The Reporter   
 Volume 48 # 13,  --  March 28, 2008

 

Now Is The Day Of Salvation
– Second Corinthians Six –

 

   Paul used a beautiful idea for Christians as being "workers together." He felt that each Christian was a partner and should be helping in God's work. He pleaded with the brethren at Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in vain. Grace alone does not save. It must produce the correct actions on our part. "In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee" is a quote from Isaiah 49:8. Now is the time of salvation. There may not be a more convenient time than this. (Acts 24:25) Paul tried to do his work for God in such a way as not to offend or cause anyone to stumble. He did not want the work of the Lord to be discredited in any way. Our actions are a reflection upon the Lord, either good or bad.

 

   Our life, in everything, must prove that we are a servant of the Lord. Others should see that we are true Christians, serving God with our hearts. In all kinds of situations we must be God's faithful ministers, even through persecution and hardships. When Paul spoke of being a minister of Christ the first thing on his list was "patience." Patience is needed both in dealing with people and in dealing with afflictions. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12) Christ controlled Paul's life. He would not allow circumstances to be in control. Victory in Christ kept Paul from being distressed in life. He faced prison and all kinds of difficulties for the sake of Christ. He often faced stripes, imprisonments, tumults, beatings, sleeplessness and fastings in his ministry.

 

   Paul's ministry was with love that was genuine, sincere, and without hypocrisy. He realized that his righteousness and his defense came from the Lord. In 2 Corinthians 6:8-10 Paul used nine pairs of contrasting terms to describe his ministry. He possessed all spiritual blessings as a minister of Christ. He wanted the Corinthians to know that he had opened his heart to them. The Corinthians had caused many of their own problems because of where their hearts were. They blamed Paul but he was not at fault. He wanted them to open their hearts to him and the message he was sending.

 

   Paul taught these brethren to shun any relationship that would influence then in a negative way toward Christianity. Christians must not align themselves with those that are unfaithful, faithless, unbelieving and that cannot be trusted. Christians are the Temple of God both as individuals and as the church. He wants to make his abode with us. God's promise is that He will receive us if we separate ourselves from the pollution of the world.

 

   Workers together for God – 2 Corinthians 6:1-5: Let us make good use of the opportunities that are ours by the grace of God as we labor together in the kingdom of Christ. Our salvation and the salvation of others depends upon what we do with these opportunities. Paul quoted from Isaiah 49:8 to show the Corinthians that now is the time for salvation. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) One must never pass up the opportunity to be saved and to serve in the kingdom. Paul realized that preachers and others that call themselves Christians should never set such bad examples that they cause others to stumble. Those that wear the name of Christ must live in such a way that others are able to see that they are true ministers and servants of God. God's ministers must patiently serve through all the difficulties and perplexities of this life. Paul was forced to undergo many difficulties, yet his desire was to be a faithful minister of God. 

 

   Conduct that brings glory to God – 2 Corinthians 6:6-10: The statements in these verses show what Paul had done to have God's approval as a faithful minister of Christ. Paul lived a holy life. He consecrated himself to the cause of God. His life was devoted to being an honor to the Creator. He endeavored to lead a life unspotted from the world, marked by patience, kindness and gentleness. His heart and life was filled with genuine love that was not pretended. His actions were guided by the word of truth. Paul's work was a great success because of the power of God. He armed himself with the righteousness of God and stood firm in the faith. With nine contrasting expressions Paul showed that he had made wise choices in his ministry. "By honour and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (2 Corinthians 6:8-10) The desire of Paul was that his conduct would bring glory to God.

 

   An open heart of love – 2 Corinthians 6:11-13: Paul and his fellow preachers had freely spoken the gospel to the Corinthians. He had used the same kind of openness and freedom as he discussed problems that needed to be corrected at Corinth. Paul's heart was enlarged to love, encourage, embrace and help all the brethren at Corinth, even those that had opposed his work. He had deep feeling of love for these brethren as he had taught many of them the gospel and had lived among them. Paul wanted it understood that if there was any lack of love or affection it was not on his part toward them. His heart was large and filled with love for them. If there was any lack of love it was because somehow the hearts of the Corinthians were restricted by their own choice. Paul desired that these brethren love him as he had loved them. There was no lack of love form Paul toward the Corinthians.

 

   Be not unequally yoked – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18: Obviously it is a very unwise choice for a Christian to marry a non-Christian. But the thing that Paul forbids here is for Christians to have close association with idolaters. Christians cannot take on teachings or practices that would fall into the category of unrighteousness. “For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” In spiritual matters truth and error simply cannot go together. Paul asked five questions to prove that Christians cannot be unequally joined to idolaters. He asked, (1) what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteous-ness? (2) What communion hath light with darkness? (3) What concord hath Christ with Belial? (4) What part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And (5) what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? Christians are to come out of idolatry or any unscriptural religion. God promised, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (2 Corinthians 6:17) Those that come out from the ungodly world become sons and daughters of God, His Temple!

 

   Will you allow Jesus to control you life whether things are easy or difficult? To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (Mark 16:16) After baptism be devoted to God in your daily living!

