What must I do to be saved?

The prophet Jeremiah lived in a very dark period in Judah’s history. The “weeping prophet” lived through the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. His message of God’s judgment against idolatry largely fell on deaf ears.

Jeremiah 7:1–29 may be described as a summary of the prophet’s overall message. After calling the people to repentance and listing their sins, God tells the prophet to announce certain judgment, “And you shall say to them, ‘This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the LORD their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips’” (v. 28 ESV).

I wonder what God would say to our nation. The United States of America is not a theocracy. God did not found this country as He founded Israel. Yet, our country traces its roots to a desire to practice Bible-based Christian faith without the fear of persecution. While we might not agree with all of the doctrines or beliefs of the colonists or the founding fathers, we can say without a doubt the desire to faithfully serve God deserves emulation.

One phrase in Jeremiah 7:28 matches up with the philosophical winds blowing today: truth has perished. Through various media, this message has become pronounced. The spirit of the age says there are no hard and fast truths; only experiences and emotions remain. These lead to darkness and despair.

Our Lord said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 ESV). The Lord’s people cannot control what happens in the world at large. We cannot expect non-Christians to behave like Christians (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:10). God has freed us from bondage to sin and darkness through His truth. We must not allow the erosion of truth in the world to influence our thinking and lead us back into slavery and despair. May God’s words in Jeremiah 7:28 never be said of us!

Clay Leonard

When we were little, it was quite natural to hang on to the hand of either your mother or father when we went out into public. As children, God has placed that instinct into each child as a part of an early bonding for their safety. As we grew older we may have also grown bolder and as a result let go of that secure hand to launch out into an unknown territory. Hopefully our parent would keep track of us and make sure we didn’t come to some harm.

A few years ago, I was reading Mom’s diary that she had diligently kept in 1941 and 1942. It was a bit of a traumatic time (World War 2 and all that) but added to that was my “declaration of independence” as I attended public school in Geneva, New York. It was wintertime and much to my mother’s frustration, I insisted on playing in the snow on the way home, either for lunch or at the end of the day. Her concern is seen in her writing, but I was completely oblivious to her frustration. Except for her diary, I don’t remember anything except playing in the snow and coming home soaked to the skin.

How oblivious are we to God’s plea (as the perfect parent) to not stray from his protective care. We, many times, exercise our independence when we go into unknown territory to perhaps taste the sweet taste of some forbidden fruit?

How many times has God expressed the frustration of a parent who sees their children going in the wrong direction? Joshua is one of God’s faithful children who will speak for the Father when he addresses the nation with an admonition to stay close to the Father.

“But you are to cling to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day” (Joshua 23: 8).

This message was not one that was new. The second giving of the Law of Moses is presented by God through Moses so that the new nation of Israel might always hang on to God’s hand for the direction that was needed in conquering a new land.

“You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him” (Deuteronomy 13:4).

The message for us today is one that is clear. As children of God, we always need direction. This dark world has too many pitfalls for us to walk blindly without light. For us to deny the light that God provides is to deny the very work of our Father on our behalf. To not rely on God is to forget God.

    “Therefore, thus says the Lord God, ‘Because you have forgotten Me and cast Me behind your back, bear now the punishment of your lewdness and your harlotries’” (Ezekiel 23:35).

We need to cling to our Father and let Him do what He perfectly does and not arbitrarily cast Him behind us because we think we know what is best.

–Dave Chamberlin

It is certainly true that we are converted to Christ, not to the church.  However, it is also true that the church is a vital part of God’s plan for His people (Ephesians 3:9,10), and we know that membership in a local congregation is crucial for every disciple (Acts 9:26).  Therefore, all Christians should be committed to the local congregation where they are members.

With these facts in mind, what are our duties to the local church?  Consider these:

