he Bible tells us about the intense persecution that was endured by early Christians. We know that many were imprisoned, and a large number were put to death (Acts 26:9-11). Uninspired historical accounts give us additional information about the terrible trials and sufferings of those first disciples.

e are told that Christians in the city of Rome faced great danger when they assembled together for worship. Because of this they were often forced to hold their meetings in secret places. We know that they sometimes met in the catacombs (underground cemeteries). Evidence from those secret meetings can still be seen today. It is said that at the height of this persecution members of a family would leave for worship at different times so that they would not generate suspicion from neighbors. They changed their meeting place and the time of the assemblies each week to avoid being discovered.

id you ever wonder how these early saints would react if they were able to comment about the practice of their modem day brothers and sisters? Don't you imagine that they would be shocked to learn about the things that keep some Christians from attending all the worship assemblies and Bible studies?

hat was it that kept you from the assemblies last week? Too tired? Too busy? A school function? A vacation trip? Relatives from out of town visiting? A fishing trip? A round of golf? A minor sniffle or headache? Too sick to worship [but not to sick to go to work]? Just didn’t feel like coming? Stop for a minute to think what those persecuted Christians of the first century would say if they heard YOUR excuses.

hy did those people take such risks? Why did they suffer so much? The answer is obvious; they loved the Lord and were committed to His service. What about YOU? & [Via The Hardie’s Chapel Herald, Oct. 1997]

THE GODHEAD AND PRAYER

By Bob Myhan

hile it is not essential that we know everything about prayer for our prayers to be effective, an understanding of how each member of the Godhead relates to us in prayer will help us immensely.

he Father hears and answers prayer. Prior to Jesus’ coming to the earth, prayer was addressed to God without any distinction being made among the members of the Godhead (1 Chron. 16:11; Psalm. 65:2). Jesus, however, taught His disciples to address their prayers to the Father (Luke 11:2; Matt. 6:6-9). Paul addressed his prayers to the Father (Eph. 3:14-15), and Peter assumed that his readers were in the habit of doing the same (1 Peter 1:17). This is as it should be, since it is the Father who sustains us (Matt. 6:25-34) and blesses us (Matt. 7:11). He always answers our prayers, although He sometimes answers in the negative (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

he Son of God acts as a go-between in prayer. As Christians approach the Father with their petitions, they are to do so through the mediatorial work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Several passages [such as John 14:13 and Eph. 5:20] teach the importance of praying to the Father through His Son. Since Jesus is both God (Heb. 1:8) and man (1 Tim. 2:5), He is eminently qualified to mediate between the Father and us (Heb. 8:6; 9:15). As Mediator, He makes intercession for us (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25). He is also our advocate by virtue of His blood, which He “shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26:28; 1 John 2:1-2). Therefore, prayer should always be “in the name of Christ,” rather than our own or someone else’s name, showing that we recognize His position as mediator and advocate.

he Holy Spirit intercedes in prayer. When His departure was impending, Jesus told His apostles that they would not be without assistance. He promised to send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to instruct them in the ways of righteousness. The Holy Spirit would be their teacher and helper. He was to influence their lives with the words of the Lord, for He would not speak from His own authority, but only what He would receive from Jesus (John 14:25-26; 15:26-27; 16:12-15). The apostles and prophets have revealed, confirmed and recorded all of these things (1 Cor. 2:9-16; Eph. 3:1-5), so there are no new truths for the Holy Spirit to reveal to us today (2 Peter 1:3). But He will help us when we pray. Because of our imperfect knowledge of God’s will and of our own spiritual needs, we have a natural feeling of inadequacy in regard to prayer. To compensate for this infirmity, God has ordained that the Holy Spirit should aid us in making our wants and wishes known to Him (Rom. 8:26-27). &

THE HEART OF GOD’S WORD

By Randy Cavender

hat the religious world teaches concerning the heart and what the Bible actually teaches are worlds apart When one mentions "heart-felt" religion one is actually speaking of relying on feelings to know whether he is right or not. Yet all too often, when we teach against "heart-felt" religion, we take the extreme position that the heart is not important at all. Friends, the heart is important and we would like to study what the Bible teaches concerning our hearts.

he word heart in the Bible is used mainly to describe the center and source of the whole, real, Or inner man (Matt. 15:19,20) When one’s heart is right with God his inner man is attuned to the word of God, thus walking by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).

e need to understand the different parts off the heart. First, there is the intellectual process. This part of the heart thinks (Matt. 9:4), reasons (Mark 2:8), understands (Matt. 13:15) and believes (Rom. 10:9-10). Secondly, there is the emotional process where one loves (Matt. 22:37), hates (2 Sam. 6:16), rejoices (Ps. 33:21) and suffers (2 Corinthians 2:4).

hirdly, there is the process of the will in which the heart of man purposes (Acts 11:23) and determines (1 Corinthians 7:37). Finally, there is the conscience which can be pricked (Acts 2:37).

t is important for us to know that all of our heart must be used in our salvation. We must remember that when we were born our hearts were pure (Maw 18:3), but sin entered our hearts when we chose to commit sin. For this reason our hearts were evil or corrupt in the sight of God. Hence, our hearts need to be changed, but how is this done? First of all, our intellect is changed by the testimony of God's word which produces faith (Rom. 10:17). Our emotions are changed by loveliness, i.e., God's love (Rom. 8:5; John 3:16). Our will is then changed by motives. There is the goodness of God that can motivate us to do His will (Rom. 2:4), and there is the severity of God i.e., the fear of hell (Rom. 11:22). Finally, our conscience is changed when we are guided by God's divine will (Rom. 8:16-17).

emember, the message of God's word is: "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Heb. 4:7). Will you not open your heart, let Jesus in and be saved? &  [Via The Hardie’s Chapel Herald, Sept. 1997]