THE BENEFITS OF HELL You know, they tell us that if we look close enough atanything we can find something good about it. Sureenough, for the benefit of all who are making plans to goto hell, we have closely examined that place and haveconcluded that there really are some advantages ingoing to hell that exceed this life on Planet Earth.
No More Preaching
Some folks have the feeling that every time theyattend services the preacher picks on them. They thinkall he does is sit around dreaming up some new way tomake them mad. For this reason, some don't want to get too close to the preacher. Unless they are on their deathbed, they avoid him. Spasmodic attendance is usually an indication.
Well, if preachers make you nervous (2 Tim. 4: 1-5;Tit. 2: 15), if preachers are making you mad by trying toget you to do better and are telling you where you aregoing if you don't, then just wait awhile! You will be in aplace where you will never be bothered by preachersagain. You can show them a thing or two. You will neverhave to listen to another message preached or anotherwarning.
This is not to say there won't be some preachers inhell. There may be as many of them as of any other classof people. But they won't be preaching there. Isn't that great?!
No More Contributions
Some have a rough time enduring this on earth (1 Cor.16:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9: 6, 7). It is an imposition on their wallet or purse and they find it disgusting. Here's good news! Oneof the benefits of hell is that there will be no contributions, sermons on giving, or classes on the subject. Notone place in the word of God is there any mention whatsoever about collection plates in hell. While preachers may be there, they won't be asking for donations. If you find it disturbing to be faced with sacrificingfor the greatest work on earth, then rest assured thatonce you enter the portals of hell you will never hearanother sermon on giving or have to look at anothercollection plate. With some, this will be the greatestbenefit.
No More Calls to Holy Living
One of the things many do not like about the churchof Christ is its emphasis on pure living (Tit. 2: 11, 12;Gal. 5: 19-21; 1 Tim. 2: 9, 10; Eph. 4: 24; Mt. 5: 28).Uprightness is not "in" for our modern age. The massesdon't see any reason in all this "self-denial" (Lk. 9: 23).Why can't people just live their own lives (morally and religiously) without someone telling them how theyshould dress and talk and where they should not go?After all, we wouldn't be the first society that ever did that (Judg. 17: 6; 21: 25). A little idolatry, bestiality, homosexuality, adultery and drunkenness never hurt them, did it? If we could just call a meetingto get together and decide how much lower we shouldlower the standard maybe we could make some headway against all these restrictions. This is the age ofliberation. We demand our rights!To all who feel this way, we have examined the scriptures closely. There is not one place in the entireBible that indicates that those who go to hell will bebothered by someone preaching to them about blendingin too much with the world. No one will rebuke you for the lifestyle you choose. Think of all the freedom! No More Personal Evangelists
If Christians coming to your door or calling on thephone about living for God and worshiping regularly bugs you, just wait. You may soon be free of them at last!If the fellow at work keeps hounding you about attending the services, about repentance and baptism, or aboutbeing restored to faithfulness and is agitating you, don'tworry — be happy! From everything I have read abouthell (and I think I have read every verse), there will not be one tract passed out in hell and no one will try to getyou to change your life when you reach this place offreedom. Won't it be wonderful there?
No More Invitations
Some folks can pretty well handle the preaching,collections, calls to holy living and the personal workers. They can even endure the prayers for their salvation and the hymns about judgment. They have managed to develop a protective shield that keeps such things from penetrating and have gotten to where theyalmost don't feel a thing. And if they would just do awaywith extending the invitation things would be ideal!But for some reason they ask everybody to stand and sing an invitation song while the preacher makes a plea for sinners who have never obeyed the gospel to repentand be converted or for erring Christians to get back onthe right track. This is hard for some to handle and theyplain don't like it. It makes them fidget and squirm tillthey can hardly stand it. That's the reason some stay home.
Boy, have we got news for you! We have examined thescriptures thoroughly and there is not even a hint thatinvitations will be extended in hell. Once there, youwon't have to think about how repulsive an invitationis.
No More Demands on Your Time Going to services, preparing to teach a class, visitingthe physically and spiritually sick, cleaning the building! These all take time. I know it sounds too good to betrue, but you are not dreaming. Think of all the free time you will have in hell! We are talking Utopia, Man!
Conclusion
There's just one catch. Once you step across that linefrom this life to that other place there will never be anopportunity to change your mind. If you think for onemoment that someday you just might wish to hear agospel preacher talk about holy living; if you thinkthere would be a time when you might welcome a phone call from a concerned Christian; if you think you mightwish to support the Lord's work; or if you think you might want to stand and sing just one more invitationsong, or teach a Bible class, or clean the church building—then it would be wise right now to start thinking veryseriously about where you are headed.
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LEARNING FROM THE PROPHETS
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime werewritten for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15: 4).It is a grave mistake to neglect the study of the OldTestament. It is true that God speaks to us "in these lastdays by his Son" (Heb. 1: 2). But the Son by whom hespeaks is linked to the Old Testament. Jesus said "Search the scriptures... and they are they which testifyof me" (Jno. 5: 39). It is impossible to comprehend theNew Testament without some knowledge of the Old Testament. It has been wisely said that "the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the NewTestament is the Old Testament revealed. "
Try to make sense of the book of Hebrews without some background knowledge of the books of Exodus,Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy! How could you fathom much of Paul's argument as it unfolds in Romanswithout knowing something of the books of law as wellas the prophetic books. There are 400 allusions to theOld Testament in the book of Revelation. Unless one is familiar with the prophetic symbolism of such books asEzekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, not to mention Isaiah and Jeremiah, he will have great difficulty with the last bookin the Bible. A study of the sermons of the apostles in thebook of Acts reveals frequent references not only to thePsalms but also the prophetic books. After the resurrection, Jesus connected that momentous event with theprophesies which had gone before. "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them inall the scriptures the things concerning himself: (Lk.
24: 27).There are many practical lessons for us in the mes-sage of the prophets of old. Consider these with me.
God Is The Answer To Our Problems
Even though many of the problems of Israel were theproduct of their own folly, God still loved them. Over and over the prophets challenged them to "Hear the word ofthe Lord." Though described as a "sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that arecorrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they haveprovoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward" (Isa. 1: 4); yet God said "Come nowand let us reason together, saith the Lord: though yoursins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (1: 18).When they were tempted to turn to Egypt, or some other nation to come to their defense against impending invasion and captivity, repeatedly the prophets taught that only by turning to the Lord in repentance could they find help.
God is still the answer to our problems. Things" areno defense. They perish with the using. Human wisdomhas its limits. Many have turned to alcohol and drugs.Mystics have been consulted. Satan worship is on therise. Religious cults and quacks abound. Paul urged theAthenian philosophers to "seek the Lord" and said "he isnot far from every one of us" (Acts 17: 27). There isone true God and we are his offspring. There are manyfalse gods which can do nothing. Israel only found helpwhen they turned in repentance to the one true God.That is where we will find our help. "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fearwhat man shall do unto me: (Heb. 13: 6).
God Reacts To Sin
"For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, andevery transgression and disobedience received a justrecompense of reward; How shall we escape.... (Heb.
2: 2-3). Sometimes in the Old Testament days, God'sreaction to sin was instantaneous. At other times it was measured and deliberate. Both the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities were foretold by prophets who pleadedwith the people to repent and avert these calamities.The eloquent and statesman-like utterances of Isaiah were unheeded. The plaintive, weeping speeches ofJeremiah were despised and he was mistreated. Whencaptivity came, it was God's punitive reaction to theirsins.
God is still offended by sin. The grace, mercy and loveof God provided a covering for sin. "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission: (Heb. 9: 22). "Whilewe were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5: 8).But we must not trifle with the grace and forbearance ofGod. While he is not willing that any should perish,the day of the Lord will come (2 Pet. 3: 9-10). "Becausehe hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge theworld in righteousness... (Acts 17: 31).
