Truth Magazine

By Charles Thomas Jones

The Bible class is an excellent way to provide spiritual food for all ages. Class discussion and other classroom activities provide for added learning techniques as opposed to the lecture approach which is often used in the assembly. Because most teaching from the pulpit is presented at the adult level, the Bible class is the primary channel through which the church is able to mold the hearts of the young. The strength of the church in the future greatly depends on how well we use this channel now.

A good Bible class program does not just happen, but needs the active participation and direction of the elders. This requires defining specific targets for the program, making plans for reaching these goals, acquiring a good knowledge of the study materials, providing for teacher training, and selecting qualified teachers. Clearly, dedicated and knowledgeable teachers who are willing to apply the time and energy required are vital to the success of the program. Without careful planning and leadership, the teaching program can easily drift into little more than a formal child care program.

While the elders can provide leadership in planning an effective class program, equally important is the reenforcement of the concepts and principles in the home. No matter how well the Bible class program may be carried out, the effectiveness can be greatly diminished by the lack of parental example and concern for the spiritual development of the family.

Concepts of a good Bible class curriculum and the best way to implement it are somewhat subjective and will vary from one congregation to another. Recently, the Downtown church in Lawrenceburg, TN (where I am now serving as an elder) has initiated plans for improving our Bible study program. In the following paragraphs I would like to describe briefly three characteristics which we are including in our program. I will also summarize the basic features of the plan. These thoughts are not presented as being unique with us nor am I suggesting that this is the only effective approach. It is, however, an approach that we feel will greatly improve our efforts to feed the flock through the Bible class program.

1. The Students Need The Overall Picture

A clear understanding of any, subject requires a general overview in order to understand how the component parts fit into the whole. Equally important is the need for the Bible class student to have a overall view of the Scriptures to see how the lessons all fit together. Perhaps all too often, our classes are presented as a collection of lessons, which contain valid truths and principles, but leave the student unable to see the forest for the individual trees. The varied lessons of the Old and New Testaments need to be tied together into an overall picture which illustrates the unfolding of God’s plan of redemption.

In our program we want to clearly stress that Jesus Christ is the central theme of the Scriptures. Teachers at all age levels are deliberately developing this theme so that the student will come to the full realization that all of our studies ultimately relate to the Savior and his kingdom. We want the student to understand that God purposed this plan before the foundation of the world, that the prophets anticipated the Lord’s coming, and that God’s purpose was fulfilled by Jesus and his church. One way we keep this broad perspective before the student is through the use of time lines showing where the specific lessons falls in the overall plan. The prophecies of the Lord’s coming and their fulfillment also provide opportunities to stress this overall concept.

Basic to this central theme also is the understanding that God gave different laws and spoke in various ways as his plan developed. But today he has given us his Son for us to hear. Obviously, this understanding is an essential element to the proper division of the Scriptures. The need for stressing it is apparent when one considers the fact that many are unable to make a distinction between the Ten Commandments and the New Covenant.

We want also to take deliberate steps to stress some overall characteristics of God’s word. In the light of much modern thinking that the Scriptures were written for Bible times and are not applicable today, and that new revelations are still to come, we want to insure through our class program that the student sees the Bible as relevant and complete. He should know that God has provided all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3), that there will be no more revelations (Jude 3), and that the Word will abide forever (1 Pet. 1:23-25).

2. Focus On The Principles Rather Than Facts

The Bible contains many fascinating stories, and it is sometimes easy to focus on the specifics of the narrative at the expense of some key concepts or principles. These stories have much appeal to the young, and are, possibly, somewhat easier to present in a lesson than the more abstract principles. However as a result, the student may, remember more about what John the Baptist ate and wore than the message he preached. Most preparatory workbooks for our Bible classes focus on the facts of a story with word matching exercises, scrambled word puzzles, fill in the blanks, true and false statements, etc. These have some value in getting the student to consider the details of the lesson but are often mechanical exercises which do not stress the main message. Of course, lessons cannot be presented without some related detail, but these should be the tools for basing applicable themes and principles rather than the major focus.

