Watchman Magazine » Attitudes

Are We Relevant?

Cox, Stan — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:01:13 +0000

Several times in the history of Watchman Magazine I have written articles explaining the present state of the effort, and desires for the future. As many may know, Watchman Magazine is my personal project, for better or worse, and the ebb and flow regarding its relevance and prolificacy are almost entirely a result of my efforts or lack thereof. That means that my organizational abilities, mental state, and life circumstances all play a part -both in my writing, and in my publishing of the magazine.

Watchman Magazine began in January of 1998, and continued a regular publication schedule, for the most part, through 2004. Toward the end of this initial iteration of the magazine, publication became more sporadic, as I personally dealt with a bad case of editor/publisher burnout. After a hiatus of several years, publication resumed in January of 2010, with several changes. Primarily, the magazine took on a blog format, rather than maintaining a monthly schedule. With the advent of social networking, and powerful blogging software platforms, I believe this change to be a positive one. It has made it possible for the Watchman writers to post articles on their schedule, and my editorial responsibilities have lightened. It is nice to no longer be responsible for coding HTML, and fighting the compatibility problems of earlier years.

This new format has allowed the magazine to continue, despite the fact that my personal circumstances in the past two years have been rather challenging. In addition to my local responsibilities as an evangelist for the West Side church in Fort Worth, TX, I spent much time helping my mother care for my ailing father. Dad fought a long and hard battle with chronic leukemia, which evolved into a more aggressive cancer in the middle of 2011, taking his life in October. Throughout his illness, trips were made to Dallas so that specialists could treat him. Most often these were weekly trips, sometimes bi-weekly. On occasion a complication or infection would necessitate daily trips for a week or more. My dad was a special man, and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to serve him by driving him to these appointments. I will always treasure the time, conversations and companionship those trips afforded us. Even in the midst of trial, God’s blessings flow. If you haven’t read my tribute to my father (A Quiet Man of God), I would consider it a special favor if you would take the time. He was a quiet man, but his goodness and kindness as a child of God is worthy of praise, and the grace he exhibited throughout his illness is worthy of emulation.

Though the magazine continued through this period, I was certainly not satisfied with it. Watchman is not everything I want it to be, and it is my desire for it to improve in the future. Articles have been relatively scarce for two main reasons: 1) I have not written as much as I have intended to write; and, 2) I have not done enough to solicit articles from other writers. It is my intent to improve on both fronts in the coming year.

My thanks to the men who have written in the past couple of years. There are some “self-starters” among them who have been diligent in making contributions to the magazine. Men such as Jeff Smith, Heath Rogers, Marc Smith and John Robertson have written even when I was unable to do so. Others have contributed as well. For these efforts I am thankful, and I intend to search out others who are willing to contribute their pen to this worthy cause. We have several young men who have expressed a desire to write. Though their efforts may not be as polished as their more experienced brethren, I am anxious to give them a voice. Writing is a wonderful discipline for the preacher, and the written word serves as a permanent and enduring witness for Christ. Few works are more rewarding. They will surely grow in scholarship and ability, and their efforts will greatly benefit you, the reader.

I recently read an article poking fun at the call for distinctive preaching. Though the criticism raised in the piece was subtle, and though there were some valid points made, the general attitude expressed was disturbing to me. I find that it is mirrored by many of my brethren today. I have been preaching the gospel now for 34 years. I have been in full-time local work for the past 27 years. I have worked with the West Side congregation here in Fort Worth for over 22 years, and have edited Watchman since 1998. I am less than four months shy of my 50th birthday. I may not be the most perceptive among us, but I can say that I have seen a change in attitude toward God and His word in the brotherhood in that time. Especially in the last several decades.

I have personal knowledge of brethren who do not respect the parameters God has established regarding spiritual fellowship. I know of gospel preachers who defend the concept of stellar evolution, in advocating the Big Bang Theory as reconcilable with the Biblical account of creation. I have heard and read teaching on the subject of grace that exhibits very little difference from classic Calvinism. There has been an obvious drift toward the social gospel among some. I fear that too often young Christians are pandered to, rather than challenged in their faith. Emotionalism is being confused with spirituality. Some are equating reverence with raised hands and lowered lights, and decry the respectful worship practiced in many congregations as dry and boring. The list could go on and on, but it is obvious to experienced observers that there is a deleterious trend that can be seen in this generation. Yes, I went there… a trend. The term is most appropriate. It means, “the general course or prevailing tendency; drift” (dictionary.reference.com). Other shades of meaning include: “to emerge as a popular trend; be currently popular”, and “to veer or turn off in a specified direction.”

The very fact that I mentioned a trend makes me objectionable to some brethren. The phrase, “trend toward apostasy” has become a joke among some, and a sure sign to others that you are paranoid, a “watchdog”, and one of those judgmental types who are always spoiling for a fight. Does it not matter that the Hebrew writer exhorted, “give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (2:1)?

The most destructive tactic used against those who are concerned about this present trend is rather passive in nature. It is simply the view that these complainers are irrelevant. The warnings are shrugged off, and the complainers are ignored. If complaints are made about such treatment, it serves to establish that such are merely wanting attention, and are throwing a tantrum precisely because they are not relevant. It is possible that this article and my voice will be considered a prime example of such petulance. So be it.

I ask, however, that you consider Noah, whose preaching was ignored by all mankind. Or perhaps Elijah, who in delivering the message of God to a largely uninterested nation, despaired to the point where he cried out to God, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life” (1 Kings 19:14). In fact, all of the prophets of God, though their message was His, were rejected by rebellious Israel (cf. Acts 7:51-53).

Consider our own history in this nation. The majority in the 19th century clamored for the instrument, and determined those who stood for truth to be irrelevant, and unworthy of serious consideration. Those who opposed the innovation were marginalized. The same thing happened in the 20th century. In December of 1954, Gospel Advocate editor B.C. Goodpasture called for a “yellow tag of quarantine” to be placed upon all congregations and preachers who objected to the institutional practices that were gaining a foothold among brethren. As time progressed, the calls for authority for such practices were ignored as irrelevant by the majority.

Was Noah irrelevant? While he most certainly was ignored, his warnings were true. What about Elijah? The man who was charged by Ahab as being the “troubler of Israel” is acknowledged as one of the greatest of the prophets. During the two great divisions in the restoration movement, were the faithful relevant or not? It is a mistake to equate relevancy with popularity. Relevancy has nothing to do with how many are listening. It has to do with who is proclaiming the truth!

Consider the words of Paul, “As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ” (Galatians 1:9-10). Our purpose is to serve Christ. Any who does so successfully is relevant, whether he is heeded or not.

Perhaps the problem among some is that they confuse relevance with acceptance. The popular way is seldom the way of God. “…wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it” (Matthew 7:13). I fully understand that popular is a relative term. Even the most ear tickling preacher among us does not approach the popularity of a Joel Osteen, for example. Please remember, though, that the standard for relevance and true acceptance is God and His word; not men.

So, we will continue to write, and invite others to do so. We will write on myriad topics, seeking to declare the whole counsel of God. We will not be hobbyists, but we will address the issues that trouble brethren, and we will deal with the error that endangers the souls of men. We will not concern ourselves with how many deem us relevant. We will try to get as many people as possible to read and listen. We will soldier on in the spirit of Noah and Elijah.

I have heard that some believe my magazine to be the center of an effort to control the brotherhood. If so, it is a miserable failure! But no, it is not, and never has been. Watchman Magazine is one person’s effort to edify and teach. I sit in my office, and write about things that I believe to be important. I invite others to write as well. That is all that it is – but that is enough for me, and I hope for the Lord. I pledge to you that I will try to do it better in the months and years to come.

Holier than Thou

Robertson, John — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:18:46 +0000

Most of us have heard the accusation hurled our way or at someone else. The accuser says, “You have a holier than thou attitude.” Could this accusation ever apply to a member of the body of Christ?

The prophet Isaiah described Judah as a hypocritical and self righteous people who were blind to their own sins. Isaiah, speaking as the mouthpiece of God, writes, “I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, that walk in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts; a people that provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens, and burning incense upon bricks; that sit among the graves, and lodge in the secret places; that eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; that say, Stand by thy self, come not near to me, for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day” (Isaiah 65:2-5). Judah had no problem seeing the sins of the Gentiles; however, when it came to their own error they were helplessly blind and self righteous. The word of God explains to us that the only sin that God will not forgive a man of is the sin he will not recognize (see Mark 3:28-29; 1 John 5:16-17). Odd how brethren today find themselves in the same hardened state of mind as the people of Judah and have no idea that they are a “smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day.”

What brother is there among us that will admit that they are the weak one of Romans 14? Where is the sister among us that weeps and wails for great sorrow over the error of their way (Matthew 5:3-4)? Why don’t we see more brethren walking away from an event “smiting their breast saying, God be thou merciful to me a sinner?” (see Luke 18:9-14)? Where are the contrite of heart who would come forward at the invitation (see Psalms 51)? What we find mostly are brothers and sisters who seek to pluck specs out of other’s eyes while a giant glaring obvious sin lies squarely on their own personal eyeball (see Matthew 7:1-5).

Have members of the church grown arrogant to the point of being blinded by their own sin? Jeremiah writes, “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number… Yet thou said, I am innocent; surely his anger is turned away from me. Behold, I will enter into judgment with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned” (Jeremiah 2:32-35).

When speaking of sin, worldliness, and false teachers brethren are quick to point out the error of the world and their fellow brethren yet fail to see their own error. It seems that the hardest sin to actually identify on this earth is my own sin. The hardest false doctrine for a man to acknowledge is the faulty doctrine of his own personal convictions and opinions that he elevates to the level of divine revelation. Those who elevate their personal opinions and convictions to the level of divine revelation have usurped the authority of God and have, in a moment of futility, attempted to shove the Lord God Almighty off of his throne. Such a man stands condemned (see 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Brethren, we need a good dose of humility. While exposing other’s sins is the greatest show of love and a commandment of God don’t you think that we ought to begin with ourselves? The apostle Paul wrote, “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor” (Galatians 6:1-4).

There is a fine balance between duty and responsibility when sin is involved in men’s lives. There is a possibility that we find ourselves so bent on straightening everyone else out that we loose sight of our own faults. If this were not the case we would not have warnings in the scripture regarding this. If you find yourself talking with others or posting on the web statements about everyone else’s ignorance and your self perceived intelligence there is a high probability that you have a “holier than thou” attitude. You are likely arrogant and so filled with pride that you cannot see the real you. Read Matthew 5:3-5 a few times and it may be that you will be healed of this heart disease.

Timeless Truths in an Ever-Changing World

Rogers, Heath — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:34:02 +0000

It seems that our society is always changing for the worse. Immorality is shamelessly promoted and defended by celebrities, educators, and politicians. The law of our nation will allow a mother to kill her unborn baby, but will incarcerate a man for mistreating his pet. We have seen great changes in our nation as a result of the pro-homosexual agenda. What was once considered an abomination, detested and rejected by our society, has become embraced and championed. Laws have been changed, marriage has been re-defined, entire denominations have become split over this issue – and it is only getting worse.

The religious landscape of our nation is also changing. Basic truths of Christianity are constantly challenged and denied by so-called Christians. This change has had an impact upon some of our brethren. In recent years we have heard brethren make arguments for a figurative interpretation of the creation account in Genesis, question the inspiration of 2 Peter and Jude, and deny the eternal nature of Hell.

All this change going on in the world is enough to make one’s head swim. However, we must remember that we are not the first ones to have lived in a time of great moral decline. Things generally happen in cycles (consider the book of Judges), which should indicate to us that we are not living in the “worst of times.”

It is God’s plan and desire that we mature to the point that their faith is strong and stable. “That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (Ephesians 4:14). Although we live in a world that is subject to change, there are some things that will never change. These eternal truths must be our foundation if our faith is going to survive these times of confusion and change.

God Does Not Change

“For I am the LORD, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob” (Malachi 3:6).

People change. We make discoveries and grow in our knowledge. We gain wisdom by learning from our mistakes. Our levels of tolerance change as we are exposed to new ideas and trends. Time may have this effect upon man, but time does not have any effect upon God. He created time and exists outside of time. There is nothing for God to discover. He makes no mistakes. He has not grown any wiser or more tolerant over the passing of years.

In spite of this fact, many people believe that God has changed. They argue that the God we read of in the Bible has “mellowed” with age or has accommodated Himself to our time and our way of thinking. However, the God portrayed by our society is a far cry from the never-changing God that we read of in the Bible. Consider just a few of His attributes which are denied by our society today.

1. God is a God of Reason

“Come now, and let us reason together…” (Isaiah 1:18). To reason is “to think coherently and logically; draw inferences or conclusions from facts.” The fact that God calls upon man to reason with Him tells us that both God and man are capable of thinking logically. It also tells us that there must be a fixed standard upon which we can and must reason. Truth cannot be relative or subjective. This means that truth cannot be one thing for me, another thing for you, and another thing for God.

It has become a “sin” to claim to have the truth in our world today. No single group is “allowed” to have a monopoly on the truth. Without any standards of right and wrong, each person is encouraged to believe what he wants to believe, with the understanding that we all agree to disagree. The spirit of ecumenicism has captured the hearts of our age, insisting that all faiths are equally valid. Thus there is no need to evangelize or proselytize. Such actions are looked upon as unnecessary and even harmful.

However, truth is, by its very nature, exclusive. There is only one truth, and everything else is a lie. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Salvation is obtained by obeying “the truth” (1 Peter 1:22), not our version of the truth.

Since God is a God of reason, and invites us to reason with Him, we know that God cannot be the source of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). We live in a confusing time; with so many different churches, philosophies, and ideas about the Bible. However, this confusion is not God’s fault. God is a God of design, order, peace, and harmony. Confusion in our world is evidence that God’s wisdom is being rejected.

15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:15-18

2. God is Sovereign

The word sovereign means “above or superior to all others, supreme in power, rank, or authority.” This is a perfect description of God. He is Lord over all of His creation.

1 The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; let the earth be moved!

2 The LORD is great in Zion, and He is high above all the peoples.

3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name – He is holy.

Psalm 99:1-3

God’s sovereignty is never subject to man’s approval. God’s judgments are in all the earth (Psalm 105:7), whether we acknowledge them or not! God has the right to tell us how to live. This right is His, not because we gave it to Him, but because He is our Creator. “But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’ Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?” (Romans 9:20-21).

3. God is Righteous

We know that God is loving, patient, merciful, forgiving, etc. – but He is also a righteous God. “Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne” (Psalm 97:2).

The English word “righteous” was originally spelt “rightwise.” This helps us to see that a righteous person is one who is “wise” concerning what is right and wrong. Such a person has an understanding of what is right and wrong. He does what is morally right, fair, and just. He also opposes that which is wrong, unjust, and unfair.

God cannot overlook sin. He hates sin and demands obedience. God’s love does not negate or cancel out His righteousness. Our God is still a consuming fire, and it is still a fearful thing to fall into His hands (Hebrews 10:31, 12:29). His judgment upon this world will be a righteous judgment (Acts 17:31, Romans 1:32, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-6).

Times may change and people may change, but God does not change. There is no reason for Christians to make concessions or compromises. There is no need for us to be ashamed of or to apologize for having the truth. The Lord God Omnipotent still reigns and His righteousness endures forever.

God’s Law Does Not Change

This fact is easily observed by looking unto God’s natural laws. These laws are established and govern our lives in this world. For instance, the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west. Gravity always works. If one touches a hot stove he will get burned. These observable facts are not relative. They are universal and constant.

God has set forth the boundaries for His physical creation, and He has also set forth the moral boundaries for mankind (Titus 2:11-12, Galatians 5:19-23). If we recognize the permanence of God’s law which governs the physical universe, upon what basis can we logically believe that God’s moral law is subject to change? God has not changed these moral standards. Neither has He given man the right to change these standards.

God pronounced a woe upon His people for changing His moral standards. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21).

The people of Isaiah’s day were turning God’s standards upside-down because it was what was right in their own eyes. The same thing is happening today. For example, God calls homosexuality an abomination (Leviticus 18:22). Like all sin, it will cause one to lose his soul and be excluded from Heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Yet, our society is celebrating and embracing homosexuality as a loving, alternate lifestyle. At the same time, this “tolerant” and “accepting” world vilifies Christians who stand by the teachings of the Bible. Homosexuality is portrayed as “love,” while preaching against this sin is labeled a “hate crime.” Thus, our society is calling that which is evil “good,” and that which is good “evil.”

The world may have changed, but God’s law regarding the sin of homosexuality has not changed. The churches of men can vote and approve of church membership and clergy positions for homosexuals, states can vote to approve of same-sex marriage, but none of this will ever change what God has said on the subject. We cannot out-vote or overrule God! Times may change, but God’s law and standards will never change. “Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4).

God’s Word Does Not Change

“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89). God’s word is not subject to the fluctuating whims of sinful men. It is settled – established, set in stone. It is settled forever – it will never be altered, amended, or canceled out. It is settled forever in heaven – out of man’s reach. No one can tamper with it. It is safe and preserved from those who seek to change it. Cutting verses out of one’s Bible cannot change what God’s word says about baptism. Church councils and conventions cannot change what God’s word says about homosexuality. Brotherhood papers, debates, books, and emotional pleas cannot change what God’s word says about divorce and remarriage.

God’s word is not ink on paper bound in leather. Books can be destroyed. God’s word is eternal truth which can never be destroyed (Matthew 24:35). The passing of time does not alter eternal truth. God’s word is just as relevant and just as applicable in our lives today as it was when it was first penned by the inspired writers.

God’s Promises Do Not Change

This is true because these promises come from a God who cannot lie and who does not change. God is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9, 10:13). He keeps His word.