The Remnant and The Messianic Hope
Even before the captivity of Israel, those prophetswhich foretold it offered a ray of hope when they promised that God would recover a remnant of his people and settle them in their land again. While Isaiah (10: 22-23)and Jeremiah foresaw a remnant salvaged before thecaptivity even began, Daniel and Ezekiel offered the same hope from within the captivity. The books of Ezraand Nehemiah report the return of the remnant. Evenin the midnight of Jewish History, there was hope ofbetter things to come.The church is God's remnant now. "Even so then at this present time there is a remnant according to theelection of grace" (Rom. 11: 5). There are moments inhuman history when it seems that nearly all haveforsaken the Lord, but God still has his "seven thousandwhich have not bowed the knee to Baal." MAN'S EXTREMITY becomes God's opportunity. In despair, there is yet hope. Remember the prophets.
The Providence of God
The book of Daniel impresses the lesson that God rules among the nations (5: 21). When a nation becomes too wicked for God to tolerate, then anotherpower will subdue it, though it may also be wicked. Indue time that evil nation will fall unless it repents. I donot understand how one could study the prophets without seeing this.Israel was God's "holy nation" (Ex. 19: 6). Yet, he punished the northern kingdom at the hands of the Assyrians and later, made Babylon his rod to chastise faithlessJudah. God's providence continued to work in captivityfor there were Daniel and Ezekiel to remind the peopleof the word of the Lord and to keep hope alive. Further,the captivity provided time for rebellious people toponder, and to come to repentance. Through captivity,God providentially broke them of idolatry, for while theycommitted other sins after the captivity, idolatry wasnot among them. God cared for them even by the riversof Babylon. When the captivity ended after seventy years, the providence of God had a Zerrubbabel, an Ezraand a Nehemiah to lead the returnees.
If God provided for a temporal nation, preserved aseed and fulfilled his promise to give the world a Saviourthrough that restored remnant, is he any less concerned for his spiritual children now? Indeed, "the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open to theirprayers" (1 Pet. 3: 12).
The people of God are often defenseless against theprophetic speculators and would-be seers who buildtheir cases on a misuse of the prophets and extractpassages from their historical context and ignore thefulfillment of them in events described in the New Testament. The premillennial and dispensationalistpreachers have sometimes deceived and mesmerizedeven members of the body of Christ who would haveknown better had they studied the prophets. What about where you worship? Do you include the prophetsin your Bible classes? Preachers, are you acquaintingthe people with this important part of the word of God?It takes time, effort and skill to make it come alive, butit is well worth the effort and the practical lessons forliving in today’s world, abound.
LOVE NOT THE WORLD
FORNICATION AND ADULTERY (Part 1)
Fornication and adultery are prevalent sins. We don't have to read far into the Old Testament before we see men and women engaging in immoral conduct. Gen. 34reveals that Shechem and Dinah (the daughter of Jacob)committed fornication (vs. 1-7). Just four chapters laterwe read of Judah and Tamar doing the same (Gen.
38: 12-18).
Demosthenes said concerning the Greek world, "Wekeep mistresses for our pleasure, concubines for our constant attendance and wives to bear us legitimatechildren and be our faithful housekeeper." What a sad picture!
Today it is not much different. In 1987 Josh McDowellsurveyed 1400 "church going" young people. He found that forty-three percent of them had committed fornication by the age of eighteen. Another thirty six wereguilty of petting. Even among Christians it is not uncommon to hear of some teenager who is pregnant out ofmarriage or some man who has left his wife for anotherwoman. A number of preachers have also been caughtup in this immoral behavior.
Defining Our Terms
Fornication: This refers to "every kind of unlawfulintercourse" (Bauer). Thayer says it means, "properly ofillicit sexual intercourse in general." This term is generally used to describe unlawful sexual relations of those who are unmarried. Fornication is a broad term that includes adultery.
Adultery: This refers to "unlawful intercourse with another's wife" (Thayer). It is a more specific term thanfornication. It is generally used to identify the sexualsins of those who are married. However, these two termsare used interchangeably.
In these articles we will talk about premarital and extramarital sex.
It Is A Sin
The very definition given above suggests that fornication is a sin. It is unlawful intercourse. It is sexual relations contrary to God's law — sin.
In the Old Testament: God has been grieved bysuch activity since the beginning of time. The seventh ofthe ten commandments said, "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exo. 20: 14; Deut. 5: 18). In fact, God instructed that the fornicator be put to death (Lev. 20: 10;
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cf. John 8: 5). It is called a heinous ("hateful; odious; very wicked; outrageous" — Webster) crime and an"iniquity to be punished by the judges" (Job 31: 11).
In the New Testament: Paul warned that the un-righteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God.Among those he listed were fornicators and adulterers (1Cor. 6: 9-11). Later in the same chapter he said, "fleefornica-tion: (v. 18). The same writer listed fornication and adultery as works of the flesh that condemn souls to hell (Gal. 5: 19-21). The Thessalonians were commanded to "abstain from fornication: (1 Thess. 4: 3).
It is not sexual relations that is condemned, but the unlawful sexual relations. In marriage, thisintimate relationship is honorable and undefiled (Heb.
13: 4). The thing that is condemned is the premarital and extramarital intercourse.
What It Does
Let's consider some of the serious consequences offornication and adultery. Obviously, those who yield tothe temptation have not seriously weighed the consequences.
It perverts the use of the body. Paul said that fornication is a sin against the body (1 Cor. 6: 18). In thatcontext we see that the body is for the Lord (v. 13), is thetemple of the Holy Spirit (v. 19), has been bought witha price (v. 20) and should be used to glorify God (v. 20).Therefore, to use the body to commit fornication is aperversion of the body.
It destroys your reputation and respect for self.The book of Job describes it as "a fire that consumeth to destruction" (31: 12). Solomon warned about adulteryin Prov. 6: 24-35. He said, "Can a man take fire in hisbosom, and his clothes not be burned?" (v. 27). "Butwhoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.A wound and dishonor shall he get; and his reproachshall not be wiped away" (vs. 32-33).
Fornication brings shame, dishonor, reproach and acloud. It destroys a precious reputation that take yearsto rebuild, if it ever can be. It destroys your name,character and self-esteem. Perhaps this is best illustrated in a letter that a young lady wrote to JoshMcDowell: "Having premarital sex was the most horrifying experience of my life. It wasn't at all the emotionally satisfying experience the world deceived me into believing. I felt as if my insides were being exposed and my heart was left unattended. I know God has forgiven meof this haunting sin, but I also know I can never have myvirginity back. I dread the day that I have to tell the man I truly love and wish to marry that he is not the only one—though I wish he were. I have stained my life—a stainthat will never come out. — Monica. "
David faced his sin with Bathsheba every day. Hesaid, "my sin is ever before me" (Psa. 51: 3).
It is cruel to others. Prov. 5 contrasts sexual immorality to marital faithfulness. In his warningabout the former, Solomon said to flee from the harlot "Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy yearsunto the cruel" (v. 9).
The fornicator thinks only of himself. He may reasonthat he is hurting no one but himself. He may not realize at first that he is being cruel to others. His actions are mean and devastating. Pain and grief come to others. Itis cruel to self, the one you are with, your mate, thechildren and your parents.
Young lady, your date may tempt you saying, "Ifyou love me you will," but you remember that the truthis that if you love him you won't!
It creates jealousy. In the context of warning aboutadultery, the Proverb writer said, "For jealousy is therage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day ofvengeance. He will not regard any ransom; neither willhe rest content, though thou givest many gifts" (Prov. 6:34-35). Jealousy is created in the mate of the one you arewith as well as your mate. Furthermore, it creates doubtthat may never be removed.
It destroys the home. The one exception to divorce being wrong is when one's mate had committed fornication (Matt. 19: 9). So, for one moment of pleasure you have destroyed your marriage. The children now haveno Dad (or Mom) and suffer emotionally. Even if it couldbe worked out, it will take years and years to overcomeall the heartaches that were created.
It hinders worship. When either the husband or wife are not what they ought to be, his/her prayers arehindered (1 Pet. 3: 7). Thus, one who fornicates cannot properly offer praises unto God, until he repents of hissin.
