"Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the
things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from
them"
(Hebrews 2:1,
ASV).
The word drifting
aptly describes the process of apostasy. It is seldom accomplished by giant
leaps; rather it is the result of short steps. The steps appear to be only the
slightest variation from the accepted truth and altogether innocent, but each
one is used as justification for the next one until truth has been left
completely, even by individuals who would never have dreamed it
possible.
We have known of
congregations where a piano was first allowed in the basement to teach children
how to sing. But having learned with it, the children continued to need it in
their Bible classes. Once this was allowed, someone asked the difference in
young folks and adults -- the difference in Wednesday night and Sunday night. No
logical difference could be shown so it was allowed at those
times.
Then someone had
only to point out the inconsistency in using it Sunday night and refusing it
Sunday morning, and from then on it was used at all services, a thing that would
have been opposed when the piano was first moved into the
basement.
A group of Americans
preaching in Africa said they were strongly opposed to churches of Christ
operating a hospital in the
A church we know has
a kitchen. They defend it on the grounds that it costs the church nothing. The
kitchen and equipment were in the building when it was purchased and they have a
minimum electric and water bill each month, anyway. But a generation will arise
that is accustomed to the kitchen. They will want to build a new building and
they will want a kitchen. Their argument will be "We've always had a kitchen. If
we could have it in the old building, why not in the new?" There will be no
chance of keeping it out.
In our town, a
kindergarten is beginning in the meetinghouse of one of the churches. In a news
item, it is stated, "The kindergarten will be at the church, but will not be
operated by the church." This will satisfy the minds of many who would object to
the church operating or supporting a school of any
kind.
But one of these
days another step will be proposed. It may be opening a first grade. If someone
objects, the question will be raised, "But what is the difference in a first
grade and kindergarten?" There is no difference, so the opposition will be
silenced and the way will be clear for second grade, third grade, etc.,
etc.
But some day the
school will need to be subsidized. Those opposed to support of education will
rise up to object. But someone will say, "It's true we haven't been contributing
from the treasury, but we have been providing a place for the school and it has
been using the name of the church. Now if we can contribute facilities and
influence, why not money?" That question will be hard to answer, for there is no
difference and the opposition will then be
silenced.
From this, the next
logical step will be to send money to a college, for, after all, what is the
difference between contributing to our own school and contributing to one
operated by someone else? And it all began with a kindergarten, which "will be
at the church, but will not be operated by the
church."
Truly, "Mighty Oaks
from little acorns grow." The mistake is ever allowing an acorn to get mixed
with the seed of the kingdom. Every innovation, regardless of how small, must be
rejected, not only for its own sake, but also for the sake of attendant
corruptions that will surely follow in its
train.
---Sewell
Hall
When Church Is Boring
What
do you do when you find that church is boring? It's time for a change! Now
the question is, change what?
Many folks think the answer is to change the church. I just read an
article about a new church created for men only, men who find church boring.
Discarding more traditional environments, they meet in a gymnasium one Saturday
evening a month. A rock band provides entertainment. The preacher speaks in
front of the scoreboard, with the clock running. He guarantees to have them out
in one hour!
Some might not go that far, yet they still insist on change. Contemporary
music, drama, and short sermons that are little more than pep talks are the
order of the day. Celebration and praise are the
buzzwords.
Malachi lived at a time when people found "church" boring. Speaking of
God proposed two changes in these who turned up their noses at His
worship. One was to just stay home (1:10). The better solution - the
change He preferred - was to repent (2:2). Notice what God did not approve
of: changing the structure or activities of worship to accommodate individual
tastes.
The preacher or the one who leads the prayer can give more thought to
what he says and the song leader can try to select more meaningful hymns. But
when worship as God directed is boring, the main change that is needed is in the
heart of the worshiper.
---Frank Himmel
"Before Faith Came..."
(GAL.
3:23-27)
The Book of Galatians deals with two laws -- the one given by Moses to
The law given by Moses (which included the ten commandments) was
provisional and temporary, but the law given by Jesus Christ was for all men
throughout the gospel age. "But before
faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should
afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto
Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we
are no longer under a schoolmaster..." (Gal. 3:23-25).
II. "Faith Came".:-- There were some necessary things that would occur before
faith came.
1. The Holy Spirit had to come as Christ had promised. (Jn.
14:16; 15:26; 16:7,8,13).
III. Before Faith Came: -- What conditions existed
before faith came?
1. Although inferior to the law of Christ, the law of Moses
was in force. It seems that
"the law of Moses" was based on works. (See Lev. 18:5;
5. Now we are under "the faith" and we have access to many blessings
(See Eph. 3:2-12; 2:8-16; Jas. 1:25; Rev. 22: 14).
---Carrol R. Sutton