God promised that sin would bring death (Genesis 2:17), and it did. God then promised that the Seed of woman would crush the serpent, and He did (Genesis 3:15).

God promised Noah that He would destroy the world with water, and He did (Genesis 6-9). God has promised us that there will be a Day of Judgment (Acts 17:30-31, 2 Peter 3:5-9). He has also promised that there is a way for us to escape this judgment. We must repent (2 Peter 3:9) and obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8). There is no other way for us to escape judgment. God cannot be fooled (Galatians 6:7-8). We are not the exception to the rule. We can either obey the gospel or die in our sins and go to Hell.

The promises of God give strength to the weary Christian. We can know that we are saved (Titus 1:2, 1 John 5:13). God has promised that He will be with us through this life if we remain faithful to Him (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). We can stand upon the promises of God because He has the ability to do what He said He will do. “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

Conclusion

There is no doubt that we live in a world of change, but God is the one constant in this world. He is Creator of all, Lord of all, and Judge of all. Man’s departure from the truth and unwillingness to acknowledge the sovereignty of God does not change anything about God. God’s moral law is just as fixed as His natural law. He will judge us one day. Man may deny it, complain about it, protest it, ignore it, dismiss it, or run away from it; but no one can change truth.

It is easy for the faithful Christian to look around him and become discouraged. It is difficult to watch our society continue to decline morally. We listen to statements made by others who claim to be Christians and wonder if there is anyone who believes what we believe about the Bible. What has happened to God and what has happened to His truth?

The prophet Habakkuk lived in a troubling time. He wondered how long God was going to allow things to proceed. In essence, he asked where God had gone. God told this perplexed prophet that the just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4).

The apparent vanishing of God and truth from our world can be compared to a mountain that is concealed by a mourning cloud. A pilot flying an aircraft cannot go by sight alone. If his charts indicate an elevated terrain, he cannot assume that the mountain has disappeared just because he cannot see it. He must act as if the mountain is there and adjust his flight path accordingly. To fail to do so will be disastrous to both himself and his passengers.

God’s truth may seem to have vanished, but it is still there. God is still ruling on His throne and His laws are still governing the universe. He still calls upon men to repent because He still plans on judging the world in righteousness. Our culture may have created a facade that attempts to hide the reality of God and silence any mention of His truth, but He is still there. The just will have to live by faith in this ever-changing world. “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

“Blessed Are the Meek”

Rogers, Heath — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:36:28 +0000

In His Sermon on the Mount, the Lord provides a description of those who will be citizens in His kingdom. The sermon begins with a short section referred to as the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). There are eight Beatitudes, each consisting of a desired characteristic and a promised blessing. Each Beatitude begins with the word “blessed,” which literally means “happy.” True happiness is found in acquiring and manifesting these qualities in our life.

The subject of this study is the third Beatitude, which reads, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

Meekness is not weakness. In fact, meekness is the ability to exercise great strength in the form of self-control. “Meek” is translated from the Greek word praus, which is best defined with the English word “gentle.” This word was originally applied to an animal that had been trained or a horse that had been broken. Thus, the meek man is one who has learned how to keep his strength under control. He is a disciple who has chosen to be tamed under the yoke of Christ.

Praus is further defined as “an inwrought grace of the soul; and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God. It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting” (Vine’s, 401). Meekness is a gentleness and humility that comes as a result of considering one’s own spiritual condition before God. It is an attitude that is shown first unto God, then unto others.

Examples of Meekness

Like many other characteristics that are enjoined upon us by the Scripture, meekness can be better understood by looking at the lives of those who manifested this quality.

1. Moses. “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3, King James Version). As the leader of God’s people, Moses was willing to take personal abuse and insult, even from his own brother and sister. On this occasion in the book of Numbers, his siblings had criticized him both for who he had married and for the idea that he shared a closer relationship to God and was thus better qualified to be the leader of God’s people. Moses did not respond to these personal attacks. It was God who responded in defense of Moses by striking Miriam with leprosy. Moses responded to Miriam’s insult by praying for God to heal her (Numbers 12:1-13).

Moses was meek and gentle, but he was not a weak man. When necessary, he proved to be extremely zealous for the Lord.

19 So it was, as soon as he came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing. So Moses’ anger became hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain.

20 Then he took the calf which they had made, burned it in the fire, and ground it to powder; and he scattered it on the water and made the children of Israel drink it.

25 Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies),

26 then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the LORD’s side – come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.

27 And he said to them, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.’”

28 So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day.

Exodus 32:19-20, 25-28

2. The Apostle Paul. Like Moses, Paul was willing to endure personal insult and injury for the cause of Christ. “Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now” (1 Corinthians 4:12-13). However, when the cause of Christ was being compromised, or innocent souls were being victimized, Paul knew how to draw the sword of the Spirit and fight.

“And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them…” (Acts 15:1-2).

“And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you” (Galatians 2:4-5).

“Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed” (Galatians 2:11).

“If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus…” (1 Corinthians 15:32).

3. Jesus Christ. Jesus said of Himself, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30). Indeed, Jesus was gently and meek in His dealings with mankind. His gentleness was a subject of Old Testament prophecy.

18 Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He will declare justice to the Gentiles.

19 He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.

20 A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory;

21 And in His name Gentiles will trust.

Matthew 12:18-21

Jesus was willing to take injury and personal abuse, even to the point of allowing His own creation to put Him to death.

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

22 “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”

23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed.

First Peter 2:21-24

One has said that “meekness is the reception of injuries with a belief that God will vindicate us.” Jesus received an unimaginable amount of personal abuse while He was being crucified. Consider the following portion of Matthew’s account of the crucifixion:

39 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads

40 and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said,

42 “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.

43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.

Matthew 27:39-44

Jesus endured this abuse, but never breathed a threat against those who were causing Him to suffer. In fact, the first words that Jesus spoke at His crucifixion were, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). As Peter said, Jesus did not threaten His murderers, but simply “committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.”

Although Jesus was willing to take personal insult and injury, He would never allow God to be dishonored.

13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business.

15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.

16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”

17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

John 2:13-17

Jesus was meek, but this was not because He was powerless. He was meek and gentle because He had His immense power under control. The guiding principle in His life upon this earth was not His pride, but His obedience to the Father’s will.

These three men help us to understand that meekness is the willingness to choose to endure personal insult and injury without retaliation. Read Paul’s instructions in Romans twelve with “meekness” in mind.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:14-21

In his comments on Matthew 5:5, Albert Barnes wrote, “Meekness produces peace. It is proof of true greatness of soul. It comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults. It looks upon those who offer them with pity. He that is constantly ruffled; that suffers every little insult or injury to throw him off his guard and to raise a storm of passion within, is at the mercy of every mortal that chooses to disturb him.” Indeed, blessed are those who can train themselves to be meek.

The Need For Meekness

While the world may not find much use for meekness, the Scriptures tell us that this quality is needed in several important aspects of our lives.

1. In receiving the word of God. “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Remember, W.E. Vine said that meekness is “that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting.” Without meekness, my reception of God’s word will be selective at best. The parts that I like will be accepted, while the portions of Scripture which challenge me to make undesirable changes will be dismissed. How many Christians do you and I know who are selective in their acceptance of God’s word? Meekness is the ingredient that is missing from their lives.

2. In defending the truth. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). The manner in which we defend our faith often says as much about our faith as the content of our answer. No “teaching” moment should be wasted as an opportunity for us to “flex” our spiritual muscles. The truth will cast down error, but that truth will never be “heard” if we handle ourselves in a caustic or arrogant manner.

3. In restoring the erring. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). Sometimes, those who are in error will respond to correction by lashing out and making accusations against those who have come to help them. A soul is not won by proving that we can win an argument. Any “hot-head” can drive away an injured soul. It takes a mature, loving, gentle Christian to draw them back into the fold.

4. In dealing with our brethren. “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” (Colossians 3:12-14). We must be gentle in the way that we treat one another. God has seen fit to join His children together in one family and one body. In order for this body to function properly, each member must do its share (Ephesians 4:16) and every member must treat others with kindness, preference, and love.

5. In dealing with our fellowman. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). I cannot control others, but I can control myself. Meekness is a choice, and I can choose how to react to others. I am to be peaceable and gentle, showing humility to all men (Titus 3:2).

The Promised Blessing

Jesus promises that those who are meek shall “inherit the earth.” This blessing is perhaps the greatest contrast in all of the Beatitudes. We can see how those who mourn will be comforted, how those who hunger will be filled, and how those who are merciful will receive mercy, but how is it that the meek will stand to inherit anything of value?

To some, the phrase “inherit the earth” is confusing because it sounds as if our inheritance will be this physical earth. This cannot be, because we know that our inheritance is awaiting us in heaven (1 Peter 1:4).

This phrase is found more in Psalm 37 than any other place in the Bible. This Psalm contains a promise from God to those who are oppressed by evildoers in their midst (vs. 1-6). God promises that “evildoers shall be cut off,” while those who wait on the Lord shall “inherit the earth” and “shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (vs. 9-11). The righteous shall “inherit the land and dwell in it forever,” while the wicked are “cut off” (vs. 27-29). Those who “wait on the Lord” and “keep His way” will be exalted to “inherit the land” (v. 34).

The meek are contrasted with the self-trusting and the self-assertive. While it may seem that they are the ones who prosper in this life, often at the expense of those who are meek and lowly, in His time God will cut off the wicked and exalt the humble to a position of victory and peace. The salvation of the righteous is “from the Lord,” not from their own strength and wisdom. He shall “help them,” “deliver them,” and “save them” because they “trust in Him,” not in themselves (vs. 39-40).

Thus, to “inherit the earth” is gain victory. The meek are the ones who will remain in the Promised Land (the Kingdom) after God’s judgment has swept through and removed the wicked. In Darwin’s model of natural selection, the strong survive while the weak become extinct. In “Divine Selection,” the selfish and self-assertive are destroyed while the meek survive to enjoy blessings and peace.

Conclusion

Moses, Paul, and our Lord all show us that meekness is not weakness, nor is it indifference. Meekness is the ability to endure injury without retaliation. Those who are meek know the difference between a personal insult and an attack upon the holiness of God, and they also know the proper way to react to each situation. While those with this mindset do not seem to get far in this world, they will stand victorious in the world to come.

* Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version.

The Sin of Complaining

Rogers, Heath — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 01:47:59 +0000

James said that the tongue is “a world of iniquity” (James 3:6). Indeed, there are numerous sins that can be committed by or aided with the misuse of the tongue. When one thinks of the sins that are committed with the tongue, he often thinks of things such as lying, speaking blasphemies, using profanity, and gossip. However, we rarely consider complaining to be a sin.

Americans are granted the freedom of speech, and many of us exercise this right with pride and passion. We think very little of voicing a criticism or complaint about another’s driving on the highway or service at a restaurant. We see it as our civic duty to complain about our elected officials. We feel that the price we paid for admission to a sporting event gives us the right to let the players, coaches, and umpires know if they are doing a lousy job. We even have careers that are based upon the practice of criticism (restaurant critic, movie critic, etc.). Our society abounds with criticism. For this reason, some Christians have a difficult time viewing complaining and criticizing as a sin.

Complaining is a Sin

In First Corinthians chapter ten, Paul used the negative example of the Children of Israel as a means of admonishing the Corinthians to faithful service.

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”

8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;

9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;

10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

1 Corinthians 10:6-11

The Children of Israel committed many sins as they made their way from Egypt, and these sins had severe consequences. We may not think much of complaining, but it is listed along with lusting after evil things, idolatry, fornication, and tempting Christ. While most Christians would never dream of lusting after evil, bowing down to an idol, fornicating, or tempting Christ, many of us are often heard complaining.

The complaining that was done by the Children of Israel was a sin that was deserving of God’s wrath. They were destroyed by the destroyer. We are told to take heed to their example and not “complain, as some of them also complained.” Thus, we can rightly understand that complaining is a sin.

The New Testament contains additional passages which condemn the sin of complaining. James warned, “Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:9). While the Children of Israel were destroyed for complaining against God, this passage warns that we will be condemned for complaining against our brethren. The Judge is “at the door,” and He hears the way that we talk about one another. Grumbling and complaining against brethren is a sin that is worthy of condemnation.

Peter admonished Christians to “be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). Hospitality requires a sacrifice on our part, but any good that is accomplished by our hospitality is undone by our complaints.

Paul said, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15). “All things” is a very inclusive statement, leaving no area available for complaints. If a Christian who refrains from complaining is “blameless and harmless,” then what does that say about the Christian who is complaining? It is unfitting for the children of God to be complaining. When we complain like those in the world, we lose our distinctiveness (our “light” goes out) and we blend in with the rest of the world.

Jude said that the heretics of his day were characterized by grumbling and complaining. “These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage” (Jude 16). Complaining is characteristic of those who are wicked, not those who are righteous. It is characteristic of those who God destroys, not those who receive His blessings.

Why Complaining is Such a Serious Sin

1. There is a place for legitimate complaints. A complaint arose in the early church (Acts 6:1). The Greek speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of benevolence. The apostles did not condemn those who were voicing the complaint. They took steps to correct the injustice and make sure that it never happened again.

Injustices need to be exposed in order to be corrected. It is not a sin to point out faults and errors that pose a threat to the wellbeing of others. However, most complaints are not legitimate. They are efforts to vent frustrations, intimidate others, cast off blame on others, etc.

2. We are to bear with one another, not complain about and find fault with one another.

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Complaining and fault finding is not conduct that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. We were “called” while we were sinners. Who are we, after we have been saved by the grace and mercy of God, to turn and find fault with our own brethren? We are to walk in humility, patiently bearing with our brethren, not complaining about them. It is impossible for brethren to maintain unity while they are casting complaints against one another.

3. We are to walk in love towards one another.

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:1-2).

We are to “love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22), not find fault with one another. It is impossible to complain sinfully about our brethren if we are walking in love towards them. Love, by its very nature, does not lend itself to complaining.

“Love suffers long and is kind,” but complainers are not. “Love does not envy,” but complainers are often envious of others. “Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up,” but complainers desire to draw attention to themselves. Love “does not behave rudely,” but complainers do not hesitate to be rude in making their point to others. Love “does not seek its own,” but complainers are often self-focused. Love “is not provoked,” but complaints come from those who are easily provoked. Love “thinks no evil,” but complainers often see evil motives and intentions in everything that is done by others, and they keep a record of evil deeds done by others to use in future complaints. Love “does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.” Complainers never rejoice about anything. Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Complainers are not willing to give their brethren the benefit of the doubt (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

4. Complaining against God is an offense to God; it is a great sin! Complaining denies God of His sovereignty and make us His judge. “But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’ Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?” (Romans 9:20-21). Complaining denies God’s care and provision for our physical lives (Mark 4:38, Matthew 6:32, 7:11).

None of us is in a position to complain against God, His ways, or His law. “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8-9). God gives us life and breath and all good things (Acts 17:25, James 1:17). His commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3). His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

5. Complaining takes the place of prayer. The time that we wasted hopelessly complaining about our problems is time that we could have spent in prayer unto God. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16), but complaining never accomplished anything.

6. We are to count our blessings, not voice our complaints. We have many spiritual blessings in Christ. We are adopted as children of God, we receive the forgiveness of our sins, and we stand to obtain an eternal inheritance in Heaven (Ephesians 1:3, 5, 7, 11). God has promised that we have His continual care. “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6). Paul says that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). When was the last time that you heard a conqueror complain? If we would spend more time counting our blessings, we would have less time to complain and would find less things about which to complain.

7. We are to learn to be content, not complain.

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Paul said, “I can do all things,” but many of us seem to complain about all things. We need to learn to be grateful for what we have, as opposed to complaining about what we do not have.

8. Complaining does not advance the cause of Christ. In fact, it distracts from the cause of Christ. In Philippians 2:14-15, Paul said that we are to do all things without complaining and disputing. By doing so, we become blameless, harmless, and without fault, shining as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. However, when we complain, that light goes out. There is no longer a beacon drawing men unto Christ. Perhaps the best thing we can do to help the church to grow is to stop complaining about how the church is not growing.

Complaining discourages brethren. The complaints of the Israelites made Moses want to die (Numbers 11:11-15). How many elders, deacons, Bible class teachers, and preachers have wanted to step down because of the continual complaints of their brethren? One of the most discouraging facts about complaining is that complainers rarely do anything other than complain. When given the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the cause of Christ, they often don’t – either because they do not know how, or they are not willing to subject themselves to the criticism of others.

9. We need to get busy. God did not call us to complain, but to work (Ephesians 2:10). If we have the time and energy to complain, we have time and energy to do things that are constructive and productive – things that will bring glory unto God. Remember the old saying: “The person rowing the boat is too busy to rock it!”

Conclusion. Complaining does not accomplish any good for our spiritual lives or for the cause of Christ. It brings down efforts, stifles enthusiasm, causes dissatisfaction, discontent, and division. Complaints directed toward God are a sin on par with idolatry and fornication. Christians are not to grumble against one another lest we be condemned. Instead, we are to do all things without complaining and disputing. Let us strive to be more like Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, and less like the complaining Children of Israel who failed to enter the Promised Land.

A.O.P.P.S.

Foster, Chip — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 04:01:54 +0000

Peer pressure is a subject that is always talked about but is often dismissed as outdated and useless in real world applications. Whenever we talk about peer pressure we inevitably bring up alcohol, pre-marital sex, or drugs. These are the top three in no particular order. Additionally we tend to only make an application of peer pressure to those who are younger. Teenagers seem to be our prime target of peer pressure lessons. Well guess what, peer pressure doesn’t end at twenty but will only increase as we continue to age.

Adult On-Set Peer Pressure Syndrome is a condition that affects all adults. It will manifest itself in different ways, but it should be noted that we are all susceptible to A.O.P.P.S. This is not something that is limited to the young as they go through school, but is in fact a pressure that builds as we grow older and can severely affect our spiritual and physical lives.

