This broadcast is part two of three broadcasts looking at and studying the parables of Luke 15—in this broadcast, the prodigal son and again, tragedy can lead us to treasure, friends.
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Join us as we delve into Job 42, the final chapter that wraps up our 30-day venture through the compelling story of Job. Witness the restoration of Job's fortune and the renewal of his life after unspeakable trials. Job's sparking repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty serve as eternal lessons for us to remain steadfast in our own life challenges. As we explore reflections from over three decades of journaling, gain valuable insights into maintaining faith and trust in the divine, even when life's trials feel insurmountable.
Welcome to Add Bible, an audio daily devotion from the Ezra Project. Alan J. Huth shares a Bible passage with comments from over 35 years of his personal Bible reading journals and applies the Word of God to our daily lives.
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Today we reach Job chapter 42, the last chapter of the book of Job, and the last of our 30-day adventure through this book. We'll see Job respond to God one more time, we'll see God speak, and we'll see God restore everything to Job. Let's listen in to the last chapter of the book of Job, chapter 42. Job 42
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Then Job answered the Lord and said, I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me which I did not know. Hear and I will speak. I will question you and you make it known to me. I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.
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After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite,
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My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly." for you have not spoken of me what is right as my servant Job has.
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So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them. And the Lord accepted Job's prayer. And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before and ate bread with him in his house. And they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him. And each of them gave him a piece of money and a ring of gold. And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. And he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys. He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first daughter, Jemima, and the name of the second, Keziah, and the name of the third, Karenhapik. And in all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job's daughters. And their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers. And after this Job lived 140 years and saw his sons and his sons' sons four generations. And Job died an old man and full of days.
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We'll take a look for the last time at those journals I've been using through the book of Job. We'll begin with 1984 as I finished the book of Job with chapters 41 and 42. And I wrote, Job repents. God restores him. 41.11 says, Who has given to me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine. And 42.2 says, I know that thou can do all things. Thirteen years later, in 1997, I finished the book of Job. With chapters 35 through 42 on the last day, I wrote, God speaks to Job and his friends. Prepare yourself like a man. I will question you and you shall answer me. God puts Job in perspective. He never ever addresses Job's issues but declares his sovereignty. Everything under heaven is mine. When Job has a chance to answer, he laid his hand over his mouth. I will not answer. There is no answer or question to God. He simply repented for ever questioning God. Lord, forgive me for whining or ever questioning you. Give me strength to live in your sovereignty. And 18 years later, in 2015, I finished the book of Job by reading chapters 40 through 42 on the same day. And I wrote, God calls those who question him fault finders. Job desired, waited for the opportunity to present his case before God. He now has the chance to do so and he says nothing. We are so small before God, our articulation is babbling. Doubtful if any of us are going to question God or present our futile case before him. God never answers Job. He never explains what happened to Job. He reminds Job of how big he is. Job responds, God restores the fortunes of Job. after he prayed for his friends. Job lives 140 years, so his suffering may have been a very short trial in his life. How am I handling my trials? In this last chapter of the book of Job, Job does speak to God. Let's go back and see what he had to say. In verse 2, I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. In verse 3, he says, Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. Job never argues his case before God, does he? Nor will we. Job understands he has no case before God, nor do we. So Job never does understand what happened back in chapter 1, in the book that carries his own name. God does not need to explain himself. After Job successfully faces his trial, this test from God Almighty, Then the Lord restores everything back to Job. Verse 10, And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends, and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Verse 12, And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. Verse 16, And after this Job lived 140 years. And verse 17, And Job died an old man and full of days. Notice too, the restoration of Job only came after he was restored to his friends. He had to pray for them, and God said he would hear that prayer from Job. How do you feel after completing the book of Job? Do you feel a little let down that God never tells Job what really happened? Do you feel challenged by your own personal trials and how Job was handled his and he remained faithful? And are you questioning whether you can remain faithful during the trial that God has you in? Or do you feel like you're on the way out of a trial and that you will be restored? Has Job helped build your faith and trust in God? Do you feel sorry for your questioning of God through your life? And do you feel like repenting? Like Job did. Again, look at verse 6. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. Job repented. Do you need to? When we started Job, we said the theme of Job is can God be trusted? It responds to our heart's desire to question God, to wonder about our faith in a sovereign God when things don't appear to be going right. We said Job questioned God, but while demonstrating unshakable faith... Has our journey through Job given you unshakable faith? Let's close out our journey through the book of Job in prayer. Father, we thank you for this book, a book of despair, a book of trial, a book of trouble, a recap of a life much like our own. Job suffered. He lost it all, but his faith never wavered. As you put us through the tests of life, may we be like Job. May our faith never waver. Thank you for strengthening us through this book. Thank you for reminding us the trials will come in our lives. Thank you for reminding us of who you are. You're bigger than any trial we will ever face. And thank you for the promise of restoration. You restored Job. May you restore us as well. Thank you for the lessons of life in the book of Job. Holy Spirit, apply them to each of our journeys. as we continue our sojourn on the earth. Job had many more years to live after this trial. We may too. So thank you for the promise of restoring us. We give you all the praise and the glory. Amen. Thanks for listening to AdBible today. Our radio programming is set for 2025. We will cover 44 of the 66 books of the Bible using the Ezra Project day by day through the Bible 11 book series. We start at January 1 with the writings of the Old Testament historical books beginning with Job. We will cover seven more historical books until spring when we jump into the New Testament writings of Mark, Peter, James, Jude, and Hebrews. By summer, we will go back to the Old Testament writings of all 13 of the minor prophets. We'll finish 2025 with the writings of Paul. Maybe you don't want to follow the Ad Bible Radio programming in your daily quiet time. Okay, I offer you an alternative plan. Read the Bible chronologically starting any day you want. The Bible is not organized the way things occurred. You can order an Ezra Project Chronological Bible Reading Journal and experience an amazing journey through the Bible in the order things actually occurred. The first time I read the Bible chronologically, it was an aha experience. While reading Kings and Chronicles, I read the prophets who were alive at the time. In the New Testament, you read about a miracle or a parable by all four gospel writers on the same day. It was a very educational and inspiring way to read the Bible. One user said this about our chronological Bible reading journal. Some years ago, I used a couple of spiral notebooks for my journaling. I've attached pictures of the book, the first edition of the Ezra Project Bible Reading Chronological Journal. That was the picture he sent. I live in Phoenix now, and I cannot find any place that has this type of journal. I've used many types of journals recently, but this seems to work the best for my needs. Please let me know if these are still available. Yes, they are. In fact, it is our number one best-selling product of all time. Visit azureproject.net and order a chronological Bible reading journal today and start your chronological journey through the Bible. I know you're going to enjoy it and want to share it with others. To support AddBible, visit EzraProject.net, the donate button. For a one-time gift of $39 or more, we will send you a free copy of one of our day-by-day through the Bible books. And for a gift of $100 a month, we will send you the entire 11-volume series covering all 66 books of the Bible, chapter by chapter. You will get a book a month for the first 11 months of your $100 a month contribution. So support the Ezra Project today by going online and hitting the donate button at ezraproject.net.
In today's lesson, Jeff Archie guides us through a rich exploration of what it means to live as God intends, drawing from Philippians 2:1-4. We discuss the significance of unity, love, and humility within the Christian faith, and how reflecting these attributes transforms our interactions. From the foundational teachings of Proverbs and Acts, witness how believers are called to be of 'one mind' and heart, fostering an environment where selflessness prevails. Plus, discover resources such as the Gospel Gazette and our 'Back to the Bible' study that deepen understanding and promote spiritual growth.
Genesis 1.27 says, So God created man in his own image. In the image of God he created him, male and female he created them. Let's build on that today from right here from the International Gospel Hour. Please stay tuned.
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Hi, this is Jay Webb for International Gospel Hour. Welcome to our broadcast today. For over 90 years, churches of Christ have proclaimed God's Word through our broadcasts. Just ahead is another Bible-based lesson with Jeff Archie of International Gospel Hour. Let's begin.
