Citius, Altius, Fortius!

by

These three Latin words mean “Swifter, Higher, Stronger” and are a continuing motto for the Olympics.  Once every four years it is truly amazing to witness some of the feats that are accomplished. These athletes continue to out-do previous records, some of which were thought to be unassailable.  In many cases it is a testimony to what can be accomplished if someone puts their mind to it.

As we compete in the Christian Olympics, we also must continue to grow and do better on a continual basis (compare 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 2:1-2; Psalm 92:12).

Swifter

We are running in a race towards a prize. We are not to run lackadaisically or half-heartedly, but to run with certainty (compare Colossians 3:23).  Without a doubt, the quickest distance between where we are and where we are going is a straight and narrow line (compare Matthew 7:13-14); it does not wander aimlessly but stays on the track with the goal always in mind: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

Higher

We are to take the “high” way.  If we are of Christ, we are to seek and strive for those things above (compare Colossians 3:1-2)! God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours (compare Isaiah 55:9). In and of ourselves we cannot reach these heights (compare Psalm 139:6).  But with the help of God we can soar to new altitudes that were once unobtainable (Psalm 18:33). This is what we should always be shooting for.

Stronger

God is our strength (Psalm 118:14), but this does not negate our part in our fight: “All that your hand finds to do, do it with your strength. For there is no work, or planning, or knowledge, or wisdom, in Sheol, there where you go (Ecclesiastes 9:10, LITV).” Now is the time to do all things through Christ who strengthens us (compare Philippians 4:13). Then we will increase all the more in strength as Paul did (compare Acts 9:22).

The finish line is in sight. Our goal is the Kingdom of God, and the gold medal is eternal life in His Family. In many respects it has been a marathon (compare Hebrews 12:1), and now more than ever as we come to the end. Brethren, let us finish Citius, Altius, Fortius!

What Shall I Do?

On Saturday, August 16, 2008, Dave Harris will give the sermon, titled, “What Shall I Do?”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

A new StandingWatch program has been posted on StandingWatch, Google Video and YouTube. It is titled, “WHY Is Our Economy THAT Bad?” In the program, Norbert Link discusses that the fact that the U.S. budget deficit will reach $500 billion in 2009. A new law raises the nation’s debt limit to $10.6 trillion. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have issued $5 trillion in debt. Ford Motor Co. posted the worst quarterly performance in its history. General Motors lost $15.5 billion in the second quarter. So far, seven banks have been shut by regulators in 2008, with many more to follow. 463,000 jobs were lost so far this year. An economic recovery is not expected any time soon, if at all. WHY should this happen to the greatest nation on earth? Is GOD really pleased with how we are living today?

Set forth below are the numbers of all-times views on Google Video, as of August 1,  pertaining to our five most successful sermons:

Bible Study–The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, Part 1, 3,525 views and 78 downloads

Bible-Study–Day of Atonement: Mystery of the Atonement Rituals, 2,585 views

Bible Study–Christian Suffering, 2,234 views and 71 downloads

Bible Study–Sin, a Powerful Enemy, 1,465 views and 32 downloads

Bible Study–The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, Part 2, 1,141 views and 24 downloads

Set forth below are a few selected comments received from viewers of our StandingWatch programs, as posted on YouTube:

“Why do you keep going on about the Law knowing you yourself cannot live up to all of it? Don’t you know that if you are guilty of breaking one law you are guilty of breaking them all? THAT is the reason for Jesus’ death on the cross, YOUR inability to keep the law. It seems you can’t accept the cross of Christ for what it is. You have not been made complete by grace. Just accept it man, Christ fulfilled the law and then died in your place because YOU(WE) could not fulfill it. Dude read Romans!”

“I agree with you. As it says in the psalms, ‘The law of the Lord is perfect.'”

“Useless preaching. No hard facts.”

“Blessed are those, whom God instructs.”