Let’s be clear from the beginning, peer pressure in and of itself is not a sin, but it is our response to this pressure. Also, our response to peer pressure may not be sinful. We can respond to peer pressure in a beneficial way, a way that is not sinful, but that is not the point of any discussion of giving in to the influence exerted on us by others.

In his epistle James writes, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James 1:12-16). This is the essential passage that describes the result of peer pressure. While the influence of others is not distinctly stated here we should be able to see the proper application of peer pressure.

James exhorts us to endure temptation remembering that God is the giver of good things and will not tempt us. Temptation does come though and it can be through the peer pressure of others. We are presented with things that draw our attention. Our friends and acquaintances give us their opinions and interactions with the thing under consideration. We pay attention to their experiences and encouragements and give in to the desire. If the thing under consideration is sinful then we are under the penalty of death because we have sinned against God.

James closes out this exhortation and warning with, Do not be deceived. Peer pressure is very deceptive because we see so many do the thing with no tangible consequences.

Satan is the source of all peer pressure. In Genesis 3 the serpent deceived Eve and Adam gave in to the pressure exerted upon him.

We often preach this type of lesson to those who are younger and we might go to the book of Proverbs for the teaching form Solomon. In Proverbs 1:10-19 he warns his son about the peer pressure that he will encounter. This peer pressure is sinful and leads to many sinful actions. Theft, murder, and all kinds of evil are under consideration here and the warning is, Keep your foot from their path (verse 15).

But peer pressure comes upon all at different ages. In 1 Samuel 15 we can read the account of King Saul’s mission to utterly destroy the Amalekites. The command was simple and clear yet Saul disobeyed. He and the people decided to bring King Agag and the best of the flocks and herds back to Israel. Saul blames this on the people while trying to defend his actions and decisions. This is an example of peer pressure that affects even the leader of many people.

We go forward to King Rehoboam and see another king who falls to the pressure of his peers, 1 Kings 12:8, instead of listening to the wisdom of the elders. If we turn to 1 Kings 14:21 we find out that Rehoboam was 41 years old when he became king. This is not a young man but he was still susceptible to heeding the bad advice of his peers.

With an understanding that peer pressure can affect us at any age, what types of things are we affected by? The quick and ready answers are alcohol, drugs, and fornication. We have heard these over and over throughout the years and maybe, just maybe we are beyond these things and other things need to be looked at.

One of the next things may be gambling. Many try to justify gambling as completely amoral. They will say that the Bible is completely indifferent about gambling and specifically that Jesus in His covenant says nothing of gambling. Simply put gambling is based on greed, the desire to get money by means other than working for it. In Jude 11 the greediness of Balaam is used as a warning for us. In Ephesians 4:19 Paul writes, who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. He is speaking of those who walk according to their own will. Peer pressure leads many to gamble justifying their actions by saying they are hurting no one. These same will play the state lottery with the same justification. I only have one question to ask, “If you were not going to win anything would you still play craps, blackjack, roulette, or play the lottery?”

Peer pressure also comes into play in the way we dress. This is about modesty. The pressure put upon us from the fashion industry, media outlets, and entertainment industry is everywhere and continually foists an image of immodesty as fashionable and chic. Whether it is too short or too tight, too see-thru or too loose the fashions of the world should not be adopted by Christian men and women. There is no justification for it except from the minds of men and we hear over and over, “everyone is wearing it.” Peer pressure says show off your thighs, your abs, and your curvaceous figure because everyone wants to see. Flaunt what you have because you worked hard for it and you deserve the admiration of others. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” By what we wear are we causing others to look at us and lust? This is the desire and conceiving of desire that James writes about.

What about our jobs? The peer pressure of the world is demanding more and more of our time in work. We know that we are to provide for our family. Paul wrote to Timothy, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8). Paul told the elders of the church at Ephesus, “Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me” (Acts 20:34). He worked to provide for himself and those with him. We are to work to provide for our families, but some have taken this to the extreme due to the peer pressure of the world. Whether they realize it or not there is the pressure that the dollar exerts on all of us. Some have fallen to that pressure as they work more and more to support their lifestyle. They say they are not rich, and that may be but they spend all of their money on their house and the things that occupy their life. They begin to work overtime. Overtime turns into Saturdays. Saturdays turn into the occasional Sunday. What was once a job has turned into the end all be all of your life. The husband works to feed the habits of the family and the wife encourages him so that they can maintain their lifestyle. The children do not see their father and mother and what is taught is that work is more important than all else. When the children are old enough they take on jobs that remove them from the regular worship service, just like their parents. The wise man wrote, “Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:4-5). The excuse that is used though is, “I am not rich, and we just get by.” It is too bad that we can’t see the irony in our own words!

Peer pressure is most evident in our friends. Too often we can convince ourselves that our worldly friends will not be a big influence on us. In fact we can convince ourselves that we can be a bigger influence on them than they on us. To be perfectly honest we can be a better influence on those around us but most of the time that influence will be ignored by those of the world. Worldly friends are just that, they are of the world. We must look beyond this world when we develop our friendships.

Several passages speak of the influence of worldly friends and we should recall these passages when we choose to spend time with them. Paul wrote, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.’ Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty’” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). James wrote, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Paul also wrote, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). From these we should be able to determine that friendship with the world and having worldly friends is only a detriment to our spiritual state. Paul quoted the prophet Isaiah when he wrote that we are to come out from among them. How can we come out from among them when we continue to bring them into our circle?

The contrast to this is simple a clear; we are to be a friend of Jesus. Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:14-15). How can we call Jesus our friend if we continue to have friendship with the world? The peer pressure that we should be influenced by is the pressure from Jesus to work His righteousness.

A.O.P.P.S. is not a fluky thing that we can afford to ignore; remember what happened to Peter and Barnabas as recorded in Galatians 2. If we do not pay close attention to the Gospel of Christ and the application thereof we present ourselves as ripe candidates for the peer pressure that Satan has planned for us.

Paul’s Concern For the Souls of Men

Rogers, Heath — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:07:13 +0000

One of the greatest tragedies of the church today is our apparent apathy toward the souls of men. We can become so caught up in the material aspects of our daily lives that we all too often lose sight of the spiritual condition of those around us. As Jesus Himself lamented, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).

The apostle Paul was a man who saw the need to respond to the Lord’s appeal for laborers. The extent of Paul’s concern for lost souls can be seen in all of his efforts and writings, but this article will focus upon the first few verses of his address to the elders of the church in Ephesus recorded in Acts 20:17-21.

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.

18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,

19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;

20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,

21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul Endured Hardships in His Work

Paul’s work was not easy. He enjoyed much success in the three years that he was in Ephesus (v. 31), but he also endured great hardships. During this time, Paul shed many tears with them (v. 19). These tears were not for show. He sincerely cared for them, and for the fate of their souls.

In addition to the tears, Paul was also with them in many trials (v. 19). Paul was opposed in his work of spreading the gospel in Ephesus. Luke does not record these plots by the Jews in the book of Acts, but Paul alludes to them in his letters to the church in Corinth.

“If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts in Ephesus, what advantage is it to me?” (1 Corinthians 15:32).

“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us” (2 Corinthians 1:8-10).

The evidence of Paul’s concern for their souls is seen in the hardships that he endured for their sake. No man would endure such hardships unless he truly cared for those who benefitted from his labors. What hardships have we endured for the cause of Christ and for the souls of men?

Paul Taught Everyone

Paul knew that the gospel was for everyone. While in Ephesus, Paul testified “to Jews, and also to Greeks” (v. 21). Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). When Paul arrived in a new city, it was his practice to first go to the Jews, then to take the gospel to the Gentiles – to anyone and everyone who would hear it. Everyone has a soul, and so everyone was in need of the gospel.

We may not deal with the Jew/Gentile distinction which posed such a problem in the First Century, but many of us struggle with the way that we view people who are different from ourselves. Paul did not care about a person’s race, gender, level of education, economic or social status. He took the gospel to everyone who was willing to listen.

How about us? Is there anyone whom I would not want to be saved? Is there anyone whom I would rather not see as a member of the congregation where I attend? Do I realize that the gospel which has saved my soul is a gospel for all?

Paul Taught Everywhere

Paul’s teaching efforts were not limited to the pulpit on Sunday morning. He taught the gospel every time and place that he had opportunity.

“How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house” (v. 20).

“Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (v. 31).

Paul certainly knew the value of public preaching (Romans 10:14-17, 1 Corinthians 1:21), but he also understood that this was not the only time and place that the gospel could be heard by those who were lost. Paul spoke the gospel in synagogues, schools, marketplaces, public forums, in houses, in governor’s palaces, on ships, and on the riverside.

Some brethren have the idea that they have “hired” a full-time preacher to do their evangelism for them, but the gospel was spread when the “rank and file” members went out preaching the word (Acts 8:4). Other brethren want to give their preacher office hours, but the gospel is not confined to a 9-5 schedule at the church building. Many souls have been saved due to efforts put forth around a kitchen table, in a living room, in the break room at work, etc. Are there times and places where you can talk or study with people? How about at work, school, enjoying a hobby or a mutual activity, opening your home for a Bible study?

Paul Taught Everything

Paul told the Ephesian elders that he had “kept back nothing that was helpful” (v. 20). The phrase “kept back” is translated from a Greek word that was used to refer to the act of lowering a sail. Paul did not hold anything back, but gave them everything that was needed to secure their soul’s salvation. In verse 27, Paul said, “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”

Some people claim that John 3:16 is the “gospel in a nutshell,” suggesting that it is all that one needs. On the contrary, Jesus commanded that disciples were to be taught to observe all of His commandments (Matthew 28:19-20).

Others falsely claim that the only thing that Paul preached was the fact that Jesus was crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1-2, 15:3-4). This is not true, for Paul taught the same thing in every church (1 Corinthians 4:17), and in Ephesus he had taught the whole counsel of God.

Since all of the gospel is needed, it is the preacher’s task to declare the whole counsel of God. Balance is essential. Over a reasonable period of time (Paul was in Ephesus for three years) a church needs to hear all of the teachings of the Bible, and this teaching needs to be repeated for emphasis (2 Peter 1:12-15).

Do we insist that the whole counsel of God be preached? Are there any truths of God’s word that we try to “avoid” when talking to our friends? Are there any doctrines that we seek to “hide” from those who visit our assemblies?

Paul Sought the Proper Response From His Listeners

The gospel is of such a nature that it elicits a response from man. For Paul, preaching was not an academic exercise, nor was he simply trying to win an argument. Paul taught with a purpose, helping his listeners towards a specific goal – “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 21).

The proper response to the gospel is for man to turn to God for salvation and accept it by responding to the conditions set forth by Jesus Christ. Man is free to accept or reject the gospel, but the preacher/teacher must encourage his listener to respond in obedience. He does more than just set forth the facts of the gospel, he encourages the proper response. “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation’” (Acts 2:40).

Some of our brethren have actually stopped extending invitations at the end of their sermons, or they extend invitations that are so generic that no one would know what they needed to do even if they wanted to do it. This effort to make the gospel more desirable to the “un-churched” is actually a disturbing trend away from the distinctive kind of preaching that we can read about in the New Testament. Like Paul, we need to “persuade men” to obey the gospel and “implore” them to be reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:11, 20)

Do we encourage others to become Christians? Do we set a positive example of Christianity with our daily lives, or do we act as if our lives are miserable? Do we practice what we preach, or does our hypocrisy give sinners an “excuse” not to become Christians? Do we encourage our children to obey the gospel, or do we discourage their interest in spiritual matters by encouraging their involvement in worldly activities?

Conclusion

Paul was perhaps the greatest evangelist of all time, but his success is not a secret. He was busy taking advantage of every opportunity to declare the whole counsel of God to everyone, calling upon them to obey the gospel. His care for the souls of men is shown in the fact that he was willing to suffer personally for their salvation. We must do the same.

I Grew up Church of Christ

Foster, Chip — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:33:16 +0000

Have you heard this said? I have. From time to time you have probably heard this statement. When the person who says this realizes that you are a member of the Lord’s church they tell you this. Why is that? Is it an attempt at making some kind of connection of mutual attitude? Is it an attempt by them to let you know they “know where you are coming from”? If you “grew up” church of Christ what happened? What event took place that caused you to out-grow the Lord’s church? Where are they now? What are their religious beliefs and practices? Are there any at all?

Unfortunately, this is happening all of the time as people who were once a part of the Lord’s church, the church of Christ, leave for other pastures when they grew into adulthood. Somewhere along the path of their life they either are lured away from Christ by the doctrines of man or they simply fall away, lured by the world and its lusts.

While we wonder why this happens, it is nothing new. If we look back at the history of the Israelites we see this very thing happening time and again. In 1 Samuel 2:22-25 we read of Eli’s sons who transgressed against God and Israel. In 2 Kings 8:16-18 Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, became king of Judah, but he did not walk in the way of his father, but instead walked in the way of the kings of Israel. Why did this happen? Did Eli fail in his training of Hophni and Phinehas? Was it because Jehoshaphat did not teach Jehoram correctly, properly, and thoroughly? In both cases was it because of external influences? The latter had a definite impact on Jehoram has he married the daughter of Ahab.

Ahab is well known to us as one of the most evil kings that ever reigned over Israel. He was aided on his path because of his chosen wife, Jezebel. In 1 Kings 16:29-33 we are introduced to Ahab. He is described in this passage as one who “did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him”, “as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him”, and “Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.” His son followed this same path and the result of the influence was the same.

While both of the examples “grew up” as Israelites, the chosen people of God, both left God for other pastures. Both had all the opportunities that we have, that all have, to be obedient to God’s commands, but made decisions to move away from God. When someone says that they grew up church of Christ but now they do not attend the church at all or belong to a denominational group they are revealing the result of several different factors that we have already seen in Hophni, Phinehas, and Jehoram.

The first reason that some leave the church is due to improper training. In Proverbs 22:6 we read, Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Too often when this verse is read it is misunderstood. Too many think that this is an absolute when it is not. A proverb is a good saying, a thoughtful consideration of basic truths that when applied properly give the adherent a strong base on which to stand; but they are not a guarantee simply because of the free will of man. The proverb gives us a hope and an assurance based on truth.

In Genesis 18:19 God says of Abraham, “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” God says that He knew Abraham that he might teach his children to know God. God has known us, we know God, today through His word. If we know God and then take on the responsibility of raising children should we not also take on the responsibility of teaching them of God?

In Deuteronomy 4:9 Moses commands the Israelites, Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren. Moses also commanded the Israelites, You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Parents must give their all in teaching their children to love God and acquire their very own love for God. We read of this in Paul’s second letter to Timothy; I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also (2 Timothy 1:3-5). For me, this passage indicates that Timothy’s mother and grandmother had a love for God and the truth of the gospel of Christ and that they were able to teach Timothy to have this love also. Timothy had his own love for God because he was taught the truth by his mother and grandmother. We cannot give our children our faith they must develop their own faith and we help them by the things we teach them through our words and actions.

The second reason some leave the church in their adult years is because of the influences of the world. Hophni, Phinehas, and Jehoram were all influenced by earthly pleasures and the wickedness of companions.

The devil seeks to entice us with the pleasures that can be found in the world. In 2 Timothy 4:10 Paul wrote concerning Demas who was once a faithful worker, for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica. We are not told what exactly Demas loved but we know the results. When it comes to the love of this world John sums it up for us writing, Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world (1 John 2:15-16). Demas loved the world more than he loved God. When we read of Hophni and Phinehas they practiced things of this world demonstrating their true love.

Generally speaking, when it comes to being enticed by the world, someone else will be involved.

Paul gave a warning to the church at Corinth when we wrote; Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33). And in the second letter he continued; “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?… (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). Unfortunately we deceive ourselves all too often by thinking that we will be able to have this association without it harming us. We do not regard God’s word on this subject because we think we know better.

When it comes to relationships with the world, one of the easiest ways to look at it is to examine the marriage relationship. The following chart shows studies that were made in the 1970’s and 80’s. I realize that this information is a bit dated but it still gives us an indication of the results of companionship with the world.

Before looking at the chart I want to say that a Christian can marry a non-Christian if they so choose and both have a right to marry. There is no prohibition under Christ banning this type of marriage. Some take 2 Corinthians 6:14 as proof text for this prohibition but marriage is not in the context of the passage. Now, even though marriage is not the context of the passage I readily admit that the passage has an application to marriage. Can a Christian marry a non-Christian? Yes. Is it a good idea? No! It is a dangerous situation that one willingly puts themselves into and one that can be completely avoided.

B. Street Church, Miami OK
1957-77

Christian to Non-Christian                                   Christian to Christian
76 marriages                                                       64 marriages
57 left faith – 75%                                               5 left faith – 7.8%
25 divorced – 32.9%                                          2 divorced – 3.1%
22 faithful – 28.9%                                            59 faithful – 92.2%

Bridges Street Church, Wynne, AR
1962-1981

76 marriages                                                       28 marriages
61 left faith – 80.2%                                            4 left faith – 14.3%
23 divorced – 30.2%                                          4 divorced – 14.3%
15 faithful – 19.7%                                             24 faithful – 85.7%

(Statistics compiled by Earl Edwards, Freed-Hardeman University, percentages added by author)

I cannot speak to the mindset or reasons affecting any of the individuals. I cannot even speak to the faithfulness of any of the people involved to this day, but without question anyone can see the results at the time of the survey. The vast majority of Christians who married non-Christians left the church. While they may have “grown up” in the church they left the church under the influence of their non-Christian spouse. It should also be noted that just because you marry a Christian it doesn’t a guarantee anything. Also, the loss of any soul to the world is to be mourned. It doesn’t matter if one is married to a Christian or not, if they turn from God and turn to the world a great tragedy has occurred.

