Saturday, July 2, 2011

Real Freedom

 This is the fourth of July weekend.  Monday is the day known to most Americans as, "Independence Day," because it is the day of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  This document declared the American colonies' independence from Britain.  As we think of, and appreciate our independence, let us stop and consider that there is a greater independence than from  tyranny.


In John 8:3-32, Jesus says, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."   Jesus' audience was confused about what it was that the truth would make them free from.  They responded, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?" (John 8:33).  What did Jesus have in mind?  What was the "truth," and from what would it make men free?  Paul writes in Romans 6:16-18, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."  He writes in  Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."  So everyone is, or was a servant of sin!  


Paul speaks of "the truth," and "doctrine," that makes one free from bondage to sin.  This is the truth that Jesus spoke of.  Jesus says that God's Word is Truth (John 17:17).  What truth specifically makes one free?  Paul writes in 1 Cor 15:1-4, "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."  So, we are saved by the Gospel.  What is the Gospel?  The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures.  So the "truth" that "shall make you free" is the Gospel.  Without the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, there could be no freedom from sin.  


The Christian's Independence Day was the day Jesus died on the cross.  But, one is not automatically saved just because Jesus died.  Neither is he saved as soon as he believes the Gospel.  Though the Declaration was signed on July 4, 1776, the colonies did not officially receive freedom until the signing of Treaty of Paris, on September 3, 1783, ending the Revolutionary War.  


When is one freed from sin?  When he has "obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered" (Rom. 6:17).   Remember, Jesus said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."  If you have not obeyed, why not do so right away?  For more information on what you need to do to be saved, see The Greatest Plan Of Salvation.


http://www.strasburgchurchofchrist.webs.com

Monday, May 30, 2011

A Formula That Will Heal The Nation

America is a sick country right now.  And its sickness is more than a political one.  The sickness is at the very root of the country.  There are two things that will put the country back on the track to health.


The first thing the country needs to put it on the road to recovery is God.  The Founding Fathers realized the country needed God if it was to survive.  The wise man said, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).  The Founding Fathers knew that.  In a speech before the Second Virginia Convention (March 23, 1775), Patrick Henry said, "There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us [2 Chronicles 32:8] (Apologetics Press).  Benjamin Franklin remarked in the Constitutional Convention, (June 28, 1787), "We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it” [Psalm 127:1].   I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel [Genesis 11]" (AP).  Henry and Franklin realized that, if a nation were to survive, it needed to put its trust and dependence on God.  It is also clear that the Fathers expected the new country to be a Christian nation.  The sixth president of the United States,  John Quincy Adams, remarked:


From the day of the Declaration, the people of the North American Union and of its constituent states were associated bodies of civilized men and Christians.... They were bound by the laws of God, which they all, and by the laws of the Gospel, which they nearly all, acknowledged as the rules of their conduct (1821, p. 28, emp. added). (AP)

America was once considered a "Christian Nation."  The nation's ills will only be healed if it truly becomes a Christian nation.  And, it is not enough to be called a Christian nation.  It must, be a Christian nation.  It must, as Adams rightly asserted, be "bound by the laws of God, which they all, and by the laws of the Gospel."


The Second thing the country needs to do is to go back to the Constitution of the United States.  For the last fifty years or so, the country has been losing our freedoms a little at a time. Activists judges have "legislated from the bench" and have declared things constitutional that were not, and things unconstitutional that were.  Things that for two hundred years were  never, or rarely, challenged are suddenly being declared unconstitutional  Constitutional amendments have been twisted to mean whatever a lawmaker or judge wants them to mean.  In other words, the constitution is no longer followed completely!  Two examples come immediately to mind.  Abortion, which has been sinful since the writing of the Bible, and illegal since the signing of the constitution, suddenly became legal in 1973.  Laws against abortion were suddenly declared unconstitutional.  Yet, there is nothing in the Constitution that forbids such laws.  Another example is the sudden declaration by judges that laws against homosexual marriage are unconstitutional.  Homosexuality, and consequently, homosexual marriage, have been sinful since the writing of the Bible,  and illegal since the signing of the constitution.  Now laws against such are suddenly unconstitutional.  Both abortion and homosexual marriages are still sinful, by the way.  And, I won't even go into the recent health care bill that requires, unconstitutionally, every American to buy health insurance.