A prime consideration of teacher preparation should be to identify two or three key points to be stressed. This will vary with each lesson but will provide the opportunity to emphasize the broad picture outlined above, build character, educate in doctrinal matters, and develop proper relationships in the world, etc. Of course, the lesson plan will have to be developed for the maturity level of the student. But we need to keep in mind that we can plant ideas in the minds of the very young. Initially, there may be little understanding, but repetition with increasing depth will gradually implant these things in the student’s minds. Our whole aim will be to give the student the fundamentals that will serve as building blocks for spiritual growth and help him to have the desire to serve God all of his life. I do not want to minimize the importance of knowing Bible facts, but these should be used only as the tools for developing the lesson.

3. Greatest Emphasis Should Be On The New Covenant

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he referred to the Old Testament writings as that which was able to provide the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. In a similar way, he wrote that the things written before were for our example and instruction (1 Cor. 10:11). Without question, Old Testament Scripture is a vital part of our Bible study. Everyone needs to see how God dealt with his people in the past, and how this portion of God’s Word develops the understanding of many New Testament references. Thus, a decision which each eldership must make is the proportion of time which should be given to the Old Testament.

We have made a judgment that there is a need to place the greatest emphasis on the covenant we live under today. There is a very basic need for our students to know more about the church, its purpose, its work, its worship, and the responsibilities of membership. He should also know the numerous instructions of the epistles regarding social, business, civic, and family relationships. The trends in moral behavior and liberal thinking in society as a whole suggest to us a fundamental need for greater concentration in these areas. This should help the student to withstand false doctrine and conduct his life in harmony with New Testament principles.

The Class Plan

The Downtown church has established a goal to cover the entire Bible in its classes in three year cycles. For a student progressing from the first grade through high school the subject matter will be repeated four times with increasing depth. We are having continuing lessons from Sunday to the midweek study. This represents about 100 lessons per year or a total of 300 lessons for the three year curriculum.

Three brethren and three sisters have composed a working group to define the Bible text which should be covered along with key concepts for each lesson. The initial target is to cover 100 lessons from the Old Testament and 200 from the New Testament in the cycle. Each grade level will have the same subject for each study period. This has the advantage of continuity of subject material as the students are promoted through the various age levels. In addition, where there are several students in the same household, there is opportunity for family study on the same subject.

Two teachers are assigned to the class room and teach both the Sunday morning and mid-week classes for a quarter. The two work jointly in preparing the lesson plans and teaching the class. Meanwhile, two other teachers are preparing for the next quarter in a teacher’s, training class. In this way the teacher has an opportunity to study the subject material and make the lesson plans in advance. The training class is designed to stress the key points of the lesson and provide opportunity for teacher exchange of ideas. Each pair of teachers develops the presentation material and techniques appropriate to each age group. This approach is an excellent way to bring new teachers into the program and provide the guidance for accomplishing the overall objectives we have set for our Bible studies.

This effort is in the learning stages and much work remains to be done. Very likely some fine tuning will be necessary as we proceed. However, we are confident that with a lot of hard work we can have a very effective Bible class program.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 1, pp. 18-19, 24
January 5, 1989

By Greg Gwin

While attending the recent Nashville Meeting, many of us were continually amazed by statements made by our institutional brethren. The views they expressed and the positions they defended were simply incredible. The meeting served as a shocking demonstration of the true differences that exist between us. For years we have said that these brethren lack respect for Bible authority. It can now be said that such an explanation is a considerable understatement. It is obvious at this point that these brethren not only lack respect for Bible authority, but in many cases there is an obvious lack of basic comprehension of the whole subject of Bible authority. We were even treated to attacks against the text and canon of the Scriptures. Others will, no doubt, have much to say and write about these important matters. But, I have something else in mind.

