Truth Magazine

A recent quote from an acquaintance of mine was, “When I read the Bible I just do not understand what is going on.” He went further by saying, “I have a hard time seeing how the Bible is relevant for my family and me in today’s society.” I believe it would be safe to say that this could be a major reason why many do not read and study (i.e., seek to learn) from it. How have these predominant attitudes come about? Please consider:

Society at large in America during the late 20th century has turned away from the standards found within the inspired pages of God’s Word. Those who publicly acknowledge living by Bible standards are disregarded as “right wing extremists” or “religious fundamentalists.”

Feminists decry the Bible as being written for men by men. Homosexuals and their supporters argue that God is pleased with their immoral behavior. Scientists and “experts” of the day endeavor to explain away miracles of the Bible. Denominational creeds and teachers instruct the masses that the Bible is not understandable. Even in churches of Christ we are witnessing a movement away from the importance of Bible authority and the acceptance of all sorts of creeds. Members of the Lord’s church were once known as “walking and talking Bibles.” Unfortunately this is no longer the case with many. The movement some congregations are facing only contributes to the religious confusion of the day instead of uniting people in the truth.

Despite all of these things, how important is Bible study to you? Certainly there are many trials and temptations that have a tendency to hinder us from study. However, these can be overcome if one wants to overcome bad enough (1 Cor. 10:13). Is being affluent in knowledge of the Scriptures toward the top of your priorities? As Christians we are expected by God to be knowledgeable in the Word of God. For example, Paul told the Ephesian brethren, “do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).  In 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul told Timothy to “be diligent (study, KJV) to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the truth.” We should strive just as much as the first century Christians did to find and know God’s will for mankind.

How Can One Understand the Context as He is Reading the Bible?

As mentioned earlier, a common problem of many is that they do not understand “what is going on” while reading Scripture. How may one deal with such a problem? Remember:

1. The Bible should not be read as a novel or a fictitious short story for mere entertainment. We live in a world that is entertainment driven. From 24 hour television, concerts, sports events, to “worship services” that are purely and only entertainment, Americans expect to be entertained in almost everything. The Bible is an instruction booklet on how to get our souls to heaven. It should be read and studied in a serious manner.

2. Study a few verses or a chapter at a time and take notes. One of the greatest aids in my personal study has been to study in “small chunks.” High school teachers and college professors recommend that this is the most profit- able way to study: be it for an accounting exam or part of God’s Word. Write down points you believe are relevant and other items of importance concerning the text. These could aid you in your study at a later time.

3. Don’t be overwhelmed by the size of the Bible. Some open the front cover — begin at Genesis — read a chapter or two — and rationalize, there’s too much here — I’ll never know it all. Bible study involves time and a stead- fast commitment. The more time that is invested the more knowledge will be gained. Bible study is a life-long process. Unlike secular courses of study, the study of God’s word is unending during this life.

4. Don’t be fooled by the popular thinking that to understand the Bible one has to go to “Bible school.” Many of our denominational friends believe and teach that creeds must be written to explain the Bible. Those who have at- tended years of schooling at a seminary (those who will be the “clergy”) then must explain it to the “laity.” This line of thinking is totally unknown in the Bible. The Bereans in Acts 17:11 had never been to a seminary. They were able to reach an understanding of Scripture. We read “they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Certainly we can see that they benefited from Bible study!

How is the Bible Relevant To Today’s World?

Christians have the responsibility to teach those around them of the relevance of God’s Word to people living in the late twentieth century. How can we fulfill this responsibility? Those around us need to understand:

1. The Bible contains information on how to be saved. What better argument for relevance than this? As long as mankind exists, there will be someone who will need to be saved. God’s plan of salvation is found only in the Bible! Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws Him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” Later, in John 8:32, Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” That truth is found in the Bible (John 17:17).

2. The Bible will help one become a better Christian. As stated earlier, the Bible is the set of instructions on get- ting one’s soul to heaven. Christians are to put away the things of the world and follow after the example of Christ. There is not a single page in the Bible that will not help one learn something to improve his life. Notice what Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

3. The Bible will help the Christian bring others to Christ. As one engages in study of Scripture an awareness of the danger of a soul becoming lost to the fires of hell becomes of tremendous importance. This consciousness should motivate the Bible student to tell others about the Way. This is an expected duty of all Christians. Notice Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:15, “. . . sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” Are you living up to this standard?