Now if we can see the affect of this relationship on the Christian should we not be just as careful when dating? Should we not be just as careful in business relationships? How careful should we be with any relationship with those who walk as the world? I know that we must live in the world and cannot ostracize ourselves from the world, 1 Corinthians 5:9-10, but we must walk soberly knowing the danger of too close association with those who care not for true obedience to God.

In the end how you grew up is important but nothing can be done about that now. What is important is what are you doing about faithfulness and obedience to God today? If you “grew up church of Christ” but are not faithful now what is keeping you from serving God? What can you do about that?

Maybe that can be another article.
?

Lessons to Learn from Elijah and Obadiah

Cox, Stan — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:08:00 +0000

1 Kings 18 records a conversation between the great prophet Elijah, and Obadiah, the steward over the house of King Ahab. Despite his close association with the evil king, scripture describes Obadiah as a man who “feared the Lord greatly” (18:3).

Elijah gave Obadiah instructions to set up a meeting between him and the king. The two were mortal enemies, and Ahab had been searching for him ever since Elijah had instigated a drought in the land in response to Ahab’s evil practices. As Obadiah told him, “As the Lord your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my master has not sent someone to hunt for you; and when they said, ‘He is not here,”’ he took an oath from the kingdom or nation that they could not find you” (18:10). Elijah was now ready to reveal himself to the king, and recruited Obadiah to set up the meeting.

A number of lessons can be learned by becoming familiar with these two men, and examining the conversation they had on that eventful day.

Elijah

Elijah is by far the best known of the two men. The prophet garnered such respect among the Jews, and esteem from God as to be included with Moses the Lawgiver at the transfiguration of the Lord (cf. Matthew 17:1-13).

His legitimacy as a prophet is seen in the great signs accompanying his ministry in Israel. Through prayer he precipitated the great drought in the land – and through prayer ended it three and one half years later (cf. 1 Kings 17:1; 18:41-46). God protected him through the drought, first by sending ravens to feed him (17:6), then by miraculously replenishing the oil and flour of the widow of Sidon (17:16). Perhaps the greatest demonstration of God’s power in Elijah’s ministry was in the contest on Mount Carmel. Again at the prayer of Elijah, God brought down fire from heaven, proving Himself to be the great and sovereign Lord of all. At this divine display the people “fell on their faces; and they said, ‘The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!’” (18:39).

James had an interesting point to make regarding the power of Elijah’s prayers. He wrote, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit” (James 5:17-18). Though wonderful things happened when Elijah prayed, it was not because of anything unique to his person. Elijah’s prayers produced because he was a righteous man, praying fervently and effectively (cf. James 5:16). We have the same ability that he enjoyed, to receive God’s help through prayerful petition.

One important thing to note is Elijah’s tone in conversation and address. He was an austere man and straightforward in dealing with the sin he witnessed. Consider the following statements, recorded in 1 Kings 18 and 21:

To King Ahab: “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals” (18:18).
In mocking the prophets of Baal: “Cry aloud, for he [Baal] is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” (18:27).
Again to Ahab, in response to the King’s question, “Have you found me, O my enemy?”: “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the Lord: Behold, I will bring calamity on you. I will take away your posterity, and will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both bond and free. I will make you house like the house of Jereoboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, because of the provocation with which you have provoked Me to anger, and made Israel sin. And concerning Jezebel the Lord also spoke, saying, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Ahab and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field’” (21:20-24).

It is important to remember, the words of Elijah were supplied by God. In preparation for the conversation with Ahab in chapter 21, Jehovah instructed Elijah, “You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs shall lick your blood, even yours”’” (21:19). In the face of today’s bent toward “political correctness”, and the weak stomach of many Christians who are unwilling to stand for the plain refutation of error and sin, we must recognize that there are times when stern condemnation of error is in order. We must make “a distinction” (James 1:22-23), doing whatever is appropriate and necessary to save men.

Obadiah

Nothing is known about Obadiah aside from what is revealed in our text. According to the ISBE, the name Obadiah was “common in Israel from the days of David to the close of the OT.” (IV, 2173). There are 13 individuals named Obadiah found in the Old Testament, including the prophet who authored the book by that name. The name means, “servant of the Lord”, so it is not surprising it would be a popular name.

Our Obadiah is identified as the individual “in charge of his [Ahab’s] house” (18:3). In 1 Kings 4:6, Ahishar is identified as being “over the household” of King Solomon. He is described in verse 2 of that chapter as being one of Solomon’s “officials.” The Hebrew term indicates a person of any rank who is “a head person”, and has been variously translated as captain, lord, general, governor, keeper, prince and ruler. Obadiah obviously had the trust of Ahab, as he and the king divided the land between them to search for grass “to keep the horses and mules alive” (18:5). It was on this excursion for the king that Elijah met him and made his request.

Though it could be said he was a faithful steward of King Ahab, there was a limit to Obadiah’s faithfulness to his master. When Queen Jezebel began her campaign to purge the land of worship to Jehovah by killing the prophets, Obadiah took one hundred of them and hid them in caves to escape her wrath. He fed them bread and water, caring for them despite the personal danger occasioned by such an effort.

Two applications come immediately to mind as we consider Obadiah’s actions. First, our primary allegiance is to God. There will be times our service to men may conflict with what God requires. When that happens we must cast our allegiance with the Almighty.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, though the penalty for such disobedience was death by fire (Daniel 3:14-15). Consider their answer to the King:

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18).

Daniel himself chose the better part by continuing his practice of prayer to Jehovah despite the prohibition of the Median King, Darius. The penalty for disobedience would be to be cast into a pit of lions. Regardless, Daniel’s prayer continued, “as was his custom since early days” with no change nor any attempt to hide his actions. (cf. Daniel 6). Because of his faithfulness, God spared Daniel, and we are told, “So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian” (Daniel 6:28).

In the New Testament, first Peter and John (Acts 4:13-22), then the rest of the Apostles (Acts 5:22-32) were threatened by the Jewish authorities for preaching the gospel of Christ. Despite it being an act of civil disobedience, the apostles refused to stop, saying, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

The second application is a bit more difficult to nail down. You may have noticed the scripture counted Obadiah as faithful, despite his being a chief servant of an evil King. Of Ahab it is said, he “did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him” (1 Kings 16:33). Christians often struggle with their necessary involvement, both with the evil world, and also with worldly individuals. Such entanglements are inevitable. Paul wrote that to avoid them, “you would need to go out of the world” (1 Corinthians 5:10). Of course, as was Paul’s point, this is impossible. For example, we are to pay taxes (cf. Matthew 22:15-22), despite the often ungodly uses made of such revenue. We are to obey the laws of the land (cf. Romans 13:1-7), even when the government is made up of unprincipled and evil men. We are to work to provide for our family (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8), even when such work is, as was the case with Obadiah, for an unscrupulous master (cf. also Luke 19:11-27). Such necessary involvement with the world does not constitute an endorsement of sin! If that were the case Christians could only work for Christians. It would be necessary to refrain from interaction with any business, hospital, government, etc., that was engaged in any worldly activity, or manned by anyone not faithful to God. As Paul indicated, “…those who are outside God judges” (1 Corinthians 5:13). The only evil people I as a Christian am to unequivocally avoid is “anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner …” (1 Corinthians 5:11).

There is of course a limit. I can pay taxes to an evil government, but I cannot engage in sinful activity. I can work for a corporation that may by involved in certain unscrupulous business activities, but again, I cannot engage in such actions. The government may fund abortions, but as a Christian I can not personally take an unborn baby’s life. My boss may be a liar, but I can’t lie for him. I must “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

I would never encourage a Christian to work for a company if in so doing he would violate his conscience. Further, I am reluctant to seek the limit of this worldly involvement to ascertain at what point a Christian’s personal integrity is affected by his association with those who are not God’s. However, I do know that Obadiah’s standing with God was not adversely affected by his service to wicked King Ahab. Thus, I would hesitate to judge another so long as their employment does not involve them directly in sin.

The Conversation

When Elijah met Obadiah in the course of the steward’s duties for the king, he told him, “Go, tell your master, Elijah is here.” (18:8). Obadiah knew that God would protect the great prophet, and thought it to be a death penalty to deliver the message. “And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of the Lord will carry you to a place I do not know; so when I go and tell Ahab, and he cannot find you, he will kill me.” (18:12). At Elijah’s promise he would stay and present himself to the King, Obadiah delivered the message.

From this short conversation, consider the following important observations:

Obadiah was respectful of the great prophet. When he saw the prophet, he said, “Is that you, my lord Elijah?” (18:7). As Christians, it is important for us to be kind and respectful of one another, without exception. However, some are worthy of special consideration. Paul instructed young Timothy, “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father” (1 Timothy 5:1). We are given the responsibility to, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). Such respect and deference is to be shown to the teacher as well: “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches” (Galatians 6:6). Wives are instructed to respect their husbands, “As Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror” (1 Peter 3:6); and children their parents: “‘Honor your father and mother’, which is the first commandment with promise” (Ephesians 6:2). In this egalitarian society, such respect is often lacking. Christians must heed God in this matter.
Elijah accepted Obadiah’s testimony of his own faithfulness. The two men were very different, and in very different circumstances. Elijah was at the forefront of God’s conflict with the idol Baal. He made himself an enemy of the king through his words and actions. To Ahab, he was an “enemy” and a “troubler of Israel” In contrast, despite Obadiah’s position as Ahab’s chief steward, he was accepted as faithful by the prophet. Elijah did not judge Obadiah because of who he worked for, he simply called him to faithfully perform his duty as a servant of God. It is easy to supplement our own righteousness for the righteousness of God. In this we can be guilty of both being slack where God requires obedience, and also in binding where God has not. The Jews were guilty of this in Paul’s day, and he wrote, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3).
Obadiah did not compromise. Though he was in the employ of the king, Obadiah could truthfully say, “But I your servant have feared the Lord from my youth” (1 Kings 18:12). He put his life on the line, both in feeding and sheltering the 100 prophets during Jezebel’s purge (18:3-4), and in delivering Elijah’s message to the king (18:16). We have noted the inappropriateness of judging a Christian who works for the ungodly. There remains the opposite danger of taking Obadiah’s example, and doing violence to it by a compromise of personal integrity and righteousness. Obadiah’s personal righteousness remained untainted by King Ahab’s sin precisely because Obadiah refused to become involved in it. No man can appeal to Obadiah as justification for a compromise with sin.
Elijah showed great courage. Through the entire duration of the drought Elijah had hid himself in accord with the Lord’s instructions. In 1 Kings 18:1, “… the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, ‘Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.” Despite the King’s animosity toward him; despite Obadiah’s warning that Ahab had scoured the surrounding nations during the famine in an attempt to find and capture him; despite what would be grave personal danger; Elijah presented himself to the king. Further, he challenged Ahab, calling him the true “troubler of Israel” in that “you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals” (vs. 18). Elijah conducted himself with great personal integrity in keeping his Lord’s commandments. It is a difficult thing to stand at the forefront of a battle against error or sin. Elders, preachers and other Christians who do so should be encouraged and supported in their work, not criticized.

Is there Room in the Kingdom for both “Obadiahs” and “Elijahs”?

The obvious answer to this question is, yes! Though the two men were very different in their personality and position, they were both righteous and obedient servants of God. Further, they were respectful and accepting of each other, something sadly lacking among some Christians today.

This makes for a powerful application that is germane to the Lord’s church in our time. I will communicate plainly here, feeling the present fractured condition among God’s people demands it.

The Elijahs of our day are heavily criticized. A militant defense of truth is too often criticized by Christians who favor tolerance over truth, and a “feel good” religion over a balanced profession of faith. With reservations, as I do not wish to encourage such ungodly criticism, I acknowledge some self-professed Elijahs among us deserve criticism. With that in mind, consider the following:

An Elijah is not a sectarian. It is wrong for Christians to equate a militant defense of truth with sectarianism, as is too often done. However, some are guilty of aligning themselves with a man or a group, defending us and all we do and teach, and criticizing them because they are not of us. Our defense of truth must exist on its own merits. In politics such partisanship is unfortunate and unthinking; in the practice of our faith it is sin! Paul decried the sectarian attitude of the Corinthians, and called it carnal (1 Corinthians 1:10-14, 3:1-4). He said, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (3:5-7). Sectarian associations and tactics have no place in a defense of God’s word.
An Elijah is not arrogant. This is perhaps the root cause of the sectarian mindset mentioned above. Because we stand for truth, and they do not, we are better. The Jew of Paul’s day was guilty of such arrogance in his judgment of the Gentile. Paul asked him, “And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:3-4). It is dangerous to have a “better than thou” attitude toward others. Paul warned, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. but they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).
An Elijah does not compromise his personal integrity. Ad hominem attacks, misrepresentations and other carnal tactics do not further the cause of truth, even if the one guilty of such is in actuality holding a correct doctrinal position. Further, truth has suffered because of the revelation of moral failings on the part of those at the forefront of controversy. Men have done a disservice to truth because of their personal sin. It is difficult to hear a message of light from those who are not expressing that light in their lives. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
An Elijah is not improperly motivated. The purpose of exposing error and the errorist is to bring men to a standing with God. Again, Paul (who could be described as an Elijah of his day) serves as an example. His naming of Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom he plainly states as having “delivered to Satan” is an example of his militancy. However, even in the midst of such a declaration, his purpose is clear, “that they many learn not to blaspheme” (1 Timothy 1:20). The sexually immoral man of 1 Corinthians 5, whom Paul had “already judged” (vs. 3); and whom he commanded the Corinthians to deliver “to Satan” (vs. 5); is the same one whom he urged that same congregation, upon his repentance, to “reaffirm your love” (2 Corinthians 6:8). Anyone who uses his defense of truth as a ruse to “run them off” rather than “renew them again to repentance” (cf. Hebrews 6:6) is worthy of the strongest censure.

The Obadiahs of our day receive their share of criticism as well. We live in a time of extremes, and the problems among God’s people are not slanted in a a single direction. While I again do not want to encourage the ungodly criticism of men and women who are serving God acceptably in the role of an Obadiah, a similar acknowledgement is needed. Some self professed Obadiahs among us are deserving of criticism. Consider the following:

An Obadiah is not a sectarian. A preference of us over them goes both ways. Years ago a résumé of Paul made the rounds in the bulletins of various congregations. (Here is a man who desires to work with our congregation as an evangelist. He is a rabble rouser, who calls names, makes enemies, has been imprisoned on numerous occasions, and some “brethren” speak evil of him. We can’t have someone like “him” work with “us.”) It is shameful, but true. Some congregations will not have a man work with them, whether in meeting work or as an evangelist in their midst, because of a paper he has written for, or the feathers he has ruffled, or the names he has called. It matters not that he stands for truth, maintains the highest personal integrity and righteousness, and has as his sole motivation the saving of souls. He is not of us, and we want nothing to do with him. Consider in this the commendation of Gaius by John because of his loving reception and help of those who “went forth for His name’s sake” (3 John 7). He is contrasted with Diotrephes, who refused to accept the apostle and his fellow ministers, “prating against us with malicious words” (3 John 10).
An Obadiah is not arrogant. Paul’s admonition of the Corinthians is again relevant here. Too many Christians accuse one who exposes sin as being judgmental, self-righteous and arrogant. But, Paul accused the tolerant Corinthians of that very sin! He said, “you are puffed up” (1 Corinthians 5:2), and “Your glorying is not good” (vs. 6). It is just as easy to consider yourself to be better than your brother because of your tolerant attitude toward sin. And it is as surely condemned by God.
An Obadiah does not compromise truth, nor fellowship false teachers. It is very good to call for Christians to be loving, merciful, longsuffering and kind. It is wrong to equate the toleration of error and false teachers with the tender mercies present in every faithful Christian. It is not Christ-like to compromise with error. Our Lord described the errorists of His day in this way, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9). It is likewise not acceptable to receive those who advocate error. “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 10-11).
An Obadiah does not compromise with the world. Some Christians have become strangely quiet on moral issues. It is becoming more and more common to hear of Christians openly going to “R” rated movies; listening to music with profane and sexually explicit lyrics; swimming in public places, often wearing immodest attire; engaging in social drinking; playing the lottery; dancing and attending dances and proms; and dressing in short shorts, tight jeans and revealing tops. Because pulpits are silent, and elders and parents look the other way, young Christians are living lives that are scarcely dissimilar to those of their worldly classmates and peers. Sacrifice and devotion are lacking, with ball games, concerts and school activities given precedence over worship assemblies. The concept of nonconformity is given only lip-service. Christian devotion is relegated to a superficial profession of faith, with no lack of “Praise God’s”, and “Hallelujah’s”, but precious little transformation of life. It is one thing to wear a WWJD bracelet, and a far different thing to actually live your life by our Lord’s righteous example and standard. Paul wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Conclusion: An Application

I desire now to supply an example of the type of fracture present among brethren today. All of the principles I have supplied in the material above I believe to be applicable in this instance. Having said that, I freely admit the following to be my own subjective perception of a problem that exists among us.

While certainly not the only “fracture” among Christians, I believe it possible to identify a conflict between what we might refer to as the “Truth Magazine” crowd, and the “Florida College” crowd. Some may object to this example, but a person would have to be completely tuned out or naive to not recognize its reality. Further, some may object to these labels, and what is an intended negative representation, but this is chosen for a purpose that will be presently evident. While it would be simplistic to contend the parallels are total, it serves our present premise to equate those of the “Truth Magazine” crowd as being professing Elijahs, and those of the “Florida College” crowd as being professing Obadiahs. I say professing, because conflict does exist, and no conflict was present between the actual persons, Elijah and Obadiah.

