Thoughts Worth Thinking

EDITOR’S NOTE: Apologetics is the whole of the consensus of the views of those who defend a position in an argument of long standing. The term comes from the Greek word apologia (απολογία), meaning a speaking in defense. In religion, it is the making a defense of God and the Bible as being precisely God and the Bible. The word itself is strange; as if Christians are required to “give an apology for God and His Word.” It means instead, we must be ready to give a defense of the gospel (1 Pet. 3:15; Phil. 1:7; 17). Doing so is challenging! Men and women have hazarded their lives in defense of the gospel including defense of God’s very existence (Hebrews 11; Rev. 12:11). And with the reality of times continuance, Paul’s statement proves itself again and again (2 Tim. 3:13). While this writer/preacher has offered several articles and sermons in defense of truth, often it is helpful to read the thoughts of another on the same subject. Brother Lee Wildman, who preaches in Alabama, did NOT publish the following as a letter to the editor of his local newspaper, but shared it in a sermon. Having asked his permission to do so, I publish it here for your consideration.

IN DEFENSE OF OUR FATHER’S CHARACTER

I’m writing in regards to some recent letters in which the writers question the Bible as a moral guide for mankind. (Bible Not Needed, Micah Cochran and Unfounded beliefs, Jerome Triplett; Dec. 14; Always Questions, Jason Green, Dec. 21)

Some of the stories in the bible that were cited as being poor examples of morality (Lot and his daughters, Jephthah for example) are not stories where God approved of the behavior but rather, they demonstrate what happens when men make foolish choices and live in immoral environments. And what is immoral about the sufferings of Job? It is a remarkable story of tragedy and despair and how a man wrestled with some very real questions, perhaps not unlike some of the writers of the aforementioned letters, but who continued to trust God without always understanding every thing He may have done or allowed. No, I may not understand every decision that was made by God in regards to His dealings with Israel while He was bringing them and the whole world to the day of Jesus Christ. I do believe that God is able to see long into the future and that He may have chosen to make some seemingly hard decisions about the removal of nations because of the effect those people might have had on the world at a later time.

A closer look at the teachings of the New Testament about slavery and the roles of women in particular will show the concern God has for all involved. I would suggest that the teachings about master/slave relationships parallel the employer/employee relationships in many work situations and if followed, would lead to profitable working relationships. And if men and women would follow the teachings of the Lord in regards to marriage and family, the world would be a far better place. And I don’t think women like Sarah and Mary and others felt that they were degraded but rather were honored in their roles and were loved by those related to them.

Foolishly, the humanists would like for us to believe that man, simply left to himself, will ultimately do good and be good. History tells another story. I cannot believe that when I read the headlines in the newspaper that tell stories of rape; child molestation; corruption in government, business and churches; theft; domestic violence; etc., that these things happen because of the influence of the bible. Is the evil that is done by many, done because of the teachings of Jesus, especially in the sermon on the mount, which are of the highest moral quality ever expressed?

God has revealed Himself in the person of Jesus, a person whose story is real and believable. The story of his death and resurrection are real historical facts that I can know and believe to be true so that I can trust God even when I don’t understand everything He has done or ever will allow to be done.

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Today’s world needs all the more the teachings of God, Christ and the Scriptures. Multiple times throughout the Bible, we note the preachers of God’s message “proved by the Scriptures” these truths. Sadly, just as we note in bible times, rejection of such reasoning continues (Is.1:1 – 20). We note such reasoning angered many in most of the cities wherein Paul declared this truth. It isn’t going to get “easier” brethren! Thus, the work of the Christian increases! While those rejecting the truth of God’s Word and God Himself have that “right,” many are doing so basing their convictions in man’s theory rather than diligent exposure to the evidence of truth and right! We cannot defend what we do not know: but Paul said, “When ye read, ye may understand,” (Eph. 3:4). Let us devote ourselves to increased study and learning of the TRUTH; the TRUTH that sets us free (John 8:32).

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Mike’s Musings …

GIVE THEM OPPORTUNITY

Several years ago, a gospel preacher “retired” from located work after more than half a century of service in such a role. He continued preaching “by appointment” as health would allow, but devoted most of his time to studying at home, helping younger men learn the Scriptures and how best to expound it to the hearers. He consented to an interview by a younger man, who was interviewing older preachers in order to publish short biographies of these notable men of faith. Among the questions was this: “What would you do differently regarding your located work?” His reply has long been a personal desire of mine, and thankfully, it is availed often by this local work. He answer was, “If I devote three weeks a month telling these brethren they need to use their talents, the least I can do is move aside once a month and let them have the opportunity!”

West Second Street is blessed with able, righteous men who can teach and/or preach. However, with only few exceptions, these men speak only here when their abilities are needed in other local works as well. Some have never received an invitation to speak at another church of Christ; yet, I speak with confidence that they would if given that opportunity! While some are yet young in the faith, their maturity will arrive more swiftly if given additional opportunity to grow. The same is true of song leaders, those who word prayer, read scripture, serve at the Lord’s Table – any action of public nature within the worship of our Lord. Likewise, there are number of young ladies who need to prepare the communion, working with the younger children, and/or other work women can do.

Too often, local works get into a “rut” regarding who serves in these capacities. At times, it is so “routine” it becomes entirely predicable – and somewhat mundane! (comp. John 4:23 – 24) No one has a monopoly on any part of the worship. No one should act as though they do! An important part of growth is EXPERIENCE. Like the brother spoken of earlier, “If I work for three weeks convincing the brethren they have talents they need to us, the least I can do it give them opportunity!” It would do us all good to devote more time for these souls to increase in knowledge and ability. After all, us older ones aren’t gonna be around forever. Best train ‘em right now, so they have righteous things upon which to muse!