During the meeting it was not difficult to see the lines of division between the two opposing factions. The rift is deep and wide – and apparently growing. Even a casual observer can detect these clear differences. But, it has not always been so clear.

In the early years of this controversy the issues were not so easily defined. The first steps in this digression were subtle and calculated. Our brethren were not so blatant in their statements; not so bold in their attacks; not so obvious in their errors. Many brethren, in fact, most brethren could not see the dangers associated with the course that these innovators were following. Sadly, many were led into sin.

Yet, there were those who could see where this all would lead. They were careful students of the word, and capable in wielding the sword of the Spirit. They could grasp the biblical principles at stake, and they could foresee the errors and their consequences. And so, they spoke, and wrote, and warned – even when doing so brought reproach and persecution and alienation upon themselves. At this point they would be well justified in proclaiming a loud, “We told you so!”

Some of the names of these defenders of the faith are well known. Some of the famous battlefields are well remembered. Far more of the names and places have all but faded from memory. But we are indebted to them all. Without their keen perception of these matters we might all have been swept away by the tide of these compounding errors. There are many in the Lord’s church today, even in conservative congregations, that were not present to observe when these battles were being fought. Yet, in a very significant way, our present stand for truth is founded on the work those men did years ago. It is not too late to say, “Thank you!”

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 2, p. 36
January 19, 1989

By Phil Robertson

It certainly is realistic to see a young person lost in the immediate “pleasure” of the world. Pleasure hunters seek refuge upon the young, offering relentless promises. The life of a young person is so valuable and precious that any hindrance to those discrepancies of moral values can scar for life.

The home offers foundations in life that can either stand or fall in today’s society. When a person relieves himself from the confines of parental wings, the perilous world is open to him or her. This world does not offer the love, protection, and confidence that can be found at home or in God’s word. It does offer a “get rich quick” and “find pleasure any way you can” society. The gate is open for anyone desolate to fall asunder.

There was a young girl full of life and vigor, eager to please and a pleasure to accompany. She was part of an elite class of teenagers who would defend tooth and nail what they believed. It was not uncommon for her to even discipline, if not embarrass, other kids at church for their worldly actions. Her beauty was as brilliant as the sun and her attitude as consistent as time. However, she fell victim to a pleasure seeking society.

In my association with her, I was able to witness her change. The separation began when a need developed within her to be accepted by friends at school. Due to her quick growth, her size inhibited her in finding many dates, so any guy with a little interest was a joy.

The fall was a gradual process not evident to the casual bystander. A decline in family life soon developed and good grades were just a juvenile intuition. The pleasures of the world were gradually being allowed to slip ,into her pattern of living. She was no longer a discipline committee to the others but a pilgrim of joy on a new frontier. Her life soon lost the contentment it once had and now sought self-gratification.

Who was to blame for these actions? The mother for not providing an escape, pleasure seekers in whom she was seeking refuge, or herself for yielding to temptation?

I soon lost a trusted friend and faithful companion. No longer was there a bond of peace and friendship. Lies and dishonesty prevailed in her relationship with me. The example I had once admired was gone and lost to the very thing it once objected.

The sadness that followed was very discouraging. Questions were left unanswered and all I wanted was a reason why she had changed. These things are not supposed to happen to close friends.

She soon fell as far as one could imagine. Jobs were kept no longer than a couple of days. Money was spent on foreign substances and never saved. Pleasure was the only thing sought; yet it never came in enough quantities. Rumors about her life were spread among gossipers. However, she was no longer a credible source for truth herself. She hurt terribly those that wanted to still believe in her.

We never realize the power of the world until it affects someone close to home; how it can grind and play at even the strongest. Solomon spoke wisely of the world thousands of years ago by saying, “Allis vanity.” He had tried it all and it never fulfilled his needs, even though he had an unimaginable abundance of possessions.

This analysis of the world is so hard to conceive by all, but especially the young. Discontentment is the start of the problem and desire is the strength. The hardest hit are the parents and friends. It is a helpless feeling providing a lack of reasons and answers. Confiding in God and his grace is the only hope for the loved ones who are watching this fall. Should not confidence in God prevail anyhow?

