Bible Thoughts

November 6, 2000

Even though few people are willing to obey the Lord, our responsibility is to teach the word. When the apostles were sent forth, it was not on the condition that they continue preaching if and when people continued to accept, but they were to continue in every place preaching to every creature(Mark 16:15). When Paul instructed Timothy to make known the truth, it was to be done "in season and out of season"(II Timothy 4:2). Someone suggested years ago that meant "when they like and when they don't."

Our responsibility in preaching the word includes not going beyond the word. When Paul(and others), preached in Corinth, in the cities of Galatia, and in every place, the preaching did not include speculative human theories(I Corinthians 2:1-4; Galatians 1:11). As servants of Jesus Christ, we have no right to go beyond what has been delivered.

Our responsibility in preaching the word is to inform men of the death of Christ and the benefits mankind can receive. All men can be saved; all men will not. Those who desire to share the benefits of the blood must learn the conditions that must be met. The faithful must tell those who are lost of those blessings.

Our responsibility in preaching the word is to warn those who go beyond what is written(I Corinthians 4:6). We cannot say we have no concern or interest in men when they sin or teach error. The Bible informs us to teach them (I Timothy 4:6), rebuke when necessary(I Timothy 5:20, and withdraw from brethren when they no longer are willing to turn and do right(Titus 3:10). For fear that we will suffer retribution, loss of friendship, or other unpleasantries, we permit such to interfere with our sense of duty to God.

Our responsibility in preaching the word is to inform men that Jesus inspired the early teachers to reveal his will. Those living in the apostolic age were plainly told what to do to become Christians. They were taught the principles of righteousness that would keep them saved. The alien needs to be converted; the Christian needs to be fed.

Teaching the gospel to others is not limited to preachers. All Christians are expected by the Lord to share the good news with others. Am I living up to my responsibility?

With so many things to do in this life how will we ever accomplish them all? Our society is geared around providing to us the most abundant and best in entertainment, professional services, and other pursuits which occupy our time. It is very easy for one to become wrapped up in the affairs of this world and mismanage their priorities, leaving things undone which are of importance. It is for this reason that it is necessary for the Christian to look to God’s word in order that he find how to properly manage his day.

The commandment “...if a man shall not work, than neither shall he eat”(2 Thessalonians 3:10) has existed since the beginning of time and continues to apply to us today. A related commandment found in 2 Corinthians 9:6 states that “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” We see by these two examples a need to work and to work hard when we do so, for if we do not, then the fruits of our labor will diminish greatly.

Considering the theme of these scriptures, with what mentality are we working? What is it that we are working for? More often than not it seems it is the physical things of this world which bog us down and hamper our spiritual growth. Do we work day in and day out, punching the time clock of our lives, in order that we might provide for our families the necessities of this life or are we working so that we might acquire greater treasures upon this earth?

In our pursuit of providing for the physical needs of our families let us not forget their spiritual needs as well. Let us remember the needs of our souls and that of those around us. “Do good to all people, especially unto them of the household of faith”(Galatians 6:10). What better good could we do and better use of our day is there than striving to grow in the Lord and bring others to Christ? If we make our priorities the same as our Lord’s than we just might have an easier time in filling out our schedules. - joe

The above verse is a real simple verse to understand, and we think it just tells us that we have to desire this pure milk of the word, just like a newborn baby would desire milk. And, as people, this concept should not be difficult to understand since we have all been around babies at one time or the other, we’ve read about them or we’ve seen them. And, we know that a newborn baby cannot live on hamburgers and fries, in fact, that would be more harmful than good. The milk makes his bones strong, it gives him strength to survive. He depends on it and he also depends on his parents to give it to him.

We need to realize that not all are at the same level. Some are strong, firm in the ways of God, but there are others who are just starting out, and these are the ones who need the pure milk so that they may grow that they may be strengthened by it. Their life depends on it, and it up to the stronger to give it to them by helping them by teaching them the truth. But this has been talking about how newborns need the pure milk and not solids. What about when you get stronger, when you grow should you not then move on to more solid food?

A baby has to start out with milk and this is good the parents are not concerned about this, but will they get concerned if the child does not start eating solids when he gets older? Go ask any parent and see what they say.

As saints we cannot live off milk forever: we need to grow; we need to become stronger; we need to start eating solid food.-Vaughn