It stirs the wrath of God. Paul warned that we shouldn't commit fornication as some in the wilderness did for God slew 23,000 when they did (1 Cor. 10: 8). AsMoses records it he said, "and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel" (Num. 25: 3). Later he called itthe "fierce anger" (v. 4). Young person, you just remember when the desires are stirred to the point that you are ready to yield, that you are about to make God angry!
It brings disfellowship. The Corinthian church was instructed to withdraw fellowship from the fornicator who refused to repent (1 Cor. 5).
It sends one's soul to hell. Paul listed fornication as one of the sins that would keep one out of heaven (1 Cor.
6: 9-11; Gal. 5: 19-21). John was a little more blunt whenhe said that the whoremongers spend eternity in a "lakewhich burneth with fire and brimstone" (Rev. 21: 8). Ifthat doesn't cause one to think twice, I can't think what would.
It breeds other sins. That is exactly what happenedin the case of David and Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11). Lust led to fornication which led to deceit and finally murder. Ifyou commit fornication or adultery the next thing youknow you will have to tell a lie to cover your tracks. Thenmore lies. Later he begins to neglect his family. Sin isjust compounded upon sin. If one is willing to committhis sin (fornication), why not commit another? Hisresistance is now broken and so he willfully sins.
Next we will notice how this sin is committed so easilyby some who know better and how we must flee from it.
DIVINE COMMUNIQUE: "MARRIAGE ISHONORABLE" (HEB. 13: 4).
Recently Lynda and I gave our daughter, SherriLynn, in marriage to a fine young Christian named Mark Alan McCray. We are proud of both of them and look forward to their happiness and usefulness amongother Christians and in the larger society. Perhaps the comments I spoke to them at the wedding would behelpful to other young Christians who are blendingtheir lives for the future.
At the marriage of the Prince of Wales and LadyDiana Spencer, the Archbishop of Canterbury began:"Here is the stuff of which fairy tales are made: thePrince and Princess on their wedding day." Mark and Sherri, you are no less a prince and princess on yourwedding day than they. The wonderful portrait of yoursplendidly handsome young groom, Sherri, and yourbeautiful bride, Mark, is every bit as grand in true substance as the scene in London almost eight years ago.
We are not, however, experiencing a "fairy tale."These moments are as exciting as any fantasy framedin the minds of history's greatest novelists and poets.You are totally saturated with love. You are secure inyour faith in one another. You are possessed by hopewhich looks to the future with joy and happy anticipation. But we are looking at real life, with our eyes wide-open to the eternal consequences of the changes wemake in our lives today.
We are so very blessed and honored to be surroundedby our families and many of our friends today. You havegrown up together in the company of our extendedspiritual family. You have worshiped together and havegrown to know each other's values, values upon which your love is being rooted and grounded. Today you haveasked that we all come to be reminded of God's Divine will with regard to marriage, to edify one another bypraying and singing together about the spiritual responsibilities and purposes which form such an important part of your concept of the union into which you areentering, and to hear you say your vows before the Lordbecause in fact you do recognize that it is He who joinsmen and women in marriage. You have both declared your commitment to allowing the will of Christ to guideyou in this and all other relationships.
The Lord's view of marriage, it seems to me, includesa special emphasis upon three wonderful words which I would like to bring before your minds today:
The first is "LOVING." The vision of bride and groom suggests romantic love and I am thankful that youshare that desire for one another. It has attracted you toeach other and it will be important in your continuingunion and faithfulness in the days ahead. When yourhair turns gray, Mark; or when a slight character lineappears alongside your eyes, Sherri; I truly hope that your desire for one another will not diminish.
More importantly, however, loving suggests trust andcaring. It means actively sacrificing to give the happiness you desperately want for each other. It means putting your companion above yourself. It means placingyour mate above all others except the Lord Christ. Thislove is what will truly fan the flame for as long as you liveand give you warmth as your hands touch on the arms ofyour rocking chairs and your eyes meet after many yearsas one. Marriage is loving.
Secondly marriage is "SHARING." In marriageyou will join your lives as one and partake together of thewonderful adventures before you: the splendors andmiseries, the achievements and discouragements, the possessions and lack of them, the hopes and disappointments. You will see them all through one another's eyesas well as your own and your love will grow stronger,because you are not laughing or crying alone. Be gentleand tender with one another. Do not withhold yourselvesfrom one another in anything. Sharing will become a bonding adhesive giving the bad times meaning, turningnew experiences into occasions for maturing and learning more of life, and making the good times better.Marriage is sharing.
And marriage is "SERVING." You must not gazeonly into the eyes of your spouse. Your marriage willhave consequence beyond yourselves. You have the potential to be powerful influences upon others... not because you seek such, but because that is the necessaryresult when two Christians, more in love with the Lordthan in themselves, use their blended lives to the encouragement and assistance of others. You will "live happilyever after" only if your new, combined life finds true meaning in serving, particularly when that is focusedupon influencing others to do good as divinely directed byChrist.
Please remember, "LOVING," "SHARING," and "SERVING"... and remember them in three frames of reference:
LOVE one another, SHARE with one another everyaspect of your lives withholding nothing good and right,and SERVE one another unselfishly.
LOVE others: SHARE your lives with others, particularly those whom you can help through life; andSERVE them, doing good unto all men, especially those of the household of faith.
But above all, LOVE God; SHARE your lives withHim never forgetting his companionship in all you do; and SERVE Him with all your mind, with all your heart,and with all your soul. In keeping with this messagebrought forth on your wedding day, your parents want togive you this Bible, used in your wedding, to take into your new home with the hope that you will read from thisGood Book together every day of your lives.
ONE-CUP DOCTRINE
QUESTION: Should we use only one loaf ofbread and one container when we partake of theLord's Supper? A brother said that G. C. Brewerintroduced the multiple cups into the church.What about this?
ANSWER: The Bible does not tell us how many pieces of bread we may have in eating the Lord's Supper,nor how many containers. This is a matter of judgmentand expediency. Can you imagine what problems the Jerusalem church would have encountered with one piece of bread and one container, trying to serve thousands of people.
Let's say a congregation is composed of 2000 worshippers and the time required to serve each one with oneloaf and one container would be about 10 seconds. The total time for the whole assembly to observe the Lord'sSupper would be in excess of 5 hours. Also, think of thesize of the loaf, if just one piece, and the size of the container to accommodate 2000 people. They would bewhoppers!
The container has no significance, whatsoever. Wejust as well bind the plate on which the bread is servedas to bind the container for the fruit of the vine. We are told the container symbolizes the New Testament, but ifwe may have only one container in the assembly, itwould follow that we may have only one copy of the New Testament in the assembly. This is where extremismleads.
When Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 11: 27 that those who eat the bread or drink the cup in an unworthy manner, shallbe guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, he did not sayone word about being guilty of the "container" of the Lord. This shows there are two elements in the Lord's Supper — not three.
1 Corinthians 11: 23-26 is plain about the breadand the cup that Jesus took when he instituted theSupper. Listen to Paul:
(1) "I have received of the Lord that which also Idelivered unto you" (v. 23). In other words, I passed onto you exactly what Jesus revealed to me and the following is the way it was. So, let's permit Jesus to tell us what is involved in the Lord's Supper. (2) "That the Lord Jesus the same night in which hewas betrayed took bread" (v. 23). If we take bread (unleavened), regardless whether one, two or a dozen pieces, have we not done what Jesus said and did?(3) "After the same manner also he took thecup" (v. 25). What was the cup? Verse 26 states,"For as often as you eat this bread, and drink thiscup..." The CUP is what we drink, that is, the contents. We don't drink the container. Hence, the"cup" or fruit of the vine is representative of the NewTestament in His blood (v. 25). The container does notrepresent the New Testament, but the contents symbolize it. How do I know? Jesus said so through Paul! Thatshould be good enough for all of us.
