Blog Posts - West Sparta Church of Christ

Ask in Jesus' Name

5/9/2023

Jesus has all authority in Heaven and on earth (Mat. 28:18). Therefore, we are baptized in His name (Acts 10:48; Mat. 28:19,20), we are justified in His name (1 Cor. 6:11) and whatever we do in word or deed must be done in His name (Col. 3:17). Jesus is our mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) and He is sympathetic (Heb. 4:15). This may be one reason why it was important for Him to ascend bodily into Heaven—there will always be a part of Jesus that is man (Acts 17:31). Even though He is in Heaven, He has not forgotten how weak the flesh can be or who we often struggle in our physical bodies—He understands and sympathizes with us as an advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). For over 3 years while Jesus was with His disciples, they took all their problems to Him and it was distressing that He would soon be gone from the earth. Therefore, He said, “And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you” (John 16:23). Jesus reassured the disciples that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth (John 16:13) and that He would still be listening as a mediator in prayer. For us, it is a comfort to know that Jesus has promised to be with us unto the end of the world (Mat. 28:20) and we can talk to God in prayer in His name. We do have to ask in faith (James 1:5) and we do have to ask according to God’s will (1 John 5:14,15). Remember that, “God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth” (John 9:31).
~Derrick Coble

Two Baptisms

5/2/2023

The necessity of baptism for salvation is clearly taught in the Scriptures. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Paul told the Romans that baptism gives “newness of life” and allows a person to be “freed from sin” (Rom. 6:4-7). Add to that, how Peter even said that “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). So, it is unmistakable just with these few verses how a person must be baptized to receive cleansing from sin (Acts 22:16). Yet, the early church was familiar with two baptisms—baptism of the Holy Spirit and water baptism. This has caused some to wonder is there only one baptism or are there two baptisms to be received?
Baptism of the Holy Spirit was a special immersion that only occurred three times. First, the twelve apostles received this baptism on the Day of Pentecost when the church began in AD 33 (Acts 2:1-4). Jesus had promised that they would receive this baptism and instructed them to wait for it In Jerusalem (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5). This baptism empowered them with miraculous abilities (including inspired preaching and the ability to pass miraculous abilities along) to allow the church to take root and spread. Second, the apostle Paul received this baptism possibly when he went to Arabia (Gal. 1:17). Even though this baptism it is not recorded, it is clear he received it because he had the same advantages and abilities as the other apostles (2 Cor. 11:5; Acts 19:6). Third, the household of Cornelius also received this baptism around AD 41 (Acts 10:44-48). Peter said it was a gift just like what they had received at the beginning of the church (Acts 11:15-17). However, the purpose was a bit different. Instead of empowering them to do the work of the Lord like the apostles, it simply showed the Jews that the Gentiles had a right to salvation just like they did (Acts 11:12; 15-18).
All of these individuals received two baptisms; but, there is only one today. Around AD 62-64 Paul said, “there is one baptism” (Eph. 4:5). He was not referring to Holy Spirit baptism, but water baptism. This is easily seen for two reasons: Holy Spirit baptism was promised and not commanded (Acts 1:4) and Jesus was the only one who could administer it (Mat. 3:11). Therefore, as Jesus commanded the apostles and us to go into all the world preaching and baptizing people for the remission of sins (Mat. 28:19; Acts 2:38), He was speaking of water baptism only. Holy Spirit baptism was never for salvation, but water baptism is. It is where a person makes the decision to “put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27), to “wash away sins” (Acts 22:16), being “buried” with Christ to be made spiritually alive (Col. 2:12,13). No one was ever commanded to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and no one will ever be. No one was ever saved by being baptized with the Holy Spirit and none will ever be baptized in this way again. The Lord fulfilled His purpose with the final instance of this baptism in AD 41. Yet, the “one baptism” in water for salvation continues until the end of time (Mat. 28:20).
~Derrick Coble