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Well, thank you to our J-Web, and greetings to all of you. So good to have you with us today for our studies here from the International Gospel Hour. We say often we've been on the air or online since 1934, and how blessed we are, and we're able to be on the air that long due to wonderful, faithful listeners such as you. Please think with me for a moment about what is commonly called the golden rule in Matthew 7 and verse 12. Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets. Now please hear who is the first to make the move. How we want to be treated is the way we treat others. It starts with us as individuals. For example, if I desire to be treated friendly, then let me initiate the friendliness. That reminds us of Proverbs 18, 24. A man that has friends must show himself friendly. You know, if everyone in this world lived by the golden rule, without question, living would be better, would it not? And as we noted in the opening, God created man in His own image. Through His Word, the Holy Scriptures, God instructs us about His image. And if we follow His Word, we will imitate His image and what a beautiful world it would be. In a few moments, we're going to consider our text of Philippians 2, 1-4 to help us be more in the image of God. Before we do that, I'm going to defer to our J-Web with one of our good online tools from our friends at the Gospel Gazette. Thank you, Jeff.
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GospelGazette.com is another free online tool from International Gospel Hour. Our friends at GospelGazette.com have an awesome website, and among the options available is their current monthly issue, 25 years of archived material, free PDF copies to the Voice of Truth International publication, and a digital library with an enormous amount of material. Please check them out at GospelGazette.com. That's GospelGazette.com.
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And now, friends, our lesson text from Philippians 2, 1 through 4. Paul is writing to the church here at Philippi, the Christians. And he says, Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interest of others. Now, friends, Paul brings forth, if there be any consolation, if any, if any. Well, folks, the thing is, yes, the consolation is in Christ and comfort of love. And Paul is saying because of this, then let us respond this way. So let's think about it for a moment. As the image of God, well, let's be like-minded. That was the same plea Paul brought forth in 1 Corinthians 1 and verse 10. Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Now keep that thought of like mind there for a moment, and let's move to number two. As the image of God, let's have the same love. In 1 Peter 1, 22 and 23, Peter said, Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and abides forever. Now friends, we're seeing from Philippians 2 how we can become more in the image of God. Here's a third one. As the image of God be of one accord. The word accord literally means of one soul, having your souls joined together. Allow Acts 4.32 to reflect of the church. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul. Neither did anyone say any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. Now, when I take a look at the one, the one another, okay, same mind, loving one another, one heart, one soul. Now, if I want to be treated that way, then I am going to in turn treat others that way as I desire to be in the image of God as we all do. Here's the fourth one. Now, I asked moments ago to keep like-minded in mind. Now, Paul comes back here in Philippians 2, 1-4. As the image of God be of one mind. It's like here is a reminder. You know in Romans 12 and verse 5. So we being many are one body in Christ. And individually members of one another. So from like-minded to one mind shows us the growth and our aim, loving one another, the heart, the soul. Within the church, such will continue to grow. What a wonderful thought. Here's our next one. As the image of God, have the right motive. Later in Philippians 2 and verse 14, Paul says, Do all things without murmurings and disputings. So when they had matters that would arise, Paul said, do all things. Don't murmur. Don't complain. Don't dispute. Let's address these things properly. And we will if we are walking of one mind, being like-minded, with the same love, one heart, one soul. You see, once again, friends, we're looking out for not our own interests, but the interests of others. Here's the next one. As the image of God, be of a lowly mind. Let the like mind, the one mind, we're working together to have a lowly mind. We're reading of the teaching to the church here at Philippi. Listen to what Paul said to the church in Ephesians, or in Ephesus rather, the book of Ephesians, chapter 4, verses 1 through 3. I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Now, friends, the unity of the Spirit, God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit, that's going to remain in unity. Nothing will tear them apart, but we must keep that in the bond of peace, and if we keep our focus there, then we humble ourselves with lowly minds, with the right motive. Lowly minds of one mind, like-minded, same love, one accord, all aimed toward the image of God. Back to our lesson text as the image of God. We esteem others better than ourselves. Again, friends, that's Matthew 7 and verse 12. Whatsoever you would that men do to you, here's the move. We go first. Do also to them. We can't be, well, they're that way. I'll treat them this way. No, no, friends. Christlike action in the image of God. Here's how we're going to do unto them. We make the first move with how we wish to be treated. And as the image of God, we look after each other's interest. In Romans 12 and verse 10, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another. My, that would take us back to having the same love as we noted from 1 Peter 1, 22 and 23, loving one another with a pure heart fervently. The one mind, the one heart, the one soul. Friends, in order to reflect the image of God, these are things and how we must live. And friends, first and foremost, we must respond to God and obey the gospel of Christ. Before I can become all of these we mentioned, we must obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have a new study that we are about to share with you on this broadcast. And friends, Let's just say it's time to go back to the Bible. Here is our J-Web with our new offer for a great Bible study online.
