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IS THE CHURCH STAGNANT?

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 05:10:33 +0100

Is the Church Stagnant?

Ed Melott

The question posed in the title of this article must be asked on a congregational level. “Is the congregation of which I am a member stagnant?” When something is stagnant, it is sluggish, motionless and inactive. A congregation can become an assembly of run of the mill, pew warming, keeping the lights on, non-active Christians. Jesus rebuked the Laodicean church, which had become like many churches today—lukewarm in service to the Lord (Revelation 3:14-22). That ought to be a clarion call to modern Christians. Clearly, God has expectations for His churches that ought to be our goals and objectives, too. Consider some reasons for stagnation, results from stagnation and remedies for stagnation.

Although each situation and every Christian are different, let us be so bold as to suggest a few things that could easily cause stagnation. In the first place, laziness very well may be the cause for many inactive members of the local church. It is much easier to let someone else do the work! Paul spoke of the lazy man as being one who was undeserving of food (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Is the lazy Christian any different than the lazy man who was afraid of the cold and would starve in the harvest (Proverbs 20:4)? Sadly, many lazy Christians are the very ones who wonder why the church isn’t growing today as it once grew.

A second problem may be apathy. The Laodiceans seemed to be apathetic about their service, and as a result, they were very distasteful to our Lord (Revelation 3:15-16). A third reason for stagnation may be doubt in our personal abilities and talents. Surely there is always someone who could do a particular job better than we can, but is that a valid reason for each one not doing his best? A fourth reason for stagnation is sin. Too many are still active in Satan’s kingdom and are like the Israelites of Elijah’s day, “faltering between two opinions” (1 Kings 18:21).

A stagnant church will be ineffective and unproductive in God’s work (Titus 3:14). Our Lord would have us bearing fruit (John 15:5-8). When we are actively engaged in Jesus’ work, our Father is glorified (Matthew 5:16). Motionless Christians should take a lesson from deserted houses in our communities. When a house is neglected, the roof leaks, the ceilings are damaged, the floors decay and the home becomes unlivable. The wise man wrote, “Because of laziness the building decays and through idleness of hands the house leaks” (Ecclesiastes 10:18). Another inevitable result of stagnation in the local church is that a few are forced to do the work of the many. Very little is accomplished, and Satan is pleased by the lackluster efforts.

How may such a situation be remedied? We must wake up! “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:14-16). Let us be renewed in dedication and in action for the greatest work ever given to man (Psalm 51:10-12). One has said, “A better church begins with a better me.” If the congregation of which you are a member needs to wake up and get moving, why don’t you wake up and get moving? Let us never become so distracted or discouraged that we fail to be about the King’s business. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:22).

THE BOOK

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 05:02:31 +0100

The Book

Roger A. Rush

Theodore Roosevelt said, “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” For Christians, the Bible must always be at the heart of our preaching, teaching, and way of living. If the Scriptures do not guide our lives, we are lost. No other book compares with THE BOOK.

Woodrow Wilson advised, “Give the Bible to the people, unadulterated, pure, unaltered, unexplained, uncheapened, and then see it work through the whole nature. It is very difficult indeed for a man or for a boy who knows the Scriptures ever to get away from it. It follows him like the memory of his mother. It haunts him like an old song. It reminds him like the word of an old and revered teacher. It forms a part of the warp and woof of his life.” He also said, “We have deprived ourselves of the best there is in the world if we deprive ourselves of a knowledge of the Bible.”

What makes the Bible so very special? First is its origin. It claims to come from the Creator (2 Timothy 3:16), and the evidence confirms the claim. Second, it definitively answers the pressing questions of life regarding origin (Genesis 1:1), purpose (Ecclesiastes 12:13), and destiny (2 Corinthians 5:1). Third, it speaks to the longings of the human heart providing hope, peace, comfort, and joy even when life comes crashing in around us (Philippians 4:10-13). Fourth, it provides a remedy for man’s greatest problem (sin) through God’s only Son (Romans 6:23). Fifth, it offers a road map for life enabling us to live abundantly (John 10:10). Sixth, it removes the sting of death, casts off fear, and fills the heart with love (1 John 4:17, 18). Seventh, it reveals the glorious future of the redeemed (Romans 8:34-39).