In the Gospels, Jesus called the "cup" the "fruit of thevine." Notice: "For this cup is my blood of the newtestament... I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until..." (Matt. 26: 28-29). In Mark 14: 24-25,"This (cup) is my blood of the new testament... Verily Isay unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine,until..." Yet, in spite of all of this, some still insist thatJesus was teaching that we are to use only one container. They need to open their eyes.
Paul wrote, apparently, 1 Corinthians from Ephesus.He stated, "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it notthe communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ"(1 Cor. 10: 16)? Though separated by hundreds of miles,yet, the saints at Ephesus and at Corinth had only onecup of which both groups partook and one bread of which they broke. However, they had different containers—atleast two, and different pieces of bread — at least two.Therefore, whether we have 2 containers or a thousand,and two pieces of bread or several, we still have ONE cupand ONE bread or loaf. I believe we must have one loaf,but not necessarily one piece on a plate for the entireassembly.
Concerning G. C. Brewer, what if he were the first oneto introduce individual containers into the observance of the Lord's Supper? Does this make it wrong? Such astatement is about like saying, "John Doe was the firstone to preach on the radio." Does that make radio broadcasting wrong because there is no specific Bibleexample of someone preaching on the radio? Certainlynot!
Preaching the gospel is authorized and the methodsused, such as preaching on the radio, comes under the general authorization to preach the gospel. Radio preaching is one of the expedient ways to execute thecommand. The same is true with individual cups. Jesussaid to eat the bread and drink the cup. He did not bindthe methods to expedite these commands. Hence, plateswith bread on each one and individual containers are authorized.
Through the years some brethren have sown discord,caused division and hindered the growth of the churchover a cup (container). This is regrettable. Hasten theday that we see the difference between what is bindingand what is expedient.
STUDIES IN TITUS (Ch. 1: 1-9)INTRODUCTION
We know practically nothing of the family or background of Titus. He was a Greek (Gal. 2: 3) and ismentioned only in three other New Testament letters(Second Corinthians, Second Timothy, and in the letter that bears his name). It is not known where he wasborn, or lived. Some have supposed he lived in Antiochof Syria since he was there when Paul, Barnabas, and Titus were sent to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem(Acts 15; Gal. 2: 1).
Titus was the bearer of the First Letter to the Corinthians, one of the most severe and censoriousletters Paul ever wrote, indicating Paul's confidence inTitus' ability to deal with a troublesome situation. He also delivered the second letter. He was chosen by Paulto direct the raising of funds for poor saints in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 3: 16-17, 23; 12: 18). Paul referred to himas "mine own son after the common faith" (Titus 1:4), indicating that the apostle had converted him,and as "my partner and fellow helper concerning you"(2 Cor. 8: 23). He was left in Crete to teach and helpin the organization of the churches there (Tit. 1: 5),and to be "a pattern of good works; in doctrineshowing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, and soundspeech" (1: 7). From Rome, Paul sent Titus on amission to Dalmatia (2 Tim. 4: 10).
Knowing that Titus was a faithful partner and fellow helper with Paul, it is a mystery that he is nevermentioned by name in the book of Acts, written byLuke. Some have suggested Titus and Luke wererelatives, even brothers, and according to an ancientcustom, Luke refrained from mentioning even his own name in his writings, using the pronouns "we" and "us"when he was involved.
This letter to Titus, and First Timothy, were probably written after Paul's release from his first imprisonment and before his second imprisonment, about A. D.
65.
This letter to Titus, an evangelist, so far as aim and instruction are concerned, is in perfect harmony withthe theme of first and second Timothy, "Saving thyselfand them that hear thee" (1 Tim. 4: 16).
Paul's Salutation — Tit. 1: 1-4
In the first four verses of Titus, Chapter one, Paul,in a very long sentence, declares the cardinal principles of God's great scheme of redemption and hisconnection, as an apostle, with it. Note, in the first fourverses, these words, familiar to the Christian System and telling the gospel story—God, Jesus Christ, Saviour,servant, apostle, faith, elect, knowledge, truth, godliness,hope, eternal life, promised, word, message (preaching),entrusted (committed unto), commandment, grace and peace. These words refer to a life in Christ that people ofthe world know nothing about.
Paul refers to himself as "a servant (bondservant) ofGod and an apostle of Jesus Christ," suggesting he wasbound to God and was appointed by the Lord Jesus Christan apostle of His. Such would show to Titus, and others,the authority backing Titus in the work he was assignedto do.
"According to the faith of God's elect... knowledge oftruth... after godliness" seems to be expressing the purpose of Paul's apostleship. Williams renders the statement "To stimulate faith in God's chosen people and tolead them on to a full knowledge of religious truth, in thehope of eternal life. "The "hope of eternal life" evidently refers to that hope allwho embraced the faith Paul was commissioned to preach could have. It begins at conversion and continues,if we remain faithful, without end. Efforts to limit thishope to a way of life in this world, reaching not beyond the temporal and visible, are a denial of the faith and immortal hope in a life beyond this one, set forth in the gospeland cherished by the early church. This is something God,who cannot lie, promised before the world began. WhatGod promises or says is always truth, and has had, or will have, its fulfillment in due time. While all this was purposed by God before the world began, and promised inthe long ago, it was not fully known until the preaching ofthe gospel. This was the commissioned work of the apostlePaul, other apostles, prophets, and evangelists.
Titus' Special Work in Crete — (v. 5-9)
There was a particular work that Paul left Titus inCrete to do (v. 5). Something was wanting (lacking) in thechurches in Crete. The thing lacking was "elders in every church," so Titus was to "set in order" that which waslacking by "ordaining elders in every city. "
In verses 6-9 the apostle Paul gives qualificationsshowing the kind of man who can be ordained. Thesequalifications were considered in the study of 1 Timothy
3: 1-7. The reader is urged to look back to that study andreview that lesson on qualifications for elders. (STS Nov.'87, Vol. 18, p. 536-8)
Since these qualifications are discussed in a previouslesson, I will not repeat here. However, I would like tomake some comments about churches being "in order," with elders. Often, in our day, churches that have been"set in order" are soon found in trouble and disorder because of the appointment of elders. This has causedsome to conclude that a church is better off without elders,so they abandon God's appointed order.
Titus' charge to remain in Crete and ordain elders inevery city was to promote peace, the salvation of souls,and to prevent deception and apostasy. This is why thereshould be "elders in every church" today. It is tragic thatGod's order is so often the source of discord and apostasy.In over fifty years of preaching, I have observed thatmany serious church troubles have as their source thepreacher or the elders. This, I think, is usually due to a misunderstanding of their work, relation to each other and the flock, hinged to a degree of that forbidden vice
"self-willed. "
Many troubles arise over hiring or firing (asked ortold to leave is the more modest term) the preacher. Thisis frequently done with no stated cause or charge because of the "hired hand" concept on the part of the elders and or the congregation. The preacher is not justa hired man. He is one who has committed himself to studying and preaching the word of God to save souls.Churches, through the elders, if they have such, invitea preacher to come live in their midst while engaging inthe work to which he has committed himself, and theywill supply his family material needs.
Saving souls is not only the primary objective of the evangelist, but also the church and elders. This objectivewill be greatly hindered if the elders and preacher do notwork and plan together for it's accomplishment. Eldersmeeting to plan and discuss the work of the church andthe preacher, apart from him, is, I think, bad judgment.I can think of no reason for elders meeting apart from theevangelist, even to consider his salary, work, or somerumor or complaint they have heard. Above all others,he is the one who ought to be present for such considerations. There should be no secret, behind the door, activities in the elder-preacher-congregation relationship.There is nothing wrong, but much good, with the evangelist, if otherwise qualified, being an elder where helabours. Anytime elders suddenly, without a charge ofsinful action, impropriety, or unsound teaching, decideto ask (fire) a faithful preacher to leave, within a settime, they cause hurt, unhappiness, and confusion withthe preacher and in the congregation. There is hurt,embarrassment, and family and financial burdens to afaithful servant of God, and unrest within the congregation.