As one who is currently on the “outs” with both crowds, I have a few observations I would like to make regarding this situation.

In my opinion, some of the fault lies in the leadership of both groups. Specific examples, in the context of this treatment, would be counterproductive. Such would rightly necessitate copious documentation, and would undoubtedly be met with great objection and an alternate interpretation of actions and intent. For the purposes of this article a few simple admonitions (that surely can be accepted by all) are in order.

For those who have written for Truth Magazine, are involved in any way with the organization that publishes that magazine and plans the lectureships, or are involved in any way either directly or tangentially with those who are — Please examine yourself, to determine if you are guilty of any of the following: 1) A departure from sound doctrine; 2) A sectarian mindset; 3) Pride; 4) A lack of personal integrity; 5) An improper motivation. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? –unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5). If there is a need for repentance, do not delay.

For those who are involved with Florida College, teach there, are a part of the administration, plan the lectureships, are active alumni, or are involved in any way either directly or tangentially with those who are (and by the way, some might feel that the former Christianity Magazine could here be substituted for Florida College) — Please examine yourself, to determine if you are guilty of any of the following: 1) A departure from sound doctrine; 2) A sectarian mindset; 3) Pride; 4) A compromise of truth or a fellowship of false teachers; 5) A compromise with the world. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? –unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5). If there is a need for repentance, do not delay.

In my opinion, the greatest fault lies with the followers who make up the two groups. By definition, if you have the us versus them mentality, you are guilty of a sectarian spirit. Interestingly, the preachers mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1 were all faithful: Paul, Apollos, Cephas and Christ. Those men were not guilty of any wrongdoing, and were not responsible for the division of the Corinthians. I find it completely reasonable to consider the possibility that there are men, perceived to be in one “group” or another, who are completely above reproach. And yet, lesser men tout them and claim allegiance, leading to strife.

The apostle Paul warned those in Corinth, “… that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another” (1 Corinthians 4:6) All the self-examination mentioned above is appropriate for every Christian, with this added admonition, “that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”

The most disturbing aspect of this fracture to fellowship is it has at its center organizations that are completely irrelevant to the pure expression of Christian faith. To please God, I need only my Savior, my brethren, and my circumspect walk. I do not need any college, paper or lectureship program. Setting aside any question regarding their right to exist or the good work they do, for God’s people to be divided as a result of associations and attitudes surrounding these institutions is indefensible. The fact that such a division exists portends eternal consequence.

Are you guilty of following men? Do you excuse the failings of your guy, and excoriate those whom you feel are of them rather than us? Do you allow only those who write for your paper, or who support your school are heard in the pulpit where you attend worship? Are only those who have a certain style of teaching acceptable, and are those who do not conform described as soft, or conversely, guilty of being watchdogs? Do you feel the same about congregations? Are some acceptable only because we fill the pulpit, where others are not because they preach there? Are you guilty either of consigning the great majority of churches to be unfaithful congregations just because of this sectarian mind; or conversely are you willing to marginalize some congregations as irrelevant because we are so much more numerous than them? If so, there is a need for repentance — please do not delay.

One final point. Some of us have no association with either of them. We are uncomfortable with some of the things that they are doing. We question their motivation, integrity and think that we need to band together so that their influence will lessen and ours will increase. Yes, you are correct, we are guilty as well.

Perhaps Elijah and Obadiah can teach us this wonderful lesson: Faithfulness to God is all that matters. When we consider who we will fellowship, who we will endorse, and who will be in our group, may the only question we have be this, “Are they accepted by God?” Brethren, please consider without rancor and prejudice these principles of truth, and my humble attempt to address a schism that must surely disappoint our God.

The World’s Bible

Robertson, John — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:09:42 +0000

Introduction

The Bible reveals the Lord’s concern of the world’s view of His church and saints. When the church and individual saint walks contrary to God’s revealed standards they pave the way for the world’s blasphemy against the Lord and His doctrine. The Christian ought to be concerned about what people of the world think. God’s people can do one of three things in the public’s eye. First, they may make manifest the true church and individual Christian’s identity in all areas of life as they are guided by nothing but the truth. Secondly, they may make manifest a hypocritical approach to Christianity through unauthorized works. Thirdly, the saint of God may show the world a spirit of indifference due to their fear of appearing different. The church and individual saint will have much to do with where those of the world spend their eternity.

We are the World’s Bible

We often sing the 1934 song “The World’s Bible” by J. E. Hamilton. The song is based on 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 where Paul writes, “Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men; being made manifest that ye are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in tables that are hearts of flesh.” As the song goes, “We are the only Bible the careless world will read… what if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred?… What if our feet are walking where sin’s allurement is? What if our tongues are speaking of things His life would spurn. How can we hope to help Him and welcome His return?” God’s people are to appear as a literal mirror image of Jesus Christ and the revealed church of the New Testament (Rom. 8:29).

Christians are to be very concerned about the public’s perception of the church and what being a saint is all about. Jesus said,

“Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

When the Christian is careless with God’s laws and the public’s perception they can cause the name of the Lord to be blasphemed. Unfortunately the world often sees or hears Christians doing or saying sinful things and they conclude, “They are all hypocrites…” or “That is why I don’t go to church.” Our actions and language among those of the world may determine whether or not that lost soul will one day be saved.

Public Perception of the Church

When the world sees the church at work and worship it ought to see the true “pillar and ground of truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15). Churches that practice unauthorized acts, such as supporting institutions to do its God ordained work, cause the Lord’s name and His doctrine to be blasphemed. Many churches sponsor “Christian” rock concerts, theatrical plays, singles groups, softball teams, conduct community services, and food fest for a “spiritual experience.” When these unauthorized acts are conducted they leave the wrong impression within the minds of the lost and so they will remain lost. The Lord has thereby ordained that the church withdraw from individuals who do not obey His authorized will. When the church does so the world will know that the church does not condone the unlawful actions of individuals (see 1 Corinthians 5:1ff; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15).

Confusion and faulty expectations of the church reigns supreme in the world. Jesus spoke of the world’s confused expectations of his kingdom, the church, while teaching in the flesh (Matthew 11:11-19; 18:1). Those who look for things from the church that God does not authorize will only be disappointed and further confused. False teachers do nothing but muddy the waters of understanding to the world when they spew out their contaminated words of error on the subject. Divine revelation plainly outlines the identity, organization, work, and worship of the church. God forbid that you or I would give any more fuel to the engine of error that brings about confusion and faulty expectations of the Lord’s church.

Public Perception of the Individual Christian

When the world sees the Christian at work or play they ought to see one who makes it apparent that they are holy (1 Peter 1:15-16) and perfect (Matthew 5:48) as the Lord is holy and perfect. The Christian’s language ought to show forth a heart of purity (see Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6). The Christian’s attire should show a since of shame, modesty, and propriety (Exodus 28:42; Isaiah 20:4; 1 Timothy 2:9-10).

Christian women ought to be concerned about what the world sees them doing. Those who are do nothing gossips are condemned and apt to do grave damage to the name of God (see 1 Timothy 5:14; Titus 2:4-5). Christian women ought to emulate divine revelation’s model woman of Proverbs 31:10-31. Women ought to examine 1 Timothy 5 and Titus 2 for God’s New Testament model woman. Women, and men too for that matter, who refuse to work are not to eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).

The Christian’s marriage ought to exemplify the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Those who divorce their mates for reasons other than adultery or those who marry individuals who have no right to marry commit adultery and cause the name of Jehovah God to be blasphemed (see 2 Samuel 12:14). During Jesus’ day mass confusion reigned over marriage, divorce, and remarriage due to faulty expectations and preconceived ideas of marriage (see Matthew 19:1ff). When the Christian is out of line with God’s word they give the wrong impression to the world as to what God’s laws are. The Christian is not to give an occasion of stumbling to those in the world in any area of life (see 2 Corinthians 6:3).

Christians at the work place ought to be concerned about what their coworkers think of them. The Christian who steals from his employer (Titus 2:10) or will not work (Colossians 22-25) give cause to the name of Jehovah being blasphemed by the unbelievers. The Apostle Paul writes, “Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed” (1 Timothy 6:1). Lazy do nothing Christians ought to go to the ant for observation and a learning experience regarding a work ethic (see Proverbs 6:6). Employees who complain or will not work are not exemplifying the conduct and life of God’s elect.

Christians should also direct respect and honor toward those that divine revelation commands us to. Christians who mock, sneer, make fun of, show disdain, are disobedient, and show an overall spirit of disrespect toward government officials (Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17), parents (Ephesians 6:2), employers (1 Timothy 6:1-2), elders in the church (Hebrews 13:17), and all others who hold positions of authority are rebellious. Moses concluded that the man who knows of God and His commands and does them not is a part of an “evil generation.” The evil is in the form of “rebellion” (cf. Deuteronomy 1:26, 43). To rebel is to “refuse allegiance to… to resist or defy an authority… to feel or express strong unwillingness … an act or show of defiance…” (American Heritage Dictionary pp. 1031). The Christian who refuses allegiance, resists, or acts in defiance against those in authority give way to the name of Jehovah God being blasphemed among those in the world.

The Public’s Expectation

There are areas in the Christian’s life where we cannot be concerned with what the world thinks about us. Those areas are our lives of obedience to God’s authoritative will (Acts 5:29). The public’s expectation of God, His church and people is skewed from divine revelation. The world views the church as a benevolent and entertainment society. Spend a few moments talking to your neighbors about “church.” Church is where their children are in leadership training, theatrical events, and learning to play a musical instrument. Spend a few hours at your church building and you will experience what most preachers do. People walk or drive up to the building expecting the church to take care of all their financial woes.

The Elect’s Perception of each Other

The individual Christian’s concern over perception should reach even further than the world. Yes, we are to be concerned with what the Lord thinks of us. We also ought to be concerned about our brethren’s view of us. Some brethren are “weak in faith” (Romans 14:1; 15:1; 1 Corinthians 8:1ff). Where God permits liberties the weak in faith do not view as a liberty. Paul said, “Howbeit there is not in all men that knowledge…” (1 Corinthians 8:7). The true Christian is to be ready and willing to drop a liberty if it is offensive to one that is weak (1 Corinthians 9:22). If the strong are unwilling to do so or they push a liberty upon the weak they, “Walk no longer in love” (Romans 14:15).

The individual Christian cannot; however, be bullied by the conscientious and convicted weak brother. Those who would demand that we abstain or participate in liberties have gone beyond God’s laws. To bind where God has not bound is to be a false teacher and no saint shall be silent in such areas (see Galatians 2:3ff).

Concluding Thoughts

The elect of God are in the world yet they are not of the world (John 17:14-16). The world separated from God in sin has faulty expectations and preconceived ideas of God’s people and His church. Christians should be concerned not only with the public’s perception of our worship but also with our everyday lives. Let us unashamedly live a sanctified and holy life that the world may know what divine revelation authorizes and does not authorize (Romans 1:16). If we, through a spirit of fear, change our lives we will cause many in the world to have a faulty view of Christianity (see Matthew 26:70-75; Philippians 1:28). Mankind will be judged by the standard of divine revelation rather than man’s preconceived ideas, faulty expectations, and personal conscience (John 12:48). The Apostle Paul said, “Do all things without murmurings and questionings: that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15). Let every true saint of God make their lives of godliness evident and the rest will take care of itself (please read 1 Timothy 5:24-25).

Corrupt Words and Filthy Speech

Rogers, Heath — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:17:06 +0000

Although the world may acknowledge the power of one’s words, many people in the world think very little about how they actually speak. It seems that there was a time when filthy language was only used by unsavory characters and dirty stories were reserved for private conversations held by “mature” adults. Today, profanity and filthy language can be heard by all kinds of people in all kinds of places. Even people who call themselves “Christians” can be heard using foul language and telling dirty jokes.

The Bible takes a very different approach to the way we use our words. Jesus warned us to take our speech very seriously.

“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Jesus says that we will give an account for every idle or careless word that proceeds from our mouth. He goes on to say that such words will determine whether we will stand justified or condemned before Him. Indeed, death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).

The reason man’s tongue is given such power is because it is an instrument of the heart (Matthew 12:33-35). The tongue is all too willing to reveal the true nature of man’s heart, and bear forth its fruit – either good or bad. As such, the continued use of bad language betrays our false claim to have put off the old man of sin (Col. 3:8). It shows that, as opposed to being transformed into the image of Christ by the renewing of our minds, we are still conformed to the world (Romans 12:2).

In addition to having an impact upon our eternal destiny, the Bible also tells us that the way we use our words will have a great impact upon our physical lives upon this earth:

“For ‘He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit’” (1 Peter 3:10).

“The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips…” (Proverbs 12:13).

“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul” (Proverbs 18:6-7).

“A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled” (Proverbs 18:20).

There are many ways that we can speak evil with our tongue. This article will focus upon our use of corrupt words, filthy speech, profanity, and euphemisms.

Corrupt Words

The Bible forbids the use of dirty words “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth…” (Ephesians 4:29). The word “corrupt” (“unwholesome” – NASV) means “rotten, worthless, not fit for use.” These would be the swear words, the “four-letter-words,” that are heard so often in our society today.

Not only are these types of words corrupt and rotten themselves, they have a corrupting influence upon those who hear them. A Christian should never, under any circumstances, be heard using these kinds of words.

Filthy Speech

This prohibition against using corrupt language is not limited to single words. “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:3-4). The telling of dirty jokes, use of sexual innuendos, retelling of sinful exploits seen on TV, etc., is unfitting conversation for a Christian. There are some things that are shameful for Christians to even be talking about (v.12).

Profanity – Using God’s Name In Vain

The word “profane” means “to show disrespect or contempt for sacred things, to put to a base or improper use.” Although the word “profanity” is used by many people to refer to all “dirty” language, it really should be applied to the vain use of the name of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

God has told us that He wants us to respect Him in the way we use His name. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). To use God’s name in vain is to use it in a common, empty or careless way, without an attitude of sincere reverence or respect. This would also include the vain use of the exalted name of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11).

The Law of Moses called for the death penalty for one who blasphemed the name of God (Leviticus 24:16). As a result, the children of Israel took this command so seriously that they would not speak the name of God for any reason, lest they use it in vain. Today, not only is the name of God used as a curse word, the names of God and His Son are used as common exclamations to express any and every emotion imaginable, and Christians are sometimes heard misusing God’s name in this way.

To use the name of God in times of worship and religious teaching is appropriate. However, to say, “Oh my God,” as a means of mindlessly expressing one’s surprise, pleasure, or disgust is to use God’s name in a common, non-sacred way. Such is a sin.

In our age of fast advancing technology, some have streamlined their means of communication by using initials and abbreviations in their texting. OMG has become a common sight on internet blogs and texts. OMG stands for “Oh my God!” and is nothing more than taking God’s name in vain. It is just as profane and sinful as saying the words.

Christians would not knowingly use God’s name in such a way, but we can be guilty of doing so without even realizing it. We need to be careful, for God will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Euphemisms

A euphemism is an inoffensive expression substituted for one that is considered to be offensive. Some have called it “Christian cussing.” The following may seem like a list of “toned down” curse words to many people, but a dictionary will tell us what we are really saying when we use words like:

dang (damn)
darn (damn)
heck (hell)
shoot (sh–)
gosh (God)
golly (God)
doggone (God d—)
gee whiz (Jesus)
cripes (Christ)

While euphemisms may pass for more acceptable conversation in some portions of our society, they are not fitting for the child of God. One reason is because these “toned down” words mean the same thing as the “more offensive” words. Another reason is the fact that we feel like saying them in the first place. If the use of euphemisms can be called “Christian cussing,” the Christian needs to work on why he feels the need to be cussing. These euphemisms come from the same place in the heart as the “more offensive” words – words for which we will have to give account.

How To Overcome the Use of Corrupt Speech and Filthy Language

Using bad language and euphemisms is a habit, and habits are admittedly hard for some to break. The following are some suggestions for the individual who wants to overcome this sinful habit.

1. Think before we speak. “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil” (Proverbs 15:28, c.f. James 1:19). We need to be in the practice of “turning on our brain before we engage our mouth.”

2. Remember the power of our words (Matthew 12:36-37, Proverbs 18:21). I have the right to fire a gun, but I must remember and respect the power of that gun before I think about firing it. Our words have the power to determine our eternal fate, as well as to bring us joy or sorrow in this world. I would do well to remember and respect the power of my words before I use them.

3. Seek to edify others with our speech. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). Our words also have the potential to have a great impact upon others. Foul language corrupts and destroys more than just the speaker. It has an impact upon the listeners and the overall environment. We must resolve to use the kind of language that will build others up, not corrupt them and drag them down.

4. Honor others with our speech. “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). Filthy language and profanity are not honorable, nor do they honor others. Use of corrupt language is evidence of a shallow mind, lack of self control and lack of respect for others. There are several hundred thousand words in the English language with which we can express ourselves. Surely Christians can find words which will allow them to communicate in an honorable way.

5. Remember that we are always in the presence of God. “For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether” (Psalm 139:4, c.f. vv. 7-12). God always hears what we say. Let us make sure that it is always acceptable. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). As the Children’s Bible Class song goes: “Be careful little mouth, what you say.”

6. Pray for God’s help. “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). God can help us overcome the use of bad language if we will seek His help.

7. Keep our hearts pure (Matthew 12:33-35). Our mouths simply bring out what is already in our heart. We need to keep our heart pure, then the fruit of our lips will be pure as well (Proverbs 4:23-24, Philippians 4:8).

Conclusion

As Christians, we must remember that there is great power in our words. James admonishes us to seek to control our tongues as best we can, likening them to a roaring fire and a restless evil (James 3:1-12).

Our speech should be sound (Titus 2:8), gracious and seasoned (Colossians 4:6), the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), with boldness (2 Corinthians 3:12), as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11).