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Let's go back to the Bible, shall we? On International Gospel Hour, we always desire to go back to the Bible for our studies. And now we are delighted to offer a special video series through our friends at World Video Bible School. It's called Back to the Bible with our friend Rob Whitaker. A simple yet thorough study that deals with authority in religion, the church, and your salvation. It's free, friends. Call us at 855-444-6988. Tell us your email address, say back to the Bible, and we will send the link to you. It's that easy. You can go to our website at internationalgospelhour.com, click on the contact tab, leave us your email, type back to the Bible in the message box, and we will send the link right away. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Friends, we hope that study of Back to the Bible will be of help to you. It is an awesome study. Now, I realize that many may not have access to a computer, but we very well could arrange for someone to study Back to the Bible with you in person. Now, let me say very carefully, if you are interested in a personal visit for this study, call us first at 855-444-6988. And let us talk with you about this study. We're very careful. We do not share addresses with others unless we have permission. We only share with those who have to fulfill the studies for us. And they do not share. So again, we're very careful. We respect your privacy and your wishes. But if we can be a further of help, call us first at 855-444-6988 and say, I'd like for somebody to study back to the Bible with me. We'll give you a call and we'll go from there. Again, friends, we all want to be in the image of God. Imagine if all the things we studied today were applied. And they can be. And it begins with you and I. Let's continue our studies together at another time, and thank you for joining me today on the International Gospel Hour. I'm Jeff Archie, and friends, keep listening.
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God be with you till we meet again.
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Thank you for listening to our broadcast today, and we hope you continue onward with your search and study of God's Word. Please join us next time and visit our website at internationalgospel.org.
We are reminded of the importance of having a guide who knows the way, and Jesus is presented as that ultimate guide to heaven. Alongside, the episode highlights free resources provided by Apologetics Press and the opportunity for further Bible study through the 'God and Man' booklet. Our host Jeff Archie offers a heartfelt message of gratitude to contributors and supporters, emphasizing the timeless nature of sharing God’s word.
Let's talk about Jesus today and His declaration as the way, the truth, and the life, the one way to salvation. That's coming up from the International Gospel Hour. Please stay right here.
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Hi, this is Jay Webb for International Gospel Hour. Welcome to our broadcast today. For over 90 years, Churches of Christ have proclaimed God's Word through our broadcasts. Just ahead is another Bible-based lesson with Jeff Archie of International Gospel Hour. Let's begin.
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Well thank you always to our J-Web. Greetings to all of you. Great having you with us here for our broadcast of the International Gospel Hour. Friend, did you know that everything that we offer here is absolutely free? There is no catch. And today I want to offer you a book that we have given away before and we have additional copies and we want to share them with you absolutely free. We appreciate our friends of ApologeticsPress.org and they have supplied us with a number of materials to share with you, our audience. Today we want to give away the book, Does God Exist? written by Dave Miller. Here's all you do to receive your free book, Does God Exist? Call us toll free at 855-444-6988. Leave us your name and address and just say... Does God Exist? That's just the title of the book. That's all. Just leave your name and address and say, Does God Exist? And that's all you do. Now, you may also go to our website at internationalgospelhour.com. Click on the Contact tab and leave us the same information, your name and address, and just type, Does God Exist? in the message box. We have a number of different materials that we share, and that way helping us and being a little specific will make sure you get the right book. So thank you in advance for your help. Now, speaking of Apologetics Press, here's a few additional words about their work from our J-Web.
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A quick word about our friends at ApologeticsPress.org. For almost 50 years, these good folks have pursued and developed scripturally sound and scientifically accurate materials in the field of Christian apologetics. You've got to check out their website at apologeticspress.org. Peruse and download free material today.
