Reaching the Lost

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (1 Corinthians 9:24,25) We are in a race for our lives. This race is ran primarily on the field our minds. Every thought that we think, every word that we speak and every action that we make is determined by what has entered our minds, rather directly or indirectly. The more acquainted we are with the rules of the race and its objective the better we will be. Jesus has paved the way for us by leaving us an example to follow (1 Peter 2:21). He endured and completed the race that we may as well (Hebrews 12:2,3). While still on earth He indicated to His apostles that the race would not be easy. “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We must be diligent to keep our eyes fixed on the prize “and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1,2). Hear the words of Solomon, “the race is not to the swift”*, but to the one who endures to the end – because “no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Ecclesiastes 9:11; Luke 9:62). Let it not be said and the question never asked, “Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Galatians 5:7) Are you running for your life? One day I hope to see you at the finish line!  Tavares D. Mathews

Neglect is to pay no attention or too little attention to; to fail to carry out or perform ones duties. In the New Testament the word means to make light of. Everyone can potentially be neglectful. The Hebrew writer contends that negligence will seal one’s eternal destination. Husbands/Fathers can neglect to provide for his family’s physical needs. (1 Tim. 5:8) Wives/Mothers can neglect their duties in the home. (Titus 2:5) Children can neglect to obey their parents. (Eph. 6:1) Parents can be negligent in not providing spiritual food for their family- esteeming secular demands above those of spiritual importance. (Eph. 6:4) Elders/Deacons can neglect the flock by not overseeing and serving. (1 Tim. 3)  Preachers/Teachers can neglect to study and teach sound doctrine. (1 Tim. 4:15, 16) Members can neglect to recognize the authority of the elders or heed the godly words spoken by the teachers and preachers. We will have to give an account of our stewardship and actions. (Luke 16:2; 1 Cor. 5:10) As reflect upon these things, may we be more mindful of the things which we neglect and purpose in our hearts to put God’s commandments first and our own desires last. (Matthew 6:33) Tavares D. Mathews

Pain and suffering can come about for several reasons. Many suffer physically and emotionally because of their own bad choices. Our first parents suffered because of a wrong decision. Similarly, those who have sexual encounters before they are married may contract sexual diseases, become pregnant or become emotional hurt from such encounters. Abel suffered innocently because of the frustrations of another – his brother. A child may lose his life because of a stray bullet or drunk driver. Job’s pain and suffering were designed to make him stronger – through testing. God still allows trials to come in our lives to build our character. (James 1:3; 5:10, 11) Natural disasters which are the result of man’s sin and the catastrophic flood which changed the entire landscape of a once perfect earth also bring about pain/suffering. Earthquakes that topple and destroy entire cities; Tsunamis that wash away entire villages of people; tornados and hurricanes that leaves total destruction behind. All these are the ultimate result of man’s misuse of his free will. The choices made by previous generations result in many suffering today. A child born with AIDS is only suffering because of the choices made by his parents. We today suffer in a general sense because of the choices that our first parents made at the beginning of time. Free will, though good, can bring about much pain when bad choices are made. Cars and airplanes are designed for good reasons, but they can be used as machines of destruction (e.g. 9/11). Fire can cook our food and keep us warm, but it can also destroy houses. Pain/suffering can keep us humble. Paul had infirmities – a thorn in the flesh – which caused him to remain meek after the revelations which he had received. But, God said, “My grace is sufficient for you” (1 Cor. 12:9). The reason for our human existence is not to pursue happiness, but rather, the purpose of life is to gain knowledge of God which will lead us to ultimate fulfillment both now and eternally – part of God’s way of leading us and preparing us for eternity is through suffering. Tavares D. Mathews

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44)  Notice that Jesus said that we are to love (agape) our enemies. That is, we should love them unconditionally. He is talking about love that is demonstrated not because of how someone treats us, but because we have chosen to love them unconditionally. Now if we are to love our enemies in such a manner, we should likewise love our spouses in this manner. But she doesn’t respect me…love her anyway! But he doesn’t show me any kind of affection…love him anyway! But he belittles me in public…love him anyway! In no way does this mean that we become doormats, but it does mean that we continue to express love to our spouses in spite of ill treatment. The greatest love was demonstrated when we were still sinners, God sent His Son to die for us! (Romans 5:8) Love is not an emotional feeling – it is a choice that we make. God chose to love us before the foundation of world. We must choose to love our spouses no matter the circumstances. Love is a choice we make. You saw this individual, you chose to talk to that person, you chose to develop a relationship with that person, you choose to continue communicating with that person, you choose to get married to that person, and now you have chosen to stop loving that person. It’s not what they have done it’s what you have done or have chosen not to do. No one can make us stop loving them, we can choose not to love that person, but they can’t make us stop loving them. Love is not a feeling – it’s a decision. Tavares D. Mathews

5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue , and virtue with knowledge , 6 and knowledge with self-control , and self-control with steadfastness , and steadfastness with godliness , 7 and godliness with brotherly affection , and brotherly affection with love . (2 Peter 1:5-7, ESV) Faith: The foundation of what one believes based on the word of God Virtue: Moral excellence Knowledge: The ability to discern truth from error based on the word of God Self-control : Abstinence from things harmful and moderation in things permissible Steadfastness: Patience or perseverance in the mist of trying circumstances Godliness: Piety combined with a God-towardness disposition Brother Affection: Practical love that reflects a care for others that normally would be expected of brothers Love: A sacrificial, self-less dedication to others  8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you s an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:8-11) Tavares D. Mathews

The One God, our Father sent the One Lord, our only Savior, into the world to die for the sins of the whole world and to preach One Faith , which if believed will cause a person to submit to the One Baptism , which when done, the One Spirit will place you into One Body , which means there is only one church, and if he remains faithful until death, he will receive the One Hope , which is a home in Heaven. (Read Eph. 4:4-6)  All of these ONES make it evident to me that God wants unity among all people. How is it that many say that they are worshipping the same One God, they have submitted to the same One Lord, they are reading/studying the same Bible which contains the same One Faith, which was written down by inspired apostles and prophets who had the same One Spirit and we are all going to the same Heaven? Notice: Many want God –Father, Son, Holy Spirit and the eternal home he has promised, but only a few are willing to do what he has said in order to worship and serve Him correctly and receive His promise. Can we all believe different things about God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) concerning how God saves man (by the gospel) and not submit to his invitation through baptism and not be unified in one body, His church and all make it to the same Heaven. Surely we are only kidding ourselves. Perhaps there are many gods and just perhaps there are many heavens. Why is it that you never hear anyone say, “I have my God and you have your God!”, “You have your heaven, and I have my heaven!”, but we can always hear some soul utter, “I have my faith, and you have your faith!”; “Go to the church of your choice!”; “I accept Jesus as my Savior my way and you can accept Him your way!” Can we honestly say, that God will allow us all to do as we please down here and in the end we all end up in the same place? Surely We Jest! Tavares D. Mathews

A prophet is a person who speaks to the people on behalf of God. A priest is a person who speaks to God on behalf of the people. A king is a ruler who governs the citizens of a kingdom. He who saved us is all three.  Christ as Prophet: “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people” (Acts 3:22,23). Jesus as High Priest: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus Christ as King: “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings : and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14; 19:16) “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son [Prophet], whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins , [High Priest] sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ” [King] (Hebrews 1:1-3). Tavares D. Mathews