The most wanted terrorist in the world is now gone. The man who masterminded the 9/11 attacks, who gave evil inspiration to al Qaeda, is history. U. S. elite troops did the job they are trained to do, and in turn secured a huge victory in the ongoing global war against the terrorist organization.
Reaction to the news, announced first by the media and then the President, was immediate. People took to the streets (and their computers) and celebrated this achievement. Meanwhile, others reacted less favorably. Brothers and sisters in Christ, disturbed by the videos of throngs of folks chanting "U-S-A, U-S-A!", gave vent to their misgivings. Old Testament passages were cited, indicating that God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Further passages were quoted which seemed to condemn people for celebrating.
How SHOULD we respond?
Well, allow me to give my personal take on all of this. Adolf Hitler murdered millions of Jews and gypsies, as well as many other groups. He ignited World War II. His evil philosophy (and that is what it was, EVIL), if left unchecked, would have enslaved the entire world (and that is EXACTLY what he had in mind, according to previously unreleased Nazi documents).
Josef Stalin butchered somewhere between 12-20 million of his own people in the years PRIOR to World War II. He terrorized countless millions of others. All of this was in service to a godless philosophy--communism--which was started by Karl Marx and perpetuated at first by Vladimir Lenin. Both of those individuals detested religion, as did Hitler.
Mao Tse Tung held China in an iron grip, launching first the "Great Leap Forward" and then the "Cultural Revolution," during which millions of innocent Chinese were slaughtered. Mao himself was not bothered at all by the genocide, since he believed in it being done for the "greater good."
Then, there is bin Laden. He claimed to be a "spiritual leader;" yet, he had no qualms about ordering multiple attacks, over a 15 year period, against the West. He was violently opposed to the God of the Bible, Christ, and Christianity. He also had no problem with killing people within his own religion of Islam. If bin Laden had been in control of a country, his death toll likely would have rivaled Mao's, at the least.
I have said all of that to make these few points. FIRST, bin Laden was an evil man. So, I am more than a bit dismayed when some of my brethren try to compare him with the apostle Paul. Yes, Paul persecuted Christians to the death; yes, he was converted to the Truth by Ananias (Acts 22:16). Yet, there are significant differences. Paul, unlike bin Laden, believed in the God of the Hebrew Scriptures, not "Allah." Unlike bin Laden, Paul did not orchestrate a mass attack against heavily populated areas. Unlike bin Laden, Paul "lived in all good conscience before God" (Acts 23:1). His heart could be touched. And, it took a miraculous appearance of Christ to get Paul's attention and convince him he was wrong. Paul was not evil; he simply did not know the truth. Bin Laden cast open contempt upon the foundation truths of Christianity.
SECOND, Romans 13:1-4 is a much forgotten passage of Scripture. It reads: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." Was bin Laden evil? Of course he was. The U. S. military did what it had to do--and, our country is that much safer as a result.
THIRD, I continue to think about the celebrations that took place after Hitler died and World War II ended. Were those people wrong in celebrating? Yes, I know the current war is not over; but, a significant victory has been achieved. It is quite natural for a weary nation to be exuberant in the fact that one of its avowed enemies is gone. When my late grandfather, John DeLenne, came home from Europe in 1945, he was tired of war. Yet, he was happy that we had won. And, he had no problems with celebrating. Grandpa served faithfully as an elder for over 50 years until his passing. He knew how evil Hitler was. He also had no problem, after 9/11, with going after al Qaeda and bin Laden.
