“The Treasure Called The Bible”

Jarrod Jacobs 

                   Note: The following story comes from a source unknown to me, but it makes a very good point: A young Christian packing his bag for a journey said to a friend, “I have nearly finished packing. All I have to put in are a guidebook, a lamp, a mirror, a microscope, a telescope, a volume of fine poetry, a few biographies, a package of old letters, a book of songs, a sword, a hammer, and a set of tools.”

                   “But you cannot put all that into your bag,” objected the friend. “Oh, yes,” said the Christian. “Here it is.” And he placed his Bible in the corner of the suitcase and closed the lid.” - Anonymous

                   The young Christian understood what he was packing when he packed his Bible. Do we realize what we are holding when we hold the Bible in our hands? Do we take our Bible with us when we go on vacations, or other trips? Is our Bible within our minds as we conduct our daily business? (Remember: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly ....” “Thy word have I hid in my heart ....” — Col. 3:16; Ps. 119:11). Other descriptions of God’s word include: a sword (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12), seed (Lk. 8:11), and food (Heb. 5:12-14). Let us respect this treasure, the Bible, realizing that it “thoroughly (furnishes) us unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:16-17). What is your attitude toward the Bible?

“Come And See!”

Jarrod Jacobs 

                   John 1:45-46 records Philip bringing Nathanael to Christ. Nathanael asked, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip answered, “Come and see.” Throughout the Bible, God asks for people to investigate, see, and learn about Him and His Word (ex: Isa. 1:18). Likewise, Jesus called for people to “come” and “learn” of Him (Matt. 11:28-30). Paul said a similar thing to the Thessalonians (I Thess. 5:21). The truth does not fear investigation! In like manner, we would like you to “come” visit with the Caneyville church of Christ and “see”....

                   “Come and see” a group of people committed to doing only as the Bible says. We wish only to “speak as the oracles of God” (I Pet. 4:11), and do only those things that are authorized by the Lord (Col. 3:17). If we are doing wrong, show us this in the Scriptures and we will stop it and do that which is right!

                   “Come and see” our orderly worship services. God demands that things be done “decently and in order” (I Cor. 14:40). God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33). In our worship services, we will sing praises to God; partake of the Lord’s Supper; give as we have been prospered; pray to God; and hear a sermon from God’s word (Acts 2:42; I Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 20:7; II Cor. 9:7). “Come and see” what we do and what we are about. YOU are welcome!

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” John’s warning still rings true today. Fellowship with God and Christ comes as a result of “abiding” (living) within the confines of God’s word. God’s word stands, not as a barrier holding us back, but as a hedge of protection that keeps us safe from sin and evil. If we trespass (transgress) the boundaries and leave the Lord, we have not simply hurt ourselves, but have affected Heaven itself! This is because where we are going, God will not go with us (Isa. 59:1-2; I Jn. 1:5). Decide that the rest of our lives will be devoted to abiding in Christ’s doctrine. In so doing, we will have fellowship with God right now, and can look forward to an eternity with Him when this life is over!

- Jarrod Jacobs

The Bible

Jarrod Jacobs 

            When was the last time you read your Bible? The Bible continues to be a best-seller in this country, yet people are ignorant of what it says. What a tragedy!

            The Bible is a spiritual sword (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). It provides nourishment to the soul (I Pet. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14). The Bible is also described as a fire, a hammer (Jer. 23:29), a mirror (Jas. 1:22-25), and a light (Ps. 119:105). The Bible provides us with “words whereby you and all your house will be saved” (Acts 11:14).

            Knowing the above is true, why is it that so many do not wish to read the Bible? Some may not wish to read it because the Bible demands we change our behavior through repentance (Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38). Some do not like the Bible because it demands that we make hard choices and stick with those decisions (Josh. 24:15; Col. 3:1-10). Some do not like the Bible because it shines the light on our deeds (Jn. 3:19).

            In contrast, what we need is to love God and keep His commandments (I Jn. 5:3). We need to show reverence for His word (Ecc. 12:13; Acts 10:35), and speak “as the utterances of God” (I Pet. 4:11). What is your attitude toward the Bible? Come visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. We are folks who respect and obey the Bible.

The Paralyzing Effects Of Sin

Jarrod Jacobs

            In spite of the fact that some treat sin as a “fairy-tale”, we need to understand that sin and its consequences are very real (Jas. 1:14-15). Sin has paralyzing effects on people. The longer we live in sin (Col. 3:5), the more paralyzed we become. How is this possible?

• Sin paralyzes the eye that it cannot see. “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (II Pet. 1:9).
• Sin paralyzes the mouth that it cannot speak. “He will keep the feet of his holy ones, but the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness” (I Sam. 2:9, ASV).
• Sin paralyzes the hand that it cannot work. “I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD” (Ps. 101:8).
• Sin paralyzes the feet that they cannot go. “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come” (Jn. 8:21).
• Sin paralyzes the ear that it cannot hear. “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word” (Jn. 8:43).
• Sin paralyzes the heart that it cannot trust. “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13).

            Friends, determine today to get forgiveness of sin (Mk. 16:16; I Pet. 3:21). The Lord is ready to forgive and bless (Eph. 1:3) if we will come to Him!