Collinsville-Troy CHURCH OF CHRIST

I Know Whom I Have Believed

-Dale J. Babinsky

As Paul was giving his final instructions to the young evangelist, Timothy, he wrote, "For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day" (2 Tim. 1:12 NKJV). Let us notice a few things about this particular verse.

First, Paul said that he knows whom he has believed. Paul does not have any doubt about the God that he serves. From the time that Paul first saw the light on the road to Damascus and spoke to our Lord and Savior, he never turned away. Paul was steadfast in his faith, even with all of the trials he had to endure (2 Cor. 11:23-28). Paul knows God, and we can know God too. He has left us sufficient evidence (Rom. 1:20).

Second, Paul is convinced that God is able to do anything He desires. God is all powerful. He is the God who spoke all of creation into existence (Gen. 1). He is the God who parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross on dry ground (Ex. 14:21-22). He is the God who was gracious to Paul by giving him a second chance, when he was persecuting God in his pursuit of Christians (Acts 9:1-5). God wants to give us a second chance also. He is able to cleanse our sins in the precious blood of His Son. He is able to make us whole.

Third, Paul has committed something to God. Like Jesus on the cross, Paul has committed his spirit, his soul, his very existence into God's hands. Paul trusts that God is able to keep his soul well guarded. Peter also spoke of God's ability to keep our inheritance in heaven under guard (1 Pet. 1:3-5). For those who follow God, their inheritance is reserved. No thief will break in and steal it, and rust will not corrupt it. It is ours, if we will obey and remain faithful to God.

We, like Paul, can have confidence in God. We can believe. We can know that He is able. We can trust Him with our very souls!

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN.
- Article obtained from www.bulletingold.com

American Christianity Part 2

-Renn Ferguson

Last week we began this discussion on how American culture and ideals can impact how we practice our Christianity. We noticed how some are under the impression that Christianity is a European religion designed to oppress various demographics of people. We also noticed that those things are demonstrably false. This week we will continue our discussion by looking at how American culture may have an impact on how Christians practice their Christianity.

Our culture is all about freedom. I am thankful for that. I am sure we all enjoy the various freedoms that we are afforded in this nation. I pray that we can continue to have those freedoms (1 Timothy 2:1-2). However, sometimes it seems the American idea of freedom has a negative impact on our service to Christ. We take on an “I can and therefore I should” attitude. Or, conversely, the “I don't have to so I'm not going to” mindset. It is true that in our civil relationships we have freedom to do or not to do what we wish so long as it does not harm or break the law.

Yet, those mentalities are absent in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul wrote, "'All things are lawful', but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." (1 Corinthians 10:23-24, ESV). Earlier, in a similar context, he stated, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” (1 Corinthians 8:13). Paul was not under the illusion that just because he could do something that he should do it. His focus was not on his own freedom but what was best for those around him.

As Christians, we must be careful to not allow our culture to influence our service to God. Rather, let our service to God influence our culture. Christianity is a religion of selflessness and service. When it comes to our relationships (both with God and each other) we do not always need to think in terms of what is commanded or not commanded. We must grow in our love for God and one another to begin thinking in terms of what is best. What is going to help our relationship with God the most? What is going to be most beneficial to my brothers and sisters? These are the questions we must ask ourselves.