Author: Gale Nelson

The wise man in the book of Proverbs admonishes us to “buy the truth, and do not sell it” (Proverbs 23:23). Truth is to be a valuable commodity in our lives — we are to obtain it at all costs and once obtained, never let it slip from our hands. It is the truth that sets us free from the shackles of sin (John 8:32).

If we think that all people value the truth in the same way (even Christians), we will face a harsh reality. If everyone valued the truth, then we should be able to go out and tell people the truth and see them jump at the chance to go wherever it led. However, some people love darkness more than light, because their deeds are evil (John 3:19).

It is a false assumption that all the people claiming to be Christians were really striving to find out what God required of them — I’m talking about people who occupy the pews in buildings where true gospel preaching is heard. A lot of people want “the truth” as long as it does not disturb them or present any challenges in their lives. What about you? Can you honestly say that you love the truth? When it comes to religious matters, do you want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? In this article, I want to examine how people react to the truth.

Some People React With Anger
King Saul was told to utterly destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3) Saul did most of what God had commanded, but he spared king Agag and the best of the sheep and oxen (1 Samuel 15:8-9). Later, when Saul saw the prophet Samuel walking towards him he said, “Blessed are you of the Lord! I have performed the commandment of the Lord” (1 Samuel 15:13). The truth of the matter is that Saul had not obeyed the voice of God, and Samuel rebuked him for it (1 Samuel 15:14). Saul protested in anger and Samuel told him to be quiet (1 Samuel 15:20-23). Samuel then departed from the presence of Saul, never to see him again in this life (1 Samuel 15:34-35).

Paul preached to a Jewish mob in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 22:1-21). He taught the truth about Jesus, but when he mentioned his own mission to the Gentiles, they got angry. “And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!’ Then, as they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air” (Acts 22:22-23).

Some People Attack The Messenger
Ahab, king of Israel, was a very wicked king. He married Jezebel, a woman guilty of murdering God’s own prophets. He worshipped and served Baal, and even built an altar and a temple for Baal in Samaria.

“Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him” (1 Kings 16:33).

The great prophet Elijah proclaimed a drought as punishment for the sins of Ahab — and it lasted three years (1 Kings 17:1; 18:1). One of the most interesting points of the story is the reaction of Ahab when he met Elijah. “Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, ‘Is that you, O troubler of Israel?'” (1 Kings 18:17). Ahab caused the drought in the land of Israel because of his sins, but he blamed the messenger!

John the Baptist lost his life because of his stand on marriage, divorce and remarriage (Matthew 14:1-10). John had informed Herod that he was living in sin because he married Herodias, a woman he had no lawful right to marry. At Herod’s birthday party, he promised the daughter of Herodias that she could have anything she wanted. After being prompted by her mother, she requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

The truth is the ONLY thing that can set us free (John 8:32).

What does the truth mean to you?

Since some say it makes no difference how we worship God, then why should it make any difference whether we worship God? Yet, Jesus said, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). Further, Jesus spoke out against man satisfying himself in worship and not God: “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9).

The apostle Paul warned men that give little regard to what the word of God teaches concerning the worship that they had better be careful or else they could actually be worshipping the devils instead of God! He said, “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils” (I Cor. 10:20).

Since some say it makes no difference how we are organized, then why should it make any difference whether we are organized? Yet, the New Testament church was organized by duly appointed representatives of Christ called apostles: “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed” (Acts 14:22-23). The writer of Hebrews pointed out the reason for elders to have a position of supervision or oversight within a local congregation: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17).

Seeing the difference in the name we wear in religion, what we believe, the church of which we are a member, how we are baptized, our giving, our attendance, how we worship, and how we are organized are vital to our acceptance before God and our spiritual maturity. Whether we are saved or lost eternally and whether those we love are saved or lost hinges on whether or not we truly can see the difference.

The prophets said God would place salvation in Zion: “I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory” (Isaiah 46:13). Ezekiel wrote, “And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all” (Ezekiel 37:22).

Significant proof that they were talking about the church of Christ emerges in Hebrews: “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect…Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:22-23, 28).

Since some say it makes no difference how we are baptized, then why should it make any difference whether we are baptized? Yet, the voice of inspiration insisted, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). In addition to that passage Colossians 2:12-13 says, “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.”

Since some say it makes no difference what we give, then why should it make any difference whether we give? Yet, faithful giving is the proof of the sincerity of our love for Christ. Paul made this plain when he wrote, “Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God…I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love” (2 Corinthians 8:4-5, 8).

Since some say it makes no difference if we forsake some of the assemblies of the saints, then why should it make any difference if we forsake all the assemblies of the saints? Yet, forsaking the assembly of the saints is a willful sin against God: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:25-26).

Seeing the difference between truth and error can be challenging sometimes, so perhaps a selection of contrasts will help bring the truth to light. Peter commanded the content of the communication God expects concerning his truth: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11).

Since some say it makes no difference what name we wear in religion, then why should it make a difference whether we wear any name in religion? Yet, there is no salvation outside the name of Christ. Acts 4:12 reads, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” And, Philippians 2:9-11 urges everyone to respectfully submit to the name of Christ: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” From antiquity the prophets made clear the importance of being united in this one name: “And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one” (Zechariah 14:9).

Since some say it makes no difference what we believe, then why should it make any difference whether we believe? Yet, unbelief will condemn the soul. The Lord said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). The writer of Hebrews also said, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).

Since some say it makes no difference what church we are members of, then why should it make a difference whether we are members of any church? Yet, the church of Christ is the fullness of Christ: “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23).

