The apostle wrote, “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith…to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:24-26). In this beautiful statement concerning the grace of God, Paul states that, through Jesus Christ, God accomplished being both “just and the justifier.” Let us consider these two wonderful attributes of God that we might more fully appreciate His greatness.

God is Just: Many fail to realize (most by willful denial) that God is just. Justice is defined as “The maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial…assignment of merited rewards or punishments” (Merriam Webster Dictionary). God’s justice will ultimately be found in the impartial judgment He will execute according to the standard of His law (Rom. 2:5-11; 1 Pet. 1:17). In realization of the justice of God, Elihu said, “For He repays man according to his work, and makes man to find a reward according to his way. Surely God will never do wickedly, nor will the Almighty pervert justice” (Job 34:11-12). Today, one should understand that in this dispensation we have been given “the law of Christ,” replete with commandments which must be obeyed (Gal. 6:2). Seeing this, one must realize that divine justice demands that we be punished if we are disobedient to the “law of Christ” (Heb. 2:1-4). God could not be just if He let those under His authority (all men) break His law with impunity, going unpunished. Thus, Paul could write to the Thessalonians, “It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you” (2 Thess, 1:6). God is just, and His justice demands eternal punishment for those who break His commandments (cf. Rom. 6:23; 11:22).

God is the Justifier: As we have noted, God’s justice demands punishment for sin. However, His mercy and love motivated Him to seek a way to justify us without contradicting His justice. How could this be accomplished? God’s just wrath comes upon man because of his disobedience (Eph. 5:6). Furthermore, the only thing that could take away the sin which kindled His divine wrath was the shedding of blood (Heb. 9:22). Thus, blood had to be shed that God’s wrath might be appeased and His justice might be complete. In the verses which began this article, we find that God set forth Jesus “as a propitiation by His blood.” That Jesus was a propitiation means that He was an appeasement, an appeasement to the wrath of God by having bourne “our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:24). Jesus took upon himself the punishment for our sins by the shedding of His blood (cf. Isa. 53:4-6). Therefore, it is in Jesus’ sacrifice that we find God’s just requirement of payment for sin fulfilled, His justification of the sinner made possible, and His love outpoured. Jesus, knowing this great plan of God, declared, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (Jn. 3:16-17). Thanks be to God for sending His Son to die and pay the penalty justice required while, through the same act, offering us justification! In this we find God to truly be “just and the justifier.”

How does one find justification before God? Paul stated that “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Rom. 5:8-9). Only those reaching Jesus’ redeeming blood receive the justification God offers. Jesus said He shed His blood “for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26:28). Peter later preached that one must “repent and be baptized…for the remission of sins” (Ac. 2:38). Have you come in contact with His blood in the waters of baptism? If not, you are disobedient, without justification, and, should you die in this condition, you die only to meet the justice of God. Paul describes the time which is coming “When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thess. 1:7-9). Will you obey before it is too late?

David Eldridge

Singing is Commanded by the Lord. The Lord has commanded that Christians should speak “to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Eph. 5:19). If you are a child of God and have a voice, no matter the quality, you are commanded to sing songs unto the Lord.

Singing is a Means of Praising God. Not only should we sing because the Lord demands it, we should also sing as it is one way we praise Him. We are to “Continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). We must realize that simply singing a song is not, in and of itself, praise. For it to truly be praise, it must be sung with the proper spirit (Jn. 4:24). God is pleased when His people truly offer to Him the sacrifice of praise in the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs which they sing.

Singing Teaches and Admonishes. The primary reason for the singing of spiritual songs is to praise our God in Heaven. Yet, this does not exclude the fact that there are ancillary benefits we receive when we worship God in song. Paul notes that we are “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Col. 3:16). Listen carefully to the teaching and warnings of the songs we sing.

