Christ Changes Us

Jarrod Jacobs

When reading about Christ, I am impressed with how Christ changes people’s lives. For example, when Christ chose twelve men to be His apostles, He told some: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19-21). He later would turn these fishermen into mountain-climbers (Matt. 17:1)! On another occasion, Jesus met a man possessed with devils, and changed him from one who “wore no clothes … had not lived in a house, but among the tombs …. he was … bound with chains and shackles; but he would break the bonds”, to someone who was “sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind” (Lk. 8:27, 29, 35). In addition to this, we see that when Christ went to a funeral, He would raise the dead (Lk. 7:11-16; Mk. 5:41-42;  Jn. 11:43-44; etc.). There was a definite change in those folks!

We also see that people changed when they heard and obeyed the words of Christ. For example, we read that some Corinthians had been, “sexually immoral ... idolaters ... adulterers ... men who practice homosexuality ... thieves … greedy ... drunkards ... revilers, and swindlers” (I Cor. 6:9-10). What happened to them? They heard the gospel, believed it and obeyed it (Acts 18:1-8; I Cor. 6:11)! Christ changed them! In the book of Acts, we read about the conversion of the Ephesians (19:1-7). They were also changed, and what a change! They were changed from “dead” to “living” (Eph. 2:1)! Note the degree of the change in their lives: “You were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:12-13). What a change had taken place in their lives! This change was a result of the relationship they gained in Christ when they were baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 19:5; Gal. 3:27).

 “Change” is the very essence of repentance (A change of mind that results in a change of life)! Christ called for men to repent while He was on earth (Matt. 4:17; Lk. 13:3). Too, when the apostles took the gospel to the world, they demanded men repent of their sins (Acts 2:38, 3:19, 17:30,  19:19, 26:20). Regardless of their background, folks changed when they came in contact with the words of Christ.

It is no different today. If we will be Christ’s, we must change. He demands it! We must repent of our sins and be baptized in order to be saved (Acts 2:38). We must also continue to change and mold ourselves to the image of Christ. The apostle Paul taught: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed …” (Rom. 12:2).

 “Change” can be difficult. Yet, Christ changes us, and it is a change for the better! We will be better in many areas of life when we accept what the Lord has said and follow Him (Col. 3:17; I Pet. 4:11) instead of following our own ideas as to how best to run our lives. Will you allow Christ to change you?

The Control We Think We Have Is An Illusion

Jarrod Jacobs

                   Does this title surprise you? I hope not. If you do not believe that control in this life is an illusion, then I ask what control do you have when a tornado rolls through your neighborhood? What control do you have over the car that is in your lane and going to collide with you? Can we control a heartbeat? Who can stop the aging process in our bodies (Matt. 5:36)? Who can control another’s thoughts about them?

                   Friends, we have no control over matters in this life. The only control one has is the control over one’s own mind and attitude (Prov. 4:23)! This is why we need to think on godly and upright things (Phil. 4:8). This is why we need to fill our minds with godliness and truth (Eph. 3:4; Ps. 119:97). This is because by controlling our thoughts, we can control our actions and be blessed by God (Phil. 4:9; Matt. 7:21; Mk. 16:16).

                   Since “control” in our lives is an illusion, let us determine to turn to the One who truly has control, the God of Heaven. Let us be obedient to Him and follow Him daily (Matt. 10:38). God has control over this world, and we do not! His providence and patience has granted us the blessing of this day (II Pet. 3:9, 15; Rom. 2:4). Further, God’s control allows us the opportunity to hear the word of God, believe it, and be baptized so we can be saved (Mk. 16:16; Acts 18:8; etc.). Are we going to submit to the control of the Lord?

“Be Careful Little Eyes What You See …”

Jarrod Jacobs

                   Perhaps we do not think much about what is set before our eyes, but we need to think seriously about it. Job said he had made a covenant with his eyes in this regard (Job 31:1). David promised to “set no wicked thing before (his) eyes” (Ps. 101:3). When we read the New Testament, we see where Jesus warned, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt. 5:27-28).

                   Sadly, we live in a society that says you can “look, but do not touch.” Read again what the Bible says. Are we listening to God? For many years, TV shows, movies, and the like have broadcast wicked acts before us and called it “entertainment.” Does calling sin “entertainment” make it any less sin? Of course, not! John warned that Satan works to tempt us to sin through “the lust of the eyes” (I Jn. 2:15-17). Knowing that sin leads to our death (Jas. 1:14-15), let us understand the real danger, and follow what Christ has said (Matt. 5:28).

                   Our children need to have parents who are concerned about what they see. Our eyes take in all information and our brain must translate it. Let us help our children by teaching from the Bible the need for being careful about what they see. Let parents and grandparents model the right example before them!

Spotlight On A Bible Verse: Matthew 28:18-20

            “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Christ’s words before He left this world are words of action. By His authority, the gospel is to be preached, and those taught are to be baptized. These people are then to be taught “all things” Christ commanded, and the cycle continues on to this day. Before leaving this world and ascending to His Father (Acts 1:9-11), Christ gave His apostles a final commission – a Great Commission – that will continue to be fulfilled until the end of time.

- Jarrod Jacobs

The Necessity Of Truth

Jarrod Jacobs

                   When we think about truth, I wonder if we realize just how deeply woven truth is into the very fabric of our lives. There are “truth in advertising” laws in our country so that the consuming public is able to trust what is advertised by retailers. Even deeper than this, we expect the truth to be told to us. For example, if we go to a restaurant and choose a meal from the menu, we expect that meal to be cooked for us and that we will be charged the price listed on the menu. When we see a sign at the city limit that states what town we are entering, we believe that this sign has the truth written on it! There is a necessity in truth; for without it, we cannot function in society!

                   Truth is a necessity in our spiritual lives as well. Without truth, we cannot function, spiritually! God tells man to speak the truth (Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9). When we consider God’s word, we see that it, in fact, is truth. Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). The very words of Scripture are truth and are beneficial to our lives. We cannot know whether or not we are saved or lost without instruction from God’s truth.

                   Friend, will you listen to and obey God’s truth? If we want to be saved from sin, we need to obey God’s instructions (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). This truth is soul-saving!