Forthright Magazine http://www.forthright.net Straight to the Cross ---- Which Way? by Paul Goddard To Whom Do I Answer? (2) by Tim Hall ---- COLUMN: Up for the Task Which Way? by Paul Goddard "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile." -- Billy Sunday Jesus spent three years preaching, teaching, and healing people throughout the regions of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. While withdrawing from the public during the last week of his life, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with those he loved. During this meal, he told them that he would be betrayed and killed. Seeing that they were visibly troubled, Jesus comforted them by saying, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. ... You know the way to the place where I am going" (John 14:1-4). Perplexed with this comment, they questioned, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" He replied, "I am the way and the truth and the life, and no one can come to the Father except through me" (John 14:5-21). With these powerful words, Jesus proclaimed to them that he was the way to salvation. After the resurrection, his followers were called a variety of names. The most common designation was "the followers of the way of the Lord." /1 This phrase was often shortened to, the Way (Acts 24:22). When persecuted in Jerusalem, many of the Way left this holy city. Some were tracked down and killed. Yet, while being pursued, the Way continued to share the holy story of the way (Acts 9:1-4; Acts 22:3-5; Matthew 7:13-20)./2 Where are you going? Are you lost? Take a look at the way (Psalm 119:105). Christian, are you up for the task? "The way of the cross leads home." -- Jesse Brown Pounds __________ 1/ The term "Christian" was used later (Acts 11:26). 2/ When Saul became part of "the Way", he was persecuted by Judaizers (Acts 19:8-10; Acts 19:23). Saul is a common Hebrew name. While preaching to the Gentiles, he went by the Greek name of Paul (Acts 13:9). ---- Join the conversation. Read this article online and share your thoughts with us. Click here: http://www.forthright.net/up_for_the_task/which_way.htm ---- COLUMN: Heavenly Connections To Whom Do I Answer? (2) by Tim Hall In our previous post under this title, we noted two truths taught clearly in the New Testament: (1) Apostles possessed significant authority in the early church; but (2) the authority of Jesus Christ is ultimate, surpassing even those who were his apostles. That being said, we should nonetheless pay close attention to the teachings and actions of the apostles. Of all the early Christians, their examples are most worthy of imitation. Paul made that claim in Philippians 3:17: "Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern" (NKJV). Paul not only commanded Christians to study the apostles ("us") as examples of how to practice their faith, but he also pointed to "those who so walk." Even those who followed the apostles' doctrines and actions were to be studied and imitated ("keep your eyes on those," ESV). It's hard to argue against the authoritative nature of the apostles' actions after considering passages like these. But it's also vital to remember that their direction came from above: "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul, Peter and all the others were not innovators, but men who carried out the will of their Lord. What was the role of the apostles in the church? "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:19,20). Members of that household (church) in later generations must be careful not to move away from the foundation upon which they have been built. This is God's foundation! ---- Join the conversation. Read this article online and share your thoughts with us. Click here: http://www.forthright.net/heavenly_connections/to_whom_do_i_answer_2.htm ---- You can help us get the word out. Here's how: http://www.forthright.net/editorial/lend_a_hand.htm