Singing Comes from a Grateful and Cheerful Heart. As the people of God we should “be thankful” (Col. 3:5). Out of a truly thankful heart should come our songs of praise. James penned, “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” (Jas. 5:13). As Christians who have “every spiritual blessing…in Christ” we have much to be cheerful about (Eph. 1:3). Let us never forget that in singing we express our heartfelt thanks to God.

David Eldridge

In the book of 1 Samuel, the prophet Samuel was distraught that the Israelites wanted a king to rule over them. As he expressed this concern to God in prayer, God replied: “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Sam. 8:7). Although God was their King and would reign over them, they wanted someone else to take His place. God, seeing their desire to be under another king, said that the people had rejected Him. People today can, and oftentimes do reject the Lord as ruler in their life to serve another. Consider how many reject God for…

Sinful Pleasure: How many people will reject the God of Heaven, not allowing Him to reign in their life, to be ruled by the sinful pleasures of this world? Many are ruled by their sinful desires and the pleasure that sin brings. Sin is no doubt pleasurable, but its pleasure is only for a season (Heb. 11:25). Why for only a season? It is due to the fact that the path strewn with sinful pleasure leads to great displeasure as it will cause one to be eternally separated from God in Hell (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:15). “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (Rom 6:12). Instead, find pleasure in God, His things, and walking in His ways by a renewed mind (Rom. 12:2). Do not reject God to be ruled by sinful pleasures.

Material Possessions: We live in a society where many are ruled by the love of money. Truly, may are serving the “almighty dollar,” instead of the “Almighty God.” Paul said, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:10). Money and material possessions are not evil in and of themselves, but to desire such above God is evil. Temptations and inevitable destruction await those who desire to be rich above all else. You could have a lot of money or very little, but as long as it’s considered “king,” you will be destroyed by it. Jesus taught that “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matt. 6:24 ESV). How many have rejected God as their King and crowned money in His place by seeking to obtain more while neglecting responsibilities concerning God and family? Do not reject God to be ruled by greed. Remember, “We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Tim. 6:7). Be rich towards God, and everything else will fall into place (Matt. 6:19-21).

Family Relationships: There are those who will reject God, allowing family to rule in His stead. Some do this by following after the religious mindset of their parents or grandparents that are not in line with the will of God. The apostle Paul found himself in this situation when he “Persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it…being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers” (Gal. 1:13-14). Many allow the beliefs of family members to dictate what they do without having any true regard for God’s will. Yet others will reject God for their familial relationships. Too many allow their family relationships to determine their faithfulness unto the Lord. God will not take second place to your family – not to your husband or wife, mother or father, brother or sister. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Lk. 14:26). We may have to sacrifice some of our earthly relationships, or their closeness, to serve God. However, if this is necessary, great reward will be found. Jesus promised that “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life” (Matt.19:29). Don’t reject God as your King for family ties.

Worldly Entertainment: There are those who, in essence, have enthroned entertainment as their king. They place fun, games, sports (whether viewing or participating), concerts, and the like before their service to God. This can be evidenced in either not faithfully attending services, or in letting entertainment crowd too much of their time leaving little for the things of God. Surely, there is nothing wrong with Christians being entertained by wholesome things of this life. But we must be careful that such entertainment does not dominate our time while we allow God to go neglected. As Christians, we must heed the command to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33).

Our hearts should be distressed, even as Samuel’s was, at the scene of so many rejecting God as their King to be ruled by other things. The list of things for which one would reject God could go on ad infinitum. Let us resolve to allow God to reign in our lives, not rejecting Him for anything or anyone else. As Jude penned, “To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen” (Jude 25). Who do you serve? Hopefully, like Joshua, you can say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).

David Eldridge

Our worship unto the Lord must be offered according to the truth found in God’s word (Jn. 4:24; 17:17; Col. 3:17). Today, many claim that the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship is accepted by the Lord. Below, I have listed every Scripture in the New Testament that authorizes the use of mechanical instruments of music (i.e. organs, pianos, guitars, etc.) in our worship unto the Lord.

