College Hill Church of Christ

Peacemakers
by Pat McIntosh

We indeed live in a world of turmoil. But, if historical precedence is any indicator, that is not
going to change. As long as there are those who are capable of taking things away from weaker
people, they will continue to do so. Our own country endured a civil war that even divided
families.

The Bible speaks of peace, but not in the sense of the absence of war or conflict. The Bible
provides for peace between man and God and between those who call themselves brethren. In
one of the beatitudes, peacemakers are referenced. This does not speak of an arbitrator settling
some conflict; rather, it speaks of those who either bring peace through the proclamation of the
gospel or who heal differences between brethren by applying scriptural principles.

Those who preach or teach the gospel to a lost sinner are serving in the capacity as a
peacemaker, using what God has provided to bring those who separated themselves from Him in
their sin (Isa. 59:1-2) into line with His will. We must also see ourselves as peacemakers as we
attempt to bring fractured relationships among brethren back together. There is no sense of
negotiation, as God has preset the terms for both situations.

May we remember that Satan wants no part of either aspect of “peacemaking.” Satan wants the
billions in the world who are lost to remain in that state. He wants the disharmony and lack of
unity in congregations and between brethren to continue. Why? Because he knows that no
individual or congregation will grow until such things are resolved.

May we be those who see ourselves as peacemakers. What is the reward? God will see us as His
children.

Sunday A.M. – The Beatitudes (8): Blessed are the Peacemakers

1. The Peace of God – Rom. 10:15; Col. 1:20; Eph. 2:14-17; Isa. 59:1-2; 1 Cor. 1:10: Jno. 16:31-
   33; 2 Pet. 1:2-4; Phil. 4:6-9
2. Things That Destroy Peace – Prov. 16:21, 28; 26:20; James 3:1-13; Rom. 12:19
3. Do I Contribute to Peace? – 1 Pet. 3:10-12; Psa. 34:12-16; Matt. 7:12;
4. The Promised Blessing

Sunday P.M. Lesson – James 1:2-8

Craving
by Pat McIntosh

We are all familiar with the sensation. It was always one of your favorite foods. But, you have not had it in some time. Maybe it was a favorite dish that your mother used to prepare. You can remember what it tastes like and you can almost smell it now. You remember vividly how much you enjoyed it, especially if only on special occasions.

What I am describing is a “craving.” Once you reach the point of craving a food, little (if anything) will satisfy it until you have some of it. You might have well reached the point where you could think of little else. Maybe it was her pecan pie or fresh, homemade rolls with butter. Nothing else will suffice.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus used a concept very similar to that of craving to discuss one of the ways in which we can be truly blessed. We are to “hunger and thirst” for righteousness. These words do not suggest a slight hunger and thirst; rather, they describe a situation where one is near starvation. One needs to eat or drink now or suffer the consequences. This is not something that can be satisfied once, never to occur again.

As we make spiritual application, we realize that we are talking about our attitude toward the righteousness made possible through God, His Son and the Bible. We usually eat every day, several times per day. We know, from a purely physical perspective, that we need to have nourishment or we will get sick, even to the point of death if it goes too far. Spiritually, we need the nourishment that only God’s word can provide.

With what will those who hunger and thirst be filled? The answer is given: we will be filled with that which we so earnestly desire, a state of righteousness.

Sunday A.M. Sermon – The Beatitudes (5): Hungering and Thirsting
Introduction – Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Prov. 14:34

1. Hungering and Thirsting – 2 Pet. 1:3; 1 Pet. 2:1-3; Matt. 7:13-14; Lk. 13:22-30; 12:16-21; Dan. 4:29-30; 2 Tim. 4:10
2. What is Righteousness? – Matt. 23:5; Rom. 1:16-17
3. They shall be filled – Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Pet. 2:2; Psa. 122:1

Sunday P.M. – Intro to James

Self-Control
by Pat McIntosh

I stomped on my own toes even writing this article. There are areas of each of our lives in which we struggle with self-control. This may involve our eating, recreation, speech or any other of a number of things with which we “go too far.” Failing to practice self-control in these areas can result in poor health, injury, fractured relationships and numerous other consequences.

In 2 Peter 1:3-10, we find a listing of what are known as the Christian Graces. In 2 Peter 1:6, we are told to add self-control to knowledge. The knowledge spoken of there is dealing with learning and applying God’s word. As we study God’s word and learn both what we must do and not do, we are told to exercise self-control in various areas of life. Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I love by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). When writing to the church at Rome, Paul said that they were to stop being conformed to the world and be transformed through a mind renewed in the reception and application of God’s word (Rom. 12:1-2).

Self-control is difficult. We have a difficult time disciplining ourselves. But, we are not alone. We have our own well-being to consider, but we must also consider the impact of our actions and attitudes on others. We must consider the dire consequences of an uncontrolled life. The stakes are too high for us to fail to “rein ourselves in.” Self-control is facilitated when we think of how things affect us, others and our eternal destination. As we continue to reflect on God’s word, may we apply the self-control that He expects and demands of us.

A.M. Sermon – The Christian Graces (4): Self-Control
Introduction (Gal. 2:20)

1. God and the Whole Christian (1 Cor. 6:19-20; Rom. 12:1-2)
2. The Prize (1 Thes. 4:1-2; James 1:12; Heb. 12:1-2)
3. Knowledge and Self-Control (1 Cor. 8:1)
4. Three Distinct Realms (1 Thes. 5:21-22; 1 Cor. 10:23-24)

P.M. Class – Denominational Doctrines – Introduction

Poor in Spirit
by Pat McIntosh

“I wish I could buy him for he’s worth, and sell him for what he thinks he’s worth.” I heard that statement often as I was growing up. It was uttered to describe one who is arrogant and egotistical. We have all known many people like that and have been “put off” by their behavior. The first beatitude clearly denounces the behavior, indicating that the one who will “inherit the kingdom of God” will have the opposite attitude.

The Bible is literally filled with paradoxes. To live, one must die. To be loved by God, one is hated by the world. In the first beatitude, Jesus indicated that truly realizing the nature of our blessing and fortune involves some sort of poverty. No, we are not discussing physical blessings, per se. It is not inherently wrong to have money, live in a nice house, drive a nice car and wear nice clothes. But, it is wrong if that is the measure of success and happiness.

Material poverty does not guarantee heaven. One can be deep in poverty and still believe that material things will bring ultimate joy and happiness. That thinking is doomed to failure. True happiness and blessing is the result of humbling ourselves and realizing our utter helplessness and hopelessness without Him.

This attitude serves as the basis for all the others we will study in this series. Once we “empty ourselves” of worldly concerns and standards, we can begin to fill ourselves with those things that provide lasting benefit. May we be those who emulate the example of Jesus in such concerns. It will be the “poor in spirit” who will receive “the kingdom of heaven.”

Sunday A.M. Sermon – “The Beatitudes (2): Poor In Spirit”
Introduction – Matt. 5:1-12; Prov. 30:7-9; Phil. 4:11-13

1. What should our attitude be? – 2 Cor. 4:5; 1 Cor. 2:1-5; 1 Kgs. 3:5-9; Lk. 18:9-14; Matt. 26:33-35; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Phil. 3:3-8
2. “Poor in Spirit” Defined – 1 Cor. 3:18; Psa. 8:3-4;
3. “Ours is the Kingdom of Heaven” – Eph. 2:12; Gal. 2:20

P.M. Sermon – “Contending for the Faith” (Jude 1-4)