The Scriptures are under constant assault. The devil will do everything he can to undermine its credibility and destroy its influence. At the moment, it may appear that he is achieving his goal, but he is not. He will fail, and the Bible affirms his ultimate defeat (Revelation 20:11-15).

The world declares the Bible an outdated, irrelevant text of ancient legends and myths, but the world is wrong. Christians know that the Bible is the Word of God. Therefore, we handle it reverently, read it prayerfully, study it carefully, obey it cheerfully, and teach it faithfully. The hope of our nation and the salvation of our souls depend upon it!

Sir Walter Scott observed, “The most learned, acute, and diligent student cannot, in the longest life, obtain an entire knowledge of the Bible. The more deeply he works the mine, the richer and more abundant he finds the ore; new light continually beams from this source of heavenly knowledge, to direct the conduct, and illustrate the work of God and the ways of men; and he will at last leave the world confessing, that the more he studied the Scriptures, the fuller conviction he had of his own ignorance, and of their inestimable value.”

As Christ’s church, may we never forget the place of THE BOOK in the hearts of His people, for, if we do, we will cease to be His church

Being Honest!

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 15:56:57 +0100

Honesty as far the Christian is concerned is very important. As a matter of fact, it should be a great concern for non-Christians as well. Dishonesty is a problem confronting our society. Honesty, sincerity, integrity and openness of life are absolutely essential if the church is to stand high in the thinking of our neighbors and friends. If Christians are to have any influence for Christ they must be genuine Christians. I want to discuss with you some aspects of the vital subject of honesty.

What is honesty? How important is honesty? How many people are really honest? Webster defines honesty as “honorable; characterized by integrity and straightforwardness in conduct, in thought and in speech; free from fraud; genuine, fully unadulterated; open; frank; sincere.” Then he gives some opposites, “Dishonest; fraudulent; false; deceitful; crooked.” What is honesty? How important is it? How widespread is it among men?

First, let us note that Jesus is our supreme example of Honesty. Jesus is the personification of truth. John 14:6 - “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” He possesses the same attributes as God, and God cannot lie (Titus 1:2) If Jesus was not honest and truthful, we would not have a perfect example (1 Peter 2:21-22), forgiveness of sins (Rev 1:5), no hope beyond the grave(1 Cor 15:19), assurance of our Heavenly home (John 14:1-2).

Second, notice the high cost of dishonesty. The Bible says many things about dishonesty, (Lev 19:11; Pro 6:17-19, 11:1, 12:22; Rev 21:8) It also has examples of what happens when dishonesty is displayed, Acts 5:1-10, tells of the dishonesty of Ananias and Sapphira, and the results of it, which was the death of both. Outside the scriptures we see dishonesty can destroy reputations, families, friendships and can disrupt workplaces.

Third, we can improve our honesty. First, learn some Bible principles such as (Lev 19:13; Lk 8:15; Rom 13:13; 2 Cor 13:7; 1 Thess 4:11-12). Second, be a positive example for others. Third, encourage honesty from others and demonstrate it. Fourth, be ready to stand up for honesty. Finally, make honesty a priority.

As difficult as it is to admit, honesty is a great concern in the world today. We must make a conscience decision to improve on our honesty, even when we think no one is looking, because God is. Honesty is not a sometimes rule, but should remain in good times or in bad. Honesty pays dividends not only now, but in eternity as well.

Why Preach?

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 15:52:34 +0100

One might ask the question, “why preach?” I'm sure many preachers have been asked that very question by family members, friends, and members of church, even those in the community. To some preaching my seem foolish, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” (1Co 1:21) But to God it serves the purpose He wants it to. We Preach because:

First to Please God and to show God's Power To Save, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” (Gal 1:10); “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” (1Th 2:4) When we preach the Word of God, we do so not to tickle the ears of men but to the glorification of God. When man puts feelings before God chaos ensues, “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2Ti 4:1-4) We also preach God's Power to Save, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom 1:16) Paul says the Gospel is God's Power to Save, he also later penned, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” (1Co 15:1-2) We need to take what Paul and the other apostles delivered to us and stand in it, in other words keep the commandments of the God, Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (Joh 14:15)

Second to Reconcile Man To God, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” (2Co 5:18-20) We have left God, God did not leave us. Because of our sin God has turned his face from us, “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isa 59:1-2) Since we have sinned, we have to turn away from sin and turn back to God, thus repentance. “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luk 13:3,5)