How to talk to Someone You Love About the Gospel

2/14/2023

The most important task that the church has been given is to take the Gospel to all the world (Mark 16:15). It is easy to donate money, pass out a tract, or mail a note to some stranger to accomplish this goal personally. However, it can be much more difficult to take the Gospel to family members or close friends. Out of our love and compassion for those we are close to, we want to see them saved. Knowing the only way is through obedience to the Gospel (2 The. 1:8,9), how do we ever get those we love to see the importance of obeying God’s plan?
First, we should always be gentle in dealing with those we love (1 The. 2:7,8). The apostle Paul gave the Gospel to the Thessalonians as gently as a nursing mother who cherishes her children. Think of all the time, attention, and care that is given to a child. This is how we must deal with family members and friends who need the truth. We can feed them the “milk of the word” (1 Pet. 2:2) slowly and deliberately. We then nurture them gently by showing them that “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23) and all need a Savior (Mat. 11:29)—including us!
Second, we must confront the issue of Gospel obedience in a humble way. Paul loved the Corinthian congregation dearly including those who needed correcting. He asked them a pointed question, “Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that you might be exalted?” (2 Cor. 11:7). Paul preached the Gospel to the Corinthians without taking any funds from them so that they could obey and be exalted in the sight of God. There may be certain sacrifices we can make for those we love in order for them to follow God as well. Jesus said, “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Mat. 23:12).
Third, we must show them our sincerity (2 Tim. 3:10). People who knew Paul knew his doctrine and manner of life and it was consistent with the Gospel. The way we live matters (Phi. 1:27). Talking to family members and friends about the importance of Bible class, worship, morality, etc. is necessary but if we are not consistent in living it, it is all for nothing. When we let others see Christ living in us, (Gal 2:20) it will go a long way in leading them into the church.
~Derrick Coble

Who is Guiding You?

2/7/2023

When going on a tour of an unfamiliar place, it is always good to have a guide to help lead the way. The reason behind this is because the guide has a working knowledge of the environment and the history behind the paths where he leads his followers. Full trust is placed in him and those who follow are always susceptible to being led by a bad guide rather than a good guide. The interesting fact is that, in religion, it is no different. Multitudes of people need guidance to help them wade through the muddled waters of religious diversity and, along the way, there are some good guides, but there are some bad guides that have been trusted as well.
The good guides are those who have learned from and have determined to imitate the ultimate guide—God. “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death” (Psa. 48:14). God will forever lead His followers into the paths of righteousness (Psa. 23:3). His imitators understand the necessity of fleeing worldly pursuits and following His righteousness (1 Tim. 6:7-11). One notable good guide of the Bible was Philip. After asking the eunuch, “understandest thou what thou readest?” The eunuch answered, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” (Acts 8:30,31; emphasis added). This answer gave Philip the opportunity to guide a soul into the way of salvation by preaching Jesus (Acts 8:35). Good guides today will imitate the example of men like Philip no matter how strange the world thinks it is (1 Pet. 4:4).
Just as good guides have determined to imitate God, bad guides have also determined a god whom they will imitate—the god of this world, which is Satan (2 Cor. 4:4). Perhaps the worst, “good guide, gone bad” in the entre Bible was Judas Iscariot. Of him, Peter said, “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, with the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus” (Acts 1:16; emphasis added). Instead of guiding the world to the life of Jesus (John 14:6), Judas was a guide to Jesus’ death (Luke 22:48). Today, there are still bad guides who many follow that are betraying the Lord “who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). By doing this, there ungodly guides are only leading themselves and others into swift destruction (2 Pet. 2:1).
Thus, each person as a religious follower has the responsibility to seek out good guides who will lead them into life everlasting (1 Tim. 1:16). The best guide that each one can follow is God’s inspired Word because it is truly “good” (Isa. 39:8). God reminds us all, “Beloved follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hast not seen God” (3 John 11).
~Derrick Coble

What Happened to the Dinosaurs?

