What must I do to be saved?

We have already noted that a frequent part of Paul’s prayers for his brethren involved giving thanks for them, especially related to their faith, love and hope (see 1 Thes. 1:3). What else did Paul pray for regarding his brethren? Let’s take a brief glance at what we find in his letters.

First, a common prayer for his brethren was for the Lord’s grace, peace and/or mercy to be with them. This is frequently a part of his salutation (see Rom. 1:7; Eph. 1:2; 1 Thes. 1:1) and sometimes also a part of his final greeting (see 1 Cor. 16:23; Eph. 6:24; 1 Thes. 5:28). Of course, these were not empty words, but these are some of the richest words and most elevated desires a Christian can have for brethren. It doesn’t get any better than residing in God’s grace, peace and mercy! We certainly ought to pray this for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Secondly, Paul frequently prayed for his brethren’s relationship with the word of the Lord. Paul gave thanks to God that the Thessalonian brethren received the word of God as truly being the word of God (see 1 Thes. 2:13). He was thankful they did not receive it as merely his word or the word of any man. Paul also continually asked the Lord to give them “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him” (Eph. 1:17; see also vv. 15-19).

Look very carefully at chapter three of this book where Paul says in verses 7-9, “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things.”  The unsearchable riches of Christ were revealed by Paul (and others), and he prayed for their “knowledge of him” (Christ), through his word.

Continuing in verses 14-19, he says, “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” The “love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” is known through inspired teaching. Paul prays about the reception and growth in knowledge and strengthening of the inward being of his brethren, and we should as well.

Thirdly, though we have already mentioned love in the previous lesson (especially being a part of the thanksgiving of Paul that he expresses early in some of his letters), I want us to recognize that this was no mere standardized greeting or prayer of Paul. He was not only thankful for the love of his brethren, he prayed that their love would “abound more and more” (Phil. 1:9).

We can also rightly group the concept of unity in there with this love. Paul prays in Romans 15:5-6, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul prayed that they might have “one voice.” This reminds us of Jesus’ prayer for His followers in John 17 where He said, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” How important is it that we pray for our love and unity as brethren?

In the fourth place, we should note that Paul prayed for his brethren’s sharing of faith. As we noted in the previous lesson, Paul gave thanks that the Thessalonians’ faith had become so widely known (see 1 Thes. 1:2-10). Notice Paul’s prayer in Philemon verses 4-7 where he says, “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” We ought to pray for one another’s faith and that our brethren will do their part in making the faith known to lost souls.

Finally, Paul prayed regarding the status of his brethren at the return of the Lord. In a sense, he entrusted them to the Lord. His prayer in 1 Thessalonians 3:13 involves the Lord establishing their “hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” He also prays at the conclusion of the letter: “may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:23). Ultimately, there is no greater prayer that we can have for our brethren than being ready to receive the eternal kingdom when the Christ delivers His church to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24). Pray about the faithfulness and eternal salvation of your brethren!

May the Lord bless you and keep you through His love and power! (see 1 Pt. 1:5).

Daren Schroeder

Who’s The Prophet?

• Shepherd and fig tree farmer.
• Lived on the border of northern and southern kingdoms
• The North was ruled by Jeroboam the 2nd who brought wealth and prosperity to the people

What Are His predictions?

• Warning Israel, Judah, Benjamin and all nations of a coming destruction described as “the Day of the Lord.”

What Was His Purpose?

• He about the oppression of the poor, sexual immorality, greed, and corrupt government In the Northern kingdom
• The wealthy Israelites had become apathetic and spiritually lazy

SIMPLE CHAPTER BREAKDOWN 

• 1-2messages to the nations and Israel
• 3-6poems expressing the message to leaders and people
• 7-9 God’s judgment is explained

SKY HIGH SNAPSHOTS 

1. The 9 chapter book spends time circling the surrounding nations and pointing out their evil. He starts with the nations furthest away from the people and works his way closer to the target, the Northern tribes.
2. Amos expresses God’s anger towards Damascus, Gaza, Ammon, Moab, Edom, and even Judah
3. Finally, the primary audience is shocked to hear that they (Northern territory) are the source of God’s anger as well

Top 2 Practical Lessons From The Book 

Our lives will also be lessons for future generations. When they look back they will either say, “we ought to live as they did” or “we ought not live as they did.” 

