This Issue...

• The Person Transformed by Christ — Charles Box p.56
• Church Attendance is Essential — Garland Robinson p.57
• Taking Time for the Lord’s Supper — Ron Gilbert p.58
• The Lord’s Day — Marvin Weir p.1
• Calvinism — Jon Gary Williams p.1
• Ephesians 4:4 — HOPE — Chad Dollahite p.1
• Mail Bag — p.64

The person transformed by Christ lives a completely different life than before. There is a new attitude, a new focus, a new goal. The old person dies and is burried. The new person is raised to live a new life.

        Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians from a Roman prison about AD 62. It is not known who started the church at Colossae but Paul had a deep interest in these brethren. In the epistle to the Colossians he gave a powerful look at the person transformed by the power of Christ.
        The person transformed by Christ is raised with Christ. Paul said, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1). This is the same thought Paul had addressed in Colossians 2:12 where he said, “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.” These brethren had been baptized into Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27). They had been buried and raised with Him in baptism. At baptism they stopped being “out of Christ” and they were united with Him —“in Christ.” Thus being united with Christ, they should seek to live a life pleasing to Him.
        The person transformed by Christ will seek Heaven. The mind of the transformed person will be set on heaven. Paul said, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2). Those who have been baptized into Christ should seek heaven. Their thoughts and their actions are focused in a heavenly direction. Those transformed by Christ live daily with heaven on their mind. Their desire is for that place where, “...God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4) These transformed ones have both the heart and the action of those longing for heaven.
        The person transformed by Christ is dead to the old life. When a person becomes a Christian they die to self and sin. Paul said, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). In becoming a Christian you die and give your life over to Christ. The Christian lives because Christ lives in Him. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). If you are a Christian, life is no longer your life, you now belong to Christ.
        The person transformed by Christ has a new life. Literally, the Christian has given up the life of sin and all unchristian attitudes to have a “new life.” This new life is life in Christ. “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Col. 3:4). Living the life of Christ causes us to look to that day when the Lord will appear again. He is coming again! “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3) “And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10-11).
        The person transformed by Christ must put to death the sins of the flesh. Paul said, “Mortify [put to death] therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col. 3:5). As Christians we must put to death “the body of the sins of the flesh” (Col. 2:11). Illicit sexual relationships have no place in the life of a Christian. To avoid sexual sins we must also avoid “evil desires.” Christians must be pure both inwardly and outwardly. Also, covetousness has no place in the life of a transformed person. “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Rom. 8:13).
        The person transformed by Christ avoids the wrath of God. God’s wrath will be poured out on those who practice the sins of Colossians 3:5. These people are called children of disobedience. “For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience” (Col. 3:6). God’s wrath will be poured out against every sinful act of men. In the book of Romans we read, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18). Paul wrote, “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil...” (Rom. 2:7-9). The transformed person avoids the wrath of God.
        The person transformed by Christ had before lived a life of sin. Paul said before becoming a Christian these people both walked and lived in sin. He said, “In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them” (Col. 3:7). He wrote to the Corinthians saying, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Moral wickedness is always a serious problem for all those living without Christ. The Colossians, like the Corinthians, had walked and lived in fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desires and covetousness. These people are not alone in their walking and living in sin.
        The person transformed by Christ puts off anger, hatred and filthy language. Paul started the discussion in Colossians 3:5 concerning certain things Christians must remove from their lives. “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth” (Col. 3:8). The list in Colossians 3:5 focused on sexual sins. Now he turns his attention to anger, hatred and filthy language. Certain actions have no place in the life of a Christian. As Christians we must learn to control our tongues and tempers.
        The person transformed by Christ must tell the truth. How could it have been said with more simplicity? “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds” (Col. 3:9). It is impossible for lying and the Christian character to coexist.
        The person transformed by Christ must put on the new man. The Colossians had put off the old man and now they must put on the new man. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10). Christians must “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). They have “learned” better and now they must “live” better. Now that Christians know to live better, they should continually seek God’s fellowship.
        To become a transformed person you MUST:

• Hear the saving Gospel (Rom. 10:17),
• Believe in Jesus (John 8:24),
• Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30),
• Confess Christ as Lord (Rom. 10:9-10), and
• Be Baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27).
  After being immersed in water you must,
• Continue to seek that heavenly home (1 Cor. 15:58).

