The New "Corban"

The New “Corban”
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

The Pharisees and Scribes of Jesus’ day avoided providing financial assistance to their parents by designating the money as “Corban.” This meant that any money that might otherwise be given to their parents had already been dedicated as a “gift” to the Temple. Jesus therefore accused these men of disobeying the divine commandment to “honor” their “father and mother” (Ex. 20:12; Mark 7:9-12).

The “Corban” concept is still around, but with a different twist. For some, the Temple is replaced with the church. For others, it is replaced with the civil government. Rather than fulfill their God-given duty to care for their needy parents and relatives, many people pass this responsibility to the church or government. The apostle Paul taught that the responsibility to provide for the needy falls first to immediate family members. “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, so that it may care for those who are really widows” (1 Timothy 5:16). This principle of primary obligation applies equally in the care of family members who are not “widows.”

Like the Pharisees of old, many people have a practice of scapegoating their most basic duties and responsibilities to others. Our modern culture is witnessing a full-blown dependency syndrome. Many people believe that their livelihood, happiness and well-being are owed to them by society or government. Many people have actually been culturally conditioned to look to others for their sustenance and survival. The Bible tells people to “work in quietness and eat their own bread.” The apostle Paul said, “if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). We need to help ourselves to help others (Eph. 4:28). Paul set a noble example in this regard (Acts 20:34; 1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:9). Rather than doing what the Bible says, many people expect aid from others, looking primarily to government. In it they place their trust. Upon it they invest their hopes and dreams. From it they receive their sustenance. Sadly, human government has become the god of many.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

Religious Changelings (Part 2)

Religious Changelings (Part 2)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

As discussed last week, Solomon warned of the dangerous influence of those who are “given to change” (Proverbs 24:21). Not all change is good! Some change constitutes rebellion against God’s established norms.

Some changers are busy converting local churches from once spiritual fortresses into dens of compromise. Those who were once bold apologists for Christ are now apologizing for Christ. Like the disciples in Matthew 15:12, these brethren are worried that plainly stated truths will “offend” the popular crowd. Like modern day Pilates, these brethren desire “to gratify the crowd” (Mk. 15:15). Some in the first century refused to openly acknowledge Christ for fear that they would be cast out of the synagogue. “They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (Jn. 12:42-43). Churches need to quit worrying about “what people will think” if they take an unapologetic approach to doctrinal, moral and ethical questions. They need to “preach the word” without fear or favor (2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Tim. 5:21). They need to “sound forth” (1 Thess. 1:6-8) the gospel and not worry about the consequences of preaching it.

Many local churches are engaged in a kind of calculated evangelism. They are calculating just how far they can go in their Bible teaching and applications before they “alienate” hearers. This calculation is not theirs to make! They are whittling on God’s end of the stick. What they need to do is to recommit themselves to doing the work of planting and watering, and leave the giving of increase to God (1 Cor. 3:6). A God-approved church stands as “the pillar and ground of the truth” in its respective community (1 Tim. 3:15). The combination of the Greek words for “pillar” (Gr. Stylos) and “ground” (Gr. - Hedraioma; Latin Vulgate - firmamentum) suggest the notion of firm, steady and stable support. Local churches are entrusted with the work of firmly supporting the truth. Sadly, the ground under many local churches is shaky and the pillars have crumbled. Proclaiming the “whole council of God” (Acts 20:27) is too risky for these churches, and being “set for the defense of the gospel” (Phil. 1:17) is too negative. In their determination to please men and befriend the world, Christ is not served and God is rejected (Gal. 1:10; Jas. 4:4).

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.