“The Bible does not mention the peak oil crisis, nor does it mention climate change, world wide human overpopulation, soil degradation, fiat-money and many other cataclysms of the modern world faces. Why should an ancient scripture be appropriate in today’s world? Sorry, but the Bible? has no appeal to me at all. It’s a document of a past ancient world.”

“I thought it was a serious video and then the guy goes on talking about the Bible… Don’t waste your time watching this…”

“Thank you for another outstanding program. Prophecy is falling into place right before our eyes. And it seems that there are still too many ignorant people out there who think they know everything. But instead they know nothing and could not care less what is being said in those programs. They rather listen to any other book inspired by man. But I believe that the time will come when most of them will wake up–hopefully–I know that you are doing your part.”

“The status quo of the US economy is the product of a greedy money culture, that has no moral or social values anymore. We are witnessing the fall of great nation.”

“Things are going to get worst. I urge everyone to accept Jesus Christ !!!!”

“Dude, hope all that listen to this will listen. Man, this is no joke!”

“I agree. God bless you.”

“Put up your treasures in heaven. I like that. It’s a great message.”

“I’ve watched your video on ‘Will Your Soul Go To Heaven?’ I was overwhelmed to learn that you agree with me. I do not believe man has an immortal soul.”

“Everyone needs to hear this message about Halloween. Thank you for revealing the truth about this festival. People need to stop following tradition and ask themselves about origins and customs of holidays they celebrate.”

Blind Faith

by Louise Amorelli
 
My husband and I live in a very rural area with mountainous terrain and unpaved narrow country backroads.  We moved here to leave the “rat race” of urban life and drink in the serene and breathtaking views of the two mountain ranges that surround our home.  Quite a difference from the fast-paced thrill-seeking drivers on the New Jersey turnpike that seem to enjoy leaving those drivers in the dust who take life in stride in the slow lane. 

But as laid back as these West Virginia roads can be, there is still danger and uncertainty.

As I drive my “city” car ‘round these country roads with spectacular views, I realize that I need to use wisdom.  Many roads are two lanes with no dividing yellow line, with just enough space between two passing cars to barely squeeze through.  When the road bends, you just don’t know how fast the other car will be coming.  You also hope that the oncoming driver will use his or her expert and cautious driving skills to judge where his or her side of the road begins and ends.

One of the scariest driving situations I encounter is when I have to drive over a one-lane-bridge with poor visibility that I can’t even see the oncoming car!! I still cringe when I have to make it to the other side of that one-lane-bridge.  Each time I do, I pray that God will guide me to the other side safely.  I am totally in His hands and each time,  I realize what blind faith really means.  Since moving here, there have been many trials that have tested my faith, not knowing what awaits me on the other side.  But I have and will put my faith in God, knowing that He will get me through to the other side, safely.  I know that I have to continue to humble my life to Him and to His lead, no matter what lies ahead.

Would you please explain Hebrews 10:25. Why does Paul warn against "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together"?

Hebrews 10:24-26 reads, in context:

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully, after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.”

We can clearly see from this passage that Paul warns us not to forsake the “assembling of ourselves together,” as the consequence of doing so could lead to our committing the unpardonable sin.

What is meant by, “assembling of ourselves together”?

Note the following renderings, which make the intended meaning clearer:

The Berkely Version of the New Testament says: “… not neglecting our own church meeting.”

J.B. Phillips writes in The New Testament in Modern English: “And let us not hold aloof from our church meetings.”

The Living Bible states: “Let us not neglect our church meetings…”

The Jewish New Testament, by David H. Stern, renders it in this way: “… not neglecting our own congregational meetings, as some have made a practice of doing so, but, rather, encouraging each other…”

These renditions state correctly that we are not to forsake assembling for CHURCH SERVICES. The following commentaries support this understanding:

The Nelson Study Bible writes:

“Evidently some believers had stopped attending the worship services of the church… [Paul] uses a compound form of the word ‘synagogue,’ which specifically means the local, physical gathering of believers (see Ps. 40:9, 10; 42:4)… The local assembly is where the gospel message is preached, but also where the word of God is applied to the circumstances of our lives… Knowing that Christ’s return is imminent, the believers [are] to encourage each other even more to remain faithful to Him.”

