The Reporter     Volume 47 # 23,  --  June 8, 2007

 

At The Heart Of Christianity

– Matthew Twenty –

 

   Matthew twenty takes us to the very heart of Christianity. At the heart of Christianity is (1) God's grace, (2) The death of Christ, (3) The spirit of service, and (4) Compassion for the hurting. All of these truths are seen in this great section of Scripture.

 

   This chapter begins with the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Jesus said some that were hired early in the morning agreed to work for a penny a day. The trouble came when others that were hired later in the day were also paid a penny. Those that had worked through the heat of the day though they should have received more. The lesson of this parable was to demonstrate God's grace. Jesus said "the first will be last and the last shall be first."

 

   Jesus again reminded the disciples that He was going up to Jerusalem to be betrayed, condemn to death, mocked, scourged, and crucified and on the third day He would rise again. Except for the death of Jesus we would be in a hopeless spiritual state.

 

   As Jesus and His disciples started towards Jericho two blind men begged to be healed. Jesus had compassion and healed them.

 

   At The Heart Of Christianity Is The Grace Of God  –  Matthew 20:1-16: The parable of the workers in the vineyard is a powerful lesson on the theme of God's grace. What God gives comes from His goodness not from what we deserve. Some workers were hired early in the morning to go work in the vineyard. It was agreed that they would receive a penny for their work.

 

   However, we are more like workers that stood idle all day. They waited through the day and finally were hired at the last hour. We are like them in that they did not earn what they received but received it because the man who hired them was good. "Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?" (Matthew 20:15) In the parable the householder is God. The vineyard is the church and the undeserving laborers are Christians. We do not deserve anything but by God's grace we are saved.

 

   When the last ones hired received a penny those hired first thought they should have received more. How dare anyone try to tell God Almighty what to do with what is rightfully His in the first place. The order was the last shall be first and the first shall be last, many are called but few are chosen. The workers complained but they should have praised the Master for His generosity. We were called from the market place of the world's idleness into work in the Lord's vineyard. Do not put off obeying God until your lose your reward.

 

   God, in His goodness, allowed the Jews to be first called into His kingdom. He likewise allowed the Gentiles to be called last. Now He also gives us what we do not deserve nor can we earn – salvation by His grace. But His message is still the same. "Why are you standing here idle all day?" "...Go into the vineyard..." But remember, "many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 20:16)

 

   At The Heart Of Christianity Is The Death Of Christ – Matthew 20:17-19: We are allowed to walk along with Jesus and His disciples as they make their way to Jerusalem. Along the way Jesus talked about His betrayal, suffering and death. "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn His to death." (Matthew 20:18) Jesus knew what awaited Him at Jerusalem. He would be, "mocked and scourged and crucified and the third day he would rise again." (Matthew 20:19)

 

  The details Jesus provided concerning His resurrection must have given both comfort and encouragement to the disciples. Without the death of Jesus for our sins we would be in a hopeless and helpless spiritual state. We must come to know and appreciate the words of I John 1:7. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." The betrayal, suffering and death of Jesus should make us aware of the role that God's grace played in our salvation.

 

   At The Heart Of Christianity Is The Spirit Of Service – Matthew 20:20-28: On at least three occasions there was a discussion among the apostles concerning greatness in the kingdom. (Matthew 18:1-4, Matthew 20:20-28 and Luke 22:24-27) In John 13 Jesus taught the lesson of humble service by washing the feet of the apostles. "You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." (John 13:13-15)

 

   The mother of Zebedee's children with her sons and the other disciples were still thinking about an earthly kingdom, rather than the church, God's spiritual kingdom. This mother wanted her sons to have honor in that earthly kingdom. Jesus asked them if they were willing to suffer for the kingdom and to agonize with Him is building the church or kingdom? Christ let it be know that be great in His kingdom did not come through worldly power but by humble service to others.

 

   Every Christian must have a servant's heart. "...whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28) The price paid to set us free from sin was Jesus becoming a servant and giving His life a ransom for many. Those that would become His follower must follow His example of service.

 

   At The Heart Of Christianity Is Compassion – Matthew 20:29-34: As Jesus left Jericho he was met by two blind men. These men, like many that are blind, had sharp ears. They had learned that Jesus was passing that way. They believed that He was able to give them back their sight. The two blind men begged Jesus, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David?" (Matthew20: 30) Jesus asked them, "what do you want Me to do for you?" (Matthew 20:32) They wanted their eyes opened.

 

   These men knew that Jesus was their only opportunity of getting their sight back so they would not allow the multitude to silence them. When He called them they went to Him immediately. Some hear the Master call thousands of times and never go to Him. Jesus heard their cries for mercy. In pity or compassion He touched their eyes and they received their sight. (Matthew 20:34) The result of Jesus having compassion and helping these men was – “they followed Him.” Following Jesus was the best way these men could express their thanks.

 

   To become a Christian by God's grace and through the blood of His Son you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38). Our daily walk with Christ must then reflect those qualities that are at the heart of Christianity.             

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: Stabler Hospital: Margaret Munro and Marie Curlee, Georgiana Hospital: Berniece Gorum (mother of Gary & Tony Bozeman and Cindy Thomas), UAB Birmingham: Percy Newton (father of Todd Newton). In Need Of Prayers: Jody Barr, Linda Bender, Peri Chapman, Roy Goodwin, Montine Hardin, Latrelle Harrell, Evan Hartsell, Billy Heartsill, Mary Jo Hoffman (mother of Steve Hoffman), Jerry Johnson, Darrell Jones, Wanda Kyser, Mary Lawrence, Steve Osborne, Barbara Parker, Glenn Phillips, Mary Powell, Jack Queener, Shirley Schofield, Ottey Simno, Ralph Sims, Vickie Starky (daughter of Elease Brown), Doris Taylor, and Melissa Woodruff. Crowne Health Care: Kathy Johnson, Myrtle Perdue, and Iva Lou Wright. Homewood Greenville: Marie Walton. Pine Needle: Mary Lou Phelps. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, and Jean Hayes.