Even if elders genuinely feel that "a change" would begood (expedient) for the church, there is a way to bringthis about without offence to the preacher or the congregation. If there exists a proper elder/preacher relationship, fears, dissatisfaction, and feelings will be freely discussed between them. Any sincere minister can tellwhen a difference in thinking and feelings are becomingprominent, and will begin looking about for a move. Itmay take him a year or more to find another place wherehe could fulfill his spiritual commitments, meet hisfamily needs, and be adequately supported. This wouldbe better than some hasty, forced action that would result in hurt feelings, loss of confidence, and unhappiness plaguing a congregation for many years.
Of course, many times the cause of trouble is not theelders, but the evangelist. Some are self-willed, domineering, and intolerant of any who would oppose them.They may claim "evangelistic authority" that exceedsthat of elders. If they can't manipulate or intimidate theelders, they will politic the congregation until they turn,at least, a sizable number against the elders, resultingin getting rid of them, or leading out a group to start "another work." To avoid this situation, elders shouldcarefully investigate a preacher (his life, attitudes, disposition, ability, past works) before asking him to comework with them. The preacher/elder/congregation work and relationship is god's order and if each is what it is supposed to be, and functions as the Lord directs, soulswill be saved, unity and peace will prevail, and God willbe glorified.
WHERE DO YOU STAND ON DIVORCE?
To paraphrase Churchill: Never has so much beenbased upon so little with so many unsettling consequences. I speak of the volumes which have been written and published over the quarter century of my preachinglife on various phases of the marriage-divorce-remarriage topic. I am confident that if the Lord had revealed one one-thousandth of what brethren have written on this subject that all our questions would be fully answered.
"Where do you stand on divorce?" I know of one groupof elders who asked that question of a preacher who wasconsidering the work there. He replied: "I'm against it."I agree with him. And sometimes I think that about all I really know about it is "I'm against it. "
We are widely divided on this subject. If blackballingand ostracism were consistently applied few of us wouldhave enough friends for a pot-luck supper. We would besplintered a dozen different ways. We don't even agreeon what the essential components of marriage are; letalone the right to remarriage. Some say that the marriage bed is the necessary consummation of marriage;others disagree. Some believe that couples may belegitimately married by common law; some say no.
As for divergent views on divorce and remarriage,they are numerous. Some claim that such is wrong forany reason. Most teach that fornication is a scripturalreason to put away one's spouse and remarry. Many areof the conviction that the abandonment of a believer byan unbeliever is another scriptural cause. Some say thatthe civil divorce proceedings constitute the puttingaway of Matt. 19: 9. Others believe the putting away isdistinct from any civil authority. Some believe that one who has been divorced or put away, regardless of the cause, may never remarry. Others are convinced that an innocent party who has been unjustly and unscripturally divorced may remarry if the other party in theoriginal marriage is guilty of fornication. Some believethat God's marriage laws are addressed only to Christians. Many say that if a person who has a right to bemarried enters a marriage with someone who has noright that said marriage may be dissolved and the firstparty has the right to marry again. Many would take issue. Some say that both parties in a divorce that isbecause of fornication have the right to marry again.Others teach that only the innocent party may scripturally remarry. Some would say that if the innocent party in a divorce dies, the guilty party may then remarry.Others would say that the guilty party may not remarry even then. Some demand that adultery be proved beyond any shadow of doubt and that it be the expressedcause of divorce in the civil proceedings. Others are a bitmore lenient in their interpretation of circumstances.
Now I am not suggesting that such questions areunimportant or unworthy of our study and discussion. Ihave convictions on most of them. The jury is still out onsome of them. But I have learned that if I even get close to thinking that I have all the answers, I soon learn thatI haven't even heard all the questions. I have facetiously made the comment that if someone wants all the answers, I can't help him, but I know some brethren whocan. But really, I know that's not true. I've asked those brethren some questions they did not have the answerto.
Brethren have uniformly admitted the difficultiesinvolved in these questions. Men of spiritual wisdomand unblemished reputations have reached differentconclusions. I am not sure that I know anyone withwhom I totally agree on this subject. Yet on most phasesof it the majority of us seem to get along; treat oneanother as brethren; and not attack each other as falseteachers. There seems to be some space for tolerance inthis area. Am I overstepping the boundary of goodjudgment to suggest that we may need to make room formore?
After all, we disagree in other areas which are surelyas crucial. The question of participation in war or lawenforcement is a good case in point. If I could fellowshipa brother who is a murderer or an advocate of murder as the conscientious objection view considers it, it would seem that consistency would demand tolerance in someother areas. I heard one preacher exclaim in response tothis parallel that if a brother were going out and killingsomeone every night, he wouldn't fellowship him either.I hardly think that such a premise is the basis of our unity in diversity on such differences. The fact is a soldier in war or a policeman may kill someone at any time.
Brethren, let's teach what we believe to be the truth on such matters. But let's be humble enough to grant thepossibility that we may not know everything; and charitable enough to allow some individual applications and sincere differences. I realize that this stance producesproblems of its own. But I had rather err on the side ofcharity on such matters as these than on the side ofrigidness. It might help us to remember that the Lordhas not given to us the prerogative of final judgment.
Many will doubtlessly disagree with me, but I believethe following exhortation is appropriate: "But why doyou judge your brother? Or why do you showcontempt for your brother? For we shall all standbefore the judgment seat of Christ" (Romans 14: 10). EDITOR'S NOTE: Lest readers are left with theimpression that the subject at hand is so complicated that we cannot understand what the Bible says on thesubject, we cite the following passages:
"It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife,let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto
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you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving forthe cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery:and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery" (Mt. 5: 31-32).
"And I say unto you, whosoever shall put away hiswife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery" (Mt. 19: 9).
"And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put awayhis wife, and shall marry another, committeth adulteryagainst her, And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery" (Mk. 10: 11-12).
"Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marriethher that is put away from her husband committethadultery" (Lk. 16: 18).
Not long ago, Harry E. ("Buddy") Payne, Jr. held afour-day meeting in our area on creation & evolution.During that meeting he made several profound observations, but one which particularly impressed me was hisexplanation of the "language" of DNA. DNA is a 3-footlong molecule which is wound inside virtually every cellof a living organism. Its two strands are twisted aroundeach other and held together like rungs on a ladder byfour chemical building blocks. The DNA acts as a kind ofblueprint for cell formation. By "reading" the coded DNA, some cells become limbs; other eyes, blood vessels,and so forth. Today, scientists are in the process ofreading and decoding this molecule to determine which parts are responsible for what results. In fact, biologists have been able to take apart a DNA molecule and reassemble it in a different order. By this means theyhave actually been able to produce a fruit fly that has a leg growing out of its head! (cf "The Infinite Voyage: The Geometry of Life" produced by WQED/Pittsburgh inassoc. with the National Academy of Science, 1988)
All of this may sound quite bizarre (and where thiswill take us is the topic of another study altogether), but the point being made was that if from outer space wewere to receive "non-random" signals with a "language convention," we would conclude that such signal emanated from an intelligent source. In fact, Carl Sagan used this very line of reasoning in arguing for governmental funding in search of intelligent life from outer space. And yet, not from outer space but from theminuteness of our existence we have discovered what are indeed "non-random signals" within a "languageconvention:" The four chemicals of the DNA molecule are arranged orderly, and in specific sequences whichcan be deciphered and understood. Why would such afind also not point to an intelligence?
Those who believe in God, and especially who believe in the Bible as His word, may take these and other such discoveries for granted. In fact, we can be almosthaughty about it if we're not careful. One might betempted to say to the scientist, "Huh! What's so surprising about that? You don't need science to find God!"Maybe not, but such thinking severely limits a person'sappreciation for the God in whom he believes. In fact,the most astonishing thing to me is that we are privy toinformation unknown by mankind since his creation!And why life's details be made so infinitely complex fromthe beginning when no one would know it until our day?It's as if God is saying "go ahead, keep searching! There'splenty there for you to find out. No matter how deep you search, you will still see my hand in it all!"
