Truth Magazine

By Johnie Paul Edwards

Much, today, is being said about homosexuality and so called “gay rights.” “The Gay 90’s,” as it’s now being called, has focused much of the world’s attention on “gays” and homosexuals. From the media, to the “oval office,” much has been said. Yet, it is time that we concern ourselves with what the Bible says about homosexuality! Does the Bible say anything about homosexuality? The answer is yes, and let me add, that everything it says is so!

How Should Men Regard The Bible?

Why are we making our appeal to the Bible? Is homosexuality to be declared right or good on the basis of public opinion? Our plea has always been, and must remain, that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that it is our pattern for all that we do in his service. Just exactly how should men regard the Bible?

Men Should Regard the Bible as the

Divinely Inspired Word of God!

The apostle Paul said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:21). Notice how the Thessalonians received the Word of God in 1 Thessalonians 2:13, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

Inspiration is that supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit on the writers of the Bible which guaranteed the total trustworthiness and authoritativeness of their productions. Such inspiration was both plenary (i.e., extended to all parts of the Bible) and verbal (i.e., extended not only to the thoughts of the writers but also to the very words they employed).

The implicit claim to inspiration is contained in many Bible statements. David said, “The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2).

Jeremiah said, “Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth” (Jer. 1:9). Paul told the Corinthians, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:12-13).

Let us come to regard the Bible properly, as the divinely inspired, final and authoritative Word of God  heaven’s instrument to save and sanctify men. Let us approach the Bible with the attitude of Samuel, “Speak Lord; for thy servant heareth” (1 Sam. 3:9-10. May we say, as the Psalmist of old, “Teach me, 0 Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end” (Psa. 119:33).

What Does The Bible Say

About Homosexuality?

Now that we have learned to respect what the Bible has to say, let’s see what it says about homosexuality.

Homosexuality is an Abomination!

The Lord told Moses, “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them” (Lev. 20:13). The word “abomination” suggests something “disgusting; an abhorrence.” For a man to lie with a man to practice homosexuality is disgusting; it is something that God hates! The concept that God hates anything is foreign to some’s concept of God. Yet, there are some things which are extremely abhorred by him (cf. Prov. 6:16-19). The punishment for this homosexual abomination, under the law, was death!

Homosexuality and Romans 1

In Romans 1 Paul is discussing the deplorable sinful condition of the heathen nations. In verse 18, he begins by saying, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” In verses 21-22 we see that whenever God is rejected, people become foolish in their actions. Paul said, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” When people cease to respect God, they will soon lose respect for their own bodies! Paul goes on to describe their actions in verses 26-27. He said, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.” From Romans 1 we learn a number of things concerning homosexuality:

Homosexuality is Uncleanness, Impurity

(Rom. 1:24)

Uncleanness is a work of the flesh (Gal. 5:19), and Paul said, “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:21). Under the law, to eat certain foods, touch a dead body, and certain body conditions and diseases, made one unclean or impure. Homosexuality is a sin that pervades the whole body and makes it unclean.

Homosexuality is a Passion or Dishonor

(Rom. 1:24)

The word “dishonor” suggests to despise, suffer shame, or entreat shamefully. To practice homosexuality is to shamefully treat one’s body (cf. Rom. 1:28). Paul asked, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Rather than shamefully treating our bodies, by practicing homosexuality, we must glorify God in our body, which is God’s! There are seemly and honorable indulgences of sexual affections (cf. 1 Thess. 4:4; Heb. 13:4).

Homosexuality is Against Nature (Rom. 1:26-27)

Homosexuality is contrary to the nature of man and against natural production. It is against man’s instinctiveness. The natural, as from the beginning (Matt. 19:4-5), is a man with a woman, not a man with a man or a woman with a woman! Nature itself teaches us that homosexuality is wrong. The animal kingdom even knows better! Homosexuality being against natural production, rules out a person being born a homosexual!

Homosexuality is Unseemly; That is,

It is Indecent (Rom. 1:27)

Paul spoke of love in 1 Corinthians 13:5 and said that it “doth not behave itself unseemly.” Homosexuality is unseemly, indecent, shameful behavior! To engage in homosexuality, as the heathen nations did, is to reject God and God in turn rejected them! (Rom. 1:28). Homosexuality has been called by some a sickness. Paul does not agree! He clearly views homosexuality as sin (Rom. 1:23), a transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4).

Homosexuality Violates God’s

Plan for Marriage

Jesus spoke of God’s plan for marriage in Matthew 19:4-5. “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?” Jesus tells us that God’s plan from the very beginning was for one man to marry one woman. When God said, “it is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18), he made a woman! (2:22). “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (2:24). Paul, because of immoralities said, “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband” (1 Cor. 7:2). God blessed Adam and Eve and said unto them, “Be fruitful, and multiply” (Gen. 1:28).

Homosexuality is Unrighteousness and Those

Who Practice Such Shall Not

Inherit the Kingdom of God

Paul told the Corinthians, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:9-11). The phrase “abusers of themselves with mankind” is translated “homosexuals” in the NKJV. The unrighteous, like those guilty of homosexuality, shall not inherit the kingdom of God; that is, they will not be able to enter into heaven. You might also notice, from this reading, that homosexuality is an “abuse” or a misuse of the body.

Homosexuality is Defiling

Paul speaking of defilement said, “For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:10). Not only is homosexuality defiling, but it is “contrary to sound doctrine.” The word “defile” suggests to soil, desecrate, pollute, or stain. Paul’s point is that homosexuality is defiling! We need men and women, boys and girls, today who are like Daniel of old, who “refused to defile himself’ (Dan. 1:8). Daniel “purposed in his heart,” that is he “put” it in his heart, or planned, not to defile himself! Jesus said of heaven, “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 21:27).

