AN INTRODUCTION
A PLEASANT GOOD MORNING TO YOU OUR LISTENERS. Your speaker is Jack Thompson, the regular preacher for the Whites Park Church of Christ, just off Highway 61 between Hankamer and Anahuac. We are located one block south of Interstate 10 at Highway 61. This is the first of many broadcast to be presented over this station during this time period. The congregation for which I preach on a full-time, regular basis, has purchased this time, with the desire that it be used in leading mankind in the paths of righteousness. I come to you with the sincere desire to assist each one to a better understanding of the Word of God, with the intention of drawing each listener just a little closer to Jehovah---our Eternal Creator. If this is accomplished, then the time and effort will have been well spent.
There are some things that should be made clear at the very beginning of these broadcasts. FIRST, we do not, may I emphasize, WE DO NOT, desire your money, we DO NOT solicit anything from you, except your time and attention to what will be said. The congregation where I worship has agreed to purchase this time and we expect no one else to help us finance this responsibility. So, this is not another religious program coming into your home asking for your money. This is our work---and we will support it. If it is worthy, then it is worth our effort to finance it.
SECOND, though we do not desire your money, we do invite your questions and comments that have to do with God's Word and the application of it into our lives. You will be treated with respect and courtesy. It is not our desire to embarrass or belittle anyone. It is our desire to see men and women harmonize their lives with God's Word and become and be what the Lord expects of them. Anything short of this will lead to eternal ruin!!
We are in search of honest people who are truly desirous of reaching heaven when this life is over. Surely all men and women realize that we must die. The Hebrew writer goes beyond this when he states, "It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Will you not study with us weekly in these broadcasts? Get your Bible, your pencil and paper. Feel free to ask your questions and make your comments. We would be more than happy to hear from each one of you. Paul, the great apostle, declares that the gospel of Christ Jesus is the power of God unto salvation. Hear him in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
In view of this passage, as well as many others, we shall present the Gospel of Christ Jesus, which is the Word of God, over these broadcasts. This word is the seed of the kingdom, as so stated by Christ himself in Luke 8:11. In that parable Jesus makes it crystal clear that if a person is honest in his heart he will accept that seed (the Word) into his or her heart and it will bring forth fruit. Look at Luke 8:15 for these clear statements. Our Lord said: " And that in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it fast, and bring forth fruit with patience." This is what we would ask of you our listeners---that we all be honest in our dealing with God's Word. We also ask for courage and determination upon the part of each listener. It requires a great amount of courage in the world in which we live to determine to do what God commands of us. It isn't enough to find out what God's Word expects of us, though this must come first; but we must have the strength and courage, the determination to take a stand on the side of the Lord, regardless of the cost.
I am persuaded that far too many in the world today had rather drift along with the current than to determine to do that which is right. Christ demands of us that we take a definite stand FOR Him-- a firm decision and commitment to do His will. Even the old rotten log can drift downstream, but it takes strength and determination to swim upstream, to go against the current. In Matthew 12:30, Christ states, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth." May we encourage you on this first broadcast---determine to stand with Christ, for His word. In standing for Christ, it necessitates that one stand against evil. So in these broadcasts we will not only present that which Christ commands of mankind, but of necessity the works of Satan will be opposed, and exposed as error. It cannot be otherwise.
What shall be our standard for authority in these studies? The answer--THE BIBLE, THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD. I am thoroughly convinced that herein is God speaking to man, The Creator conversing with the creature. It is through the Bible that we learn of God and His son, Jesus Christ. Herein we learn of His desires for us, what He would have us do. It is the ONLY place to obtain such information. God's Word is able to supply man with everything he needs unto salvation. Paul, by inspiration, states, "But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus, Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work." 2 Timothy 3:14-17. The Psalmist tells us of the beauty and perfection of God's Word as he speaks in Psalms 19:7-11: "The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring for ever, The ordinances of Jehovah are true, and righteous altogether, More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honey comb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; in Keeping them there is great reward." We hear the apostle Peter in 2 Peter 1:20,21, as he tells us the source of our authority, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man; but men spake from God being moved by the Holy Spirit." Christ stated, "All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). The authority was then given to the apostles, who in turn preached the gospel to the lost. This is our desire -- to take the message of these inspired men and apply it to our lives. We invite you to study with us in these lessons from week to week.
Christ tells us in John 8:32, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make your free." Then in chapter 17, verse 17, He states, "Sanctify them (the apostles) in the truth: thy word is truth." Thus, from these two verses we learn the ONLY way man shall be made free -- freed from the slavery of sin -- is through a knowledge and obedience to the truth; but this truth is found in God's word. Therefore, freedom from sin can come only through a knowledge of the Word of God. To this end we set our determination -- to learn more of God's Word.
The White Park Church of Christ meets at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday morning for Bible study with classes for all ages. We participate in worship at 10:00 a.m. and again on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. We meet again on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for Bible study. You have a cordial invitation to be our guest at any or all of these services. If you have a question and or comment, please send them to: Route 1, Box 502; Anahuac, TX 77514.
Remember, we meet one block south of Interstate 10 at the Hankamer Exit (or Highway 61), across the street from the White Park county recreational area. Thank you for your time. It has been so nice of you to invite me into your home and for you to take the time to stay with us throughout this message. Listen in again next Sunday at this same time: 8:30 a.m. If you would like a copy of this manuscript, or a cassette of this program, please write to us, giving us the date of the program that you wish to receive and your name and address. We are at: Route 1, Box 502, Anahuac, TX 77514. I also feel confident that if you send your request or comment to this station that they will be happy to see that we receive it. So until next Lord's Day at this same time, I bid you a very pleasant good morning. And may the Lord bless and keep you.