PLUGGING IT IN 

“WHAT DOES GOD NEED FROM US?”

1. God needs more fig tree farmers. He needs community preachers in the form of plumbers, school teachers, electricians, nurses, surveyors, dentists, accountants, mechanics, and engineers.
2. We need more preachers. It’s more common than it was, but there’s a great need for gospel preachers in the LORD’s church. Amos spoke for God, but he was in the minority.
3. We need more elders. Great elders are rare. It’s been said and proven to be true, “The church will never outgrow the shadow of her leadership.”
4. We need more seriousness. Not more piety, not an immovable allegiance to man’s tradition, more people who take their God seriously.

Amos in a sentence: 

“Service does not mean salvation if our service is not from the heart.” 

Real faithfulness means worship that is holy— not habitual. He wants committed people, not costume parties. He wants our attention to be placed on our purity, not our performance.

Dale Pollard

HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT…in many ways. In our approach to
Scripture—we must have Bible authority to serve Him -the Bible
matters -truth matters. We cannot act presumptuously—if the Bible
doesn’t authorize it, we cannot do it (instrumental music, earthly
headquarters, name of the church, woman preachers, sprinkling for
baptism, etc.). Consider the following seven differences.

1. The church’s name is His name. The church belongs to
Christ and is married to Christ—it must wear His name,
Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:23-25 and Rom 16:16. Many
call themselves by names you cannot find in the Bible.

2. The name we wear individually is Christian, disciple,
servant, Acts 11:26; I Cor. 1:1-2.

3. Worship differences are many and significant…must be in
spirit and truth, John 4:24 and God’s word is truth, John 17:17.
Not all worship is acceptable to God, Matt. 15:9; Rom. 12:1-2
(NIV); Heb.12:28 (NASV).
a. Prayer – according to His will in the name of Jesus,
Luke 22:42; James 4:15; Col. 3:17.
b. Singing – vocal – without instruments because the Bible
does not authorize it. We teach and admonish each
other in song, Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15.
c. Teaching and preaching only God’s word is worship,
John 4:24; Col. 3:17, 23; Matt. 15:9.
d. Lord’s Supper every Sunday, as the Bible teaches, on the
first day of the week, Acts 20:7. Every week has a first day.

4.Giving on the first day of the week as God has prospered us,
I Cor. 16:1-2

5.Organization of the Lord’s church follows the Bible pattern,
with MEN as shepherds (elders-pastors), deacons and
preachers, Eph. 4:11-16. See Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28-32;
I Tim. 3:1-16.

6.Prophecy – fulfilled in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and
the destruction of Jerusalem. See Luke 24:44-47; 21:20-22.

7.Mission of the church – not social but spiritual “to save
souls,” Matt. 1:23; Luke19:10; Matt. 28:18-20. See also
Eph. 3:9-11. Not to lower taxes, or improve community, etc.
but to preach the Gospel!

–Ivy Conner

A grandfather walking past his little granddaughter’s room one night heard her praying beside her bed. Her head was bowed, hands folded, and she was repeating the alphabet. Grandpa was curious, so he interrupted her and asked, “What are you doing, dear?” She answered, I’m saying my prayers, but I couldn’t think of what to say, so I’m saying all the letters of the alphabet so God can put them together however He thinks best.” Sixty-eight and a half years of life have taught me there are times when it almost seems that would be a good idea! How should we pray when life throws strains and stresses and struggles in our way that are bigger than we are, and that we cannot avoid, control, or escape? The death of a loved one, a difficult marriage, a sickness that won’t go away, financial stress that seems sure to break us, worry about a life-changing decision that has to be made, even a sin we repented of and confessed to God long ago that keeps us secretly wrestling with a load of guilt that haunts and pains our conscience like a broken-bone — what can we do when pain, pressure, and fear is directly in our path, waiting to descend on us like some ravenous beast?