To Practice Homosexuality is to

Go After “Strange Flesh”

Jude, speaking of Sodom, Gomorrah and other cities of immorality, “suffered the punishment of eternal fire” for “going after strange flesh” (Jude 7). These cities, in the condemnation which befell them, serve as examples of what happens to those who disobey God. “Strange flesh” suggests a departure from the law of nature, and refers to that which is contrary to nature; seeking after other or different flesh (cf. Rom. 1:27). The sons of Aaron offered “strange” fire, “which he commanded them not,” and they died before the Lord (Lev. 10:1-2). The fire they offered was “strange,” it was unauthorized fire! Homosexuality is unauthorized sexuality! The ashes of these ancient cities should serve as an example to those who live ungodly (2 Pet. 2:6).

The Sin of Homosexuality Can Be Forgiven

Some of the Corinthians were unrighteous, guilty of homosexuality, and such like (1 Cor. 6:11). Notice that Paul said, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11). A homosexual, like any other unrighteous person, can be saved. The remedy of evil passion, or lust, is provided in the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). Peter preached, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:16). Notice how Paul addressed the Corinthians, who had been guilty of homosexuality, after their obedience to Christ. “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Cor. 1:2).

Homosexuality and the Value

of Righteous Living

Solomon said, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). Ten righteous souls would have delivered the ancient city of Sodom (Gen. 18:23-32). Since less than ten righteous could be found, two angels went to Sodom to visit and warn Lot of the impending destruction (Gen. 19:1ff.) and “the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire … and he overthrew those cities” (Gen. 19:24-28). You see, these cities were filled with homosexuality. Righteous living would have spared the now “lost” city of Sodom! Paul asked, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Cor. 6:9) Homosexuals must leave their wicked ways, serve the God of heaven, and restore righteousness to our nation!

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 5 p. 12-14
March 2, 1995

By Keith Sharp

The evenings of September 19,20,22,23 of last year, Wayne Greeson, gospel preacher of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, met John Scheel, pastor of the Lighthouse Pentecostal Jesus Name Church of BeeBe, Arkansas in public debate. The first two nights were devoted to a discussion of the number of persons in the Godhead, and the debate was conducted where Mr. Scheel pastors. The last two nights were on modem day miraculous spiritual gifts, and the debate was held at the 28th Avenue Church of Christ in Pine Bluff where brother Greeson preaches. John Welch moderated for brother Greeson.

The fact the debate was held testifies to the effectiveness of call-in radio as a method of preaching the gospel. Earlier, brother Greeson had debated Mr. Buddy Looper of Stuttgart, Arkansas in a four night debate on the Godhead. This debate came about as the result of Mr. Looper calling brother Greeson on the 28th Avenue radio program and challenging his teaching on the number of persons in the Godhead. Mr. Looper was ineffective as a debater, and Mr. Scheel indicated during this first debate that he wanted to debate brother Greeson.

Mr. Scheel did a worthy job of representing the oneness Pentecostals’ false positions. He was the most gentle-manly Pentecostal debater I have heard, is much more scholarly than most of their representatives, and is an effective speaker. Mr. Scheel was especially effective in the use of humor and ridicule. The debate was conducted on a high plain, and the issues were addressed in such a way the audience could follow the argumentation. At the outset of the debate, brother Welch established tight crowd control, and this helped immensely in keeping the debate on track.

Brother Greeson was exceedingly well prepared and was powerful as a speaker. He even had excellent negative charts prepared to answer Scheel’s arguments. He drove his points home effectively with the audience. Brother Greeson prepared computer generated charts for all his arguments, and brother Welch presented them by LCD projector, the same projector he used in debate with Thomas G. O’Neal. Even Mr. Scheel acknowledged the powerful impact this had on the audience. In this way a debater can present a much larger amount of argumentation in a short time without losing the audience. Both in artistic quality and in content brother Greeson’s charts are unexcelled, and they need to be made available for other brethren.

Each speaker had three twenty minute speeches each night. The shorter speeches also allowed the audience to more easily follow the flow of argumentation.

The following is a very brief synopsis of the arguments presented by brother Wayne Greeson. Although in a few instances I would not have used the same arguments brother Greeson did (and he may later win me over), I agree whole heartedly with his positions and his general biblical approach. I will present the arguments as though I am simply writing on the subjects, but I will be actually reporting brother Greeson’s argumentation as he presented it. The material on miraculous spiritual gifts is longer because brother Greeson presented more material on this subject. The debaters engaged in reply and counter reply on most arguments, but the interested reader will have to get tapes of the debate to get these.

Number of Persons in Godhead

Proposition: The Scriptures teach that there are three separate and distinct persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The audience should be as the Bereans and study with an open mind (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 5:21-22). The Scriptures are the only acceptable proof to be employed during the discussion. All agree there is but one God (Deut. 6:4); that there are not three Gods (Ibid.); that the Bible does not use the term “trinity,” nor do I; that there are not three humans in the Godhead; that Jesus is God (Jn. 1:1); and that Jesus did become a man (in. 1:14). The word “person,” means any “self-conscious or rational being” is a person, whether or not that being possesses a fleshly body.

The oneness Pentecostal position is essentially antichrist. They believe the “Son” is the fleshly body of Jesus. But, since Jesus had no fleshly body before he was born in Bethlehem (Heb. 5:7), and since he no longer has that fleshly body (2 Cor. 5:16), it necessarily follows that the Son was only a Person for 33 years. Furthermore, Mr. Scheel’s position is that the Father is the Son. But the apostle John declared that one who denies “the Father and the Son” is antichrist (1 Jn. 2:22-23). Mr. Scheel cannot make the good confession made by the Ethiopian eunuch, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,” but would change it to read, “Jesus Christ was the Son of God.” The Son is God (Heb. 1:8). Thus, if the Son is Jesus’ fleshly body, a fleshly body is God.