Look at it this way. Suppose you bought a house. Youwere impressed by the workmanship from the first dayyou saw it; in fact there was none like it anywhere. Andnow that you've moved in and lived in it you appreciateeven more the craftsmanship of its builder; craftsmanship that you could not have known without livingthere. You noticed that the corners and floors are square and plumb as that big bookcase stands straightagainst the wall without leaning; that ceilings and window frames are perfectly formed and level. Doors fitsnugly without letting in light around the edges, andwindows open and close easily without sticking.
Then, after living there for awhile, you decide to dosome remodeling. And when you tear open a wall,behind it you find wall studs that are straight and true,selected from the finest wood without knots, splits orblemish; they have even been planed, sanded, painted,and they are screwed — not nailed — to the upper andlower plates. Instead of wiring that is stapled along thestuds, some studs have had a groove routed in them toaccommodate the wiring. Even the paneling you pulled out from the wall has been finished on both sides. Of course, no one would build a house like that! Who wouldever look inside a wall to appreciate all that workanyway, except maybe by accident, or in your case,remodeling? Who indeed?!
The human race has occupied this house a long time
— since creation. We have known for ages about the beauty and order of life, of the earth, of the universesurrounding us. Yet only now are we discovering what lay hidden by the builder for millennia behind thosewalls; hidden to be discovered, not by the Psalmist who said "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps. 139: 14) for he could not have known thehalf of what he said (but God knew); not even by thepioneers of microbiology; but by those of our own time,even as these words are being written. And yet, faithwagers that until the end of time there will be yet moreto find.
This might look like a good place to end our discussion, but there is a far more important lesson in thisthan that of God in nature. I speak now to the believer.Nature can reveal certain things about God, but notGod himself. We acknowledge that He has revealedHimself in His word, but do we intend to see what'sbehind the walls of that house too — to search' out the depths of His word? Or are we content with knowingabout the first principles of the oracles of Christ? The threat of complacency in our lives toward His word isreal; and how shall we know the deep things of Godwithout searching? Do you think that searching is notnecessary? Are first principles sufficient for you? Do theSunday sermons and Bible classes stimulate yoursearch, or do they satisfy it? And, most of all, do wesuppose that our own traditions and experiences are sufficient guides to understanding the mind of God?The book of Hebrews cries out against such complacency (see for example Heb. 5: 11-14). No other book inthe Old or New Testament teaches against the sin ofneglect in such a forceful way. The most terrifyingadmonitions anywhere are found in Heb. 2: 2-3; 4: 11-13; 6: 1-8; 10: 26-31 and 12: 25-29, and each of them follows on the heels of complacency and neglect — not fornication, drunkenness, murder, or other so-called "terrible" sins, but complacency and neglect. And sothe real lesson is this: We must diligently seek out Godcontinually (Heb. 11: 6), because the person who is notconcerned about what's behind the wall in His house will soon not care about the house itself.
DISCIPLINE AND FIRST PLACE
We claim that the church is essential to salvation because the Lord purchased it with his own blood (Acts
20: 28); that the Lord adds the saved to it (Acts 2: 47);and that Christ will save that body (Eph. 5: 23). Somegive lip service to the command of Jesus, "But seek yefirst the kingdom of God... (Mt. 6: 33), and then put thechurch in second, third, or fifth place. There are timeswhen I do not think the church is even in the top ten onsome lists.
A lawyer who violates the ethics of his profession issubject to disbarment; a physician is answerable to hiscolleagues in the American Medical Association. Employees are bound by certain rules and regulations as acondition of employment, both initial and continued.Amateur and professional athletes, and contestants inbeauty pageants are subject to certain rules, and face discipline or disqualification if those rules are broken.Some labor unions require an oath of allegiance and canlevy fines, reprimands, or even purge from their ranksthose who violate that oath. The teaching profession,various clubs and organizations of a civic or social nature, fraternal organizations and even volunteer groupsare protected by charters, laws and by-laws. The militarybranches of the government can dishonorably discharge from their ranks those who violate their codes of conduct.
But just let the church warn negligent, unruly, ordisorderly members that they are violating terms of theirmembership, and the church is accused of meddling. Letthe church exercise discipline toward those who will notrepent and reform, and the church is guilty of harassment and subject to ridicule, or worse, to a civil lawsuit.
Any organization may mis-trust its members, or violate its own code of ethics. But generally, all the church is trying to do is to save the soul of the offender, warn andprotect the offended (the rest of the body), and obey thehead of the church (2 Thes. 3: 6). While there may be a case of malpractice occasionally, there seems to be a wide gap of inconsistency, disparity, injustice and hypocrisy
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between what we allow secular organizations to do and what we allow the Lord's church to do.
And, in the latter case, let us not forget that the finaldecision of things pertaining to Christ's body is notgoing to be determined by the courts of this present world, but by the Lord himself (Jno. 12: 48, 2 Cor. 5:10, 11).
Praise Everyone should make a careful study of all the parts and workings of the eye. Meditating about these will cause each Christian more and more to appreciateand praise our great good Creator. As He made everyother part of us, so, also, did He form our eyes.
"The eye evolved," say evolutionists,
Poor foolish men pretending to be wise;
While they are urged to stop and look, and learn
That God has made ten billion human eyes.
All alike We talked with an ophthalmologist. He isan eye surgeon with many years' experience. We asked him if he had ever found any eyes further "evolved"than others. He replied that all of them are alike in alltheir parts. How strange it would have been, with somuch "adapting" during "millions of years," that someeyes did not "adapt" differently or faster than others!Would not such an even rate and uniformity by chance have been nearly as great a wonder as the creationitself?
Formed When the Lord God formed man (Gen. 2: 7),He also "formed the eye" (Psalms 94: 9). This marvelousinvention was among the systems of organs which together constituted a human being, God's finest creature. The intricacies of each "system" and their harmonious working together "boggle the mind." And all this"happened by chance"? "Please, Professor, don't giveme that. "
Duplication Perhaps even more wonderful thanthe rest of the original invention was the devising of theprocess of reproduction. G. K. Wallace used to say thatif, some morning, he found his little car building a nest,he could put Henry Ford out of business. By designingour race to be self-perpetuating the Almighty repeated the "forming" over and over so as to make the billionsof peoples' eyes. Never was mass-production more magnificent.
Individual We must conclude that through thegenerations there was close personal supervision allthe while. "Thee" in Isaiah 44: 2 is singular, about one person, where the prophet speaks of, "Jehovah who made thee and formed thee from the womb." With the Psalmist (139: 14) each of us can say, "I am fearfullyand wonderfully made." We should note "me" and "my"in Verse 13, (NASB and margin of ASV), "For thoudidst form my inward parts, Thou didst knit me together in my mother's womb." We can be assured that each pair of eyes receives careful attention. Color andall. they are "custom-built. "
ANTIOCH — THE POWER OF THE LOCAL CHURCH
Romans 8: 29 targets God's plan for your life and mine,that being to become "conformed to the image of HisSon." God wants to build into us the same qualities thatmade Jesus distinct and different. And central to that plan is the local church.
I am convinced that in many instances the local church has been overlooked and under appreciated in God'sscheme of individual spiritual development. We need tosee the local church as a family of brothers and sistersdedicated to helping each other reach their spiritualpotential. A family shows love. A family offers forgiveness. A family exhorts, admonishes, and encourages. Anda family not only provides its members with an opportunity to receive but, more importantly, to give. A quicksurvey of the "one another" injunctions of Scripture ("encourage..." "build up..." "forgive" "greet..." "be devoted to... ") reveals in each case the necessity of giving inthe context of a local church. And herein lies the problemwith the fellow who wishes to divorce himself from the local assembly and be a "Christian at large." He is selfishto the core. He hasn't learned the thrill of giving. Let's face it: there just isn't any way to fulfill our "one another"responsibilities of giving apart from being with one another in a local church. That's what makes the local church so special in God's plan. That's what makes Antioch so exemplary.
Let's move into Acts 13: 1-3 with two observations
concerning a church and their enthusiastic commitment
to growth.
