This week, we continue to consider the contrasts found in Scripture between the physically rich and the spiritually rich.

We began with examining warnings to the wealthy (1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19), studied the account of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), and then the encounter between Jesus and the “Rich Young Ruler” (Mark 10:17-27).

We want to now take a journey through the Book of Ecclesiastes in which Solomon, who was extremely wealthy, gives his perspective on our topic.

Examining Ecclesiastes.

The book of Ecclesiastes offers one of the most honest and searching examinations of life found in Scripture. Written from the perspective of “the Preacher” (Solomon), it explores the value as well as the limitations of everything this world can offer.

It brings to mind the powerful questions from Jesus Who asked, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26).

At its core, Ecclesiastes contrasts physical wealth and earthly success with true spiritual wealth. Walking through the book, Solomon begins with a striking and surreal declaration:

The word “vanity,” a key word in the book, carries the idea of something fleeting, vapor-like, and ultimately unsatisfying.

From this starting point, the writer begins an exploration of life “under the sun” which is life viewed strictly from an earthly perspective. He pursues what many would define as physical richness:

• Wisdom and knowledge (1:16–18).

• Pleasure and entertainment (2:1–3).

• Great works and accomplishments (2:4–6).

• Wealth and possessions (2:7–9).

By worldly standards, he achieves extraordinary success. Few, if any, have ever possessed more opportunity to experience physical richness than the writer of Ecclesiastes, yet his conclusion is sobering:

Solomon essentially said, “What was the point of all of that wealth?”

Solomon’s Observations on Wealth.

One of the central themes of Ecclesiastes is the inability of physical wealth to sustain and provide lasting meaning. Solomon observes several frustrating realities:

First, wealth does not satisfy:

The more one has, the more one wants. Physical riches create appetite, not fulfillment.

Second, wealth cannot be kept:

No matter how much one accumulates, it cannot be taken beyond the grave (See 1 Tim. 6:7).

Third, wealth does not guarantee peace:

Riches actually often bring anxiety, not rest. So many people think, “If I only had more money, I would be at peace,” but friends, the Bible teaches that is not the case!

Then fourth, Solomon points to the fact that wealth does not prevent injustice or suffering. He repeatedly notes oppression, inequity, and unpredictability in life (3:16; 4:1; 9:11).

These observations expose a key truth: Physical richness, by itself, cannot answer life’s deepest questions or provide the kind of peace man seeks.

Something Greater Than Wealth.

Finally, as the book progresses, there is a shift in the tone. Solomon moves from the physical life “under the sun” to something much greater, namely, the sovereignty of God (3:11-14), the importance of reverence (5:1-7), and the certainty of judgment (11:9; 12:14).

We were created for the purpose of glorifying God, not accumulating physical wealth:

Those who are physically rich are focused on life “under the sun,” seek satisfaction in possessions, live for temporary gain, and measure success by accumulation. Those who are spiritually rich see life in light of eternity, seek fulfillment in God, live with eternal purpose, and measure success by faithfulness.

Friends, physical riches are temporary, uncertain, and limited. Spiritual riches are lasting and meaningful. I close with Solomon’s profound conclusion, which points to true wealth and success:

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

Having encouraged his audience to patiently trust God and rely upon Him rather than depending upon their own abilities (James 4:13-15; 5:11), James focused his attention on one way we demonstrate trust—through prayer.

Whether one is facing a physical crisis or a spiritual one, prayer is the answer. Those who pray diligently declare how desperately they need God’s help.

Through prayer we acknowledge we cannot make it on our own; through prayer we turn our struggles over to God.

Old Testament Examples of Prayer.

Not surprisingly, prayer is both depicted and discussed throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, we read about men like Manoah, the father of Samson, who prayed and asked God for guidance:

Others, like Jabez, prayed to God for personal blessings and protection. He asked:

Another individual who prayed was the prophet Elijah. Although he was involved in several miraculous events—including calling fire down from heaven (1 Kings 18:36-38), James described him as “a man with a nature like ours” (James 5:17) and used him to illustrate the power of prayer.

If his audience expressed any doubt about the power of prayer, Elijah’s example was cited to suppress those doubts. James wanted his audience to rely upon prayer.

New Testament Examples of Prayer.

The New Testament also contains numerous examples of individuals who relied upon prayer. Christians in Jerusalem prayed to God and asked for the boldness necessary to face persecutions (Acts 4:29-31). In Corinth, the brethren remembered Paul regularly and were commended by the apostle for “helping together in prayer for us” (2 Corinthians 1:11).

Paul likewise prayed often for both congregations and individual Christians (Romans 1:9; Ephesians 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 4).

Of course, Jesus best exemplified true dependence upon prayer. Scripture declares how He arose early in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35), how He spent time in solitude in prayer (Mark 6:46), how He taught His followers to pray (Matthew 6:9-13), how He prayed the entire night before selecting His apostles (Luke 6:12) and how He pleaded with God yet willingly yielded to Him by saying:

It is worth remembering that James mentioned prayer near the beginning of his letter, where he encouraged his audience to ask God for the wisdom needed to endure the trials of life (James 1:5).

Nevertheless, he was clear that such a request was to be made “in faith, with no doubting” (v. 6). He also rebuked those who were living recklessly and selfishly and pointed out: “…you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (4:2-3).

James teaches that prayer is necessary if one wishes to rely upon God. When it is used properly, it is also very powerful.

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Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.

Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

We continue our study of contrasts between material wealth and spiritual wealth. We began with an examination of warnings about wealth (1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19) and then discussed the account of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).

This week, we want to study the encounter between Jesus and a “Rich Young Ruler” recorded in Mark 10:17-27. It is one of the most striking encounters in all of the New Testament as it presents a powerful contrast between physical wealth and spiritual wealth. It challenges assumptions about success, goodness, and what it truly means to inherit eternal life.

The Question.

The encounter begins with a man running to Jesus. He kneels before Him and asks Him a very important and thoughtful question:

The young man seems to have it all. He is wealthy, morally upright, and respectful. In worldly terms, he was rich. In terms of religious behavior, he appears strong.

With that said, something is missing, and he knows it. That is why he comes to Jesus, which is commendable. However, this brings home an important truth: Physical riches and outward morality do not guarantee spiritual peace or assurance!