The founding fathers were wise and godly men that carefully and studiously framed a constitution based on the laws of God and history of freedom and democracy.  When America returns to God and His laws, and to the Constitution of the United States of America, the countries sickness will be healed, and not before.

A Formula That Will Heal The Nation

America is a sick country right now.  And its sickness is more than a political one.  The sickness is at the very root of the country.  There are two things that will put the country back on the track to health.

The first thing the country needs to put it on the road to recovery is God.  The Founding Fathers realized the country needed God if it was to survive.  The wise man said, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).  The Founding Fathers knew that.  In a speech before the Second Virginia Convention (March 23, 1775), Patrick Henry said, "There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us [2 Chronicles 32:8] (Apologetics Press).  Benjamin Franklin remarked in the Constitutional Convention, (June 28, 1787), "We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it” [Psalm 127:1].   I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel [Genesis 11]" (AP).  Henry and Franklin realized that, if a nation were to survive, it needed to put its trust and dependence on God.  It is also clear that the Fathers expected the new country to be a Christian nation.  The sixth president of the United States,  John Quincy Adams, remarked:


From the day of the Declaration, the people of the North American Union and of its constituent states were associated bodies of civilized men and Christians.... They were bound by the laws of God, which they all, and by the laws of the Gospel, which they nearly all, acknowledged as the rules of their conduct (1821, p. 28, emp. added). (AP)

America was once considered a "Christian Nation."  The nation's ills will only be healed if it truly becomes a Christian nation.  And, it is not enough to be called a Christian nation.  It must, be a Christian nation.  It must, as Adams rightly asserted, be "bound by the laws of God, which they all, and by the laws of the Gospel."

Monday, May 9, 2011

Thoughts On The Death Of Osama Bin Ladin

Since Osama Bin Ladin's death a week ago, I have read many things about his killing.  Most Americans, and many around the world, including many Muslims, are glad he is gone.  Responses to his death have ranged from relief to rejoicing in the streets.  But some have reminded us that the Bible says we are to love our enemies, including Osama Bin Ladin.  Certainly Jesus says, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."  (Matthew 5:44).  But, does that mean we must love someone like Osama Bin Ladin?

Jesus died for everyone, because God loves everyone (John 3:16).  Since He died for everyone, He wants us to love everyone.  We must pray for everyone, that everyone will come to a faith in, and an obedience to, Jesus Christ.  It should not be our desire that any one should go to Hell.  We should be active in teaching God's Word to the lost, to try to keep them from going to Hell.

But, what about Osama Bin Ladin?  Jesus says, "Love your enemies."   I prayed for Osama many times, as every Christian should have. But, we must remember that he was an evil man who had directed the murder of thousands of innocent people, including many Muslims.  He was still doing that right up until his death, as far as we know. No doubt many that he killed were God's people.  Though no one was entirely safe from his terrorist threats, I never really thought of him as my enemy.  Osama Bin Ladin was everyone's enemy.  When hearing that the Navy Seals had killed him, I did not think of it as my enemy being killed.  I thought of it as the murderer of thousands on 911 being killed.  I thought of the relief from the threat of many more deaths at Osama's direction.

While we must love everyone, including Osama Bin Ladin, and not wish that any should go to Hell, we can be relieved, and rejoice, that a threat to all of us is gone.  Osama's heart was hardened in his desire to kill innocent people, not just what he called the "infodels."  He was never going to allow love to come into his heart.  The world is better off without someone like him.

L. John Bost


Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Is It Enough To Accept Christ As Your Personal Savior?

Is it enough to accept Christ as your personal savior?  Obviously we must accept Christ.  But whether that is enough depends on your concept of of the word.  The term, "accept Christ as your personal savior," is frequently heard in the religious world.  Speakers often call upon hearers to do it. But what does the Bible say about that?


