FOR­GIVE ONE ANOTHER

Believers are exhorted by the Apostle Paul to FOR­GIVE ONE ANOTHER. Yes, in the presence of Christ and with the approval of Christ and after the example of Christ--FORGIVE! "Lest Satan should get the advan­tage over us, for we are not ignorant of his devices and intentions" (2 Cor. 2:10-11).

Satan will use any means against the Lord Jesus and His church (even the Apostle Peter, to whom Christ said, "Get thee be­hind me, Satan"). If Satan can foster division, an unforgiving spirit, harsh feelings, or pride among believers, HE WILL DO IT! He will, under pretense of showing indignation against sin or pretending to contend for certain doctrines or under pretense of caring for the purity and discipline of the church, encourage a strict, harsh attitude toward offenders, destroy unity and fellowship, and convince men that they are serving God in their self-righteous atti­tudes.

One SURE AND CERTAIN way to be in the will of God and not to be used by the enemy is to LOVE one another and FORGIVE one another (Eph. 4:32)! Pastor Henry T. Mahan (bulletin 1993)

FAITH

Faith is necessary for salvation. But, we do not look to our faith to save us; rather, in faith, we look to Christ. Repentance is necessary for salvation. But we do not look to our repentance to save us; rather, in repentance, we turn to Christ. There are graces, which God works in us as He saves us. But these graces are never to be the object of our trust, confidence or hopeful gaze. All the graces God gives us in salvation are to be used to look to, turn to, appreciate, and lay hold of Christ, who is our salvation! Pastor Joe Terrell (1955-2024)

HOW GOOD AND HOW PLEASANT

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

This is one of many evidences and descriptions of the Lord’s family (John 13:34-35). Believers do dwell together in love, being made one with Christ (John 17:21-22), serving each other out of a motive of love (2 Cor.5:14), bearing one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:1-2), forgiving each other with a tender heart as the Lord has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13), praying for one another (1 Thes. 5:25), encouraging each other in the gospel of Christ, unto love and good works (Heb. 10:24), endeavoring to keep the harmony of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3).

Behold, how good, how excellent, how pleasant and satisfying is this blessed fellowship around the gospel of Christ. It is according to the will of God and the command of Christ. It is also pleasing to our God and satisfying to his people. Should we not at all cost avoid argument, debate and divisions to satisfy our own selfish way (Proverbs 6:16-19; 14:12)? And truly, whole heartily and pursue peace (Rom. 12: 18; Heb. 13: 1), seeking the greater good and glory of God in the matter of harmony among believers, to the furtherance of the gospel of Christ and the good of the family of God (Col 3:23; 1 Cor. 10:31).

NO LIE IS TRUTH

“I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth” (1John 2:21).

Have you ever noticed that the lies of all false religion always change? What they declared years ago is not the same now, their lie always has to change to fit the culture and times of the day. Not so with the truth of God, it is always the same, never needs to be updated, improved or changed. What was true six thousand years ago is still true today. Salvation is of the Lord!

The Lord our God does not change (Mal. 3:6) and His truth does not need to change. The Lord our God is the keeper of truth (Psalm 146:6). It is the truth of the Word of God, and the Word of truth that sets sinners free (John 8:32-36).

“Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth” (James 1:18). “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23).

The lies and falsehood of men will never set sinners free because it is only the lie of the devil (John 8:44). God does not use the lies of men and the devil to teach us the truth! “Let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). Thanks be unto God for His gospel truth that never changes (Rom. 1:16-17)! “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day and for ever” (Heb. 13:8).