The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
November 23, 2003
In
This Issue:
What
Bible Classes Need
by
Dan Shipley
Homeward
Bound
by
Gary Ogden
What Bible Classes Need
Appreciation! That's the first and fundamental need of our Bible classes. After all, if they are not esteemed as vitally important in the local church, any other need they have will be almost academic. But, it is not enough that only a dedicated few have this sense of seriousness about Bible classes. Every elder, deacon, teacher, preacher, and parent must feel a personal obligation to cooperate in assuring the very best in Bible instruction. And that will certainly include overcoming the prevalent and hurtful apathetic attitudes that hinder such an objective.
Accordingly, Bible classes urgently need the active and involved support of the elders. As respected and influential "ensamples to the flock" (1 Pet. 5:3), these men, more than any others, determine the congregation's attitude toward these classes. That which does not warrant the interest, the planning, the encouragement, and the involvement of elders is not likely to be considered all that important by other members. Bible classes are one way in which they can "feed the church of the Lord" (Acts 20:28). As those who "take care of the church" (1 Tim. 3:5), these leaders should provide the very best possible teachers and facilities to promote the instruction which is in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).
In addition, Bible classes desperately need dedicated and conscientious teachers. Not only is what the teacher says important; what he does and is are equally important. Unless he lives what he teaches, he teaches in vain. Bible classes need prepared teachers - the kind who have something to offer besides "fill-in-the-blanks" and cross- word puzzles. Our classes need teachers who relate Bible truth to the level and needs of the students. And, all the better if it can be done with enthusiasm and a sense of urgency. It should go without saying that the best teachers are those who are truly concerned for the souls of their pupils. It is not without good reason that James says, "Be not many of you teachers, my brethren..." (3:1). Teaching God's word is serious business and our classes need teachers who think so.
Another thing our Bible classes need are concerned parents. Usually, the parent's attitude toward these classes will be reflected in their children. If parents leave the impression that school studies are more important than Bible studies, the effect can be eternally hurtful. One of the perpetual problems voiced by many Bible class teachers is that their students do not read their assignments or do their homework. Parents condone and even encourage such neglect in allowing it - not that most of them don't care, we just forget and become neglectful. I've often wondered if it wouldn't be helpful if teachers would send parents progress or report cards something like those used in public schools. Anyway, none can deny that parental influence is a major factor in determining the quality of our Bible classes.
Instruction in Bible truth was never needed more. May we remember the needs of classes where such instruction is done.
-- by Dan S. Shipley
Plain Talk, Vol. 20, No. 1, March 1983
"For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek the city which is to come. Through him let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to His name. But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:14-16).
Is it true that we have no abiding cities on this earth? Does history bear this out? Sodom and Gomorrah certainly were not abiding cities. Jerusalem exists today but it has been destroyed and rebuilt time and again. Babylon, one of the greatest and most magnificent cities of ancient times, is nothing but a rubbish heap. San Francisco was once completely demolished by an earthquake and Rome isn't really an "eternal city." Yes, God is right again; we have here no abiding city. We had better set our sights on another home, a heavenly city.
Abraham, the father of the faithful, has led the way. "By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for the city which hath foundations, whose builder and make is God" (Heb. 11:9-10). Abraham knew this world was not home, but that he was a pilgrim passing through. Until we recognize this truth, we will be longing for the wrong things.
A characteristic of those who are seeking that heavenly city is the offering of sacrifices of praise to God continually (Heb. 13:15). Part and parcel of our existence upon earth is to worship. "True worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such doth the Father seek to be his worshipers" (John 4:23). Such worship is offered through Jesus Christ for "no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."
God doesn't ask us to sacrifice animals as He demanded of the ancients, but "the fruit of lips which make confession to His name."
In our sojourn we are to confess to others our belief in God and His Son. "Because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9). Don't think of confession as a one-time act, but a continual sacrifice of praise.
Seekers of that heavenly city would offer the fruit of their lips by singing the praises of God, Christ and Home. We are called to "make melody in our heart unto the Lord" (Eph. 5:19). How could someone who is Homeward Bound refuse to sing? "Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God!"
Would not Homeward Bound people be a praying people? Prayer is depicted in the Bible as "incense" (Rev. 5:8). "Pray without ceasing" is not simply an easy verse to memorize, but it is a way of life for those looking above. How in this world are we going to make it to heaven without a constant prayer on our lips for help, guidance, strength, forgiveness?
Teaching the word of God would certainly qualify as a sacrifice of praise. Not everyone has the ability to teach in a formal way, but each can find a way to influence others with truth. When a parent teaches his/her child about God and His ways, that's a sacrifice of praise.
Not only are we to offer the "fruit of our lips" but those who are "looking for a city" have their mind set on "doing good and communicating" (Heb. 13:16). Doing good takes in a large territory and involves the active doing of all of God's will. To neglect to do good is sin (James 4:17). Our whole life should be spent in doing good and not evil. Evil is a sacrifice to the devil and too many are bowing down to that idol!
"To communicate" is a specific kind of "good." It means to share our material means with those who are in need. "Charge them that are rich in this present world, that...they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may hold on the life which is life indeed" (I Timothy 6:17-19).
How easy it is to become self-centered as we rack up and stack up possessions. We can lose our perspective. We can lay up treasures in a place where we have no abiding city. It makes no sense. We forget to share, to sacrifice. Such failure, according to Jesus, bars our entrance into that eternal city (Matthew 25:41-46).
Are you in love with this world, or is your true "affection on things above, where Christ is"? We don't need to get too comfortable down here. There's a better place awaiting, a heavenly city, prepared by God. He prepared it for people like Abraham, and like you and me.
Abraham set his sights pretty high. Heaven's about as high as you can get! Do you remember where Home is? Are you praising? Are you sacrificing? Are you communicating?
Are you Homeward Bound?
by Gary Ogden
Via Gardendale church of Christ bulletin
by Steve Klein