[Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 002 Iss 029

[T. Sean Sullivan]

The Messenger

Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ

306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059   731-627-3514



bibleanswers at charter.net                                    www.mainstreetcofc.com

 

Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan

 

VOLUME 002::ISSUE 029::September 09, 2007  

 

ARTICLE ONE: Standing with the Five Prepared

ARTICLE TWO: What Is In a Name

 

Article One: Standing with the Five Prepared

            

Jesus is the "Master Teacher".  His ability to relate information to His audience is second to none. One of Christ's most powerful teaching tools was parables. A "parable" is an earthly story with a spiritual meaning. In other words: Jesus would talk about the grain in a field being ready for harvest, like in John 4:35, His intended meaning was that many "souls" are standing in need of the gospel.

The beauty of the parable is that it can be tailored to fit any audience. Jesus used the rich (Luke 16); the poor (Luke 15:8-10); farmers (Luke 13:1-8); even shepherds (Luke 15:3-7) in His various parables. Let's consider together the parable of the Ten Maidens from Matthew 25:1-13.

 

The Parable

Jesus was speaking to a group of His followers on the Mount of Olives. He was relating a story about a typical wedding feast of that time (verse 1).  The Bridegroom, newly married, would return to His house to celebrate (Verses 5-6). The celebration would come at an uncertain time after the marriage once the bridegroom returned with his wife to his home. It would be normal for the bridegroom to return after dark and therefore the attending visitors would wait with torches or lamps to light the place of the festivities. Those who were waiting-prepared would enter and no latecomers would be admitted.

The ten who waited were divided evenly into two groups according to the story.  Verses 2-4 there were five wise and five foolish. The distinction of wise and fool was based on their individual preparedness.

 

The Meaning

According to the story there is a time to be prepared and there is a time when it is too late. When the bridegroom returned, those who were ready we allowed in and those who failed to be ready were barred. This is certainly the main lesson without much application.

The question associated with most parables is simply, "What does this mean?" Do not feel bad about asking, you are not alone in the need for further clarification. Even those who walked and talked with Jesus asked for the meaning of parables to be explained (Matthew 13:9). So, who do these characters represent? Many of the parables have been taken way beyond their simple intentions and have had a flurry of meanings attached to each minute point. This must not be attempted since the meaning is clearly expressed by the simple terms of the story itself.

The realistic application/meaning: The bridegroom is Jesus Christ. Jesus actually described Himself as the "Bridegroom" elsewhere in Matthew 9:14-15. Those who are waiting are those who seek to be with Him. The reality is, just as was in the story, some will be prepared and others will not be prepared when the bridegroom arrives. The arrival of the bridegroom signifies the second coming of Christ. The wedding feast would then be Heaven. We must be prepared when Christ return if we expect to enter Heaven (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10).

 

What Does This Parable Teach You and Me?

We are taught that Jesus will come! The certainty of Christ returned is never to be questioned. The promise of a return was given by Jesus himself (John 14:1-6), by two angels in Acts 1:10-11, by Paul (1 Corinthians 15:20-24), and by John (Revelation 22:20). 

 

We are taught that we have a time to be prepared (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6). Those who waited for the Bridegroom had to make ready their lamps. We have to make ready something far more important. We must prepare our soul. No sin will be allowed entrance into Heaven (Revelation 21:27). We have sinned (Romans 3:23) and need to have those sins removed. We must obey God's plan; do His will in order to receive forgiveness and entrance into Heaven (Matthew 7:21-23). The scriptures establish one plan of salvation that is demonstrated by the examples we can read. Individuals heard the gospel (Romans 1:16; Romans 10:14). They believed what they heard (Romans 10:17).  They believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and were willing to confess that belief (John 20:30-31; Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37). They changed their ways, stopped sinning, repented (Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30-31). They were baptized in water for the remission of their past sins (Acts 2:38-41; Acts 8:38). They then were expected to progress through the remainder of their lives in faithful service (Hebrews 10:35, 38-39; 1 Peter 1:6-9; Revelation 2:10). 

We are also taught there will be a time when it is too late to prepare.  If you die; your time of preparation is over (Acts 9:27). There is no more opportunity for change. According to Luke 16:26 there is no changing after death. If Christ comes back before you die, it will also bring an end to your opportunity to change. The return of Christ will change us; it will end physical life and begin spiritual life for all (1 Corinthians 15:50-53). The return of Christ will bring this mortal world to an end (2 Peter 3:9-10). Peter's comments should be our wake up call listen to 2 Peter 3:11-14.