The New Testament teaches that the Son is God (Heb. 1:8), Lord (Rom. 1:3), heir of all things (Heb. 1:2), the propitiation for our sins (1 Jn. 4:10), and the Savior of the world (1 Jn. 4:14). He has a kingdom (Col. 1:13), makes you free (Jn. 8:36), quickens (Jn. 5:21), judges (Jn. 5:22), ascended where he was before (Jn. 6:62), sits on the right hand of the power of God (Lk. 22:69), and made the worlds (Heb. 1:2). These statements can hardly be applied just to the human body of Jesus!

Thirty-three New Testament passages each mention all three Persons in the Godhead (Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; Jn. 3:34-35; 14:16-17; 14:26; 15:26; 20:21-22; Acts 1:4-5,7-8; 2:32-33,38-39; 4:8-10; 5:30-32; 7:55-56; 10:38; 11:16-17;15:8-11;Rom. 5:5-6;8:1-4,16-17;1_5:15-17,30; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 2:1 8; 4:4-6;1 Thess. 1:3-5; 5:18-19; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Pet. 1:16-21; Jude 20-21; Rev. 22:16-18). Ephesians 4:4-6 is an example, in that it mentions all three divine Persons. The Father is a Person (Heb. 1:1-3), the Son is a Person (2 Cor. 2:10), and the Spirit is a Person (Jn. 16:13); thus, three Persons.

The word “us” refers to God in Genesis 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; and Isaiah 6:8. These references are proof of plurality of Persons in the one Godhead.

At the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:16-17; Mk. 1:10-11; Lk. 3:21-22) all three Persons of the Godhead acted separately at the same time.

God is one in the sense that the three Persons of the Godhead are perfectly united. The word “one” commonly means united, as is demonstrated in marriage (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5-5) and the people after the flood (Gen. 34:16). The same language, both in Hebrew and English is used of God (Deut. 6:4). Jesus compared the unity of believers with the unity of God (Jn. 17:20-22; 10:30; 1 Cor. 12:20), and this demonstrates that “one” can include multiple units. “One” often includes many persons (Gen. 11:6; Judg. 20:8; 1 Sam. 11:7; Ezra 3:9; 6:20; 1 Cor. 3:6-8; Gal. 3:28). The Father and Son are one in work On. 4:34), creation (Eph. 3:9), authority (Jn. 5:43), love (Jn. 14:23), witness (Jn. 8:18), doctrine On. 7:16), will (Jn. 6:38), and judgment (Jn. 5:22), but not one Person.

Jesus and the Father must be separate Persons, since the Son returned to the Father in heaven On. 6:62; 3:3; 16:28; 20:17; Acts 1:11) and is now at the right hand of the Father in heaven (Acts 7:55-56; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 8:1; 12:2; 1 Pet. 3:22). First Corinthians 15:27; Matthew 28:18; and He-brews 5:7 also demonstrate that Jesus and the Father are separate Persons.

Modem Day Miraculous Spiritual Gifts Proposition: The Scriptures teach that miraculous spiritual gifts, as in the days of the apostles, have ceased.

We agree that miracles were performed in the first century (Jn. 20:30-31), that God still has the power to work miracles today (Matt. 28:18), that God does answer prayer and work providentially today (Matt. 6:7,11,25-34), that Christians do receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 3:19,25,26; Gal. 3:14,27-29); and that amazing things happen today, but these are not miracles as occurred in the first century. The issue is: Are miraculous gifts as in the days of the apostles for all Christians today?

The apostles didn’t debate whether they could work miracles; they worked them! They came not in word only but in power (1 Thess. 1:5). Pentecostal preachers should do the same.

Not all gifts of God are miraculous (Eccl. 3:13; 5:19; Rom. 5:17; 6:23; 11:29-30; 1 Cor. 7:7-8; 2 Cor. 1:9-11; Jas. 1:17). Rather, miracles are “works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means.” Miraculous spiritual gifts of the first century are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and Mark 16:17-18. The Pentecostal position is like arguing that Christians today can cross the Red Sea in the same way Israel did in Exodus 14, while the Pentecostal actually crosses the Red Sea in a boat!

Miraculous gifts were not given to all Christians even in the first century. There is no evidence they were imparted to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39), Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:7-12), the believers in Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:48-49), Lydia (Acts 16:14-15), or the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:27-34).

There were things in the first century church, associated with miraculous spiritual gifts, that are not in the church on earth today. For example, there were apostles (Acts 1 & 2), the dead were raised (Acts 9 & 20), a false teacher was blinded (Acts 13), liars in the church were struck dead (Acts 5), apostles imparted spiritual gifts by the laying on of their hands (Acts 8 & 19), and miracles were performed to confirm the word they preached (Mk. 16:20; Acts 14:3; 1 Cor. 2:4; 2 Cor. 12:12). Let a Pentecostal preacher strike me blind, as Paul did Elymas, since he believes I am a false teacher.

God does not have to do over and over again things that have accomplished their purposes. Christ does not have to live his life again, Jesus need not work any more miracles, he need not die and be raised again, the apostles do not have to witness for him again, the Word of God does not have to be written again, the apostles do not have to work their miracles again, and the miraculous gifts of the Spirit do not need to continue. The signs Jesus worked during his life prove for all time to come that he is the Son of God, and they need no repetition (Jn. 20:30-31). Likewise, the Word has been confirmed for all time to come by the miraculous gifts of the Spirit (Heb. 2:3-4), and there is no need for them to be repeated.

A Pentecostal preacher need only work one genuine miracle and the discussion would be over. Different proofs are needed in different fields of inquiry. To demonstrate math ability requires math proof, to show scientific ability requires scientific proof, to prove historic ability requires historical proof, and to show miraculous ability requires miraculous proof. Without such proof, one’s claims are “like clouds and wind without rain” (Prov. 25:14).

Pentecostal preachers will not even work so much as one miracle “as in the days of the apostles.” Let one feed an audience with a few loaves of bread; turn water into wine; heal one who is obviously diseased, lame or blind; pick up a deadly snake; drink poison; strike me blind; raise the dead; or prophesy the future without fail.