The Ryrie Study Bible writes that the term “assembling” describes “the gathering of Christians for worship and edification,” and that “the Day” describes “the day… of Christ’s coming (also v. 37; 1 Cor. 3:13; Phil. 1:10).”

Some have stated that Paul had public gatherings in mind, when speaking about “assembling together,” rather than private Church worship services. However, this does not seem correct. In any case, as Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible explains, the difference is of little consequence. Clarke points out:

“Whether this means public or private worship is hard to say; but as the word is but once more used in the New Testament [compare 2 Thessalonians 2:1], and there means the gathering together of the redeemed of the Lord at the day of judgment, it is as likely that it means here private religious meetings, for the purpose of mutual exhortation: and this sense appears the more natural here, because it is evident that the Church was now in a state of persecution, and therefore their meetings were most probably held in private.”

Clarke continues to warn against deserting regular Church attendance, for whatever reason:

“For fear of persecution, it seems as if some had deserted these meetings… They had given up these strengthening and instructive means, and the others were in danger of following their example… Those who relinquish Christian communion are in a backsliding state; those who backslide are in danger of apostasy…”

John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible explains that “assembling” describes “their act of meeting together in some one place to attend his [God’s] worship, word, and ordinances. Now to ‘forsake’ such assembling, signifies a great infrequency in attending with the saints, a rambling from place to place, and takes in an entire apostasy. It is the duty of saints to assemble together… on the account of the saints themselves, that they may be delighted, refreshed, comforted, instructed, edified, and perfected… And an assembling together ought not to be forsaken; for it is a forsaking God, and their own mercies, and such are like to be forsaken of God; nor is it known what is lost hereby; and it is the first outward visible step to apostasy, and often issues in it… in our day, this evil practice [of forsaking the assembly of the saints] arises sometimes from a vain conceit of being in no need of ordinances…”

Gill states correctly that forsaking the assembly means forsaking God [as we don’t obey His command to assemble for Church services]. Gill also mentions one important “human justification” for forsaking Church services–the wrong idea that we don’t need the Church; that we can stay at home on our own, doing our own Bible studies and gaining thereby the same kind of knowledge which we might have received by attending Church services. This wrong concept is dangerous. It also ignores the fact that we are not only to assemble to be instructed, but also to fellowship with and encourage and help other members.

The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary explains:

“The Greek, ‘episunagoge,’ [for “assembling”] is only found here and [ in 2 Thessalonians 2:1] (the gathering together of the elect to Christ at His coming)… The assembling or gathering of ourselves for Christian communion… is an earnest of our being gathered together to Him at His appearing. Union is strength; continual assemblings together beget and foster love, and give good opportunities for ‘provoking to good works,’ by ‘exhorting one another’… To neglect such assemblings together might end in apostasy at last…”

Jamieson points out correctly that assembling with other members at Church services demonstrates our love to God and to our neighbor–to God, as we DO what He instructs us to do, and to our neighbor, as we show him or her that we care enough for them to assemble and fellowship with them.

The New Bible Commentary:Revised supports this concept:

“There should also be among Christians mutual ‘provocation’… to active good works by deliberately taking notice of each other’s needs… they should not, therefore, copy the custom of some and cease attendance at Christian meetings, but rather use such opportunities for mutual encouragement, and the more so in the light of the approaching consummation and judgment of the Day that is coming.”

In other words, one reason for assembling at Church services is to encourage one another, and to look after the needs of other brethren. Staying at home does not fulfill any of these requirements.