A friend of mine posed this question: "Who is to say that this matter wasn't in the realm of the providence of God? Where is rejoicing condemned when justice is served?" Indeed. My direct ancestors, who fought in every war from the Revolution to Korea, served their country--and some even died for it. The families of those who lost loved ones during 9/11 now know some measure of relief that the maniac who ordered those deaths is now gone. Let us not defend a terrorist; let us get about the business, rather, of preaching the Truth--and allow the "higher powers" to take care of the evildoers. As Americans--and as Christians--we can rejoice when good triumphs. In this case, there is NO DOUBT.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Saturday, October 30, 2010
"He, Being Dead, Yet Speaketh"
A few days ago, brother Jerry Jenkins went home to be with the Lord. His two sons, Jeff and Dale, preached his funeral and did a tremendous job. Being a preacher's son, I felt especially close to them as they progressed through the service. Their stories about their experiences with their Dad rang clear and true with me. I have had similar experiences, and found myself nodding, smiling, and even laughing.
What really struck me, though, is the extraordinary impact this one man has had and is still having on so many lives in so many ways. He preached for one congregation--Woodlawn/Roebuck Parkway--for 44 years. During that time he also preached on the longest running religious television broadcast in Birmingham, Alabama--The Living Word. He was heavily involved in Freed-Hardeman University, Jefferson Christian Academy, Rainbow Omega, and Maywood Christian Camp. He was involved in countless thousands of Bible studies locally, and did regular mission work in the country of Belize. He was a mentor to numerous Gospel preachers, and baptized countless thousands of souls.
As I stood and listened to the words that Jeff and Dale spoke in memory of their father, I could not help but think about my life in comparison. What have I done with the short time I have been given? James wrote, "For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14).
The Gospel is indeed for all people. Jerry Jenkins understood that; his brother, Dan, who led the singing at the service so beautifully, also possesses that same sense of urgency. Both Jeff and Dale have taken the lessons taught by Jerry to heart, and are very successful for the Lord's kingdom where they preach (Jeff in Texas, Dale in Tennessee).
As the service ended, I was filled with a renewed sense of zeal and enthusiasm to do the Lord's work. Jerry Jenkins was just one man. But, what a man he was! As you read these words, you may think you are just one person. However, God has given you abilities He has given no one else. How are you using those abilities? Let us resolve right here--right now--to dedicate the rest of our lives to the Lord's kingdom!
What really struck me, though, is the extraordinary impact this one man has had and is still having on so many lives in so many ways. He preached for one congregation--Woodlawn/Roebuck Parkway--for 44 years. During that time he also preached on the longest running religious television broadcast in Birmingham, Alabama--The Living Word. He was heavily involved in Freed-Hardeman University, Jefferson Christian Academy, Rainbow Omega, and Maywood Christian Camp. He was involved in countless thousands of Bible studies locally, and did regular mission work in the country of Belize. He was a mentor to numerous Gospel preachers, and baptized countless thousands of souls.
As I stood and listened to the words that Jeff and Dale spoke in memory of their father, I could not help but think about my life in comparison. What have I done with the short time I have been given? James wrote, "For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14).
The Gospel is indeed for all people. Jerry Jenkins understood that; his brother, Dan, who led the singing at the service so beautifully, also possesses that same sense of urgency. Both Jeff and Dale have taken the lessons taught by Jerry to heart, and are very successful for the Lord's kingdom where they preach (Jeff in Texas, Dale in Tennessee).
As the service ended, I was filled with a renewed sense of zeal and enthusiasm to do the Lord's work. Jerry Jenkins was just one man. But, what a man he was! As you read these words, you may think you are just one person. However, God has given you abilities He has given no one else. How are you using those abilities? Let us resolve right here--right now--to dedicate the rest of our lives to the Lord's kingdom!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
TEBOW AND THE TRUTH
For the past four years, fans of college football have been fascinated with Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the University of Florida. One reason for this is his unashamed profession of his religious convictions. Written on the eyeblack that he wears in each game is a Scripture reference. His moral life, by all accounts, is exemplary. He is a very nice and articulate young man, who comes from a very close knit family. He is involved in regular mission trips overseas, and assists in helping those who are in need.
