Bible Thoughts

May 13, 2001

On one occasion, a young man approached the author in an attempt to sell some books. As the conversation continued, it became apparent that he was a member of the body of Christ and a graduate of the one colleges operated by certain brethren. As we talked, the conversation centered upon the type of preaching taking place among churches of Christ. The student was not unfamiliar with teaching since he had taught a class for two years in a "prominent" church in Texas. What was surprising was to hear his criticism of the preaching found among churches of Christ. He suggested that preachers had been too negative and needed to be more positive in one's approach to other people. He cited responses he received from those in denominations when asked about their attitude toward the church. His conclusion was that if we would cease to be "so negative," more good could be accomplished.

It is conceded that improvement could be made in our preaching and teaching by all of us. In fact, that is what every conscientious preacher/teacher tries to do with each lesson. An attempt was then made to guide him to a better understanding of the work of the apostles, the attitude of Jesus Christ, and the commands in regard to preaching that could be found in the epistles of the New Testament. It was pointed out that when we are more familiar with what God has to say, a better judgment of "proper" preaching can be reached. Perhaps, as you read this, you may also wonder about "negative" approaches in lessons. We need to seriously consider if such is allowed by the New Testament and can be as effective as "positive" preaching.

No preaching can be neutral. When the truth is preached, the teacher is automatically for or against something in religion, regardless of its source. While there are those who want to be neutral, they usually end up on the wrong side. Jesus plainly declared that when one is not with him, he was against him(Matthew 12:30). As we stand for the Lord and the truth, we are placing ourselves in a position of opposition to that which is not true. There can be no middle ground when one preaches the whole truth.

The gospel preacher must be positive when he teaches. It is always the desire of a faithful servant to build up those righteous elements and focus on uplifting qualities. The assimilation of love into one's heart, the cultivation of proper attitudes, the adding of the graces, and edification of the saints means positive growth in all Christians. Paul pointed out that a gospel preacher should "exhort"(II Timothy 4:2)-- certainly a positive act.

Those who teach and preach the truth will also be negative. The disciple must speak against error, expose sin, and rebuke false teachers(II Timothy 4:2). The very nature of these actions make such negative. In many cases, there must be a tearing down in order to build up. In a time when men's hearts are often controlled by creedbooks, manmade traditions, and practices not taught in the scriptures, a lot of "tearing down" must take place. It is not unusual to find it necessary to spend more time demolishing ideas than planting new seed! So long as the commandments and ways of men control the minds of men, gospel preachers must work to uproot such falsehoods.

No new plant can be produced until the soil is free to receive the seed. The gospel preacher/teacher did not infect the heart with error; the follower of Christ is attempting to remove the infection. It is unfair to chide one who speaks the truth and exposes error as the soil is prepared for the acceptance of the gospel. Cultivating the hearts of men will produce a harvest that is acceptable to God.

One who teaches the truth must be negative in his approach; one who teaches the truth must be positive in his approach. The neglect of either will cause souls to be lost.

Because it was made according to the pattern, the first church was completely furnished unto every good work. Its very simplicity was evidently one reason that it was absolutely sufficient and efficient in all things demanded of it.

As a benevolent institution it was without blemish; as a missionary society or evangelistic medium, it lacked nothing.

There is absolutely no precedent or example in the Holy Scriptures for the existence of any organization, federation or society which embraces more or less than one local congregation through which to perform the work of the Lord in the furtherance of the gospel.-F. B. Shepherd, Gospel Advocate, Feb. 22, 1932

The Bible reveals a place of everlasting punishment for those who obey not the gospel and know not God(II Thessalonians 1:7-9). It is pictured in the book of Revelation as a place of fire and anguish, primarily reserved for the devil and his angels(Revelation 20:10, 14-15). When Jesus drew the attention of those who listened to him in that day, he pointed out that people who failed to practice righteousness were cast into the "everlasting fire" (Matthew 25:41, 46). John said, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death"(Revelation 21:8).

The positive side is that one does not have to go to Hell. Through obedience to the gospel and faithful living, one can prepare for a home in heaven(I Peter 1:22-23; I Peter 1:4, 7). Jesus has warned us in Matthew 25 of the fate of not being righteous. In the same passage, Christ points to the reward of living an acceptable life. The choice is up to the individual: Heaven or Hell. That choice is up to you