1. The congregation’s reputation in the local community is very important.  We cannot expect people to visit, investigate, study, and ultimately be converted if they know that individual members of the church are not living up to the standard they proclaim.  If others see hypocrisy among the members of the local church, it will not prosper.  Each and every individual Christian must be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ among the lost (Matthew 5:13-16).
2. No organized group can progress without good leadership.  This is definitely true of a local church.  But, good leaders need supportive and cooperative followers.  Thus, as the elders lead and guide according the God’s truth, each member has a duty to submit and obey (Hebrews 13:17).
3. There are certain financial obligations that must be met with regularity.  Consequently, the members need to sense their obligation to give generously, regularly, and consistently (1 Cor. 16:1,2).  Though circumstances may force one’s absence occasionally, extra effort should be made to make sure one’s financial support to the congregation is always honored.
4. Ultimately, the very existence of any congregation depends upon the attendance of its members.  The very life of the church is dictated by attendance.  For this reason, every saint should feel a duty to be present at every possible service, Bible study, special meeting, etc. (Hebrews 10:25).  Each one should realize that an unexplained, unjustifiable absence strikes a blow to the energy, enthusiasm, and efficiency of the congregation.
5. The growth of the congregation depends upon new people being converted.  If this is to happen, the members must grasp the importance of sharing their faith with others who are in their sphere of influence.  Neighbors, co-workers, family members – to name a few – should be among those that we seek to win for Christ (Matthew 28:19,20).
6. It is critically important that the members feel a sense of love and loyalty to every other member and to the group as a whole.  Just as one would not ‘turn their back’ on their physical family, neither should they callously turn away from their spiritual family.  This means that there will be a concerted effort to maintain peace with others (Ephesians 4:1-3).  Genuine concern should be shown for those with special needs, both physical and spiritual.  The brotherly love between individual saints should be open and obvious – it is, after all, a sign of our discipleship (John 13:35).  When a Christian leaves a local church without good reason, it is an indication that he did not have a sense of loyalty that is so necessary if the church is to succeed.

– by Greg Gwin

Hebrews 13.1 says, “Let Brotherly Love Continue.” When something is said to continue it is naturally assumed that it has already started. You cannot continue what has not begun! In the context of the passage Christians are encouraged to continue loving their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. What does that look like? How is that done? Note the few examples below.

Continuing to love our Christian family is done…

…by having an overwhelming desire to be with them in both the worship of, and work done for, the Lord.

…by showing concern for them in difficult times.

…by praying for them for their specific needs.

…by giving them the benefit of the doubt.

…by encouraging their involvement in good works to glorify God.

…by helping them in some way to better understand God’s Will for us and how to live by it in everyday life.

…by being concerned about their friends and family members, including those who are not members of the church here.

…by commending them for a particular sacrifice that they have made to help, encourage, or visit someone.

…by simply being there for them in Christian friendship.

Oh, the tremendous impact and benefits of a loving church family on the congregation and community! Think about it.

Kevin Williams

Men could have been saved without Christ’s coming into the world but He came to save (John 3:17).

One could be set apart from Christ’s stripes but we are healed by His stripes (1 Peter 2:24).

A person could be saved without the death of Christ but He died for our sins (1 Cor. 15:3).

Man could have been justified without the resurrection but He was raised for our justification (Rom. 4:25).

We could be redeemed apart from the blood but we have redemption through His blood (Eph. 1:7).

Man could please God without faith but without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6).

One could be saved without repentance but those who repent not shall perish (Luke 13:3).

A person could be saved without being baptized but baptism saves (1 Peter 3:20-21).

Man could be saved without being born again but man must be born again to see the kingdom of heaven (John 3:5).

We could be saved without obeying the gospel but Christ will render vengeance on them that obey not the gospel (2 Thess. 1:8).

A person could be saved out of the body but Christ is the Savior of the body (Eph. 5:23).

Cornelius would have been already saved but he was not saved until he obeyed (Acts 11:14).

the late Wayne Holland
from a sermon preached at:
Hiawassee, GA (06/30/1985)

Christian living is compared here to running a race. There is a great challenge. The race is “before us” (Heb. 12:1-2). There is a reward for faithfully running the race (1 Cor. 9:24-26). Christians need constant encouragement and admonition; they can be hindered (Gal. 5:7).

Hebrews 12 sets forth the challenge to “run the race” and also some of the “high hurdles” in the race. A hurdle is a barrier, or obstacle, over which men leap.

THE HURDLE OF “CONTRADICTION OF SINNERS” (Heb. 12:3):

This is the age-old technique of discouragement by criticism. The devil accused Job of serving God from selfish motives (Job 1:9-11). This same technique was used against Nehemiah (4:1-4). Peter said sinners spoke evil of saints (1 Peter 4:3-5). The devil is called “the accuser of the brethren” (Rev. 12:10). Runners in the Christian race must “leap this hurdle,” lest they be feared and faithless in their minds (Heb. 12:3).

THE HIGH HURDLE OF TEMPATION TO SIN (Heb. 12:4):

“Temptation” means “solicitation to sin” (Matt. 4:1). “Sin means to “miss the mark” (Rom. 3:23). One must strive against sin. We should hide God’s word in our heats (Psa. 119:11). Sometimes it is a matter of fleeing from sin (2 Tim. 2:22; Gen. 39:12).

THE HIGH HURDLE OF FALSE BRETHREN (Heb. 12:12-17):

Brethren sometimes “go out from us.” These people often become unreasonable and unfair critics of the church (1 Tim. 1:19-20). This unfaithfulness could be a real discouraging thing to the faithful, unless they remember the warning in Hebrews 12:16.