Did you know that the New Testament never calls upon one to "accept Christ as your personal savior?"  Neither the phrase, "accept Christ," nor the term, "personal savior," are found in the New Testament.    The phrase, "accept Christ as your personal savior," though routinely repeated, originated with men.   What, then, does the New Testament require one to do to be saved?


Jesus says, in Matthew 7:21, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."  Jesus calls upon us to do the will of His Father!  In fact, obedience, not mere, acceptance, is required throughout God's word.  Jesus says there is something to do to be saved.  In Mark 16:15-16, He says we must believe and be baptized. In Luke 13:2-6, He says we must repent. In Matthew 10:32-34, He says we must confess Him before men. 


In Acts 2:37-38, Peter told the crowd who had believed on Jesus by Peter's preaching, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."  (Emphasis mine, LJB).  He didn't tell them to "Accept Christ as your personal savior!"  In fact, they had already accepted Christ.  Now Peter says, "you must obey Him!"  


No, accepting Christ as your personal Savior is not enough. Your Saviour calls upon you to Believe in Him, repent of your sins, confess Him, and be baptized into him (Please see also, Romans 6:3-4 and Galatians 3:27, and then to continue to live a life of obedience to Him.


L. John Bost

Saturday, April 23, 2011

When Does The Bible Say We Are To Celebrate Jesus' Resurrection?

The Bible says that Jesus was crucified to save the world from sin.  It says that He was buried in a borrowed tomb.  It says He arose from the dead three days later.  But, what does it say about when, or whether Christians are to celebrate His resurrection?

First, the Bible says Jesus arose on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-6; Luke 24:1-7; John 20:1-9).  It was on the first day of the week that the disciples came together to worship God, which included taking up a collection for the needy saints (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and partaking of the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7-11).  In Acts 20:7-11, Luke tells us that the disciples came together on the first day of the week for the purpose of partaking of the Lord's Supper. Paul points out that a primary reason for the worship assembly is to partake of the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:20-34; For more on how we know the passage in Acts 20 has reference to the Lord's Supper, see Greatest Worship, pp. 2-3 and What Does God Require Of Us In Worship).  The purpose of the bread and grape juice in the Lord's Supper is to commemorate the body and blood of Jesus given on the cross for the forgiveness of sins (Matt. 26:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:20-30).  So, it is clear that the first century Christians met each first day of the week to celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

What does the Bible say about a yearly celebration of Jesus' resurrection?  In a word, the answer is nothing!  There is no Biblical example of Christian participation of a yearly observance.  The word, "Easter," is found only once, in the King James Translation, and has reference to the Passover, not the resurrection of Christ.  The first reference to  a Christian observance of Easter, as the Lord's resurrection of Christ is in the second century.  The holiday has pagan roots.

Since there is no scriptural authority for a yearly celebration of Jesus' resurrection, either by the name of "Easter," or any other designation, it should be avoided.  Instead, Christians should celebrate Jesus' resurrection on the day he arose, the first day of the week, as did the first century Christians, as recorded in the Bible.  Now that is a celebration day we can count on!

L. John Bost
Strasburg Church of Christ

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Great Is The Mystery Of Godliness

Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:16, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."  This is a summary of the true story of Jesus.  Paul says it is "without controversy."  Truly it is without legitimate controversy.  Many try to make it controversial.   It was a "mystery" at one time, but the new Testament clears up that mystery (Ephesians 1:8-12) .

Paul writes that "God was manifest in the flesh ."  God was manifest in the flesh in the "Word" which "was made  flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).  John writes that ".... the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  Paul writes, "Jesus .... existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped" (V. 6, ASV).  So, the Word, which was God, became flesh and dwelt among us in the form of Jesus.  Jesus is God.  Thus Paul writes of "the mystery of Godliness."

As God in the form of man, Jesus lived a sinless life.  Everything that He did pleased God (Matthew 3:16-17; 17:5).  As God is without sin, so is Jesus without sin (2 Cor. 5:20-21; Heb. 4:15).  He had to be to be the sacrifice for our sins. God gave His sinless  Son to die for sinful man.  What love (Rom. 5:1-10)!    He was seen of angels when he needed them for comfort and encouragement, as when he was tempted of the devil (Matt. 4:1-11).

