| JOHN WADDEY, EDITOR
Published by the Church of Christ, 12213 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374 Volume 1, Number 9
May 1, 2002 |
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Table of Contents: 1. POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERALS
Liberals resent being bound by the authority of a written code. In our country, liberals tell us our Constitution was never meant to be a permanent, unchanging code. To them it is fluid and should be reinterpreted by each generation as circumstances and conditions change. Of course they reserve this right of reinterpretation to themselves. Religious liberals are no different. To them the Bible is not a book containing the commandments of God. It is a "love letter" from Him to us. They have invented a "new hermeneutic" to allow themselves to avoid acknowledging his written commands.
Liberals have very little love for their country. They watch for every opportunity to criticize their homeland and to magnify every flaw. They have no respect for the heroes of the past. They prefer heroes of their own ilk. They interpret even noble deeds of patriots in the darkest light. On the other hand they have glowing praise for our enemies and can overlook any wrongs they many commit. In religion, liberals despise the church of which they are members. Every flaw is magnified. They are harsh in their criticism of the great preachers and teachers of the past. Contempt is exhibited towards the writings and accomplishments of the past. But they love denominational teachers. They can see only good in other religious bodies, no matter how far removed they are from the church Jesus built.
Liberals are usually elitists who are bred and fledged in the halls of academia which their progenitors usually control. Their elitism is manifested toward those who do not share their philosophy, especially those with lesser academic credentials. In religion, the situation is identical. From colleges and universities, dominated by liberal administrators and professors, graduates, thoroughly indoctrinated in liberalism, are sent forth to fill the pulpits of our churches. It is safe to say that in the absence of the liberal "Christian" universities, there would be little or no liberalism plaguing God's church.
Liberals rarely identify themselves until they are confident of their hold on power. We have seen judges appointed who were thought to be conservative in their reading of the Constitution. Later they were discovered to be unabashed liberals. Politicians also often sail under false flags to win the votes of those who would never vote for a liberal. In religion the parallel is evident. A liberal preacher will conceal his views when applying for a lucrative pulpit position or a teaching post in a Christian school. Quietly and carefully he will begin sowing his seeds of doubt and rallying converts for the day when he can assert his influence openly.
Liberals rarely build institutions. They much prefer to move in and capture those built by the sacrificial work and finances of conservatives. A look at the universities of our nation will aptly demonstrate this fact. So in religion, liberals don't establish churches, build buildings or establish schools. Their method is to take over those built by conservative Christians and turn them to their own purposes.
Theses parallels could be extended but the analogy is obvious to those with eyes to see. Jesus warns us to "beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves..." (Matt. 7:15).
May those who lead God's church and the schools among us be wise and watchful and keep the gates secure against men whose approach to Christianity is based on human philosophy rather than the Word of God. JHW  |
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2. HEROES WHO PAVED THE WAY # 2
Churches of Christ are scattered across the nation and around the world because dedicated men of God devoted their lives to evangelizing and planting churches in days past. It has been my privilege to know many of these soldiers of the cross whose memory is blessed. We are indebted to them inasmuch as they cleared the path over which we now travel. They helped to removed the obstacles and build the bridges we now use. Lest we forget them and the contributions they made, I share with you a few brief memories of them. - Marshal Keeble was the greatest preacher among our Black brethren. A child of former slaves, he grew up in poverty and with limited education, yet he became a highly capable preacher of God's Word, leading upwards of 20,000 to the Lord. He helped plant over 400 congregations across the nation. He founded and directed Nashville Christian Institute that trained and sent forth hundreds of leaders for African-American churches. His humility was as legendary as his preaching.
- J. C. Bailey was a Canadian and spent most of his preaching years in his home country. Many of our congregations in Canada owe their beginning to his labors. At age 68 he went to India and God crowned his final labors with success he could have never dreamed of. It is estimated by some that as many as 100,000 turned to Christ through that old man's labors. He continued to visit India until he was in his 80s.
- Jim Massey was a missionary. He spent many years in Nigeria and led several campaign groups to that and other foreign lands. Jim was a gifted writer, a tireless worker and utterly fearless. Thousands will be in heaven because of his labors. He taught for many years at International Bible College in Florence, AL. He blessed a generation who knew him.
- Bob Hare went to Germany with Otis Gatewood following WWII. Most of his adult life was spent working there and in Eastern Europe. He was brave beyond words, risking his freedom and even his life, to smuggle Bibles to the slaves of Communism and to preach the saving gospel to them. Our many churches in Eastern Church sprang from the work of Bro. Hare.
- John Hardin was a longtime missionary to South Africa. He went first, to assist the preachers who were laboring there, but emerged as a leader of the workers in that nation. He taught and trained young preachers and planted churches throughout southern Africa.
