Numbers & Popularity (3)

Numbers & Popularity (3)
Tim Haile

We have learned in previous articles that mere numbers do not represent religious correctness or divine approval. I pointed out that we should be more concerned with pleasing God than with pleasing men (Galatians 1:10). The apostle Paul defined a true “Jew” as being one whose praise is “not from men, but from God” (Romans 2:28). Such a person seeks acceptance from God, and he understands that his service to God may affect the way in which he is perceived and judged by others. The Christian is often criticized and ridiculed for his doctrinal and moral stance. The New Testament condemned certain believers for their unwillingness to confess Christ. And what was their reason for refusing to do so? “… they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42, 43). We must not allow our desire to be accepted by humans to interfere with our effort to please God. Bible history shows this to be one of the primary causes of sin and rebellion against God. Why did Old Testament Jews want a king? So they could be “like the nations around them” (1 Samuel 8:5). People conform to certain political, social and religious norms in order to be liked and to be accepted by the people that are around them. Paul told the saints at Rome to “be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:1), and John told saints to “love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15). What can we do to help ourselves and others to avoid the pitfalls of sinful conformity?

1. We must do God’s will, and not worry about what this makes other people think of us. I have observed that people, including many religious people, often have a great weakness in this area. It is much easier for us socially, if we will draw back from taking firm stands. A “thus saith the Lord” approach to ethical, moral and doctrinal issues can cost us our popularity. And so, on one level people want to serve God, but on another level they wish to keep their old friends and even win new ones. What do we do? The apostle Paul gave us the solution when he wrote, “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not judge myself” (1 Cor. 4:3). These words are a shock and an affront to the thinking of a politically correct generation. Can we really do that? One might ask. And the answer is YES we can! The Christian’s motto in this regard should be to worry more about the well-being of a person’s SOUL, than what that person thinks of us, or what we believe, teach or practice. Paul’s faith did not cave in to the “court” of human opinion. He did not fret over what others thought or said about him. We “stand by faith” (2 Cor. 1:24). Genuine faith does not bend itself in order to accommodate the whims, wishes and expectations of the crowd. It stands as uncompromising and as unchangeable as the very word of God, upon which it is constructed (Romans 10:17; Psalm 119:89). Our ultimate eternal fate will not be determined by what others think of us, but by what God thinks of us. “Therefore,” as James says, “speak and act, as those who will be judged by the law of liberty” (James 2:12).

Look for our next article in next week’s paper. 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: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com or timhaile@mac.com.

Tim Haile, for the Parkway Church of Christ

Numbers & Popularity (2)

Numbers & Popularity (2)
Tim Haile

In last week’s article I pointed out that many people are religiously moved by numbers (hence, the popularity of the mega-church movement). I cited the etymology of the word “popular” as being “of the people.” There is a natural tendency for “people” to want to be a part of that which is “popular.” The problem is that this can be very dangerous in religion. God’s people “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Their faith is not defined or determined by how many people are saying or doing a particular thing. Their faith comes from “hearing the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Let us consider some scriptures that address the issue of numbers.

Matthew 7:13, 14 - “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter in through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Though it is a disturbing prospect, it is nonetheless true: More people will face spiritual “destruction” than will enjoy spiritual “life.” Jesus spoke these words just after warning people of the spiritual danger of hypocrisy (Matthew 6; 7:12), and just before warning them of the dangers posed by false teachers (verses 15-20), disobedience (verses 21, 24-27), and failing to respect divine authority (verses 22, 23). I should emphasize that, even though the “broad road leads to destruction,” it is the “many” (rather than the “few”) who are traveling that road! The road that is taken by the largest crowd is not necessarily the right road. And the crowd that is the largest is not necessarily the crowd that is right. With respect to salvation, the majority of humans will lose their souls. Salvation is obviously not based upon numbers.

Deuteronomy 7:7 - “For the Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.” God’s selection of the Jewish nation was not based upon that nation’s size, but upon God’s own affection for it. Though humans often make the mistake of doing so, God does not measure faithfulness by how many people are doing a particular thing. We must guard ourselves against thinking that the largest churches and religious movements are necessarily the ones that are right. They may not be at all! Members of the religion of Islam comprise 1 sixth of the earth’s population, yet they don’t even believe that Jesus is the Son of God!

2 Samuel 24 - David sinned when he took a military census of Israel and Judah. God was displeased with David because he placed his trust in numbers, rather than in God. David had experienced God’s help in earlier situations (remember the Goliath incident), but for some reason, this time, he placed his confidence in his empire. He sought security from the hands of men, rather than from the hand of God. He was later “conscience-stricken” by his actions, and he repented of his lack of faith in God. And truly, it is a lack of faith on man’s part when he seeks spiritual security in human numbers. There is a reason why Moses said,”Do not follow the crowd in doing evil” (Ex. 23:2). The “crowd” is not always right. Even those who are “in the majority” can be wrong. “Friendship with the world is enmity against God” (James 4:4) We should seek to please God, not men (Galatians 1:10). We should concern ourselves with what God thinks of us, not what men think of us (John 12:42, 43).

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: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com or timhaile@mac.com.