Today she is supposedly on the road to recovery. Twice she managed the courage to force her way to the front of the congregation and confess wrong. Now, after remaining faithful for a short time, the world has overcome her again and true repentance did not withstand. Her mother has more than once experienced the horror of not knowing the whereabouts of her daughter. Now she allows her to stay at home and come and go as she pleases. This is rudely taken advantage of and not even an ounce of consideration is taken for her mother’s kindness.

The world can be a vicious enemy, taking our closest friends in the Lord. Like a boat without oars, their lives float aimlessly, helpless in the waters of life. Often friends and family blame themselves for the loss. Agonizing memories of lost opportunities to prompt the victim to change are always on the minds of those who care. Only one person can really be blamed for the fall and that is the victim.

In the story of the prodigal son this same situation is evident. The lost wander, not realizing his state while the saved hurt for his soul. The father is the one in agony in this parable. The son does not realize the pain he has caused his father by not repenting. If the son had realized this pain, perhaps he would have repented sooner.

I can hope and pray for my lost friend. She does not realize the pain she is causing or the aimless life she is living. Will she repent or stay the same? I don’t know. All I know is that I lost a friend to the world.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 1, p. 22
January 5, 1989

By Harold Byers

We should not be shocked today when we speak of the need for leadership among God’s people. God has always selected or had someone selected to lead his people. The very nature of man demands that someone be selected to direct our pathway. This applies both in spiritual and civil matters.

When God determined to bring ‘Israel out of Egypt, he selected Moses to lead his people across Jordan into the Land of Canaan. In Joshua 1:2, Moses sought the wisdom of elderly men as to how to handle certain matters.

In these individuals, God knew the background and qualifications and it was not necessary for God to state their qualifications. These were men who trusted in Jehovah God as the giver and sustainer of life.

In the past Judges and Kings were pointed to lead Israel in religious and civil matters. The prophets spoke of those who were leaders and being good, doing that which was right in God’s sight or those who did evil. We understand today that the leadership in civil and spiritual matters has changed. When we speak of God’s leadership today in the spiritual realm, we are speaking of the eldership in the local church.

There is a need for men to lead God’s people in the local church. When one considers the qualifications of elders as set forth by Paul in 1 Timothy and Titus, he learns that an elder must be a man married and in control of his house. Much has been stated about these qualifications, but leadership lies within the mature man’s ability to lead, based upon his knowledge of Jesus. Maybe one could possess physical qualifications and not be able to express his ability to lead others. The desire to assume responsibility and serve as an elder is a qualification of necessary leadership, but unless an individual expresses it to others, it may go unnoticed. This is a humble qualification when viewed in light of being a shepherd of men’s souls on earth.

Men who possess leadership in the world are men who have been trained and who have developed to a degree of being able to carry out instructions. Why should we think of men in the eldership as being any different?

We must look at the divine wisdom of God in not establishing a worldwide organization through which all churches could be guided. The only functioning unit is the local church, made up of pastors, elders, bishops, overseers, or shepherds. By understanding the meaning and use of these designated terms, we should now direct our attention to an aspect of the work of those who serve local congregations. All the above terms describing elders imply leadership in feeding the flock (Eph. 4:11; Acts 20:17; 1 Pet. 5:2).

Let’s examine the use of the literal word “shepherd.” He is one who has counted his sheep and knows them by sight; leads them where it is safe; secures an area where there is food; watches to make sure that none go astray; and he can call them and lead them to better pasture. In using the word shepherd, men in New Testament times understood its meaning.

When viewing elders’ leadership, one sees that it requires wisdom based on knowledge. James said, “If a man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” Elders certainly are to have wisdom. Luke 21:15 says, “I will give you a mouth and wisdom.” A shepherd uses his knowledge of what is best for his flock, always having them in the center of his heart, and leads them toward better things. An elder’s leadership is in direct proportion to his understanding of God.