We must choose our words very carefully, knowing that we will have to give an answer for them in judgment (Matthew 12:36-37, Psalm 19:14).

A Very Lovely Song

Smith, Jeff — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:36:15 +0000

In spite of this article’s title – “A Very Lovely Song” – it has nothing to do with music whatsoever.

In fact, this is one way in which God made reference to his prophet, Ezekiel, but it was not quite the compliment it sounds like.

Consider Ezekiel chapter 33, verses 30-33:

“As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, “Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.’ So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them. And when this comes to pass–surely it will come–then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”

Prophets like Ezekiel, you see, were not merely fortune tellers or providers of divine insight into the future; they were instructors of morality in light of God’s future plans (2 Peter 3:10-12). Because Ezekiel had proven himself a skillful prophet, the people greatly desired to come into his presence and hear what he had to say. They talked about Ezekiel like he was a celebrity preacher; he was the hottest topic in the land.

If Ezekiel was getting a big head about such status, we are unaware of it; nevertheless, God informs him that all this attention was not what it seemed. His attentive audience basked in his oratory glow, but did nothing to absorb the message and even less to participate in it. “They hear your words, but they do not do them.”

I suppose some men preach the gospel because it is a steady job, but most yearn to make a difference in people’s lives, to lend them divine counsel so that they will act upon God’s will (2 Corinthians 5:11). Ezekiel’s audience failed him in that most important regard and nothing is more discouraging to a sincere preacher today than to discover that his best efforts go for naught.

Paul despaired that his preaching might be in vain because false teachers sowed tares beside his seed of life (Galatians 4:11). It is not just that a man’s life’s work is disrespected; it is that the souls he thought he was helping were really still lost all along. Not only is Eiffel’s Tower reduced to rubble; he is disillusioned about whether he even built it at all.

Ezekiel’s audience epitomized the ugliness of hypocrisy as they sat as God’s people, hearing his words with no intention of lifting a finger to keep even one. On at least one occasion, Jesus Christ had just such an audience. Like Ezekiel, Jesus was a suddenly popular prophet – he because he displayed the remarkable ability to feed 5000 people with five loaves of barley and two small fish. The next day, the throng hungered again and gathered to be in his presence, not that they might learn and live better, but that the miracle of the free lunch might be repeated. It was not. “From that time many of his disciples went back and walked with him no more” (John 6:66). So long as Jesus fed the lazy, he was to them a lovely song, but when something was required of them, they fled.

What was the problem with the audiences of Ezekiel and Jesus? “The hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing” (Matthew 13:15). A certain complacency had overtaken them – subtly in Ezekiel’s day, but literally overnight in Christ’s. No, really, the process is always a gradual one as the novice’s zeal is tempered by experience, occasional failure and disappointments. Religion – going to church in our lingo – ceases to be a spiritual quest and is reduced to a passionless ritual. The Hebrew writer called it “dullness of hearing” (Hebrews 5:11), but do not confuse it with the “itching ears” that Paul warned Timothy about (Second Timothy 4:1-5). Amos said, “They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks uprightly” (5:10). Note the difference – those with itching ears will not endure sound doctrine, but Ezekiel’s audience insisted on it – they just ignored it.

And there is the rub. How sound is the church that insists on genuine preaching from the pulpit but refuses to heed that message? Is the congregation’s candlestick dependent solely upon sound teaching or does sound practice matter just as much? Jesus threatened Ephesus’s lamp stand although she had rejected false apostles and other evil men, because the members had left their first love and had become idle and unfruitful (Revelation 2:1-7). It is simply insufficient to announce that any church is sound because its preaching is sound; soundness is also a matter of practice. Insisting on that Old Jerusalem Gospel does little good if it is heard, but ignored.

Ezekiel’s success and celebrity profited his audience nothing so long as they filed away his words without application. The only way to validate the message is to live it. Otherwise, it is but sound and fury, signifying nothing.

Teetotalers

Zamora, Luis — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:09:22 +0000

Introduction

The word “teetotaler” means someone who abstains completely from alcoholic beverages. The Bible calls on Christians to be teetotalers.

The Bible Tells Us What Drinking Can Do

Don’t believe beer commercials when they lie about drinking’s supposed virtues: cleverness, popularity, and attractive members of the opposite sex. Instead, believe what God says drinking can do for you in His word, which is the truth (John 17:17).

Victimization

Noah’s habit was righteousness, but he sinned when he became drunk on the wine he made from his vineyard (Genesis 9:20-21). It was while he was drunk and uncovered in his tent that his son committed a shameful act with him, leading to the curse of Canaan.

Lot also made a practice of righteousness (2 Peter 2:8), but he sinned when his daughters got him drunk (Genesis 19:32-38). It was while he was drunk that Lot impregnated his own daughters, giving rise to Ammon and Moab.

Violence

Drinking is a surefire way to get in a fight or an abusive relationship. Don’t be fooled into thinking you control it:

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,

and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. (Proverbs 20:1)

Under the law of Moses, the owner of a volatile ox who fails to restrain it is responsible for the damage the ox does–up to and including life for life (Exodus 21:28-29). Drinking is an ox with an established tendency to gore.

Fights, abuse, and loss of life are all too often the products of drinking. God holds the drinker responsible for what happens.

Indiscretion

Intoxication mars judgment. If judgment is poor enough to start drinking, and drinking blurs judgment, what will make the drinking stop once it has started?

Levitical priests were forbidden from drink so that they could distinguish good from bad and teach the people to do the same (Leviticus 10:8-11). Their restriction is only a shadow of the modern priesthood of Christians, who must now offer acceptable sacrifices of pure lives to God (Romans 12:1-2).

What’s more, God calls for elders and deacons to have sound mind and judgment, including a distaste for drinking (1 Timothy 3:3, 8; Titus 1:7, 2:3). He sets their faith as our example to follow (Hebrews 13:7).

The Bible Calls for Abstinence

Some Christians argue for drinking short of drunkenness. Wisdom from the Holy Spirit would turn you away from drinking altogether.

Do not look at wine when it is red,

when it sparkles in the cup

and goes down smoothly. (Proverbs 23:31)

Christians must refuse any intoxicant in any amount.

Peter in 1 Peter 4:3 condemns several activities that involve drink: “drunkenness, orgies, and drinking parties.” Please note the differences between the terms:

Drunkenness is the state of being intoxicated.
Orgies (“revellings” in King James) in the context of an ancient culture referred to the kind of wild party we would today see in a fraternity house, complete with beer bongs and togas.
Drinking parties (“banquetings” in King James) are nothing more than social drinking. The Greek term underlying this English word is literally rendered “cups.”

Peter’s teaching is a categorical condemnation of drinking in all forms–outright drunkenness, wild partying, and even social drinking.

Timothy agrees with Peter, as can be discerned from 1 Timothy 5:23, where Paul has to advise Timothy it is clean to use a little wine as a medicine. Clearly, Timothy had no plans otherwise to imbibe the stuff.

The Greek term for “free of wine” (in other words, our term “teetotaler”) is used in three New Testament verses: 1 Timothy 3:2 and 11 and Titus 2:2. The term is sometimes translated “temperate” in these passages, but be sure it has the stronger meaning of “abstinent.”

Thus, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament agrees with the wisdom of the Old Testament Proverbs 23:31 above.

Let Christians Call for Abstinence!

Christian friend, won’t you consent to wholesome words of sound doctrine?

White Unto Harvest: Saving Money Until Jesus Comes

Graham, Bobby — Mon, 01 Dec 2003 16:03:07 +0000

(Article written by Bobby L. Graham, Guardian of Truth, May 4, 1989)

About thirty years ago at the Holt-Wallace Debate in Florence, Alabama, brother G.A. Dunn remarked to this writer’s father that most problems that had come about among the Lord’s people related to money. Whether his judgment was precisely correct or not, experience indicates his remark apropos. The variety of problems involving money in local churches and among different local churches has included disdain for the very idea of a local-church treasury, reluctance to use the money collected, and looseness in the use of church funds.

A Local Church Treasury

The first congregation in Jerusalem had a treasury under the control of the apostles. Acts 4:32-5:10 demonstrates that generous saints funded the physical assistance of their brethren’s daily needs. The funds likely never made it to the bank, but a fund was initiated and maintained for an indefinite period of time for the expeditious meeting of needs.

When the apostle was trying to raise funds for the physical needs of the poor among the saints in Jerusalem, Paul instructed local churches in Galatia and Achaia to do as the Christians in Macedonia were doing in this matter (1 Cor. 16:14; Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8:1-7). He told them to store up ("treasure up" in Greek) their money collected on the first day of every week to prevent the necessity for collecting it upon his arrival.

From these two accounts it is easy to observe that an appointed work justly belonging to a local church is the only justification needed for a local treasury, for it helps to expedite work assigned by the Head of the church. Because some works continue over a long time, it is wise to maintain a standing treasury to meet the continuing needs. When the money was collected at Corinth, it remained in a pool or fund for some time. How long that time was, makes no difference in the matter of justifying a local treasury. When a church agrees to support a preacher at home or in another area, it usually exercises prudence in making sure that it has sufficient funds to meet its commitment to the man, either through periodic contributions alone or through both contributions and money treasured up in the event of loss of income to some of the local contributors. Those who decry the scripturalness of a local treasury need to open their eyes to these Scriptures and the wisdom of conducting the Lord’s work in a predictable manner, as much as possible.

Reluctance to Use Money

To some brethren the treasury seems to be an end in itself. The sole reason for having it is to have it. Oh, some quip that the money is needed for unexpected events such as building or equipment repairs or disaster-caused needs among saints. The point that needs to be seen, however, is that they see no imperative for proclaiming the gospel in a single place to the benighted souls of earth. To such the highest calling for that money is to repair the air conditioner, replace the roof, or send $100 to brethren hit by a hurricane. (Such writing does not mean that such needs do not exist and they should not be prepared for by a church.) Evidently they have forgotten they need to sound out the gospel like Thessalonica (1 Thess. 1: 8), send men to plant the gospel and strengthen the saved like Antioch (Acts 13:1-3), receive laborers in the gospel and send them forward on their journey as in 3 John 5-8, and be partners with workers in their needs (Phil. 4:15,16). Is it possible they have closed their eyes to some among them who have medical needs, housing needs, or other physical needs that they are unable to meet except with a forty-year debt? Brethren, need to be more generous in seeing and meeting legitimate needs. We do not need to be loose with God’s Word, but we need to be liberal toward those described by the Lord as objects of our help.

It might be wise to remember that a brother doesn’t need to be penniless before the church can help him. When the congregation waits that long, it only increases the amount of help it must give him. Greedy church treasurers, elders and brethren who close their eyes to needs for the gospel and the needs of evangelists, and churches who disregard the needs of the poor among the saints will answer to God for their neglect. I’ll tell you frankly that the judgment will not be pleasant for such as these.

Some churches envision no more noble use for "their money" than saving it. Could they possibly be concerned about the banker’s needs? Do you think they might be saving it until Jesus returns? Just think of it: they will be able to turn over to the Lord all that money! What a joy that will be. Oh, brethren, how carnal we are. We are willing to give the Lord money, but not souls. Is such really the mission that he has given us?

To those who sincerely fear an emergency need which the local church could not meet without a sizeable fund, some remarks are addressed. Most of the emergencies that brethren anticipate never materialize. When an emergency does arise, brethren who have been taught properly will respond properly. We need to be teaching Christians to be liberal and to respond to increasing needs. Elders who truly lead will teach and challenge the people to rise to needs according to their ability and even beyond their ability (2 Cor. 8:1-6). Christians who learn that the Lord does not seek theirs but them will be better prepared to give themselves unreservedly, with the effect of considering all that they possess as belonging to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5; 12:14). If the need arising exceeds the church’s capacity, there is always the route of borrowing, to which we resort for buildings. Why not for other needs in those very few instances where needed? There is also a lack of trust in brethren in the local church to respond favorably, as well as in brethren in other churches to assist in time of need.

In conclusion remember that every appeal to Christians to give of their financial means was accompanied with the work for which the money would be used. All giving in the New Testament was done for a work. None was ever given to accumulate and hold a large fund! May we all learn the lesson and do likewise! (Guardian of Truth, May 4, 1989)

Scripture Studies: Letters from Asthenes (A Satire)

Deaton, Steven — Fri, 01 Aug 2003 22:02:26 +0000

To Paul from Asthenes

Dear Paul,

Peace and grace to you from our God and Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. I want to commend you for your wonderful work of preaching Christ and Him crucified. Your compassion and concern for the jailer at Philippi was inspiring. I also appreciate your comment, "I have been crucified with Christ…who loved me and gave Himself for me." What wonderful words of comfort. Thank you.

I have a concern though; a concern that you may not have noticed, but others have. I know this to be so because I have discussed it with them and they feel the same way I do. I want you to be aware of it so your service to Christ may be even more effective, more fruitful. My concern is this, your poor attitude and actions toward others on some occasions — not all — but some. It seems to be driving people away from Christ instead of drawing them near. This cannot be good under any circumstances, can it? Let me give you specific cases.

The other day, I received a copy of Luke’s version of the beginning of the church and your many travels. In it he said you blinded a man. Now, I understand that he was opposing the things you taught, but doesn’t everyone have a God-given right to their own opinion? Why, Paul did you strike this man blind? Why did you not try to first talk to him and let him know about the love and compassion of Christ? Why did you have to be so harsh? Don’t you know you likely drove him away from the Savior forever? It amazes me that the proconsul believed after this incident. You are lucky he continued to listen to you.

Also in Luke’s narrative, I read that you upset the Jews at Antioch and drove them away from the good news. Paul, I know these Jews and they are devout people. My cousin lives there, though I do not know if he was among the crowd you upbraided, and he is a good man — no one is more sincere and devoted. This seems to be a pattern with you. If it was isolated, I could understand, but it is not. You even alienated Barnabas. Paul, why can’t you get along with people any better?

By the way, I am not just picking on you. If Stephen were alive today I would also write him with my concerns. Don’t get me wrong, I know the people he was addressing were in the wrong, but Stephen could have put it in a nicer way. I can understand why they were upset, though I don’t agree with their subsequent actions.

Furthermore, Paul, I also have a copy of the letters you wrote to the Galatian churches and the Philippian saints. Both letters have many good points in them. However, you don’t even greet the Galatian brethren properly. You come across cold and callous. You even made reference to men mutilating themselves in the private area of their body. I could not let my wife or mother read such things. Your language is too crude. In the letter to Philippi, you call some men dogs. Paul, don’t you see this is why more people don’t listen to you. They hear harsh, mean things like this and it turns them off. Haven’t you heard that Jesus said to do unto others as you would have them do unto you? Would you want to be called a dog? Why then do you call others dogs? Surely, you can do better. I know you can do better.

Another thing that has been bothering me are your letters to Timothy. A brother here has a copy of each and I am supposed to get copies soon — but I have read them. I know you love Timothy, but it seems to me you are setting a poor example for this young man. You not only encourage him in militaristic terms ("wage a good warfare," "fight the good fight of faith," "soldier of Jesus Christ"), but you also give the names of men who, in your opinion, teach error or have otherwise strayed from the faith. Did you not know others would read the letters you wrote to Timothy? Don’t you think your language is too agressive? Did you personally talk to the men you named and let them know you were going to inform others about your opinion of them? Paul, it seems to me that love for these brothers would demand you hide their faults. The wise man said, "love covers all sins." I don’t understand, Paul, how you could give the names of brethren and publicly shame them. After all, does it really matter whether or not you believe the resurrection is already past or not? I mean, does your salvation depend upon believing the resurrection is past or in the future? No matter what anyone believes, it won’t change the reality of it — will it? These men still believe in Jesus and baptism. They still believe and teach the one true body of Christ. They still stand against drunkenness and sexual immorality. I know one of them is strong on divorce and remarriage, because I heard him preach on it a few years ago; best sermon I ever heard on the subject — maybe you could get his notes.

Further, I wrote Demas over in Thessalonica to ask him about what you said about him — "Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world." He wrote back and said you are misrepresenting him. He doesn’t love this present world. He insists you are not being fair to him and have a personal vendetta against him. Paul, how can you spread such things around about a brother in Christ?

Finally, I want you to know my love for you, the Lord and our brethren. As you have acknowledged, you don’t have long on this earth. It won’t be long before you have no more opportunities to right all your wrongs — well, maybe that word is too strong — you don’t have long to mend fences with some you have alienated. I don’t mean to judge here, but it seems you could do something to help the situation. Maybe you could write a letter addressing all my concerns and I will share it with others to let them know you have changed.

May the Lord Jesus be with your spirit.

Asthenes

To Alexander From Asthenes

Dear Alexander,

May the grace of our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.

I write to you with great love and respect. Your work in the Lord is well known by me and many others, and we appreciate all you have done. I thank you for being there when my sister-in-law needed encouragement. She often mentions you and the love you manifest toward her. Our family will always be grateful.

I want to apologize for Paul’s actions. I know he is a good man, but sometimes does things that bring shame upon others and himself. I recently read his letters to Timothy and noticed you were twice mentioned — in an unfavorable light. He accused you of making shipwreck of the faith and doing him harm. I find this hard to believe, knowing your past work. I have written him to let him know my disappointment in him. He seems to have a habit of alienating brethren and lost souls. He also likes to call names. I am sorry that you are one of his casualties. Maybe he will change in time.

I do not want to belabor the point, but it really bothers me about all the negative actions of the apostles and others, not just Paul. I wonder if they realize what they are doing. I’m sure you have seen their writings, as well as heard them speak on many occasions, but I hope you will bear with me as I get this off my chest.

