[Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 002 Iss 030

Sat Sep 15 22:45:53 CDT 2007

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 030::September 16, 2007  

ARTICLE ONE: Desire Spiritual Fitness?

ARTICLE TWO: Who Is Jesus?

Article One: Desire Spiritual Fitness?

The scriptures refer us to a parallel of bodily exercises with that of spiritual exercises. One example of this is found in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 where Paul instructs us to "Run to win". There is a parallel between our need for physical fitness and our need for spiritual fitness. We must note that Paul tells us our spiritual shape is more important (1 Timothy 4:8).

There is an interesting modern day situation that is worthy of note; perhaps by examining this closer we may be able to avoid some problems. According to some recent web research, over four billion dollars is spent in our country every year on "home fitness equipment" and one third of those expensive products will never be used1.  

In the same vein, the Bible is still the number one best selling book of all time. According to Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) between 5 and 6 Billion copies have been sold2. On another site you can read this statement concerning modern purchases of this great book: "Calculating how many Bibles are sold in the United States is a virtually impossible task, but a conservative estimate is that in 2005 Americans purchased some twenty-five million Bibles. The amount spent annually on Bibles has been put at more than half a billion dollars3."  Now the same question as with the gym equipment. How many Bibles are going unused?

There are three stages to physical fitness. The concept: the idea of being in shape and the benefits that are idealized. The process: actually getting off the couch and doing the exercise on a regular basis. The results: A healthy and fit body and perhaps a longer, more enjoyable physical life. The problem with this is that people admire the concept and truly desire the results but rarely desire the process. Let's open our Bibles to see how this parallels spiritual fitness.

Many Like the Concept of Spiritual Fitness

What is in a life of a Christian that should be admired? What benefits does a life in Christ hold that can be idealized by others? As Christians, we are to be walking advertisements for Christianity (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:12-16). Our life should shine like light in this dark world. 

There is much to be said about the characteristics of life in Christ. Consider the "honesty" and "integrity". Christians honor their commitments to God (1 Peter 2:21-23 even as we follow the example of Christ); to our brethren (Romans 12:9-15; Hebrews 10:24-25); to our fellow man (Matthew 28:18-20). Also look at the presence of "peace" and "joy". Christians are comforted by the knowledge of their relationship with God. We are His children (1 John 3:1) and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-18). Everyday that we live in faithful service we have this wonderful outlook called "hope". Christians have a desire to live and a hope that will carry us beyond this life. We have the hope of God's promises (Romans 5:1-11) and certainly the hope of Heaven, our place prepared (John 14:1-6).

How many people desire a life of honesty and integrity that brings respect from God and man? How many people desire a life that is centered on peace and joy that increases focus and decreases the pitfalls of this temporal world? How many people desire a life that is filled with hope for today and the outlook of an everlasting tomorrow? The answer to each: Everyone.

We Love the Results of Spiritual Fitness

Spiritual fitness means eternal life as opposed to eternal condemnation. The end results of our diligent spiritual exercise in doing the will of God is great reward (Hebrews 10:35-39; 1 Peter 1:6-9). Spiritual fitness is the avoidance of the punishment due our sins (Romans 3:23, 6:23).  

The result of spiritual fitness is all the beauty of God's glory-in Heaven (Revelation 21:10-27 [22-27]). That passage describes Heaven as a place with no need of a temple to worship God from a distance because God will be with us (v. 22). The Father and the Son light the everlasting day with their glory (v. 23). The saved will walk in the light of its beauty (v. 24). The gates of the city never need to be shut; no harm can befall us there (v. 25). It is a perfect place-sin shall by no means enter (v. 27). How many people want Heaven? Everyone.

Few Desire the Process of Spiritual Fitness

Even though the life of a Christian is admired and the goal of the Christian is desired.very few are willing to do what it takes to have them. Jesus said, "Few there are that find it [the way to life]" (Matthew 7:13-14). This means that few are willing to take the narrow way; few are willing to take the more difficult way; few will find what they have admired and desired.

What is the difference between someone who owns a Bible and someone who exercises themselves in the Word? It is the same as one who owns a home gym and one who uses it regularly. One is in shape and one is not. We must get a Bible, but we also must do something with it. 1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16 instructs us to "read. meditate. give yourself entirely to it." 2 Timothy 2:15 admonishes us to "study to show yourself approved to God." James 1:22-25 directs us to "Be doers of the word and not hearers only." We must do something to get into shape spiritually. What are you doing?