1/30/2023

Dinosaurs fascinate all of us! To think about those giant “terrible lizards” roaming the earth at one time is incredible and it is true that God did create them. He created all the beasts of the earth on day six (Gen. 1:24). This would have included wild animals, lions, elephants, and even dinosaurs. Job actually described one of these beasts called the behemoth (Job 40:15). His description is of an animal that could move his tail as a cedar tree, his bones were as strong as brass and iron, the mountains give him food, and he was so big it was as if he could drink up a river! There is no animal on the earth right now that would fit that description, but a dinosaur certainly would.
There is historical evidence and physical evidence that dinosaurs and humans did interact, which makes sense, because God created man on day six as well (Gen. 1:26,27). This means that dinosaurs were even on the ark with Noah and his family since every animal “kind” (clean and unclean) “went in unto Noah into the ark” (Gen. 7:14,15). These dinosaurs did not have to be full-grown and many of the dinosaurs on average were the size of a large cow. Some were even just a few feet tall as full-grown adults.
So, why don’t we have dinosaurs roaming the earth today like other animals that survived the flood? One possibility is that they could not survive the new world climate after the flood. The lifespan of humans definitely changed after the flood as people lived 800-900 years beforehand (Gen. 5), but afterward only about 150-200 years. This change in climate could have resulted in eliminating the dinosaur population. Another suggestion is that dinosaurs were hunted to the point of extinction after the flood. Before the flood, God had only given man all the vegetation to eat (Gen. 1:29), but afterwards He told Noah and his sons, “And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things” (Gen. 9:2,3). It seems that before the flood, animals and man lived more harmoniously together each without fear. However, afterwards hunting large animals (including dinosaurs) for food or even killing them out of fear to save your life would have been common. Since fossil records have proven the existence of dinosaurs and the Bible declares God created all beasts of the earth, there is no doubt they did exist at one time. The reasons for their extinction are not clear, but it is clear that our God “hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth” (Isa. 12:5).
~Derrick Coble

Baptism in Three Words

1/24/2023

The purpose of baptism is often misunderstood and misapplied. Some teach that baptism is administered to show that a person is already saved and others say that we are baptized only to imitate Jesus when He was baptized. Still, others offer baptism for babies saying it will protect them in some way. But, baptism is not that complicated and the real reason for baptism is simple. In fact, it can be seen through the New Testament in just three words: washing, remission, salvation.

Baptism is a washing away of sins. When Saul was blinded on the way to Damascus, the Lord told him to go into the city in order to be told what he should do (Acts 9:8). When he arrived, he was met by Ananias who told him to “arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16). Saul had been a fierce persecutor of Christians and needed those sins removed from his life. Since our bodies can’t be clean before we wash ourselves in water, it only follows that our souls can’t be clean before we wash ourselves in the waters of baptism. Therefore, a person can’t be clean or saved before baptism (Eph. 5:26). This also means that babies and children are not candidates for baptism because they are born spiritually clean, without sin (Eze. 18:20; Mat. 19:14).

Baptism also provides remission of sins. Remission simply means, pardon or forgiveness. This is important because Jesus said He would shed His blood “for many for the remission of sins” (Mat. 26:28). In other words, He would die on the cross in order to make it possible for people to have forgiveness of sins. This was necessary because, “without shedding of blood is no remission” (Heb. 9:22). So, when Peter preached the fulness of the Gospel on Pentecost, he clearly said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Those who heard him understood (as do we) that it was necessary for them to be baptized in order to receive forgiveness of sins. It is in baptism that we contact the saving blood of Jesus which He shed for the sins of the world (Rev. 1:5; John 1:29). We are not baptized just to imitate Jesus, because He had no sin (1 Pet. 2:22). He was baptized for a different purpose: to obey the Father and show that He was the only begotten Son of God (John 1:29-31).

Baptism is the way to salvation. Peter plainly said, “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). He made this connection with the salvation of Noah and his family who were all “saved by water” (1 Pet. 3:20). In essence, the flood waters were sent to save Noah and his family from the wickedness in the world. We are all baptized in order to “save ourselves” from the wickedness we have committed and separate ourselves from the world (Acts 2:40,41; 2 Cor. 6:17). Jesus even said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). This happens by His mercy and our obedience (Titus 3:5).

