About The Georgia post. (Knoxville, Crawford County, Ga.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 31, 2013)
PAGE 4 THE BYRON BUZZ SECTION of The GEORGIA POST Thursday, January 31,2013 What The Bible Says About Restoration Man sometimes needs to be restored. As we look at the word family of “restore” in English, it consists of the verb “restore,” the noun “restoration,” and the noun “restorer”. We, in the religious world, use these terms often. The idea of restoration means that (1) it was in a certain state; (2) it entered into another state; and (3) it returned to the first state or to say it in another way (l)righteousness, then (2) unrighteousness then back to (3) righteousness. This fact is evi dent when the alien sinner starts out with no condemnation, then condemnation (Rom. 3:23) then when he becomes a Christian, is washed by the blood of Christ, no condemnation again. Christians who have fallen away need restoration. The Bible teaches that to remain in a saved condition, the Christian must remain faithful. Notice this teaching in Col. 1:21-23, “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight - if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I Paul, became a minister.” So, remaining saved is conditioned on remaining faithful. If one becomes unfaithful, he needs to be restored. When one becomes unfaithful he is missing out, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” (Eph. 1:3) and in Proverbs 28:13 we read, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Furthermore, their prayers are not heard. Notice 1 Peter 3:11-12, “Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” One who turns his ear from hearing the law even his prayer is an abomination, “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.” (Prov. 28:9). Peter states in 2 Peter 2:21- 22 that an unfaithful condition, “For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than hav ing known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: ‘A dog returns to his own vomit’ and, ‘a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.’” Peter lets us know that forgiveness is available in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuf- fering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” John also spoke to Christians in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Satan seeks every avenue to lure us into sin, and he is very successful at his game. Just because we have dedicated our lives to serving the Lord does not make us immune from the possibility of a catastrophic fall, 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adver sary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The idea that one stands in the need of restoration is that one is no longer is the right relationship with God. For some reason one has failed to stay committed to the fidelity he pledged to God when he obeyed the gospel of Christ. Just as the father in the parable of the prodigal’s son in Luke 12:11-32, our heavenly Father is ready, willing and able to forgive and restore us to the Body of Christ when we acknowledge our sin and failure to him and repent. Repentance is more than a mere, “I’m sorry.” It is a true change of course and forsaking of the sinful prac tices of which we are seeking forgiveness. The one needing restoration, upon coming to that J James Earnhardt Evangelist Church of Christ realization, must take steps to be restored. Confession must take place; it is a cleansing of the wound of sin. Confession of sin is a necessary step toward restoration and renewal. The confession must be made to God first, then to other parties if they are sinned against. God’s mercy is extended only to those who confess and forsake their sinful practice. Repentance is a change of course and a revised direction. Sometimes a spiritual mentor can help identify weakness and give strength to an individual who is overcome by a trespass. Gal. 6:1 reads, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentle ness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Bible quotations are from the New King James Version unless otherwise stated. For questions or comments please call James Earnhardt at 478-825-7517. Inaugural 2013 True to traditional form, the Inaugural of President Obama’s Second Term, oozed with pomp and splendor on Monday, January 21. Sworn as directed the day before by Chief Justice Roberts, the celebration turned quickly to a ’’partisan party”—and phrase surrounding the prime supporters of the Democratic persuasion. Such a quadren nial bash has been typical of American Politics for most of it’s two (plus) centuries! Commendation is in order for the conduct displayed this season-seemingly without violence. There are some things that should be said, however, as it applies to the affairs of humanity everywhere. I am a loyal, patriotic, and proud American Citizen! I have given most of my life to Military service, and to that of hundreds in some kind of plight. I have been (and am) grateful, for the thousands of who have sacrificed for the survival and progress of the world’s throng of God’s Cre ation. And I have an extreme appreciation for Leaders, who practice professional ism, honesty, practicality, and compassion! That includes their absolute endorsement of our Constitution, and the moral stance we have es chewed as correct. The stating of facts should not embarrass, or incite anyone to anger or misdeed. While I recognize America as the best the planet offers- -there are flaws without excuse—and ample paths of rectification and repentance. Without such, ultimate bless ing will be muffled! I held Ronald Reagan in high esteem, and had oppor tunity to attend his Second Inaugural; staying only for the Religious Celebration just hours preceding. I have no criticism for those who feel a magnetism toward these Daniel W. Gatlyn, USN Ret., Minister/ Journalist events-but I have never held any of these leaders (nor names from any sector) as heroes; not from any party! I don;t understand the practice of ’’standing in endless lines (or with multitudes); just to catch a glimpse of a popular face or feature. All persons have individual responsibili ties, locally and nationally! The important lines of history will be weighed on the integ rity of the moment. What I would bring to the attention of all, is the varied hypocrisies which exist! I don’t have to judge-that will be done by an unequalled Script! But I will point out that to swear allegiance to national and moral jurispru dence with a voice; while holding the Word which clearly mandates every liv ing creature to acceptable standards—is dysfunctional, at best! To affirm support for conduct which is clearly prohibited, is confusion! An indictment is immediately delivered—and a ”hearing” will be held! Responsible parties will be held account able. That is as ’’sure as the rays of sunshine!” Prestige and popularity will not save anyone. A Day of Reckoning will come! Take a good look, and (if necessary)align ’’your act” and assessment with a decent posture! ^ Photography Classes www.BeginningPhotoClinicS.coxn Classes for all ability levels - (478) 956-6973 bonniesworkshops@gmail.com Becky Carroll Wilcox FREE CONSULTATIONS! General Trial Practice (478) 257-6100 577 Mulberry St.,Suite 110, Down town Macon qjwxm €TC. Antique Clock Repairs Grandfather, Wall, Cuckoo, All Types BUY • SELL • REPAIR J.J. (Joe) Bales 113 S. Camellia Blvd. Fort Valley, GA31030 (478) 827-1111 SALON A New You For The New Year! Come See Us! Cd$ * CtfJnr * lr.it fyftn.iI firms ■ fjiifjfe * ft'drim 1 L i.Jur Come!™ Profniionai Vj.it L'p m FOUAPFOINMMTS * WALK4NS WELCOME (478)825-3736 1030 PEACH PKVYY, STE 2 * FORT VALLEY Salon 49 is looking for a Licensed Hair Stylist to Rent A Booth. Great Atmosphere. Call Sharon at 478-825-3736 230 Hwy. 49 N. Byron (478) 956-4007 Mr, 1-877-68CRIME Crimestoppers is a program designed to solve crimes with the help of concerned citizens. This effective program asks that community members fight crime by supplying leads and in formation which may assist in bringing criminals face to face with justice. It is anonymously done. AM AC 0 N REGIONAL Crimestoppers Abry Holiday: B/M DOB 05-17-88 Age 24 508 190 lbs. Wanted by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office for Aggravated Battery. Dontavis Cainion: B/M DOB 05-09-82 Age 30 601 185 lbs. Wanted by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office for Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon. Lucious Jones: B/M DOB 04-22-93 Age 19 503 125 lbs. Wanted by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office for Violation of Probation. 41 Patrick Hampton: W/M DOB 02-17-63 Age 49 508 155 lbs. Wanted by the Jones County Sheriff’s Office for Violation of Probation. Preston Bernard Patrick: B/M DOB 11-05-77 Age 35 509 215 lbs. Wanted by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office for Violation of Probation. Tyler Colt Kelly: W/M DOB 01-18-84 Age 28 507 160 lbs. Wanted by the Macon Police Department for Theft by Con version Motorcyle. AIRLINES ARE HIRING Tiamlbr high paying AvEtnii Career. EAA approved program. FmancHl aid ifquaifnd -lob placement asztance. CALL AYHtXHi Institute of Pita intent nee 866-564-9634