        Church attendance is not a “take it or leave it” situation. It is unthinkable for one who has embraced the Lord’s Way (Acts 18:25), who has been washed in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14), who has been renewed in heart and soul (Acts 4:32), to forsake even one of the assemblies of the saints.
        The Bible is clear regarding the sin and the severity of forsaking the assemblies of the saints. “And let us 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. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Heb. 10:24-26).
        Far too often, members of the Lord’s house see church attendance as an unpleasant experience. It is often viewed like bad tasting medicine, something that is not enjoyed, but it’s necessary for one’s health. What a shame such individuals have so little faith! I’m convinced they do not see the severity of sin and the eternal destruction it brings.
        To be able to worship the God of heaven, the creator and sustainer of all living (Acts 17:28), and to commune with brethren of “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1), is a blessing enjoyed by far too few who have “named the name of Christ.”
        The blessings and rewards of church attendance are many. If you’re not present in these assemblies it’s your loss.
        Church attendance strengthens not only the individual but entire families as well. One evidence of this is seen in the number of couples that have happy marriages. Statistics prove that families who worship together are far more likely to remain together. Rare are the occasions where such homes are broken and end in divorce. When families are constantly instructed in the “way of the Lord,” it becomes harder for them to rebel against that which is right. The prodigal son removed himself from family worship and influence and fell into the depths of sin and folly. Only after returning home did he once again enjoy the pleasure and company of those who truly loved him (Luke 15:11-24). Lois and Eunice brought Timothy up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (2 Tim. 1:5; Eph. 6:1-4). If you’re not present with your family, you’re not leading them in the way they should go (cf. Prov. 22:6).
        Church attendance places you in the midst of the best people in the world. It is a place of safety and comfort. There’s no worry about someone seeking to take advantage of you. You don’t have to worry about turning your back for fear someone may steal from you. You have confidence your children will not be bombarded with foul language and obscene gestures. Such fills the TV, school and neighborhood. You don’t have to worry about “perverts” looking for a chance to molest you or your children. With all the crime, lust, greed, outrage, abomination, obscenity and lewdness in the world, why would families not seek to escape such and provide that which is wholesome, good, honorable, generous, beneficial and positive? All these good things and many more are found in the assemblies of the saints (Gal. 5:22-24).
        Church attendance strengthens your faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). The more you hear the Word of God, the more you grow in faith when you apply the lessons learned. Multitudes are those who often say, “I wish I were stronger in faith.” Yet these same people do little, and many times nothing, to make it so! A stronger faith is directly related to the study of God’s Word. The more you attend the assemblies of the saints, the more you hear God’s Word, the more you grow in the faith!
        Church attendance provides the proper example. Had you rather your children find their heroes and mentors on social media, at school, sports, entertainment, TV, or had you rather they find them at church? As a child, I observed godly men and women who reverently: bowed their heads in prayer (1 Thess. 5:17), observed the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-30), contributed to the Lord’s work (1 Cor. 16:2), sang psalms, hymns, and spiritual praises unto God (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), and studied and listened to the Word of God (Acts 20:7). These great examples served to teach me how to worship God (John 4:24). It impressed upon me the reverence and respect due unto God. I learned the seriousness of holy things. I’m no doubt a Christian today because of those early years and being shown such wonderful examples.
        Church attendance gives the honor, respect, reverence, adoration and glory to God the Father in heaven. The woman at Jacob’s well was taught about true and proper worship by Jesus himself. When she observed that he was a prophet, she had a question for him, saying: “Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 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 4:20-24).
        God the Father seeks worship. He seeks true worship. He seeks spiritual worship (v.23). Shall those who have been redeemed not offer him the worship he not only desires but commands? Are we so thankless that we only attend worship services when it’s convenient for us? Do you realize that amounts to nothing more than just throwing God a crumb from our bountiful table filled with blessings? Do you remember the occasion when Jesus healed ten lepers but only one returned to give glory to God? Jesus asked him, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger” (Luke 17:17-18). Are you among the nine who did not return to praise God? Such an attitude is ungrateful indeed! Who do you think the Lord will save come judgment day? All ten or just the one?
        “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame” (Heb. 6:4-6).
        When all is said and done and our existence in this world has come to an end, what will you say at judgment? Will you say you did not have time to worship? You were too busy? There were so many things more important to you than worshipping God? Where are the nine?
        Who will deny the blessings of families worshipping God together? Who will step forward and say that such does not strengthen the home? No one can do so!
               