The Life Application Bible gives the following and most helpful analysis:

“We have significant privileges associated with our new life in Christ: (1) we have personal access to God through Christ and can draw near to him without an elaborate system…; (2) we may grow in faith, overcome doubts and questions, and deepen our relationship with God… ; (3) we may enjoy encouragement from one another…; (4) we may worship together (10:25)… To neglect Christian meetings is to give up the encouragement and help of other Christians. We gather together to share our faith and to strengthen one another in the Lord. As we get closer to the ‘Day’ when Christ will return, we will face many spiritual struggles, and even times of persecution. Anti-Christian forces will grow in strength. Difficulties should never be excuses for missing church services. Rather, as difficulties arise, we should make an even greater effort to be faithful in attendance.”

There may always be “legitimate” reasons to the human mind for not attending worship services regularly and in person–reasons such as inconvenience, just not feeling like it, feeling too tired, staying with visiting relatives or friends, persecution, high costs of transportation or distance, as well as the idea that we don’t really “need” to attend. Rather, as the reasoning may go, we might as well stay home today and listen to sermon tapes or live services which are broadcast over the Internet.

However, based on the PURPOSE of PERSONAL CHURCH ATTENDANCE with other members, the means of broadcasting services of the Church of the Eternal God (CEG) over the Internet was developed for those brethren who are scattered, or who might be sick, and who therefore cannot attend regular CEG Church services. It was never meant to be a replacement for personal attendance. Listening to live Internet Church services or listening to sermon tapes does NOT constitute an equally valuable alternative to personal CEG Church attendance. Those who can physically attend CEG Church services are commanded by God to do so, for their own good and for the benefit of other Church members. Listening to Internet services and participating in the chatlines before and after services may only be the second-best option; personal attendance is always the preferable course of action.

The practice of meeting together for religious services that was observed by the New Testament Church of God and that has been faithfully continued to this time is based on God’s command regarding the weekly and annual Sabbath Days. Note how the weekly Sabbath is addressed in Leviticus 23:3: “‘Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a HOLY CONVOCATION…'”

Focusing on the annual Holy Days, which are also called “Sabbaths” (compare for example Leviticus 23:32, 39), notice the instructions regarding “holy convocations” in Leviticus 23:7-8, 21, 24, 27, 35, 36-37, pertaining to the annual Holy Days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles and the Last Great Day.

Concerning the concept of a “holy convocation,” God very carefully commanded His people to assemble for worship services according to His instructions and in the place He chooses (compare Deuteronomy 12:5, 11, 14, 18, 21; 16:6, 11, 15-16). Upon the founding of the Church, Jesus Christ established the ministry and holds them strictly responsible to continue guiding His people in obedience to God’s commands–including, “…the assembling of ourselves together” (compare Ephesians 4:11-16).

Acts 2 reports that Christ’s disciples were all assembled in one room on the Day of Pentecost, and that is when they received the Holy Spirit. Would God have given the Holy Spirit to those, using modern terms, who had decided to stay home and listen over the Internet, while they could have assembled in person with the other disciples?

Paul’s warning to us today rings loud and clear: We are NOT to forsake REGULAR PERSONAL Church attendance, if we can reasonably do so. Our attitude towards this command tells God quite a lot about our whole make-up as Christians. How dedicated and zealous are we? How diligent are we to OBEY His command? How much LOVE do we have for God and our brethren? Remember, what we have done for the least of our brethren, that we have done for God. If we decide that it is not important enough for us to personally attend Church services, for whatever reason, then we are walking on dangerous ground. Paul tells us that if we are not careful, such an indifferent neglectful attitude might very well lead to the point that we commit apostasy–the unpardonable sin.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

The Book of Malachi

On Saturday, August 9, 2008, Norbert Link will give the sermon, titled, “The Book of Malachi.”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

A new, comprehensive booklet on the Book of Revelation has entered the second review cycle.

As a special service to our readers–especially for those who may not be able to watch our StandingWatch programs on the Internet–we are offering, via email, informal transcripts of future programs. Please contact us if you are interested.