Jesus’ agonizing experience in the Garden of Gethsemane as recorded in Matthew 26:36-46 helps us when things or people threaten our emotional, spiritual, and even physical well-being. In that text the cross looms just hours ahead. Jesus sees it coming, and in Gethsemane admits a storm of grief and even dread is churning inside His holy heart. He tells Peter, James and John in verse 38, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death,” and He appeals to these three close friends, “Stay here and watch with Me.” He pleads with God three times, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from Me” but every time He adds a qualifying clause” — “if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done” (verses 39, 42, 44). This passage allows us to peek into one of the most sacred scenes in all the Bible. To quote the magnificent but haunting words from the second verse of William B. Tappan’s song (“Tis Midnight, And On Olive’s Brow”) – “Tis midnight, and from all removed, The Savior wrestles lone with fears; E’en that disciple whom He loved heeds not his Master’s grief and tears.” There is much that is not clear about what was going on that night. It is clear that Jesus wanted God to take the cross away. Even more clear is that as He “wrestled lone with fears” in prayer, He did what He had always done throughout His rescue mission to earth to die so that men and women might be freed from sin’s awful consequences. He submitted and completely surrendered His own will to His Father’s will, even though that would lead to agony, shame and death on a cross. Carl Sandburg told that a delegation met with Abraham Lincoln in the terrible days of the Civil War. A minister expressed hope that “the Lord is on our side.” To the amazement of all present, Lincoln replied, “I am not at all concerned about that. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord’s side. Jesus in Gethsemane teaches a profound truth — prayer is NOT about bending God’s will to ours so that He removes all the cross-like experiences from our daily lives. Quite the contrary, Gethsemane teaches us prayer is sometimes about wrestling with God over the bitter cups and grief-causing things and people in our lives until we can pray, “Not my will, but Your will be done” — and then trust God as we move ahead. Wrestling with God’s will is a fight we win only when we lose!

Dan Gulley, Smithville TN

When taking a look at the book of Acts, many insights can be found about the church. From the Lord’s supper to the appointing of elders, there are many things that can be learned about the Lord’s Church and how it should act. Today there are far too many churches that have left and strayed away from the original design. Since we have one Bible, there should be one church. Out of the many things that can be learned from Acts, one of the most prominent aspects seen is the local preacher in a congregation and how he should behave.

Today when we look in the denominational world, we see the preachers as a sort of leader in the church. The names given to preachers can sometimes be misleading. But the preacher has a very significant job, and hopefully by the end of this article series we will see that the minister is not too different from the member of the body. He is one that proclaims the word. His main job is to be an example and one who can take the word of God and turn it into something that God’s people can learn, and then apply to their christian walks. By looking at the examples given in Acts about the local preacher, we are able to answer quite a few questions.

Probably the chapter that contains the majority of these insights is chapter 20, specifically verses 17 through 38. These articles will be an in depth study on this section of Acts, and how it applies to a preacher in a local congregation.

Acts 20:17, “Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.” Notice that Paul met with the Elders of the church at Ephesus. The word for elder here is the word presbuteros, and we know that this is in reference to those who held the office of elders, and were not just older men. We see this in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6ff.

To be a successful local preacher it is vital to talk to, and build a relationship with the elders of the congregation. Elders play an extremely vital role in churches, and to be an effective minister we must make sure that there is a healthy relationship between the elders and the preacher. Paul set the example, and now we follow what he has set. It makes sense. The elders are the leaders of the congregation and if the preacher is leading in a way other than what the elders have asked then how will the members react? The preacher must be one that uplifts and submits to the authority of the eldership. Paul was a great man. He had given up so much for the gospel yet even he submits himself under the elders. God knew what He was doing when He designed the church, so it is no wonder that many denominations fall away from the original design, and then run into many issues.

The local preacher is a member, therefore he must submit to the oversight and leadership of the elders.

Carl Pollard

In the writings of Paul he makes at least eight direct appeals to his brethren for prayer on his behalf (Rom. 15:30-33; 2 Cor. 1:10-11; Eph. 6:18-20; Phil. 1:19; Col. 4:2-4; 1 Thes. 5:25; 2 Thes. 3:1-5; Phile. 1:22). Let’s take a brief look at each of these requests, comment very briefly, and then draw a few conclusions.

