Ready! Set! Go!
"They shall mount up with wings like eagles" 
(Isaiah 40:31)

 

Volume 5—Number 1—January 2003
 
 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

     READY:  Biblical Bombs 

     SET:  Opposites 

     GO:  Workers Need Support!

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A Monthly Publication of the Church of Christ  at Duluth, Georgia 
to equip the saints in reaching
the lost through example and evangelism.

Editors

Skip Andrews
3239 Highway 120
Duluth, GA  30096
770  476-2159
email: Skip Andrews

Bobby Wood
1410 Flat Shoals Road
Conyers, GA 30013
770 922-8341
email: Bobby Woods 

Produced under the oversight of the 
elders at Duluth, GA
 
 

Rod Rutherford
Dennis Hatchett
Skip Andrews
 

This paper is sent free to all who request it.

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2003
Time Marches On

It seems only a moment ago that we were looking toward the beginning of a new century and a new millennium.

Now we seldom think about it—but it does remind us of the swiftness of our short lives.  And our neighbors’ lives are short, too.  So let us make more progress than ever before during 2003 to be Ready! Set! And Going! To the world with the gospel.

Chuck Northrup is continuing his valuable study of denominationalism so that we can be “Ready to Answer.”

I plan to write about opposites that relate to everyday living so that we can be “Set on a Hill.”

Others will write about a variety of ways to “Go into All the World.”

These things can be helpful to all of us—so please read, study, and encourage others to ask to be on our mailing list.

     Beginning with the next article in this series, we will be examining some of the various errors of denominations. It is not my intent for these articles to be biblical bombs to simply blast denominational folks, for this would not serve the spirit of Christ. It has been my observation that many times religious discussions become something like a tennis match. The first person serves a biblical bomb, and the opponent returns the serves with another biblical bomb, and back and forth it goes. For example, maybe the discussion centers on what a person must do in order to be saved. The first person believes salvation comes by faith only. So, he serves his biblical bomb of John 3:16. The second person believes that baptism is necessary. So, he returns the serve with his biblical bomb of Acts 2:38. The first person, then, hits his biblical bomb back with Romans 10:13, and, again, the biblical bomb is returned with Mark 16:16. And the bombardment continues with nothing actually being accomplished. 
 

     Just simply an exchange of biblical bombs accomplishes little, if anything at all. Both persons go away feeling justified because they have given biblical bombs to back their positions, and they feel they have burst the other’s position with their biblical bombs. However, in order for the truth to prevail, explanation and reason must be employed (Acts 17:2; 18:4, 19; 24:25). It is not enough to simply blast the opponent with another biblical bomb. We must receive their biblical bomb, explain its rightful meaning, show why it cannot mean what they are teaching, and reason from the scriptures as to its true significance. Take the scenario above, for instance. The first person served the biblical bomb of John 3:16. Rather than returning the serve with another biblical bomb, we ought to explain John 3:16 and the true meaning of belief — showing that true belief or faith encompasses obedience (Acts 16:30-34; James 2:17-26). Also, we need to show why John 3:16 cannot mean mere belief, that is, a simple knowledge of facts (James 2:19). Once we have accomplished this, then we can move on to other passages.
 

     Sadly, biblical bombs are often used to win arguments. However, Christianity is not about winning arguments—it is about winning souls. It is about coming to a knowledge of the truth. As we approach the various denominational doctrines within our study, we are not trying to win arguments but are sincerely desiring to accomplish three basic goals: First, we desire to teach the truth on these various doctrines. Second, it is our aim to help others as they strive to teach their family and friends. And, finally, our intent is to help ground those who are weak and give them understanding as to what the Bible truly teaches and does not teach.
 

     In our approach to denominational doctrines, for the most part, we will be examining various doctrines that many denominations hold. Rather than examining the doctrines of one particular denomination and then moving on to another denomination, we will examine various doctrines that many denominations espouse. It is our conviction this is the most expedient approach. We will begin with the authority of the scripture, because, in my judgment, everything else ultimately comes back to this. A proper understanding of authority solves numerous issues ranging from instrumental music to modern day claims of inspiration. Thus, the authority of the scriptures will be the foundation lesson for all that follows.
 
 

Does this help to clarify the importance of the example we are to set as the “light of the world” 
(Matthew 5:14)?

We are in a battle for the glory of God (Zechariah 2:8) and the souls of a lost generation 
(Acts 2:40; Ephesians 6:10-20).

Let us therefore let our good works be seen so that sinners will turn to God and glorify Him 
(Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:5-12)!
 

“Truth for the World” is one of the works of the church at Duluth.  We have eight full-time staff members who are with TFTW (six men and two women).

Their personal support has to be raised through appointments, word of mouth, mission reports, etc.

This year, on the “Go!” page of “Ready! Set! Go!” I would like to introduce you to these good people and encourage you to consider helping them by your support, helping to get appointments for the men to speak about Truth for the World, and encouraging others to learn about TFTW.

Our staff members are:  Bob Knox (printing), Jimmie and Linda Hill (Bible Correspondence Course Director and TFTW secretary),  Rod and Brenda Rutherford (Writer of various forms of teaching materials and TFTW secretary), John Grubb (Chinese Missions), William Howard (Broadcasting and Internet Missions), and Don Blackwell (Speaker for TV and radio programs).

The support that each of these receives is under the supervision of the elders at Duluth.  We communicate with them, and we provide them with contracts, W2s, etc.  We support each of them financially in a limited way.  

It is very helpful when other Christians support various parts of the work of TFTW!  But it is also important for you to know that they depend on brothers and sisters in Christ for their living, too (just as other preachers, missionaries, school of preaching personnel and students, church secretaries, etc.).

Some of our staff members have a real need for you to contact them about support and/or appointments.

I would be delighted to help you get with them.  Please contact me via the methods on page 1 or by phone at 770 497-0240

Do you need help with discouragement, fear, lack of faith, family problems, etc.?  This is a series of 12 video lessons using “five smooth stones” to conquer these “Goliaths.”