Is One As Good As Another?

 

   If you are sick and need a doctor, is one doctor as good as another?  If you need medicine, is one as good as another?  If you are reading a book, is one book as good as another?  If you are looking for a wife, is one woman as good as another?  If you are buying a car, is one car as good as another?  If you are serving God, is one god as good as another?  If you are a member of a church, is one church as good as another?

 

   Is one God as good as another? There is a God in Heaven. The first words of the Bible say, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) Is one God as good as another? The God of the Bible created all things. "For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God." (Hebrews 3:4) The heavens declare His glory. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." (Psalm 19:1)  Solomon said, "LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart." (1 Kings 8:23)  There is no God like the God of the Bible!

 

   Is one book as good as another? The Bible was written by men that were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any  private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20-21)  The apostles were guided into all truth. (John 16:13) The message that Paul and the other apostles spoke and wrote came by revelations of God. (Galatians 1:11-12) Jesus promised, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." (Matthew 24:35) Since this promise is certain, is one book as good as another? The Bible is the inspired word of God, therefore there is no book like the Bible!

 

   Is one sacrifice as good as another? Animals were sacrificed in Old Testament times to the God of Heaven. Daily sacrifices are made to gods around the world. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice.  His substitutionary death for our sins is the greatest fact of all times. "Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you -- unless you believed in vain.  For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: 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." (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) Jesus Christ suffered sin's penalty in man's place. There is no sacrifice to compare with the sacri­fice of Jesus for our sins!

 

   Is one church as good as another? Jesus promised to build His church. "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:13- 18) All the saved are added to this "one church." "Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47) The church of Christ is those people that have been saved by the blood of Jesus. There is no church like the church of the Bible.

 

   Is one faith as good as another? God's plan included only one faith or one system of faith. The Bible says that there is "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5) This one faith is produced by all speaking the same things. "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10) One faith is not as good as another. Jude said that Christian must, "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 3)  Even in a tradition bound world it is possible to be a Christian only. There is no faith like the "one faith" revealed in the Bible.

 

   Is one worship as good as another? Worship that is acceptable to God must be in spirit and in truth. "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24) The early church worshipped on the first day of the week. (Acts 20:7) Their worship was simple: (1) They sang songs of praise to God, (Ephesians 5:19), (2) Simple, sincere prayers were offered to the heavenly Father (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18), (3) Communion was observed in memory of Christ's death (Acts 20:7), (4) Christians gave a part of their material possessions back to God (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and (5) The word of God was preached. (Acts 2:42) Scriptural and acceptable worship is from the heart and must be carried out according to the New Testament pattern.

 

   Is one name as good as another? There is no other name like the precious name of Jesus. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) The beautiful name Christian is also a precious name. The first century Christians were Christians only. "But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busy­body in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." (1 Peter 4:15-16) There is no name like a Bible name!

 

   Is one plan of salvation as good as another? Can we pray the sin­ner's prayer or "pray through" for salvation? Can we just "accept Jesus into our heart" and be saved? Or must we believe in Jesus as Lord and Christ (John 8:24), repent of all our sins (Acts 17:30), confess the precious name of Jesus (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized into Christ to wash away sins? (Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21) Those that accept the wonderful good news that Jesus died for our sins should repent and be baptized to be saved. "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) You should choose to be saved in Christ according to His terms instead of trying to follow some plan that will not save?

 

   Is one as good as another? Is there any god like the God of the Bible? Is one baptism just as good as another? Is one way of worship as good as another? Is one church or one doctrine just as good as another? Our only hope is salvation in Christ. Are you in Christ?

 

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: Health South Rehab Gadsden: Charles Box, Sr. In Need Of Prayers: Jerry Barr, Jan Blackwell, Shirley Boutwell, Dannie Box, Ida “Jean” Brazell, Dorothy Buck, Brenda Burkett, Shirley Curry, Bobby Fullington,  Judy Green, Roy Goodwin, Billy Heartsill, Dianne Hoffman, Jeff Hughes, Mary Lawrence, George Lewis (eye surgery), Dennis Lowery, Mable McClain, Renny McNaughton, Roland Mitchell, Reba Miller, Curtis Newton, Cynthia Olive, Betty Pitts, Mary Powell, Zachary Reynolds, Don Shirley, Sarah Stidham, Ted Tindal,  Richard Watts, Mary Williams and Kim Willett. Crowne Health Care: Mary Alexander, James Alford, Gene Buck, Gladys Childs, Kathy Johnson, Wallace Murry, Myrtle Perdue, and Corrine Till. Pine Needle: Mary Lou Phelps. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey, and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Jean Hayes, and Doris Taylor.