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You know, friends, we really appreciate our J-Web. We always like to acknowledge Jay, and we appreciate him sharing that. So please reach out for the free book today and access the free material there at ApologeticExpress.org, and you can access that every day. You know, in a day of compromise, arbitration, and concession, the thought of there being only one way to live, you know, that's offensive to some people. But Jesus was not a lunatic when he affirmed, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father but by me, John 14, 6. Let's think about that today. First of all, friends, you know Jesus is the way out. He is the way out of sin. Sin deceives and many are enslaved without realizing it. Some say, like the ancient Pharisees, in John 8, 33, we are not under bondage. This denial is based upon a limited understanding of sin and moral wrongdoing. Sin will manifest itself by blatant actions such as stealing, killing, and immorality, but may also be attitudes and ambitions. Only Jesus can deliver from the slavery of sin, John 8, 32, and Romans 6, 17 and 18. Second, Jesus is the way through. When illnesses, disappointments, and failures come, Jesus is the way through these difficulties. Just as Israel needed the cloud by day and light by night, so we need a guide that assists us through the dangers of evil and wrong. Jesus is also the way through an uncertain future. Jesus gives us hope for the future. And experience confirms the need for strong daily faith. Here's a third one. Jesus is the way in. Jesus gives life in abundance. Oh, all seek satisfaction. Yet some are confused in thinking an affluent life is equivalent to abundant living. But Jesus said the thief comes not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy. I am come that they might have life. and that they might have it more abundantly, John 10, verse 10. He is the way to have inexpressible joy, a condition much deeper and permanent than happiness. Happiness to many depends on circumstances. Yet Christ brings joy even in the midst of the most adverse circumstances. True joy in Jesus Christ does not rely on the circumstances. but will respond to the circumstances. Oh, the promise to the Christian from Ephesians 3, 20 and 21. Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Fourth, Jesus is the way up. He enables us to reach greater potential in our lives. We're made to love, worship, and serve the Lord. Someone once said, if you would find the best potatoes, go to Idaho. The best onions, go to Michigan. The best apples, go to Washington. The best peaches, go to Georgia. The best sailors, go to Annapolis. The best soldiers, go to West Point. But to find the best being, you must go to Jesus. He alone will lift you up to heights never imagined before. It is Peter in 2 Peter 1 verses 2-4 who said, Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
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Jesus is the way to heaven. Friends, if you sought a guide to a location you never visited before, you would not choose a guide who had never visited your desired destination, but you would seek one who knew the way. Jesus left the splendors of being with the Father and came in poverty to a world filled with sin. He seeks to guide us back to His home. In John 14, verse 3, Jesus said, And if I go and prepare a place for you... I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also. Friends, He is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus is the way out of sin, the way through difficulties, the way in with an abundant living, the way up to reach great potential, and the way to heaven. Friends, there's not a one of us that would not desire a heavenly home. With that being said, we are blessed to bring forth a new study, and it has been received so well that we want to continue offering this study as far as we can. And so we're going to defer to our J-Web of how you can receive this study by mail, but you can also access it online. So Jay's going to be a little bit more detailed here, and then I'll come back and we'll wrap up our study today.
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An additional Bible study by mail is now available from International Gospel Hour. It's titled, God and Man, How to be Saved from Sin. The study booklet addresses a number of questions about the salvation from God to man. And friends, like all materials, it's free. Call us toll-free at 855-444-6988 and leave your name, address, and just say, God and Man. Or you can go to our website at internationalgospelhour.com, click on the Contact tab, and leave us the same information, name, address, and type God and man in the message box. Another Bible study that is free from IGH. And our friends at godandman.com. That's god-and-man.com. And, you know, since you can't see it, let me just spell that out for you. We'd love to hear from you.
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Well, friends, we appreciate Jay painstakingly explaining that. And again, to receive that the easiest way, call us toll free at 855-444-6988. Leave your name and address and just say God and man. My, we have had a number of people request that study. One dear lady said, I'd like to see it and I want to share it with others. And we trust it will be of help to you. We're blessed to offer to you a number of free materials here from International Gospel Hour. Access the website at ApologeticsPress.org. And, of course, we're just blessed to be able to do that. We're thankful for so many that help us. I'm also thankful for my friend and brother Mark Posey, of whom I'm always finding to extend a debt of gratitude to him. Mark has a wonderful work called Pulpit Preview. Now, he put this together a number of years ago to assist preachers as they prepare to preach with just some thoughts or a rough outline or something along that line to prompt them with further study. And we find that tool an excellent help here at International Gospel Hour. So today, our study of the only way of salvation comes via our friend Mark Posey and his great work, Pulpit Preview. Now, Mark is a great encourager of our work here. He's an elder in the Lord's Church and the evangelist for the Winfield Church of Christ in Winfield, Alabama. He is very active in evangelism, especially in the war-torn country of the Ukraine. Now, Mark also adapted this work from the late Jerry Jenkins. And indeed, it is a blessing to bring forth material from Brother Jenkins, who has, of course, passed on. But like Abel of old, he still speaks Hebrews 11 and verse 4. And so how thankful we are to use that material. Friends, it doesn't matter who brings the material as long as it is biblically based. And we're thankful to share a number of outlines of preachers of days gone by, articles, studies, you name it. We try to share it here because it still teaches. It's still God's Word. Jesus said in John 12, 48, He that rejects me and receives not my words has one that will judge him. The word that I have spoken, the same will judge him in the last day. Friends, we want to be judged according to God's word and to know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We'll continue our studies together at another time, and thank you for joining me today on the International Gospel Hour broadcast. I'm Jeff Archie, and friends, keep listening.