I was shocked when I read John’s first letter and he called some former brethren "liars." Yes, they may be what he calls the "antichrist," but it seems to me "liar" is a strong word. How could the "apostle of love" say such? I’m not sure that is an appropriate description of him anymore. Doesn’t "liar" carry the idea of purposely deceiving others? How can John know this? He impugns the motives of many good men.

I also do not know what Peter has been thinking lately. Maybe his age is getting to him, or his old, unstable self is coming back. He described some men as "natural brute beasts" and returning to their own vomit. This is too blunt. He also said there were some who "twist" the scriptures to "their own destruction." He seems awfully judgmental considering his past failings. And, how in the world can he speak favorably of Paul after what he did to him at Antioch? Anyway, do you see what I mean?

Jude is just like Peter. Peter must be telling him what to say or sending him outlines. I have often wondered if Jude is actually Peter’s disciple and not the Lord’s. What do you think? Anyway, I do not understand how he could be so pushy and tell brethren to "contend" for the faith. Paul says we are not to be contentious. Jude is also very judgmental. He calls men "ungodly" and "spots in your love feasts." Then he said they were grumblers, complainers — talk about grumbling and complaining! I can’t stand it when "men of God" are so hypocritical. The worst of it is that he said they "cause divisions." If anything is dividing the saints it is the poor attitudes and harsh words of men like Jude, Peter, John and Paul.

Again, I am sorry for the way you have been treated — not even given an opportunity to answer Paul’s charges. Hope this letter encourages you some. By the way, if you are ever through this way, bring some of your copper wares — I want to surprise my wife with a gift.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Asthenes

Scripture Studies – Preemptive Action

Deaton, Steven — Mon, 02 Jun 2003 00:07:12 +0000

Many are aware of the debate over preemptive action in relation to Iraq. The president made the case for it and won many supporters. Still some protested and tried to stop any real action. Now, on this side of the war, level-headed people can see the president was and is right. Acting before a dangerous enemy can do harm is the intelligent way to go.

A similar debate over preemptive action exists among brethren. One idea is that whatever goes on elsewhere is none of our concern. It matters not what is happening on the west coast or east coast, in Florida or Kentucky, or even across town. Just mind the local work and leave everything else alone. (Of course, in giving this advice they violate their own precept by telling others what to do). The other idea is that what happens elsewhere will eventually affect the local brethren in one way or another. Therefore, addressing it is the wise course of action. The former is wrong, the latter right.

The Bible teaches that the saints should be well informed about issues that trouble the brethren in general. Paul wrote:

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love (Eph. 4:11-16).

Notice that God wants members of the body to be strong so when the “wind of doctrine” comes along, they will not be carried away. In other words, act before it becomes a problem to minimize or negate any possible damage.

Jesus took preemptive action when He prepared the apostles for preaching on the “limited commission” and the “great commission” (Matt. 10; Jn. 13-16). Paul forewarned the elders at Ephesus of “savage wolves” that would try to “draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:28-30). He said he had warned “everyone night and day with tears” for three years (Acts 20:31). Peter said, “But there were false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction” (2 Pet. 2:1). Paul even named a false teacher, Alexander the coppersmith, and forewarned Timothy about him (2 Tim. 4:14-15; cf. 1 Tim. 1:19-20).

The commands and examples of Christ and the apostles give us the pattern by which we may provide a solid foundation for brethren lest they be taken away with “every wind of doctrine.” This is why congregations that do not have a problem with believing the Bible need to be told about those who are beginning to undermine the credibility of the Bible by suggesting Genesis 1-11 is not to be interpreted literally. It is also why congregations that do not fellowship false teachers must be taught about the error being promoted on fellowship. Other issues could be mentioned, but suffice it to say, we need to take preemptive action.

As the old saying goes, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” Preemptive action against error is required of elders and preachers. If they fail to take it, they fail in their duties to God and man. If the elders and/or preacher where you attend is not warning you, ask them why and make them give an answer (cf. 1 Pet. 3:15).

Reply to Anonymous “Young Christian”

Hafley, Larry Ray — Tue, 01 Apr 2003 22:27:59 +0000

Editor’s Note: The following article has been featured at the Truth Magazine website for a while now. It has engendered much discussion, and brother Hafley sent it for inclusion in Watchman as well. Though we are a bit “behind the times” reprinting it, for those Watchman readers who may not have read it on the Truth Magazine site, here it is. We appreciate brother Hafley’s kindness and candor in dealing with this young person.

Sir,

I do not know you but i would like to offer some input on the website on which your article appears. While your article was compelling, i wonder if the space was better used to tell us about Jesus and his love and sacrifice for us and the great love of God and his grace, rather than “debating” with people about issues. There is a place for that, don’t get me wrong. However the entire web site is spent in debate, attacks and replys. It is very discouraging for a young Christian like myself. I look to these places for encouragement and all I find is argueing. Hopefully I am overlooking the bright side to all of this and perhaps you can point that out, but when the majority of our time and writing is spent in debate, there is little room for praise of our Lord and encouragment of our brethren. I have been looking at the website for many months. I will look no longer. It is too discouraging for me to see such division among the Lords people and a “he said” and then “i said” and then “he said” and the reply to the reply. I say these things in love for all brethren and most of all in love for the Lord. Please forgive my youthful ramblings.

Warm regards,

Young Christian

Dear Young Christian,

Thank you for writing and for expressing your concerns, judgments, and opinions. While I would advise you to turn away from “vain jangling” and from carnal disputes of men, as Scripture says we must, I encourage you to discern between good and evil, to see if you might be rejecting the very things that will strengthen and fortify your faith in our loving Lord and his selfless sacrifice. It might be that the overthrowing of error and the clear establishment of truth is the very thing you need to encourage your heart and edify your soul (Col. 2:4-8; 2 Pet. 1:12-15). You have an advantage over me. This response “proves” your point. In other words, if I answer your assertions, I am, in your mind, doing the very thing which you condemn, replying and arguing. If I do not, I am perhaps seen as unable to answer your views. However, despite that, I shall endeavor to respond to you with all candor. “Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently” (Acts 26:3).

First, how did you find the time to write your letter to me? I “wonder if the space (you used would have been better) used to tell (me) about Jesus and his love and sacrifice for us and the great love of God and his grace, rather than ‘debating’ with (me)” about the need for controversy. Should you not be too busy telling about the love and sacrifice of Jesus, and should you not be too busy praising our Lord and encouraging our brethren to write to me? How could you take such valuable time away from praising our Lord to launch your arguments, and your “attack” against me? Like you, I, too, “say these things in love for all brethren and most of all in love for the Lord.”

Second, while I appreciate the apparent humble tone of your remarks, I cannot be certain of you. You proclaim your love for the Lord, and I am happy if it is so, but I cannot be sure, for you have taken the path of anonymity to launch your argument and appeal. At least those of us who have written controversial articles, thus exposing ourselves to cowardly, hidden criticism and rebuke, have signed our names before all. You knew where to find me. However, you hide behind the cowering, quivering brush of anonymity and shoot from ambush. When they came under cover of darkness to take the Lord, he said, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled” (Mk. 14:48, 49).

Anonymity often is a liar. It says, “I didn’t do it; I didn’t say it.” May I remind you that neither the Lord nor his holy apostles and prophets ever hid themselves and shot from the bushes. No, they were bold, courageous, and forthright (Acts 4:20, 31). They were men of honor and integrity. “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Cor. 4:1, 2).

Third, could it be that a particular web site is especially designed to answer and review false doctrine? I have been asked to concentrate on such matters in Truth Magazine and in Watchman Magazine. That is, in part, why I do so. That you find such discussions and studies discouraging does not negate the fact that we hear from a great many who find the very same articles helpful and informative. We often receive praise for such work. (Those folks sign their names.) I say this, neither to boast nor to justify, but to show that not all agree with your assessment.

You speak of the “feature” article at the Truth Magazine web site (“Fire In My Heart: Saga Of A Spirit Stirred,“ TruthMagazine.com) which I have written that you found somewhat “compelling.” That is fine, but that also means that you noted that error had been posed by others. Why did you not register your protest against those who have argued the error and who attacked the truth? Strange it is that you have the time to take away from your teaching of the love and sacrifice of Jesus to anonymously rebuke me, a man whom you seem to agree has taught the truth, but you have not the time to reprove those who taught the error and who attacked the truth of God. You can find the time to take away from a discussion of the love and sacrifice of Jesus to accuse me, but you have not the time to condemn those who taught error and made arguments and attacks against the truth. Why is that?

You speak of the need for encouragement. It is much needed (1 Thess. 5:11). Was your anonymous letter designed to encourage me? Did you think writing anonymously and criticizing me would bring greater love, unity and encouragement? Paul wrote a letter which brought grief and sorrow to his readers. Later, however, the effect was spiritually beneficial (2 Cor. 7:8-13). Likewise, though you fail to see the joy and usefulness of such material, that does not mean that others are not helped by it. “I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children” (1 Cor. 4:14).

Fourth, in a way, at times, there is no “bright side” to such work. No sincere Christian enjoys constant warfare. That is why Paul exhorted Timothy that such work had to be done, “in season, out of season;” that is, when it was palatable and when it was not, the work still had to be done! Frequently, our stand for truth and stance against error results in grievous and painful divisions–father from son, daughter from mother (Matt. 10:34-37; 1 Cor. 11:19; Cf. 2 Cor. 2:15-17).

Let the Holy Spirit assure you that such work must be done:

“They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them” (Prov. 28:4).

“And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue” (Acts 15:2).

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).

“I am set for the defense of the gospel” (Phil. 1:17).

“But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention” (1 Thess. 2:2).

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths“ (2 Tim. 4:2-4).

“Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach, for the sake of sordid gain. One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely that they may be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:9-13).

“These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you” (Titus 2:15).

“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Young Christian, note that last verse. Jude wanted to write about “our common salvation,” however, due to the circumstances, he had to change his approach and appeal to them to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Since you grant that such work may be necessary, please consider that an older Christian may see situations, (parallel, perhaps, to those Jude saw) and that, therefore, he might spend time contending for the faith rather than speaking of the common salvation.

You assert, but do not prove, that, “when the majority of our time and writing is spent in debate, there is little room for praise of our Lord and encouragment of our brethren.” Knowing the defensive, controversial, argumentative nature of 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Hebrews, would you say to Paul that, “when the majority of our time and writing is spent in debate, there is little room for praise of our Lord and encouragment of our brethren“? While reviewing the many debates and arguments of the Lord in the first four books of the New Testament, would you say to the Spirit regarding the selection of what is contained therein, “when the majority of our time and writing is spent in debate, there is little room for praise of our Lord and encouragment of our brethren“?

“I Will Look No Longer”

Concerning the TruthMagazine.com web site, you state, “I will look no longer. It is too discouraging for me to see such division among the Lords people and a “he said” and then “i said” and then “he said” and the reply to the reply.” (a) Young Christian, are you discouraged when you read 2 Peter, chapters two and three? Are you discouraged when you read Jude? When you see the arguments, and the, “they said,” “Paul said,” controversies, such as appear in Acts 15, Romans, chapters 9-11, 1 Timothy 1:18-20, and 2 Timothy 2:15-18, is it “too discouraging (for) you”? Do you say, “I will look no longer” at those passages? (b) When you read Matthew, especially Matthew 15:1-14, and chapters 12, and 21 through 23, along with John, chapters 5 though 8, do you say of them, “I will look no longer. It is too discouraging for me to see such division among the Lords people and a “he said” and then “i said” and then “he said” and the reply to the reply”? (c) When you read of the “division among the Lords people” in Corinth, do you say, “I will look no longer. It is too discouraging for me to see such division among the Lords people” (1 Cor. 1:10-15; 3:1-3–”For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you”–11:19)? (d) Finally, when you read that the Lord said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household,” do you say, “I will look no longer. It is too discouraging for me to see such division among the Lords people” (Matt. 10:34-36)? No, Young Christian, I do not think that is what you say. Therefore, do you not see that the same is true with respect to some of the work that both younger and older Christians do?

Yes, my dear young friend, divisions are “discouraging.” They are discouraging to all who love truth, peace, unity, and harmony. However, did it ever occur to you that you should rejoice that there are those who, despite the distastefulness of the work, are striving to stop the mouths of those who promote the division which we all disdain (Titus 1:9-13)? Did it ever occur to you that whether or not you ever read another line on the web site which so discourages you that the errors that are being opposed will not go away just because you refuse to read about their refutation?

Is it “discouraging” to you to know that some men teach that the days of Genesis one are not literal days such as the Bible describes them to be (Ex. 20:8-11; 31:14-17)? Is it “discouraging” to you to know that some brethren have taught that hell is annihilation and not a place of eternal punishment for the wicked? Is it “discouraging” to you to know that some have taught that alien sinners may be divorced and remarried several times prior to their obedience to the gospel, but that, after they are baptized, they may maintain their adulterous marriage? Is it “discouraging” to you that some believe the flood of Genesis 6-8 was not a world-wide event, but only a local one? Surely, these things are as “discouraging” to you as they are to us.

However, it should encourage you that men are standing against these “discouraging” and divisive doctrines of devils (1 Tim. 4:1, 2). You should be rejoicing that others are fighting hard to maintain the truth and to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. If you turn your back on such efforts, those errors will not dissipate and disappear. No, rather, they will increase unto more ungodliness; they will eat and erode the faith of some like a hidden lump of cancer cells (2 Tim. 2:17; 3:13). Without opposition, things will only get worse. If you truly love truth, peace, and unity, and if evil and error discourage your young and tender heart, you should uphold the hands of those who are striving to stop those things that bring you such spiritual misery and unhappiness. If you do not do so, and if you fulfill your threat to withdraw, in essence, your right hand of fellowship from the fight, remember that your ignoring the work will not make false doctrine vanish away. It will not terminate the divisions which you so despise.

Since you will not hear those who oppose the error and teach the truth, what will you do when the men who teach that the days of Genesis one are not literal days and who believe in the “big bang” theory come to your door (and, make no mistake about it, they will come to your door!)? What will you do when they come for meetings where you worship? When they come and teach that hell is not a real place but an annihilation of the wicked, when they come telling you that the flood of Noah was a local event, what will you do? What will you say? You cannot come to folks like me. No, for you will “look no longer” at material which opposes such errors. When you tell others of the love and sacrifice of Jesus and exhort them to obey the gospel, what do you say when one tells you that he has been saved by grace through faith, but that he has never been baptized? When one whom you are attempting to lead to Christ says he has been baptized in the name of Jesus and has received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and of fire, along with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues, what do you tell him? When a Muslim, a Methodist, or a Mormon tells you he believes in God and the Bible, but not in the same way you do, what do you do?

Young Christian, do you reason and reply to these folks? Do you attempt to answer their arguments? When you do, do you ever remind them that what “they said,” contradicts what “Jesus said,” and that “Paul said,” thus and so? If so, do you often find that you are doing the very same thing you are now criticizing me for doing? Further, when you have such exchanges with those whom you are seeking to convert, should we turn away from you and refuse to look because your attempts to persuade such people are too discouraging for us to consider? Too, should the Methodists reject you when you try to help them see that we are not saved by faith only? Should they say that you need “to tell us about Jesus and his love and sacrifice for us and the great love of God and his grace,” and not so much about their error that salvation is “by faith only” (Article IX, Methodist Discipline)?

Yes, my young Christian friend, I will, with love and kindness, overlook your earnest and perhaps honest “youthful ramblings.” I, too, was once young. I, too, have made foolish judgments and impetuous statements. Not knowing the Scriptures, and not having the experience of seasoned and mature, battle scarred veterans of the faith, when I said things that were “off base,” I was taught and led back to the way of truth. Thank God, I listened to those who withstood me to my face, and who did not hide themselves and seek to tear me down from behind. Great men and women of God were patient with me. They helped and encouraged me all along the way. I thank God for them and will treasure their friendship and memory forever. It is my fond hope and fervent prayer that you may be able to do the same someday.

Associate Editorial: The Gored Ox

Fain, Larry — Tue, 01 Apr 2003 22:16:55 +0000

The old saying goes that “it all depends on whose ox is being gored.” Old sayings usually have a very strong element of truth in them as do the tales of the old wives. (How many of us preacher types could get along without the old wives?)

The gored ox problem is the problem of tolerance. We love to hear sin condemned from the pulpit, as long as our ox is not being gored, meaning that our sin is not being condemned. The employment status of many preachers, including this author, has changed when we have gored the wrong ox. (Wrong as it relates to the possessor of an ox, not wrong as in the eternal Judge of the universe). I personally have never owned an ox, nor do I desire one. It might end up being gored, and I might have to change my position on sin, God forbid, since my current position is that revealed by the Psalmist, Psalm 119:104, “Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.” And Psalm 119:128, “Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.”

David, that psalmist quoted in the previous paragraph, had an ox. He was an adulterer. He was a murderer. When Nathan, his closest and dearest friend, told him about his sin in parable form, David was all ready to condemn the man in the parable. “Then David’s anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, ‘As the LORD lives, surely the man who has done this deserves to die. And he must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion.’ Nathan then said to David, ‘You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel, “It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul”‘” (2 Samuel 12:5-7)(NASB). Did Nathan tell David something he did not already know? Was David not fully aware of the fact that he had committed adultery with Bathsheba and sent her husband to battle to be killed to cover up his own sin? Nathan did not reveal any new facts. He simply made the application.

In recent times, I must confess that I have gored an ox or two. I was a signer of the infamous letter which exposed the false teaching which was being done and supported by the administration of Florida College. I even wrote an article which appeared in this journal expressing my views, based on personal evidence I might add, as to why that academic institution has chosen to follow the course it is now following. Several men, some near and dear friends, chastised me for taking on that ox in such a manner. The evidence notwithstanding, their view was that I had no right to gore their favorite ox.

