Love for Others

King David is described as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). While there are many qualities of David we should emulate, I want us to consider just one in this article -- his love for others.

David showed love for a broad range of people. We can see the love and kindness he shared with his friends, namely Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1; 2 Samuel 1:26). He loved his enemies, sparing Saul's life twice when he had opportunity to kill him (1 Samuel 24:1-4; 26:2-11). Both instances came when Saul was pursuing David in order to kill him. We also see David's love given to those in need with the example of him caring for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9).

We must demonstrate love for our friends and brethren (1 John 4:11). But like David, we must do more than this (cf. Matthew 5:46). We are to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). We must show love and kindness to those who are in need (Ephesians 4:28; Romans 12:20). David shows us an example of love. Christians are to be recognized as such by their love (John 13:35).

David was a man after God's own heart. So while we can learn from his example of loving others, we should remember that God is our perfect example. "God is love" (1 John 4:8). He demonstrates His love for His friends, which Jesus said are the ones who follow His commands (John 15:14), by saving them. Jesus is "to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:9).

God loves His enemies. Paul said that it was "while we were enemies [that] we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son" (Romans 5:11). "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16), and this came when the world was not on friendly terms with Him.

God also loves the needy -- not just those who are monetarily poor (James 2:5; Matthew 11:5), but those who are "helpless" in their sins (Romans 5:6). God offers salvation to all those who need it, before we are worthy to receive it. Because in reality, we will never be worthy of God's grace. He offers to save us because He loves us. Let us respond to His love appropriately, by submitting to His will in humble obedience (John 14:15), and "be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us" (Ephesians 5:1-2).

"Come"

"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost" (Rev. 22:17).

This is an invitation for salvation that has been extended by Christ. It is for all who need the water of life. This means that it is for all, for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23) and "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). All who wish to obtain the gift of salvation and be saved from their sins may come.

There are three entities mentioned that help extend the message of salvation. The Spirit -- who revealed the message to the apostles (Jn. 16:13), which we have recorded in the Bible. The bride -- the church of Christ (Eph. 5:24,31-32). And the one who hears -- those who have believed and obeyed the message of salvation.

Let us use the word, the church, and our own individual lives to help extend the Lord's invitation to a lost world.

PBT - June 2008

The June issue of Plain Bible Teaching is now online with the following articles:

• The Ancient Paths by Andy Sochor
• Predestination by Tim Haile
  
• Instrumental Music in Worship to God by Andy Sochor
• The Disciples were Called Christians by Andy Sochor
  

You can read the new articles by clicking on the link below. I hope you may find the new material helpful to you.

Plain Bible Teaching

Do Not Worry

Many of us find it easy to worry about things in our life. Matters that relate to our jobs, families, finances, etc., can cause anxiety. But Jesus told his followers, "do not be worried about your life" (Matthew 6:25). Sometimes this is easier said than done. But notice what Jesus says about this subject in Matthew 6:25-27:

"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not the life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?"

In these verses, Jesus asks three questions. As the master teacher, He is able to ask questions in a way that is more instructive than inquisitive. Notice the three points Jesus makes to help us deal with anxiety.

1. There are more important things to consider (v. 25). Yes, food and clothing are important. But a few verses later Jesus tells us how we should order our priorities. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (v. 33). We need to put a priority on spiritual things. Recognize that the physical things we worry about are only temporal.
2. We are valuable in the sight of God (v. 26). God provides for the birds of the air. Jesus says that in God's eyes we are worth much more than birds. If God will provide for the needs of animals, He will provide for our needs.
3. It does no good to worry (v. 27). We cannot prolong our life by worrying. Another translation mentions one adding height to their physical body. No good is accomplished by worrying. Good will be accomplished when we consider the situation and act appropriately. Anxiety hinders us in this.

When you are tempted to worry, remember what Jesus taught. Make sure you have your priorities in the proper order. Know that you are valuable in the sight of God. And recognize that worrying will do no good to help the situation we are anxious about.

Remember also the benefit of prayer that we have. Paul mentioned this in Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Let us keep all these things in mind. Do not let anxiety hinder you from serving God. Put your faith and trust in Him that He will take care of us, as long as we "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).

Liberty in Christ

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Cor. 3:17).

This is a popular verse for those who like to pervert the gospel and try to condone or ignore sin. They say we have liberty in Christ, so therefore, we do not have to concern ourselves with obedience or following the New Testament pattern.

The New Testament teaches that through Christ we are free from the Old Law (Col. 2:14), sin and death (Rom. 6:6-7), and following the commands of men (Col. 2:20-22). But we are not free from following the instructions of Christ and His word (Heb. 5:8; 2 Th. 1:8).

It is a mistake to use liberty as a justification for sin. Just as Paul wrote to the Galatians, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh” (Gal. 5:13).

Banner of the Cross

I will no longer be posting issues of Banner of the Cross online. You can follow the link to read more about this decision.

PBT - May 2008

The May issue of Plain Bible Teaching is now online with the following articles:

A Model for Personal Evangelism by Andy Sochor

Accepting Jesus as Our Personal Savior by Robert A. Sochor

Is One Church as Good as Another? by Andy Sochor
Doctrinal Purity by Andy Sochor

You can read the new articles by clicking on the link below. I hope you may find the new material helpful to you.

Plain Bible Teaching