Third to Edify, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Eph 4:15-16) We preach to build the body up, one needs only to watch the evening news to see the world around us and the condition it is in. The pressures that the Christian must face in everyday life in the world are hard. Preaching from God's Word can help bear the weight of those trials and tribulations. We can take heart that Jesus has said, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Mat 28:20)

Fourth because we are Authorized to, Jesus tells us to preaching in Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Also we see that we preach by the authority of Jesus Himself. Through preaching one may believe and obey God's Word, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mar 16:15-16) Preaching again is merely teaching, teaching that needs to be passed on, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2Ti 2:1-2) We see God's Plan to bring salvation to man, by using man to deliver it.

Fifth to Convert Souls, The Word of God is able to convince and convict people of their sins. Peter when preaching to the Jews on the Day of Pentecost was able to convince and convict the people, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Act 2:37-38) Peter further states, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” (Act 3:19) Through the Word of God man is able to be converted from a world of sin to a world of righteousness, from a world of darkness to a world of light, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (1Pe 2:9) And by converting one you help cover a multitude of sins, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (Jas 5:19-20)

Finally to be Heard, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” (Joh 6:44-45) To have or to build faith we must hear the Word of God, “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:16-17) So by hearing, belief and faith are produced. In Acts 2:36-38, the hearing of God's Word produced repentance and baptism. We again see the same results later in the Book of Acts, “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.” (Act 18:8)

Why Preach? To: Please God, Reconcile Man, To Edify, Authorized To, Convert Souls, To Be Heard.

It's Bare Season Again

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 01:20:08 +0100

J.D. Conley

Unfortunately, with the summer well underway, many people are well underdressed. Each year about this time as the mercury rises, people across this land begin to strip off. It is apparent that bare season is open again, and many are on the prowl.

In light of this annual situation, we as the Body of Christ need to honestly concern ourselves with this question: "Is it pleasing to God for a Christian, male or female, to be a public participant in the activities which surround this time of year?" Activities such as mixed swimming, visiting a public beach, "laying out" in order to get a tan, or doing yard work where more skin is showing than not? These are questions which demand thoughtful and, in some cases, immediate attention by some members of the church.

Any type of activity where our physical bodies, for the most part, are exposed for all to see is undeniably displeasing to God. Please do not misunderstand: swimming, sunbathing, and beach combing are not sinful in and of themselves. Rather, it is the way in which we are attired and with whom we are in the presence when we do engage in these activities. It is a simple question of modesty and setting the correct example before others.

The partially clad male or female body has the capacity to induce lust in a person's heart, any person's heart. This in turn can produce deadly results. James wrote, "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren." (James 1:14-16) But one might say in objection, "But I don't go to the beach or pool to lust after the opposite sex!" That's well and good, but why would Christians want to deliberately put themselves in a situation where they might be tempted to lust? Christians should also consider the fact that if they are immodestly dressed, how can they prevent someone from lusting after them? The child of God should take every precaution not to cause another to stumble. With all the sex deviates in the world, one cannot say, "No one is going to lust after me!" How can a person know this for a fact? Such an attitude borders on naiveté.

Parents of small, impressionable children should not allow them to dress inappropriately. Though children are incapable of enticing each other, why let them grow up thinking that dressing half-naked is all right?

Dressing (undressing) like the world is partially what the apostle Paul was condemning when he wrote, "And be not conformed to the world" (Rom.12:2) The flesh parade being conducted this season cannot be pleasing to God. Instead, may we present our bodies in the way the Scriptures instruct, "... as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. " (Rom.21:1)

Let's refuse to take part in "Bare" season this year, or in the years to come. 102 Laramie Rd., Marietta, OH 45750.

The Everlasting Bible

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 01:15:44 +0100

Charles C. Pugh, III

The nineteenth stanza of Psalm 119 concludes with the Psalmist affirming the everlasting nature of the law of God. He says, “Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever” (v. 152). In the section immediately preceding, he wrote, “the righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting …” (v. 144). Alexander renders verse 152 with the following: “Long have I known from thy testimonies (themselves) that thou unto eternity hast founded them” (The Psalms Translated and Explained, 503). The Bible has a self-evidencing nature to the effect that it consists not of merely “passing or temporary enactments, but eternal laws” (G. Rawlinson. “The Book of Psalms: Exposition.” Vol. 3. Pulpit Commentary. Vol. 8. 112). Here is the “everlasting stability of God’s testimonies” (David Dickson. A Commentary on the Psalms, 400). Biblical revelation makes this claim of its eternal, everlasting nature: “… [T]he word of God … lives and abides forever, because all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever” (2 Peter 1:23-25; cf. Isaiah 40:6-8).

Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35). It is the case that the Bible records these statements concerning the eternality of its message, and those who truly know the Bible recognize the self-evidencing nature of this claim. However, the indestructibility of the Bible, as evidenced from history, sustains the biblical claim and the experience of those who, as the Psalmist, can say, “I have known of old that You have founded them [Your testimonies] forever” (Psalm 119:152).

As evidence of the remarkable continued survival of the Bible, I cite data from a twenty-first century (2001) book authored by a world renowned manuscript scholar. Christopher de Hamel, whose book History of Illuminated Manuscripts (1994) is a standard work in its field, is a scrupulous scholar. In the early part of this decade, he also authored what has been described as an “utterly gripping account of the world’s most remarkable book [the Bible]” (jacket). The Book: A History of the Bible is an original and authoritative account of the survival of the Bible during its “extraordinary journey through history” (jacket). Writing as an historian who is an expert in ancient manuscripts, De Hamel, in this scholarly, readable, unique books says: “… [A]ll evidence confirms that the text of the Christian Bible as we have it today has been maintained and transmitted with extraordinary accuracy. … No significant variations or deliberate falsifications have ever been found to shake public confidence in the Bible as a whole. No other text of comparable antiquity has come down to us with so few uncertainties about its transmission …” (319-20, 329).

Truly, the Bible is The Book uniquely secure with a message that has an eternal existence. Two thousand years of history evidence the unique indestructibility of the Bible. We believe the objective mind concludes that the Bible’s continued survival, in light of all to which it has been subjected from the negative side, evidences it is the result of a supernatural source (i.e. God). “Concerning Your testimonies I have known of old that You have founded them forever” (Psalm 119:152). -1601 31st St., Vienna, WV 26105.

Supposed New Arguments for Instrumental Music in Worship

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 21:48:13 +0100

Gregory K. Circle II

Our young Christians need to be taught the arguments for such issues as instrumental music in worship so they can “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3). The new arguments are simply the old arguments. This discussion will be about some of the Greek words in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, especially the word, psallo, and the arguments related to it. Each of these words represent a different type of music.

First, the word translated “song” is the Greek word ode, which simply means a song in its general sense. The word may be recognized in its transliterated form from Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” This word can mean any type of song. Many odes were sung for the welcoming home of heroes. However, if the adjective “spiritual” is added to modify the word, then the song becomes a specific type of song, namely, one that would be sung as worship.

Second, the word “hymn” is translated from the Greek word humnos. In the Bible, this word only occurs in the two verses being discussed here, and while the word ode simply means a song, humnos is more specifically, a religious song.

Third, note the word that is transliterated, “Psalms.” It is the Greek word psalmos. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, this word is even more specific. While ode means “a song,” and humnos means a “religious song,” psalmos means “a religious song that is sung in Hebrew.” It refers to the Psalms of the Old Testament. These “psalms,” according to Strong, could be accompanied with the voice, harp or other instruments. Those arguing for instrumental music in worship often use this fact to what seems to be their advantage. However, notice that it can be accompanied with the voice or other instruments. The instruments do not have to be present in order for it to be a “psalm.”

It is often asserted that the base word for psalmos is psallo, which means to “pluck, pull, or twang.” (This word is used in Ephesians 5:19 and translated by the phrase, “making melody.”) Many will say that in order to pluck, pull or twang, you must have a mechanical instrument. This is simply not true. As a matter of fact, the Bible tells us what “instrument” we must use while we are “singing and making melody.” Ephesians 5:19 says, “…in your hearts.” We are to “pluck, pull or twang” our heartstrings according to this biblical command.

It is also important to note that in the KJV, the word psallo is used four other times and is translated “sing” those times. There is not a case of mechanical instruments being used in the New Testament to worship God. The Bible commands singing and nothing more.

Debt: Burden or Blessing?

