PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD
Edited and Published by Jack Critchfield
|
Volume 4 Issue 10 |
October, 2000 |
In This Issue:
Sin And Its Consequences In This Life
The Gospel and Militancy
God Gives The Increase
Sin and its Consequences in This Life
(Genesis 3)
By Jon Quinn
Our world and our lives have not been made better because of sin. In fact, sin has made everything about our existence
much, much worse. The thief may think his life is better after having successfully stolen something valuable. The
shoplifter is pleased that he avoided the security cameras. The hedonist is on top of the world with his latest
sexual escapade. The con artist found a good mark and the corrupt politician got away with the lie and the drug
dealer settled an old score. All of them are pleased that their lives are better for it. But they are wrong. Sin
changes things. Many may be subtle changes but in the end the consequences are horrific. If sinners only knew what
they were doing to themselves, they would not feel so clever. If disciples will always remember that sin is never
free, then they will much bet-ter be able to deal with temptation. Sin changes things.
Sin Changes Your Relationship With God
"And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his
wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden." (Genesis 3:8). One observable
result of the first sin was fear and insecurity. Before sin, there had been joy, confidence and trust. But sin
took all that away and replaced it with fear and guilt.
Adam and Eve had a very immature concept of God, as seen in their attempt to hide from God behind some trees. They
could not, and we cannot, either hide our deeds nor ourselves from God. Far better to keep our deeds in line with
His commandments, for God does see (Psalm 10:11-13).
Does everyone live in fear who lives in sin. No, not really. If one denies the existence of God, or the reality
of judgment, then he or she may succeed in canceling out the fear of judgment. Some boldly mock the idea of the
righteous retribution of God, but will they be so bold when they stand in His presence? More likely, they will
try to follow the lead of Adam and Eve and vainly find a tree to hide behind (Revelation 6:16,17; Hebrews 10:30,31).
Sin Changes Your Self-Relationship
"Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now,
lest he stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" (Genesis 3:22).
One definition of "peace" is the absence of conflict. Up until the time of disobedience, there had not
been the daily moral struggle, no pangs of guilt, no inner conflict. It was only when temptation was given permission
to bear fruit in Eve's heart that he problem began. Along with the loss of security in the world came the loss
of self-esteem. The peace within was gone, and mankind has been forever since trying to rediscover it. The search
has led to many false hopes and promises. The answer was not to be found in eastern religions, drugs, alcohol or
suicide, though people have searched in all these to find peace. Some have chosen to just look at themselves as
products of blind evolution and their lives are without purpose. Believers are not afraid of death because of confidence
in the purposes and promises of God, but these lost ones are not afraid of death because they have nothing much
to live for.
It is for this reason that the promise of Jesus, the "prince of peace" to give "peace" is so
inviting. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7). The Lord counsels us that we can maintain this peace by keeping our thoughts
in perspective. "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise,
let your mind dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8). As I read this verse, I cannot help but think that
this probably well describes the minds of Adam and Eve before the fall. In Jesus, we can approach this peace again.
Sin Changes Your Relationship With Others
"And the man said, "The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate."
(Genesis 3:12). It seems as chivalry was already dead long before the demise of the knights of the round table.
Here we see how suspicion and conflict enter into human relationships. This conflict will lead to one of this couple's
children murdering his brother, and countless more conflicts through the ages to come. This is the true "mother
of all battles."
Jesus advises us on how to repair human relationships and make them what they ought to be. Much of His teachings
has to do with that very thing. There are many "one another" passages in the New Testament.
"If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love
his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that
the one who loves God should love his brother also." (1 John 4:20,21).
When we apply the teachings of Christ to our lives, our relationships will improve accordingly. When two true and
obvious disciples of Jesus relate to one another, there is no room for distrust, selfishness and suspicion. Think
about what this can do for a marriage!
Sin Changes Your Relationship With Nature
"Then to Adam He said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the
tree about which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat from it'; Cursed is the ground because of you; In
toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life." (Genesis 3:17). Finally, we see that nature itself was
cursed. Every human tear of sorrow ever shed can be traced back to the fall. Exhaustion, pain and natural calamity
are the result of sin. Sin demands too heavy a price, both now and in eternity, don't you think? There is a better
way (Romans 6:23).
EXPOSITORY FILES 7.2, Jan. 2000
Edited by Warren E. Berkley & Jon W. Quinn
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The Gospel and Militancy
by Richard J. Boone
Edward Gibbon, in his classic work, "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", discussed several reasons
why the Roman Empire fell. One of them was the increased laxity in the discipline and training of the army: "It
is the just and important observation of Vegetius that the infantry was invariably covered with defensive armor,
from the foundation of the city to the reign of the emperor Gratian. The relaxation of discipline and the disuse
of the exercise rendered the soldiers less able, and less willing, to support the fatigues of service; they complained
of the weight of the armor, which they seldom wore: and they successively obtained the permission of laying aside
both their cuirasses and their helmets. The heavy weapons of their ancestors, the short sword and the formidable
pilum, which had subdued the world, insensibly dropped from their feeble hands. The loss of armies, the destruction
of cities, and the dishonor of the Roman name ineffectually solicited the successors of Gratian to restore the
helmets and cuirasses of the infantry. The enervated soldiers abandoned their own, and the public defense; and
the pusillanimous indolence may be considered as the immediate downfall of the empire'' (III:271-272).