Sometimes brethren become “profane, and immoral” (Heb. 12:16). Faithful brethren should try to restore such (Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20).

The race is before us. Run as if you will be the only winner (1 Cor. 9:24-26). Remember the reward at the finish line (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

the late Wayne Holland

A lighthouse served a critical function in years gone by.  Ships looking for a safe harbor to enter could be guided safely even in the darkness of night.  The keeper of the lighthouse had to be reliable to keep the lamps trimmed and burning, because the lives of the sailors depended on his actions.

The lighthouse in the German port of Bremen appears to be an older one (I’ve been unable to determine when it was put into operation).  Now its days are about to end.  For some reason the lighthouse has begun leaning, and ships have been prevented from entering the harbor because of the danger it poses.  Authorities have said that if it doesn’t soon fall, measures will be taken to remove it safely.  Another structure will be built to illuminate the pathway into the port.

There’s something about lighthouses that tugs on our sentiments.  In past visits to the Outer Banks of North Carolina I have made it a point to visit all four lighthouses in that area, and I spent time to take nice photographs of each.  The thought of the light in Bremen being taken out of commission seems sad to me.  The light has gone out, but thankfully will soon be replaced.

Lighthouses are not mentioned in Scripture, but the concept of lighting the way is frequently found.  I think, for example, of how the Lord guided His people through the wilderness after exiting Egypt: “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night” (Exodus 13:21).  Without the Lord showing the way, would Israel ever have found their Promised Land?

There is also the light that Christians are commanded to shine: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  In this case, the light is an image, suggesting that our Christian influence is one way people can find their way to God.  We are to use opportunities to do good deeds so others will see the light of Christ.

In its early years, the church at Ephesus was a powerful lighthouse.  The apostle Paul worked with this church for three years (Acts 20:31), teaching the gospel to many in that city.  In his letter to that church Paul wrote that “I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints” (Ephesians 1:15).  For a time, the Ephesian church sent out a blazing bright light.

Later, however, Jesus sent a letter to the Ephesian church through John.  He spoke of how they had “labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.  Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:3,4).  The letter was a warning, an opportunity for them to make necessary corrections in their motivation and service.

If they neglected the warning, however, here was what would happen: “I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place” (Revelation 2:5).  Note that Jesus did not say He would extinguish their lamp; they were already in the process of doing that.  If they allowed the light of their lamp to completely go out, there would be no need for a lampstand.  What a loss that would be!

While we’re thinking about it, this is a good opportunity to check our own lamps.  Are we keeping them trimmed and fueled?  Are we letting our lights shine?  May our lights never go out!

Come to the light God offers!  Study His word, the Bible.  Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).  Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.

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Copyright, 2022, Timothy D. Hall

It may be surprising to some that the singular form of the word Christian appears only twice in the NT, and the plural form just once! Even so, there is much to learn from these three occasions. Let’s focus our attention specifically on these occurrences and what we can learn from them.

(1) ACTS 11:26. The first time the word is used is in Acts 11:26 which states, “and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”

Previous to this, Christians were usually referred to as “disciples” (as we even see in this verse), referring to being followers of Christ. This, in fact, is what the word Christian means. The use of the word “Christian” is used in a similar way as the term “Herodian.” A Herodian was one who was “of Herod” or joined to his party. Christians are those who pledge their allegiance to Christ. They seek to follow and walk with Him.

Looking forward only a few verses in Acts, we observe that these disciples, or Christians, “belonged to the church” (12:1). Verse 5 also says, “earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” We learn from this that church is composed of those who are Christians! One cannot be a Christian and not be a member of the church. Likewise, he cannot be a part of the body of Christ and not be a Christian! (See also Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23.)

2. ACTS 26:28. The second time we find the word Christian it is actually used by Agrippa as Paul is giving his defense before him. Agrippa says in Acts 26:28, “‘In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?’”

Paul defended himself saying that he had done nothing but reason very carefully from Moses and the Prophets concerning the Christ (see vv. 21-23). Evidently Agrippa understood that Paul’s purpose was to prove this to him as well, that he might become a believer and follower of Christ.

Involved in the process of becoming a Christian, Paul says he sought to convince both Jew and Gentile to repent, that is, “turn to God” (v. 20). Agrippa understood Paul was teaching him that he ought to turn from sin and give his allegiance over to Christ. It should noted that Paul’s major task was to create belief that would naturally lead to a life turned from sin to the Lord. He is obviously not giving the entire Gospel plan of salvation here. Such would be pointless unless Agrippa believes in Christ. Previous to this we see example after example in how Paul (as well as Peter and others), commanded those who believed in Christ to be baptized (see Acts 2:36-38; 8:13; 8:35-40; 10:44-48). This is the point at which one becomes a Christian, or puts on Christ (see Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27).