A new StandingWatch program has been posted on StandingWatch, Google Video and YouTube. It is titled, “Obama and the Beast of Europe.” In the program, Norbert Link discusses the fact that on Thursday, July 24, Senator Barack Obama gave his long-awaited speech in Berlin, Germany, but not all liked his demand for more European military involvement in Afghanistan. Would a military buildup in Europe be good for America and the rest of the world? And what role will religion play in all of this–given the fact that a separation between Church and State is unknown in Europe?

Our StandingWatch program,“Coming–The Great Depression,” was viewed in excess of 8200 times on YouTube, followed by “Food Shortage in the USA” (over 3700 views).

Set forth below, as of July 25, 2008, are the numbers of all-time views on Google Video pertaining to our fifteen most successful StandingWatch programs:

Title Page Views Downloads
What is Happening in Germany? 12415 16
America’s Illegal Aliens 7871 73
666, the Beast and Antichrist 5443 100
Is Nuclear War Coming? 3855 125
To Spank or Not to Spank… 3642 20
America’s Latest Phone Scandal 3220 10
American Hiroshima 2699 80
Are Ghosts for Real? 2431 54
Ghosts of Departed Ones? 2101 7
Iran’s Frightening Intentions 1995 51
War in the Middle East 1986 18
USA–The Fading Superpower! 1729 36
Afghanistan’s Radical Islam 1562 149
Why So Much Cruelty? 1367 20
What’s in Store for America? 1361 15

Since God has already qualified His people to be in His kingdom, isn't their salvation a fait accompli?

It most certainly is not, even though some within orthodox Christianity teach this false idea. The biblical teaching, however, is altogether different.

It is true that God WANTS those to be in His Kingdom whom He calls to salvation. And as we explain in our booklet, “Are You Predestined to Be Saved?”, God is confident that His disciples WILL “make it” into His kingdom (compare Philippians 1:6). He knows that all those whom He has called now CAN make it. We even read that God has already “glorified” them (Romans 8:30), even though their glorification is still in the future. God is so confident that they will be glorified that He speaks of that future event as something which has already occurred (compare Romans 4:17).

Paul tells us in Colossians 1:12 that “the Father… has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” The Authorized Version states that He has “made us meet,” which actually means, that He has made us “fit” or “sufficient” or “able” or “worthy.” Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 that God made him and others “sufficient as ministers of the new covenant.”

When God calls us in this day and age, He ENABLES us and therefore KNOWS that we CAN finish our race successfully. Our ability, sufficiency or qualification come from God: We cannot come to Christ unless the Father draws us to Him (John 6:44, 65); we cannot repent unless the Father grants us the gift of repentance (Romans 2:4); we cannot really and truly believe unless the Father grants us the gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 12:2); we cannot live a righteous life unless the Father grants us the gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17).

All of this does not mean, however, that we cannot lose out. The Bible contains many warnings against taking our calling lightly. It is our responsibility to accept God’s gifts and use them. For instance, we are being admonished that we are to hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness, and that we are to seek it as a first priority (Matthew 5:6; 6:33). And so, even though the Father has qualified us to inherit salvation, we must continue in that process of qualification. We must make sure that we DON’T DISQUALIFY ourselves.

Although Paul was a “qualified” minister, he knew that it was possible that he might become disqualified, and so he made every effort to prevent this from happening. We read in 1 Corinthians 9:27: “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become DISQUALIFIED.” The Authorized Version renders this as “castaway.” The phrase means, “not approved,” “not standing the test,” “rejected” or “reprobate.”

Paul encourages and warns the Church in 2 Corinthians 13:5-6: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you are DISQUALIFIED. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.”

Additional Scriptures using the identical Greek word can be found in 2 Timothy 3:8 (“disapproved”) and Titus 1:16 (“disqualified”).

That it IS possible for “qualified” members of the Church to become “disqualified” can also be seen in Paul’s strong warning in Hebrews 6, where the concept of the unpardonable sin is discussed. In verses 4 and 5, Paul talks about those who “were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift and have BECOME PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come.” In other words, he is speaking of those who HAD received the Holy Spirit–who WERE converted. Paul is clearly NOT talking here about people who had never been enlightened. Just the opposite is true. He was speaking about those whom God had “qualified” to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light (compare again Colossians 1:12), and who had been “delivered” from the “power of darkness and conveyed… into (i.e., placed under the power of) the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13; compare Acts 26:18).