The sinful world need such a one to die for them.  And, they needed the Gospel, the Good News, of  salvation.  So, he was preached in to all the world (Luke 24:46-48).  After He had done His work here, he ascended back to the Father from whence He had come, to one day return for those who have heeded His word (Acts 1:9-11).

One day He's coming back. The question is, "Are you ready?"

The story, the true story, that God became flesh in the Person of Jesus, lived a sinless life so that He could die  in the place of sinful man, ascended back into heaven, is preached on in the world, and will one day come back for his own is truly a great story!  Do  you believe it?  Those who truly do will be with Him forever (John 3:16-17; 1 Thes. 4:14-17).

L. John Bost
Strasburg Church of Christ

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Does God Require Us To Worship?

There is a wide variety of views as to what God requires in worship.  Many believe that God does not require His people to assemble to worship.  The  Pew Research Center  says 39 percent of Americans attend religious services at least once a week.   But Paul writes, Hebrews 10:25, that we are to worship, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."  The inspired writer, of course, is right.  Paul might write today, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of most is...."!  About 61% of Americans need to heed the word of God's inspired writer.  

The worship service gives us many benefits.  It gives us the opportunity to learn, and be encouraged by God's word and His people.  It gives us the opportunity to teach and encourage God's people (See Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).  It gives us an opportunity to have fellowship with God's people.  Last, but certainly not least, it gives us the opportunity to worship our Creator.  The word, worship, means to give what one is worth.  God is worthy to receive "glory and honour and power" because He has "created all things...."  His Son is worthy to receive  "wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing"  (Rev. 4:11; 5:12). 
And, as we have seen in Hebrews 10:25, they are worthy to receive all of this in the worship assembly.  The example of God's early church is to worship on the first day each week (See Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2.)  On our calendar, that is Sunday.

For what God requires us to do in worship, see our web site:  The Strasburg Church of Christ

L. John Bost

Monday, April 4, 2011

Intelligent Design Or Blind Chance?

Ever since Charles Darwin published his book, Origin Of The Species, in the 1800's, scientists have been trying to prove that man evolved from an ape-like creature.  The idea is that all things evolved slowly over millions of years  by blind chance.  The idea that all things, including man, came into existence by an intelligent Creater is not even considered to be a tenable possibility to most of them.  I say most because there are actually hundreds of scientists who do believe in intelligent design.

But, is there an intelligent designer out there?  Did we evlove from an ape-like creature by blind chance? Truely, all one has to do is look around him with an honest eye to answer that question!  One can see design everywhere. Paul writes, Romans 1:20, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."  The inspired writer says that the Creator can be seen in the Creation.  Or, the Designer can be seen in the Design!  For more go to our web site:  Intelligent Design Or Blind Chance?

L. John Bost

Monday, March 28, 2011

Is There Really Hope Of Eternal Life?

The people of Noah's day thought that things would continue as they always had.  But, the flood came and destroyed them all, except Noah's family.  The people of Peter's day thought that, since the Lord hadn't returned by then, he wasn't going to (See 2 Peter 3:4-6). But the Lord will return.  It may seem to us that, since it has been a long time since the promise of the Lord's return, that he may not be coming after all. Perhaps the hope of eternal life that we have held to for so long may not become a reality.  We may be asking, "Is there really hope of eternal life?"


That was the point of Peter's discussion in 2 Peter 3.  He tells us that, even though the Lord's return has taken a while, He will return.  In verse 8, Peter writes, ".... one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."  In other words, God does not consider time as we do. Jesus will come again when the time is right in His  eyes. The remainder of the chapter tells us that we should be ready always. He says, in verse 14,  "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."  
So, our hope of eternal life will become reality when it is time in God's eyes.  We must always be ready.


For more on the hope of eternal life see our website:  http://www.strasburgchurchofchrist.webs.com


L. John Bost

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Is There Hope In Today's world?