The Problem.

Jesus then exposes the heart. It is unique to Mark’s account to record this, as it shows Jesus’ Deity being able to know the hearts of men.

Jesus first points the young man to the commandments, namely, “Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother” (Mark 10:19).

The young man responds with great confidence, saying he had “kept them from his youth.” It reminds us of passages such as Deuteronomy 6:4-6 or 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15, which point to being “brought up” knowing the Word of God. While it is great that he kept those things, Jesus could see deeper. Consider the powerful response Jesus gave him:

It was love that motivated the words of Jesus (Eph. 4:15). Out of love for the young man, He told him that he was lacking one thing. His love for his money and possessions was deeper than his love for God.

The Solution.

Jesus gave him the solution to his problem: Go your way, sell whatever you have, give to the poor and you will have treasure in Heaven. This reminds us of the “Sermon on the Mount” when Jesus said to lay up treasures in Heaven (Matt. 6:19-21).

Notice, Jesus then told him to “take up the cross and follow Him.” The young man would not be able to truly follow Jesus until he let go of what was holding him back.

To reference the “Sermon on the Mount” yet again, consider what Jesus said about loyalty:

This is the very issue Jesus is addressing in His response to the young man.

The Response.

The Bible then shows us how the young man responded to Jesus:

He knew what he had to give up in order to inherit eternal life, but the text suggests that he was not willing to do so at the moment. The issue was not that he was wealthy, but rather, misplacing trust in his riches instead of trusting in God (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

The young man’s identity, security, and sense of control were tied to his possessions. He didn’t just have possessions; his possessions had him! The key contrast is that he was physically rich, yet spiritually poor.

We must examine what we truly trust. Anything we are unwilling to surrender becomes a spiritual obstacle that can hinder us from living eternally with God.

Jesus calls for complete surrender, loyalty, and allegiance. He will not accept second place!

Are we willing to let go of what we cannot keep in order to gain eternal life, which God gives to those who love and obey Him (Tit. 1:2; 1 John 5:13)?

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

The individual who faces intense suffering, no matter the cause, often feels helpless. Personal struggles are amplified when we assume no one cares. Loneliness accompanies difficulty, and hope is lost.

We wonder: How much more can we take? Why doesn’t anyone seem to care?

God Heard Elijah’s Cry.

The prophet Elijah evidently felt this way in 1 Kings 19. After winning a great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (see 1 Kings 18:20-40), Elijah was forced to flee for his life from Queen Jezebel.

Alone and in despair, he cried out to God:

Although the prophet was ready to give up on that occasion, God would not allow him. He provided for Elijah’s needs and eventually reminded him he was not alone (verse 18).

God cared for Elijah continually, especially as he faced the trials of life.

God Hears Our Cry.

As God cared for Elijah, He also cares for us. He is with us when we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4); He is with us when we seek to resolve problems with others (Matthew 18:20).

His special care for us is best seen in His willingness to send Jesus to die in our place. Noting this, Paul wrote:

Because He lived on this earth, Jesus understands “our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15) and “is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18).

No matter how bad things may seem, we are not alone. This is why Peter encouraged:

God Remains Faithful.

In the 77th Psalm, the cares and concerns of the author take the center stage. Because of his problems, the psalmist could neither sleep nor speak (verse 4). He felt as if God had cast him aside (verse 7). In his despair, he wondered:

Thankfully, he concluded this was not the case. God’s faithfulness in the past is proof He cares (verses 10-12).

Like the psalmist, we must avoid allowing the momentary trials of life to raise doubts about God. The trials we face do not indicate God has abandoned us. Instead, they remind us something much better awaits (see 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Whether we experience relief from the present trials of life, whatever they may be, we long for the place where “God will 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” (Revelation 21:4).

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Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.

Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

In our last article, we discussed the contrasts pointed out in 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 16-19, which were “greed vs contentment,” “trusting in uncertain riches vs trusting in the living God,” and “living for the here and now vs living for the there and then.”

This week, we want to examine two individuals who fit these contrasts perfectly. Jesus taught about these two men and pulled back the curtain for us to see what happens beyond the grave. Truly, it is one of the most astounding reversals in all of Scripture!

Consider the Text.

I invite you to Luke 16:19-31. This is a very familiar text to any Bible student. I have preached several sermons from this text and have written several articles, even for this column, over the years. One amazing trait of the Bible is that you discover more the more you study, even if you have studied that same passage multiple times! The Bible is, after all, a living document (Heb. 4:12)!

Jesus tells of a rich man and his prosperity contrasted with a man named Lazarus and his poverty. First, we will examine the qualities of the rich man.

The qualities of the rich man.

The Bible says he “fared sumptuously” (vs. 19). Other translations say he “lived in luxury (NIV), “feasted sumptuously” (ESV), “he was joyously living in splendor” (NASB), “he was feasting lavishly” (CSB).

As we pointed out last week, there is nothing inherently wrong with having nice things and living this kind of lifestyle, but it can cost one their soul if it distracts them from living for God and using their wealth to His glory (Luke 12:13-21; 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19).

Jesus also says that the rich man was “arrayed in purple and fine linen (vs. 19). The New American Standard Version says, “He habitually dressed in purple and fine linen.” Purple was very expensive in that day and age (Side note: Lydia was a seller of purple (Acts 16:14).

A third thing said about the rich man is that he “received good things” (vs. 25). We might say he lived the good life and never had to worry about anything.

The contrast between the rich man and Lazarus.

Now we want to examine the glaring contrast between the rich man and Lazarus.

He is described as a “beggar.” Biblically speaking, a beggar was a person with few or no possessions (1 Sam. 2:8; Luke 16:20, 22). He was also “Full of sores” (ESV: Covered with sores).

Lazarus “laid at the gate.” This makes me wonder if he was homeless or if he didn’t have a family. As a beggar laid at the gate, he “desired crumbs from the rich man’s table.”

If that wasn’t bad enough, the dogs came and “licked his sores.” This may have actually been a relief for him, but still consider the contrast with the rich man, for while the rich man received good things, Lazarus received evil things (vs. 25).

The great reversal.