God’s order is for men to lead his children away from sin and toward God. Men in leadership should move carefully in their actions so as not to offend the Lord. Elders must listen to the Chief Shepherd, which is Christ. Spiritual leadership demands that one listen to the one who has authority and then carry out the instructions.

Those who serve in the leadership of the church are always looking for green pastures. Shepherds of a congregation should always be seeking better methods of feeding the members of the church to insure more spiritual growth. They must not deviate from the divine food, but they should have some vision to cross traditional methods of instruction when it is in the best interest of the local church.

There are two realms of authority that can be administered: (1) The making of laws; this belongs to God; and (2) The carrying out of those laws. Human judgment must be used in carrying out the laws of God.

Elders are responsible for carrying out the mission of the church and members are,commanded to submit and obey those who rule over them (Heb. 13:17; 1 Tim. 5:17). This being true, leadership is essential in order for someone to follow this requirement. In carrying out the mission of the church, elders are responsibile for a place to worship, teaching program, proper discipline,and taking care of those who are in need.

Elders exercise authority in ruling (1 Tim. 5:17; 1 Thess. 5:12) and the writer of Hebrews refers to them as rulers (Heb. 13:7-24). Can you imagine having a ruler in an earthly kingdom who does not possess the ability to lead his subjects.

The Lord used terms that all can understand and the abuse of power by elders who are charged with leadership should not cause us to go to the other extreme in elders rule.

Many times elders have not been a good example to those whom they rule over. In 1 Peter 5:3, Peter said elders must be an example to the flock. What we say and do has great value to those who have been asked to submit to overseers.

The word “overseer” in Acts 20:28 means to look over and to superintend. For one to be placed in this position suggests the work he is to do. Elders: (1) Lead the church to proper food (Acts 20:28). (2) They guard the church from false teachers (Acts 20:29-31). (3) They rule in all matters of judgment (Rom. 12:8; 1 Tim. 5:17), not as lords, but as an example to the church (1 Pet. 5:3). (4) They tend to the flock, taking the oversight (1 Pet. 5:2). This causes each member to develop in Christ. (5) They watch in behalf of souls (Heb. 13:17).

Men who desire to be elders in a local church should possess the qualifications set forth by Timothy. Elders are under the authority of Jesus, not to add to or subtract from what the Lord wishes to be done. Qualified,men have a great fear of violating God’s law, for there are I severe consd, quences of doing things without authority. Luke said in Acts 20:30 that men of the eldership would arise, teaching perverse things. Woe be unto that man, for not only will he lose his soul but all of those who follow him.

It is hard to imagine a qualified elder, who has volunw tarily agreed to this work, to state that there is no pattern for us to follow today. Elders in the church who assume authority not delegated to them are guility of sin, and it is no different in principle for a man to say, “I’m the Pope” for he claims to speak for God.

The New Testament church had a plurality of elders and in judgment matters there must be agreement to have an eldership decision. This protects the church from having a head elder. When decisions have been reached by qualified men, who are endeavoring to follow the law, then the church can be requested to follow their decision as they superintend the local church. The lack of Bible knowledge among men who have been selected to be elders seem to be a problem. Many times we only look at the external qualifications, such as being married, how many children he has, etc. I do not want to minimize these qualifications for they are necessary but, having serving as an elder with a number of elders, most all the problems I’ve experienced have arisen out of men not understanding what the Scriptures teach about elders in leadership. Secondly, those who knew the Scripture and from all noticeable points of qualification., seem to be qualified, just lack plain backbone to take charge for fear of being liked less. The negative form of leadership has pushed preachers into taking the lead simply because of neglect of the elders.

When elders can remove a preacher or teacher because he is not doing the work he has been assigned to do and place someone else in or take the pulpit themselves, explaining all the scriptural reasons for their action, then those elders are overseers in leadership.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 1, pp. 1, 23
January 5, 1989