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God be with you till we meet again.
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Thank you for listening to our broadcast today, and we hope you continue onward with your search and study of God's Word. Please join us next time and visit our website at internationalgospelhour.com
In this engaging episode of the International Gospel Hour, delve into the profound insights of Hebrews 12 as we explore the concept of discipline. Join Jeff Archie as he articulates how God's discipline is an expression of love aiming to lead us toward holiness and a better life. Discover how discipline in various forms can yield peaceable fruits of righteousness and a strengthened relationship with the Divine. Whether it's preventive or corrective, discipline plays an essential role in our spiritual journey. As we dissect the definition and purpose of discipline, we learn that it's more than just correction; it's an essential training for living in accordance with God's Word. Drawing on wisdom from scriptures and notable quotes, this episode highlights the necessity of a disciplined life. Through engaging storytelling and biblical analysis, listeners are encouraged to embrace discipline as a means of improvement and growth in their walk with God. Discipline, often received with apprehension, is redefined as a positive and constructive force that shapes our lives for the better. Tune in to understand how discipline from God equips us to live fulfilled, godly lives. Additionally, hear about the opportunities for online Bible study, which offer further learning and spiritual growth.
Friends, let's talk discipline. Now, bear with me, because it really isn't a bad word. Good can come, and we hope a good study will come today about this subject. That's from the International Gospel Hour. Stay with us.
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Hi, this is Jay Webb for International Gospel Hour.
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Welcome to our broadcast today. For over 90 years, churches of Christ have proclaimed God's Word through our broadcasts. Just ahead is another Bible-based lesson with Jeff Archie of International Gospel Hour. Let's begin.
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Well, thank you to our J-Web, as always. Greetings to all of you. It's great having you with us. Without our listening audience, well, we would not have a lot in which to deal with. The Word of God is always wonderful in which we can study, but having you with us to join us for our studies, show us the interest that you have in the things that be of God. Thank you always for tuning in to International Gospel Hour and being one of our most precious listeners and supporters and encouragers of our work. Everything we offer here is absolutely free. We want to study the Word of God together and to make that available to you with no cost. Let's begin today with our reading of Hebrews 12, beginning with verse 3. For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as sons, My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by him. For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons. For what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful. Nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. And now verses 12 and 13 of Hebrews 12. Therefore, strengthen the hands which hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Now let's talk about this lesson text of Hebrews 12, 3-13. First of all, the Lord's intent to chasten His children is motivated by His love. He wants the best for us. The Lord's lack of chastening His children would also show a lack of love. It wouldn't matter to Him what we did, but He loves us too much. When God chastens his children, verse 10 tells us that we partake of holiness, better living. In verse 11, one can partake of peace. That's a better mind. Verse 12, one partakes of attitude, a better disposition. And verse 13, one partakes of a better walk with the one divine. Now, friends, you see? Discipline is not always a bad word because it can get good results. That's the aim. You know, you think about it, friends. We are all disciplined. Chances are you were awakened by an alarm clock today. Well, that's discipline. You are required to do things at certain times. Discipline. You take medication at a certain time. That's being disciplined today. So, friends, don't miss this. Discipline is part of our lives, whether it is preventive or corrective. We're going to study further, well, we're going to study further a good word, discipline. But first, here is a special word for our Spanish friends.
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International Gospel Hour, in collaboration with SpanishBibleSchool.org, presents a biblical podcast for our Spanish-speaking friends. Please join Marlon Rotana for Christianos Fieles, also known as Faithful Christians, at your favorite podcast platform. That's Christianos Fieles with Marlon Rotana. You can also hear the broadcast at our website, internationalgospelhour.com.