I mentioned that an astounding reversal takes place, and now we want to examine that together.

Death is the great equalizer. Death is no respecter of persons, and we all have an appointment with death if the Lord delays His return before our time on this earth runs out (Heb. 9:27; Psa. 90:10, 12; Jas. 4:14; Eccl. 12:7). Both the rich man and Lazarus succumbed to death.

While they were on level ground when it came to death, their situations became very different. The rich man died and was in torments while Lazarus was “carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom.” While the Rich Man was being tormented, Lazarus was being comforted.

Friends, those two individuals are there as we speak! The Hadean Realm (unseen realm of the dead) holds the souls of those who have departed from this life. The unrighteous go into torments to await the Judgment, while the righteous go into Paradise to await the Judgment.

The rich man was physically rich, but spiritually poor. Lazarus was physically poor, but spiritually rich.

Which is better?

True wealth is found in Jesus Christ, and Heaven will surely be worth whatever we have to struggle with in this life.

If you have found yourself desiring to be rich and more concerned about the physical and material than the spiritual, I pray you will consider the content of this article and choose to live for God!

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

Although Paul was not with Jesus during His earthly ministry, he was chosen by the Lord to be an apostle.

Jesus described Paul’s future work when He instructed Ananias to meet Paul in Damascus and teach the gospel to him. He told the reluctant Ananias:

Making a similar point to Paul, our Lord declared:

That Paul understood his role is obvious, for he did not consider himself “at all inferior to the most eminent apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5).

Importantly, Paul recognized his primary apostolic work to be among the Gentiles (see Galatians 2:9). In fact, he considered himself to be “a prisoner of Jesus Christ for [the] Gentiles” (Ephesians 3:1).

Because of this recognition, he went from place to place proclaiming “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6).

His message regarding the gospel’s universal scope was greatly appreciated by some (Galatians 3:26-28). Others strongly resisted Paul’s message. Not surprisingly, much of the opposition he encountered came from the Jews.

Paul’s experiences during his first missionary journey are typical of what he faced throughout his ministry.

• In Antioch of Pisidia, the Jews “were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 13:45).

• In Iconium, “the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles” (Acts 14:4).

• And at Lystra, “Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead” (Acts 14:19).

Despite the opposition Paul faced in the above-mentioned cities, congregations of believers were established in each location. Rather than avoiding the places where he was persecuted, Paul made an effort to encourage each church and revisited those locations before ending his first missionary effort (Acts 14:21-23).

That he cared deeply for these newly founded congregations can be seen from his later desire to “visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing” (Acts 15:36). Paul’s desire was realized during both of his subsequent missionary journeys (cf. Acts 16:1; 18:23).

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Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.

Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

The Bible has a lot to say about wealth.

Jesus addressed the topic directly, through parables, and often gave warnings to the rich. While it is not sinful to be wealthy, if the heart is not right, wealth can lead to destruction.

In this week’s article, we want to discuss the contrasts between being physically rich and being spiritually rich. I invite you to the sixth chapter of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. Paul gives a warning about wealth but also provides the solution:

Contentment vs. Greed

First, notice that Paul contrasts contentment with greed.

The word “content” means to be satisfied with things as they are (Note: Phil. 4:11; Heb. 13:5). The word “greed” means an excessive desire to have more.

Paul says that those who desire to be rich (are greedy) fall into temptation and a snare. It leads to destruction and even departing from the faith! He states that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, which points to the seriousness of his warning.

Christians are to be content with what they have, trusting that God will provide our needs (Gen. 22:8; Matt. 6:33).

Uncertain Riches vs. the Living God

Second, notice that Paul contrasts trusting in uncertain riches with trusting in the living God.

He points to two potential dangers: (1) Pride and (2) False security. He says, “not to be haughty,” which reminds us of the words of Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

False security refers to trusting in uncertain riches, which reminds us of another pertinent passage in Proverbs:

The solution Paul gives to these two potential problems is to trust in the living God, which points to His certainty. Once again, a passage in Proverbs complements the statement:

The Temporary vs. the Eternal.

Third and finally, notice that Paul contrasts living for the “here and now” with investing in the “there and then.”

He gives four commands:

1. Do good (cf. Acts 10:38).

2. Be rich in good works (cf. Eph. 2:10; Tit. 2:14).

3. Ready to give (cf. Prov. 3:27-28).

4. Willing to share (cf. Heb. 13:16).

These four commands are all present active verbs, meaning we must keep on practicing them.

The New Testament repeatedly speaks of the importance of setting our minds and hearts on things above (Col. 3:1; Matt. 6:19-21), for our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil. 3:20).

Sometimes, if we are not careful, we can become too attached to this world. Paul instructs Timothy, and by extension encourages us, to “store up a good foundation for the time to come” and to “lay hold on eternal life” (cf. 1 Tim. 6:12).

We may never be physically wealthy or rich according to this world’s standards, but for the child of God, true wealth is found in Christ where all spiritual blessings are found (Eph. 1:3).

As we have noticed in our study, there are great differences between contentment and greed, trusting in uncertain riches and trusting in God, and living for the here and now instead of living for the there and then.

May we be content with the blessings God has bestowed upon us and live in such a way that Heaven will be our home!

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

Everyone is convinced that their “belief” is the true standard of all things. If a person believes something to be true, then, we are told, it must be true.

• The people of Noah’s day believed no flood was coming. Their belief did not make it true.

• The sons-in-law of Lot did not believe their cities would be destroyed. Their belief did not make it true.

• Pharoah did not believe Israel could be released from bondage. His belief did not make it true.

• Saul of Tarsus did not believe Jesus was the Son of God for a time. His belief did not make it true.

We could provide a multitude of examples of this truth, yet, people continue to think today that just because they believe something to be so makes it true.

1. They believe a baby in the womb is just a clump of cells. This doesn’t make it so.

2. They believe a man can be a woman and a woman can be a man. This doesn’t make it so.

3. They believe the world evolved from non-living matter. This doesn’t make it so.

4. They believe they can live as they please and still be saved by God. This doesn’t make it so.

5. They believe there are many “true” interpretations of the Bible. This doesn’t make it so.

Just because I believe something to be so doesn’t make it so.