               
               


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        Many things have changed over the past year or so due to the COVID-19 virus. Many congregations stopped their public worship services altogether. Others cut back to just Sunday morning only. In this very dangerous time of a pandemic, many were not going to public worship at all, but they were still shopping each week for food, clothing and other items. They were still going to work. Ladies were still going to the beauty parlor. Many were still eating out at restaurants. Many children were still going to school and some were even going on vacations — but not to worship! But this is a study for another time. In this article, I want to focus on the Lord’s Supper.
        Being involved in full time mission work for many years, my wife and I travel a lot visiting congregations giving mission reports and raising funds for mission efforts. During the past several months we have visited many congregations in several states. One thing we’ve noticed due to the virus is how congregations partake of the Lord’s Supper. Most congregations now have individual plastic cups for members to pick up when they come into the building. This makes good sense to keep several people from handling the same piece of bread and eating after each other. Also, having individual cups for each member prevents anyone picking up a half-full cup that someone else has drunk from and placed back in the tray.
        What I have observed at some places is that 10 minutes is given for the announcements, 8 or 10 songs are sung, an opening and closing prayer is offered, a 30 to 45 minute sermon is delivered and only seconds are given for the Lord’s Supper! On two different occasions while visiting, my wife and I were not able to get the plastic off the cup for the bread fast enough and by the time we got it off, they were praying for the fruit of the vine! Brethren, I am not exaggerating, in some places we have visited 10 to 15 seconds is given after the prayer for Christians to take the Lord’s Supper! What are we teaching our children and visitors by this practice? We often refer to the Lord’s Supper as a “memorial feast” but in some areas it could be referred to as a “quick memorial snack.”
        When I was a boy growing up in a rural area of middle Tennessee, sometimes when the men got up to serve the Lord’s Supper, a brother might say, “we now come to the most important part of our worship, the Lord’s Supper.” That statement is not true. All avenues of worship are equally important because God authorized them in public worship. However, one wonders if some who visit and see the Lord’s Supper being observed in less than 30 seconds if they should not start saying, “we have now come to the least important part of our worship, the Lord’s Supper?” That statement obviously won’t be said, but the practice speaks volumes as to how important some view the Lord’s Supper.
        Brethren, are we in that big of a hurry to get out of our worship assemblies? Can we not slow down and give the observance of the Lord’s Supper the time and respect it deserves? Sure we can! What place on earth is more important than being with the saints worshiping God according to his prescribed order?
                PO Box 49494
                Cookeville, TN 38506
               


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The devil never sleeps or fails to take advantage of any situation he can exploit. Covid-19 may turn out to be something Satan uses to lead brethren astray. Some brethren have not attended church services in over a year.