In most of the articles that have been written about Tim Tebow, all of the above has been mentioned. By contrast, none of the press has inquired about his religious beliefs. A quick internet search, however, reveals a website titled “Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association” (www.btea.org) Bob Tebow is Tim’s dad, and is the founder of the organization that bears his name. Bob’s family, including Tim, is included in “About Us.” One page in particular is of special interest: “What We Believe.”
The Tebows affirm ten points on the page; the first six (addressing the inerrancy of Scripture, the nature and triunity of God, the works of God, the person of Christ, and the person of the Holy Spirit) generally express what the Scriptures teach. “The Work of The Holy Spirit” section seems to imply some kind of semi-direct operation, though vaguely worded. However, points eight, nine, and ten—addressing salvation, the doctrine of the church, and the doctrine of things to be—teach grave error. Concerning salvation, the Tebows believe that it is “by grace alone…through faith alone…in Christ alone.” They further affirm, “We believe that at the point in time a man places his faith in the Lord Jesus, he is born again.” Under “The Doctrine of the Church” the Tebows claim that baptism has “absolutely no value for justification.”
A careful examination shows that the New Testament absolutely contradicts what the Tebows believe about what one must do to be saved. To claim that it is “by grace alone…through faith alone” is an oxymoron. If true, it is either all of one thing or it is all of the other. Ephesians 2: 8-9, however, indicates that salvation is by grace through faith: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Romans 5:1-2 is also clear: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
This may seem to be an irrelevant point, but it is not. The gift of salvation is given by God’s grace, and is accepted through man’s faith. Thus, it is neither “by grace alone” or “though faith alone.” The kind of faith that saves man is an obedient faith. Romans 6:17-18 is crucial: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Notice: one is not made free from sin until after he has “obeyed from the heart.” This parallels what the Hebrews writer asserts in Hebrews 5:8-9: “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Contrary to the Tebows, obedience to the Gospel is essential.
Connected with this is the role of baptism. The Tebows affirm that baptism is not essential; again, the New Testament teaches otherwise. John 3:5 makes clear what our Lord believed concerning the role of baptism. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” The “water” Jesus refers to is not the amniotic fluid of childbirth; it is the same substance John mentions in John 2, when our Lord turned the “water” into wine. Mark 16:16 is even clearer: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Both Paul and Peter believed that baptism is essential; in Paul’s own account of his conversion, he quotes Ananias in Acts 22:16: “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” In Acts 2:38, Peter urged those at Pentecost to be baptized: “Then Peter said unto them, 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.” Concerning salvation, will we believe the Tebows or the Truth?
The Tebows also believe in the “once saved, always saved” doctrine: “There will be none lost who were once saved; no man can lose his justification…We believe in the total eternal security of the believer.” To this, the New Testament gives no support at all. Writing to the churches of Galatia, Paul gives this warning: “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace…For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Gal. 5:4, 6-7). Additionally, John states, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 Jn. 2:1-2). Peter is even more emphatic:
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire (2 Pt. 2:20-22).
Again, shall we believe the Tebows or the Truth?
Perhaps the most egregious example of error on the Tebows’ website is the entire section, “The Doctrine of Things To Be.” The four-paragraph statement pushes full-blown premillennialism, incorporating the “rapture” theory and a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, as well as a final Antichrist and a literal battle of Armageddon.
Nowhere in the New Testament can one find the term “rapture,” or the theory itself. The entire system of premillennialism contradicts what Paul affirms in 1 Corinthians 15:24: “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.” Notice: at the end, Jesus will deliver the kingdom back to the father, not set it up. John makes it clear who “antichrist” is: “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son” (1 Jn. 2:22). Nowhere in Revelation does John refer to “antichrist.”
John was a part of the kingdom when he wrote Revelation: “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ…” (Rev. 1:9). Jesus cannot reign on David’s throne on earth in Jerusalem, because of what Jeremiah 22:30 affirms concerning Coniah (Jechoniah). “Thus saith the Lord, write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.” Matthew 1:11-12 indicates that Jechoniah is included in Jesus’ bloodline.