- Ira North preached for the largest church among us, the Madison church near Nashville. God gave him uncommon ability to organize, plan and accomplish great things for Jesus. At his death he left behind a flourishing child-care home, a home for elderly Christians, a Christian Camp, a nationwide T.V. ministry and a congregation of some 6,000. For years he taught at David Lipscomb College and for a while edited the Gospel Advocate. He loved the church and held fast to the faith. He knew you could have a flourishing church and still be faithful to the teaching of Christ.
All of these heroes of the faith lived and served under the conviction that Christ has only one church. They believed that we were God's people and were not ashamed to preach that all who were saved would be part of the church of Christ. They believed that all things we believe and do must be anchored in the authority of the New Testament of Christ. They all believed that it was our sacred duty to commune each Lord's Day and to sing our hymns without instrumental accompaniment. They were willing to stand alone rather than compromise with denominational error. They loved the brotherhood. They cherished the memory of those who went before us. "Their works do follow them" (Rev. 14:13). We are their debtors. May we be worthy of the bequest they left us. JHW |
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3. SERMONS AND CLASS LECTURES
Each week the editor's sermons and classes are recorded. These recordings make a useful library of lessons on a wide range of Biblical topics. Series of lessons include: The Miracles, The Parables, The Names of God, Women of the Bible, Seven Deadly Sins and Cardinal Virtues, The Roots of Our Faith, The One Chapter Books of the Bible and Great Chapters of the Bible. Lessons on each of the Psalms are preserved, also the Book of Proverbs, Job, Daniel and the Minor Prophets. New Testament studies include the Books of James, Revelation, Luke and Acts. Recordings are available for $1.50 each, including postage. Write for a complete list of topics. Utilize this valuable library of Bible studies and tell others about it. The Word of God is like a seed. In it is life and power to produce faith.
If you find any of our articles useful and would like to reproduce them for your local use, you have our permission to do so. If you would like to see this little paper sent to more of our church leaders, let us hear from you.
We would welcome the fellowship of individuals and churches who would like to help us circulate it more widely. Bundles may be ordered for churches @ $2.50 per dozen. For more articles on a wide variety of subjects visit our website
@ www.christianity-then-and-now.com JHW |
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4. RAISING CHILDREN RIGHT IN A WORLD OF WRONG
Peter pictures Christians as sojourners and pilgrims traveling through an evil and hostile world toward their heavenly home (I Pet. 2:11). Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). The fact remains that in this corrupt world we must spend all the days of our mortal lives and here we must raise our children (I Cor. 5:10). There is no denying that steering youngsters safely through adolescence and into a stable Christian adulthood is more difficult than in days gone by. The corrupting influence of movies, television and the entertainment industry is pervasive. In days past, parents received lots of help from public schools in molding and shaping the moral character of their offspring. Now that public education has been commandeered by powerful anti-Christian forces, that help is forever gone.
Worse, the educational system is used to weaken and marginalize their faith and to promote secular values and behavior. What can parents do?
The church is parents' best ally in this contest for the souls of their children. Being a volunteer community, the church can assist only those parents who will accept and utilize what she has to offer. Children are molded and shaped by participating in worship and hearing God's Word taught.
They are influenced even more by regular participation in well-taught Bible classes. They are helped by association with other young people who are under Christian influence. Participation in Christian youth activities and fellowship offsets the pressure of their non-Christian peers.
Since the earthly happiness and success and the eternal well-being of your children are at stake, it is worth while to consider alternative education.
Christian schools are a blessing if you can afford them. Home schooling is a possible option. In these realms your children can receive a basic education plus moral and spiritual instruction in a wholesome environment.
Perhaps the most useful training is what parents provide in the home environment. Make it part of your family's daily routine to turn off the TV and sit down together to train up your child in the way he should go (Prov. 22:6). Read a portion of Scripture out loud and then briefly discuss its meaning and application. If your kids are small, use a Children's Bible Story Book such as Hurlburt's Story of the Bible or Egermeirs' Bible Story Book. For devotionals, a basic modern speech translation will be more understandable for children. Other tremendous tools are The Book of Virtues and The Moral Compass edited by William J. Bennett. Every family should have and use these priceless volumes in educating their children. Read a selection or two and discuss them. Review them from time to time. If a problem has arisen during the day, go back to an appropriate story or poem and use it to address the matter. Always close your session with a family prayer. This. with grace at each meal is an essential part of a child's moral shaping. Be consistent in this regimen. Let nothing interfere. You will never regret the time invested. The results will be reflected in the moral and spiritual strength of your children. It will also bring joy to your heart now and forever. JHW |
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5. LORD'S DAY OR SABBATH DAY?
Sunday is the Christian day of worship. A careful study of the Bible shows (1) that the seventh day Sabbath was given only to the Hebrews (Deut. 5:2-15). It was given abut 1450 B.C. when God delivered them from Egypt. (2). The Sabbath was part of the Ten Commandments of Moses Law. The New Testament tells us the Law of Moses, with those Commandments, was abolished by Christ in his death (Eph. 2:14-15; Col. 2:14-16).
