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West Sparta Church of Christ
Sparta, TN

8 Ways to Improve Your Prayer Life

2/26/2024

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​1. Understand the power of prayer: God is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20). There is much that God can do, but He wants us to ask Him (Mat. 6:8; 7:7). The power of prayer is available to every Christian in confidence as we ask according to God’s will (1 John 5:14).
2. Organize your prayer thoughts: Using an acronym, like ACTS, is a good way to organize the thoughts of your prayers. A = Adoration (praise to God; Psa. 100), C = Confession (confess any sins standing between you and God; 1 John 1:9), T = Thanks (1 The. 5:18), S = Supplication (make requests; Phi. 4:6)
3. Make lists to help you:  Using a daily list of those to remember in prayer can be very helpful. It can include: the church as a whole, members, the work of the church, community members, immediate family, friends and extended family, neighbors, mission works, those who have not obeyed the Gospel or are erring, city and state, country, government leaders, current events, specific family plans or struggles, etc. (1 Tim. 2:1-3).
4. Start and end every day with prayer: forming a habit to pray before you get out of bed and as you lay down each night is a good way to have regular quiet time in talking to God (1 The. 5:17).
5. Make use of any alone time: Be creative in using time alone to prayer.  You could pray while driving, in the shower, doing chores, or simply when at home alone. Jesus spent time alone in prayer (Mat. 14:23).
6.  Ask in faith and ask persistently: Prayers will not be answered if we do not have faith (James 1:6,7). Not only that, but we must have the patience to keep asking and not becoming discouraged (Luke 18:1). Remember that God will answer the prayers of the righteous, but His answer may not be what we want or expect (1 Pet. 3:12; 2 Cor. 12:8,9).
7. Follow the model Jesus gave: Jesus taught His disciples how to pray with a model (Mat. 6:9-15). His example can be followed as a good way to organize our thoughts in prayer.
8. Try to be consistent: Getting in the habit of praying consistently may not come easy at first, so it might be good to set a reminder using your phone or a watch/clock alarm. This will allow you to ultimately pray more instinctively and regularly (Eph. 6:18). 
​~Derrick Coble

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What is Mardi Gras All About?

2/13/2024

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​Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday,” is being celebrated today as a “Christian” holiday. According to tradition, the first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699 when French explorers landed near New Orleans, LA. This was a tradition that was incorporated into Roman Catholicism in answer to pagan celebrations (history.com). It is a day of partying and feasting on rich and fatty foods preceding Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent (literally meaning, “spring”) which is a period of fasting and penitence 40 days before Easter (Holman Bible Dictionary).
According to the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, “the first mention of a period of 40 days occurs in the Canons of Nicaea (AD 325) . . . and the number 40 was evidently suggested by the 40 days’ fasts of Moses, Elijah, and esp. the Lord Himself.”  However, through the centuries, the strictness of the fast has been removed.  Today, “Lent is generally observed as a time of penance by abstaining from festivities, by almsgiving, and by devoting more than usual time to religious exercises.”  So, Mardi Gras is one final “celebration” before devoting oneself to more spiritual things.
Religiously, the responsibility of every person is to “prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 The. 5:21).  “Proving” involves testing.  So, every religious practice must be tested to try to determine the genuineness of it (Louw-Nida).  This happens by gathering the evidence and correctly handling the evidence that is gathered.  As far as observing Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, and the season of Lent is concerned, there is no command or example of such in the New Testament.  Even though it has been observed that as early as the 2nd century Christians were fasting several days before the Passover time of year, there is still nothing that God has bound relative to this observance.  Jesus mentioned fasting that could be done “in secret” (Mat. 6:18) and the early church fasted before important events (Acts 13:2,3; 14:23).  Never was it commanded to observe a 40-day season of “Lent” or fasting.
It is important to note that it was prophesied that some would “depart from the faith” (1 Tim. 4:1) and a “falling away” would occur (2 The. 2:3). In his book, The Eternal Kingdom, F.W. Mattox recorded, “During the first fifty years after the death of the Apostle John, the church struggled to maintain Apostolic purity” (p.107).  The first change that took place had to do with the authority of elders, which evolved into a one man “bishop” system and by 150 AD there is evidence that a “clergy” system was already being developed (p. 111).  These changes, along with many more, would ultimately shape the Catholic Church allowing for decrees (like Mardi Gras and Lent) to be implemented into “Christian Law.”  Remember, all that is commanded must be done by the Lord’s authority (Col. 3:17; 1 Cor. 14:37).  Let each of us make sure that we are not going beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6; 2 John 9). 