I might believe I am as good of a golfer as Rory McIlroy. My belief doesn’t make it so.

I might believe that I was born on Mars. My belief doesn’t make it so.

I might believe that I will never die. My belief doesn’t make it so.

Only truth makes something so.

Only truth is truth.

Yes, we can believe all the lies we want to believe. Our belief DOES NOT make it so.

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Victor M. Eskew preaches for the Oceanside church of Christ in Atlantic Beach, Florida.

The church offers a variety of free Bible study courses for anyone interested in studying God’s word. They also have a large archive of videos on their YouTube channel. I appreciate Victor’s teaching in this article!

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

When we buy a new car, we are excited about it. We vow that we will take care of that car. We will have it serviced. We will wash it regularly. We will not eat in it. We will drive carefully. We will keep it new for the next 200,000 miles.

In time, the newness wears off. We do not treasure the car the way we did when we purchased it. It gets some dings. We have to eat in it from time to time. We keep it serviced, but we often stretch out the times between service appointments. If the car is dirty, we do not rush to get it washed the way we used to. The car still provides us with the same benefits. The difference is that we do not appreciate the vehicle as a treasure like we once did.

The same can happen in one’s Christian life. We have many treasures given to us to enjoy. But, over time, we don’t appreciate them the way we used to. Some examples include:

1. A relationship with the Godhead

2. A holy Book that contains God’s words.

3. An avenue called prayer that allows us into God’s throne room.

4. The cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.

5. A church family that can love and support us.

6. Periods of worship and Bible study.

7. Opportunities to serve in various capacities.

8. The hope of eternal life.

This is just a short list of the treasures Christians possess. They are worth more than we can possibly imagine. However, we have a tendency to be less grateful for them than we should. They become “common” when they ought to be extremely unique.

Have you ever seen a person have an older car that was in pristine condition? You may have seen the person at the car wash. He may have had the car for 15, 20, or 30 years. That car ran well. It looked almost brand new. When you spoke with the individual, he told you he was the sole owner of the car. How did he do it? How did he maintain the vehicle?

He did so in the same way we must come to appreciate our spiritual treasures. We must have an intentional mindset. We realize we have been blessed. WE never forget what we have. We focus on it each day. In fact, we express our gratitude for our treasure(s) on a regular basis.

“Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people” (1 Chron. 16:8).

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chron. 16:34).

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Victor M. Eskew preaches for the Oceanside church of Christ in Atlantic Beach, Florida.

The church offers a variety of free Bible study courses for anyone interested in studying God’s word. They also have a large archive of videos on their YouTube channel. I appreciate Victor’s teaching in this article!

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

This article will conclude our study of “Avoiding Apostasy.” I hope and pray that this study has been pleasing to God, Scripturally accurate, and helpful for all who have been engaged in it.

We have discussed several passages, including Hebrews 3:12, John 10:28, and Revelation 2-3 (the seven churches of Asia). While there are a multitude of passages that emphasize the importance of staying faithful, we want to close by examining one passage in particular, as well as some practical applications that will hopefully help us:

The Exhortation.

First, observe the exhortation. Peter is writing to “brethren.” These are Christians who “obtained like precious faith” (2 Pet. 1:1). They had received “exceedingly great and precious promises” as those who had “escaped the corruption that is in the world” (2 Pet. 1:4).

Peter emphatically encourages the brethren to grow and mature in the faith.

The Application.

Second, observe the application. Because they were faithful Christians, Peter exhorts them to stay the course by listing the “Christian Graces” (2 Pet. 1:5-9).

There are eight of these graces and they are encouraged to “add to their (1) faith (2) virtue, and to virtue (3) knowledge, to knowledge (4) self-control, to self-control (5) perseverance, to perseverance (6) godliness, to godliness (7) brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness (8) love."

The phrase “giving all diligence” is rendered “make every effort” (ESV), and “supply” (ASV) pointing to the fact that Christians, those we have obtained salvation in Christ, must stay faithful and continue to grow so we do not “fall” and so we are not “led away with the error of the wicked (2 Pet. 3:17-18).

The Implication.

Third, observe the implication.

What is implied is that Christians, those who have been “cleansed from his old sins” were told to make their call and election “sure.” The ESV says to “confirm” their call and election, and if they do, they will never fall.

What happens if we don’t do these things? Would it not be possible to fall?

What Must We Do?

So how do we make “our call and election sure?” How do we ensure that Heaven will be our home?

Acknowledge that God is the Judge.

First, you must recognize and appreciate the righteousness of God. His judgment is according to truth (Rom. 2:2). He does not make mistakes, and He will not make any mistakes on the Day of Judgment.

We will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account (2 Cor. 5:10), and the words of Jesus will judge us (John 12:48).

Obey God.

Second, you must obey God. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).

Jesus Himself is the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). According to Jesus, those who believe and are baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16) while those who do not obey the Gospel will be lost (2 Thess. 1:7-9).

Be Faithful to God.

Third and finally, after obeying the Gospel of Christ, you must be faithful because it is possible to fall away and lose your salvation (2 Pet. 2:20-22). God will give the “crown of life” to those who are faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10).

Those who exercise their free will to leave the faith will be in danger of losing their salvation and being separated from God for eternity.

Obey God before it is too late!

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

Thus far in our series, we have discussed two main passages: Hebrews 3:12 and John 10:28. These passages, in context, show both the possibility of falling away and the importance of staying faithful.

Now that we have established that the Bible teaches it is possible to fall away, we want to engage in a case study on seven congregations of God’s people who were told by Jesus the importance of staying faithful and avoiding apostasy.

I invite you to the Book of Revelation. Jesus speaks to seven congregations in Asia:

• Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7).

• Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11).

• Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17).

• Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29).

• Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6).

• Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13).

• Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22).

In each section, Jesus encourages them to stay the course which implies it is possible to fall away and get off track.

Jesus’ Warnings to the Seven Churches

The church in Ephesus.

To the church in Ephesus, He says,

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent…To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Rev. 2:5, 7b).

The church in Smyrna.

To the church in Smyrna, He says,

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life…He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death” (Rev. 2:10b, 11b).

The church in Pergamos.

To the church in Pergamos, He says,

“Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth…To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat” (Rev. 2:16-17a).