Conclusion:

Which will you be: wise, or foolish? Will you know that Christ is coming and still be satisfied to remain unprepared? You are here and we are able to help you do what you need to do in order to prepare. Why not prepare today? ~tss

 

Article Two: What Is In A Name?

      

It may be assumed that the term "Christian" is found all throughout the New Testament scriptures; when, in fact, it is only used in three locations. One of those mentions is found in Acts 11:26 where we can read, "And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." Today, we desire to be Christians and the scriptures clearly indicate the short and long-term benefits of this role. 

We must understand some things about being a Christian. The name "Christian" is exclusive and distinct. Only true followers of Christ were ever associated with this name, "Christian" in the New Testament. The term "Christian" has suffered in our modern context.  "Christian" has become so generic that most every western religion is lumped together in "Christianity" and anyone who loosely accepts that Jesus is real is declared a Christian. The issue behind this problem is that too many fail to see the qualifications and responsibilities of becoming and continuing to be a "true Christian".

Even the very fact that I must use the descriptive term "true" in association with Christian speaks clearly that there is a present day lack of understanding. We need to look closely at the name Christian. We need to study its true application and meaning so that we may wear that name and honor it as we should. 

 

What Is In A Name?

Some have suggested the name Christian was a derogatory termed used to slander those who followed the will of God through Jesus Christ. This is simply not the case. One point of evidence is the fact that Peter in his first epistle considered his own brethren to be "Christians" (1 Peter 4:16). Peter would not espouse a derogatory term against his fellow disciples. The fact is that the scriptures declare the source of this name as Divine. We understand and can prove that God Himself gave the name Christian to the followers of His Son.  

The question now is, "Where is the proof?" The fact of God's involvement is recorded in Acts 11:26. The passage reads, "The disciples were first [divinely] called Christians at Antioch."  At first glance the word "divinely" is not in this verse. Upon a closer examination we make note of the original Greek term that has been translated "called". In this verse it is not the typical "kaleo" but rather it is "chrematizo"-which literally means "divinely called".

To further emphasize this point we must look back at Isaiah 62:1-2, "For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp that burns.  The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the LORD will name." 

Now let's follow the progression leading up to the new name from God. The gospel of salvation is revealed in Jerusalem (Acts 2). The gospel is carried out from Jerusalem in every direction (Acts 8:4 "went everywhere preaching the word"). In Acts chapter ten, just as Isaiah prophesied, the Gentiles were added to the church. It is then that the name is given. 

 

What It Means To Be a Christian

There is meaning associated with this God-given name. What does it mean to be a Christian? It means you have been saved through the obedience of the gospel-hearing and willingly obeying the word on every point-comprehensive belief-acting on our belief through obedience. For example I might believe that I must be baptized but until I become baptized my belief will merit me nothing. 

The Bible clearly points out that to become a Christian one must hear, believe and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as those in Peter's audience on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2:37-38). They heard the message of the gospel. They were convinced of their sins. When they came to this knowledge they wanted nothing other than freedom from their sins. They wanted to be saved. Peter instructed them to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins. In doing this they became Christians.  

Being a Christian also means that you are a disciple of Christ. A disciple is a follower. In this case a follower of Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, "If you abide in My word you are my disciples indeed" (John 8:31). To abide in is to live in. We must live within the boundaries the word, conducting our lives according to His word, studying to show ourselves approved of God (2 Tim. 2:15). How many, who call themselves Christians today, are truly abiding in His word? 

 

Living Up To Our Name

We must make sure that we doing what we should to live up to the name Christian. Does your daily conduct live up to the standard that we have been discussing? Have you earned the right to be called a Christian?  Are you faithfully following Christ?  To faithfully follow Christ one must put God first (Matt. 26:39 "Your will not mine be done").  Our example is important because we are, to the world, ambassadors for Christ.  When it is known that you are a Christian you will be looked upon as a reflection of what truly is a Christian. This is a lot of responsibility. Responsibility from which we cannot hide (Matt. 5:14-16). 

 

Conclusion:

"Christian" is much more than a generic term denoting western religion. There are qualifications that must be met in order for you to be called a Christian. Doing what God has declared in His word as the standard. There are responsibilities involved in being a Christian. We must know that our conduct-our daily life is to reflect a true Christian. Others can be encouraged to seek God by our example or just the opposite they can become completely turned away.  Our responsibility is to shine as lights in a world of darkness. If you are a Christian today, "Does your life honor that name?" If you are not yet a Christian, will you become one today? ~tss

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list.   Sean

 
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070908/50402725/attachment-0001.html 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 3247 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070908/50402725/attachment-0001.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/gif
Size: 9365 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070908/50402725/attachment-0001.gif