In regard to these converted Church members, Paul says that it is “impossible” (Hebrews 6:4) to “renew them AGAIN to repentance,” “if they fall away… since they crucify AGAIN for themselves the Son of God” (Hebrews 6:6). He goes on to explain that they–like the earth which bears thorns and briers–are “rejected” or “disqualified” and “near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned” (verse 8)–referring to their destruction in the lake of fire.

The concept that those who are called to salvation could not lose salvation is also wrong for the additional reason that they don’t have yet complete and total salvation. Salvation, as well as our qualification, is a PROCESS. We read that God’s people WERE saved (Romans 8:24); that they are BEING saved (Acts 2:47); and that they WILL be saved (Romans 5:9-10). Salvation is something which they are to INHERIT (Hebrews 1:14), and they will inherit it, IF they endure TO THE END (Matthew 10:22; 24:13). It is only promised to those who “overcome,” that they will INHERIT ALL THINGS (Revelation 21:7)–including the gift of salvation. That is why we are encouraged to “WORK OUT [our] own salvation with FEAR and TREMBLING” (Philippians 2:12), always recognizing the fact that it is GOD who works in us both to WILL and to DO for His good pleasure (verse 13). Even though we are appointed to obtain salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:9), we are admonished not to “drift away” and “neglect so great a salvation” (Hebrews 2:3); for if we do, we will not escape the judgment of God for our transgression and disobedience (verses 2-3). In 1 Corinthians 15:2, Paul says to the Church members in Corinth that they “ARE saved, IF [they] hold fast that word which [Paul] preached” to them.

It is true that God has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance (compare again Colossians 1:12). But this does not mean that we already possess the inheritance. Today we are HEIRS of the promises (compare Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29; 4:7; 1 Peter 3:7; Titus 3:7). We are not yet inheritors–but we will inherit the promises if we remain faithful. God says that He “has chosen [or we might say, “qualified”] the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him” (James 2:5). We are told that we love God when we keep His commandments (1 John 5:3). THEREFORE, if we don’t love God–if we refuse to keep His commandments–we don’t have God’s promise of the kingdom and are disqualified from being heirs of the kingdom and of salvation (Note the connection between inheriting salvation, eternal life and the kingdom of God, in Matthew 19:16, 23-25).

Let us also realize what our FUTURE inheritance will consist of–always recognizing that we don’t have it yet. We are to INHERIT eternal life (Matthew 19:29)–an “eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:15)–the kingdom of God (Matthew 25:34; note that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Corinthians 15:50; Ephesians 5:5-7). We are to INHERIT the promises through faith and patience (Hebrews 6:12), always remembering that it is GOD who is ABLE to build us up and give us an inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts 20:32). When we receive the Holy Spirit after repentance and belief in Christ’s sacrifice, baptism and the laying on of hands by one of God’s true ministers, then we receive a “guarantee of our INHERITANCE until the redemption of the purchased possession” (Ephesians 1:13-14). As long as God’s Holy Spirit continues to dwell in us, we WILL inherit the promises–including the promise of salvation.

Note 1 Peter 1:3-5:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled INHERITANCE and that does not fade away, RESERVED in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith FOR SALVATION ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Some commentaries, including the Ryrie Study Bible, have said that our salvation is guaranteed, even though we might lose our reward, referring to a passage in 1 Corinthians 3:8-15. However, that passage does not justify such a conclusion. It refers to God’s ministers who are to preach the gospel and feed the flock. The endurance of the flock–the “work” of the minister–will be tested by fire (verse 12-13). If that work endures, the minister will receive a reward for that particular work (verse 14). But if that work is burned, he himself might suffer loss (it is never a pleasant experience for a minister to see the flock under his care drifting away), but he still will be saved, “through fire,” if he was genuine in his efforts (verse 15). However, this passage does not address someone who falls away from the truth. Such a person will neither inherit salvation nor will he receive a reward.