In 2002, I gored the ox of men who were prominent in the local church of which I was a member and to which I was a servant in the preaching of the gospel. Those prominent men were once avid supporters of my preaching the truth. When men who would pervert the gospel on issues that would endanger the church sought an audience, no audience was allowed. The truth was upheld. False teachers were renounced, and God’s word and only God’s word was allowed to be preached. Then, without such specific intention, I gored the ox of those prominent men. I preached against a sin they were committing. I was dismissed, they were vindicated in the eyes of the local church, and a new servant will soon have his chance to see if he can preach the whole counsel of God without goring any oxen and losing his job. Something is wrong with this picture.

I still love David. What a man! I do not praise him in his sin, nor did God. David, however, did not dismiss Nathan, when Nathan delivered that ox slaying stroke, “you are the man!” David went to God in confession and repentance. He went to God with remorse for his sin. He accepted God’s punishment, the death of the bastard child. Was it easy for Nathan to gore David’s ox? Only love for truth and love for God and love for David could have motivated Nathan to approach his dear friend, risking that relationship. We learn from that, however, that no personal relationship on earth is worth a man’s soul. David, as king, could have had Nathan killed just as he had Uriah. Nathan did not care. He had to follow the course of truth and love.

Dear Christian friend and brother, when you are faced with the option of ignoring the sin of one you love or goring the ox of that loved one, pull out your sword (Ephesians 6:17) and gore that awesome beast. You may suffer the loss of friends. Maybe so, and maybe not. You will for certain maintain the love of He who is your eternal Friend, our Lord, our King, Jesus Christ.

In case you may wonder about the sin which I condemned in the lives of the prominent men, it all had to do with justifying a practice based on book, chapter, and verse biblical authority. Is that such a terrible thing? Maybe it is for some, but since a warm summer’s night in Houston, Texas, when James Wilson plunged my adolescent body under the water for the remission of my sins, the only authority I have ever known comes from God’s word. I have selfishly forgotten that authority at times and sinned often (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10). I would, however, never say that such selfishness is all right with God. We have no need for the oxen of sin. Let them all be gored. Let them all die. Let personal relationships never stand in the way of our standing up for what is right. May our voices be heard over all the clutter and clamor for tolerance. When it gets down to it, the voices of compromise will tolerate anything but that which condemns their unauthorized tolerance of sin.

“You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; for those whom the Lord loves he disciplines, and he scourges every son whom he receives.’ It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.” (Hebrews 12:4-17) (NASB)

Whether it be a bowl of beans, a large endowment, or a dear and beloved friend, nothing is worth the loss of our souls. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:36-38) (NASB)

It does not depend on whose ox is being gored, it all depends on how much we love the Lord who shed His precious blood for the salvation of my soul and your soul. He who has an ear, let him hear.

Instruction and Edification (Fifteen or Twenty Minutes at a Time)

Reed, Dennis — Tue, 01 Apr 2003 21:37:49 +0000

When I was a “boy preacher” it seemed that getting enough material together for a fifteen minute sermon was almost an insurmountable task! One who is limited in experience may feel that he has enough material to preach for an hour or more, but when his lesson is delivered, it only turns out to be ten or fifteen minutes. We have all had those experiences in preaching, whether as the one doing the preaching or as one who is listening and seeking to encourage young men to dedicate their lives to preaching the Word of God. My personal experiences with those efforts go back well over fifty years, and every opportunity we have, we are still trying to encourage others to take on these responsibilities. I am most happy that I can continue to hear those ten or fifteen minute sermons from young men who are just beginning to preach the Word!

But, brethren, I am greatly disturbed, filled with perturbation, and absolutely upset emotionally when I hear of experienced and able men who have “toned down” their preaching to these fifteen, or twenty minute sermons! On top of that, they are leaving the impression with the young and inexperienced preachers that such is really what “preaching” is all about! And if all that is not frightening enough, I am also realizing that much of this preaching is almost totally void of scripture and is nothing more than a simple story or tale of some kind, with much of the “few” minutes being filled up with jokes or humorous tales! To call such as that “preaching” is to absolutely disgrace the concept! It seems obvious that those who are engaged in this practice are either ignorant of what gospel preaching is all about, or else they are intentionally seeking to avoid saying anything which is spiritually instructive or edifying! Could it be possible that they simply want to “entertain” their audience (Galatians 1:10)? Or is it possible that they are very limited in “intestinal fortitude” and are therefore just cowardly staying away from condemning sin, exposing error and false teaching, and refusing to boldly encourage fellow Christians to live soberly, righteously, and Godly in this present world (Acts 20: 26-27) (Titus 2: 11-12)?

I was recently given an advertisement, involving non-institutional brethren, where one of the lessons had the title, “Tending Your Garden” and the title for another lesson was “Finding Treasure In The Trash”! A congregation in my area just advertised their speaker as “a follower of Jesus Christ and Certified Financial Counselor”. He is further described as “a coordinator of the Financial Peace University, a thirteen week course for personal finances”. You can multiply those titles numerous times with similar tactics being used by the “unity in diversity” followers. Has it reached the point that we must try to be “cute” in order to attract people to hear the gospel preached? My friend, if we really think that this is respectful of the Word of God, then I am convinced that we may well be in desperate need of a spiritual trip to the “woodshed” to find out what gospel preaching is all about! Maybe some are already too far removed to know what a spiritual spanking really is! When the “old time” preachers took you to the woodshed, you knew exactly where you had been, why you had been there, and you left quickly with the determination that you would never be found “wanting” in those matters ever again! But the kind of gospel preaching which those brethren did, is definitely not welcome in many pulpits today.

Now brethren, let’s get down to some plain talk on this matter! Has it come down to the honest reality that “we just don’t want much preaching” and that we have found a preacher who has such a “wonderful personality”, is also such an outstanding “after dinner speaker”, and that he doesn’t have any real conscience which would prevent him from avoiding anything in his preaching that would “upset anyone” or would “step on anyone’s toes”? Have we found just the preacher who would willingly refrain from telling us that God demands certain things of us or that God hates wickedness in our lives? Have we found the preacher who would not dare call anyone a “false teacher” and who is totally willing to fellowship others who “abide not in the teaching of Christ” (2 John 9-11)? Have we found just the preacher who will speak to us “smooth things” (Isaiah 30:9-10). Yes, my friend, you got it! You understand, don’t you? It is becoming more obvious every day that far too many brethren have developed an appetite for that kind of preaching (?), and that there is an abundant supply of both “young” and “experienced” preachers (?) who will gladly cater to that kind of nonsense!

Now brethren, in all fairness, let’s not get the impression that “long sermons” in and of themselves are necessarily either instructive or edifying. It may well be that some preachers equate the two, but there can be some danger in that as well. We may well have some preachers who are in need of serious help with organizational and time management skills, and we may well have some who are saying the same things over and over again in a sermon until it seems almost to reflect upon the listening ability of the audience! Remember, we are talking about that which is going to truly provide quality instruction and successful edification! If a preacher feels that his ability or effectiveness is to be judged by testing the limits of endurance on the part of his listeners, then he has definitely missed the point. Having spent many years as an elementary school teacher and school principal, I have come to fully accept that learning theory definitely involves both the attention span and the ability to assimilate instruction. We need some help as preachers if we do not consider these factors as being important to effective instruction. But, brethren, our problems in the church today are far greater than having to deal with a few preachers who feel that a sermon has to be extremely long in order to “demonstrate” their preaching skills!

We had better wake up and realize that we are dealing today with a cry for “less preaching”, not just in time, but also mostly in “content”! And when you limit the “sermonettes” to fifteen or so minutes, then you can mark it down that content is also very much limited. It seems obviously clear that our major problem today is that a lot of folks simply “don’t want much preaching”. And you can place a major emphasis on the fact that the content, will be lacking anything which is “controversial”, seriously lacking in “condemnation of sinful practices”, and it will certainly NOT contain any exposure of “error, false teaching, false teachers, or unsound doctrines”! When you have to be so careful not to “offend” anyone or make anyone “feel guilty”, then you must make the decision to give a “sweet little talk” for about fifteen or twenty minutes and send everyone home “feeling good about themselves”! It seems to be a “let’s get this over with as quickly as possible” so that we can go eat, play and socialize with one another! And, after all, that fifteen or twenty minutes which I patiently sat through should purchase enough “fire insurance” to prevent me from spending eternity in hell! Surely my “enduring” a couple of “sweet little talks” each week will demonstrate to God that I love Him with all my heart! My friends, who do we really think that we are deceiving? Or is it possible that we don’t even have enough conscience development to understand what is happening to us? Don’t be fooled brethren, the “experienced” preachers who are involved in this ridiculous facade know exactly what they are doing, and both they and the Lord know exactly why they or doing it! And you can be assured that their problem is not senility!

Brethren, if our desire is for “preaching” which will tickle our ears and placate our conscience, then both our faith and our spiritual service is sadly lacking (2 Timothy 4:1-4). Such a one certainly hasn’t had his or her heart and soul into seeking quality instruction and edification from God’s Word! How long has it been since we really studied our Bible for several hours? How long has it been since we even picked up a Bible except to quickly fill out a few answers in a class lesson book? How long has it been since we took the time to read a teaching publication put out by sound and faithful brethren? How many gospel meetings with “old fashioned and scripture filled sermons” have we attended in recent months? And since we are well into the computer age, are we making any real effort to search out and be instructed by scriptural teaching on web sites operated by faithful brethren? How long has it been since we conducted a Bible class in someone’s home – or even in our own home? Yes, you got it! You can understand that, can’t you? We can see clearly that most problems stem from folks who “just don’t want much preaching”! We have an “ignorance is bliss” mentality in our midst and it is taking us down the road to digression and apostasy with the speed of a bullet train!

I preached a sermon on “fellowship” in a gospel meeting not long ago – and I must admit that it lasted over an hour. Possibly in my own feeble way, I was trying very diligently to show the various digressions in which we have had division and breaks in fellowship, beginning some fifty years ago with the institutional and sponsoring church departure and coming right down to the present “union in perversity” nonsense being advocated by so many today. I had a brother come up to me after the sermon and he, as best as I can remember, spoke these words: “You told us a lot of things tonight that we didn’t know, and you told us a lot of things that we didn’t need to know”! Brethren, I am persuaded that this really sums up the degree of desire for instruction and edification on the part of far too many brethren among us! We appear to have a number of brethren who are insisting that preachers (?) “tone it down”, and these preachers (?) are readily complying with fifteen or twenty minutes of “y’all be sweet” or with a “let me entertain you with a funny story”! And even more amazing, they have the audacity to call it gospel preaching! Our Lord is disgraced by such mistreatment of the Truth! Maybe forty minutes or even an hour might be too long for some brethren to “endure” a sermon, but the length of the sermon is not really the heart of the problem! The problem is content! The problem is in what is preached! So when you know that you can’t really preach about anything which would stimulate the conscience of the hearers, then you just substitute fifteen or twenty minutes of “small talk” or “laughter material” and call it a sermon! Don’t you just know that our Lord and the apostles would be tremendously impressed with such “total dedication” to “fight the good fight of faith”!

These folks aren’t fooling anyone but themselves, and at times I really wonder if they are not fully aware that they are “just playing games” and calling it their religion! Only they and God know whether or not they have integrity, but the scripture tells us that “by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:15-20). What is really happening to gospel preaching today is obvious to every God fearing man and woman! If someone doesn’t awaken quickly, then many of our brethren are going to be so far down the road of denominationalism to ever even think about turning them around!

So, what do you and I consider to be instruction and edification? Do we equate it with a “hunger and thirst” for righteousness (Matthew 5:6)? Do we value it as noble to “search the scriptures” (Acts 17:11)? Do we know what sacrifice and dedication is involved in “seeking first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33)? Do we really believe that by the scriptures we are “furnished completely unto every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17)? Are we honestly concerned about being “a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.”? Yes, you got it! You understand, don’t you? Brethren, the night is far spent and day is a hand for us to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light (Romans 13:11-12). The time is here for us to take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit so that we can quench all the fiery darts of the evil one (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Some of us, like this writer, have spent most of our lives trying to preach, defend, and uphold the Truth – and even today we must still face isolation, ridicule, name calling, and rejection from many of our own brethren because we would dare ask them to stand boldly for the Truth and to lift up the sword of the Spirit against the forces of evil which threaten our faith and the faith of our families. When we “old timers” are no longer here, who will be willing to walk in our footsteps? Who is going to have the courage to take this ridicule and abuse as they boldly cry out against sin and unscriptural teaching and practices? Who will be on the front line in the heat of battle? It is our hope and prayer that God will give us strength to remain in the heat of battle until that very hour when we get the call to go home to glory. Yes, brethren, we are drifting, and far too many are going down “the swift whitewater stream of apostasy” without even realizing what is happening to them.

Brethren, I am truly concerned that instruction and edification are fleeting values among God’s people. Bible knowledge and conviction is being viewed as unnecessary! Churches are having less preaching by doing away with Sunday evening services all over the country – will Wednesday evening be the next fatality? Gospel meetings are viewed as either “old fashioned” or “unproductive” and if you “must” have one, be certain to make it as brief as possible!

What are you and I doing to turn this around? Whatever it takes, and I am persuaded that you can mark it down, that the instruction and edification which will be needed is not going to be accomplished by sweet little fifteen or twenty minute sermons!

“And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

The Double Standard

Miller, Matt — Sun, 01 Dec 2002 20:19:15 +0000

Let me ask you something. If you noticed that others applied a stricter, harsher standard to you than they applied to themselves, how would you feel? I write this article in defense of my fellow evangelists; I write this article, not in the spirit of complaining, for we are to “do all things without complaining and disputing.” (Philippians 2:14) Nevertheless, it is equally evident in the scriptures that, when we see an injustice or error, we are to expose it and fight it. (Ephesians 5:11)

“Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: and look! the tears of the oppressed, but they have no comforter—On the side of their oppressors there is power, but they have no comforter.” (Ecclesiastes 4:1) No doubt human cruelty and oppression have always existed, and God knows this. But, is it right when this oppression and cruelty comes from within the church? There is an oppression under the sun today, and it involves setting a double standard for evangelists.

Surely there are greater oppressions under the sun, and surely evangelists in this country have good lives, compared to being fed to lions in Rome, or living in dirt huts in some foreign field. Yet there is an oppression under the sun, and I wish to expose it. I cannot speak for all evangelists, nor would I dare indict all brethren. Most of the brethren I have known are wonderful, godly people, and I never forget their kindness and generosity. Yet there are bad brethren out there, and they have created some unwritten rules about evangelists that are just not scriptural. In this article, I merely desire to point these out, and to hopefully change the mind of brethren who have been placing a double standard upon their preaching brethren. If I can just improve the treatment of one preacher somewhere, then this article shall have been successful.

Perhaps you ask yourself, “How are preachers oppressed? They have the easiest lives in the world!” Such a question implies that you have a false conception of the work of an evangelist. An evangelist does not, as some believe, “just work three times a week.” Where do you think those sermons come from? The classes? Does he simply pull them out of the air? In my opinion, proper, careful sermon preparation requires at least 40 hours, and then add to that all of his other work, including preparing classes, setting an example by visiting the sick, and the many other things he does, and the average evangelist probably works 60 hours per week, if not more – I know I do, though many brethren would just not believe me. By the way, a preacher’s job is not to drive around all day, “visiting” and eating fried chicken, as many seem to think. Give me book, chapter, and verse for that! I defy you! Yet still, brethren say that preachers “do not have real jobs.”

There is a double standard in the brotherhood today. It is a double standard which involves close scrutiny of a preacher’s life, while the ones scrutinizing are allowed to do whatever they wish. I have seen this again and again. You may doubt its existence, but I urge you to ask your preacher about it. The preacher is condemned if he buys a used car, while every other member drives a brand new Cadillac. The preacher is criticized if he rents a decent home, while every other member owns a home worth over $100,000. If the preacher asks for a raise, he is “preaching for the money,” while every other member gets an annual raise, and complains if he does not. If the preacher asks for an income above the US poverty level, then brethren “just cannot understand why a man needs more than that to live,” while some of them make over $100,000 per year. The preacher’s pay is viewed as charity, even though the scriptures teach that “the worker is worthy of his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:18; 1 Corinthians 9) If the preacher does not dress, act, talk, or live in the way that people think “a preacher should,” even if he is not sinning, he is criticized! I wonder what brethren today would say if John the Baptist returned in camel’s hair clothing, or if Paul walked in, fresh from being imprisoned in a dirty dungeon? After all, “a preacher is supposed to wear a suit all the time!” I even heard of a preacher who mowed his grass in a suit! Yet, of course, no other brethren are required to do this – only the preacher.

I do not plead for a life of luxury for all preachers, far above their brethren. I have never asked for this, and never will. What I am asking is for preachers to be able to live like their brethren! Why should there be many, many preachers who live at a poverty level, with centuries-old furniture, cars rusted-through, and holes in their shoes, while churches hoard up hundreds of thousands of dollars in the treasury, and other brethren live like hogs? Then, if the preacher gets a little money, he is criticized and blasted for the way he chooses to spend it. “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.” (James 5:1-5)

Do you doubt me, that this situation exists? Then go to your preacher, ask him how much he makes, and compare his gross salary with the gross salary of the other members. Compare the shoddiness of his clothing and house to the luxuries of others. Ask him how he is criticized and gossiped about, by hypocrites who do the very same things. You may be surprised what you learn. Surely, there are preachers who are treated royally, and who are generously provided for – this is a blessing! Every preacher should be thusly treated, but most are not.

I end this article with the same sentiment with which I began it – not in a spirit of complaining, but in a plea for justice and fairness for my preaching brethren. You have no idea how your preacher toils, and what he endures, and the cruelties he suffers, but it will all be revealed in the judgment.