4. The Bible will help one become prepared to stand before God on judgment. “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this, the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). There will be a day of reckoning for mankind. All men will stand before God and give an account of their actions on earth (2 Cor. 5:9-10). If one applies the things studied in Scripture to his life he can be prepared for this great day. Titus 2:11-12 says, “The grace of God has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” This is very relevant to today’s society and all future societies as well. Let us heed what we read!

The study of God’s word is of tremendous importance. It is a shame that those in the majority of the religious world (even some in the Lord’s church) fail to understand this. Don’t let Satan fool you by drawing you away from its contents. Make it your first priority to know more about the word of God!

By Richie Thetford

A few weeks ago we listened to our president admit to an inappropriate sexual relationship which he denied on January 26. The leader of our country has now admitted to more than one adulterous relationship and has been caught lying on numerous occasions. Yet he claims that his personal life is a private matter! A private matter that has touched the lives of all the American people and the millions of people in foreign lands.

Because of his “private, personal life” he has embarrassed an entire country, his wife, his daughter, and tarnished his name for evermore. He has become a laughing stock among the various countries and here at home. But even worse, the office of the president of the United States of America has become tainted because of his personal conduct!

It was said of Ronald Reagan that when he went into the oval office that he would put on his suit jacket out of respect for the men that had served in this position before and respect for the office itself. What has happened to the leadership of our country and the things that our country will tolerate today.

Let’s look at some lessons that we can learn from the events of this past week:

A Good Name is Precious

Whether in our public or private life our good name is worth everything. Solomon wrote: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Prov. 22:1). “A good name is better than precious ointment” (Eccl. 7:1). In many cases, sin and the pleasures of this world are being chosen over their “good name” by people of this world, including our leaders. We can lose our money and even our possessions and still be able to keep our good name. Nobody can take our good name from us, that is something we give up voluntarily! Once lost, we cannot regain our good name overnight. It is like respect in that it must be earned — not bought.

Adultery is Not a Private Matter

When David committed adultery with Bathsheba and Nathan pointed it out to him, what did David do? Did he lie and say, “I never had sexual relations with that woman, Miss Bathsheba?” Did he get angry at Nathan for his prolonged story telling of the matter? No, he admitted that he had sinned. And not just sin against himself or Bathsheba, but he sinned against the Lord! He showed remorse and was repentant.

The sin of adultery is not a personal, private matter. When one commits adultery that means there is another party involved, his spouse. In this country today there are all kinds of sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS. Therefore, is it a personal, private matter when your spouse gets AIDS or any other disease because you chose to lose your good name and commit adultery? It is

because of these things that the word of God says: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Heb. 13:4-5).

Adultery and fornication are not personal private matters because it involves another. Anytime another individual is involved then there will be yet another, then another, then another, then another, etc. Many different individuals have the potential to be effected because of our personal actions!

Lying is Not a Private Matter

In the garden of Eden, the father of lies, Satan (John 8:44), showed that the lie is not a “private matter,” but rather very public. In this case it would affect all future people. “And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’”(Gen. 3:2-5).

This lie made Adam and Eve look foolish when they stood before God later. Our president’s lie of January 26 made many of his personal supporters look foolish this past week. He openly lied when he said: “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinski.” His personal supporters, based upon that lie, stood by him and spoke as if they knew personally that he was telling the absolute truth. Even his wife came to his defense — believing in him. Then when he did tell the truth, admitting to the affair, he lost credibility among his best friends and supporters.

It is for that very reason the word of God says: “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds . . .” (Col. 3:9). “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie” (Rev. 22:14-15). Lying has never been a private or personal matter. It takes two in the process — one to lie and the other to hear it. Lying affects many people and causes one to lose their good name.

Truth is Respected

Jesus said: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” We all will make mistakes in our life. But what will we do with those mistakes? Will we try to lie, mislead people, or be honest. We will gain respect and keep our good name when we are up front, honest, and truthful with people, while having nothing to hide that would be shameful before God.