Why the First Day is Our Day of Worship: - Christ was resurrected "on the first day of the week" (Mk. 16:9).
- On the first day He taught two disciples on the way to Emmaus (Lk. 24:1-13-27).
- After His resurrection, He twice met with the apostles and blessed them on the first day (John 20:19-26).
- The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and empowered them on the Day of Pentecost which always came of the first day of the week (Acts 2:1-4; Lev. 23:15-16).
- The first sermon proclaiming Christ as the resurrected Lord was preached on Pentecost.
- Jews who had rejected Christ, accepted him and were baptized on Pentecost Sunday.
- The church was established, thus the Christian age began that day.
- The New Covenant of Christ went into effect.
- The early church worshipped, communed and gave their offerings on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; I Cor. 16:1-2)
- Early Christian writers such as Barnabas, Ignatius and Justin Martyr of the second century, tell us they worshipped on the first day of the week.
Acceptable worship must be offered in faith. "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23). But faith comes from hearing the word of Christ (Rom.10:17). The word of Christ nowhere instructs us to observe the Sabbath, but it does teach us to worship him on the first day of the week. God said, "This is my beloved son... hear ye him" (Matt. 17:5). Faithful Christians obey Christ by worshiping Him on the First Day. JHW |
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6. MODESTY, A MARK OF A TRUE CHRISTIAN
Paul wrote the Philippians, "Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Phil. 1:27). The most impressive part of our Christian profession is the way we live the gospel in our daily lives. The world is neither blind nor stupid. A few hours of observation will reveal whether we are truly Christ-like or just pretenders. One virtue that God expects of us, and the world quickly discerns, is modesty. Paul wrote that Christian women should "adorn themselves in modest apparel..." (I Tim. 2:9). Webster defines modest as follows, "placing a moderate estimate on one's abilities or worth, observing the proprieties of dress and worth, unpretentious." Modesty is defined as, "freedom from conceit or vanity, propriety in dress, speech or conduct." Thus we see that modesty is expressed in many areas of life. - Christians should be modest in the apparel they wear in public. Modest apparel is not sexually suggestive or provocative, nor is it extravagant. Clothes were given to cover our nakedness (Ex. 28:42), not to invite lustful eyes to indulged themselves. Sinners of the world have no sense of shame when they expose themselves before others. Let that not be true of God's people. Paul's exhortation to modesty in I Tim 2 includes avoiding excessively lavish adornment which is not becoming to those professing godliness (vs.10).
- We must be modest in speech. This means not given to exaggeration, boisterousness and free from filthy talk and swearing. (Eph. 4:29; 5:4).
- We must be modest in the used of our wealth. We are not to lay up our treasure on this earth but in heaven (Matt. 6:19-20). We must not use our possessions to make some vain social statement or to intimidate and shame those not so fortunate. God gives us wealth not only for our selves but so that we can help those in need (Eph. 4:28) and support the good works of His kingdom (I Tim 6:17-18).
- We must be modest in our general conduct. Paul says, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Cor. 10:31). A Christian's conduct should always be within the bounds of propriety; not outlandish and shameless. Paul describes our life style as one of tranquility, quietness and gravity (I Tim. 2:2). We can enjoy things that are recreational, pleasant and joyful, but not outrageous. A good definition of the modest lifestyle of the Christian is seen in Phil. 4:8, ‘Whatsoever things are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely of good report...if there be any virtue... think on these things."
- Especially should we Christians be modest in our behavior with those of the opposite sex. Our society is obsessed and awash in things that promote illicit sexual activity. Television, movies, magazines, advertising, music, entertainment all flourish by exploiting and promoting conduct which is immodest and immoral. Of course Satan is the instigator behind all of this erosion of moral and social values. We Christians are not immune to these solicitations to sin. We must therefore ever be on guard lest we fall victim to his strategies (Matt. 5:27-28).
- The meaning of "modesty" for the Christian is summed up in the words of our hymn: "Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me." When your neighbor sees you, can he or she see that holy beauty? JHW
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7. AN ABSCESS IN THE BODY
If you ever had an abscess you know that it is a serious medical condition that can cause much pain and general debilitation of the body. An abscess is a pocket of poison or corruption within the body. It has to be treated and gotten rid of if the person is to ever enjoy good health. Sometimes in the spiritual body of the church an abscess appears.
This abscess is a member whose teaching, life or conduct is so contrary to the Scripture that it poisons and weakens the entire body. If the congregation is to reach its full potential, the abscess has to be successfully treated or removed from the church body. Thus Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, "Put away the wicked man from among yourselves" (I Cor. 5:13). JHW |
