Bible Thoughts

November 21, 2004

"Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should obey the truth?(Galatians 5:7).

It is apparent from the above scripture that it is possible for one to be hindered from following the commands of God. Those whom Paul was addressing in Galatia were not running the race of righteousness as they should have been. They were letting other items hinder them in the race of a Christian. It is not unusual for some to find ways in which they are hindered from following the Christ who died for their sins as well as the whole world for every generation.

Is it possible that some who are members of the body of Christ believe in the impossibility of apostasy? From the actions, talk, and conduct that is found in some disciples it would be difficult to discern between those who are Christians and unbelievers. We have a close relationship to those who are unbelieving friends, go to the places they go, partake in worldly practices, and--then wonder why those friends are not Christians. Is there anything in the disciples' life that would cause one to be hindered or hinder another disciple?

In order to lead one to Christ, the disciple must set the right example by the conduct of one's behavior. The example they see will hinder the unbeliever(if the wrong example) or will lead one to Christ by the right example. In this life will be found humility, purity, and consecration. Our family and friends will be able to observe what it is like to be a Christian. We can influence them to obey the gospel.

The Bible clearly teaches that Christians can be hindered. The passage quoted stated these brethren "were running well" in the past. Paul desired to know what hindered them. Even in our day, it is sometimes difficult to know what hinders some Christians. Let each of us search our hearts if we are not fully dedicated to the life of a Saint and put aside any hindrance.

The brethren of Galatia were having difficulty concerning the Law of Moses. We understand as disciples that the Law was nailed to the Cross and the Gospel is the inspired guide since the crucifixion of Christ. The ordinances of Moses had been their standard since birth and now they found it difficult to give up those commands. They were letting the Old Law interfere with the New Law. It is, for some, to be difficult in our day, for those who obey the gospel, to understand that the beliefs and practices of the past must be renounced. Once a person is converted to Christ, he is in a new relationship and under a new law. We must also understand that failure to be faithful to the commands of Christ will cause one's soul to be lost.

The proper manner in which to avoid any hindrance to faithfulness is by continually searching the scriptures to find the Lord's will in every teaching and action. Let us not close our minds at any time but study the scriptures for all answers to religious matters. While we often point out the foolishness of denominational error in their teachings and practices, let us always stand for the truth under all circumstances. The apostasy that resulted in the Roman Catholic Church were departures from God's word. The apostasy that resulted in the "Christian" church were departures from God's word. There are even churches of Christ in our day that fail to follow teachings that cannot be found in the New Testament. They feed upon unscriptural practices and teachings that hinder them from being sound in the faith. Do not be hindered by the commands of men.-jy

In studying the organization of the Lord's church, one must consider the items of worship as set forth in the New Testament. Of the five items of worship, perhaps the teaching on giving has been one of the most neglected, because we often fail to realize the importance of it. In II Corinthians 9:6-7, we are told that Christ loves a cheerful giver who has purposed in his heart. The Lord commanded giving but has left it up to us as to how much we should give. Certainly since the Lord showers us with blessings every day we should be willing to lay aside a portion to give to Him. A certain widow gave all that she had and was pleasing in the eyes of God(Mark 12:41-44). Perhaps her two mites wasn't much in amount, but she was liberal with what she had.

The time commanded to give was on the first day of the week(I Corinthians 16:2). We realize then that every week has a first day and so let us come together on the Lord's day with a liberal heart. The work of the Lord cannot go without each Christian giving on his individual responsibility.-Jerry D. Eubanks(A preacher of the gospel who started at the same time as I did while still in High School. Above written in 1956)

When men have sought to make some discovery or proclaim some truth, they have always been met with some prejudice. It may be of little consequence or it may be an almost impossible barrier. New medical discoveries and practices have come forth in spite of the prejudice. Even prejudice led people to crucify the Son of God. Prejudice has locked more hearts, closed more minds and blinded more eyes than any other one thing. An elderly Christian(and preacher) once told me of a school board during his younger days forbidding him to teach that man would eventually fly by mechanical means. The board had already decided it couldn't be done. But--the Wright brothers did it!

Just what is prejudice? It is simply making up one's mind before investigation. It is to pre(before)-judge. Prejudice is not only evident in material matters but in religion as well l(perhaps more so). Having believed something for years, or having parents or other relatives believing it, or being unwilling to acknowledge one might be wrong or any number of other conditions: all are evidence of deciding before investigating.

We trust that those who read this article will not make up one's mind before giving a proper fair and honest reading of the material in this paper. If you will weigh what is said by this medium in the light of God's word and accept only what is found in the word, our hearts will be made happy and you will not be prejudiced.-jy