The church in Thyatira.

To the church in Thyatira, He says,

“But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations” (Rev. 2:25-26a).

The church in Sardis.

To the church in Sardis, He says,

"Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you….He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels” (Rev. 3:3, 5).

The church in Philadelphia.

To the church in Philadelphia, He says,

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name” (Rev. 3:10-12).

The church in Laodicea.

Finally, note what Jesus says to the church in Laodicea:

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Rev. 3:19-21).

What This Means

It is essential to notice that Jesus told the saved to repent, stay faithful, as well as giving the conditions for those who overcome.

• Ephesus was told to remember “from where you have fallen” and to “repent.” If it is impossible to fall, why did Jesus emphasize the fact that they had?

• The church at Smyrna was told to “be faithful unto death” in order to receive the “crown of life.” What happens if we don’t remain faithful unto death? Will we receive the crown of life?

• The congregations in Pergamos and Thyatira were both told to overcome and stay faithful to the end.

• The saved at Sardis were told that if they would overcome that they would be clothed in white garments and the Lord would not blot out their names from the Book of Life. We conclude then that their names were in the book (can’t blot them out if they were never there) but also the possibility of the Lord blotting their names out!

• Finally, Philadelphia and Laodicea were also instructed to overcome to receive the reward.

If it were not possible to fall away, why all the warnings? Why the emphasis on repenting? Why the conditions stated with overcoming and staying faithful to the end?

Dear friends, salvation is a gift given by God, but we must obey the conditions He has set forth in His Word to obtain salvation and stay faithful that we might be found saved in the end!

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

Last week, we began a new series of articles discussing the possibility of apostasy as revealed in Scripture. Some argue that once one is saved, he or she is then never in danger of losing their salvation.

We discussed Hebrews 3:12 last week, which strongly stated:

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12).

This week, we want to examine what has been used as a “proof text” by many to suggest that it is impossible to be lost once you are saved, and that text is John 10:28.

Examine the Text.

First, let’s examine the text itself.

“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

It is important to note that Jesus is in the midst of a context in which He is making His claim of being the “Good Shepherd.”

Did you catch the first word in the verse? It is the word “and.” That, of course, suggests that this is a continuation of a previous thought (which we will look at in the next point).

Jesus says, “I give them eternal life.” Who? Jesus. Them? His sheep (John 10:27). What? Eternal life. This is a very encouraging passage that absolutely teaches the authority and love of Jesus Christ to extend eternal life to His sheep, but He also speaks of the conditions His sheep must meet.

The last phrase says, “they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” It is a great encouragement to the faithful child of God to know that salvation is secure in Christ so long as we stay faithful and don’t take ourselves out of His hand!

Examine the Context.

Second, let’s examine the immediate context.

We pointed out the word “and” to show a continuation of a previous statement. What is Jesus talking about in this context? It was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem during the winter (John 10:22).

Jesus walked in the temple and the Jews surrounded Him (John 10:23-24a). They asked Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly” (John 10:24b). Jesus answered, “I told you, and you do not believe…because you are not of My sheep” (John 10:25-26).

Jesus says He has sheep and then goes on to describe what makes them His sheep:

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

Please pay close attention to three specific words: “hear,” “know,” and “follow.” All three words are present-tense verbs, which indicate continuous action. Jesus says that His sheep keep on hearing His voice, and He keeps on knowing them, and they keep on following Him!

Now, as we return to the verse under consideration, we should have a better grasp of who and what Jesus is talking about:

“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

So long as His sheep faithfully obey Him, they have eternal life, but the opposite is also true: If His sheep do not continue to hear His voice and choose to stop following Him, they will not have eternal life!

Examine the Teaching of the Shepherd.

Third and finally, now that we have examined the passage in its context, we want to notice the overall teaching of Jesus.

Jesus is the “Good Shepherd.” He laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11, 15). His love, guidance, and care are flawless, but His sheep can still leave Him and go back.

People decide to exercise their free will and leave the faith. Sadly, some do not come back.

So can sheep leave the Shepherd? The answer is, “Yes,” they have and they do.

God has gone to extreme measures to provide salvation for all people (John 3:16). His Son tasted death for every man to give mankind the opportunity to be saved (John 1:29; Heb. 2:9). The Holy Spirit has revealed the Gospel plan of salvation through the pages of the New Testament (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 2:22-47).

The Godhead has provided everything that we need, but we still have free will to choose whether or not we will obey and stay faithful. If we do, glory awaits. If we choose to go back into a life of sin and leave the Shepherd, we will have to answer for that decision on the Day of Judgment (2 Cor. 5:10; Acts 17:30-31).

Why not stay faithful to the Good Shepherd so Heaven can be your home?

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

Recently, I had a conversation with someone who asked me what I believed regarding eternal security. After explaining to him that while the Bible teaches eternal security in Christ (John 10:28; Tit. 1:2; 1 John 5:13), it also teaches that it is possible to forfeit one’s salvation if one chooses to go back into a life of sin. This triggered a discussion in which the gentleman disagreed, but it has opened the door to some healthy, Biblical discussions.

Have you ever wondered what the Bible teaches about eternal security? Is it possible to fall away, or is the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” true?

This article begins a new series in which we will explore what the Bible says regarding this topic. I hope and pray this will be both informative and helpful for you.

If you noticed how I framed the question above, that was intentional. Someone says it is impossible to fall away, and yet the Bible warns over and over again that it is very possible and has happened!

We want to examine one passage in this study and will explore more passages in future articles. If you have your Bible, I invite you to the Book of Hebrews.

The Holy Spirit addresses Christians who were in danger of leaving the faith. There are warnings all throughout the book, but the following is the one we will focus on today:

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” (Heb. 3:12).

“Beware.”

First, notice the word “beware.” What does that imply? Does it not imply that this is a warning of real danger?

The word “beware” in the original language is “blepo,” which means to “watch carefully, to be vigilant, to be careful.” It is found ten times in the New Testament (Matt. 8:15; Mark 12:38; Acts 13:40; 1 Cor. 8:9; Gal. 5:15; Phil. 3:2 (3x), Col. 2:8; Heb. 3:12). Each time, it has the same meaning, which is significant.