In short, the military lost its militancy! Several applications could be made of this principle of relaxation of
efforts. Among them would be national, local, family and personal lessons. However, I want to focus solely on spiritual
applications, especially in light of our times.
The Christian -- A Soldier In Battle
Of all passages, which so speak of the Christian, Ephesians 6:10-20 is the most familiar and complete. Ours
is not a physical battle, but it is a battle nonetheless. In this battle we wrestle "against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly
places'' (v. 12). Therefore we must stand, arrayed in "the whole armor of God'' (v. 13).
This armor, though powerful, is not carnal (2 Cor. 10:3-5). It is, by nature, two-fold: (1) defensive -- breast-plate
of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salva-tion, and prayer and supplications (requests to God for one's
own needs); and (2) offensive -- feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, sword of the Spirit, boldness
in making known the mystery of God. Is this just equipment to have just for the sake of having it, or is there
some greater purpose and use for it?
The purpose for this armor is to proclaim with bold-ness the gospel, speaking it, as we ought to speak (vv. 19-20).
God has not provided the armor and the charge for vanity's sake; it is a responsibility of every member to take
on the challenge and don the armor (Acts 8:4)!
Militancy: Key To Growth
Before proceeding, it is helpful to define this term as I am using it. One definition suggests fighting and being
combative. This leaves an impression of contentiousness; this is not what we seek. Another aspect of militancy
includes aggressive action, especially for a cause in which one believes. This is what I speak of here -- being
aggressive in our work in preaching and teaching the gospel. This has been a factor in every era in which God's
cause among men has grown, whether we refer to defending God's cause among those who are His people, or in persuading
those who are not God's children to become so.
Some of the greatest most admired characters of the Old Testament evidenced great militancy in their lives. Who
could deny that about Elijah in his challenge and chastisement of the prophets of Baal (1 Kgs. 18:17-40)? This
began with his plainspoken rebuke of and challenge to Ahab (1 Kgs. 18:17-18). Similarly, Ezra the priest met the
challenges of his day, regardless of the source from whence they came -- from the heathens (Ezra 4:1-6) or among
God's people (Ezra 4:24; Ezra 5:1-2; Ezra 6:14-15).
As we turn attention to the New Testament, John the Baptist captures our attention as he proclaimed the coming
kingdom and repentance to all classes of the people (Lk. 3:1-20). Jesus was militant, especially as He recognized
the need of the spiritually sick to be healed (Mt. 9:12). That was the driving force of His life. The apostles
militantly followed his lead, which is why the kingdom spread so far, so fast in the first century (Acts 2:40-41;
Acts 4:4; Acts 5:28,42; Acts 6:7; Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19-20; Acts 17:2-3,6,16; Acts 18:9-10; 2 Tim. 4:2; etc.).
The greatest periods of expansion in the Restoration Movement have been those times when militancy for truth and
the lost was great. The early years of this movement in our country -- 1800-1840 -- saw an explosion of those who
committed themselves to the Scriptures only. From 1930-1965, religious historians recognized churches of Christ
as one of the fastest growing religious bodies in this country. Why? There was a passion for spreading the truth
to edify the weak and reach the lost. The question we must answer about ourselves is whether we have that passion
now, or are we content just to, as is frequently said, "keep house for the Lord.''
Recovering Militancy
The fact that I mention recovering militancy implies it has been lost. I don't suggest that every Christian in
every place has, but it must be admitted that in many places among many Christians, the fervor for the gospel to
have free course (2 Thes. 3:1) has waned from past times.
As our society has become more politically correct, we have become more spiritually relaxed. Our society has gotten
to the point now, it seems, that the only ones who are religiously militant are those who stand against those who
are militantly religious. What can we do to change that? I offer four suggestions.
First, we must regain a clear view of the majesty, authority, mercy and severity of God. This key is found in every
Bible example of acceptable militancy, and has been present in every period of proper growth in post-apostolic
times.
Second, we must have an unwavering commitment to proclaim and uphold all truth. No one would deny this, but in
practice we fail. Many times, it is the truth only on basics or less controversial subjects, or in certain methods,
or by certain people. Such approaches have never produced real growth! Only when we spread all of the truth as
far and wide as possible will "the growth that is from God'' (Col. 2:19) occur.
Third, we must maintain/recover sincere love for the spiritual well being of people. It matters little if they
are of the same race, social status and background we are. What is important is, "What about their soul?''
Of equal importance, in light of our responsibilities in spreading the gospel, is "What about my soul?'' if
we are not as active as we should be!
Finally, we must disregard any temporal consequences of believing, practicing and preaching truth. We are not the
first, nor will we be the last, to face them. We must care less and less about consequences, and more and more
about opportunities and souls.