Conclusion:

Everyone is seeking "peace" and "joy". Everyone who has the ability of a rational mind desires everlasting life in Heaven. The great problem is few are willing to conform to the will of God resulting in the good life (Galatians 5:22-23). Few are willing to apply themselves to continuous obedience in order to have Heaven (Matthew 25:45-46) 

Where are you today? Do you see that life is better in Christ-it is! Do you want to make it to Heaven-you and I know you do! Are you willing to submit to God in order to get those things-because that is the process. Will you do what you need to do for spiritual fitness starting today? ~tss

Footnotes:

1. http://www.homefurnish.com/gameroomgym/homegym.aspx)

2.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_books

3. http://www.newyorker.com/printables/fact/061218fa_fact1

Article Two: Who Is Jesus?

Today, many modernists want relegate Jesus to a myth or, at best, a dynamic man with a certain knack for leadership. Even many so called "believers" think of Jesus as a role model in certain ways but limit His influence to small portions of His character. What about those ideas? Are they right? Is Jesus just another man? Just the son of a carpenter named Joseph? Or is He a made up character? 

  We have faith is this one named Jesus-Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. We need to be prepared to defend our faith (1 Peter 3:15). We need to filter through the assumptions and get to know who Jesus really is. Just because you know someone's name does not mean that you know them.

There is much more to Jesus than what many may assume. We have a source of knowledge dedicated to His identity and the declaration of His role in our lives-the Bible. Open your Bible as you read this article, to consider this One Jesus.

Jesus IS The Son Of God.

In Matthew 16:13-17 Jesus asked, "Who do men say that I am?"  There were many different identities discussed such as, "John the Baptizer, Elijah, or Jeremiah." Many of the people had witnessed Jesus' teaching and the wonders that He performed. They knew He was a "great man" (Many today do the same). They associated Him with the one of the great prophets (Many today do the same). Their ideas fell dramatically short of His true identity (Many today do the same).

Jesus turned the question back on His own followers. Peter, good old outspoken Peter, answered rightly, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16).

Jesus proclaims that Peter's statement is true, that the Father had provided the confirmation of that fact to Peter (vs.17).

We have other evidences as well. The signs and wonders prove the identity of Jesus as the Son of God (John 20:30-31). The authoritative teachings prove He was the Son of God (Mark 1:21-22). Even the evil spirits proclaimed His identity (Mark 1:23-27)

Beyond those things we also have His death events to provide further proof (Matthew 27:50-54); His empty tomb (Matthew 28:1-6); His ascension (Mark 16:19) as well as other things..     Jesus IS the Son of God.

Jesus CAN Be Your Savior.

It is true that Jesus is the Savior of the world, but He is not your Savior unless you do something about it first. Many have a mistaken idea that the benefits of Jesus' death are simply theirs without any obedience to His instructions.    This attitude is demonstrated in Matthew 7:21-22.  Many assumed they were doing "good religious things" but they were not doing what Jesus told them to do. Jesus was not their Savior (Matthew 7:23)

How can Jesus be my Savior? Jesus said, "Do the will of MY Father in Heaven" 

Search, know and do the instruction of God's word (2 Timothy 2:15). Read, study and apply the word (1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16). Do not follow your own desires or ideas of what is "good" rather a doer of the word (James 1:17-25).

Another passage we can consider is John 3:16 ".whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." This word "believes" is all that separates you from Jesus being your Savior. We learn through the scriptures that there is much more to belief that may at first be thought. We must believe that He is the Son of God (Acts 8:37-38). We must believe everything that He taught or revealed, whether here on earth of through the revelation of the Holy Spirit (John 8:31-32). We must willingly submit to Him as both Lord and Christ, willfully doing whatever it is that He has said to do (John 14:15).

We must do all things, whatever He has commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus Christ CAN be your Savior.

Jesus SHOULD Be Your Lord.

What does it mean when we say, "Lord"? A Lord is one who rules over another; whether it is an individual such as a Master over his servant or a group such as a King over his kingdom.  There is a group of people, which Jesus the Son of God lords over: the group described in Ephesians 1:3-10 as, "those in Christ".  Those who accept Jesus as Lord live the words of .John 8:31-32 "They abide in His word"; John 14:15 "They keep His commandments"            ; Colossians 3:17 "They do all things with His authority", as well as, 1 Peter 2:21-23 "They follow His steps".  In order for Jesus to be your Lord, He must Lord over you, does He have that place in your life? Jesus should be your Lord.

Conclusion:

Jesus is much more than a recognizable character.       He is the Son of God. He can be your Savior today if you submit yourself to Him as Lord.  Jesus is the difference between your soul going to Heaven and your soul going to everlasting torments.  Are you prepared to know Jesus better, by following His plan for your service and your salvation? ~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

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