Missing Scripture

The trend with many today is to concentrate less on the Holy Scriptures, and more on other things in the pulpit and in Bible classes. Serious listeners are made to wonder: “Where is the Scripture?” In visits to congregations in recent years, I have left saddened because preachers or teachers used very little Scripture in the pulpit or Bible classes. In one instance, the preacher did not read or quote even one Scripture in his Bible class. How could this be called a “Bible class” at all?

We also see this problem when preachers do not give the plan of salvation from the Scriptures when they extend the invitation. Do we assume that everyone knows what to do to be saved? Or, do we think that members no longer need to be put in remembrance of these important truths? This cannot be the case, according to Paul (I Timothy 4:6) and Peter (II Peter 1:13–15; 3:1–2). Do children and youth—and adults as well—not need to be grounded in the “first principles” in this matter? Have some lost confidence in the Gospel to convert and to convict? Paul certainly did not. He said: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Does not God command us to “Preach the word” (II Timothy 4:2a)? Sadly, book, chapter, and verse preaching is rapidly vanishing from many pulpits today. Could it be that some actually think that their words are greater than God’s Word? This sad situation can only be remedied by returning to a “thus saith the Lord.” Precious souls need to frequently hear the plan of salvation preached, because the Word of God is “able to save your souls” (James 1:21b). “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).

One who thinks so little of the Bible, and so much of himself, that he will fill his lessons with human sentiments, while leaving his audience starving for the Truth, ought to humble himself and repent. When men who have a genuine reverence for God and His Word fill our pulpits and teach our Bible classes, then church members will be encouraged to “Fear God, and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13), but not otherwise. Church leaders (and every member) ought to demand this kind of preaching/teaching. In the long ago, God commanded Jonah: “Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee” (John 3:2). The preaching that God has always demanded is the preaching of His Word, and not man’s: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (I Peter 4:11).

Danny Douglas

Looking Unto Jesus

Paul warns against self-commendation. He states that those who are caught up in this practice are those who measure themselves by themselves, and who compare themselves among themselves: “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (II Corinthians 10:12).

Men who commend themselves, having nothing but themselves with which to measure themselves, can only end by boasting immeasurably…They who so measure themselves are foolish. Wisdom tests all things by the will of God. The only wise way is to lose confidence in self, and earnestly seek the standard God has given (David Lipscomb).

True wisdom is to walk humbly by the “rule” standard) of God—His Word. We are all to walk by the same rule” (Philippians 3:16), and not simply to be concerned with being better than others, no worse than others. The Son of God is the One to Whom we are to look for guidance, strength, and salvation.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).

We are not to measure ourselves according to people’s standards, not even that of members of the church. Our goal should be to do that which is right in the Lord’s eyes and not men. To compare ourselves with others is a trap and Satan will destroy us in it. Rather, let us resist him and submit to God (James 4:7-8). By so doing, we will be like Jesus and strive to: “do always those things that please him,” our heavenly Father (John 8:29b). We are to obey the Word of Jesus Christ our Example and High Priest (Romans 1:16; John 14:15; I Peter 2:21; Hebrews 3:1; 4:14). This is the only way we can follow Him. The New Testament, the doctrine of Christ, is to be our pattern (II John 9; II Timothy 1:13; Matthew 26:28). Some of the Corinthians were in danger of being “corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (cf. II Corinthians 11:1-3), in that their loyalties to Him were being divided. Let us have the “simplicity” in Christ Jesus by being devoted to Him. Let Jesus be our standard—not men!

Danny Douglas