“Return to Me”

[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]

A reoccurring theme found within the Bible connected to the salvation of man’s soul, is the desire for the return of God’s children. I was reminded recently of Zechariah 1:3 where the prophet was instructed to plea for the people to “Return to Me.” The forefathers had not heeded the repeated pleas made by God’s prophets in the past which resulted in the Babylonian captivity for the nation of Judah. Their example needed to resonate with the people of Zechariah’s day in order to receive the blessings God was willing to give. The call to return is an invitation to leave wickedness and to pursue righteousness.
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Achieving Obedient Faith

[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]

Despite external forces working to put out lights of righteousness, the potential of maintaining purity is just as high as in the first century. Times of great wickedness can often give opportunity for demonstration of the strongest faith. God noted that the intent of individuals’ thoughts in the ancient world were continually and only upon evil (Gen 6:5). Yet we also read of a man who did all according to what the Lord instructed and achieved salvation by the grace of God (Gen. 7:5, 23). Noah is described as a man of faith in Hebrews 11 because of his obedience to the word of God. Men and women today are capable of having a caliber of faith equivalent to that of Noah or a host of other examples in the Bible.
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Why on the First Day of the Week?

[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]

In various settings I have been privileged to discuss topics relating to the Bible. From such discussions I have learned so many things from individuals that I have admired and have the greatest respect for this day. The instruction and training with such individuals has been an asset when talking to those of my peers in the world. One question that is asked frequently is about why those of the churches of Christ worship on Sunday. Some of the questioners claim to be Christians of various denominations that have left the pattern in participating in worship on another day instead of worshipping on the first day of the week. The time may come when those in the household of faith will also begin to ask this question.
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Spiritual Recessions and Depressions

[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]

Our economy undergoes business cycles which acts like a wave where there are periods of expansion and retraction. Growth occurs during times of expansion until it reaches a certain maximum level, the peak of the cycle. After reaching this peak, a recession, or downward motion where growth is declining for a time (our economic system expects periods of recession to last 6 months or greater in general). If the depression continues for an unusual length of time and becomes severe, where there is a continual decline in overall growth, a depression could occur. Economics has various tools and methods to control these cycles to prevent severe periods of growth and decline. Many monitor the economy, both the monetary authority as well as the general public, and attempt to predict future activity and try to adjust accordingly. It is really interesting that people take a great deal of time to understand our economic system of growth and decline and willfully neglect to monitor the periods of spiritual growth and decline. If monitoring and certain adjustments are not made, then great times of spiritual depressions can occur in Christians which can potentially cause the losing of souls.
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Are Miracles Performed Today?

[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]

The Bible is filled with examples where the power of God is demonstrated through the use of miracles. Events such as creation (Gen. 1), the global flood and restoration of an inhabitable world (Gen. 7-8), walking on water (Mark 6:45-52), the healing of the blind (Mark 8:22-26), or the resurrection of the Christ (Mt. 28:1-7) are miracles that could only have been accomplished by the power of God. Miracles were accomplished for a specific purpose; with the purpose fulfilled the presence of miracles would no longer be needed. For miracles to be performed today, the purpose for miracle usage in the first century would be still present in the modern world, and the ability passed by the same means.
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But It Feels So Right

[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]

Throughout my life I have heard the advice given ‘Let your conscience be your guide.’ The purpose of the advice is to encourage individuals to think about what the alternatives are for a given situation and make the right choice for the right outcome. At times this may be good advice, but only assuming that the conscience has been properly trained to know what is right and that which is conversely wrong. A child taught to trust in self for making decisions may grow into adulthood only referring to self instead of sources more credible for decision making. In attempts to point out an error to a person, a popular response is, ‘But it feels so right. How can something feel this good and not be right?’ The emphasis is usually on how the person feels and his/her wants, instead of looking for a standard for guidance.
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A Push for Higher Education

[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]

It is interesting to note the emphasis this country places on education and to see how many who desire to remain ignorant. Televised commercials have relayed the message for younger individuals to stay in school and earn a GED. Other commercials have aired by various universities to convince individuals that their campus is the best place to engage in higher learning to advance for a comfortable life. It is indeed good for people to have an interest in having knowledge to acquire a skill to be productive in society and provide for self or family. Sadly there are Christians who place a greater emphasis on pursuing a secular education rather than higher education in the word of God. The most enriching knowledge is the knowledge found in Christ that is able to save and perfect our lives.
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