At the end of time, both the living and the dead will be raised: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:1). Jesus tells us when the good and the bad will be raised. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (Jn. 5:28-29). Will we believe the Tebows or the Truth?
The reason we call attention to all of this is because there are many young people (and older ones, as well) who are holding up Tim Tebow as a wonderful example of a follower of Jesus. While his moral life is exemplary, and his character is good, what his family teaches and promotes is simply wrong. All Christians need to be aware of this and hold to what is true and right, no matter who says otherwise.
In most of the articles that have been written about Tim Tebow, all of the above has been mentioned. By contrast, none of the press has inquired about his religious beliefs. A quick internet search, however, reveals a website titled “Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association” (www.btea.org) Bob Tebow is Tim’s dad, and is the founder of the organization that bears his name. Bob’s family, including Tim, is included in “About Us.” One page in particular is of special interest: “What We Believe.”
The Tebows affirm ten points on the page; the first six (addressing the inerrancy of Scripture, the nature and triunity of God, the works of God, the person of Christ, and the person of the Holy Spirit) generally express what the Scriptures teach. “The Work of The Holy Spirit” section seems to imply some kind of semi-direct operation, though vaguely worded. However, points eight, nine, and ten—addressing salvation, the doctrine of the church, and the doctrine of things to be—teach grave error. Concerning salvation, the Tebows believe that it is “by grace alone…through faith alone…in Christ alone.” They further affirm, “We believe that at the point in time a man places his faith in the Lord Jesus, he is born again.” Under “The Doctrine of the Church” the Tebows claim that baptism has “absolutely no value for justification.”
A careful examination shows that the New Testament absolutely contradicts what the Tebows believe about what one must do to be saved. To claim that it is “by grace alone…through faith alone” is an oxymoron. If true, it is either all of one thing or it is all of the other. Ephesians 2: 8-9, however, indicates that salvation is by grace through faith: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Romans 5:1-2 is also clear: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
This may seem to be an irrelevant point, but it is not. The gift of salvation is given by God’s grace, and is accepted through man’s faith. Thus, it is neither “by grace alone” or “though faith alone.” The kind of faith that saves man is an obedient faith. Romans 6:17-18 is crucial: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Notice: one is not made free from sin until after he has “obeyed from the heart.” This parallels what the Hebrews writer asserts in Hebrews 5:8-9: “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Contrary to the Tebows, obedience to the Gospel is essential.
Connected with this is the role of baptism. The Tebows affirm that baptism is not essential; again, the New Testament teaches otherwise. John 3:5 makes clear what our Lord believed concerning the role of baptism. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” The “water” Jesus refers to is not the amniotic fluid of childbirth; it is the same substance John mentions in John 2, when our Lord turned the “water” into wine. Mark 16:16 is even clearer: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Both Paul and Peter believed that baptism is essential; in Paul’s own account of his conversion, he quotes Ananias in Acts 22:16: “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” In Acts 2:38, Peter urged those at Pentecost to be baptized: “Then Peter said unto them, 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.” Concerning salvation, will we believe the Tebows or the Truth?
The Tebows also believe in the “once saved, always saved” doctrine: “There will be none lost who were once saved; no man can lose his justification…We believe in the total eternal security of the believer.” To this, the New Testament gives no support at all. Writing to the churches of Galatia, Paul gives this warning: “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace…For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Gal. 5:4, 6-7). Additionally, John states, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 Jn. 2:1-2). Peter is even more emphatic:
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire (2 Pt. 2:20-22).
Again, shall we believe the Tebows or the Truth?
Perhaps the most egregious example of error on the Tebows’ website is the entire section, “The Doctrine of Things To Be.” The four-paragraph statement pushes full-blown premillennialism, incorporating the “rapture” theory and a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, as well as a final Antichrist and a literal battle of Armageddon.