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 21:44:44 +0100

Rodney Nulph

Thomas Jefferson warned his country in the long ago, that public debt was “the greatest of the dangers to be feared.” I wonder what Mr. Jefferson would say today to a nation who has failed to balance successfully its budget? America’s national debt is currently topping $12 trillion dollars! Obviously, this kind of debt is anything but a blessing to our nation. Not only is national debt a burden, but far too often household debt burdens a family unit as well. Foreclosures, late payments, increased interest, etc. are all part of debt’s nasty web. Although debt is usually viewed as a negative thing, there is a positive debt that each Christian is blessed to have.

Firstly, each Christian is indebted to our Maker. There is no way for anyone ever to begin to repay the benevolent God we serve! We are indebted to Him because of His daily gifts. The Psalmist knew full well how benevolent God is: “Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (Psalm 40:5). Even the most seemingly miniscule blessing of each day attests to our indebtedness! We are also indebted to Him because of His divine grace. Where would we each be if it were not for God’s grace? Paul understood, “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10a). “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God” (2 Corinthians 3:5). Brethren, we are indebted to our Maker!

Secondly, each Christian is indebted to maturity. No Christian is free from the obligation to grow, no matter how many years he or she has been a child of God. In fact, some of the Hebrew Christians were chastised, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Hebrews 5:12). Christianity is a living organism that must grow and mature with each passing day. Maturity is not optional, but rather, it is an obligation! Maturity is not discretionary, but rather, it is our debt! Brethren we are indebted to maturity!

Thirdly, each Christian is indebted to mankind. Paul affirmed, “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise” (Romans 1:14). Our debt is to those who are foreigners. By that, I do not mean only those outside our country, but rather foreigners in a spiritual sense – those outside of Christ. Jesus commanded our indebtedness to the foreigners outside of Christ when He said, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15b; cf. Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 1:13-17). Our debt is to those who have fallen. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2; cf. Luke 15:4). Our debt is also to those who are frail (cf. Hebrews 10:24-25). Paul’s words to the Thessalonians are certainly needed for our generation, “…edify one another…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11b). How much stronger would each congregation be if each individual Christian practiced Paul’s command to the Corinthians, “…Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Corinthians 14:26b).

National debt and family debt are certainly anything but a blessing. However, there is an indebtedness that each Christian carries through life that is truly a blessing. We are blessed to be indebted to our Maker, to maturity and to mankind. Although as long as we live this debt will never decrease, we can spend each day joyously serving until one great day, we can finally see our Lender face to face!

If The Bible Were A Living Sword

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 01:32:43 +0100

Dan Kessinger

The Bible is an authoritative book, but it wields a gentle authority. It does not have to be loud, obnoxious, bossy, or pushy in order to be real. But, what if God's authority were not so gentle? How would our submission to the authority of God be different if the Bible were a literal sword? This comparison is a valid one because Hebrews 4:12 reads: For the word of God {is} living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

If the Bible were a literal sword, it would threaten workers of iniquity with death or dismemberment if they did not change their ways. Since it is the sword of God, it could make good on its threat. Doubtless, some would still disobey. However, I feel certain that sin would be drastically reduced, and certainly practiced with more discretion and less pride than we now see. If the Bible were a literal sword, we would have seen our last gay pride parade, heard our last public curse, and seen every tavern and adult bookstore padlocked. Men would think twice about what they said, and those who sin out of weakness would find strength to resist.

If the Bible were a literal sword of God, there would be fewer harsh words exchanged in families, and the abusers of families would tremble lest they be exposed. Covetousness would no longer be seen as a sin without consequence; many diseases would disappear. Even those who did not love God would fear rejecting his law, because their own lives would be in peril if the Bible were a literal sword. Though sinners might try to hide their secret sins, they would be exposed as well, for this sword discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart.

What if the Bible were literally alive, as Hebrews 4:12 teaches us it is in a figurative sense? Even if it were not a sword, things would be different. We would not have to read what men must do to be saved, nor would we have one preach it to us. Instead, the Bible would go forth and teach sinners, demanding that God be believed and obeyed. False teachers would be automatically refuted by such a living Bible, and those fellows who claim God speaks to them personally would be shouted down by the outraged Bible.

We would no longer neglect our Bibles with little more than a twinge of conscience as some of us do. As things are, one may choose to discard or ignore his Bible, and the Bible does not object to such treatment. A literally living Bible would not silently gather dust on a bookshelf. It would speak to us each day and would always tell us the truth and the truth alone.

