The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
June 28, 2009
In
This Issue:
An
Ideal Father
by
Steve Klein
Are
You Without Christ?
by
Carrol R. Sutton
The Recent Passing of Great Icons
This past week the attention of the world was focused on the passing of Michael Jackson and Farah Fawcett, both of whom have been described by the media as "icons." An icon is someone who is the object of great attention and devotion; an idol. In fact, the word icon comes from a Greek word that is found frequently in the New Testament, where it is translated "image." Strong's Dictionary says that it means "a likeness, literally a statue, profile, or, figuratively, a representation, resemblance - image." It is the word used in Romans 1:23 to describe pagan idolatry: Men "changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things."
Jackson and Fawcett were certainly shown a lot of attention and devotion, and they were both outstanding representations of our popular culture. Now they have gone to meet their Maker, and like all of us, icons or not, they must appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive the consequences of what they have done in this life, "whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is not our place to pronounce eternal judgment upon them. No doubt both did some good in their lives. But we do know that lewdness and uncleanness are bad (works of the flesh), and that those who practice such things "will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21). We also surely understand that it matters not if the lust-provoking behavior (lewdness and uncleanness) is in the form of indecent dancing, lyrics or photographs - it is what it is and God is not pleased with it.
While the world was focused on the loss of its icons, we at New Georgia have been focused on the recent loss of those who lived their lives as icons of Christ, in His image. They had "put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him" (Colossians 3:10). God had chosen them to be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29) and they were "transformed into the same image" (2 Corinthians 3:18). We have been blessed to know these truly great icons. Unlike the icons of the world, they are worthy of honor and imitation (1 Corinthians 11:1; Hebrews 13:7; Romans 12:10).
We've seen the reaction of the world to the passing of its icons. It would be fascinating indeed to see the reaction of heaven. Attempt to envision how the Lord has viewed recent events as you consider the following two passages:
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"As I live, says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked'" (Ezekiel 33:11)
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"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints" (Psalms 116:15).
Truly "the Lord does not see as man sees" (1 Samuel 16:7). "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9). In the end, to be seen by God as an icon of His Son will be all that matters.
-- Steve Klein
Prior to the coming of Jesus Christ into the world, Gentiles, as a class of people, were "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world." After Christ came, in Christ those who "were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Christ "is our peace" and He hath made both the Israelites and the Gentiles one. He "abolished" the law of commandments in order to make in Him one new man "that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby." See Ephes-ians 2:8-22).
Today, both Jew and Gentile can have God and have hope in Christ! God is no respecter of persons. In every nation he (any he) that "feareth God and worketh righteousness is accepted of Him.'' (See Acts 10:34-95).
Prior to their faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ, the saints (who were Gentiles) at Ephesus "were without Christ . . . having no hope, and without God in the world." (See Ephesians 2:12). They were lost, but God's grace saved them! When they heard the gospel preached by the apostle Paul, "they were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.'' (See Acts 19:1-5). They believed the gospel and were baptized "into Christ." They were washed in the blood of Christ! Thus, they were saved by grace through faith! Jesus had said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). Their salvation was not of themselves! It was a gift of God! It was not "of works, lest any man should boast." God, who is rich in mercy, provided their salvation! (See Ephesians 2:1-10).
Those who had been aliens, strangers and foreigners were now "fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God!" They were "builded together (with others) for an habita-tion of God through the Spirit." (See Ephesians 2:22).
Have you believed the gospel and been baptized? If not, you are yet in your sins! You have not been saved by grace through faith! You are without Christ! You are without God in the world! You are lost! You have no hope! Are you without Christ? You need not be!
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-- Carrol R. Sutton