he letter of Paul to the saints in Philippi is filled with encouragement and hope for all who are brethren in the Lord. Every Christian should spend time in the book of Philippians learning the intrinsic nature of those who are “saints in Christ Jesus” and who share in the “fellowship of the gospel.” Near the close of his brief letter, Paul admonishes the brethren to be united and filled with joy. He adds, “Let your gentleness be known to all men” (Phil. 4:5). The character of the Christian is seen as a light in the world (Matt. 5:14-16) that shines through the darkness of a “crooked and perverse generation” (Phil. 2:15). This quality is found when the child of God lets his forbearance, gentle behavior, moderation and gentle spirit be seen by those in the world.

eople of God are not loud, angry, obstinate and ill-mannered. Those who serve the Lord exercise self-control (2 Peter 1:6) and in their actions toward all men – notice the admonition is directed to all men – show a pattern of a gentle spirit. Gill notes, in his discussion of Phil. 4:5: “'Moderation,' says Dr. Macknight, ‘means meekness under provocation, readiness to forgive injuries, equity in the management of business, candor in judging of the characters and actions of others, sweetness of disposition, and the entire government of the passions.’”

eekness is the essential quality of the disciple of Christ (Gal. 5:23; Gal. 6:1; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12; 1 Tim. 6:11; James 3:13). From this character all men will know those who are disciples of Christ. The gentle spirit of Christ is the example to follow. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:21-23). The Lord exemplifies a gentle spirit when we see His suffering and how they reviled him yet He did not revile in return nor threaten those who sought to harm Him.

he key to being gentle to all men is committing the heart to God. Allegiance to the cause of Christ, His Kingdom and the Heavenly Father will turn the heart from the selfish desires of this world to an example of forbearance before all men. The Christian serves a higher cause. They seek a higher plane where men will note the gentle spirit of Christ living in their lives. “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more” (1 Thess. 4:1). Pleasing God is having a spirit of gentleness.

his quality of gentleness comes from God. James writes, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:17-18). Notice all the characteristics of the Christian in this passage! These are essential elements that cause the child of God to have honorable conduct among all men and “that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12). Remember that you are a child of God and that you are a Christian. In all things, show yourself a pattern of gentleness to all men. In so doing, you show Christ. &

THE LORD’S SUPPER:

A PROCLAMATION MEAL

By Bob Myhan

he Lord’s Supper is also a proclamation meal, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). The word “proclaim” means “to tell thoroughly.” Every time we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we “tell thoroughly,” in a practical manner, the death of Jesus Christ.

requently, one fact of the gospel is used figuratively for all the facts of the gospel. For example, when Paul said, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2), he did not mean that he “determined not to know” that Jesus Christ was resur­rected. He simply meant that he had come to them with the facts of the gos­pel, rather than “with excellence of speech or of wisdom” [2:1].

n like manner, when we eat the bread and drink the fruit of the vine, in a scriptural manner, we declare, not only the death of Christ, but the factuality of the entire gospel account. After all, His death is meaningless apart from His virgin birth, His sinless life and His resurrection. And since we “declare the Lord’s death till He comes,” we implicitly declare His ascension, as well His future return. &

THE CHURCH FOR EVERYONE

By Sewell Hall

 agreed to go with a group of Christian friends to a Braves game.

his was going to be different. The field was covered with performing high school bands -- an appeal to all who like music. And that was only the beginning. For those preferring opera, a Metropolitan Opera star sang the national anthem. For those more political in taste, the Attorney General of the U.S. led the pledge to the flag. Lovers of money were tantalized by a $500 door prize. Cartoon fans were entertained by a million dollar scoreboard featuring cartoon characters. Those living on the level of the flesh were treated to the sight of a young lady in short shorts running around the diamond sweeping off the bases between every inning. And to climax it all, there was a huge fire works display. I don't remember what team the Braves were playing, much less who won, but that was a game I shall never forget. That was baseball for people who don't like baseball!

ar too many churches are trying to remodel the religion of Jesus Christ to make it a religion for people who don't like religion! For those desiring recreation, they offer recreation. For those desiring entertainment, there is entertainment. For those whose primary interest is secular education, they offer day care, kindergartens, schools and colleges. For those whose appetite is for food, they build church kitchens and dining rooms. The attempt is to be "the church for everybody."

uch carnal, temporal appeals were never authorized by the Lord. He intended that the church be a "called out", separated body of people. If the gospel is the only appeal, it will make the separation. In Corinth, where the wisdom of men was valued, Paul "determined not to know anything...except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2). In a city where oratory was highly esteemed, he refused even to dress up the gospel with "excellence of speech" (1 Cor. 2:1). His purpose was to see that the materials he built into the temple were "gold, hay and straw" (1 Cor. 3:12).

o, the Lord's church is not for everybody -- just for those who have those qualities which set them apart as God's elect and chosen ones. &

[Gospel Spotlight, June 2002]

The Bible teaches that, to become a Christian, an individual must:

Hear the word of God (Matthew 13:3-9; 18:23; 17:1-5)

Believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 3:16; Acts 16:31)

Repent (Luke 24:46-47; Acts 17:30)

Confess faith (Romans 10:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:12)

Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16)