        Is there a special day the church is commanded to assemble together to worship the true and living God? Can that day be identified? Does both “Sunday” and “the first Day of the week” refer to the “Lord’s Day?” If such a day exists, what must the “church” do on that day?
        We live in a society that now treats religion in a very casual manner. It is the age of “house churches” and congregations that divide up on Sunday evenings to gather in small groups in numerous homes (“cell groups“). What is implemented on Sunday evening will eventually come home to roost on Sunday morning. For decades now, the Sunday evening service has been treated as something less than the Sunday morning service. Are not both AM and PM assemblies Lord’s Day worship services?
        There is no scripture that commands Christians to meet in a building, but the scriptures do demand that Christians assemble together on a certain day. The apostle John specifically mentions “the Lord’s day” (Rev. 1:10). Church historians, lexicons and Bible dictionaries all refer to “the Lord’s Day” as Sunday —the first day of the week.
        The church of the New Testament assembled on a regular basis. Please note the language Paul uses to describe the regular gathering of Christians in the early church. Paul uses expressions like “when ye are gathered together” (1 Cor. 5:4), “when ye come together” (1 Cor. 11:18), “when ye come together therefore into one place” (1 Cor. 11:20) and “if therefore the whole church be come together into one place” (1 Cor. 14:23).
        It is easy to prove from the Scriptures that the early church had a regular time to assemble. It is also easy to see the pattern for assembly involved the “whole” church —not just a part of the church. There is absolutely no Scriptural authority whatsoever for congregations dividing up into “cell groups” or multiple “house churches” for their Lord’s Day assemblies!
        The devil never sleeps or fails to take advantage of any situation he can exploit. Covid-19 may turn out to be something Satan uses to lead brethren astray. Some brethren have not attended a worship service at their congregation in over a year. Yet, they go to the grocery store which is far more dangerous. Many have continued to go to work. They say these things are necessary. Think about this for a moment —is worship not necessary? Some brethren have become content to “worship” at home. Is this remotely akin to being “gathered together” (1 Cor. 5:4) or assembling “yourselves together” (1 Cor. 11:18)? The Lord intended that the “whole church be come together in one place” (1 Cor. 14:23) on Sunday or the first day of the week. Brethren who are able to go to work, go to Wal-Mart, attend other activities during the week, deceive themselves when they think they have engaged in a Lord’s Day worship service by themselves at home!
        Hebrews 10:25 warns brethren not to forsake their assembling together. This verse of Scripture clearly depicts that the early church had a routine of ”assembling together” and that some already had a habit of ”forsaking the assembling” (Heb. 10:25).
        We have examples of the early Christians coming together on the first day of the week. Paul and Luke refrained from further travel to gather with the local Christians on the Lord’s Day (no other explanation is given for their deliberate delay). In Acts 20:6-7 we read, “And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” Paul instructed the church at Corinth, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
        The first day of the week is the day Christ rose from the dead. The Scriptures read, “In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. ... He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matt. 28:1,6).
        The Holy Spirit fell on the apostles on the day of Pentecost — the 50th day after the Passover. This would involve seven Sabbaths (49 days) plus one —the 50th day (cf. Lev. 23). It would be the first day of the week, and Peter preached his sermon (Acts 2) on that day (Sunday, the Lord’s Day).
        The early Christians assembled together for a particular purpose — to worship. This is the very reason saints are to assemble together today! The most common word for worship (proskuneo) means “to kiss the hand toward.” One cannot help but observe that this word denotes an act of reverence that requires a specific action! The Scriptures declare that the early Christians “...continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Worship does not occur automatically, accidentally or unknowingly.
        We learn from the Scriptures that Abraham said to his young men, “I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you” (Gen. 22:5). In 1 Samuel 1:19 we read, “And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.”
        It is more than obvious that true worship of God has a beginning and an ending! The “all of life is worship” doctrine is blatantly false! May we desire to assemble with the saints to worship every Sunday which is also called the Lord’s Day — the first day of the week!
                484 CR 44700
                Blossom, TX 75416
                countryboy357@hughes.net


