| August 29, 1999 |
Vol. II, No. 18
|
Understandably, events of recent years have served to convince many people that “religion” is nothing more than a rip-off for suckers and fools. Unfortunately, this is true of much that passes for religion today. Anyone remotely interested enough in religion to watch the televangelists, listen to the radio preachers, or attend a religious meeting will, except in the rarest of occasions, be subjected to an attack of his or her pocketbook.
Such is a shame and disgrace: but we are sorry to say that such is not, as many have thought, just a phenomenon of the 20th century. During apostolic times there were those engaged in the “business” of preaching a perverted gospel. In fact, the apostle Paul made it very clear that error and greed often go together, 1 Tim. 6:3-10. Speaking specifically of such individuals, Paul wrote: “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame -- who set their minds on earthly things” (Phil. 3:18-19).
Again Paul wrote, “For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom. 16:18).
Obviously, Paul was grieved by such false teachers because he knew that as a result of their activities the cause of Christ was being besmirched. Likewise, today, Christians are deeply grieved by the shenanigans of gross men and women “who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.” How truly sad it is that greedy false teachers who are “destitute of the truth” can cause true religion to be so evil spoken of.
If, perchance, you have been interested in the religion of Christ, but have been negatively affected by what you have been reading, hearing, and seeing in the media, then you ought to be happy to know that true religion is being taught and practiced in your area by a group of people who are not interested in your pocketbook. That’s right! Real churches of Christ do not solicit funds from anyone. They never charge for anything they do. All their teaching is absolutely free. They are not interested in making merchandise of anyone. As a community of believers, their only interests are in the preaching of the unperverted gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world, continuing to edify themselves with God’s inspired Word, and providing for their own needy. As individuals, they are interested in doing good to all men as they have opportunity. But make no mistake about it, they never charge for their services. Like the apostle Paul, churches of Christ “do not seek yours, but you” (2 Cor. 12:14). In other words, they are not interested in your pocketbook, but are, instead, interested in your soul.
Does all this seem too hard to believe? Then we invite you to visit with us and see for yourself. Why not visit with us next Lord’s day. We think you’ll be glad you did.
OUR AIM. We are devoted to the restoration of New Testament Christianity. It is not our mission to be another denomination, but rather to urge all religious people to return to the simple plan of God. It is our plea that this is a solution to the problems that confront a divided Christendom. We desire ultimately that the church for which Christ died may supersede all the movements of men, and that His people may be one in every sense of the word. May His church shine in all its beauty and pristine glory.
--Allan Turner
In Matt. 11:25-26, we read that Jesus prayed, “I thank You Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Your eyes.”
This reminds us of Isa. 5:21, “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight.” And of Paul’s teachings in 1 Cor. 3:18-23.
Of course, Jesus would have liked to have been accepted by all. He would like for all to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth, 1 Tim. 2:4. But the fact remains that because God has given men free will many will choose to reject the truth, the Lord, and the salvation of their souls. Jesus said, “Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and there are many who go in by it” (Matt. 7:13).
In the nature of things, it is often the expert who is least likely to learn new truths. As Jesus went from village to village with His message of salvation and His promise that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, it was, for the most part, the customs agents (publicans) and immoral sinners who learned from and heeded His message. The scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, priests and religious elite, for the most part, were offended by His message. When a publican and a Pharisee went to the temple to pray, it was the tax collector who went home justified, because he humbled himself before God and sought forgiveness of his sins. The Pharisee’s pride allowed him to overlook his own sins and his need for forgiveness, Luke 18:10-14.
Much of Jesus’ preaching and teaching was in the form of parables -- stories told to illustrate spiritual truths. Jesus spoke of planting seed, sewing clothes, catching fish. He used common things to illustrate spiritual truths. Things like salt and candles and leaven. “The common people heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37). The farmers, homemakers, fishermen, and shepherds often understood His illustrations without further explanation. The scholars, priests and politicians often went away bewildered, not making the spiritual application of Jesus’ wonderful truths. Those who wanted to know the truth and did not fully grasp His message often asked for further explanation. See Matt. 13:36 and similar passages. Those who prided themselves as religious experts seldom asked any questions of Him except to try to trap Him or get something against Him.
So, quite naturally, the truth was made evident to those who wanted to know, and withheld from those who did not.
--CRJ
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.