We should also ask, how COULD it be that someone who was unwilling to obey God and who developed an attitude of hatred toward God COULD inherit salvation WITHOUT a reward? What would he DO for all eternity–how would he live? The truth is, both our salvation and our reward for living a righteous life pleasing to God ARE interconnected. Even though God GRANTS us the gift of salvation by His grace, independent from what we might have done prior to our calling (Titus 2:11; 3:5), He expects of us to live worthy of our calling by diligently seeking Him and His Will (Hebrews 11:6). We will be rewarded in accordance with our works (Revelation 22:12), but our reward might be greater or smaller, depending on how we live our lives (Matthew 10:42; Luke 6:35; 2 John 8).

To summarize, those who live unworthy of God’s gift of salvation will NOT inherit salvation, nor will they receive a reward. After all, we don’t have total salvation yet, but we are waiting for it. Paul says in Romans 13:11 that “now our salvation is NEARER than when we first believed.” He also tells us in Colossians 3:23-25: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE, for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.”

God has qualified us to inherit the promises, but we must continue in that qualification process to ensure that we don’t become disqualified and that we don’t judge ourselves unworthy of everlasting life (Acts 13:46)

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

This week, Norbert Link video-recorded the Feast sermon to be played during the Feast of Tabernacles 2008 in Tucson.

A new StandingWatch program has been posted on StandingWatch, Google Video and YouTube. It is titled, “America’s Financial Crisis.” In the program, Norbert Link is discussing that recently, the U.S. federal government took control of the Pasadena, California, based IndyMac Bank, signifying the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history. The largest U.S. mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are also in big financial trouble. The third largest U.S. investment bank Merrill Lynch is $10 billion in debt. More than 300 U.S. banks might fail over the next few years. The US. is facing a global crisis to fund its $700 billion (!) account deficit. Especially Europe is upset with America’s irresponsible financial dealings and is looking for alternatives. What DOES the future hold for all of us?

Three StandingWatch programs in the German language were posted on our German Website  and on YouTube, discussing a potential War with Iran; Ireland’s Vote on the Lisbon Treaty; and the recent Mission to Mars.

The following video-recorded sermons by Edwin Pope were posted on Google Video:

Bible Study–Inherit the Promises Through Faith and Patience, May 13, 2006

Bible Study–God’s Kingdom and His Righteousness, March 18, 2006

The following video-recorded sermons by Norbert Link were posted on Google Video:

Bible Study–The Good Samaritan, July 19, 2008

Bible Study– Abraham, Part 1, January 5, 2006

Bible Study–Abraham, Part 2, January 21, 2006

Bible Study–Who Is Your Lord?, November 26, 2005

This Life

This Life
by Kalon Mitchell

We live in a world of get and of debt. Nationally, the United States of America is going backwards literally by the second. And so it is, as I sit here writing this article for the Youth Forum, that I wonder what I will do with my life. I have an amazing wife and of course our furry animal family. But there is more that we both would like. That is children and a house to raise them in.

As I stop to think about others my age, I see that more and more young people are going back to live with their parents after they get out of college because they cannot afford to be out on their own. Gas prices are going up. Food prices are going up. Life as we know it is exploding out of control. Will I ever be able to have children; will I be able to afford a home? These questions go through my head a lot. How will I afford to raise a family?

But unlike many of these young people whom I am around, I thankfully have something that they do not at this time–and that is the help of God. God has said numerous times throughout the Bible that He is here to help me and to shower me with good things. But what is it that I must do? Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. That is the key. No matter what, I must be striving to live up to the standards set forth by God. If I do this, then I will have nothing to worry about because God will take care of me, in accordance with His Will.

©2024 Church of the Eternal God