Month: March 2019

The church of Christ was born in troublesome times. The of those early disciples soon plunged them into grievous Peter and John were imprisoned and whipped (Acts 4, 5). bold and uncompromising preaching that was characteristic persecutions.

Shortly thereafter Stephen became the first martyr (Acts 7:60). Apparently his death triggered the “great persecution” (Acts 8:1), which subsequently came upon the church 

For the following two and one half centuries, the church of God was literally bathed in blood. Thousands of saints were tortured and murdered in the most inhumane way.

Though the atrocities of this period were dreadful indeed, the persecutions were not without secondary benefits to the cause of the Savior.

First of all, the hardships tempered those who were truly converted to Jesus. Secondly, it “weeded out” much of the hypocritical element which plagued the church. And thirdly, it prevented insincere people from identifying with the people of God. As one historian has put it, “One effect of the trials through which the Christians of that period passed was a purified church. The persecutions kept away all who were not sincere in their profession.”

In spite of the tribulations, the church grew with marvelous rapidity. Scholars estimate that there were possibly some sixty million Christians by the end of the second century A.D.

There has been so much misunderstanding about the nature of God and His law among men that the simple truth isn’t always so apparent today even among the children of God. The law of God in the Old Testament (i.e. the Law of Moses) was not about vengeance, but justice. It was in great part God’s way of protecting the helpless and innocent, providing for the needy, and blessing the righteous. He gave the children of Israel a pattern to follow in all things. As God continued to direct His people through Moses He gave them very detailed plans so that they would be able to fulfill His will. Stop and think of just how thoughtful the God of heaven is who does not leave His people without guidance and instruction.

He too has given us a law for justice, protection ,provision, and blessing, as well as a pattern to follow that we may remain in a covenant relation-ship with Him. Indeed, if we love the Master, and our families, we will allow Him to pierce our ear, and we will serve Him faithfully forever (Ex.21:5-6). How sad it is when anyone turns from the Lord’s instruction and leans on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Be thankful, be obedient, and be faithful!

We are justified by our works! That’s right. Despite what many in the religious world might profess, the Bible clearly states that men are justified, “by their works.” This has even led some to question the authenticity of the book of James. However, the overarching message of the New Testament supports this idea. The difficulty often lies in the misunderstanding between works of “merit” and works of “faith” or “righteousness.

No one who knows the Scripture will ever say that one merits or earns salvation by their works. But likewise no sound teacher would say that works of faith are non-essential. James says one must: Be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”.

“Lay aside all filthiness and overflowing of naughtiness.” – A work of faith.

Receive the word. – A work of faith. 

“Be doers of the word.”- Works of faith. 

Continue in works of faith.

Care for the needy. – Works of faith.

Keep yourself unspotted. – Works of faith.

Faith without works is dead and cannot save. Show me your faith without works. I’ll show you my faith by my works. How does your

faith shine by what you are doing? Remember, the goal is to hear the Lord say, “Well DONE!” Be obedient, and be faithful.