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Our Inheritance

by Tom Wacaster

Peter wrote: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet. 1:3-4). Look at those adjectives describing our inheritance: "incorruptible," "undefiled," "fadeth not away," and "reserved in heaven." There is so much comfort and assurance contained in each of those adjectives. Let's take a closer look.

First, our inheritance is "incorruptible." Treasures of earth are corruptible. The trinkets that men endeavor to obtain soon perish. Our houses grow old, and even with the regular repairs, eventually fall into a state of disarray. That automobile that once sat on the showroom floor is rusting away in some junk yard. Clothing wears out. Appliances cease to operate. These things are temporal; they are corruptible.

Second, our inheritance is "undefiled." Fraud, embezzlement, and dishonesty, are but a few of ways that evil men rob us of those treasures laid up here on the earth. No wonder our Lord told us to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matt. 6:20). In heaven our inheritance will not be affected by the wicked or Wall Street. The things we lay up in heaven will never go down in value, nor shall time lessen their worth.

Third, our inheritance "fadeth not away." Every thing there will retain its original luster and its shine will never fade away. New shoes loose their luster. New cars collect road grime and the shine eventually fades. Coins tarnish. The list is endless. But Heaven's inheritance will stay the same, time without end.

Finally, our inheritance is "reserved for us in heaven." Notice that our inheritance is IN heaven. It is located in the spiritual realm where God our Father resides, and where Jesus sits at His right hand. It is important that we note that this inheritance is reserved for us in heaven. Heaven will not be overbooked. None who are obedient will be left out. The name of every single obedient child of God is in the Lamb's book of life, and the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, the angels in heaven, and the redeemed host await our arrival. What a great day that will be when our Lord comes to take us home, where He will confess us before the Father, by whom we will be crowned and owned for all eternity. That, my dear friend, will be worth all we must endure and sacrifice this side of heaven. That will be a great day when we receive our inheritance! I do not remember where I obtained this poem, and unfortunately the name of the author was not attached. But its truth is encouraging.

Think of stepping on a shore,

And finding it is heaven!

Think of taking hold of a hand,

And finding it is God's hand!

Think of breathing new air,

And finding it is celestial air!

Think of feeling invigorated,

And finding it is immortality!

Think of passing from storm and tempest

To an unknown calm!

Think of waking up,

And finding it heaven!

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When Is Uniqueness Bad?

by Lee Moses

Skilled antique hunters will peruse countless stores and garage sales in the quest to find a unique collectible. Fishermen will proudly mount and display a rarely-caught twelve pound largemouth bass, but will usually catch and release a more common two pound bass. Likewise, deer hunters are more excited to display a fourteen point rack than a five point. For card collectors, a rare baseball card is of much greater value than one in circulation among a wide number of collectors. In general, people value things that are unique, not things that are common.

The other day, a man came to the church building and informed me that he was a member of a congregation with 750 regularly in attendance. He also left me a couple of his congregation's bulletins. These bulletins told proudly of "joining with all of Longview's teens & parents [evidently including members of denominations, LM] to pray intently." Another event was described as follows: "Saturday, the 'party' begins at 7:02 PM at Pine Tree Football Stadium. Bring all of your friends to the free concert and powerful message. This could be an awesome chance for your friends to begin a desire for more of Christ in their life!" There were other such activities described throughout the bulletins. These types of ecumenical events have been commonplace in denominations for years now, and are no longer rare even among congregations identifying themselves as "churches of Christ."

When is uniqueness bad? Judging by prevalent attitudes and accompanying actions, it must be in religion. It seems that in virtually every realm but this, people desire and cling to that which is unique. However, in religion people want something that is as homogenized and blended in with the rest of the world as possible. Brethren apparently want to avoid being tagged as "religious nuts" at all costs, so they happily join with the denominations in their anti-Biblical antics. They want the church of which they are members to be completely indistinguishable from any denomination. Some are even taking it so far as to consider themselves in spiritual fellowship with Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and others who vocally deny the very Deity of Jesus Christ.

The church which Jesus Christ built is most certainly unique-it has its own worship, it holds to one doctrine, it is the only church that offers salvation, and it is the only church that honors Jesus Christ. A church fails to honor Jesus if it is not unique; that is, if it becomes like the rest of the world (James 4:4). We are told to "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). If a special shiny coin in the midst of a collection of coins becomes dull and scratched, it has lost some of its specialness. As part of the only church bought with the blood of Jesus Christ, our light needs to shine; even though it is a light the world generally will not receive (John 1:5). Let us be proud to be members of a unique institution, clearly distinct from any other.

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Family Notes and News

This being the 1st Sunday in a new month,

if you are able to do so you may contribute to the Building Fund today.

The men of the congregation are reminded that we will have our regular Men's Business Meeting following services next Sunday evening.

James Dillard passed away Thursday evening. Visitation was held Saturday night and the funeral services will be conducted this afternoon at 2:00 PM at Bates-Cooper Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Nevill's Chapel Cemetery.

Some Good News! Megan and Kenzie Proctor were baptized into Christ on Wednesday evening January 29th. These two young ladies have been attending services for quite a length of time with Gene and Billye Campbell. Please welcome these two new sisters and offer them encouragement.

Suzanne Charlton continues to improve and was able to be in worship services last Sunday.

Howard Horton continues his recovery. He is able to get out more and was in attendance at

worship services last Sunday evening. He is still very weak and tires easily.

Hollis Lee continues to have problems with his health and recently had tests in an effort to determine why he continues to lose blood.

Glenn Parham has been having heart problems but was able to return home from the hospital last Wednesday.

Narci Cooper remains in Titus Regional Medical Center. Her recovery is slow and she is weak and tired. Please remember her (and Jack) in your prayers.

Patsy Duncan is scheduled to have knee replacement to her right knee on Tuesday, February 11th. This will be done by Dr. Mark Young at Titus Regional Medical Center.

Lana Downs has been taking treatments to try to control her leukemia. Many of you have met Lana and her husband Jimmie as they often attend services here with Jim and Barbara Duncan. Lana would appreciate receiving cards and letters and requests to be placed on your prayer list. Their address is:

Jimmie & Lana Downs

P O Box 12

Mount Pleasant, Texas 75456

THANK YOU "To my Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I want you all to know how grateful I am for the calls, visits, food, flowers, but most of all for the prayers on my behalf. I feel so blessed to be a part of God's family. Thanks again .

- In Christian love,

Suzanne Charlton & Family