Nowhere in the New Testament can one find the term “rapture,” or the theory itself. The entire system of premillennialism contradicts what Paul affirms in 1 Corinthians 15:24: “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.” Notice: at the end, Jesus will deliver the kingdom back to the father, not set it up. John makes it clear who “antichrist” is: “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son” (1 Jn. 2:22). Nowhere in Revelation does John refer to “antichrist.”
John was a part of the kingdom when he wrote Revelation: “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ…” (Rev. 1:9). Jesus cannot reign on David’s throne on earth in Jerusalem, because of what Jeremiah 22:30 affirms concerning Coniah (Jechoniah). “Thus saith the Lord, write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.” Matthew 1:11-12 indicates that Jechoniah is included in Jesus’ bloodline.
At the end of time, both the living and the dead will be raised: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:1). Jesus tells us when the good and the bad will be raised. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (Jn. 5:28-29). Will we believe the Tebows or the Truth?
The reason we call attention to all of this is because there are many young people (and older ones, as well) who are holding up Tim Tebow as a wonderful example of a follower of Jesus. While his moral life is exemplary, and his character is good, what his family teaches and promotes is simply wrong. All Christians need to be aware of this and hold to what is true and right, no matter who says otherwise.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Is it Syllabi....Or Syllabuses????
As a college teacher, there are many things that are rewarding. Helping students reach their highest potential; assisting them in their quest for greater knowledge; above all, enabling them to come to a better understanding of the Word of God. All of these things make my job one that is fantastic.
That being said, there are some drawbacks. This is especially true, because all of the courses I teach are completely online. By far, the biggest pet peeve I have is that some students seem to not comprehend the concept of a syllabus.
Each semester, I send out a general e-mail to all my students--introducing myself and the course they are taking. I attempt (in my feeble way) to spell out what I expect of them. Foremost is the request that they actually READ THE SYLLABUS. It shouldn't be that difficult to understand....if you want to know what is expected of you, READ THE SYLLABUS.
However, it is the case that every semester there are several students who wait until midway through the term and ask, "What are we supposed to turn in?" Or, "When are the assignments due?" Or, "What is a syllabus?" (OK, I'm just making that last one up---maybe.)
Each time, I try to suppress the impulse to TYPE IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS MY FRUSTRATION WITH THE STUDENT and instead calmly ask, "Have you read the Syllabus?" To which, I add a synopsis of what the student needs to know.
In light of all of this, I have to wonder: where did these students attend high school? Were they ever taught the concept of a syllabus? And, exactly what do you call more than one syllabus? (Well, maybe not that last one.)
To me, this is merely symptomatic of the larger issue in our culture. Many people seem to have a congenital block when it comes to reading the instructions. Maybe that's why Congress passed the massive healthcare bill--they just didn't read the instructions. Yeah, yeah, I know--Pres. Obama wanted it, and the Dems in Congress rammed it through. But, did anyone really read the thing? But, I digress.
The real problem in our society is that people are not reading the instructions that REALLY matter. This leads to creeds, catechisms, confessions of faith, the Qu'ran, the Book of Mormon, and Dianetics (L. Ron Hubbard was a so-so Science Fiction author, and was messed up in his personal life), among other things.
God's Word is all we need for our lives today. His Syllabus gives us the guidelines we need. If only we knew how to read....!
That being said, there are some drawbacks. This is especially true, because all of the courses I teach are completely online. By far, the biggest pet peeve I have is that some students seem to not comprehend the concept of a syllabus.
Each semester, I send out a general e-mail to all my students--introducing myself and the course they are taking. I attempt (in my feeble way) to spell out what I expect of them. Foremost is the request that they actually READ THE SYLLABUS. It shouldn't be that difficult to understand....if you want to know what is expected of you, READ THE SYLLABUS.
However, it is the case that every semester there are several students who wait until midway through the term and ask, "What are we supposed to turn in?" Or, "When are the assignments due?" Or, "What is a syllabus?" (OK, I'm just making that last one up---maybe.)