Whose claims are we to accept? In addition to oneness Pentecostals, the pope, Joseph Smith, Ellen G. White, Mary Baker Eddy, Jim Bakker, Jim Jones, Oral Roberts, Benny Hinn, Earnest Angely, Robert Tilton, Jimmy Swaggart, ad infinitum all claim to have miraculous power, are unwilling and unable to prove these powers, say their miracles are genuine, preach creeds contrary to the others, and in reality have no miraculous power. We must try their claims and reject them (1 Jn. 4:1).

The difference between true miracle workers and false was always obvious. Consider Moses versus the Egyptian magicians (Exod. 7), Elijah against the prophets of Baal (1 Kgs. 18), Daniel versus the Chaldean wise men (Dan. 2,4,6), Philip versus Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9-11), and the apostles against the Jews (Acts 4:16; 19:13-17). Since Pentecostal debaters will not (cannot) work a miracle, why should we accept them over a Mormon?

Pentecostals equate being “filled with the Holy Spirit” and baptism with the Holy Spirit, but these two phenomena are not equivalent. Before baptism with the Holy Spirit was ever sent, Bezaleel was “filled with the Spirit of God” (Exod. 31:3) and Zacharias, Elizabeth and John were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Lk. 1:15,41,67). After baptism with the Holy Spirit was received in Acts 2, Peter, the brethren in Jerusalem, and Saul were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:8,31; 13:9) and Stephen was “full of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:55). Is this a second baptism with the Holy Spirit for each of them?

Baptism with the Holy Spirit was not necessary to and did not always precede miracles. Moses (Exodus-Deuteronomy), Elijah (1 Kings 17-2 Kings 2), Elisha (2 Kings 2-13), the seventy disciples sent out by Jesus (Lk. 10:1-20), and the twelve apostles of the Limited Commission (Matt. 10:1; Lk. 9:1-6) all worked miracles though they had not been baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Nor does having the Holy Spirit necessarily mean one can work miracles. Bezaleel (Exod. 31:3), Zacharias (Lk. 1:67), and Elizabeth (Lk. 1:41) all had the Holy Spirit, but none of them worked miracles. In fact, John the Baptist was “filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb” (Lk. 1:15), but he “did no miracle” (Jn. 10:41).

Miraculous gifts accompanied and demonstrated miraculous speaking, i.e., inspiration an. 14:26; 16:13; Matt. 10:19; Lk. 21:14-15). Do all Pentecostal preachers claim to be inspired?

The miraculous gifts also accompanied miraculous (inspired) writing (Eph. 3:3-5; 1 Cor. 14:37; Gal. 1:11-12, 16-20; Rom. 16:25-26; 2 Pet. 3:2,15-16; 1 Jn. 4:6; Jude 17). Do Pentecostal preachers believe the canon of Scripture is complete, or do they have some inspired writing to add to it?

James 5:14-16 deals with “the prayer of faith,” not with miracles. The passage does not teach that only certain sick are to be healed, that a Pentecostal preacher is to call for sick folks to come, that a Pentecostal preacher is to preach at the sick, that we are to pray for a miracle, or that we are to expect miraculous healing. It does teach all who are “sick among you” to “call for the elders of the church,” for the elders to “pray over” the sick, that the “prayer of faith shall save the sick,” and that “the Lord shall raise him up.” This harmonizes with James’ teaching on prayer earlier (1:5). We pray in faith for food (Matt. 6:11), but we work to receive it (Eph. 4:28); for wisdom (Jas. 1:5), but we study (2 Tim. 2:15); for deliverance from temptation (Matt. 6:13), but we must escape it (1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Tim. 6:9-11; 2 Tim. 2:22); for healing (Jas. 5:14-16), but we receive it by applying God’s good medicinal gifts to the body (Jas. 5:14; Lk. 10:33; 1 Tim. 5:23). In all this we pray, “Thy will be done” (Matt. 6:10).

The Bible specifically teaches the cessation of miraculous spiritual gifts. Paul taught that spiritual gifts were temporary and belonged to a time of partial knowledge and immaturity (1 Cor. 13:8-13). The purposes of these gifts  to reveal and confirm the word  have been fulfilled. And the means of obtaining them are no longer available, since Holy Spirit baptism has fulfilled its purpose as a sign, and the apostles’ work on earth has been fulfilled.

Zechariah prophesied that prophecy would cease (13:1-2). This cannot be a reference to false prophets, for they remain (13:3-4; 1 Jn. 4:1). Prophecy was to cease “in that day” (12:3-4,6,8,9; 13:1-2,4) when a fountain would be opened for sin (13:1), the Son would be pierced (12:10), he would receive wounds in his hands (13:6), and the shepherd would be smitten and the sheep scattered (13:7; Matt. 26:31).

Ephesians 4:11-14 is a prophecy that spiritual gifts would cease. They were to continue “till” we have “unity of the faith,” “knowledge of the Son of God,” and are “a perfect man,” “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” But the completed, written Word of God brings unity of the faith (Jude 3; Gal. 1:23) and knowledge of the Son (2 Pet. 1:3), makes each of us perfect (Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 3:16-17), like Christ in character (Col. 2:6-10; Gal. 1:7-8).

The foundation of a building only needs to be laid once. The foundation of the church is the “apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:20-22). Just as Jesus only had to come to this earth once and do his work to be the chief corner stone, we do not need apostles and prophets still on the earth. The foundation of God’s temple, the church, has been laid once and does not need to be laid again. The Pentecostal position on prophets in the church would have new foundations being laid over and over again.

Paul revealed the what, why and when of the duration of miraculous spiritual gifts (I Cor. 13:8-13). The what is miraculous gifts. The why is that they pertained to a time of partial knowledge. The when is “when that which is perfect is come.”

The only explanation of the terminology “the perfect” that makes sense in the context is complete knowledge, the fully revealed, recorded Word of God. The partial must have the same characteristics as the whole. The partial is knowledge. Therefore, the perfect (whole) is also knowledge. The Pentecostal explanation is that “the perfect” refers to the second coming of Christ. Applying this definition in context, this would demand a partial coming of Christ that pertained to the time of miraculous gifts and a perfect coming of Christ that would bring these to an end. Of course, this is nonsensical.