Conclusion

We will be judged based upon what we say or do and our obedience to the words of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10; John 12:48). The things that we say and do will and do affect the lives of others. It affects others directly or indirectly. If we are to keep our good name, to keep it untarnished, we must always strive to please God in all aspects of our life. If we do that, we will be respected and loved among men. But, in order to do that, we must continually do as David and Paul said: “Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my mind and my heart” (Ps. 26:2). “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Cor. 13:5). May God be with us as we strive to do what is right in his sight knowing that our personal life is not a private matter.

It is becoming quite common for churches to plan a young people’s lectureship, special week-end, or Saturday study. I have been invited to and participated in some of these programs. Usually these consist of three or four “lectures” by young preachers whose material is geared toward young people and their needs.

I certainly am not opposed to preaching the gospel to the young, old, or middle aged. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with a lectureship, young preachers, or material designed to help teenagers live the Christian life. However, I do have some concerns that I think are legitimate. Please consider them carefully.

Implications

One of the things that concerns me about these “young people’s lectureships” is what it may imply about our regular services or gospel meetings. When we have a special series that addresses the needs of the teenagers, that implies that other times that we preach the gospel is not for them. It implies that other messages (on the home, the church, divorce and remarriage, fellowship, instrumental music, the work of the Holy Spirit, forgive- ness, etc.) are not for them.

We have enough problems with young people showing no real interest in spiritual things without feeding that problem.

The gospel is for all who are accountable (Rom. 7:9). That includes the young and the old since they all are of part of “every creature” (Mark 16:15).

It is interesting that we don’t hear of anyone having a “seniors” lectureship for those who are retirement age and beyond. If we did, would that not imply that the regular services or sermons were not really for them?

Oh, I know of no one who plans or participates in these who would claim that this implication is the message they intend. My question is about what seeds are planted in the minds of our young people.

Concerns

Some of these events are quite casual and informal by design. I understand that the motive is to be able to “re- late” to the young folks and make them feel comfortable. I wonder why it has to be casual or informal to benefit the teenagers or college folks. Could we be feeding an attitude that robs God and service to him of the dignity and respect deserved?

Our liberal brethren for years have had “youth ministers.” No one opposes young men preaching the gospel. However, the idea of a youth minister is that his work is primarily for the young folks. We could argue the same point here that we have about the lectureships. Could it be that the concepts are similar? If so, how long before we begin to see youth ministers among us?

Similar Concerns in the Past

In November 1942, N.B. Hardeman warned of similar things. Read carefully the following from his sermon “The Mission And Work Of The Church.”

It is the duty of the overseers to feed and to develop the members of any church. To do so does not require the organization of something unknown to the Bible. Many brethren have looked upon our young people’s meetings with some degree of suspicion. If we are not careful, we may have an organization not at all different from others which we now condemn. Really, brethren, I have failed to find anywhere in the Bible where there is a difference made in teaching or church work between a young fellow and an old fellow. Just where is that passage which intimates that the church should be divided according to years? Brethren Srygley and Tant taught that such distinctions evidenced our drifting away. To say the least of such, there is danger. I submit to you preachers that we should be exceeding careful lest, in our enthusiasm to make a big show, we turn apart from the straight and narrow path and have within our midst something that the Lord does not want (Hardeman’s Tabernacle Sermons, V:53).

What I Am Not Saying

Don’t misunderstand the warning of this article. I am not saying that it is wrong to have classes or special studies for young people. I defend the right of churches to have classes for various age groups. In such an arrangement the Bible study can be geared to the level of the student (from pre-schoolers to the adult).

The point is that we be careful lest we leave some impression that we don’t intend to leave.

Why Not Just Preach To All?

I am as concerned about our young people as any. I know there are topics and warnings they need to hear. However, I wonder what is wrong with just preaching the gospel (the whole counsel of God — Acts 20:27) to everyone? Some things will apply to the old (Tit. 2:2), some to the young (Tit. 2:6), some to the married (1 Cor. 7:3-5), some to parents (Eph. 6:2-4), some to children (Eph. 6:1), some to elders (Acts 20:28), some to men (1 Tim. 2:8), some to women (1 Tim. 2:11-12), some to aliens (Acts 2:38) and some to the child of God (Acts 8:22). Yet the gospel is to be preached to all.

Balanced preaching can make the young, old, parents, and children feel that the message is for them. Paul told Titus to preach the sound doctrine (Tit. 2:1). Yet, various people would be addressed in the doctrine that he preached (vv. 2-15).