David Eldridge

The United Church Of Christ Was Built By Men. “On Tuesday, June 25, 1957, at Cleveland, Ohio, the Evangelical and Reformed Church, 23 years old…and the Congregational Christian Churches, 26 years old…joined together as the United Church of Christ.” This “new church” just celebrated its “50th anniversary,” and claims “God alone is its author.” Yet the reality is that this church was built by the men who founded it some 50 years ago. Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matt. 16:18). The true church of Christ is the one built by Him alone. The church which Jesus built began in Jerusalem (not Cleveland) on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2 (cf. vs. 47). The United Church of Christ started about 1,925 years too late to be the church which is authored by God. The United Church of Christ was built by the wrong people, in the wrong place, and at the wrong time. Therefore, the United Church of Christ cannot be the true church of Christ that you read about in the Bible!

The United Church Of Christ Is Unscripturally Organized. The United Church of Christ claims “Christ alone [as] its head.” Furthermore, they state that “each congregation within the United Church of Christ is independent and autonomous.” However, the true nature of their organizational structure belies their words. John H. Thomas is currently serving his third, four-year term as “General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.” The United Church of Christ also has a “five-person Collegium of Officers,” a “90 member Executive Council,” and a General Synod which meets at regular intervals to pass resolutions for the church. It is also of note that the United Church of Christ’s Headquarters are located in Cleveland, OH. How can each congregation be independent and autonomous with the organizational structure described above? The Bible pattern is to have a plurality of elders in each local congregation of the Lord’s church whose oversight is limited only to “the flock of God which is among you” (Ac. 14:23; 1 Pet. 5:2). If the United Church of Christ truly believes that Christ is “to be head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:22), why do they have a “President,” “Collegium of Officers,” “Executive Council,” “General Synod,” and headquarters in Ohio? The United Church of Christ states that they are “a Biblical church,” but where in the Bible do you read of such organization and offices as they employ? The United Church of Christ is unscripturally organized. Therefore, they cannot be the true church of Christ that you read of on the pages of inspiration.

The United Church Of Christ Teaches Error And Encourages Sin. Though claiming to be “a Biblical church,” the United Church of Christ does not acknowledge the Bible as the objective standard of authority (Jn. 17:17). Instead, their churches “tailor themselves to fit the people they feel called to serve in their local community.” It is in this spirit that the United Church of Christ teaches and embraces much error. They state a belief “that baptism places each of us into the ‘body of Christ,’” but then go on to say that infant baptism and sprinkling accomplish that end. They include among their “many firsts”: “the first to ordain a woman” minister (the UCC in Cookeville has a woman “pastor”); “the first to ordain openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered” ministers; and publishers of “the only hymnal released by a Christian church that honors in equal measure both male and female images of God.”

The doctrine and practice of the United Church of Christ makes it obvious that claiming to be “a Biblical church” does not a Biblical church make. The Bible teaches that “men and women were baptized,” but never mentions the baptism (lit. immersion) of sinless infants who are incapable of believing (Ac. 8:12). Paul was divinely inspired to write, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man” (1 Tim. 2:12). The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin and describes it as dishonorable, vile, against nature, shameful, and deserving of death (Rom. 1:24-32). Though we may live in a “politically correct” society, the fact still remains that every Biblical reference to God, without exception, is in the masculine. The United Church of Christ would do well to heed the warning: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness…” (Isa. 5:20).

Obviously, there is a difference between the man-made denomination of the United Church of Christ and the church of Christ that our Lord built. The United Church of Christ cannot be the church belonging to Christ for they are not built by Him, not founded upon Him, not organized according to His commands, and do not teach or follow His truth! Our genuine plea would be that those involved in such error would abandon it and simply be members of the church of Christ revealed on the pages of the New Testament.

(All quotations concerning the United Church of Christ are from their website, www.ucc.org)

David Eldridge

Lord willing, our Vacation Bible Study will take place July 13-17. There are a multitude of reasons for a church to have a summer Bible series such as the one that we have planned for this month. Let us examine some of the valuable benefits of the Vacation Bible Study.