God’s Word, the completed revelation, has already come. It is “the perfect law of liberty” (Jas. 1:25) and “the faith once delivered” (Jude 3). It contains “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3) and makes the “man of God . . . perfect,” i.e., complete (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

This completed revelation, the Word of God, stands in contrast with the miraculous spiritual gifts by which it was revealed and confirmed. Whereas the miraculous gifts were to fail, cease, and vanish away (1 Cor. 13:8); God’s Word will not pass away (Matt. 24:35). They were for a time of partial knowledge (1 Cor. 13:9), but by the Word we have complete knowledge (2 Tim. 3:6-17; 2 Pet. 1:3). They pertained to a time of childish speaking and thinking which were to be put away (1 Cor. 13:11), whereas the Word of God provides maturity (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 5:12-6:5). The gifts were for a time when Christians saw darkly and knew in part (1 Cor. 13:12), but by the Word we may see clearly and know fully (Eph. 3:3-5; Rom. 16:25-26; Heb. 4:12). The miraculous spiritual gifts were not to abide (1 Cor. 13:13), but the Word of God abides forever (1 Pet. 1:23).

Those spiritual gifts have ceased because they have fulfilled their purposes. They were to enable the apostles to testify of Christ (Jn. 15:26-27; Acts 1:2-8), but that testimony has been completed (1 Jn. 1:1-4; Jn. 20:30-31). They were to reveal the Word of God On. 14:26; 16:13; Eph. 4:8-13), but the Word is fully revealed (2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 3). The miraculous gifts were to enable the apostles and prophets to write down the completed revelation and the completed revelation has been completely written (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rev. 22:18). They were to confirm the word (Mk. 16:14-20), and the Word has been confirmed (Heb. 2:1-4).

The miraculous spiritual gifts were given in only two ways, and both of these means of reception have ceased. They were imparted directly by Christ from heaven through the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the apostles (Acts 2), on the household of Cornelius (Acts 10), and perhaps on Saul of Tarsus (the apostle Paul) (2 Cor. 11:5; 12:12). Then they were imparted to other disciples by the laying on of the apostles’ hands (Acts 6:6-8; 8:17-18; 19:6; Rom. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:6). But Holy Spirit baptism, as a sign that the kingdom had come was fulfilled on the apostles (Acts 1:1-8; 2:32-33; 4:33; 2 Cor. 12:12), and as a sign that Gentiles are accepted into the kingdom was fulfilled on the house of Cornelius (Acts 15:8). There is now only one baptism (Eph. 4:5). There are no apostles left on the earth to impart spiritual gifts since none can meet the qualifications of an apostle, being an eye-witness of the risen Lord (Acts 1:21-22; 1 Cor. 12:12); and all the apostles have died (Matt. 19:28; Rev. 21:14). Thus, there is no way to receive miraculous spiritual gifts today.

Conclusion

I commend brother Greeson for his intense preparation and effective presentation. More than once during the debate Mr. Scheel was visibly shaken, frustrated, or angry. There are evident signs he realized Wayne Greeson’s arguments were prevailing. I hope that the seed of the kingdom has fallen on some good soil and will bring forth fruit to God’s glory.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 5 p. 21-24
March 2, 1995

By Donnie V. Rader

On October 21, 1994I had the privilege to interview Mrs. Irven (Otha) Lee. I had suggested to Mike Willis that, in light of some other material we were preparing on the role of women, an interview with a woman who has been active in the kingdom, yet within her role, would be helpful. It would show women (particularly younger women) that a woman can be effective in the kingdom of God without stepping out of the role God gave her. It would encourage other women to do the same.

First, some personal things about sister Lee and then the interview. Sister Lee is the widow of Irven Lee who died May 4, 1991 at the age of 76. She is now 79. She lives at 405 Crutcher Circle, Athens, AL 3561L Her two daughters, Judy (Mrs. Wayne Moore) and Sandra. (Mrs. Bob Waldron), are faithful servants of the Lord. Both sons-in-law are gospel preachers.

The Lees did their labors in the gospel primarily in the Southeast. They lived in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Most of their work was done in North Alabama. Brother Lee did more preaching in Limestone County, Alabama than any other place. They traveled in full-time meeting work (40 meetings a year) for four years.

Irven Lee helped start the Athens Bible School (Athens AL), one in Florence, AL and another in Chattanooga, TN.

Sister Lee is an active member of the Jackson Drive Church of Christ where she teaches two ladies classes and a private class.

Sister Lee has not and does not present herself in any way that would be questioned by others. In fact, she was embarrassed by doing this interview. It is obvious that she does not want to do anything that would leave any impression that she was even close to stepping out of her God-given role. Yet, she wants to be useful in the service of God. She refused a request to write an article about women for both Guardian of Truth and Christianity Magazine. Likewise, she refused to participate in one of the women’s seminars (a woman’s lectureship) because that would be “one step that leads to the next step.”

There are four sections to this interview.

 

1. Personal Spiritual Life

 

How did you first come to learn the gospel?

My mother was a very good Bible student. From an infant I’ve always heard the Bible stories. I never knew a time when I didn’t know the Bible stories. I was the sixth of seven children. By the time I came along, Mother was telling them to the older children. So, there was never a time when I didn’t hear them.

Through the years how have you approached your personal Bible study? It’s obvious that you have a greater Bible knowledge than the average woman.

At home, we read the Bible together from the time we were able to read  every night at bedtime. And, I grew up with a conscience that said if I haven’t read my Bible today, then I have sinned. So, daily Bible reading has always been my practice. To this day if for some reason I haven’t read any in the Bible I feel just as guilty as though I’ve committed some crime. Always that has been a part of my teaching.

