The Value of Being a Christian

By Carl W. Parsons

            I often think and say, if you miss heaven, you have missed it all, but if you gain heaven you have gained it all. I wish every soul could be impressed with that truth. Now let us consider what Jesus said about the kingdom of heaven (being in the kingdom of heaven and being a Christian are synonymous).

            “The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field” (Matthew 13:44). Jesus made it clear once again when he said: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goody pearls; who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46).

            When we speak of a Christian we mean the genuine Christian and not the counterfeit or pretender. Perhaps the Lord made it clear what the difference is when he said: Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but, he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

            Jesus also said: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:46-49).

            “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me (this shows it is a choice he makes - cwp), let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26).

            I think all the Scriptures cited show the importance of being a Christian, which is the same as being a child of God, a servant of the Lord, a dedi­cated member of the Lord’s church or an heir of God. But many may say, “I don’t believe that and I don’t want to be bothered with the concept of it.” Which reminds me of the fellow who would say, “Don’t confuse me with the facts; my mind is made up.” “Ask, and it shall he given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that; knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8). The sad thing is that not many are seeking the Way and will settle for a counterfeit.

            May we flee from the ways of men, the ways of the world which are empty and give a false hope. “Therefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things (the things named in verses five through seven), ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall he ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting king­dom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2Peter 1:10-11). Let us be like Joshua: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:14-15).

The Preacher

By Hazel A. Dillehay

The preacher always sees our faults

And tells us to correct them.

But should we mention some of his

It would very likely vex him.

For doesn’t he pursue God’s word

And study how to reach us?

While we must labor with our hands

To pay him for to teach us.

God knew that preachers too, must have

Someone to help correct them,

So He gave rules to qualify

The elders to correct him.

But elders, what are they but men!

The preacher’s taken over.

He lets the elders, deacons, all

Know that he is in the clover.

            Says he, “I can’t confess my faults;

            The church should not expect it.

            My reputation is at stake,

            And such a course would wreck it.

            And so we try to cover up,

            Make popes of gospel preachers.

            And soon they think they cannot sin

            Because they are public teachers.

            God said confess and then forsake

            Our sins, and He would bless us.

            To think that preachers are immune

            Should very much distress us.

            For then God’s blessing would not rest

            Upon the public teacher.

            So come down now from off your perch

            And be God’s blessed preacher.