear on a regular basis, "I appreciate the great job you are doing." When we express and show our gratitude for the meaningful things they do for us, we are encouraging them to continue. Our duty to encourage others is not a one-time deal. "But exhort one another daily, while it is called ''Today,'' lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Heb. 3:13). Whether someone does beneficial things for us or someone is experiencing difficulties, we should regularly inquire about how he is doing. We should offer our support, advice, and assistance where possible and permissible.

8. We do not focus on the rewards of our efforts (1 Cor. 15: 58; Heb. 6:10-12). The reward of a faithful life is heaven. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Gal. 6:9). 9. We have not noticed that others with fewer advantages have succeeded. Jesus stated that Nineveh had repented at the preaching of Jonah, but someone greater than Jonah, Himself, was there (Matt 12:41). The author of Hebrews, in chapter 11, listed many men of faith who had suffered many things. Then he said, "You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin" (Heb. 12:4). Many have made far more sacrifices with fewer advantages than we. Shall we with more opportunities and less challenges do less than they have done? 10. Children of God forget the words of Jesus, "But with God all things are possible" (Matt. 19:26). We ought to agree with Paul, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). The song says, "Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer." Peter admonished Christians to cast all their care upon the Lord, "for He cares for you" (1 Pet. 5:7). "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).

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