If there was no danger or fear, why use the word “beware?”

“Brethren.”

Second, notice the word “brethren.” This of course is a special term referring to those in the family of God.

Some argue that if one “falls away,” he or she was never saved in the first place. Here, clearly, the Hebrews’ writer is addressing the saved as he says, “brethren.”

So he is telling the saved to beware, but what do they need to beware of?

“Lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.”

Third, we see that the brethren need to beware “lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.”

Note the word “you” as it refers to the saved. It is therefore possible for one who is saved to develop an evil heart of unbelief.

One who believes and obeys can exercise his or her free will and stop believing and start disobeying!

“In departing from the living God.”

Fourth and finally, notice the phrase, “in departing from the living God.” Some say you cannot depart from God and fall away, and yet the Bible says the exact opposite. If it were not possible, why the warning?

The word “departing” literally means to “abandon; put distance between.” In the very next verse, the Hebrews’ writer, in view of the warning just stated, says, "but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13).

Again, notice the “you” is speaking to the saved!

Friends, the Bible is full of warnings like this one to Christians that we must stay the course if we want to be saved in the end and spend eternity with God. We must make our “call and election sure” (2 Pet. 1:10) and be “faithful unto death” if we want to receive a crown of life (Rev. 2:10).

Next week, we will examine a very popular text, which has been used to try and prove “once saved, always saved,” which is John 10:28:

“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

I encourage you to read John 10 in its entirety in preparation for next week’s article. Thank you for reading, and to God be the glory!

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

In Acts 17, the apostle Paul “came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews” (verse 1, NKJV). Speaking to the crowd at that location, Paul reasoned from Scripture in order to prove Jesus was the Christ.

Although “some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas” (verse 4), others became envious and sought to harm Paul and Silas.

These opposite reactions to the message of Jesus are common. Some who hear God’s message obey (Acts 2:36); others rebel (Acts 7:54).

Not surprisingly, those who rebel against God often “speak evil of whatever they do not know” (Jude 1:10). Some of the Thessalonians did this on the occasion described in Acts 17. In an attempt to discredit Paul and his message, his enemies declared:

“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6).

Rather than tainting Paul and his work, however, the insult actually turned out to be a compliment in disguise. Paul was doing what all Christians should seek to do. He proclaimed the message of Christ—a message that can change the world.

We should do no less. But how do we do it?

Seek the Lost.

We must look for individuals who need to hear and obey the gospel. This is where Paul started. According to Acts 17:2: “Paul… went in to them….” He did not wait for lost souls to come to him. Instead, he found and engaged individuals in a study about Jesus.

Jesus commanded this type of effort in Mark 16:15, 16. He said,

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

We must seek the lost if we wish to turn the world upside down.

Teach the Truth.

Additionally, we must commit to teach only the truth revealed in the Bible. Paul did this when he “reasoned with [the Thessalonians] from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that Christ had to rise again from the dead” (Acts 17:2, 3).

This is also the approach Peter advocated when he stated:

“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11).

We must teach God’s doctrine and not our own if we hope to turn the world upside down. Nevertheless, this must be done in a way that is both relevant and faithful.

• Cultural barriers must be properly considered.

• Knowledge must be presented in an appropriate way (cf. Proverbs 15:2).

• Love for the souls of men and women must serve as our motivation (1 Timothy 1:5).

Never Give Up.

Finally, we must never give up. Paul taught at Thessalonica despite opposition and possible persecution. He realized not everyone would receive and obey the gospel. At the same time, he knew some would.

We should never shy away from doing what is right because men oppose us. Jesus was opposed, Paul was opposed, and we will be opposed as well (cf. Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 4:16).

Christians are to be different and make a difference. The only way to do this is to preach “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

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Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.

Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

I hope and pray that this series of articles has been a blessing to your life as it has been to mine. It is an honor to spend time in the Word of God and share thoughts from my study with you.

We have noticed in our study that in order to cope with the trials of life appropriately, we need to be still (Psalm 46), be prayerful (Psalm 69), and be encouraged (Isa. 43:1-5).

As we close out our series today, we want to examine how we can be hopeful in the face of trials.

I draw your attention to my favorite chapter in the New Testament: Romans 8. The apostle Paul, who suffered and struggled immensely (2 Cor. 11), writes an incredibly encouraging section on how we can have hope even in the face of adversity.

The Child of God’s Salvation.

Paul begins this chapter discussing the reality of the child of God’s salvation as well as the importance of staying the course:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:1-2).

First, he points to the importance of being in the right location, i.e “in Christ Jesus.” The New Testament teaches that the way to get into Christ is to be baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3-6). Being in the right location is essential because in Christ, all spiritual blessings are found (Eph. 1:3).

Paul also points to the importance of living the right kind of lifestyle, i.e., “Who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” The Christian’s life is to be characterized by righteous behavior as he or she walks (lives) in harmony with the Word and will of God (Psa. 1:1-3; 119:11, 105; 1 John 1:7-9).

It is extremely encouraging to know that if you are in the right location and living the right kind of lifestyle, there is no condemnation!

The Child of God’s Direction.

Paul then points to the reality of the child of God’s direction. Christians are led by the Spirit as they study, listen to, meditate upon, and apply the Word of God to their lives (vs. 12-17). The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are in fact children of God (vs. 16). We have obeyed the Spirit’s teaching (John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:9-13) and therefore we are heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ (vs. 17).

Of course, we can choose to reject this and go back into a life of sin, but that would lead to a tragic loss of what God has in store for those who obey Him: Eternal salvation (Heb. 3:12; 5:8-9).

We must keep on listening to and obeying God so the hope of eternal life becomes a reality when this life is over (John 10:27-28; Tit. 1:2).

The Child of God’s Expectation.

Continuing in the text, notice that Paul points to the child of God’s expectation. Biblical hope is not a “wish,” but a confident expectation. We have a desire to be with God and an expectation to be with God based on His faithfulness and based on the promises in His Word. Paul says we are “saved in this hope” (vs. 24).

He goes on to say that “all things work together for good to those who love God, the called according to His purpose” (vs. 28). God can work things out for our ultimate good and His ultimate glory.

This should inject hope into the heart of every believer to stay faithful!

