Aspirations

By J. D. Williams

I think everyone has a desire for some­thing better in their life. And it would be rare indeed for someone to say they had no desire for anything other than what they have already. Wanting more in our lives does not necessarily mean we are motivated by greed. As a matter of fact wanting more can be a good thing in some incidences.

Spiritually speaking, what do you aspire to in life? Do you want more than you have now, or are you satisfied with what you have?

Are you happy with the level of knowl­edge you have now or do you wish it could be greater?

Is your quality of worship all it can be or do you think it could be better? How about your dedication? Dedication is an interesting word. Webster says it means to set apart by solemn act or religious ceremony: to devote to or set apart for some work or duty. This fits almost exactly the meaning God gives to the word ' sanc­tify' which means to set apart for religious purposes! What means more to you than anything else? What is upper most in your mind on a daily basis? To what are you giv­ing yourself? Your future can be affected by your dedication, because if your dedica­tion is not what it should be, you could fail to prepare for it. By that, I mean eternal life.

Your attitude is also important. How do you view your circumstances in life? Do you allow them to overwhelm you or keep your life in constant turmoil? I read once where a person said they prayed to God that he would 'go through' their life and remove every burden and hardship that they might live a peaceful and contend life. I thought as I was reading, this is either a very imma­ture or weak Christian. No person I am aware of has been able to live such a life. What they should be doing is to ask God for strength to deal with the burdens life will invariably throw at them. The Apostle Paul told the Philippians that he had "learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." And he tells them how he is able to do this, "I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me." (Phil.4:11-13). He had learned to rely on God to bring him through any problem life threw at him. And as any student of the bible knows, he had more than his share! Perhaps the greatest advice ever given to a child of God was written by Solomon thousands of years ago;

"Trust in Jehovah with all thine heart and lean not on thine own understanding, in all thy ways, acknowledge him and he will di­rect your paths." (Prov.3:5-6). Are you do­ing that—I mean, really trusting him?

This is the time of year people often make "new years resolutions." while I was never one to make any serious ones (because they were usually forgotten in a week or two). It might be a good time to consider at least putting forth a little more effort to devote more time to God.

Take time to consider how you might serve God in a better way. Ask God to show you where you are lacking in your spiritual life. And then help you to improve it. Diligently search for ways to better wor­ship and serve him.

Are you daily studying regularly? Find more time. Are you praying two or three times a day? Try to increase it to at least three or four. And I'm sure you will find others, if you look hard enough.

I can't think of a better way to start off the New Year than by saying as Did Joshua in the long ago, "As for me and my house, we will serve God." (Josh.24:15) &

Concerns of the Social Gospel

By Jackie Prince

While individual Christians are free to involve themselves in things like disease, poverty, delin­quency, race relations, secular educa­tion, and common meals, the Lord’s church as a collective body was not de­signed to cor­rect social ills or to provide for wants and needs of people, in general.

Individuals are limited only by their own resources and opportunities (Js. 1:27, Gal. 6:10).

Mt 19:21  Jesus said to him,  "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor“

However, every time we read of the col­lective action of the church, in providing for physical necessities, it was brethren [needy saints, poor saints] who were helped.

The true gospel is about saving men’s souls, from the inside out.

1Ti 4:16  Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Jam 1:21  Therefore lay aside all filthi­ness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Should the world be attracted to us be­cause of our benevolence toward them? Of course, but it is not the job of the church to bribe people or buy members through social programs.  

Rom 14:17  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteous­ness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  &

[More to come on this much needed subject]

What the Bible Teaches On Unity

By Bob Myhan

Most professed Christians have little appreciation for what the Bible teaches on the subject of unity. Perhaps this is because each of us was born into a world of religious division, even among those who profess to believe in and follow Jesus Christ. But what does the Bible actu­ally teach on this subject? Are “Christian” denominations pleasing to God?

A Prayer for Unity

Shortly before going to the cross, Jesus prayed thus to the Father for the unity of believers.

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:20-21)

Clearly it is Jesus’ desire for His people to be united, just as He and His Father are united. Does denominationalism reflect this unity? Nay, denominationalism perpetuates religious division.

A Plea for Unity

In his first inspired epistle to the church at Corinth, the apostle to the Gentiles con­demned division among God’s people and pled for unity.

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Cor. 1:10)

If the Christians of the first century were to “speak the same thing” and “be per­fectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment,” what of Chris­tians in the twenty-first century?

A Platform for Unity

In his inspired epistle to the church at Ephesus, Paul presented the divine plat­form for the unity of believers.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one bap­tism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Eph. 4:3-6)

Christians remain united by their fidelity to these seven “ones.” But they cannot do this within any human denomination. &