It is not until all of these are present that we will be as militant about the gospel and spiritual matters as
we ought to be. Without these no sustained efforts or results will occur
Conclusion
One reason the Roman Empire fell was its laxity in training, discipline and work. It lost its militancy. For the
same reasons, churches today don't grow as they can/should. As a result, they die on the vine. Such realities bring
us face to face with this question: Are we militant about the gospel, the power of God to save all men (Rom. 1:16)?
Think about it.
-- Via Words of Truth, June 1998
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God Gives The Increase
J. S. Smith
IT IS NO GREAT revelation that our world is car-nally minded rather than spiritually minded. This is nothing new,
for it has always been this way. Still, it is evident that carnality is increasing its influence in the streets
of America. Carnality is growing because the devil is craftier than we give him credit for being. Satan has carried
the day by carnalizing spirituality.
"For when one says, 'I am of Paul,' and another, 'I am of Apollos,' are you not carnal (I Cor. 3:4)?"
Even in the shadow of the incarnation, the devil was carnalizing spirituality by engendering division among God's
children (I Cor. 1:10-13). Christianity was becoming a cult of personality in the minds and conduct of its adherents.
Hence, the saints at Corinth were sowing the seeds of denominationalism. They were creating an Apollonian convention
for those who preferred Apollos, a Petrine convention for those behind Peter and a Pauline convention for those
who liked Paul best. The three preachers, not desiring such ill-placed glory, sent them back to Christ and their
brethren who held that line firmly. Paul reproved them: Who are we, "but ministers through whom you believed..."
Preachers and teachers are merely servants, sowing the gospel seed when they find soil. "I planted, Apollos
watered, but God gave the increase," Paul said (3:6). His prayer was that the Christians be united in the
Lord, not divided in their preferences of certain men's personalities (4:6).
There are a few dangers inherent in this passage. The writer deals with the work of teaching the gospel to others.
While noting the vital importance of the work that men do to sow the seed of truth, He strikes the lectern, as
it were, in proclaiming that the increase of souls in the kingdom is due to God.
The first danger is in thinking too highly of the abilities of men to win souls. Sometimes we blame ourselves when
our numbers do not grow and the fact is, the community is rejecting the old Jerusalem gospel, not us in particular.
We get discouraged and the good attempts that we once made fade into memory, complacency and idleness wonder at
the solitude and despair of Elijah or the unpopularity and disdain suffered by Jeremiah. Our lot surely is not
as grievous as theirs. These men were encouraged by God to carry on with their work, and so, we too, in the face
of rejection, go on. Even if it seems that the seed we sow continually falls on poor soil, that is, in unreceptive
hearts, we continue to sow in hopes of it falling on a good and honest heart (Matt 13:18-23). One success makes
up for a lot of failures. And the one abiding consolation is that your brethren have shared such pain since time
began. Noah was a preacher of righteousness who labored over the ark for a century and was able to preserve only
seven other precious souls when destruction called. Despite converting thousands out of sin, Paul failed to change
the mind of Agrippa and Festus and thousands more Jews. The lesson is about perseverance-- they never quit sowing
the good seed, despite hardship and neither can we.
The second danger with this passage is using it as an excuse to sit back and do nothing at all. Christians excuse
themselves from labor by arguing that God gives the increase. That is so, but who is that plants and waters, but
men? The increase cannot c unless the good news is proclaimed to those who need to hear it. Many churches are hoping
to grow by waiting for Christians to move to the area. Their vital signs are weakening. We are to be involved in
expanding the borders of the kingdom, not reconfiguring them.
If such complacency overcomes an entire congregation, a pronouncement of doom is due her, for she has followed
the path of Sardis, who had a name that they were alive but were dead (Rev. 3:1). As long as the members of a local
church are sowing the seed, the church is alive, despite a lack of numerical growth. The day that church stops
sowing the seed, it is dead, though men would say it yet exists for it still has some members left. No, it is dead
already! "Strengthen the things which are ready to die," Jesus cries.
The third danger is narrowing the responsibility of soul-winning to a few. It combines the trust in mere men with
complacency and causes some saints to place the entire burden of soul winning upon the preacher and the elders.
Does a burden rest on their shoulders to proclaim the gospel? Of course! Is it theirs to bear alone, as the congregation
at large becomes spectators? Certainly not!
Imagine a church of one hundred members, one of whom is a preacher and three are elders. Should we have 96 spectators
and four workers? Wouldn't the cause of the cross be furthered more effectively with 100 workers, leaving the visitors
to watch?
How many gospel preachers are in your workplace every day? How many elders are in your class at school? How many
preachers of truth live in your neighborhood or know your family and friends as intimately as you do? When Christians
leave all the teaching to others, their circle of influence is neglected and abducted by the devil. God has no
voice where you will not speak; the devil employs false teachers, seduction and society to blast his message in
the vacuum our idleness created.
Conclusion
If a church is working, but not growing, that is nothing to be ashamed of. If a church is growing but not working,
that will not last forever. If a church is not working and not growing, it is time for her members to resuscitate
themselves. Revive us again the song says. Take it home with you.
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"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
Proverbs 9:10
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Jack Critchfield, Editor & Publisher
403 Coit Way, Salinas, Ca. 93907
critch1@juno.com