Jeremiah was set in place by God to be his prophet to Jerusalem, Judah, and the nations. With God’s word, Jeremiah was set “to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant” (Jer. 1:4-5, 9-10). When he was severely persecuted for speaking God’s word to rebellious Jerusalem, Jeremiah pondered silence over speaking “anymore in His name” (Jer. 20:9). God’s prophet was tempted to refrain from speech sure to bring him under rejection, mockery, imprisonment, and death threats. He did not yield to the temptation. Instead, he was emboldened in faith to continue to open his mouth and speak the inspired word of God: “But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not” (Jer. 20:9). Although friends and foes were against him, he rested his confidence in the Lord’s presence, power, and justice (Jer. 20:10-12).

What a worthy example for every Christian today. We live in an age of moral defiance and open rebellion against God and His holy standards of conduct. Marriage is being redefined to include “same-sex” relationships. The murder of innocent life has been redefined to be a woman’s “right to choose” concerning “reproductive health,” while the unborn are relegated to being an appendage. Mind-altering substances like marijuana are being legalized, joining the ranks of alcohol and other drugs to vie for a way to “escape” reality. In religious circles, sin is being redefined out of existence and the Scriptures are ridiculed as mythical, outdated, and irrelevant. Faith has been reduced by some to a money grab as they preach prosperity theology that serves the flesh.

The question for us is whether we will raise our voices against the prevailing winds of sin and unbelief. Will we fear men and be silent? Will we quietly dissent but publicly go along with the evils of the day? Are we prepared to suffer for the name of Christ (1 Pet. 4:16)? What would Jeremiah say and do? (If you are familiar with the life of Jeremiah, you know the answer to that question.)

Jeremiah is a worthy example for gospel preachers to follow. Preachers have devoted their lives to proclaiming the word of God to a lost and dying world. They are obliged before God to “preach the gospel” without fear or favor (1 Cor. 9:16; 2 Tim. 4:2-4). They are to speak the whole counsel of God boldly, not avoid its proclamation (Acts 20:27). They are not to be hirelings who remain silent in the face sin, error, and spiritual danger (Jno. 10:12-13).

Bible authority and the local church. I have been told on more than one occasion that comprehensive teaching on how to establish and apply Bible authority is not being preached these days as in the past. Congregations are becoming ill-prepared to deal with innovations that are creeping into local churches. We now see “non-institutional” churches of Christ advertising the social activities of members, from picnics to youth “lock-ins.” By what Bible authority does a church advertise and promote recreational activities? Some churches of Christ announce youth camps operated by colleges and individuals. Where are the preachers rising up to warn brethren against violations of Bible authority by adding a social work to the spiritual labors of the local church (Col. 3:17)? Fellow-preacher, when was the last time you preached on Bible authority and the differences between the individual and the congregation (1 Tim. 5:16; Matt. 18:15-17)? The silence of the preachers is deafening!

Space fails to speak of the silence of the preachers on immodest clothing, social drinking, fellowship with error, and more. Jeremiah’s warning remains relevant: “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end” (Jer. 5:31)? Is your preacher being silent when he should preach (2 Tim. 4:2)? If so, ask him why. God's word was like a fire burning in Jeremiah’s heart he could not contain; he had to preach. May it ever be so. 

Abundant Life in Christ

Scripture Reading:  John 10:7-16

1. The gospel call brings with it deprivation and denial, Lk. 9:23; Heb. 10:32-33; 11:35-40; 1 Pet. 4:14- 16; 2 Tim. 3:12
2. Jesus came to give abundant life, Jno. 10:10. What is the harmony?

I. WHAT IS THE ABUNDANT LIFE?

  A. The Fullness of Eternal Life and its Blessings, Jno. 1:4; 4:10, 13-14; 5:24-26; 10:26-28.
  B. The Christian’s Abundant Life is Spiritual: Life in the Son, 1 Jno. 5:11-13.
    1. Salvation: the forgiveness of past sins, Lk. 19:10; Col. 2:13.
    2. The end: Eternal life, Lk. 18:28-30; Rom. 6:22; 1 Pet. 1:8-9; 1 Tim. 4:8-9.

II. THE LIFE THAT NOW IS AND THAT WHICH IS TO COME, 1 Tim. 4:8.

  A. The Life that Now is: Showers of Blessings, Eph. 1:3; Ezek. 34:23-31; Acts 3:19; Phil. 4:7; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 1:7; Heb. 4:16; 10:24.
  B. The Life that is to Come: Eternal Life; 1 Jno. 2:25; Rev. 2:10; Cor. 9:25; 1 Pet. 1:3-5; 1 Tim. 6:12, 19.

Conclusion
1. Abundant life is not:
  a. The wealth and health gospel of this material, self-absorbed age.
  b. Derived from the self-help books of PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) and pop psychology being preached as if it were the gospel (“feel good” about yourself religion).
2. It is spiritual life from sin and the eternal life reserved for the faithful, Jno. 10:27-28.
3. Come to Jesus and be saved from your sin and receive abundant life, Matt. 11:28-30.

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Nots in the Devil's Tale

NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)

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Joe R. Price

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Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated.  02/11/2021