Each time, I try to suppress the impulse to TYPE IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS MY FRUSTRATION WITH THE STUDENT and instead calmly ask, "Have you read the Syllabus?" To which, I add a synopsis of what the student needs to know.
In light of all of this, I have to wonder: where did these students attend high school? Were they ever taught the concept of a syllabus? And, exactly what do you call more than one syllabus? (Well, maybe not that last one.)
To me, this is merely symptomatic of the larger issue in our culture. Many people seem to have a congenital block when it comes to reading the instructions. Maybe that's why Congress passed the massive healthcare bill--they just didn't read the instructions. Yeah, yeah, I know--Pres. Obama wanted it, and the Dems in Congress rammed it through. But, did anyone really read the thing? But, I digress.
The real problem in our society is that people are not reading the instructions that REALLY matter. This leads to creeds, catechisms, confessions of faith, the Qu'ran, the Book of Mormon, and Dianetics (L. Ron Hubbard was a so-so Science Fiction author, and was messed up in his personal life), among other things.
God's Word is all we need for our lives today. His Syllabus gives us the guidelines we need. If only we knew how to read....!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Gospel Meetings...Then and Now
This is probably my favorite time of the year. I have spent most of my life in central Alabama, so summer is a season that is particularly unique. Where else can you find 95 degree temperature with 90 percent humidity? Hey, when I was a junior in high school, on CHRISTMAS DAY the temperature was 85! Anyway, it's a special time for me.
One of the reasons I love summer is because it is "Gospel Meeting season." In churches of Christ, we have traditionally had our big evangelistic efforts during the warmest months of the year. Such was always the case where my Daddy preached. V. P. Black; J. Noel Meredith; Ben Flatt; these were but a few of the men who proclaimed the Gospel.
For many years when my Grandfather and all of Daddy's brothers were living, they would preach a meeting together. Each brother would preach one night, and Pa Hester would close it out the last night. Many souls were saved and restored through such efforts.
Over the years since I began preaching full-time, I have preached in many Gospel Meetings. These are opportunities to travel to different cities and states, create new friendships, and do what I love to do--preach the Gospel. My wife Brenda and our two sons have traveled with me on many of these trips; now, Will and Jonathan are even leading singing for some of these Meetings.
One thing I have often noticed over the past few years in visiting Gospel Meetings at sister congregations is that the focus in such efforts has changed. The urgency from the pulpit seems to be missing. The topics addressed have often shifted away from sin, salvation, and faithfulness to more everyday concerns. In some places, no longer does one hear a challenge offered to folks in denominationalism.
Several years ago, I sat through a sermon delivered by a preacher in a Meeting that addressed, in part, abortion. However, he did not focus on what the Bible says about the subject; he spent much of his time lamenting the fact that he could not go out and protest at abortion clinics--and, that he wished he could lay down on the street along with the rest of the protesters in front of automobiles that were driving into the parking lot!
"So, David, what's your point? Are you saying that YOU know best how to preach a Gospel Meeting?" No, not at all. What I am trying to say is that we preachers need to realize WHY we involve ourselves in Gospel Meetings. We need to save our best sermons for those efforts. We need to proclaim the Word of God with passion--just like the preachers of yesteryear. Save the sermons on depression, worry, and getting along with one's neighbor for your home congregation.
If brethren ask us to come in and preach a protracted meeting for them, we need to give it our best effort--no matter if the congregation numbers 15, 150, or 500. These sermons may be the last ones some ever hear. If you knew the next sermon you preach would be your last, what would you say? How would you say it? Our older preachers used to exhort us younger ones to preach "as a dying man to dying men and women." We need that advice now more than ever before. Theological liberalism, pluralism, feminism, and worldliness have all infected our culture--and, the church as well. Gospel Meetings can do much to help congregations stay strong.