A Vacation Bible Study Provides a Good Opportunity to Learn More about The Bible. Though our young people are out of school for summer vacation, that should not mean that all learning stops. It is always important for them (and the adults) to continue in their spiritual education. A spiritual education is of far more value than any education a secular institution might offer. Your child’s most valuable possession is their soul! Jesus asked, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). We need to be raising children like Timothy who “from childhood…have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15).

A Vacation Bible Study Provides a Good Opportunity For Families to Talk about Spiritual Things. One feature of this summer Bible series is that every class, from the youngest to the adults, will be studying the same subject, just on different levels. This is designed to encourage families to be able to talk about what they have learned with one another. This benefits everyone! One cannot stress how important it is for families to talk about God’s word together (cf. Deut. 6:6-7).

A Vacation Bible Study Provides a Good Topic to Study. The theme for this years Vacation Bible Study is “Fishing with the Master.” This series of lessons focuses upon the calling of Jesus: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19). Each night will consist of profitable lessons emphasizing our need to spread the word.

• Monday: Be Fishers of Men
• Tuesday: Prepare to Share
• Wednesday: Go Fish the World
• Thursday: Fish with Power
• Friday: Love the Fisher’s Catch

These lessons will be of benefit to both the children and the adults!

A Vacation Bible Study Provides a Good Time to Invite Others. I have seen some who first came to a Vacation Bible Study and, as a result, began to attend regular periods of Bible study and worship. Our Vacation Bible Study is a tremendous opportunity to spread God’s word, so be sure to invite everyone that you can!

Vacation Bible Study is a wonderful time of learning and encouragement. Young and old alike need to plan to be here every night!

David Eldridge

Preach the Word. A preacher is divinely charged to “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:1-2). He must be “ready to preach the gospel…for it is the power of God to salvation” (Rom. 1:15-16). Some are preaching anything and everything but the word. We need preachers who can truthfully say, “I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God” (Ac. 20:27).

Study the Word. The evangelist Timothy was instructed to “give attention to reading” (1 Tim. 4:13). A preacher is not to read just anything, he is to “Study…the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). If a preacher does not spend much time in study, he will bring about his destruction and the destruction of those who heed him (1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Pet. 3:16).

Convert Sinners. Jesus commanded, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them…” (Matt. 28:19). Some have forgotten that the mission of a preacher is to “make disciples.” Without a preacher, one will not hear, believe, and obey that they might be saved (Rom. 10:13-15). To the end of saving souls, a preacher needs to busy himself teaching both “publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).

Edify the Saints. The Lord gave some to be “evangelists…for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:11-12). Some preachers are wreckers instead of builders. Yet, a godly preacher will work to build. He will emulate Paul who wrote, “we do all things, beloved, for your edification” (2 Cor. 12:19).

Defend the Truth. Timothy was to “charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:3). Some are afraid to stand against error. Yet, a preacher must “be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks” that he might “contend earnestly for the faith” (1 Pet. 3:15; Jude 3).

Set an Example. A preacher is to “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). He is, “in all things,” to show himself “to be a pattern of good works” (Tit. 2:7). Some preachers ruin any good they might do because of their poor example. Thus, a preacher must behave himself “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” (1 Thess. 2:10).

May a preacher ever be found doing these things, and may the brethren “hold such men in esteem” (Phil. 2:29).

David Eldridge

We sometimes sing the song “Looking to Thee” which encourages us to constantly look unto Jesus. The thought for this song is taken from Hebrews 12:2, where the apostle implored that we would be “looking unto Jesus” as an example of suffering with patience. There are several things for which one must look unto Jesus. Notice that we look unto Jesus as…

Our Example. In 1 Peter 2:21, we are told that Jesus left “us an example, that you should follow His steps.” Jesus’ example teaches us how to act while suffering (1 Pet. 2:20-23). Also, as Jesus never transgressed the commandments of God, He serves as the truest example of holiness and purity (Heb. 4:15). We must look unto Jesus as our perfect example and emulate Him in patience, suffering, spirit, and obedience. Let us look unto Jesus as our example and follow in His steps.