So, baptism really isn’t that complicated. It is a burial or immersion in water that is required for us all to die to our old lives and submit ourselves in newness of life to Christ (Col. 2:12; 3:5,10; Rom. 6:3,4). Let us help the world see the simplicity of the Gospel so that “whosoever will” may be saved (2 Cor. 11:3; Mark 8:35).
~Derrick Coble

When the End is Better than the Beginning

12/27/2022

It seems that at the end of every year, we all look forward to starting a new year. The thought of beginning with a clean slate and starting over is often refreshing, especially if we don’t feel like the old year has been kind to us or we haven’t measured up to our own ideals. But, what if we reversed our thoughts in celebrating the end of the year rather than rejoicing in the new? Solomon said, “The end of a thing is better than its beginning (Ecc. 7:8). It really sounds opposite of everything we’ve known until we think about the wisdom in hindsight. The old expression, “Hindsight is 20/20” definitely has value for us. The fact is we often have the tendency to make plans and boast about what we are going to do in the future with our personal ambitions and goals only to find out the wiser thing to do is wait and see how things actually happen. This is why James warned about making future plans, especially without God at the center of those plans (James 4:13-15). Jesus even spoke about a man intending to build a tower and even laying the foundation, only to be mocked because he didn’t have enough money to finish it (Luke 14:28-30). So, being able to finish something with the help of God is a greater blessing than boasting about beginning again without Him.
If we are truly wise, we know it is best to put all of our future plans into the hands of God. It is by His providence that we even have a new day or a new year (James 4:14). So, as we come to the end of this year, we can ask ourselves, “Why is the end better than the beginning?” Has this year brought you closer to God (James 4:6-8)? Has this year brought you prosperity (Acts 14:17)? Maybe you have developed more patience from trials you have faced (James 1:2,3) or you have learned how to forgive as God forgives (Eph. 4:32). Could it be that you have made some huge mistakes that you will never make again because you felt the hurt it brought to yourself, to others, and ultimately to God (1 Cor. 10:11; Mat. 26:75; Psa. 38:18)? Is there something you accomplished that you never had before (1 Cor. 15:10)? Has God blessed you (Eph. 1:3)?
We have another year behind us to look back and see how it has taught us great lessons of life to move forward in faithfulness. We don’t know what the new year will bring, but it can be said to us like it was to king Ahab, “Let not the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off” (1 Kings 20:11). Life can bring its pleasures and its sorrows, but all of God’s children can rejoice in Him (Phi. 4:4) and trust in Him to the end (Heb. 3:14). That’s when it will truly be better (Rev. 21:1-5)!

~Derrick Coble

Seeking a Sign from God

12/6/2022

With numerous natural disasters and continued crises, many people wonder if these are the signs of the end of time. There are even a number of websites that outline certain signs of a sure end such as: a coming financial collapse, moral decline, and the progressive implementation of governmental regulations (bibleplus.org). But, are these really signs? When will the end of time really come? Concern about the end of time is nothing new. In fact, the it goes back at least over 1,900 years to the church at Thessalonica who was concerned about it around the year 51 AD. The apostle Paul told them, “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape” (1 The. 5:1-3). Paul revealed that there will be no signs of the Lord’s return. It will be a normal day with “sudden” destruction. Those who want a sign of the end of time today are no different from the Pharisees and Sadducees who wanted a “sign from heaven” to show that Jesus was really the Messiah (Mat. 16:1). Jesus’ “sighed deeply” at them, pointed out their unfaithfulness, and revealed there would be no sign given to them except His own resurrection (Mark 8:12; Mat. 16:4; 12:38-40). Surely the Lord is “sighing deeply” today as multitudes are being misled by mockers (2 Pet. 3:3) and false teachers (2 Pet. 2:1) seeking a sign of His return. The Lord has simply said, “be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Mat. 24:44).