3. 1 PETER 4:16. The third and final time that a form of the word Christian appears is in 1 Peter 4:16. There Peter says, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”

The use of the word here is not unique, but we would be amiss not to note that there is no shame involved in wearing the name of Christ and living the Christian life. Rather, the Christian can feel honor and privilege if he in a sense suffers with His Lord! (See also Mt. 5:10; 1 Pt. 2:20; Rom. 8:17; 2 Cor. 1:7.)

So rather than shrinking back in shame in front of the world for who they are, Christians are proud of the great name they wear. Otherwise Christ will not confess them before the Father (see Mt. 10:32). The apostle John stated emphatically, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 Jn. 3:1). It is the only name under heaven by which we may be saved! (Acts 4:12).

Obviously much more could be said regarding what it means to be a Christian, but there is much value, encouragement and challenge in noticing these three times the word occurs. May our Lord help us to understand who we are and wear the name of Christ as nobly as we can so that we give Him proper honor as well as help others to confess His sweet name!

Daren Schroeder

We live in a world given over to sin. Many walk, unaware that the evil one works within them and through them (cf. Ephesians 2:2). As Christians, we struggle with this reality. We reject sin and its devastating effects. We also fall into temptation and do what we know we should not. Surrounded by sin, we may allow it to overwhelm us. The enemy would like to deceive us into believing that he and his collective servants (often represented in the media, corporations, and even political parties) possess insurmountable power and influence in the world.

Elijah found himself surrounded by enemies on every side. Though pockets of faithful people existed near him, Elijah did not know they existed (1 Kings 19:14, 18). The wicked King Ahab and his malevolent wife, Jezebel, plunged Israel deeper and deeper into idolatry, expunging all the prophets of Yahweh they could. God preserved Elijah and sent him to confront Ahab. The confrontation led to a contest on Mount Carmel, in which Elijah faced off with 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah.

The odds appeared against Elijah and Yahweh. The contest presented a simple opportunity for the display of divine power. Each party would construct an altar and call upon their respective gods to send fire to consume a sacrificial offering. The contest should have been the perfect opportunity for Baal, the Canaanite god of lightning, wind, rain, and fertility to prove himself. Surely Baal could procure one bolt of lightning to secure his reputation!

For several hours the prophets of Baal pleaded, marched around their altar, and ritually mutilated themselves trying to garner Baal’s attention. 1 Kings 18:29 says, “but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.” Baal could do nothing, for he was nothing but a creation of human imagination.

By contrast, when Elijah’s turn came, he offered a simple prayer, “Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” The One True God immediately responded with a deluge of fire that consumed the altar and everything upon it. The LORD demonstrated His power; He also proved that human odds hold no sway over real divine power.

The powers of sin surround us, but they cannot match the power of God. First John 4:4 says, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome [those who are against Christ], for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Clay Leonard

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (Romans 8:6-7, NKJV).

The word carnal is uncommon and unfamiliar to many today. In the Bible it describes those whose orientation in life is towards the physical rather than spiritual needs and desires. A more modern translation of the verses given above is:

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot” (ESV).

Every human is comprised of two opposing natures. There is the body of created flesh. There is the spirit, given from God, which provides the life force that is capable of achieving immortality. It is that spirit, or qualities of it, by which God shaped humanity after himself.

Paul taught often about the conflict between those two natures.

“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another” (Galatians 5:17, NKJV).

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

To the Apostle the secret to living a sanctified life, overcoming temptation and sin, is to focus one’s goals and ambitions on spiritual matters.

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).

To those struggling to pay the essential bills each month, with sufficient food and other essentials becoming more expensive and in shorter supply day by day, focusing on spiritual matters is difficult. There are always urgent needs that we must address; problems we must solve. The children need clothes, shoes, and medical care immediately. Religious problems can wait.

But life experience teaches that spiritual needs are just as real, just as urgent, and even more essential than the everyday problems of food clothing and shelter (see Matthew 6:25-34). Without constant attention to our spiritual natures, our relationship with God suffers. Communication with him through Bible study and prayer is essential to that relationship. Spiritual growth is even more important than nurturing our bodies.

Those bodies, and all else made of created materials, are temporary, lasting only until our physical deaths. But the spirit is immortal and eternal. If we live by faith in Christ and are obedient to his commands, eternal life is promised. And nothing is more important than that.

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26).

Michael Brooks