New Testament Christianity Is Unique

It is important that we keep before us the fundamental principles of New Testament Christianity. Brother Guy N. Woods often emphasized that we are always just one generation away from an apostasy. By that he did not mean that the cause of the Lord was weak. But the point was that each generation must be grounded in the principles that make New Testament Christianity unique (Colossians 1:23)

Listed below are some of the unique principles of New Testament Christianity:

· The Lord’s church is not a denomination. The accepted thought in today’s religious world is that each denomination is a part of the church. Another way this is often expressed is that each denomination is just another road to heaven. But Jesus came to establish one church. He declared, “On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). This church was established on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2 (vs. 41,47).

· The worship of the Lord’s church is strictly based on what is revealed in the New Testament. For example, the use of instrumental music in worship is without divine authority. We are only authorized to sing (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). When we go beyond what the Scriptures teach, we sin (Colossians 3:17, I John 3:4, II John 9).

· Baptism is a part of the Lord’s plan of salvation. Many religious groups teach that a person is saved at the point of faith. But every person you read about in the book of Acts who was saved was baptized for the remission of their sins. While baptism is not the entirety of the Lord’s plan of salvation, it is one of the steps. The apostle Peter declared, “Baptism doth also now save us” (I Peter 3:21). Also, Jesus taught, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15).

High Gasoline Prices And Lost Souls

I was about eight years old when I became aware of the cost of gasoline. As I recall, the price was then approximately thirty-two cents per gallon. In a few years the cost of gasoline began to incrementally increase. I can still recall hearing adults talking about the outrageous cost of gasoline at seventy-five cents a gallon.

Currently the cost of gasoline is exceeding three dollars per gallon. It is a constant subject in conversations. The ever-increasing cost of gasoline is a justified concern. For some people it is definite hardship. But it amazes me how some things will concern us, while other things which are more important fail to elicit from us even the same level of concern. What about the tragedy of lost souls? Of course, we realize that lost souls should be a greater concern to us than the cost of gasoline. As Jesus taught of the clear value of a person’s soul, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36 & 37). A person’s soul is their most precious and priceless possession. The greatest loss a person can suffer is to lose their soul.

Most of us are not in a position to do anything about the increasing gasoline prices. But there are things we can do to help lost souls have the opportunity to learn and obey the gospel. For example, we can take advantage of opportunities to answer Bible questions. We can invite people to attend the services of the church. We can actively show concern in the lives of other people. One action on our part has the potential of being the first step of someone learning and obeying the gospel. But before that first action is taken, we must have a true and sincere love for the souls of people.

I have no idea how high gasoline prices will go. But our great need is to keep things in perspective. I know that as use the opportunities available to us, lost souls will have the opportunity to learn and obey the Truth. Inspiration records these haunting words, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (II Corinthians 5:11).

The Power Of Prayer Even In The Perils Of Life

Our Father in heaven does not want us to allow anxiety and doubt to control us. He has provided us with the resources to live our lives on a higher plane, even while dealing with the perils of life. As Jesus exclaimed, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). One tool we have been given as God’s children is the precious avenue of prayer. Rooted in His love for you and me is our Father’s willingness and desire to hear us, as we pray. We are reminded, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers” (I Peter 3:12).

It is important in our spiritual development that we view prayer as more than something that only occurs in public settings. In the Scriptures we find many individuals pouring their hearts out to God in prayer. Also, many of the instructions concerning prayer, written to Christians, deal with every day life. Philippians 4:6 directs Christians, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.” In a section highlighting various exhortations for Christians, we are reminded, “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17). Especially when we are struggling with distressing and troubling things issues in life, we need to approach each step with prayer. God’s faithfulness is one of His characteristics which assure us of the strength of prayer, as Psalm 34:4 highlights the Psalmist’s assurance, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

God’s power to strengthen His people through prayer has not weakened across the years. Such traits as weakness, timidity, or doubt are not reflected in the following statement concerning prayer, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (I John 5:14 & 15).

Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed and in deep pain, that we may think will never go away. But still the power of prayer is guaranteed for the Lord’s faithful (James 5:16). May God help us that our response toward life’s difficulties will be characterized by faith, as we are encouraged, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).