Derrick Coble

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What is Blasphemy Today?

1/29/2024

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​In 1966, John Lennon (frontman for The Beatles) stated in an interview, “Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue about that; I know I’m right and I will be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus now. I don’t know which will go first—rock & roll or Christianity” (Jordan Runtagh, Rolling Stone, July 29, 2016). This is but one example of those who have exhibited the spirit of blasphemy in modern times. Blasphemy literally means, “to speak harm” or “damage” and it is always seen in an attitude of disrespect against the character of God.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, blasphemy has always been a serious offense because it is the opposite of praise. Under the Old Testament law, it primarily was an action against God’s name. In fact, if an Israelite cursed God he was guilty of blasphemy and was to be put to death (Lev. 24:14-16).  The Assyrians were guilty of blasphemy when they claimed their army was mightier than God (2 Kings 19:6) and the Edomites blasphemed when they rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem (Eze. 35:12).  Under New Testament Law, blasphemy also includes anything done against Christ and the church. The Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy when He said, “I am the Son of God” (John 10:36) and Paul recognized himself as a blasphemer when he was persecuting the church (1 Tim. 1:13).
Unfortunately, blasphemy is still all around us today. When a person takes the Lord’s name in vain, using His name in an empty and meaningless way, it is considered blasphemy (Exo. 20:7; 2 Tim. 3:2).  Other modern examples would be: burning a Bible, creating artwork that dishonors God, or portraying God or Jesus in a perverse or dishonorable way on T.V. or movies.  The command is to “put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth” (Col. 3:8).
Blasphemy will certainly keep a person out of Heaven; however, as with others sins, it can be forgiven. Jesus said, “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him . . . (Mat. 12:32). Some may speak harsh words against the Lord out of ignorance, but later repent and obey the Gospel being forgiven (Acts 3:17-19). Unfortunately, there are others who will never repent and continue in sin, rejecting the only sacrifice for sins through Jesus (Heb. 10:26).  The bottom line is to always love, honor, and respect the Godhead in all that we say and do (Mat. 22:37-40; 1 Tim. 1:17).
 Derrick Coble

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Snow and God's Power

1/16/2024

 
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​The beautiful blankets of snow covering the entire ground never cease to amaze me.  It is a wonderful part of creation that clearly shows God exists and that He is powerful!  Job recorded, “God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength” (Job 37:5,6).  The Psalms also echo this by saying, “He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?” (Psa. 147:16-17).  These passages demonstrate the great power of God over nature.  As temperatures and wind chills plummet below freezing, we can’t stand before His cold as we run for shelter and warmth. Even by using salt and deicer to help the snow melt, we could never melt it all. Only God decides when it is time and “He sendeth out his word, and melteth them” (Psa. 147:18). 
God’s power is seen in how complex snow really is.  There are 35 different types of snowflakes and no two snowflakes are identical.  There have even been reports of giant snowflakes falling all across the earth measuring anywhere from two, to six, and even 15 inches across. Snow can fall leisurely or even up to 9 mph absorbing and when the ground is covered, it absorbs sound waves making everything quieter (bbcearth.com). Perhaps this complexity is one of the reasons why snow is seen as praising the Lord and fulfilling His Word (Psa. 148:7,8). 
Furthermore, the power of God through snow reveals how much we depend on Him.  Snow tends to stop everything for a time—road traffic, airports, businesses, electricity, etc. can all be affected by the snow.  There is a pause to our lives that causes us to see that we need God and depend on Him daily.  The good news is the righteous will never be forsaken (Psa. 37:25) and God will always supply our needs (Phi. 4:19).  The necessary pauses in life help us appreciate the blessings of God even more and cause us to wonder at His mighty power! 
So, enjoy the beauties of the snow while it is here. It will not be here forever. The seasons change showing the faithfulness of our Creator (Acts 14:17; Gen. 8:22) and soon the snow will melt away and the cold will end giving way to the blessings of spring and summer.  But, one thing will always remain: the greatness of our Lord and His great power (Psa. 147:5). 
​~Derrick Coble