The Uniqueness of First Generation Christians
For the most part, this was not a collection of peoplewho had "grown up in the church." They were not Christians because mom and dad were Christians (see 11: 2024). The fact is, they had obeyed the Gospel at tremendouscost. Their decision for Christ had led them away fromtheir upbringing, their family, their way of living. It wasn't easy. They knew all about hardship caused by the good confession. Their cross was heavy. Their price washigh. They were first generation Christians.
And just what did it do for those people? It created aninseparable bond of commitment between them and their Lord. They didn't take it for granted! That's exactly what made Antioch so powerful. The opposite iswhat makes many churches today so weak.
Second and third generation Christians have a tendency to take it all for granted. Admittedly, it's one of the toughest struggles I have. As a third generation Christian I reap the benefits of parents and grandparents whohave had to study their way out of denominational error,engage in unpleasant confrontation and forge out ideasthat are consistent with Scripture. Years later it's agreat temptation to take it all for granted and simplyview New Testament Christianity with a "ho-hum"mindset. This is no imaginary problem. It's REAL!
That's why I love first generation Christians — theirenthusiasm, their willingness to try, their positive outlook and fresh input. First generation Christians challenge my thinking by questioning the basics. They keep me on my toes. They keep me alive. They help this thirdgeneration Christian review his commitment. And Ineed that.
There is something to be said for a church filled withfirst generation Christians. That is not to say that achurch filled with first generation saints will not havesome unique problems with which to deal. It will. Thatis not to say that a congregation doesn't need theteaching and balance that older and wiser people can give. It does. But it is to say that a group of newChristians will be full of zeal, devotion and committed to bringing others to Jesus. I've seen it happen. So have you.
Remember... when you first obeyed the Gospel? Thatburning excitement? The first Sunday you took theLord's Supper? The quest to learn more and more? To bemore and more? Remember? But days turn into weeks and then months and finally years and before we knowwhat has happened we have lost the edge of appreciation for what we have and who we are. I challenge you: GETIT BACK AGAIN! Rekindle that flame of commitment. Re-light that original fire. The fire is dying in too manylocal assemblies because we have begun to take it all forgranted. Don't. Please don't. Another generation followsin our wake....
But back to balance. Antioch had it. Antioch had the balance of young converts plus seasoned inspired instructors in Barnabus, Paul, Simeon, Lucius and Manaen (13: 1). Romans 10: 2 pinpoints the problem of imbalance — "zeal for God but not in accordance with knowledge." Enthusiasm without direction in a congregation is disastrous. But when the two are brought together it makes for a living illustration of thepower of the local church.
Organized Teaching Program
"Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers..." (verse 1)."Prophets" were men who spoke from God without error.Sometimes they spoke warning, sometimes predictionbut always revelation. These men provided the Antiochcongregation with special exhortation and guidancedirectly from God. "Teachers" were those who took therevealed truth from the prophet and gave explanation and application more fully (see Eph. 4: 11-13). (No doubt,these offices at times overlapped). Obviously today theoffice of the prophet has been removed for God's entirerevelation has been given (1 Cor. 13: 8). And the miraculous element in first century teaching and instruction remains (2 Tim. 4: 1-2).
The point? The church at Antioch was not a hodgepodge, unorganized "who are we gonna' get to preach for us this Sunday?" congregation. There were God-directed men providing the direction, stability and orderneeded in the church. In 1 Cor. 14: 40 Paul admonished the Corinthians to clean up their assemblies by saying,"But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." That's the way it was in Antioch.
Local churches need to give time and attention toconducting orderly worship services. Services need tostart on time. Those asked to serve the church need to serve the church. (Nothing grates on me any more than to have a brother appointed to lead in prayer wait untilthe song is over and then saunter up to the front. He'snot waiting on the church. The church is waiting onhim!) Those who preach need to recognize time limitations. Those who conduct the singing need to plan forthat responsibility. Those who teach Bible classes mustteach in a way that captures the attention of theirstudents while modeling the lessons by personal example. Mark it down. A growing church that is alive will be marked by two things; enthusiasm from first generation Christians and order from those grounded in theknowledge of God.
The Result: GROWTH!
There is nothing more exciting than a growing,healthy local body of Christ. It has a magnet effect thatdraws people together. If you want a thermometer thatwill register the temperature of a local church, here it is:look at when people come (early or late) and watch how long they stay. I've been in places where some view the assemblies much like pit row at the Indianapolis 500 (zip in and zip out in minimal time). I mean as soon asA-Men!" is said its: vvvrrrooooooom! — here they comeand there they go! That church has problems.
I don't guess that there is anything more demoralizing than seeing a church once alive, active and healthygo on the decline. The poet, Joyce Kilmer, wrote — Whenever I walk to Suffern, along the Erie track I go by
a poor old farm house with its shingles broken and
black. I suppose I've passed it a hundred times But I always stop for a minute And look at thathouse, the tragic house, The house with nobody in it...There's something worse than a house where nobody ishome and that's a church where the flame has gone out.There are places all across this land where the truth ofGod once echoed off the walls of auditoriums packedwith people but which are now houses with nobody inthem. God makes no promises here. If you and I fail tolive for Jesus Christ with the same enthusiasm and conviction of past generations then we will gradually seewhat we have slip away. It doesn't have to be.
Look at Antioch. A church of enthusiastic new believers joined with seasoned saints knowledgeable in the truth of God. Think how exciting it must have been!Think how exciting it CAN BE TODAY if we begin to mirror what we see reflected in that local assembly. Itcan be done. No. It MUST be done. Another generationhangs in the balance... "... and there arose another generation after them who
did not know the Lord, nor yet the work which He had
done..." (Judges 2: 10)
Send all News Items to: Connie W. Adams, P. O. Box 69, Brooks, KY 40109
LARRY R. DEVORE, P. O. Box 313, Medina, OH 44258 — We continue to enjoy the work at Medina. In January, a sister was restored from whom we had earlier withdrawn. One was baptized inMarch and another restored in April. We had a men's training class one night a week from Feb. 25th to May 20th and also have a class forladies meeting in different homes each Wednesday morning. I was in ameeting at North Ridgeville, Ohio April 16-21 where Ed Holcomb is thepreacher. Also, I was at Wooster, Ohio at Burbank Rd. in a meeting May 21-26. Ray Vess is the local preacher.
ERNEST A. FINLEY, 506 Front St., Poteau, OK 74953 — We just concluded a very fine meeting with Don Hastings. Six were baptizedand one requested prayers in the meeting and one has been baptizedsince the meeting closed. This meeting was with the church at Saratoga, Arkansas. I will begin work with the church in Poteau, Oklahoma on June 18. We are looking forward to our work there. Pray for us.
EDGAR J. DYE, 4700 West 28th Ave., Pine Bluff, AR 71603—James
W. Adams of Lufkin, Texas was with us July 24-28, 1989 and spoke on Institutionalism and Centralized Cooperatives among churches of Christ, past, present, and future - what they are; what is wrong withthem; and the evil fruits which have, and no doubt, will result. (Weregret that we received this notice too late for it to appear prior to theevent. Again we urge all who wish to have such announcement madebefore the event, to please give us ample time. We must have yournews item five weeks before the issue in which you want it to appear. Wewish we did not require so much time but have no choice in thematter. Editor)
TYLENE KENNEDY
TYLENE JOSPEHINE KENNEDY, wife of Dr. Martin Kennedy of Salem, Indiana, passed away quietly on June 5, 1989 at the age of 58.Her husband, Martin, is a dentist in Salem, Indiana and also preaches forthe Westside church in Salem. He has served as a deacon at Pekin, Indiana and has done considerable preaching over the last few years,mostly in southern Indiana. She served the Lord faithfully and without fanfare. She is survived by her husband, Martin; one daugh
ter, Wendy Thompson; two sons, Timothy W. Kennedy and Stephen
M. Kennedy, and two grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted atPekin, Indiana with over 300 present. Harold Comer and Bob Buchanon conducted the services in which there was congregationalsinging.
