FAITH, HOPE,
AND CHARITY
The Christian’s assurance of eternal life hinges
upon these three things: Faith, Hope, and Charity (1 Corinthians 13:1-13). The
three are so closely related and play an important part in our salvation that
should we remove one of them heaven could not be ours.
FAITH. What is faith? “Now faith is the substance
(ground or confidence) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Why is faith important? “But without faith it is
impossible to please him for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is and
that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Is there more than one faith? “There is one body and
one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one
faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
How is faith shown? “Show me thy faith without
thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)
HOPE. What is hope? Hope is a desire for something
with the expectation of receiving it in time to come. “For we are saved by
hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet
hope for?” (Romans 8:24)
The expectation (or fulfillment) of our hope is
eternal life in Christ when this life ends. “For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans
6:23)
The Christian hope is anchored in heaven, not in the
material things of life. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we
are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)
Hope is the anchor of the soul. “Which hope we
have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” (Hebrews 6:19)
CHARITY. What is charity? Charity is love and is the
greatest of the three. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is charity.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
What is the importance of charity? “Though I
speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become
as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of
prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have
all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am
nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give
my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1
Corinthians 13:1-3)
What is the source of love? “Beloved, let us love
one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and
knoweth God.” (1 John 4:7)
What profit is there in loving God? “The Lord
preserveth all them that love him; but all the wicked will he destroy.” (Psalms
145:20) “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither
have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them
that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
How can we prove our love? “If ye love me, keep
my commandments.” (John 14:15) “He that hath my commandments, and
keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of
my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” (John
14:21)
Do you have FAITH in God? Do you have HOPE of
eternal life? Do you LOVE God? “When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from
heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that
know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; Who shall
be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and
from the glory of his power.” (2 Thessalonians 7:9)
ALBERT
L. DAVIS (deceased)
Reprinted
by permission
When we
do something, we have a motive in doing it. When we attend church, we have motives.
Some of these motives might be improper. Some improper motives might be:
1.
Habit: I’m afraid this applies to lots of us.
We attend just because we have developed the habit. We are not so concerned
with the actual desire to worship God. In some cases we are just “going with
the crowd”. David was glad to attend the house of the Lord.
2. For
entertainment: Denominational churches use many lures
to get people to attend. Recently I saw a big sign in front of one of these
churches stating the next service was especially for parents with children and
the babies would have a “free picture” taken of them. Others have special forms
of music – quartets, instrumental groups, etc. Can we possibly believe they
encourage people to attend to worship God? I think not!
3.
Social reasons: To see and to be seen. No consideration
here for worship that is right. Certainly we are encouraged to Christian
fellowship – but not for these motives.
4. For
business reasons: The world considers this the “thing to
do” in becoming acquainted in a community. They say, “Join the church of your
choice, join the Chamber of Commerce, etc…” Brethren, we must not let this be a
reason for our attendance. We should “seek first the
5.
Because of the fine buildings: This should
not be a factor. We all enjoy comfortable places to meet, but to make this a
prime consideration is wrong.
6.
Because we like the preacher: Sometime ago
I heard a couple say they had attended a number of different churches in town
and finally “placed their membership” with a certain denominational church
because “we like the preacher”. I am reminded of the scripture that states
there are those who “by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of
the simple” (Romans
--Copied—
Each time the
church meets, an invitation is offered: for those who have never obeyed the gospel
and for those who have obeyed the gospel to examine their life for needed
changes. However, week after week, month after month, and even year after year
passes with not a single response. Are all of us that sure of our spiritual
condition and that no change is needed? Let’s hope and pray that is the case.
However, I fear that pride, procrastination, or false security may get in the
way. My friends, we are not questioning if the warranty on our refrigerator is
valid; we are talking about the destination of our soul for all of eternity
should we die at this very minute. There will be only two possibilities: heaven
or hell.
If you have
any question or doubt in your mind, please do something about it. Certainly the
invitation at church services is an excellent time to respond to the gospel;
although, it is not the only time. Acts
If you have
Bible questions about your salvation, please do not continue to live in doubt
and fear. A private study can be set up at your home, at the church, or
wherever you would like. I may not have all the answers but, the Bible does
have all the answers. If you prefer to talk to some other brother, please do
so; I am just concerned about your soul. In Christian love,
MARK CARPENTER
266 County Rd 466
Woodland, AL 36280
SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES
1. What name did the Lord give to Solomon?
2. How many men from each tribe did Joshua appoint
to a map-making committee?
3. What was the emotional response of the disciples
when Jesus said one of them would betray Him?
4. In the book of Revelation, those who were spared
from the tribulation had their robes washed in what to make them white?
5. What was the test of unfaithfulness for wives as
found in Numbers 5?
ANSWERS
NEXT MONTH . . .
and remember last month’s questions?
1. What king of what country began the return of the
Jewish exiles to Jerusalem? CYRUS, KING
OF PERSIA (2 Chr. 36:22)
2. According to Isaiah, God has abandoned his people
because they are filled with superstitions and influences from which
direction? THE EAST (Isa. 2:6)
3. By what is a tree known? ITS OWN FRUIT (Lk. 6:44)
4. What is called the faithful witness in heaven in
Psalm 89? THE MOON (Psa. 89:37)
5. What did David do with the head of Goliath? TOOK IT TO JERUSALEM (1 Sam. 17:54)
GOSPEL MEETINGS
DATES PLACE & TIME SPEAKER
Oct. Ashlock Church Wilbur
Bass
3 – 8 near Celina, TN
(Auburn, AL)
Oct. Load, KY James
McDonald
7 – 10
(Woodbury, TN)
Oct. Valley, AL Sam
Dick
11:00am
(E.S.T.) Sun
Oct. Marrowbone Church Wilbur
Bass
14 – 17 near Burkesville, KY
(Auburn, AL)
Oct. Van Lear, KY Thad
Eubank
15 – 17
(Waynesboro, KY)
Oct. Goochtown, KY Joe
Hill
18 – 22 (Hagerhill,
KY)
Oct. Allgood, TN James
McDonald
25 – 28
(Woodbury, TN)
Oct. South Shore Church Joe
Hill
25 – 31 near Ashland, KY
(Hagerhill, KY)
Oct. Antioch Church Bill
Prince
29 – 31 Douglasville, GA
(Oxford, AL)
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THE HARVESTER is a monthly publication intended to encourage all men everywhere to become laborers into God’s harvest (Luke 10:2). This paper is mailed free of charge to anyone who wishes to receive it. Please submit name, address, and all correspondence to:
Ray McManus
141 County Road 474
Woodland, AL 36280
Phone: (256) 449-9221
Email:
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