OceanSide church of Christ

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WHAT DO I LOOK FOR?

Victor M. Eskew

 

            As the nation has drifted to the left, so have many within the precious body of Christ.  Because of this shift, members must be careful when it comes to attending meetings, workshops, lectureships, summer series, youth camps, and other events hosted by our brethren.  Many times what is advertised as a spiritual feast turns out to be a senseless festival.  One spends valuable time in attending the event, only to find that he has wasted his days, hours, and minutes.

            Some wonder how they can determine if something is sound or liberal, valuable or profitless, worth it or worthless.  In this article, we want to look at some things that can help one make the proper assessment of brotherhood events.  First, is the event geared toward spiritual development or fun?  Much of what exists today is entertainment.  It is designed to appeal to the fleshly, carnal side of man.  The spiritual man is left starving after many of these events.  Paul spoke about the inner man in II Corinthians 4:16.  “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”  The inner man does not profit from fun and entertainment.  The inner man is strengthened and refreshed by the serious and sober truths of the Word of God.

            Second, do those who teach and preach at the event focus upon the Word of God, or upon stories, jokes, and current events?  Jesus said: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).  The apostle Paul commended the elders of Ephesus “to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).  Peter wrote to his readers, saying:  “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (I Pet. 2:2).  God’s Word feeds the soul.  Jokes and cute stories may scratch itching ears, but they do little for spiritual development.  Christians are made perfect by means of the Scriptures (II Tim. 3:16-17).

            Third, does this event promote a relationship with God, or does it exalt relationships between those are attending.  Note that we are not trying to diminish the importance to spiritual relationships with others (I Pet. 1:22).  Some events, however, make physical relationships their focus.  Instead of an event that exalts the God of heaven, the event is more of a social gathering.  One way to determine where the focus is by listening to the comments of those who are returning to the event for the second or third time.  Is it a deepened relationship with God that brings them back, or is it merely the chance of having some fun with friends?  This is a difficult evaluation area to discuss.  One reason is because strong relationships are important.  Another reason is because some seem to equate strong physical relationships with a strong relationship with God.  These two, however, are not the same.

            Fourth, do those who organize the event and participate therein believe in the exclusive nature of Christianity, or, are they extremely tolerant of opposing beliefs?  The Bible teaches that salvation can only be found in Christ (Acts 4:12).  The Bible also teaches that there is one church (Eph. 4:4; 1:22-23).  The Bible teaches that there is only one plan of salvation (Rom. 1:16-17).  This plan includes baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).  The Bible stresses that worship is to be conducted in harmony with truth and with the proper spirit (John 4:24).  These, and other truths, used to be honored by all.  This is not the case in many quarters today.  A postmodern mindset of relativism and tolerance has infiltrated many minds.  The exclusive nature of Christianity is viewed as outdated, even mean and unloving.  In many places, speakers and teachers are not ashamed to proclaim their postmodern thinking.  They will also vehemently attack the sacred truths of God’s Word.

            Fifth, does the meeting appeal to emotionalism or to the reasoning ability of man?  In the long ago, God spoke to Israel, saying:  “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord…” (Isa. 1:18).  Jesus said:  “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).  It is God’s desire for all men to come to the knowledge of the truth (I Tim. 2:4).  These passages emphasize the reasonableness of the Christian faith.  It is a faith that is taught and learned (Isa. 2:2-3; Matt. 28:18-20; John 6:44-45).  Many, however, have learned that reasoning with men does not always produce “positive” results (Acts 7:51-60).  Thus, they have turned to the emotional side of man.  Audiences are either brought to tears or stirred to heights of joy.  At just the right moment, the speaker calls for a decision to be made by those in the audience.  Then, there is another call and another.  Sometimes hundreds leave their seats “making a decision for Christ.”  There is nothing reasonable or sensible to their response.  The speaker has merely excited their emotions.  At the next gathering, when emotions are running high, this person will step out and walk the aisle again.                   

            The question has been asked:  “What do I need to look for when attending church, youth, and college events?”  Look for an event that feeds the inner man with the Word of the living God.  Look for an event that spends time in the Word of God.  Look for an event that will strengthen your relationship with God.  Look for an event that is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.  And, seek out an event that appeals to you mind, not your emotions.  There are many events in our brotherhood that meet these qualifications.  We encourage you to take advantage of them.  Your spiritual life will be enriched by your participation.