Charles Blair

Mankind has some real needs. Sin has entered our world (Romans 5:12). Sin needs to be faced and dealt with through Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:21). Once sin is removed by obedience to the Gospel, then peace is a direct result of obedience (Romans 5:1). There are things which can rob us of our peace, but that is where we depend on Jesus to see us through the difficult times (Philippians 4:13). We do not deny that the "wind and rain" will come. We deny the house will fall (Matthew 7:24,25). Let us take a moment and consider some important examples from the New Testament.

On the Day of Pentecost, the apostles preached about examples from the Old Testament (Joel and David). Today, preachers are trained to avoid the use of too much Scripture. We must find some way to make the message relevant to our times, we are told. I mean, after all, who would think that the Bible deals with the problems of mankind? I hope you understand the sarcasm I am attempting to use here. Liberals today see the Bible through a "love letter lens," and therefore, are not able to convince or convict the audiences of sin. The apostles, in Acts 2, made no apology for using the Old Testament or for making the proper application of it to their audiences, lest someone forget it was the Holy Spirit doing the talking through the apostles (Acts 2:4).

Here, then, was the Holy Spirit using the Old Testament to reach and audience that was in sin. I know there were no "unchurched" among them, but they were still in sin. Since souls are purified by obeying the truth, I wonder why the Holy Spirit brought up something Joel or David had said (I Peter 1:22)? The Spirit of God made application of the prophecies of the Old Testament. Some preachers today are so caught up in displaying the Bible as a "love letter," that they have forgotten what love is (I John 5:3).

The apostles, being used by the Holy Spirit, attempted to bring guilt to the hearts of their audience. Can you imagine any of our liberal, "enlightened" preachers today bringing guilt of any kind into their preaching? Could it be that the Holy Spirit wanted the audience to know it was in sin and in need of a Saviour? Brethren, this is real need, not "felt need." The Spirit of God told that audience they were guilty of crucifying the Son of God (Acts 2:36). Let me see now, what does the Spirit of God say about those who have quit assembling themselves with the saints? They have, according to the Spirit of God, "crucified to themselves the Son of God aftesh" (Hebrews 6:6). Since liberals are having joint services with the denominations, it would really be strange to bring guilt into such meetings, don't you think?

The apostles went so far as to say who they were talking about. They revealed it was the house of Israel they were talking about. The house of Israel had participated in the death of Jesus. Can you imagine some of our liberal preachers standing in a denominational church and having the moral and spiritual courage to say, "You are the ones I am talking about!" They go to the denominations in order to bash the church which Jesus died for. Their audiences go away being impressed with the speaker, but not a clue as to what to do about sin in their lives.

The first century world was pricked in their heart (Acts 2:37). Twentieth century unchurched, unpious, unrepentant, worldly man is having his needs met by "after dinner speakers" and charlatans pretending to be preachers. No wonder we seldom get to verse 38 anymore. Because, you see, in verse 38 is the way to meet the real needs of the world today, "Repent, and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins."

Do you have "felt" or "real" needs? Jesus is what you need.

Restored
Sister Sherry Hobbs came forward last Sunday morning asking for forgiveness and the prayers of the congregation. Keep Sherry in your daily prayers that she might have strength to overcome the trials in her life.

Personal Work Group
The Personal Work Group is scheduled to meet tonight after the evening services in Assembly Room "B".

Directory Photos
We will start signing up to have photos made for the new directories this evening after services. See Sandy Callender for further info.

For Your Information
Cards of encouragement for Cliff Powell may be sent to the following address:
Cliff and Amy Powell
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In a church where God is honored, Christ is preached, and where the Holy Spirit plays an important role in the life of the disciples, where the gospel is preached in truth and love, and when the lives of the members exemplify their profession, THAT CHURCH WILL GROW!