Auld Lang Syne

1/2/2024

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The time-honored tradition of singing “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve was popularized in North America on December 31, 1929. The phrase is actually Scottish and literally means, “old long since.” Yet, through the years, the definition has been refined to mean, “for old time’s sake” or “the olden days” (countryliving.com). So, the question in the song is, “Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?” Or you might ask, “Should the ‘olden days’ be forgotten?” The answer may seem to be an obvious, “no” but, spiritually speaking, it could be answered in a variety of ways: yes, no, or maybe. Each person must answer individually.

First, you might answer, “yes.” When the apostle Paul was thinking about his past he said, “this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Phi. 3:13). His mind was made up that he would forget all of the past success he had in the Jewish religion (Phi. 3:5) and he would forget all of his past failures in persecuting the Lord’s church (Phi. 3:6). His goal was to be focused on Jesus and the prize of Heaven (Phi. 3:10-14). It could be that forgetting some of the worldly things that have overtaken our lives in the past year or more could be the best for us as well. We might take pride in certain accomplishments (job, personal goals, awards, etc.) but if they are taking us away from God, it is best to forget those things. Recommitting ourselves to focus our lives on Jesus, His Word, His church, and our eternity is essential (James 1:21).

Second, you might answer, “no.” The Hebrew Christians were told to “call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of affliction” (Heb. 10:32). After those Christians were first converted, all of the trials they had suffered didn’t seem to matter because they knew their treasures were in Heaven (Mat. 6:19,20). However, they were at the point where they were tempted to give up and turn back to Judaism. So, the inspired encouragement was don’t forget about your past success and don’t stop living faithfully to God (Heb. 10:38,39). Maybe this year has caused us problems to the point that we’ve felt like giving up. It is a good time to stop and remember the trials that God has helped us through in the “olden days” and not forget Him in our lives (1 Cor. 10:13; James 4:13-15).

Finally, you might answer, “maybe.” The Proverbs state, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Pro. 13:20) while Paul said, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33). This means that sometimes it is necessary to rid ourselves of “old acquaintances” and old habits to keep ourselves out of sin. Family members or friends that put temptation in our paths through negative influences, cursing, drug and alcohol use, evil desires, anger, etc. may need to be avoided (Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 4:22-32). However, not at the cost of never attempting to save their souls. It is first necessary to show them the positive changes in our lives through the Gospel and allow them the same opportunity of hearing the “gospel of your salvation” (Eph. 1:13; Mark 16:15).

So, as the new year begins, the answer to the question of “Auld Lang Syne” is up to each individual. We never want to forget the “old paths” (Jer. 6:16) in following God and we do not want to forget that the souls of old acquaintances are important too. Remembering God and His Word daily will allow for opportunities to grow spiritually enjoying the “new days” ahead. 
Derrick Coble

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Christmas Trees and Idolatry