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        The roots of Calvinism extend back to the 16th century, during the early days of the Reformation Movement in Switzerland. John Calvin, a theologian, became a part of the growing wave of Protestantism. He, like Martin Luther in Germany, was troubled over the corruption he found in Catholic doctrine and practice.
        One thing he found especially disturbing was the emphasis on “works” in order to reach heaven. In contrast, he began emphasizing the “grace of God.” To him it was the grace of God versus the works of man. In his zealous opposition to Catholicism, it never occurred to him that the Scriptures taught a happy medium — a combination of grace and works. So, in the formation of his position against the extreme works of Catholicism, he created another extreme teaching — extreme grace.
        Calvin’s views focused on the nature of man’s redemption. He taught that all men are born inheritors of Adam’s sin (a carryover from Catholic belief), that man plays no part in his redemption and that the atonement for sin is limited to the “elect.” He felt there was nothing for man to do to be saved, that man’s salvation was solely in the hands of God.
        In the mid to late 1500s, Calvin’s views became the standard among reformation efforts throughout Europe. Hence, the term “Calvinism” came to be the identifying label of reformation theology and continues to this day; practically the entire denominational world adheres in some way to Calvinism. Calvin’s efforts eventually led to the formation of the Presbyterian Church.
        Actually, there are five parts to the Calvinistic doctrine, hence, it is often addressed as, “The Five Points of Calvinism.” Unraveling this five-point system can become complicated but it can best be understood by remembering an acrostic: “T-U-L-I-P” which designates the titles of the five parts. They are:

• T -Total Inherited Depravity
• U -Unconditional Special Election
• L -Limited Atonement
• I -Irresistible Grace
• P -Perseverance of the saints

Total Inherited Depravity
        This is the teaching that all men are born guilty of Adam’s sin and is sometimes referred to as the doctrine of “Original sin” or “Adamic sin.” It is the belief that man enters the world totally depraved with an inherited sinful nature which is passed on from one generation to the next. It teaches that man is incapable of doing any good and his condition is so sinful that he can do nothing to correct it.
        However, if man is born in such a sinful state and if he can do nothing to aid himself, how then is he to be saved? This leads to the second point.

Unconditional Special Election
        Calvin taught that since man is totally depraved, it is impossible for him to choose to serve God. Therefore, it is God alone who determines who will be saved. He believed that God, through his grace, elects those who will be saved even before their birth. This means that man’s salvation is entirely “unconditional,” hence, “special election” or sometimes merely “unconditional election.” This doctrine is also known as “predestination.”
        Since Calvin taught that God’s grace predetermined those who would be saved, this meant also that the atonement for sin would only apply to them. This leads to the third point of Calvinism.

Limited Atonement
        Since the only atonement for man’s salvation is the blood of Christ, and since Calvin taught that only whom God has selected can be saved, this means the atoning blood of Jesus is limited to those who have been selected. Hence, all outside that group are excluded from redemption.
        But, if salvation through the atoning blood on the elect has been predetermined, is it possible for them to refuse redemption? This leads to point four of Calvinism.

Irresistible Grace
        Calvin taught that redemption through God’s grace is so certain, it is impossible for the elect to resist it. He believed that God accomplishes his redemptive work of grace through a direct, supernatural operation of the Holy Spirit on one’s heart. Hence, the elect have no choice in the matter.
        If, however, the elect cannot resist God’s redemptive grace, does this mean they can never be lost? This is answered in the last point of Calvinism.

Perseverance of the saints
        Since Calvin believed salvation is entirely in the hands of God and that the elect could not resist his grace, he was forced to further teach that the elect cannot lose their redemption. This was the logical conclusion to his overall salvation theology. Hence, the elect will persevere to the end. This view is sometimes called the “impossibility of apostasy” or “once saved, always saved” doctrine.

Total Inherited Depravity
• Sin is not inherited, man is guilty only of his own sins (Ezek. 18:20; Rom. 3:23; 14:12).
• Man will be judged for his own evil works (Matt. 16:27; Eccl. 12:14; 1 Peter 1:17).
• Little children are not sinners (Matt. 18:3,4; Luke 18:16). They have no knowledge of good and evil (Deut. 1:39).
• Death, not sin, is passed to all mankind (Rom. 5:12).

Unconditional Special Election
• God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9).
• There is something for man to do (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Heb. 5:9; 2 Thess. 1:7-8).