Romans 15:30-33 – “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

Paul requested prayers for deliverance from unbelievers who could potentially hinder his efforts to deliver the collection to the poor saints in Jerusalem (see Rom. 15:26).

2 Corinthians 1:10-11 – “He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

Paul very much viewed the prayers of his brethren as a vital help regarding opposition he faced. His deliverance through their prayers will result in more people being blessed through hearing the word of God.

Ephesians 6:18-20 – “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Paul asked that his brethren pray for his boldness in proclaiming the Gospel, even amidst trials and imprisonment.

Philippians 1:19 – “for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,”

Paul knows of the care the Philippians have for him (see 4:10) and naturally assumes they will be praying for his deliverance.

Colossians 4:2-4 – “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”

Paul asks his brethren to pray for God to open doors for the Gospel and that he make speak the message with clarity.

1 Thessalonians 5:25 – “Brothers, pray for us.”

This is the only general prayer request that Paul makes of his brethren.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 – “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.”

Paul again prays for deliverance from adversaries and that the Word of God may be well received just as it was with them.

Philemon 1:22 – “At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.”

Paul knows of Philemon’s prayers, or assumes them, and has confidence that through them he will have opportunity to be with him.

CONCLUSIONS FROM PAUL’S PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Paul believed in prayer (or, better said, in God!) and that the prayers of his brethren were of great value… certainly just as valuable as his prayers. No Christian is closer than others to the throne of God!
2. Paul believed that the prayers of his brethren were a part of his work of preaching the Gospel. They ministered with him through prayer. In this way they shared (or had fellowship) in the work. Paul never minimized the contributions of his brethren to the work he was involved in or made them feel that his work was far superior to their work.
3. Most of Paul’s prayer requests were in some way tied to the teaching and reception of the Gospel. Even his prayer requests for deliverance from trials was for the purpose of being able to further spread the Gospel. His prayer requests were far from selfish in nature and instead were highly spiritual in nature, related directly to the ministry of Christ in seeking and saving the lost (see Lk. 19:10).

What can you learn from and use from studying the prayer requests of Paul?

Daren Schroeder

The Lord gave me a yardstick by which to measure every relationship in my life. It is easy to understand, and easy to apply if I have the will to do so. It involves no complicated formula; it is with me every wakeful hour. Its strength is in direct proportion to my weakness; binding me with cords of my own weaving, or freeing me as I free my own heart. It comprehends my whole duty to man.

While yet a child I learned it as: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you;” but later I found it is properly stated: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 7:12, see Luke 6:31)

“All things”” is very broad. This includes my driving on the highway, selling a rifle, working for an employer, living with my wife, writing to my brethren, or about them.

Whatsoever ye would –” is not “whatsoever they do.” This rule does not depend on the other fellow — it is determined in my own heart. How would I like to be treated? The rule is so reasonable, so unquestionably just, that it defies objection. It asks no pound of flesh, because its regulator would give none. It prescribes fair, honest treatment, because the party of the first part desires such. Self-interest, which so often blinds me to my duty to others, becomes the very indicator of those duties. God made the rule, but I am left to apply it — with the intensity gendered by man’s most powerful inner force, self-love. “No man ever yet hateth his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it…” (Eph. 5:29)

“Do ye even so –” Lenski comments: “what we would like to have men do to us, whether they do that to us or not, we are to keep doing (poieite, durative) to them.” Till seven times? Nay, but until seventy times seven. This regulates conduct, but it is far more than a law of “doing” — it is a basic principle of attitude, of under-lying motive, which demonstrates itself in what we do.

“The law and the prophets” Jesus said; making it clear that this is no new rule, but one inherent in God’s will for man in all times. Further, this clearly relates the rule to the giver of law, emphasizing the external authority of God. Those who seek to limit the “whole duty of man” to humanitarian obligations seem to miss this all-important point. I Jn.3:14-f clearly relates our love for our fellow man with our prior love for God. Because He laid down His life for us, we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (Vs. 16) “And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” (Vs. 23)

Christians are in a position to understand and apply the “Golden Rule”, as are none others. But the sad fact is that many so-called Christians make little practical application of this rule in their life, and seem a bit embarrassed if the preacher uses it as a text. Until we learn well the “second table of the law” (Matt.22: 39) we preach the “gospel” (?) in vain.