Then, as I grew older, I began teaching children’s classes  as soon as I was old enough to do anything like that. I began to study for various lessons on my own. Starting very early teaching classes, there has been a particular class in mind almost always.

What have you done through the years to stay spiritually strong? What would you say to other women to help them be strong?

Marry a preacher, I suppose. I married a preacher who thought of one thing: the Bible. This is what he taught, thought and practiced all the time. Our conversation at home so much of the time was the Scriptures. And that has been so much a part of our life that I rarely have a telephone conversation or just a visit with one of my daughters that we don’t talk about it. This is what’s on our mind. We all are teaching classes all the time. Our lives have been centered around the church and the Bible. I haven’t known anything else in my life. That’s all there’s been.

What do you think may be the problem with so many

Christian women who feel so weak?

They are so busy. There are just so many distractions in our day. I didn’t have all those distractions. There is no time for one to study. The mother gets up in the morning and she must get her children off to school. And then there are their household duties. She has so many, many different duties that I think a lot of it is the times in which we live. We are just too busy with other things. And we let things of the world just crowd out the time for study. And I believe that is more a matter of time  that we’ve not allowed ourselves the time.

When you don’t have time, then you don’t meditate on the word. Therefore, your interest wanes. If you don’t have time to think about these things, then you don’t have time to practice any of it. And you naturally grow weak.

Then there’s an awful lot of lack of teaching our children in the homes and in the church. So, we’re not bringing up our young people with a knowledge. We are not implanting this in the home or in the church. So, to start with, our young ladies simply don’t know the Bible. Now, we’ve taken them to Bible classes. But, we’ve offered then little when they get there. Therefore, they just come through life knowing little. It is difficult to find a home in which the Bible is taught to the children. We’re allowing a generation to grow up without really knowing God. It’s like the generation that followed Joshua’s time. People were faithful during the days of Joshua and the elders that outlived Joshua. Then there arose a generation that didn’t know God because they hadn’t been taught. And that’s what’s wrong with our women today. They haven’t been taught.

 

1. Life As A Preacher’s Wife

 

How long were you married?

Fifty-five years.

How did you build a love that lasted 55 years? What’s the key?

Well, I never gave that any thought. We never considered divorce. Murder, yes, but not divorce. I married knowing this is for life. You’ve got to make the best of it  good or bad. This idea that people live together for 55 years and never have any cross words or disagreements  I think that’s foolish. If that’s true, there is one of them that has no mind of his own.

We were both interested in the same things. We were interested in spiritual things. It’s easier to build a life on spiritual values than it is on worldly things.

How would you describe your life as a preacher’s wife?

It isn’t an easy life. Preachers live in fish bowls. Every-thing you do, everything you say is under scrutiny. Everybody knows what’s going on in your home. You simply have to live with that in mind always. There’s no privacy in a preacher’s life actually. But, it can be a very rewarding life. I’m certainly thankful that I was married to a preacher. I am a much better person because of having lived with a preacher.

What advice would you give to a young wife whose husband is thinking about preaching?

Make up your mind to be content. I think one of the problems with preacher’s wives is that they cannot adjust to the lack of roots. There is not much chance to put down roots and have a real solid foundation under you. You have to learn to be content with what life metes out to you. So, you make up your mind . . . if Paul could learn to be content in all that he suffered, I can too.

I was accused one time of thinking that when Paul said, “whatsoever state I am in therein to be content” that he meant the state of the Union I am in  I’ll be therein content or in whatever situation of life I’ll be content.

And be a supporter of your husband’s work. Never criticize your husband to someone else. If he just makes a flop on a sermon sometime, you talk to him at home about it. But, don’t dare talk to somebody else that you think he just flopped tonight. Completely support him. It’s some-times hard, but it can be done.

How did you contribute to brother Lee’s work as a preacher?

I think one of the greatest things I did for him was just helping him in his speaking. He had the knowledge. In school he majored in math and science. He didn’t know what sentence construction meant. He said, “If you don’t know English, the best thing to do is to marry an English major.” So, when we first married he said, “I know I don’t use good grammar. I don’t use good sentence structure. Will you help me in that?” So, his having asked me to do it, then I was perfectly free to point out any of his mistakes.

I worked with him on his oral speaking. Then, when he began his writing, he knew nothing about writing. But, he knew what he wanted to say. So, I would take what he wanted to say and help him put it into the proper words.

What about later in life as he preached, other than encouragement, were there other things you did that you felt contributed to his success in his work?

I kept the home fifes burning to relieve him of as many of the home duties as I could to give him full-time to preaching. I was the one that kept the things running at home. That’s an important part because his mind was so absorbed with his work. And he did so much preaching that he didn’t have time for the things at home. Well, I never expected him to do those things. That was my work. And I relieved him of as much of it as I could.

How have you adjusted to being a widow?

Simply making up my mind  I will be content. Now, it has been terribly hard. The first summer I just think of it as that terrible summer. But, it was a matter of “I will do it. Others have done it. I can.” It has been just sheer determination. I’m not going to be miserable the rest of my life. He would not have wanted me to spend. my life grieving. I’m not going to. And I have wrapped myself completely in my classes.

III. Role As A Mother

Was raising your children in a preacher’s family more difficult than for other mothers?

I’ve been told many times that is more difficult. Now, I don’t know. I’ve never tried any other situation. But, I had only daughters and very obedient daughters. They were both easily trained. I never had big problems. My little girls and I spent 24 hours a day together. We were talking together. We were doing things together. I taught them deep respect for their father. What he says  this is law. This is order. I taught them that they must keep in mind that your father is in the public. The world sees everything that he does. Whatever you do is going to reflect on him. Therefore, you live a model life so that your life doesn’t reflect on his work.

What would you tell a man and his wife or a mother about raising children? What kind of advice would you give to a young couple starting a family?

Keep a close, close relationship with them. Start early teaching them Bible stories. The constant association with your children I think is such an important thing. Don’t ever let them get out from under your influence. Know what your children are doing. Know always where your children are. And let them know always where you are. So there is constant communication.