The Bible is not a real sword. Generally, it can inflict no more serious harm than a paper cut. It is not used as a literal weapon (except on one occasion by the late Bill Monroe). These facts do not render the Bible even one iota less powerful; it is the weapon of souls and lives. It alone changes men, but men must use it. Waving a Bible at sin does nothing; it is only by reading and heeding Bible truth that its awesome power is unleashed.

The Holy Spirit is leading men even at this moment through His Divine authority expressed in the Bible. The Holy Spirit will have authority only over those who are willing to be led. He will not force anyone to read the Bible; He will not cut sinners to ribbons with the word. In spite of His grand authority, He is only giving orders to those who volunteer to submit to His authority.

When Atheists Attack

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 01:25:59 +0100

John A. Keith

The recent repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has sparked many discussions, heated debates, and downright arguments. In the midst of all the “back and forth” regarding homosexuality, a common malady among humanists and “free-spirit thinkers” has once again reared its ugly “I have a right to my opinion but you don’t” head. Their line of thinking, if one may call it such, extends to all forms of sin and perversion. It is not just about homosexuality.

It seems as if a stance on anything remotely moral is against the atheist’s code of ethics. However, since the atheist says he does not believe in God, he is left to his own brand of ethics which fits the situation and which changes from one situation to the next. Jeremiah said, “ O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (10:23). Is it not comforting to know that what God said two-thousand years ago, He says today? (Hebrews 13:8)

The general consensus among atheists I have talked with seems to be that nothing is ever wrong, it just may not be right at that particular time or for that particular person. The reason they have no stance on morality is that they have no standard of morality – no reference point. The idea of a rigid, inflexible standard is counter to their “If it feels good, do it” mentality. Nothing is wrong except saying something is wrong! Would they not cry “foul” if the purchase of one gallon of gasoline yielded only three quarts? The only standard they choose to adhere to is one that benefits them. A standard that infringes upon their inhibitions is an affront, an insult, and a denial of their view of freedom.

When a Christian attempts to explain why certain conduct is wrong, they point a finger and say, “Judge not.” (Mt. 7:1). Are they not, themselves, judging? As one brother has pointed out, they probably do not even know where that is found in the Bible. They just know it says, “Don’t judge.” They do not know about John 7:24 which says, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

We are accused of being unloving and uncaring. I have been accused of suffering from homophobia. I responded by saying, “I'm not afraid OF homosexuals, I'm afraid FOR them.” God has dealt with this sin in the past. Remember a place called, Sodom? God will deal with it and all forms of sin and perversion as well, in due time. I simply wish to let those who choose this lifestyle know that there is a way out (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

One fellow even indicated that he knew “our God” hated homosexuals but that he and his god loved them and that we would find out soon enough which one was right. With that, he wished to put an end to the discussion. It was pointed out that the Samaritan woman in John, chapter four, attempted to evade Jesus’ message with a similar tactic in verse 25, “I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.” In other words, “Say and do what you think, God will sort it out in the end.” God most definitely will sort it out, but we need not wait to see what God thinks about these matters; we have His revealed will.

The Bible is often attacked. This same fellow said, “Your Bible is the one that was written by English (sic) clerics from 1500 to 1612.” Brother Dan Kessinger pointed out such was not the case by the existence of twenty thousand or so manuscripts dating from 300 A.D. to 1500 A.D. Brother Kessinger went on to say, “There are two problems with this point of view. First, we wonder, if this is true (that the ‘real’ Bible has been lost to history), exactly how one knows that it teaches anything, really. If it isn't legitimate, its message is insignificant. Moreover, if it isn't legitimate, all of its standards are also suspect; that is, ‘God is love’ may also be a late insertion.”

With the Bible as our guide, all the assaults upon Christianity and morals may be lovingly and firmly defended and refuted. In fact, the Bible believer has an advantage over humanists/atheists, for they neither have an objective point of reference, nor a foundation upon which to stand.

This is merely a small example of the kinds of things that Christians must deal with. However, in order to deal with them, we must know what the Bible says and know how to apply it. Do not study religion – study the Bible, for with the knowledge therein, we may counter any attack that is launched. (2 Timothy 2:15)