 

2. Please Pray For: The following people are serving in Iraq: Sam Sanders, Jason Godwin, Michael Howell, Kimberly Williams, Taylor Bodie, Lynn Kervin and Paul Findley. Pray for them often!

 

3. Birthdays: Celebrating birthdays this week are: June 12^th Lou Acreman, Shirley Schofield, Tete Stabler and Morgan Till, June 13^th Ethan Alford, Betty Findley and Marcus Harrell, and June 14^th  Neomia Collins, Christine Lucas and Becky Till.

 

4. Graduation Invitation: The Elders of the Forest Hill Church of Christ and Faculty of the Memphis School of Preaching, Memphis, Tennessee join Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Liddell in requesting the pleasure of your presence at the Commencement Exercises and Reception in honor of the Graduates on Sunday, the seventeenth of June two thousand and seven. Reception: 2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Forest Hill Church of Christ. Graduation: 6:00 p.m. at the Forest Hill Church of Christ, 3950 Forest Hill Irene Road.

 

5. Guyana Trip: Darrell and Jamie Powell, Marcus Harrell, Meaghan Till, and Morgan Till left for Guyana on June 2^nd and will return on June 11^th. Please prayers for them often while they are away!

 

6. Thank You: (a) Dear Walnut Street Church, Ann and I would like to thank you for the surprise party for our 25^th Wedding Anniversary and all the wonderful gifts. Our 25 years together wasn’t easy. You deserve all the credit. Working for Terrell Enterprises and being gone all week and Ann working in the grocery store and working on Saturday the only time we spent together was a couple of weeks a year vacation and Sunday, which we spent with you! So with all the example of wonderful marriages, all the good advice, and all the wonderful encouragement we made it. Now Ann has Saturday off and we will be spending more time together, so now you will have to keep up the good work. We still need your prayers, encouragement, and your example to follow, so don’t forget us. Thanks so much for everything, also thanks for the camera. Love, Bruce & Ann Cauthen (b) Thank you for the flowers you sent for Matthew’s service. We appreciate your support and love that you have shown to us and to Cheryl, Phillip and Justin. We know God gives us Christian friends for support in times like these. Please continue to pray for us daily. Steve, Rosa & Christy Tanner (c) Dear Walnut Street, Thank-you so much for all the baked goods and yard sale items you donated to our annual sale. We raised $780.00 thanks to your generosity. We are hoping to purchase a TV armoire for the Lobby and a covering for the courtyard. Thank-you for everything you do through out the year. Sincerely, Mary Philen NDC – Crowne Health Care

 

7. Backwoods Christian Camp: Our week at Backwoods will be July 8-13. Camp fees will again be paid from the Carl Sessions Camp Fund for all Walnut Street youths that participate. Registration forms are at the Welcome Center. Get them filled out and back to Darrell right away! You can also print a copy of the form from our website at

 http://walnutstreetchurchofchrist.org/backwoods/backwoods_christian_camp_2007.htm.

 

8.  Agape Coin Cans: By now your Agape Coin Cans should be almost full. They will be collected on June 24^th. This is a simple and wonderful way to touch many lives. So, do what you can to help!

 

Put These Dates On Your Calendar

 

(a) June 10^th-13^th – Ramer Church of Christ – Gospel Meeting – See bulletin board for Speakers – Time Sunday Bible Class 10:00 a.m., Worship 11:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. and Weeknights 7:30 p.m. (b) June 10^th-14^th – Elba Church of Christ – Vacation Bible School 2007 – Theme “Are You In The Ark?” – Classes for all ages – Time 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

(c) June 10^th-14^th – Rock Hill Church of Christ – Gospel Meeting – Speaker Jimmy Matthews – Sunday 9:45 & 11:00 a.m., Singing 2:30 p.m., evening service 4:00 p.m. and weeknights at 7:30.

(d) June 10^th-15^th – Hook Street Church of Christ – Gospel Meeting – Speaker Joe P. McCall – weeknights 7:30 p.m.

(e) June 15^th – 16^th – Backwoods Christian Camp – June Bug 2007 – Science and the Bible – K4 – 4^th grade – Cost $30 – Time begins at 5:00 p.m. Friday ends at 3:00 p.m. Saturday.

(f) June 17^th-20^th – Luverne Church of Christ – Vacation Bible School – ages 2 through 12 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

(g) June 20^th-22^nd – Davenport Church of Christ – Vacation Bible School – Time 7:00 p.m. – Classes for all ages.

(h) July 8^th-13^th – Backwoods Christian Camp – Sixth Session – Directors Charles Box & Terry Claunch – 4^th grade through College.

(i) September 24^th – 26^th – Regions University – Spiritual Enrichment Forum – Embassy Suites, Montgomery.

 

Obeying The Gospel Of Christ

 

   Only those that obey the gospel will be saved. The gospel is the good news message of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for our sins. (I Corinthians 15:1-4) God's will take vengeance on those that obey not the Gospel of Christ. (II Thessalonians 1:8-10)  To obey the gospel one must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of all sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved (I Peter 3:21) Have you obeyed the gospel?  Are you faithful to God?  If you died today, would you go to heaven? 

                     - - - - Charles Box

 

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)