How have you been successful in passing the gospel on to your children?

They just never knew anything else. I brought them up the way I was brought up. They don’t know when they started hearing these stories. They were too young. And then just constant, constant talking. There was never time for other things. Sandra used to say, “Children say, ‘I don’t have anything to do.’ When do they have time to look for something to do?” Our time was so full. We went to so many services in which my husband preached.

How does the family unit differ from earlier days?

There is no unity now. Each one goes his own separate way. There is so little home life. Very few families actually sit down together and eat meals together. They are so busy in the morning. Half the families don’t even eat breakfast. If they do, they just eat it on the run. There is no social life in the family. There is no visiting together. This one doesn’t know what that one is doing.

And, families are so separated now that we’ve lost the influence of the older generation on the younger ones.

They are not together.

What’s your perception of the day-care centers?

I have very, very little use for the average day-care center. It is a necessary part of our modem society, I suppose. But, there is a grave danger in it. The children end up not even knowing their own parents. And since they don’t know their parents, their parents don’t know them. They are closer to the one who cares for them in the day care centers than they are their parents. But, I’m not qualified to actually talk about them because I don’t know much about them. But, I’m just seeing some of the product that comes out. I appreciate godly women who keep children in their homes and are trying to influence some for good. But, I think the average day-care center is a detriment to the family.

What guidelines would you give parents with teen-agers entering the dating years?

That’s such a bad time. If they have waited until they are teen-agers and ready to date before they do much instructing on the matter, well they’ve waited entirely too late. The instruction on dating should start when they are old enough to know anything at all. Children should be taught, “Now you’re going to be Christians and you must associate, as near as possible, with Christians. And, you are to marry Christians.” Now, that doesn’t guarantee in our modem society that they will have good homes all their lives, because we’re seeing so many Christian homes breaking up. But, if you start off with too many strikes against you, why it’s hard to deal with . . . the more you have in common  the better.

My mother always said you’re not going to marry one that you never date. Therefore, you date only one that there would be no sin in your marrying. You cannot date one who has been married. In fact, she had married out of the church. She knew the heartaches connected with that. She absolutely forbade one of her daughters to date a non-Christian.

IV. Role Of Women

What changes have you seen in the role of women through the years?

This just feeling like “I want to be more a part of things. This home life is not for me. I don’t want to be tied down in the home. I want a job. I want a career.”

And, its the wanting to get away from what our poor mothers had to do: “Our poor mothers were just tied down at home. They didn’t have the opportunities that I have, so they missed out on so many things. And, I want something better. I don’t know why I ought to have to do everything at home. My husband is just as capable of doing those things as I am. Why shouldn’t he take his share of the work in the house? Why are some things women’s work? Why does he think that I have to cook the meals and wash the dishes? Why can’t he do those things? Why do I have to do all the care for the children? They are just as much his as they are mine.”

I think we are forgetting the importance of being women. We’ve forgotten that a woman was the crowning act of God’s creation. We’ve forgotten that God honored the woman as a woman. And, we think that the only way that we can be of any importance is to get out here and do what the men are doing. This submissive role that we are told we must observe  that is so repulsive! We have failed to teach our children to be ladies and that there is an honor in being a woman.

And now, instead of giving our little girls baby dolls to play with, we give them Barbie dolls. We give them the teenagers. And we teach them to keep the hair of their dolls. We teach them that this Barbie doll now has a career. And we’ve forgotten the little baby doll that has to be babied and petted and put to bed at night and kissed and loved. We’re not teaching them to be mothers. We’re not teaching them to love little children.

How do you view subjection to a man? Did you ever view that as being inferior?

Oh no! It’s so wonderful to have somebody make the decisions. My husband was the public one. He took care of me. He provided for me. I didn’t have to make those major decisions. The submission was simple  I had somebody to take care of me. To be submissive has been such a wonderful thing for me.

How do you respond to those women who act as if there is nothing they can do in the church?

I’d say that you have a private role. You can teach your children. You can teach your friends. But, your work is not the public work. Why should you want it to be? I can’t understand women wanting it  women in business meetings. Why on earth would a woman want to be there? Why do you want the public life? In your private life you can do an awful lot of teaching.

Why do you think women are wanting to teach men and be in business meetings, etc.?

I think it’s the influence of the women’s liberation movement that Christian women have unconsciously al-lowed to creep into their lives. They are hearing it on every side. Everything is geared to that now. Our young people are hearing this in the school, on the radio and on television that the woman must fulfill her potential  that she is just as capable as the man. So, she must fulfill her potential. In so many cases, the women have more Bible knowledge because they’ve had more time to spend in Bible study. They think, “If I’ve got more Bible knowledge why shouldn’t I get up here and teach these men?”

I think it is the woman’s liberation movement. We’ve been so influenced even in the church beyond what we’d like to admit.

What kind of things have you done in the kingdom or the service of the Lord?

Of course, you know about my little Bible story books. I wrote them when my children were the age for them. I wrote them as a challenge. I told my husband, “There are no Bible stories books for children that are worth reading.” My husband then said, “Write something.”

Then, I began teaching the classes. The classes have been the main things that I have contributed to the work, whatever value they have been. I taught children’s classes until I was middle age. There is nothing I enjoy more now than teaching ladies classes. I’ve taught various kinds. The kind I like to teach is simply teaching Bible topics or teaching the book of John, the book of Acts, etc. I’ve done a lot of teaching on the role of women in the home and the godly woman. Last year in the Vacation Bible School I took a different approach and taught a series of lessons on the “Ungodly Woman And Her Deadly Influence.” That was very effective I felt. My classes have been strictly Bible.

Comment on the kind of things you did while brother Lee traveled in meetings. I understand you taught some classes.

Yes, I did often do that. I would often have, during the week, five lessons for women. In many of these classes I did teach on the home.

Did you help with the Use Your Bible series?

No, I did not. Now, I wrote some workbooks for women. They were just O.T. women and N.T. women. They were introductions and questions.