~Derrick Coble

Sacrifices of Thanksgiving

11/22/2022

Gratitude toward God is a part of our daily lives. We realize that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17) and we are truly blessed as His people (Psa. 68:19). Giving thanks to God has always been a major part of worship. Under the Old Testament Law, David appointed certain Levites to serve before God and “thank and praise” Him (1 Chr. 16:4). On the way to the temple and during worship, there was thanksgiving (Psa. 42:4; 95:2). There was also much thankfulness expressed to God for His faithfulness and His forgiveness (Psa. 100:5; 30:4,5). This thanksgiving also abounds in the New Testament, especially for the deliverance that Jesus brought from sin (Rom. 6:17,18). In fact, the entire Christian life is described as: “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Col. 2:7). Interestingly, under both testaments the concept of sacrifice is connected with thanksgiving.
Sacrifices and offerings were made to God regularly under Mosaic Law, but one in particular could be offered for a thanksgiving—the peace offering (Lev. 7:11,12). The peace offering showed how Israel had been alienated from God, but He brought peace and reconciliation to them. These offerings were different from the rest because they signified friendship with God and acknowledge the wonderful blessings they had received. The sacrificial animal was brought freely of the herd or flock (male or female without blemish) and could be given with “the sacrifice of thanksgiving” which also required unleavened loaves, wafers, and loaves of fine flour all mixed with oil (Lev. 7:12-15). God commanded, “And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will” (Lev. 22:29).
No one today has to bring any animal to God as a sacrifice of thanksgiving because Jesus offered Himself with His own blood to sanctify those who obey Him (Heb. 13:12). Essentially, Jesus is the peace offering for all mankind as he brought everyone together in His Kingdom (Eph. 2:14). That is why now every Christian can offer the “sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Heb. 13:15). The sacrifice of thanksgiving that is offered comes through singing praises to God, praying, and continual praise everyday for the tremendous benefits of forgiveness and salvation. It is reminiscent of how David said he would “praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs” (Psa. 69:29,30). Surely, God is pleased with every voluntary sacrifice of thanksgiving that His children offer Him today!

~Derrick Coble

VBS Can be the Best!

7/12/2022

Vacation Bible School is always an exciting time! From the classes to the decorations, to the activities, singing, and refreshments, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. Without a doubt, it is one of the highlights of the year for the church and worth every effort that is put forth to make it successful. Most of the time people think that VBS is just for children, and that is a big part of it; however, there’s huge benefits for adults too. In fact, it can be the best!

It can be the best way to invite someone – Everyone has friends, family members, or co-workers who haven’t obeyed the Gospel. Maybe they attend a certain denomination regularly and would never accept an invitation to come on a Sunday or Wednesday night. But, they might gladly receive an invitation to come to VBS or even send their children. Think of the impact it can have for them to meet fellow Christians in a lighthearted atmosphere and for them to hear solid Bible teaching at the same time. “preach the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15)
It can be the best way to influence children – It seems that every adult who attended VBS as a child has some special memory that stands out in their minds. Those memories could potentially help children want to stay in the Lord’s church or even bring them back to the church later on in life. Memories are powerful and VBS can play an important part. “and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings” (2 Tim. 3:15)
It can be the best way to grow closer – The work that goes into a few days of VBS begins months in advance. With fellow Christians working hard together, you can’t help but grow closer. Sharing ideas, stories, and laughing together through it all is a wonderful experience. “the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love” (Eph. 4:16)
It can be the best way to build enthusiasm – As time goes on, enthusiasm in anything can start to drop. It is true with our work, projects, activities, and unfortunately even the church. However, it is hard not to be enthusiastic when you see children of all ages light up as they come to learn about the Bible and sing “Booster” to the top of their lungs! Its contagious for everyone! “cleave to that which is good . . . fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:9,11)

God is pleased with all the work that we do for Him and He doesn’t forget it (Heb. 6:10). VBS is just a small portion of all the good works that can be done to build the church. With so much effort that goes into just four powerful days, it’s a shame that so much effort is not put into every work of the church. VBS can be the best way for us to commit ourselves to do more for regular Bible classes, youth programs, evangelism, and every area of our lives. Whatever you do for God, make it the best!

~Derrick Coble