The prophets said God would place salvation in Zion: “I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory” (Isaiah 46:13). Ezekiel wrote, “And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all” (Ezekiel 37:22).

Happy New Year to all the members of the Miami Gardens church of Christ. 2025…a year we have never seen! We are thankful to God that HE has allowed us, despite ourselves, to see another year. As Christians, we must also be looking forward. We should not dwell upon or worry about past failures. Neither should we sit back and rest upon or gloat over past accomplishments. The child of God never reaches a point where he does not need to continue to grow. He never reaches a point in his service to Christ where he has done enough. Diligence in both these areas must always be given to make “our calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10-11). The following are some questions that all of us need to ask ourselves to see if we are what we should be in the sight of God or if we need to change our attitudes.

The following are some questions that all of us need to ask ourselves to see if we are what we should be in the sight of God or if we need to change our attitudes.

• Do I study the Bible diligently? Bible classes and sermons do not supply all the needs of the Christian to grow as he should. Personal, diligent study on his part is essential if he is to gain the knowledge of God’s word necessary to function and mature as he should.
• Am I present at every service that I am able to attend? Attendance is usually a barometer of faithfulness. Each must ask, “Are worship assemblies important to me or do I let just anything or anyone keep me from them?” The assemblies are important enough for Christ to be there (Matthew 18:20), what could be more important to you?
• Can I be counted on to support the efforts of this church? Am I concerned about my brethren and my relationship with them? Each Christian needs to be actively involved in the work of the church in any way he can. No one is to be passive and depend upon others to do the work. If one possesses a proper love for the Lord and his brethren, he will want to work and do his part. He will also seek to be aware of his brethren who need his help materially, emotionally and spiritually and do what he can to meet those needs.
• Am I really concerned about saving the lost? God’s desire is that all should be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). His desire is so strong that He sent His Son to earth to save all who believe and obey Him (John 3:16; Hebrews 5:8-9). The Christian is to have that same desire. If he does, he will do what he can personally to take the gospel to the lost.

Do you see some things in which you may be lacking? If so, resolve to change and set things in order so we ALL at the Miami Gardens church of Christ can be Focused on Heaven in 2025!

For many people throughout the world, the Christmas season is the happiest and busiest time of the year. Millions of believers in Christ celebrate December 25th as a special religious holiday because they believe it marks the date of Christ’s birth. Businessmen often take advantage of the giving of gifts at this season to make an extra profit. Some religious people protest at this “commercializing” of Christmas because they feel that a sacred, holy day is desecrated by it. Their protests are often voiced in slogans such as “Put Christ back into Christmas.” Few people, however, including many believers in Christ, are aware of the fact that the Bible is completely silent concerning any special festivities to commemorate the date of Christ’s birth.

The Bible does not give us the date of the birth of Jesus! Whether He was born in December or July or some other month of the year is not stated in the Scriptures. Scholars confess that they do not know the actual date of Christ’s birth. For more than 300 years following the close of the New Testament, Christmas was kept on various dates. In 354, the bishop of Rome decreed that December 25th, a pagan feast day in honor of the god, Saturn, should be observed by Christians in honor of Christ’s birth. However, in the East, this date was not accepted; and for centuries, January 6th was celebrated as the birthday of Jesus, particularly in Egypt. Some branches of the Eastern Orthodox Church, even today, keep January 6th as Christmas day.

It is interesting to note also that many of the festivities connected with Christmas had their origin in paganism, not in the Bible. Many of them came from Catholicism also. For example, the name “Christmas” itself comes from “Christ” and “Mass” referring to the worship of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Bible gives two accounts of the birth of Jesus. They are found in Matthew 1 and 2 and Luke 2. No mention is made of the date. No command is given for our Lord’s birthday to be observed in any way. No example is found in the New Testament of any celebration of Christ’s birth. Rather, the New Testament emphasis is on the death and resurrection of Christ. His death made possible the forgiveness of our sins. His resurrection makes possible our victory over death. The Lord’s supper is to “show the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26). The only day in any way set aside for special religious observance in the New Testament is the Lord’s day, Sunday, the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10).

What should be the Christian’s attitude toward Christmas? Should we celebrate it as Christ’s birthday? Definitely not! To do so is to do such without Scriptural authority. Should we observe the Christmas holiday in any way at all?

There is nothing wrong with enjoying the holiday at Christmas, just as one would enjoy any other legal holiday during the year. If one wishes to have a big dinner and get together with family and friends, there is certainly nothing wrong with this. But to honor December 25th as Christ’s birthday, and thus as a special holy day to be religiously observed, is to speak where the Scriptures are silent and to follow the traditions of men rather than the Word of God.

Be Joyous…. Be Thankful that God’s Word is available Today!!!

I, Beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service and be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2.

When we freely and truly come together to worship our Lord and Savior in spirit and truth (John 4:24), It is truly an outward showing of our belief and love for the Lord. The bible teaches us to consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25. Some do forsake the assembling together and thus forsake the teachings of God. When we forsake the command of God we have forsaken God.

Regular attendance is necessary because we need all the help we can get: surely something will be said or done to help us spiritually. 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12-15; Galatians 5: 13-26; Psalm 1:2-5; 46:1; 121: 1-2; 133:1. We should attend regularly and learn to enjoy it, for if we do not enjoy being with the people of God in worship here, we would not enjoy heaven even if we go there. Our presence also will help to build up and strengthen the church.

No congregation can grow without attendance. There are many things we may not be able to do, but we can attend if we’re not ill. Let us all do our part to make the church stronger. Keep the faith!

We should be present at all the services, thus showing our love for the Lord and one another.