June 29, 2008
EDITOR: JUSTIN ROBERSON |
The Harpersville Exhorter“These things teach and exhort.” 1 Tim 6:2 |
Harperville church of christ Harpersville AL 35672 |
www.harpersvillechurchofchrist.com Volume 1 issue 3 |
What does the Word of God say about divorce? Matt 19:9, Matt 5:28 Mk 10:4 ====================================
Revelation 21:4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." =====================================
“Eternity to the Godly is a day that has no sunset; eternity to the wicked is a night that has no sunrise.” — Thomas Watson
“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” - Abraham Lincoln ======================= Bible Trivia 1. What body part is responsible for life and death? Prov. 18:21 2. How do demons have more sense than us sometimes? Luke 8:31 3. What can we see that proves God is righteous? Psalms 50:6 ===================================== | Why should I care about God? By Justin Roberson Sometimes when I study with someone about God, the first question often asked is, "Why should I care?" He or she may continue this thought process by asking, "What motivation should I have for serving God?" From the Bible, we know that these questions are both important and relevant. God shows us 3 reasons "Why we should care about God's will and obeying Him" 1. Hell is my Worst FearThe most basic motivation that the Bible offers is the threat of punishment if we do not obey God; however, the wrath that awaits us is not an immediate punishment in this life. Though disobedient people face consequences in this life, the ultimate and final punishment will be executed on the last day - eternal separation from God in hell: "... When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power" II Thessalonians 1:7-9 (see also Matthew 5:27-30; 10:28; 13:40-42; 25:41-46; Romans 2:5-9) 2. Heaven is my Greatest Desire "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3 (see also Matthew 5:12; 25:31-40, 46; II Corinthians 5:1; Revelation 21:1-22:5) It is because of these basic motivations that most people become Christians. However, as we mature, God provides other forms of motivation that should encourage us to do His will. 3. The Noblest Motivation - LoveThe responsibility that we may feel toward God is not the final motivation that a mature Christian should realize. Ultimately, Christians will grow to the point that they appreciate the love and sacrifice that God made for us through Jesus' death. "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8 "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ... We love Him because He first loved us." I John 4:10,19 by Michael Pickford Do telemarketers seem awfully persistent and irritating to you? They not only possess the amazing ability to call at the most inopportune times (e.g During supper), but they are almost impossible to get off the phone with. You have to wonder what part of “no” they don’t understand. Possibly, even more irritating is the fact that I sometimes find myself desiring the very thing they are trying to sell (smile). Without trying to make an unfair comparison, or unnecessary slanderous remarks against the character of these telemarketers, I must admit that they remind me of Satan. Satan just doesn’t want to take no for an answer. He is persistent, rude, and relentless. He always calls at inopportune times and he always has something to offer that is actually very alluring. We have the power to refuse the lures of telemarketers. Just hang up! We also have the power, through Christ, to refuse the lures of Satan. When Satan calls, let the Lord answer it. (1 Tim. 4:8; Heb. 5:12-14; Phil 4:13) ----------------------------------------------------------- News and Notes:
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