 A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST
I Have Questions, Jesus Has AnswersBy Steve NiemeierAnother day comes and it is like many other days in our lives. We get up and get into our routine and then the first thing we know we are getting ready to go to bed. Tired, wondering why we have not accomplished all we wanted to accomplish and maybe frustrated that we didn’t accomplish more. First thing we know the days have passed into weeks, and then months, then years and our lives are still moving like a freight train out of control. Yet, during all of these days that we live that add up to years we have questions about life here and hereafter. When we really consider life and what Solomon stated was the purpose of man in this life (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) sometimes we have trouble coming to grips with this. My life here on earth is just to serve God? He will bring everything into judgment even the secret things? What about getting a good secular education? What about a good job that pays well with good benefits? What about a prosperous retirement plan? Questions upon questions we ask as we travel down the escalator of life. We have the questions --- Jesus has the answers. When Jesus completed His sermon on the mount the people were astonished as He taught as one having authority (Matthew 7:28-29). The voice from the clouds spoke upon that high mountain (Matthew 17) as He was transfigured before Peter, James and John with guest appearances by Moses and Elijah. That voice stated “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, Hear Him!” We must not forget the words of Jesus after His resurrection and before His ascension. Matthew 28:18 records those words for us “All authority has been give to Me in heaven and on earth.” Do you have a question concerning authority? The answer is simple --- Jesus has it all! Matthew 1:21 states that this Son that Mary will bring forth will be a Savior to His people. John 3:16-17 states that Jesus is a gift from God and will give eternal life to those that obey Him. Paul states in Philippians 2:6-11 that there is no other name above His name and that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. Paul also states in that passage that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Do you have a question where salvation is found? The answer is in Jesus! In John the first chapter we read where Jesus was there in the beginning. Hebrews 1:2 states that through Him the worlds were made. We also find in that passage that God has spoken to us by His Son. We find Jesus teaching His disciples in the upper room that He was going away and the Helper would be coming to guide them. The Helper would be guiding them with inspired words and He would glorify Jesus. Have a question about the inspiration of the apostles or the Scriptures? Jesus authorizes the Holy Spirit who inspired them! II John 9-11 teaches us that whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. Paul stated in Galatians 1:6-10 that we should not be turning away from the grace of Christ to a different gospel. Have a question about what doctrine to follow? Jesus died to establish His! Jesus is the answer to life’s questions. Of course we must understand our purpose of life so that we can comprehend His answers to life. There is one Jesus and He has only one body. We can start there with our understanding process as that seems to be where the confusion starts. Why is it so hard to understand what He taught in Matthew 7:21-22? All the questions we ask come down to this one answer that Solomon gave us in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. As a result of this God gave His Son so we could have redemption and face that judgment with hope. That final answer from God---His Son Jesus! Adding Patience To Our TemperanceBy Steve NiemeierThere is no question that the lack of patience has gotten most of us into a difficult situation many times. The car in front of you that is going to slow, the confrontation with your spouse or friend, the annoying co-worker, the slow check out clerk, all of these things and many more can cause us to lose patience. Patience can also be lost while trying to assist a loved one going through a tough time in life or even a serious illness. A couple that is going through marital issues that will not humble themselves to the Lord. The erring child of God that is so caught up in sin they will not repent. The person, who attends services, studies their Bibles and yet will not yield to the gospel call of obedience. All try the patience of one striving to serve the Lord. Bro. Bobby Thompson stated in a lesson that we need to consider the value of patience:
Let’s labor to let patience have her perfect work in our lives. |
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