Limited Atonement
• The atoning blood of Christ is for all (1 Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 2:9; 1 John 2:2).
• Salvation is for all men (Acts 2:21; 10:35; 17:30; Rom. 10:13; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:3-4; John 3:16; Rev. 22:17).

Irresistible Grace
• This takes away man’s free will (freedom of choice) and he becomes nothing more than a robot.
• Man is free to choose or not choose God (Josh. 24:15; Matt. 11:28-29).
• Man can choose to resist the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit inspired the prophets to bring God’s message. The Jews rejected this message and Stephen said that in doing so they were resisting the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51).

Perseverance of the saints
• Christians can depart from God (Heb. 3:12).
• Christians can fall from God’s grace (Gal. 5:4; 1 Cor. 10:12; 2 Peter 1:10; 3:17; Jude 24)
• Christians can deny the faith and become worse than the lost (1 Tim. 5:8)
• Christians can turn away from the faith (1 Tim. 1:19)
• Christians can perish (1 Cor. 8:11)
• Christians can be spewed out by Christ (Rev. 3:16)
• Christians can err from God and be in danger of spiritual death (James 5:19,20)
• Christians can be servants of sin which leads to spiritual death (Rom. 6:16)
• Christians can sow to the flesh and lose eternal life (Gal. 6:7,8)
• Christians can wither away or be choked (Matt.13:5-7)
• Christians will stand in judgment along with the world (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Peter 4:17)
• Even the apostle Paul said that he could be a castaway (rejected) (1 Cor. 9:27)

        Calvinism is a drastically false set of teachings. From beginning to end, it abounds with beliefs contrary to the Scriptures. Once the first step is accepted, all the other steps, of necessity, fall into place.
                Jon Gary Williams
                www.jongarywilliams.com
               


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The Christian’s hope is not to live forever here on the earth. It’s to be with God in heaven above.

        “No hope” is one of the saddest things a person can hear. When one is sick and the doctor says, “We have done all we can do; there is no hope,” or, “There is no hope for a cure,” that is devastating, heartbreaking news! Ultimately, all of life might feel and seem utterly hopeless, seeing the world around us filled with sin, suffering, and sorrow. Furthermore, faced daily with the reality of the biblical truth, “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27), one might be inclined to despair. But, we need not despair, for Jesus came into this world to give hope to all —the hope of eternal life!
        What is hope? The Greek word translated “hope” (elpis) appears 54 times in the New Testament. In most modern-day usage, “hope” carries merely the idea of desire, but often does not carry any realistic expectation (as in, “I hope my father-in-law buys me a brand-new car for my birthday“). Biblically, however, the word means desire and expectation, along with eager anticipation. Biblical hope always involves that which is good and desirable and always centers around that which is both realistic and expected. Biblical hope is based on the faithfulness of the God of heaven. Paul was inspired to write: “In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2).
        What is the one hope of Ephesians 4:4? The Christian’s hope is not money or material possessions, for God has never promised such. The Holy Spirit tells us through Paul, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Tim. 6:7). The Christian’s hope is not to live forever here on this earth, for it will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10-14). According to 1 Timothy 1:1, Jesus is the Christian’s hope, and as such, He gives “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) to the Christian in His promise that He one day will return to raise the dead (Acts 24:14,15) and take the faithful home to heaven (1 Thess. 4:13-18). The Christian’s hope is a “living hope” (1 Peter 1:3-4)! In short, the one hope is eternal life in heaven for God’s faithful (Titus 1:2).
        If the Bible is true (and centuries of investigation and failed attempts to discredit it have shown that it is), then the hope offered to mankind through God’s word is both certain and available for all who would come to God through His Son. This hope is “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Heb. 6:19). As Christians, we must be diligent to “hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (Heb. 3:6). Come what may in this life, the faithful child of God can rejoice in the living, sure hope of eternal life (Rom. 12:12)!
                Chad Dollahite
                654 Slabama Ave. S
                Bremen, GA 30110


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