by Mark Mayberry
Synopsis: We consider the importance of plans, comparing those of God to those of men. Are our plans proud expressions of self-will or do they humbly acknowledge the power and providential purposes of God? We also discuss some specific plans for 2018 that relate to Truth Publications, Truth Magazine, and the upcoming Truth Lectures.
Having transitioned from 2017 to 2018, we look forward to a new year with expectation and hope. Let us consider what Sacred Scripture says regarding plans and purposes. Individually and collectively, future success is dependent upon formulating and following an effective plan.
The plans of God, perfectly formulated, have existed from long ago, i.e., from eternity (Isa. 25:1). Fashioned before the foundation of the world, prophetically foreshadowed down through history, God's redemptive purpose was revealed in the fullness of times in the person of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3-12).
The importance of following God's pattern is seen in the admonition given to Moses regarding the tabernacle: "According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture," said the Lord at Sinai, "just so you shall construct it" (Exod. 25:9, 40; cf. Heb. 8:1-6).
Later, David supplied Solomon with the plans for the temple, received by divine revelation (1 Chron. 28:11-19), which were faithfully implemented. After seven years of diligent labor, "the house was finished throughout all its parts and according to all its plans" (1 Kings 6:37-38).
Although the house of God is no longer physical, but spiritual, we must follow the biblical pattern in the Christian era as we worship God in spirit and truth. Faithful disciples are obedient to that form (i.e., model, mold, pattern) of teaching that is revealed in the gospel (Rom. 6:17-18; Phil. 3:17-21; 2 Tim. 1:13-14).
While God frustrates the plans of the peoples (i.e., those who are wicked), His counsel stands forever, and the plans of His heart endure from generation to generation (Ps. 33:6-12). The messianic kingdom, divinely established during the Roman domination, will never be destroyed, but will endure forever (Dan. 2:44-45).
Even in administering punishment, God has a plan for His people, if they will humbly seek Him and submit to His will: "For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope" (Jer. 29:10-14, esp. v. 11).
The wickedness of ungodly men is reflected in their words, deeds, and plans: "He plans wickedness upon his bed…" (Ps. 36:1-4). Sinful men plot against God and His chosen people (Ps. 83:2-5), scheming and devising folly (Prov. 24:8-9). They overlook God's divine omniscience: "Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the Lord, and whose deeds are done in a dark place, and they say, 'Who sees us?' or 'Who knows us?'" (Isa. 29:15). Rejecting His call to repentance, they stubbornly persist in their evil plans and plot against faithful prophets (Jer. 18:11-12, 18). Nevertheless, the Lord God sees, knows, and judges. Classed among those sinful behaviors that God hates/abhors is "a heart that devises wicked plans" (Prov. 6:16-19; 15:26). He will recompense: "I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their plans, because they have not listened to My words" (Jer. 6:19).
Successful plans require consultation and counselors (Prov. 15:22; 20:18). Successful plans require a humble acknowledgment of human limitations (Prov. 16:1, 9; 19:21). Successful plans require a spiritual commitment (Prov. 16:3). Successful plans require diligent and thoughtful implementation (Prov. 21:5). In contrast with the rogue, who devises wicked schemes, the noble man devises noble (i.e., honorable) plans, and by such, he stands (Isa. 32:7-8).
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Our entire team stands ready to assist you. If you visit Athens, Alabama, please drop by the CEI Bookstore (located just off the square) and experience southern hospitality at its finest. Please visit us online at truthbooks.com or give us a call at (855) 492-6657.
We plan to continue the publishing cycle that we pursued last year, having two successive issues of the magazine that focus on select themes, followed by an open month in which we publish a collection of articles written by faithful brethren.
We have several interesting themes planned for 2018. Over the next several months, we will focus on the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy. We will also be promoting the upcoming Truth Lectures. Additional anticipated themes include foreign evangelism and a deep-dive into specific books of the Bible.
We appreciate the willingness of those who have participated in focused studies in the past and anticipate similar responsiveness for those special themes we have planned for the upcoming year.
We also invite faithful brethren to submit articles for potential inclusion in Truth Magazine, as time and space permit. When we make article assignments, specific guidelines are included. For unsolicited manuscripts, please use simple formatting (avoid the use of underlining, use bold for section headings, and use italics for emphasis), and restrict the length to 1500 words or less. Please send manuscripts in Microsoft Word format to mark@truthpublications.com.
The 2018 Truth Lectures "In the Beginning…" (Studies from Genesis) will be held June 25-28, 2018, at the Athens Bible School in Athens, Alabama. As I put the finishing touches on this editorial, today (1/15/2018) is the due date for manuscripts relating to the upcoming Truth Lectures. Kyle Pope and I, who share the responsibility of editing the manuscripts and compiling them into book form, are enthusiastic about this upcoming event.
Kyle notes, "Although Genesis is the oldest text God has revealed to us, it is filled with lessons as relevant and moving to us today as it was when Moses first penned its words. Our lectureship this summer will be a wonderful exploration of this rich book with discussions that will edify and encourage all who share in our studies."
Evening lectures address certain enduring questions, "Who is God?" "What is Man?" "Why a Savior?" Day lectures deal with controversies from Genesis, lessons from archaeology, learning from ancient failures, and families of faith. We will have much more to say about this in an upcoming special issue of Truth Magazine. Please mark your calendar and make plans to attend.
Successful plans require that we learn to deal with disappointment (Job 17:6-11; 1 Thess. 2:17-18). Successful plans require that, in looking to the future, we do not lose faith or focus. Let us determine to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness," trusting that God will provide (Matt. 6:31-34). Avoiding a materialistic mindset, may we remember the words of Jesus, who said, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions" (Luke 12:13-21, esp. vs. 15). Finally, as we formulate and follow well-laid plans, let us never discount God's power and providential purpose, but say "If the Lord wills…" (Acts 18:18-21; James 4:13-17).
Author Bio: Mark and Sherelyn Mayberry have labored with the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, where he serves as the evangelist and an elder. The church website is ascoc.org. His Bible study website is markmayberry.net. He can be reached at mark@truthpublications.com.