The Child of God’s Preservation.

Finally, Paul points to the child of God’s preservation. Please understand I am NOT promoting the false doctrine known as “perseverance of the saints,” which falsely teaches one cannot lose his or her salvation. The Bible clearly teaches that it is possible to “depart from the living God” (Heb. 3:12), “fall from grace” (Gal. 5:4), and go back into a life of sin (2 Pet. 2:20-22).

With that said, God will preserve and save those who faithfully obey Him to the end (Rev. 2:10). Paul makes a powerful argument in the form of several questions:

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (vs. 31-35).

He then closes out this beautiful chapter with a statement full of conviction and hope:

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (vs. 37-39).

How do we cope with the trials of life?

We have noticed in our study that we need to “be still” (Psalm 46), “be prayerful” (Psalm 69), “be encouraged” (Isa. 43:1-5), and “be hopeful” (Rom. 8).

I hope and pray this series has been an encouragement to you!

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

The preacher is constantly tasked with determining the message his audience most needs to hear proclaimed. This is not always easy.

Do people need a reminder of first principles (2 Peter 1:12-15)? Are there times when encouragement is most appropriate (Hebrews 3:12-13)? Should we reflect on the lives of those who have gone before us (Romans 15:4)? Are there spiritual dangers Christians need to be warned about (1 Timothy 4:6)?

Surely all of these things deserve consideration. Regardless, the word of God must be proclaimed (2 Timothy 4:2), for through its direction, “the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).

What specific subject should the sermon address? Often the circumstances or events taking place will dictate the answer. Jude certainly felt this way when he penned his short epistle. He had one subject in mind but found it more needful to address another. Expressing this, he wrote:

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

But what about when the answer is not obvious? In such cases, the preacher must seek balance and address issues affecting his audience. This can be done through either topical or expository studies.

In the Sermon on the Mount, we have perhaps the greatest example of a sermon addressing the needs of the audience. Because Jesus knows what is in man (John 2:25), this is not surprising. He understood what his audience needed to hear.

Throughout the sermon Jesus addressed a variety of subjects and challenged His listeners to conduct themselves in a manner different from the religious elite of that day (see Matthew 5:20). But Jesus did not merely address outward conduct. He also discussed both the motivations and emotions of his listeners.

In one particularly well-known section—Matthew 6:25-34—Jesus considered the problem of worry. Having charged his listeners to rely upon God in prayer (Matthew 6:11-13), He identified worry as a hindrance to such. He understood those who worry do not trust God completely, and He showed worry should not characterize His followers. Jesus’ discussion about worry was pertinent to His audience, and it remains relevant today.

In short, Jesus’s message “hit the spot.” We must seek to proclaim God’s message in a similar, relevant manner.

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Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.

Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

Thus far in our series, we have asked and answered the question, “How do we cope with the trials of life?” From Psalm 46, we learned that we need to first “be still.” From Psalm 69, we learned that we need to then “be prayerful.”

Today, we want to examine Isaiah 43:1-5 which teaches us to “be encouraged.” “

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the f ire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west” (Isa. 43:1-5).

What are some things from this beautiful text that we need to remember so we may be encouraged?

Remember Your Identity.

First, we should remember our identity (vs. 1).

There are four things to bring out that should be an encouragement to a child of God.

1. God created you (Psalm 139)

2. God redeemed you (1 Pet. 1:18-19; Eph. 1:7)

3. God calls you by name

4. You belong to Him

Remember God’s Promise.

Second, we should remember the promise (vs. 2).

Notice what God does NOT say. He does not say: “IF you pass through”, “You will avoid waters” or “There will be no fire. Rather, He says: “WHEN.” Suffering is assumed. WHEN (not if” you pass through the waters, the Lord WILL be with you.

The promise is not that we want to experience storms and fiery trials, but that God will be with us. The promise is His presence!

Remember God’s Character.

Third, we should remember His character (vs. 3). There are three titles ascribed to God in this verse:

1. “I am the Lord your God.”

2. “The Holy One of Israel”

3. “Your Savior”

These titles represent (1) God’s faithfulness, (2) God’s sovereignty, and (3) our deliverance.

God has proven to His people that He is willing and able to go to extraordinary lengths for them. He has moved nations, gathered His people who were scattered, and ultimately sent His only begotten Son to die for the world (John 1:29; 3:16).

Remember Your Worth.

Fourth, we should remember our value in His sight (vs. 4). To God, we are precious and loved. The word “precious” carries with it the idea of “value” and “important.”

We were created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). We have a soul which is worth more than the entire world (Matt. 16:26). We were so valuable to God that He sent Jesus to die for our sins (2 Cor. 5:21).

We should never doubt our value or worth in God’s eyes!

Remember God’s Command.

Fifth, we should remember the command (vs. 5). “FEAR NOT.”

It is staggering how many times this phrase appears in the Bible. The phrase is mentioned over 300 times in Scripture, twice here in our text.

The reason we can obey this command is because the the presence of God is greater than the pressure of our trials, the power of God is greater than the pain we feel, and the promises of God are greater than the problems we experience!

As we piece these article together and prepare to close the series out next week, let’s be reminded that as we strive to cope with the trials of life, we need to be still (Psalm 46), be prayerful (Psalm 69), and be encouraged (Isa. 43:1-5). We are not alone (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5-6). God loves us and will be with us all the way! Next week, we will discuss how we can “be hopeful” in the face of trials.

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

Scripture is filled with statements prohibiting idolatry. For example, the first of the Ten Commandments warns:

“You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).

If this were the only such declaration recorded in the Bible, it would be sufficient. Nevertheless, there are many others.

The second of the Ten Commandments builds upon the first and forbids both the creation of idols and the worship of them. It states:

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them” (verses 4-5).

God wanted His covenant people to know that He was their deliverer (verse 2). They were not to bow down to man-made gods.

Despite these clear warnings to avoid idolatry, the Israelites asked Aaron to “make us gods that shall go before us” (Exodus 32:1). Both their request and Aaron’s willingness to fashion the golden calf demonstrate why idolatry is so dangerous.