 

2. Please Pray For: Pray for Ben Newton, Jason Godwin and Dennis Phillips Jr. (Capt. Dennis Phillips, MNCI/IAG J-4, APO AE 09342) as they serve in Iraq.

 

3. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to: (a) Agnes Hammonds and Dennis Lowery in the death of their brother, J.C. Lowery, (b) Donald Loveless in the death of his aunts, Lavern Adams and Ruthie Minor, and (c) Wanda Santo and her family in the death of her mother, Faye Moore.

 

4. New Baby: Congratulation to Phillip and Cheryl Pierce on the birth of a granddaughter, Mary Olivene Maddox. She was born October 14^th. She weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20¼ inches long. She is the daughter of Stephanie and David Maddox.

 

5. Church Building Burns: The building where our brethren met in Hayneville, Alabama burned. Brother Martin McCall is the preacher there. They did have insurance but not nearly enough to replace everything. Send contributions in care of the North Lowndes Church of Christ, P.O. Box 214, Haynesville, Alabama 36040. Be sure to mark the contributions “for Haynesville Church of Christ”.

 

6. Birthdays: Celebrating a birthday this week are: October 19^th Anita Sanders and October 21^st Shirley Boutwell.

 

7. Baby Showers: (a) A baby shower is plan for Ashley Holladay on October 19^th after evening service. Everyone is invited to stay and bring finger foods. Ashley is to have a boy. (b) A luncheon/baby shower is plan for Darrell and Jamie Powell on November 2^nd after the morning worship service. Everyone is invited to stay and enjoy a meal and fellowship with Darrell and Jamie. They are having a boy.

 

8. A Trunk of Treats: October 31^st there will be a Trunk of Treats Party at the home of Stacey & Patricia Harrell. If you plan to set-up for treats be there at 5:00 p.m. The fun begins at 6:00 p.m.

 

9. Fall Festival: The Fall Festival will be on November 1^st at the home of Stacey and Patricia Harrell at 6:00 p.m. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.

 

10. Church Photo Directory: We are excited to announce that we are publishing a new church directory. We know that the new directory will be a memorable keepsake and will help our families to know one another and draw closer together. The photography is scheduled starting on November 9^th. We want to encourage every family to participate. You will receive a free directory if you have your pictures made.

 

11. Thank You: (a) Walnut Street Church of Christ, We would like to “Thank You” for all the prayers during the time of sadness we had to endure. Mom, always knew Walnut Street was her home. Thanks to Brother Box for doing the service for our family and just for being there for our family at the time of Mom’s death. The split leaf Philadelphian plant is beautiful and will be loved and taken care of for many years to come. Please continue to up lift our family in prayer. Thank you, God Bless Wayne & Brenda Stallings (b) During a time like this we realize how much our friends mean to us. Your kind expression of sympathy will always be appreciated. In memory of our brother, Thomas Harris. Jeff & Ron Harris

 

Purity in the Hearts of the Young

 

   The more I get to know the young people here at Walnut Street, the more I appreciate them and see them as the growing Christians they are. Meghan and I love the youth here. I expect great things from them and I know that God expects great things from them as well. We know that God must love the young for no one can become old without first being a youth. God wants our young men and women to have pure hearts.

 

   This world in which we live is interested in young people. This world wants the money of the young people. This world wants the interest of the young people. This world wants the attention of the young people. The world will appeal to your lusts and your naivety.  However, God wants you more. God wants you to serve Him. God’s promises are greater and what the world will give you is not comparable to God’s rewards for His faithful servants.

 

   So, 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Let us focus on keeping our hearts pure for God. The Bible teaches in Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinketh within himself, so is he.” We need to have the attitude that David had when he penned “I will set no base thing before my eyes” (Psalm 101:3). Our minds are under constant fire from the immorality of this world, but we must strive for purity. Purity of heart and mind is taught and demanded of God. Let us stay as far away from immorality and impurity as possible. We need to have our minds and our hearts on things above.  To the Colossians, Paul writes, “If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things which are above, where Christ is seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). We must think on things which are pure, lovely, just, honorable, and true (Philippians 4:8). Only then will we be able to have the purity in heart that God wants and deserves from us. 

 

- - - - Jeff Stacy

 

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)