12/19/2023

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Christmas has always been my favorite holiday with the shimmering lights, the festive decorations, the cold/cloudy days, the music, and excitement with good feelings like no other time of the year.  Of course, the Christmas season is not complete without a Christmas tree.  I remember as a child seeing the warm glow of the Christmas tree with packages piled high around it, daily looking at the ones with my name on them wondering what treasures were inside. Even now, as I am older the Christmas tree is still a wonder to me.  It brings back floods of timeless memories with ornaments that are special and a beauty that can give joy to our hearts. But, is this a practice consistent with Christianity or is it something to be denied as sinful?
The origin of the Christmas tree seems to be traced back to Germany during the 16th century. Using evergreen trees during Christmas held symbolic meaning representing eternal life through Jesus (christianity.com). It is also said that “paradise trees” became popular representing the Garden of Eden. These trees were decorated with apples and displayed in homes on December 24 (britannica.com).  It is said that Martin Luther (16th century Protestant reformer), first added lighted candles to a tree to mimic the stars twinkling through the evergreens at night (history.com). The tradition didn’t come to America until the 1830’s, but they were thought of as pagan symbols and widely denounced, especially by Puritans.  It has been thought that Jeremiah 10:1-5 condemns Christmas trees; however, Jeremiah was describing idolatry where a man would cut down a tree and carve it into the shape of an idol and decorate it, even nailing it down so they idol would not fall over!  Of course, there is only one God in Heaven who is alive and invisible, and the only one to worship (Col. 1:15; 1 Tim 1:17; 1 Cor. 8:5,6).
So, Christmas trees are not sinful, and the Bible does not speak against them as idolatrous symbols. Even though the practice may have originated under certain circumstances in which we would not agree, when something loses its significance, those practices change and can mean different things through time.  It is much like the eating of meat offered to idols in New Testament times. Some Christians chose not to eat it and others chose to eat the meat, but as long as they were not eating it as worshipping an idol, they were free to do so (Rom. 14; 1 Cor. 8).
We can freely enjoy the Christmas tree and the season celebrating the wonderful blessings that God always gives to us (James 1:17).  He is faithful and true to His Word and we praise His glorious name (1 Cor. 1:9; Psa. 72:19). 
~Derrick Coble

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Things God Has Appointed

12/4/2023

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The modern definition of the term, “appointed” is simply stated as: to decide or establish something (m-w.com).  Thus, one may talk about an “appointment” (a time for meeting that has been decided) or being “appointed” to do a certain work (a decision has been made based on a person’s capability).  This definition is somewhat related to the New Testament usage of the term; however, there are at least four different Greek words used which the KJV translates as “appoint” or “appointed.” 
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A Kingdom (Luke 22:29) – Jesus told the apostles, “And I appoint (diatithemai) unto you a kingdom.”  The term, diatithemai means, “to put apart; dispose by assignment.” Therefore, the Lord was promising the blessings of the kingdom to the apostles which would extend to all Christians.  The kingdom was not in their possession yet, but after the great Day of Pentecost (AD 33) through the present, all nations could flow into that kingdom which had been set apart (Isa. 2:2).

Afflictions for the Righteous (1 The. 3:3) – Paul indicated that no one should be moved by afflictions because “we are appointed (keimai) thereunto.”  The term, keimai, means, “to be destined by God’s intent.”  Thus, when difficulties and pressures arise from the world in the life of a Christian one should not be surprised—it happened to Jesus and can be expected for the faithful today (John 15:18).

A Day of Death (Heb. 9:27) – The Hebrews writer stated, “it is appointed (apokeimai) unto men once to die.”  The term, “apokeimai” means, “laid away; reserved.”  This is different from the modern definition by which many believe that God has decided a time in which each person will die.  The false idea is that God has fixed that time and it doesn’t matter what a person does, because it cannot be changed.  The fact is that God has simply reserved death for all men as a consequence of sin (Rom. 5:12). 

A Day of Judgment (Acts 17:31) – Paul stated in Athens that God “hath appointed (histemi) a day in the which he will judge the world.” The term, “histemi” means, “to cause or make to stand; to make firm, fix, establish.” Unlike the day of each individual’s death, the Day of Judgment has been determined by God already.  No man knows when that day will be (2 Pet. 3:10).  Preparations must be made now (Mat. 24:44).  
~Derrick Coble

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Be Ye Thankful

11/21/2023

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​When God gives a command, it is not optional, and it usually isn’t something that comes naturally to us.  For example, the command to “love your enemies” is not something we naturally want to do (Mat. 5:44).  In the same way, “Repay no one evil for evil” (Rom. 12:17) goes against everything inside of us in wanting to fight back. So, it is interesting that God would command thankfulness.  Paul said, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Col. 3:15).  It seems like this should come naturally to everyone, but it could be that our natural inclination is to forget the blessings of being in “one body” (the church; Col. 1:18). The body of Christ is the only place salvation is found today which should motivate us to be thankful like many who were saved in various ways under the Old Testament.