-by Robert F. Turner

Thanksgiving is not about the meal, but the attitude of those eating the meal. Neither is it just thanking God for the meal, but for all the blessings of life. It’s great to have a day in which we offer thanks, but it’s better to have a life that offers thanks. May the attitude of Thanksgiving not be lost in all the excitement of the day. May it be carried forward every day in the future. Although life is busy, may each of us take the time to pause and literally name many of the blessings we enjoy. I’m thankful for my devoted wife with whom I have served the Lord over 57 years. We’re thankful for the wonderful, generous brethren who have supported us all these years so that we have been able to work. We are thankful for gracious brethren all over the world who have encouraged us in so many ways. The list could go on and on. Express your list! “In everything give thanks” I Thessalonians 5:18.

Wayne Burger

“The words “thank” and “think” come from the same Anglo-Saxon root. To refuse to think is to refuse to thank. To be thoughtful is to take the first step toward being thankful.” (Levi Sides, a fellow gospel preacher and classmate at Freed-Hardeman, many years ago.)

******

“When Rudyard Kipling was one of the most popular writers of his time, it was reported that for his newspaper work he received fifty cents for every word he wrote. Some students at Oxford University, less impressed with his success, sent Kipling fifty cents with this request: ‘Please send us back one of your very best words.” Immediately Kipling cabled back to the students a one-word message. ‘Thanks,’ it said.”

Doug Parsons

Carl Sagan, one of the most popular scientists of the 20th century, argued in his 1994 book Pale Blue Dot that there is no evidence for a Designer in the natural world. Because of his conviction that there was no God, he went on to say, “The significance of our lives and our fragile planet is then determined only by our own wisdom and courage. We are the custodians of life’s meaning…If we crave some cosmic purpose, then let us find ourselves a worthy goal.” Isn’t that incredibly sad?

If the meaning of your life and mine depend on human wisdom and courage, we are in a truly pitiable state. I have found that we humans rarely display great wisdom or courage. We tend to fall rather flat in that area. God says we learn wisdom when we realize the brevity of our lives and fear Him (Psalm 90:12; 111:10). Wisdom is helpful, but only when we recognize the LORD is the One who gives it (Proverbs 2:6). Human wisdom that does not flow from God is no wisdom at all. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” When people trust in their own wisdom, God reveals that wisdom as folly (Isaiah 29:13–14; cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18–25).

Sagan says we should find some “worthy goal” if we crave “cosmic purpose.” How do we know what goals are worthy and what goals are not if there is no God? According to Sagan, we get to decide that on our own! We see the impoverished results of such muddled thinking in the world around us. Mental illness, insecurity and anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria – all continue to rise in a society that has repeatedly denied God’s standards and established its own measure of what is worthy.

The beautiful image conveyed in Scripture is that we find our greatest fulfillment, in terms of worth and purpose, in Jesus Christ. Jesus says in Matthew 16:25–26, “whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”

Your truest life, and mine, is found in Jesus Christ! Do you want your life to have meaning? Give it up. Give it away. If you keep your life for yourself, that’s all you’ll ever be worth. Just the little things that you do. You will not touch anyone else in any meaningful way. But if you give your life to Him, your life will have eternal meaning.

We are not the custodians of life’s meaning. There is a Designer who created you and me and everything in the world. As the Designer-Creator, He alone had the opportunity and the right to define life’s purpose. From the beginning He made humans for two purposes: to bear His image and to oversee His creation (Genesis 1:26–28). Anything less will leave us unsatisfied. Those who fail to bear His image will live unfulfilled lives. Those who fail to exercise stewardship will feel empty.

We have a worthy goal, but it is not based on human wisdom or courage. It is based on the God who made us, who loves us, and who wants to spend eternity with us. This is the Good News! Thank God we are not left to our own devices. Thank God He has given meaning to life, meaning far greater than anything we could have devised for ourselves.

Clay Leonard