Our Savior. In Titus 1:4, Paul identifies Jesus as “our Savior.” In fact, we find that Jesus is the one who originated (authored) our salvation and is able to deliver on the promise of eternal life (Heb. 5:9). We, as sinners, are deserving of an eternal death in Hell (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). We must then look unto Jesus for He alone is the one who can save us from eternal death (Acts 4:12).

Our King. Jesus is the great King. In Matthew 28:18, He proclaimed that He has been given “all authority.” Is is no wonder then that Paul, through the Spirit, declared Him to be the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15). Inherent in the fact that Jesus is King is the truth that He has authority over you and over me. Therefore, we must look to Jesus as our King and seek to obey Him in “everything” (Eph. 5:24).

Let us see our great need to look unto Jesus from morning to evening every day we are upon this earth. Follow in His footsteps as your example, praise Him as your Savior, and obey Him as your King!

David Eldridge

Love God’s Law. David stated, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Ps. 119:165). Those who love the law of God are afforded peace by knowing how they might have unity with God. Thus, it is also written, in reference to God’s righteous and true judgments, “More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Ps. 19:10). Do you love God’s law that you might have peace?

Trust in the Lord. Isaiah penned, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3). The one who will “trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God” will find in the Lord a “refuge” in the storms of life (Isa. 50:10; Ps. 62:8). This trusting faith in the Lord is developed by hearing and loving His word (Rom. 10:17). Those who trust in the Lord will be kept by Him in perfect peace. Do you trust in the Lord that you might find the peace He can afford?

Obey the Lord. Those who obey the Lord are promised peace. Isaiah 48:18 records: “Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” If one obeys the Lord, He will grant unto them peace. However, if one refuses to obey God, they will not find peace as they stand opposed to Him (Jas. 4:4). Are you obeying the Lord that you might have peace like a river?

Pray to God. The child of God finds peace in prayer. Paul wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7). Pray to God and find peace, knowing that He cares for you and will answer (1 Pet. 5:7; 1 Jn. 5:14).

David Eldridge

Why Do We Die? Some would answer this question by saying that the heart stops beat­ing, the blood stops flowing, and the brain stops functioning. While true biologically, this is not the root cause of why men die. In Eden, God commanded: “Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Gen. 2:17). Adam and Eve transgressed this commandment and were cast out of the garden. As a result, access to the tree of life was cut off and physical death came into the world (Gen. 3:22). Thus, “in Adam all die” (1 Cor. 15:22). We die physically because of the sin of Adam.

What Is Death? The word death simply means separation. Physical death occurs when man’s life-giving spirit departs from his body (Jas. 2:26). At the creation: “The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). In death, “The dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it” (Eccl. 12:7). A man dies when his spirit departs his body.

Who Will Die? The reality is: “It is ap­pointed for men to die…” (Heb. 9:27). No matter how strong one may be, “No one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, And no one has power in the day of death…” (Eccl. 8:8). The rule is, all will die. The only exception will be those who are alive when Christ returns (1 Thess. 4:17).

Is Death The End? Jesus said, “The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth — those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (Jn. 5:28-29). When the Lord returns, all the dead will be resurrected. After this, Judgment will take place (Heb. 9:27). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). At the Judgment, men will either be granted eternal life in Heaven or be sentenced to eternal death in Hell (Matt. 25:31-46).

Can Death Be Viewed Positively? The wise man said that “the day of death” is better “than the day of one’s birth” (Eccl. 7:1). This is only true for the one who has prepared for death by living for the Lord (Phil. 1:21). Death, for a faithful servant of the Lord, is viewed as a blessing because they will rest from their labors and enter into Heaven (Rev. 14:13; 22:14). Thus, the death of God’s people is precious in His sight (Ps. 116:15).

David Eldridge