Remember the commandments of your Lord and Savior

Friday, January 4, 2013

For the next several weeks. We (the 15th and Crawford Church of Christ) will be stating several Bible principles and asking the questions: Have you heard? Do you agree? Do you follow? Would you like to know more, giving everyone the opportunity to hear and believe (Romans 10:17). It is also an opportunity to learn (Acts 8:30-35). If you would like to write in, email any questions, or responses to be answered or published feel free to do so.

Today's principle: Having a relationship with God in 2013

Today it is very popular to make new year's resolutions. It is also very popular to not keep them. The fewer you make, or by lowering the standards, the easier they are to keep right? I've even heard people say, "This year I'm going to quit exercising and gain 30 pounds." This year if you want to have fewer, how about just one. Serve the Lord.

In Deuteronomy chapter eight, God's word to the Israelites sounds just like something we need to resolve to do. No. 1: Remember God's Commands, every one of them, says verse 1.

No. 2: Remember God's Guidance (vs. 2-4). How He brings us through everything by humility and testing. All to let us know, life comes from the Lord.

No. 3: Remember God's Chastening (vs. 5). We chasten our own children because we love them and want them to grow. Guess what? So does God.

No. 4: Remember God's blessings (vs. 6-10). We are so blessed here in the United States, sometimes we take them for granted. Just like God warned the Israelites they would do if they did not realize they came from God. Which leads to No. 5: Remember God (vs. 11-17). You might ask yourself, "How would I ever forget God?" Israel did, and so can we. Verse 11 says it starts by not keeping His commands and ends with saying, "My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth." Which leads to No. 6, Remember God's power (vs. 18). He has given us everything we need to be health, wealth, and wise. And all for His purpose. Our nation was founded on the words, "In God we trust." But if we forget just one of these, we shall see No. 7, God's warning (vs. 19-20). You shall surely perish.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ started His ministry with these words of warning, "... Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 4:17). And twice in Luke 13, Jesus says, "unless you repent you will all likewise perish." Make 2013 the year to do just that. Better yet, make today the day of salvation. For we don't know what tomorrow may bring.

Today if you are alive and breathing and able to make new year's resolutions, God has plan's for you. He has got you this far. He has loaded us with so many blessings. But if we are not living a life devoted to Him, we are missing the ultimate blessing. His Son, Jesus Christ. His blood can take away our sins. If you would like to find out more about our great blessing in Christ, hope you can join us this Lord's day morning. Bible study is at 10 a.m. and worship at 10:50 a.m. Information for write in or a visit: Church of Christ, 1423 S. Crawford, Fort Scott, Kan., 66701

For any other comments or questions, please email me personally, Minister Mike Chipman, at mikeychip@sbcglobal.net, or by phone at (620) 224-6681. Thank you for your time and God bless.