This is the Stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the Chief Cornerstone." Acts 4:11

Volume 12 *   Number 3* January 15, 2012

I Can Do That!

- by Greg Gwin

 

It’s easy to become overwhelmed at the thought of a big assignment or a difficult challenge.Sometimes the contemplation of a long and hard task makes us weary even before we begin.In such instances it can be helpful to break the job down into smaller, ‘do-able’ segments.As these manageable ‘bites’ are accomplished, the whole project ultimately gets completed.

As we think about our obligations in service to the Lord we might feel weighed down.But, if we think in terms of the single acts of duty that we can definitely achieve, everything is soon within our reach.Add in God’s promised help (Hebrews 13:5,6) and we are well on our way to success.Like Paul, we can say: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

 

As we begin this new year, think of some of the things that need to be done; some of the things that you know you should be doing; and think positively about each one.Have the attitude that says: “I can do that!” For instance:  

 

• I can read my Bible every day.  That’s ‘do-able’, and in the process I will become a better Bible student.
• I can attend every worship service and Bible study.  Taken one at a time, this will soon add up to a whole year of faithful service; a whole year of gaining strength; a whole year of encouraging my brethren; a whole year of glorifying God.  Wow!  That’s really worth doing!
• I can talk to my friend, my neighbor, my family member, or my co-worker about my faith in Christ and the blessings in brings into my life.  Who knows?  That may lead to a conversion over the course of time.  I can do that!
• I can pray for my brethren, thinking regularly about their spiritual and physical well-being.  As I do that they will be helped, and I will develop a stronger and more caring relationship with them.

There are lots of ‘little things’ that are within my grasp, and they all add up to some really good and necessary accomplishments for the Lord.  All I need is an attitude that says:  “I can do that!”    &

 

Blunt: But Clear

By Levi Rutledge

 

Have you ever have someone give you a blunt answer to a question you asked? Or, have you ever given a blunt answer to a question which was asked of you? How about this: Suppose you ask for a raise on your job and the answer you get is “no” and the conversation ends there. That is a blunt answer.

 

You were not given an explanation as to why the answer was no. Likewise if you were asked this question and gave no as an answer without giving an explanation, the answer you gave was a blunt one. These are insensitive answers.

 

While Jesus (in the flesh) walked the earth, He made some blunt statements, but, “he gave His reason for giving or making blunt statements. You should feel assured that if you continue reading the passage which He (the Savior) gave, He will give the clarity in the statement.

 

In Matthew 5:43-45 one can find Jesus teaching on the mountain (Matthew 5:1). Jesus states that in the Old Testament law that people are to love their neighbors, and hate their neighbors (v.43). In verse 44 Jesus states “I say unto you, love your enemies.” Left alone, or ended here, it would be a “blunt” statement. But if you continue reading this passage, Jesus gives the reason for making that statement. Verse 45 makes the bluntness of verse 44 clear.  Jesus says “if you love your enemies, you may be the children of your father in heaven.”  In Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus to the young lawyer in responding to his question, He said “love your neighbors.”  This is inclusive of your enemy. So, even though it was a blunt statement, Jesus makes it clear. He gives clarity to it and makes it clear for you and for me.

 

In Acts 2 Luke the inspired writer wrote about what was happening during Peter’s sermon on Pentecost. Then in verse 42 he says “the disciples continued in the apostles’ doctrine.”   So, when the apostles gave or made a blunt statement, they will clarify it for their readers, just as Jesus did. Their doctrine came to them from Jesus and/or the Holy Spirit. In II Peter 1:19-21 Peter (an apostle of Jesus Christ) states that:” in the Old Testament time prophecy were given by holy men as they were moved (or carried along).”

 

So, here are some statements which are blunt, but the prophets, Jesus and or the apostles made their statements clear. Isaiah (a prophet of God) states that “A virgin shall give birth. (Isaiah 7:14) “A virgin shall conceive, and bear a son (give birth). Blunt? Yes! If you turn to Luke chapter 1, in the context about the birth of a son, born to a virgin can be made clear if one read verse 26. “An angel named Gabriel (sent by God) went to a city in Galilee to a virgin (v. 27) and the virgin’s name was Mary. Gabriel said to Mary that she shall conceive (be with child), and have a son (v. 31).

 

Here is the clarity as told by Luke, an inspired writer. He wrote that Mary said “How shall this be(verse 34 of Luke 1), seeing I know not a man.” Mary had not engaged in an intimacy relationship with a man. The Holy Spirit would intervene and lay aside the law of reproduction so as to fulfill God’s plan for the Savior to be born without the assistance of a male. Is this a blunt statement? Yes! Was it made clear? Yes!

In Romans 3:23, Paul states that “all have sinned. Here is another blunt statement. You may have your own definition of sin but John, an apostle of Jesus gives an inspired definition of sin, “All unrighteousness is sin“ I John 5:17.   Let’s be clear about this, we are told that “all have sinned.” Sin separates the one who has sinned against God.   

 

If have had your sins washed away, but you have allowed sin back into your life, you must repent and confess of their sin.  If you have never had your sins washed away, you are in sin and you must believe what is written in God’s word about Jesus. You must have faith. Why? Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) The sinner, you must turn from his/her sinful ways and turn to God’s way. You do this by repenting, which is a change or it is turning away from the way you are going about your life. Why? Luke 13:3 tells you that “if you do not repent, you will perish.”  

 

To complete your act of obedience, you must be baptized. Is this a blunt statement? Yes? If you read Acts 22:16, you will find the answer to why you (sinner man) must be baptized. Ananias told Saul to arise be baptize and have your sins washed away, calling on the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16) Baptism washes away sin. Our prayer is that today is the day which you obey God’s Word, have your sins washed away and become a child of His.

 

The Cornerstone 

Published to Support the Work of the West End Church of Christ, Richmond, Virginia