What kind of things can a woman do in the kingdom without violating the role that God has given her?

Aside from her teaching, there is hospitality to be extended. That’s a very important part in a woman’s work of opening her home to others and inviting in and being available in cases of sickness. Being there in case of a young woman’s sickness  being able to care for her children for her. Providing food. Just being there when a friend is in trouble. Be available for encouragement to others.

Why do you think we have less hospitality among the brethren than in times past?

We’re too busy. So many of the problems that are in the church today are simply because we’re living in an age when everybody is so busy. There is the breakdown in the family unit so that the family itself doesn’t eat together. Therefore, we don’t invite visitors in. It is too great an effort to fix a meal in the house. So if we invite someone, we more often take him to a restaurant. So we lose this sense of hospitality. We have just forgotten how much encouragement there is to the family itself in having someone in your home.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 5 p. 16-19
March 2, 1995

By Alan Roskos

My purpose is to help young people realize the blessing the five acts of worship are to them. Many children and teenagers seem to think of the worship service as dull or boring. Usually, during the sermon, there is even someone asleep who should be listening. Hopefully, this article will help us all to participate in the worship service in a productive way.

I would like to emphasize here the importance of the worship service over all other activities. If you have a big test Thursday, and you think you have to study for it and miss church service Wednesday night, you are wrong. God’s worship service should come before any other activities.

If you view the worship service of the Lord as boring, you need to change your ways, not change God’s plan. I find that if I am tired, I tend to get bored. So be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before. Also, I find that if I pay my full attention to what is going on, I become a lot less bored. Keep in mind that this is the worship service of God, not just some boring ritual we go through three times a week. The more you learn about God’s plan of salvation, the better chance you have of making it to heaven.

Singing

Singing is a good way to show your love to the Lord. If you just sit there with your mouth open and only a little sound coming out, that is not a very good way to show your love to God. Sing with feeling. I am sure it makes God very proud (Eph. 5:19). If you sing and understand what you are singing, it becomes less boring (1 Cor. 14:15,19). God probably will not think much of it if you just make noise come out of your mouth. By singing loudly, clearly, and with your heart (no matter how off key you are), you can teach yourself and others, and set a good example (Col. 3:16-17). When I am depressed or sad, singing praises to the Lord helps me feel better. Also, when I am happy, it makes me feel like singing to God (Ja. 5:13). So please apply this to your life and take part of the bore out of worship.

Prayer

As you know, prayer is talking to God. That, in itself, should spark you enough to view prayer as a blessing. Talking to God comforts me. He will listen to all your troubles (1 Pet. 5:5).

During a prayer in worship service, you should follow along in your mind. After all, all the man at the front of the building is doing is leading our minds in prayer. If you would like to read a biblical example of a good prayer, please turn to Matthew 6:9-13. This is Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and he is telling us how we should pray. You should always remember that when you ask for something, or ask for God to help you to do something, to be sure to know that it is his will that will be done. It is also very important to remember to ask him to forgive you of your sins. If you are having trouble with worldly temptations or influences, ask him to guide you. Also remember to thank him for your blessings.

Always remember to pray as many times as you can (1 Thess. 5:17). I am not telling you a certain schedule or that there is a certain number of times you must pray a day. Use your own judgment. You must also remember that it is through Jesus’ name you are praying. If Jesus had not come down to earth to die for our sins, we would not be able to pray to God. Do not worry about whether or not God will hear your prayers. If you are faithful to him, he will (Jn. 14:13).

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s supper should certainly not be a bore to you. It is a very important part of the worship service (1 Cor. 11:23-26). The bread that we break every first day of the week symbolizes Christ’s body that was broken for us. Likewise, the fruit of the vine that we drink symbolizes the blood that was shed on the cross (1 Cor. 10:16). It is a time to meditate upon the sacrifice both God and Christ made so that we could go to heaven. Sometimes, my mind has a tendency to stray off and think about other things.

I will work on it, and I hope that you will refrain yourself from the same mistake. Never forget how important this part of our worship is.

The Contribution

Another important aspect of worship is the contribution. You and your family’s contribution is to the Lord, to carry out the work of the church. Be careful that you do not regret what you give to the Lord (2 Cor. 9:7). It is used to improve your local church’s work, which should take away the grudging feeling you may have. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 commands us to “lay by him in store as he may prosper.” That means that if your family has more money than the average family, you should give more than the average person. On the other hand, if your family has less than the average family, God does not expect you to give as much. God very much appreciates it if you give a little more than usual (Rom. 12:8). It shows him that you are glad to help the work of the church.

Gospel Preaching

The final aspect of worship is preaching and teaching the Word. The sermon is perhaps the most likely time for some people to become bored. When you pay close attention to what the preacher is saying and follow along in your Bible, you will be less likely to become bored. Also, do not let what the preacher says roll right out of your head as soon as you leave the building. Try to apply it to your everyday life. All Christians are commanded to “teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). Learning more about God’s Word will give you a much better opportunity to reach heaven.

Also, you should take what is said in the sermon and teach it to others. That is all part of God’s marvelous plan to spread the gospel all over the world (Matt. 28:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:2). All Christians should teach people, whomever they can, whenever they can. Do not be afraid to point out people’s mistakes. If you care about their soul, you will do it. However, you must be patient with your students. You need to tell them exactly what the Bible says, not just what they want to hear. If you do tell them what they want to hear, they may turn away from the gospel of Christ (2 Tim. 2:2-4).Therefore, in all things, set a good example as Paul reminded Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12.

As I told you in the beginning, always put the worship service before any other activities. You will find time to do other things later.

In conclusion, I would like to remind you that the five aspects of worship (singing, praying, the Lord’s supper, the contribution, and preaching and teaching) are a blessing to you, not a bore. Try to remember this and remember how important it is to do what God says (Rev. 22:14). Hopefully, this article will help people of all ages, not just the young people.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 6 p. 5-6
March 16, 1995