Their willingness to turn so soon from God was completely unreasonable. Although He saved them from Egyptian bondage, He was far from their minds. They thought only about the moment and their present desires. Idolatry offered a semblance of religion without divine boundaries or accountability.

Sadly, the prophet Isaiah addressed individuals who continued to make the same mistake. The idols they created and worshiped were useless (Isaiah 44:10). They could have come to this conclusion if they reflected on the matter, but they did not. Isaiah thus reported:

“And no one considers in his heart, nor is there understanding to say, ‘I have burned half of it in the fire, yes, I have also baked bread on its coals; I have roasted meat and eaten it; and shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?” (verse 19).

Lest we think idolatry is a thing of the past, we should notice how the apostle John ended his first letter:

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).

The temptation to displace God remains real. Nevertheless, the appeal of idolatry is an empty façade. The idolater not only selects and creates his own god but also sets the agenda.

Whatever religion results from such an arrangement might seem comforting, but it lacks a foundation. Idolatry dismisses the will of the Creator in favor of the whims of the creature. Idolatry is subjectivity and selfishness in Sunday garb.

Isaiah’s audience needed to be shown the ridiculousness of idolatry, and we need to see it as well.

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Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.

Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

Last week, we began a new series in which we introduced the question, “How do we cope with the trials of life?” We looked at Psalm 46 which ultimately teaches us to “be still” and recognize God’s presence and sovereignty in our lives.

This week, we want to examine Psalm 69 which teaches us to be prayerful.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer is a such a powerful weapon in the child of God’s arsenal (Eph. 6:18). Prayer connects our hearts to God’s and yields our will to His (Matt. 6:9). God is able to do more than we ask or think (Eph. 3:20) and invites us to “ask, seek, and knock” (Matt. 7:7).

Prayer accomplishes much (Jas. 5:16) and obedient children of God have the blessing of approaching the throne of God through Jesus Christ, our great High Priest (Heb. 4:15-16).

Truly, we are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) and “not faint” (Luke 18:1), but how much more should we be in fervent prayer during trials?

Prayer During Times of Crisis.

There are four movements in Psalm 69 we want to focus on today. First, notice the crisis at hand that led the Psalmist to prayer:

“Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, Where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, Where the floods overflow me. I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God. Those who hate me without a cause Are more than the hairs of my head; They are mighty who would destroy me, Being my enemies wrongfully; Though I have stolen nothing, I still must restore it” (vs. 1-4).

We notice that he is facing an extremely difficult time as the language paints a picture of deep distress. The “waters” are described as “coming up to the neck,” “deep,” and “overflowing,” which leads the Psalmist to “weariness.” He cries out to God in prayer which is the proper response in time of need (1 Pet. 5:7).

Vulnerable Prayer.

Second, notice the vulnerability of his prayer:

“O God, You know my foolishness; And my sins are not hidden from You. Let not those who wait for You, O Lord God of hosts, be ashamed because of me; Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me, O God of Israel. Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; Shame has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brothers, And an alien to my mother’s children; Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me. When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, That became my reproach. I also made sackcloth my garment; I became a byword to them. Those who sit in the gate speak against me, And I am the song of the drunkards” (vs. 5-12).

Dear friend, if you can’t open up to God and be honest with Him, who can you truly open up to? We see that the psalmist is honest and real. He does not shy away from the trials, rather he digs deeper into prayer!

Distress may drown our strength, but it must never drown our prayers. The deeper the waters, the more determined the prayers!

Focused Prayer.

Third, notice the focus of his cry:

“But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, Hear me in the truth of Your salvation. Deliver me out of the mire, And let me not sink; Let me be delivered from those who hate me, And out of the deep waters. Let not the f loodwater overflow me, Nor let the deep swallow me up; And let not the pit shut its mouth on me. Hear me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; Turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. And do not hide Your face from Your servant, For I am in trouble; Hear me speedily. Draw near to my soul, and redeem it; Deliver me because of my enemies” (vs. 13-18).

Notice the phrase, “but as for me.” He is making a determined effort to turn to God, trusting that the Lord will hear Him, be merciful, and ultimately deliver him out of “deep waters.”

Praising God in Our Prayers.

Finally, note the transition to praise (vs. 19-36). After pointing to the depth of his pain (vs. 19-28), the Psalmist closes out by praising God from the depths of his soul! He says,

“I will praise the name of God and magnify Him with thanksgiving” (vs. 30).

Even in a time of deep distress, we must remember that God is always worthy of our praise! He is worthy before, during, and after any storm that comes our way!

How do we cope with the trials of life? We need to “be still” (Psalm 46) and “be prayerful” (Psalm 69).

Next week, we will discuss how we need to be encouraged (Isa. 43:1-5).

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Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward

Jesus was very clear when He described the demands of discipleship. He declared:

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).

Rather than being a religion of minimal commitment, Christianity requires complete devotion. Christians do not practice religion one day per week or only when convenient. We must live every day for Christ.

Therefore, we seek to have “conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27), and we strive to be “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14).

Our Behavior.

Scripture describes everyday religion in various ways. For example, the apostle Paul frequently compares the Christian life to a walk. Writing to the Ephesians, he urged:

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1).

Later in the same letter, he exhorted his readers to “walk in love” (Ephesians 5:2); to “walk as children of light” (verse 8); and to “walk circumspectly” (verse 15). In each instance, Paul had personal conduct in mind.

Behavior matters.

Our Influence.

Another description of everyday religion is found in Jesus’s admonition in Matthew 5:16:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Although the term “light” calls to mind one’s influence, it is not possible to separate influence from personal conduct. Consequently, Christians must live each day in hopes of encouraging others to glorify God (cf. 1 Peter 2:11-12).

Our Effort.

Perhaps James summed up everyday religion best when he wrote:

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).

This demands daily effort.

Paul addressed the subject of daily Christian living in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. Having warned the brethren about the need to maintain sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8), he continued the discussion by exhorting the Christians to practice “brotherly love.”

Importantly, Paul gives concrete examples of what brotherly love looks like in one’s life. Brotherly love is demonstrated when one behaves appropriately. But how do we do this?

Paul’s answer is worth noting. He said,

“But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing” (verses 10-12).

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Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.

Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.

Centered on Christ

Studying the Bible with Jesus at the center.

By Jameson Steward