One of the reasons I love summer is because it is "Gospel Meeting season." In churches of Christ, we have traditionally had our big evangelistic efforts during the warmest months of the year. Such was always the case where my Daddy preached. V. P. Black; J. Noel Meredith; Ben Flatt; these were but a few of the men who proclaimed the Gospel.
For many years when my Grandfather and all of Daddy's brothers were living, they would preach a meeting together. Each brother would preach one night, and Pa Hester would close it out the last night. Many souls were saved and restored through such efforts.
Over the years since I began preaching full-time, I have preached in many Gospel Meetings. These are opportunities to travel to different cities and states, create new friendships, and do what I love to do--preach the Gospel. My wife Brenda and our two sons have traveled with me on many of these trips; now, Will and Jonathan are even leading singing for some of these Meetings.
One thing I have often noticed over the past few years in visiting Gospel Meetings at sister congregations is that the focus in such efforts has changed. The urgency from the pulpit seems to be missing. The topics addressed have often shifted away from sin, salvation, and faithfulness to more everyday concerns. In some places, no longer does one hear a challenge offered to folks in denominationalism.
Several years ago, I sat through a sermon delivered by a preacher in a Meeting that addressed, in part, abortion. However, he did not focus on what the Bible says about the subject; he spent much of his time lamenting the fact that he could not go out and protest at abortion clinics--and, that he wished he could lay down on the street along with the rest of the protesters in front of automobiles that were driving into the parking lot!
"So, David, what's your point? Are you saying that YOU know best how to preach a Gospel Meeting?" No, not at all. What I am trying to say is that we preachers need to realize WHY we involve ourselves in Gospel Meetings. We need to save our best sermons for those efforts. We need to proclaim the Word of God with passion--just like the preachers of yesteryear. Save the sermons on depression, worry, and getting along with one's neighbor for your home congregation.
If brethren ask us to come in and preach a protracted meeting for them, we need to give it our best effort--no matter if the congregation numbers 15, 150, or 500. These sermons may be the last ones some ever hear. If you knew the next sermon you preach would be your last, what would you say? How would you say it? Our older preachers used to exhort us younger ones to preach "as a dying man to dying men and women." We need that advice now more than ever before. Theological liberalism, pluralism, feminism, and worldliness have all infected our culture--and, the church as well. Gospel Meetings can do much to help congregations stay strong.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Hello, Hello (Hola)! I'm At A Place Called Vertigo!
Well...If you're reading this, you are among the first to visit my new blog! There's no door prize, but there IS a "No-Prize" (Marvel Comic Book readers will appreciate that). Seriously, though, I'm glad you've stopped by!
I plan to occasionally post my musings on a variety of subjects, related to my sightly skewed perspective of life; a lot of what I will write will be humorous (hopefully), and silly (often). But, I also plan to write some dead serious posts on some very important subjects--relating to religion.
As the masthead says, I have a "slightly amused" take on life; it's how I can get through a day--even a week--without driving myself crazy over how folks seem to give no thought to the direction in which they're heading. Thankfully, my wife Brenda and I have two sons (Will & Jonathan) who are making us happy every day. Brenda has done a great job of rearing them! (And, I've put my two cents in every once in a while!)
Again, thanks for stopping by. Hope you'll come back! :)
I plan to occasionally post my musings on a variety of subjects, related to my sightly skewed perspective of life; a lot of what I will write will be humorous (hopefully), and silly (often). But, I also plan to write some dead serious posts on some very important subjects--relating to religion.
As the masthead says, I have a "slightly amused" take on life; it's how I can get through a day--even a week--without driving myself crazy over how folks seem to give no thought to the direction in which they're heading. Thankfully, my wife Brenda and I have two sons (Will & Jonathan) who are making us happy every day. Brenda has done a great job of rearing them! (And, I've put my two cents in every once in a while!)
Again, thanks for stopping by. Hope you'll come back! :)
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