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Friends, be sure you share that with your Hispanic friends, and that Christianos Files is available, especially at our website at internationalgospelhour.com. Now, let's talk about the definition of discipline. It's from a Latin word that means instruction given to a disciple. It is a treatment that will correct or punish, and it's necessary with and for instruction. So again, friends, it corrects or punishes, yes. But let's further look at this definition. It is training to act in accordance with rules. It's an activity or a regimen that develops or improves a skill. It's also punishment inflicted by way of correction and training, as we noticed. But the training is to improve our skills. So, friends, don't miss this. Discipline is not always a bad word. It is instructive for better results, it is constructive for better development, and it is corrective for better performance. I'll give you that again. Discipline is instructive for better results, it is constructive for better development, and it is corrective for better performance. I'm going to defer to a quote here by a beloved friend, Alan Hyers. And I want you to listen to the words of Brother Hyers. Brother Hyers served as a judge in the state of Tennessee courts. And we appreciate Brother Hyers and his friendship and encouragement at International Gospel Hour. He said the following, The father who does not discipline his child for running into the street or playing with a loaded gun is delinquent in his responsibility to the child. The discipline administered may be temporarily unpleasant both to the parent and the child, but it is done because of love of the child and for his protection and safety. When members of the church play with dangerous instrumentalities that may wreck their souls, it is woeful neglect to leave them alone. The extent of the discipline will be governed by the nature of the act and the attitude of the individual. To talk earnestly, pointedly, and privately with the individual may be sufficient to provoke repentance. If not, more stringent measure may be enacted. Alexander Campbell said, To cut off an offender is good, to cure him is better, but to prevent him from failing or falling is the best of all. So friends, from the very outset, we must note every aspect of discipline. Again, it's either instructive, constructive, or corrective. Now let's move from the definition to the direction of discipline. Where do we go for such directions? Well, our words will be, or rather, our lives will be disciplined by God's Word. In Matthew 4 and verse 4, Jesus said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. So, the Word of God is a book of discipline to correct the things in our lives and to instruct us in the good. In 1 Peter 2 and verse 2, the Bible says, As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. Children are disciplined, or when the child cries, the child is filled with milk, and then continues to move to solid food. It is a matter of the discipline, to see to the need, to construct, to correct. And when a child is hungry, we correct by feedings. It begins with the milk of the word and we grow therein. In 2 Timothy 3, 16 and 17, all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for, now watch, correction, for instruction in righteousness. The end result, verse 17, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Friends, please recall that all instruction is discipline. Robert S. Ursary observed, In fact, in some degree every epistle of the New Testament is disciplinary in nature. Every single one necessitated learning and obedience on the part of Christians, not non-Christians. The epistles invariably mandated self-discipline first and discipline of others second, therefore or thereby making the church a soul-saving body for its own members and for the whole world which it was commissioned to evangelize. What a wonderful thought! And so for me to walk as a disciplined individual, I must adhere to God's word, for from it flows the love of God. 1 John 5.3 affirms, For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not grievous. So friends, I'm sure you would agree, we need to make certain we have disciplined lives. To make it instructive for better results, constructive for better development, and corrective for better performance. Friends, with that being said, we'd like to always encourage, before we leave our broadcast today, to guide you and to help you with some study material that will be of help to you, that help you or will help you with a disciplined life. Here is our J-Web with our online study of the Bible offer.
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Maybe you'd like an online study of the Bible. Sign up today. Tell them the International Gospel Hour sent you.
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So friends, discipline is not always a bad word. We indeed will be the ones blessed with a disciplined life from God and His Word. 2 Timothy 3, 16 and 17. As a quick note before we depart from you, our physical mailing address is P.O. Box 118, Fayetteville, Tennessee 37334. That's International Gospel Hour, P.O. Box 118, Fayetteville, Tennessee, 37334, as we serve under the oversight of the elders of the West Fayetteville, Tennessee, Church of Christ. We really appreciate you joining us for our study today, and we'll continue these studies at another time. Thank you again for joining me here on the International Gospel Hour. I'm Jeff Archie, and friends, as always, keep listening.
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God be with you till we meet again.
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Thank you for listening to our broadcast today, and we hope you continue onward with your search and study of God's Word. Please join us next time and visit our website at internationalgospelhour.com God be with you till we meet again.