— Bob Buchanon
J. DAVID POWLAS, 3430 Kay St., #D-3, Columbia, SC 29210 — Ihave just completed my first year with the Lower Richland congregation as preacher. In the Columbia metropolitan area, there are 9 institutional churches and 3 non-institutional churches. These three are small in number. We have baptized 2 at Lower Richlands in thepast year. We recently completed a gospel meeting with preaching byChris Reeves from Camden, SC. Chris is a young man in his early 20's and this was his first week-long meeting. He presented the teachingof the Bible just as accurately, boldly and clearly as those men who arewidely known in meeting work. He has an understanding of the Scriptures usually characteristic of older men. We highly recommendhim to any congregation looking for a man for a gospel meeting. If youhave friends or relatives in this area we might contact about thekingdom, please call us at (803) 776-0754 or (803) 772-4371.
LUTHER W. MARTIN, 707 Salem, Rolla, MO 65401 — Would you let the brethren know that I buy and sell preacher's libraries.
BILL CAVENDER, P. O. Box 595, Cullman, AL 35056—Would youlet the brethren know of the need of a good man? James W. Shear, P. O.Box 1766, Milledgeville, GA 31061 (Phone 912-452-1212) is losing $400 a month support from a church here in Cullman County due tointernal problems and some folks moving away. There are 31-35 meeting now in Milledgeville and he would like to stay due to the needof the work there. Also his daughter has special needs and is in the state school and work program there where she can be greatly helped.Brother Shear is a good man and a dedicated and experienced preacher who is worthy of support.
(Editor's note: I also have known James W. Shear for many years and concur in what brother Cavender has said. I hope there will be somewho will see this and be moved to help him stay in a work where he is badly needed. There are 100 counties in the state of Georgia wherethere is no sound congregation.
EFRAIN F. PEREZ, Apartado 27026, 08080 Barcelona, Spain — I am now preaching for the church meeting in Badalona. There is muchto do. We rejoice that five persons have been baptized into Christ forthe remission of their sins. We now have a phone number (398-2273).We are thankful to all who make it possible for us to work here.
RANDY S. REESE, SR., P. O. Box 14, Ashiya Shi, Japan 659 — One of the young Japanese men has been teaching his fiancée and she was recently baptized. Two weeks later they were married. We continue to have several studies underway.
ALLEN AND VERLE NICHOLLS, R. R. #1, Dunnville, Ontario, Canada — We made our second trip to Capetown, South Africa thispast February-March. Thanks to STS we started to correspond withEric Reed prior to leaving. He now works in the Capetown area. Wealso read of the stand of Conrad Steyn and met him through Eric Reed.We were thrilled when they combined their Sunday worship so wecould meet them all. We met in the house of one of the members where Conrad preaches. They have no permanent meeting place. Then wetraveled a fair distance to Bellville (a suburb of Capetown) forevening service where Hendrick Joubert very ably taught a lesson onprayer in the home of Eric and Sandra Reed. Their home is situatedin an "African" stronghold with five large Dutch Reformed churchesand they are not allowed to build or rent a place to meet. They havea congregation of blacks, whites and coloureds. We have much admiration for Conrad Steyn and his wife, Ann Marie. They are honestpeople who walked away from a large congregation, nice building and good support when confronted by error, although this had been theirlife's work. They are still suffering persecutions through untruthsbeing told about him after all this time. Members who left with them, plus new Christians are planning a new place to worship. A youngJewish couple (new Christians) are taking time from their work andlives to help renovate a house in a new area to worship, a monumentaljob as well as expensive. The Steyn's son-in-law, George Harris isfaithfully working with them. We must pray for these good people and hold up their hands.(Editor's note: I have known the Nicholls for a number of years andstayed in their home once during a gospel meeting at Wellandport,Ontario. They are people of ordinary means and their trips to visit thebrethren in South Africa have been at their own expense and out ofregard for the work of the Lord there. This is refreshing, isn't it?)
POUND, VIRGINIA
This column is being written at Pound, Virginia where I am in mythird gospel meeting with this congregation of about 70. Pound islocated in the extreme western tip of the Commonwealth of Virginia, my home state. I was born and reared in southeastern Virginia farfrom this mountainous region. Pound is located in the heart of the coalfields which extend through this part of Virginia, West Virginia andthe extreme eastern part of Kentucky. There are many signs of prosperity in this part of the country. The rundown looking cabins and shacks that once lined the sides of the highways have long beenreplaced by modern ranch-type houses with pleasant landscapedyards. Business appears to be booming and there are shopping centersspringing up near the outskirts of many of the towns. In the homes ofthe people, I see no difference in the way people live than in other partsof the country. There are poor people in many parts of the country butthe great cities of the northeast and midwest have as many or morethan are in evidence here. This is not the picture painted by the newsmedia when they do their documentaries on "poverty in Appalachia. "
Leonard Salyers is the preacher here. He is a distinguished man and a hard working preacher of the gospel. I have known him for many years and have worked with him in a number of gospel meetings overthe years. He has been a voice for soundness, sanity and stability. Hehas led many people to the Lord in his work in Dayton, Ohio, easternKentucky and here in western Virginia. The church at Pound is atpeace and the members love each other. They have an attractivemeeting house and make an effort to let the community know they arehere and at work for the Lord. A weekly radio program reaches out and many hear it. There are a number of small congregations scattered through these mountains and among them you will find some devoutChristians. I just thought our readers, who have never been in thispart of the country, would like to know that there are a number of goodbrethren in these parts and that the church at Pound, Virginia is aliveand well.
THE PREACHER'S PANTS
Several years ago, while in a meeting in west Tennessee, I stayedwith a fine older couple who lived on a big farm. It was July and plentywarm. They gave me their bedroom downstairs because it was the coolest room in the house. I hung my clothes in the same closet wherethey kept theirs. I would get ready for services and vacate the room sothey could change without having to move all their things. One nighton the way to the meeting, the sister, who was in the back seatsuddenly leaned over the seat and said to her husband, "Where'd youget them pants?" Before he could answer, she said, "Oh, my land,you've got on the preacher's pants!" It was too late to go back and change. She was "mortified" and begged me not to tell it. I said "Sister, that is too good a story to keep to myself and I am going to tell it as soonas I get in the pulpit." And I did, much to the delight of her manyrelatives in the audience.
In case you think preachers lead dull, uninteresting lives, I can tellyou otherwise. I have had my shirts put in yard sales, had mytoothbrush used to brush the dog's teeth, had to push a dresser againstthe door to keep ungoverned boys from barging into my room, havepreached in the Philippines in an area where there was armed conflictbetween Muslim rebels and the Philippine army and where fourteen armed soldiers guarded the premises where we slept every night fora week, and have been threatened by bullies who did not like what Ipreached. Every preacher I have met, who has had much experience,has his own set of stories to tell. The toils, sacrifices and heartaches of many of the pioneer preachers make our more modern-day experiences pale by comparison. Beyond all that, I am humbled every time I read 2 Cor. 11; 23-33. Have you read that lately?
PREACHERS NEEDED ALBANY, OREGON — The Oak St. church here needs a full time preacher. We are a congregation of about 60, and have our ownbuilding. We will be able to partially support a man, although someoutside help will be needed. Possibly we could help in securing thissupport. If interested please contact Chuck Carroll, P. O. Box 454,Albany, Oregon 97321, or call (503) 926-7670, or leave a message at
(503) 928-5286.
CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI — This small congregation (35-40), 100 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee, and 100 miles north ofJackson, MS, needs a full time preacher. We own our own property butcannot supply full support. In the past, two other congregations havehelped the local preacher in his support. Call Allen Williams at (601) 843-1532.
CALGARY, ALBERTA — The Northside church in this city of600,000 needs a full time gospel preacher. We now have 35-40 members. We would prefer a man between 30-40 who has had someexperience dealing with institutionalism. There is a large liberal church here. There is much work to do in this area where there are so many people. If interested, write: Wayne Bailey, 1707, 620-67 Ave,
S. W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2V 0M2. Or call (403) 258-1358.
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