When Noah was spared from the rampant wickedness of the world and the violent flood waters that destroyed the earth, he showed his thankfulness by building an altar and sacrificing to the Lord (Gen. 8:20).  When Israel was being heavily burdened by the Egyptians afflicting them, God brought them out with a “mighty hand” and “outstretched arm” (Exo. 1:11; Deu. 26:8).  They sang a song of thankfulness to God exalting Him (Exo. 15:1,2). When the Jews in the days of Esther were saved from death by her request to the king and God’s providence, there was gladness and feasting in thankfulness (Est. 9:17-19).  Finally, when Jonah tried to flee from the presence of the Lord and was swallowed by a great fish, he realized his error and said, “I will sacrifice to the Lord with the voice of thanksgiving” and God gave him a second chance to follow His will (Jon. 2:9,10).

In each of these events, God’s people may not have been as thankful as they should have been.  However, by realizing God’s wonderful care in blessing them by bringing them through hardships and sparing them from death, it produced thankful hearts.  With this in mind, the command to be thankful in the body of Christ is produced by the fact that God has spared us from death through the sacrifice of Jesus (Rom. 8:32; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 3:18).  As we are richly blessed in our lives each day, it can be easy to forget that we’ve been spared from death and that is why we have this simple, yet pointed command is here.  In humbleness and loving obedience to God, let each Christian remember the benefits of being in the kingdom of God and be thankful for the blessing of salvation.  
~Derrick Coble

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Benefits of Bible Class

11/7/2023

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When it comes to Bible class, there are those who are indifferent, those who never miss it, and those who never go.  The indifferent appear every now and then with a "take it or leave it" attitude.  They may even come in a few minutes before worship and mingle with other indifferent people catching a verse or two just before the class ends. In stark contrast, there are those who never miss Bible Class if they can help it.  These are the ones who are eager to learn and be challenged, excited to be reminded of God's principles, and ready to go out and tell others.  These are people like Timothy (2 Tim. 3:15; 2:2) and Apollos (Acts 18:26-28).  Then, there are those who suddenly appear at worship, but not at Bible class.  There are numerous excuses that are given as to why they cannot attend.  It is a shame that the indifferent and absent are simply not interested in: following the lead of the elders (whom the congregation must respect and obey in these matters-Heb. 13:7), their influence of others (Rom. 14:13), or their own spiritual welfare (1 Tim. 4:8-16).   
Concerning reading the Bible, one man said there are two kinds of Bible readers--those who skim the surface and those who dig deep.  He describes them by comparing them to two common insects. Think about what he said as it applies to those who attend Bible class too.  He writes, "One is remarkable for its imposing plumage, which shows in the sunbeams like the dust of gems; as you watch its jaunty gyrations over the fields and its minuet dance from flower to flower, you cannot help admiring its graceful activity, for it is plainly getting over a great deal of ground.  But in the same field there is another worker, whose brown vest and businesslike, straightforward flight may not have arrested your eye. His fluttering neighbor darts down here and there, and sips elegantly wherever he can find a drop of ready nectar; but this dingy plodder makes a point of alighting everywhere, and wherever he alights he either finds honey or makes it. If the flower-cup be deep, he goes down to the bottom; if its dragon- mouth be shut, he thrusts its lips asunder; and if the nectar be peculiar, he explores all about till he discovers it. . . His rival of the painted velvet wing has no patience for such dull and long-winded details. . . The one died last October. The other is warm in his hive, amidst the fragrant stores he has gathered."   The two insects in this comparison are the butterfly and the bee.  It is the bee mentality that sees the real benefits of Bible class.
So, what are the benefits of Bible class?  First, we will gain a great love for the Scriptures.  God's Word is supposed to dwell in our hearts (Psa. 119:11).  Furthermore, it is His Word that we should desire to meditate upon day and night (Psa. 1:2).  Why?  It is done because we love it!  "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Psa. 119:97).  How can that love be developed without nourishing it with regular Bible class attendance?  Think about it.  It is only 2 hours a week, and not even in one sitting.  Some show much more love for sports, gardens, television, the internet or other hobbies than they do for God and His Word.  Second, Bible classes foster a greater knowledge.  Many who lack wisdom may pray for it (James 1:5), but never obtain it because they lack the knowledge wisdom requires.  Two Bible classes a week can never exhaust all the knowledge that the Bible offers; however, they can help peak interest and cause us to further our study on Bible characters, topics, or books.  After all, we are commanded to do our best to present ourselves approved to God (2 Tim. 2:15).  We can only do that with a working Bible knowledge.  Finally, Bible classes offer great encouragement to everyone involved.  There is fellowship with others who are likeminded and a kindred spirit that cannot be surpassed.  Bible class helps us to follow the command to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (Heb. 10:24).  When this is accomplished, it naturally leads them to not forsake the assembly of the saints anymore (Heb. 10:25). Bible classes are beneficial for everyone.  Let us never neglect the opportunity to open God's Word giving more light to our life (Psa. 119:130).  
~Derrick Coble