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: In Need Of Prayers: Jimmy Allen, Deane Autrey, Comer Blackmon, Mae Beverly, Mary Frances Casto (sister of Betty Findley), Nell Cates, Roy Goodwin, Judy Green, Montine Hardin, Evan Hartsell, Mary Lawrence, Abby Lee, Jeremy McGill, Shaunnie McGough, Jo Ann Moorer, Curtis Newton, Romona Newton, Opal Missildine, Mary Powell, Linda Sexton, Thelma Sheffield (sister of Virginia Lowery), Don Shirley, Austin Shows, Vickie Starkie (daughter of Elease Brown), Leroy Waller, Richard Watts, Elizabeth and Price Williams and Mary Williams. Crowne Health Care: Mary Alexander, James Alford, Gladys Childs, Kathy Johnson, Wallace Murry, and Myrtle Perdue. Pine Needle: Mary Lou Phelps. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey, and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Jean Hayes, and Doris Taylor.

 

2. Baptized Into Christ: Wanda Santo was baptized into Christ Sunday evening. Her address is 1768 Montgomery Highway, Greenville, Phone 371-1768. Her Birthday is February 4th. Please encourage her in the Lord.

 

3. Please Pray For: The following people are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan: Todd Till, Paul Fullington, Ben Newton, and Joe Barrett. Pray for them often! Please begin now praying for Jason Godwin and Dennis Phillips Jr. as they will be going to Iraq soon.

 

4. Congratulations: Congratulations to Brad and April Whetstone on the birth of their daughter, Madison Grace. She weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces and was 20 ½ inch long. Congratulations also to proud grandmothers Linda Adams and Myrna Whetstone.

 

5. Moved To The River: L.D. and Liz Sessions have moved and they have placed membership at the North Lowndes Church of Christ. They are surely missed at Walnut Street.

 

6.  Nominated: Kayla and Kristi Garlock have been nominated for the “Achiever’s Award.” We are proud of both of you!

 

7. Job Promotion: Congratulation to Linda Adams on her promotion to Deputy Chief of Staff to the Lt. Governor.

 

8. Birthdays: Celebrating birthdays this week are: March 30th Mike Bagents, Mitch Bozeman and Tyler Owens, March 31st Deborah Owens, April 4th Sam Cauthen, and April 5th Stacey Black.

 

9. Thanks: Thanks to Marty and Alicia Sexton for hosting the Easter Egg Hunt at their home. It was a great success!

 

10. Covered Dish Meals: (a) Everyone is invited to share lunch together following worship on Sunday morning, March 30th. (b) On April 5th there will be a covered dish meal at the home of Ricky and Teri Bagents at 5:00 p.m.

 

11. Prom Alternative Banquet/Retreat: Walnut Street will be hosting the 5th Annual Prom Alternative Banquet Retreat on April 11th – 12th at Children’s Harbor Retreat Center on Lake Martin. High school juniors or seniors who are interested may call 334-382-3001 or 334-590-4801 for more information.

 

12. Backwoods Christian Camp Walk-A-Thon: Eleven young people from Walnut Street will be walking five miles in the Backwoods Christian Camp Walk-A-Thon on April 26th. Please support them and the Backwoods Christian Camp ministry by sponsoring them financially in this effort. Those of you who feel really generous please contact Darrell for information about donating to the “matching funds”. (Cell 334-590-4801)

 

13. Thank You: Dear Church family, Thank you for all you did for us during the sad time we were going through of losing our mother, Marie Walton. Thank you for the prayers, cards, phone calls, and special thanks for the food and the ones that attended the funeral. Also thanks to everyone that spent time with us at the hospital. You are always there. Love you all, Bill & Agnes Hammonds

 

14. Put These Dates On Your Calendar:  April 6th-8th – Gospel Meeting – North Lowndes Church of Christ.

 

Why Backwoods?

 

   What is so special about Backwoods Christian Camp? Isn’t it rough and rugged and without many of the modern conveniences that make life so easy? No internet, no TV, and no CELL PHONES!?! Why would anyone want to go there? Here are a few reasons why I not only go, but I love BCC:  

 

   It is almost an everyday occurrence for a simple glance at the beautiful river, mountains, or starlit sky to spark a meaningful conversation about our awesome Creator. When I am at Backwoods, looking in any direction makes me want to say out loud: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalms 19:1).

 

   People who would normally have been playing video games, watching TV, or surfing the internet, etc. if they had been at home find themselves wanting to spend the evening in life-changing Bible studies. At BCC you can always find someone to study or pray with. Many souls have been saved because of the spiritual atmosphere that you will find there. Maybe you are in need of new friends who genuinely care about you.

 

   I guess a simple way of putting it is that a week at Backwoods Christian Camp is what I wish life in the “real world” were like. It is filled with worship of the almighty God, fellow-ship with Christians and others who are seeking the truth, and so much joy. Christians there seem to forget the fears they had about sharing Christ with those around them. Everybody truly is somebody when they are there. You are invited to spend a week at BCC with the Walnut Street Church of Christ July 6-11, 2008. Call 334-382-3001 or 590-4801 for details.

 

   I feel compelled to do all that I can to ensure that the “Backwoods experience” will always be strong, sound, and IMPROVING. If you are interested in being a part of this work, here are three great ways to get started: 1) Come to camp as a camper or counselor, 2) Sponsor one of our 11 youth who are walking in the BCC Walk-A-Thon (the camp’s only major fund raiser that makes it possible for underprivileged children to attend), or 3) contribute to the “matching funds,” which are a part of that same fund raiser. For more info, call me at one of the numbers listed above.        

- - - - Darrell Powell

 

Like it or not, we all have responsibilities beyond just ourselves.

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)