There are a lot of things wrong in the world today - a lot of things wrong in this country.   It is easy to acquire a sense of hopelessness. Is there hope in today's world?

First, let me say, The United States Of America is still the greatest country in the world!  Having said that, it is also obvious that it is not as great as it once was.  I don't need to tell you what is wrong in a specific sense.  In a general sense, many of the country's problems - and the world's problems - are rooted in a lack of faith, and dedication to God's Word and its principles. 

Our founding fathers recognized the need to trust God and be guided by His principles.  They made numerous references to this need.  Not a few of them made such references to God, but most of them did.  They knew that our country's chances of being free and strong depended upon our trust in God.  They framed the constitution, and added to it the Bill of Rights.  The First Amendment states:

  Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of   religion,    or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

This tells us that the founding fathers recognized the importance of the freedom of the citizens to be religous, and to freely excercise their religion.  They knew that a strong country depended upon its people trusting in and serving God. 

A strong country still depends upon its citizens trusting in and serving God.  Is there hope in today's world?  Yes!!  There is always hope.  This country, and others of the world, have gone through tough times before.  We will come out of tough times - but we must trust and serve God.

It may take awhile, but things will get better.  For more go to our web site at http://www.strasburgchurchofchrist.webs.com/

L. John Bost

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Are You Ready To Meet Jesus?


The many deaths resulting from the recent earthquake and Tsunami in Japan are, indeed, tragic. Again the question arises, "Why Do Good People Die Tragically?" We have endeavored to answer that question as it relates to violence such as the Tuscon shootings (See Why Do Good People Die Tragically?). Many of the same truths apply in the case of natural disasters. 

Such tragic events also remind us that death often comes suddenly,through various causes. This truth should cause us to ask ourselves, "Am I prepared to leave this life?" The article for this week on the Strasburg Church of Christ Web Page is entitled, "Are you ready to Meet Jesus?" Have you asked yourself that question lately? You should! Where would you spend eternity if you were to die,or if Jesus were to return today? Jesus will return. The Savior says in Matthew 24:36,
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man , no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Are you ready to meet Jesus? strasburgchurchofchrist.webs.com 

L. John Bost

Saturday, March 5, 2011

What Does Jesus Offer Me?

You may think that Christianity is a system of "do's and don't's" - "Do this, don't do that, no freedom."  True, the New Testament is a law.  But James calls it, "The law of liberty"  (James 1:25; 2:12).  In Christ we are free from the burdens of strict law, such as the Law of Moses. 

You may also wonder, "What does Jesus have to offer me?"  There are many things that Jesus offers.  For one, he offers salvation from sin.  Upon announcing Jesus' coming birth to Joseph, the angel said,  Matthew 1:21, ".... he shall save his people from their sins." 

He also offers the answer to prayer.  John writes, 1 John 3:22, "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." 

And, he offers eternal life.  He says, John 10:10,  "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." 

On March 6 I will post the new article for the coming week, "What Does Jesus Offer Me?"  Please go there to learn more.
http://www.strasburgchurchofchrist.webs.com/

L. John Bost

March 5, 2011

Sunday, February 20, 2011

The Strasburg Church of Christ

The Strasburg Church of Christ is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  If you live in, or vistit the valley, why not stop in and visit our services? We are a conservative, undenominational, non- instrumental  church.  We have a firm belief that God created all things in 6 literal days, as taught in Genesis 6, and confirmed throughout God's Word the Bible.   We worship as God directs in His Word.  Sermons are preached  with numerous scripture references to back up what is taught.  Singing is acapella, as we lift our voices to God, making melody in our hearts (Ephesians 5:19).  You may find this a refreshing difference from the kinds of "worship" offered in many churches today.

Also, we encourage you to visit our web page at http://www.strasburgchurchofchrist.webs.com/. You will find an attractive sight,  with easy navigation to other pages within the site, and to other pages.  A feature article from God's Word is posted each Sunday, with past articles archived for your reading.

We hope you will visit the site soon.   http://www.strasburgchurchofchrist.webs.com/

L. John Bost

February 20, 2011