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God, Hamas, and Israel

10/24/2023

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As all eyes are on the war between Israel and Hamas, it is necessary to understand that the heritage of this conflict is actually written in prophecy from God.  Hamas is an Islamic Resistance Movement that was founded in 1987 and by 1997 the United States designated it as a foreign terrorist organization.  They have been responsible for killing thousands and taking many more as hostages.  The tension extends back to Abraham and his son of promise (Gen. 25).  The Arabic tradition says that Ishmael was the son of promise, rather than Isaac, and that Muhammed (the founder of Islam) was his descendant.  This is in direct contradiction to the biblical record which shows that Isaac was the son of promise, through whom Jesus would come as the Savior of the world (Gen. 17:19; 21:12; Luke 3:34; Gal. 3:16).
Since the Jews put much emphasis on being descendants of Abraham (John 8:33-39) and so do the Muslims, there has been constant conflict between the two groups.  Abraham knew that he was promised a great nation (Gen. 12:2) yet, he still had no children at the age of 85.  So, he tried to help the promise along by having a child with Hagar (Sarah’s maid; Gen. 16:1-4)—this child was Ishmael (Gen. 16:16). When Ishmael was 13, Abraham begged God to accept him as the son of promise (Gen. 17:18), but this was not God’s plan as He would establish His covenant with Isaac (Gen. 17:21). However, God would make a great nation for Ishmael too and he would be the father of the Arab nation (Gen. 17:20).
Before Ishmael was born, God gave an important preview of the kind of man Ishmael would be:  “And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him” (Gen. 16:12).  In other words, he would resist civilization with a haughty and defiant attitude living as everyone’s enemy and refusing to fit in.  So, conflict would be inevitable between the Jews and the Arabs.  Hagar and Sarah didn’t get along because of this situation and now their sons would not get along either.  Even when Isaac was just a toddler and Ishmael was a teenager, the persecution had already begun (Gen. 21:5-9; Gal. 4:29).  From this point forward, the Arab nation (as a whole) has continued to follow in the footsteps of Ishmael in conflict with other nations. 
Our goal is to be “followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love” (Eph. 5:1,2). We want to show the world that everyone can be children of Abraham not physically, but spiritually (Rom. 4:16; Gal. 3:7).  The physical nation of Israel is no longer God’s chosen nation, but the spiritual nation of Israel (the Lord’s church) is now the true nation of God (Gal. 6:16).
~Derrick Coble

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West Sparta church of Christ - 100 Hampton Drive - Sparta, TN 38583
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