Tim Haile, for the Parkway Church of Christ

Numbers & Popularity (1)

Numbers & Popularity (1)
Tim Haile

In the physical realm, there is often safety in numbers. We witness this in the animal kingdom with “herd” animals. Dangers come for the animal that ventures too far away from the herd. Humans understand this safety principle as well. We teach youths the “buddy-system.” We tell them to not separate from their “group” when they are in places of potential danger. We instruct them to stay with their friends, and not travel alone. In illustrating the importance of “counting the cost” of discipleship, Jesus cited the example of a king comparing the number of his own soldiers to the number of his enemy (Luke 14:31,32). This is how one must think in the physical realm, but what about the spiritual realm? Does spiritual safety come from numbers? Does numerical “might” make “right” in religion? Sadly, the religious world reveals that many people believe that it does. In the denominational world, this is clearly seen in the growing popularity of the mega-church movement. Members of such churches exchange their doctrinal convictions for the experience of being a member of a large church. We are witnessing the same mentality in non-denominational churches. I know some churches of Christ that have grown in numbers, but only because they have loosened their stance against various forms of error. They refuse to involve themselves in controversial issues. They refuse to speak out against certain errors on the basis that those errors are being promoted by well-liked, “popular” preachers. Such ignoring of doctrinal purity, and such blind acceptance of false teachers is not without terrible consequences: The apostle John said that by refusing to abide in the doctrine of Christ, and by receiving those who refuse to bring the doctrine of Christ, one loses his own fellowship with God (2 John 9-11). Emphasis on numbers and popularity can lead to spiritual damnation.

“Popularity” has become a driving force in religion, and many people see no danger in this connection. Our English word “popular” comes from the Latin word “popularis,” meaning “of the people.” Perhaps you have noticed the word “popular” in the Latin word for “people” (populus). The problem for religionists who are focused on popularity is that religious beliefs and practices descend, not “from the people,” but from God. The “inspired” Scriptures are what “thoroughly furnish us to every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16,17). What the “majority” says or does is irrelevant in consideration of such matters. With respect to things that are legislated by God, the so-called “conventional wisdom” of men is insignificant. After all, human wisdom pales in comparison to God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25; Isaiah 55:8,9). In the spiritual realm, humans cannot correctly “direct their own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). God’s people are told to “be not conformed to this world” and to not be “friends” of the world (Romans 12:1; James 4:4). It is not the purpose of God’s people to be “approved” by the world, but to be approved by God (2 Timothy 2:15). In our next study we will consider some Scriptures that will help us to understand why we must not look to numbers and human popularity if we are to please God.

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: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com or timhaile@mac.com.

Tim Haile, for the Parkway Church of Christ

Some Reflections Upon Christmas

Some Reflections Upon Christmas
Tim Haile

In our country, Christmas is a national holiday. For many people the Christmas season provides an opportunity for visiting with family. Many use this holiday to participate in the tradition of gift-giving. Even many Bible-rejecting secularists observe Christmas for these reasons.

Of course, many people attach a special, religious significance to Christmas, going so far as to establish December 25th as a religious holy day. We see church sign slogans that say, “Jesus is the reason for the season,” and, “Let’s put “Christ” back into Christmas,” and other such things. And while it thrills all Bible believers to hear people openly advocating that Christ be remembered and honored, the sad truth is that the exaltation of Christmas as a special holy day, and the special emphasis upon Christ’s birth, which is (arbitrarily) associated with that day, has caused some people (not all) to ignore or forget what the Bible does actually say about the commitment that we are to make to Christ every day! Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Honoring and serving Christ is to be done every day, not just one time a year. Rather than pleading with people to “put Christ” into a certain day, or season of days, let us encourage people to put Christ into every day.

When this is done, Christ is exalted in our thoughts, words and deeds as Lord, Commander, Captain and King (Acts 2:36; Matthew 28:18-20; Revelation 19:16). Respecting His authority, we will listen to Christ and do what He says (Colossians 3:17). We will act upon the basis of His instructions, which we will allow to abide in us (Col. 3:16; Jn. 15:7). We will not dare to act without His authority, for know that such “lawlessness” will result in our spiritual destruction (Matthew 7:23). We will speak where our Lord commands, and we will be silent where He is silent (1 Peter 4:11).

Genuine Christians do not take liberties with God’s word. They do not arbitrarily establish and observe religious holy days of their own making (Galatians 4:10, 11). They know that GOD is solely in charge of such appointments. This raises certain questions about the observance of Christmas: Where does God tell us to celebrate the birth of Christ? Where is a Bible example of such being done by either Christ, His apostles, His disciples, or any New Testament church? We are plainly commanded to commemorate the DEATH of Christ (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23, 24). By an approved example we know to do this “upon the first day of the week,” and by necessary conclusion (that every week has a first day) we know to commemorate the Lord’s death upon the first day of every week (Acts 20:7). But where are the Bible instructions for establishing December 25th as a religious holy day in honor of Christ’s birth? We have clear Scriptures that explain the incarnate birth of Christ (Matthew 1, 2; Luke 2), and these facts must be believed. But where is scriptural authority for us to appoint a certain day, assign to it the birth of Christ, and use that day to annually commemorate the birth of Christ? Had God wanted us to attach a special religious significance to a certain day, He would have told us the specific day, just as He had done in the past (Exodus 12:6, 14), and He would have told us what to do upon that day. Let us avoid adding to the word of God (Revelation 22:18). And let us honor Christ DAILY.

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: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com or timhaile@mac.com.

Tim Haile, for the Parkway Church of Christ

Country Club Churches (3)

Country Club Churches (3)
Tim Haile

In our last article on this subject, we examined the principle of expediency. We observed that the authority for a church building resides in its divinely intended use. God commands us to regularly “assemble” (Hebrews 10:25; 1 Cor. 16:2; Acts 20:7). Some types of weather require the use of a shelter in order protect the body. We cited other examples of expediency in an earlier article. And though this may seem simple to many, the fact is that “expediency” is often abused. Church members find a building with a large hall or auditorium extremely convenient for all types of social engagements. Some people will seek justification for using the building for absolutely any type of project or purpose. They will argue that it is wasteful for the building to sit unused for much of the week. I wonder what these folks would have said about the Holy Place ("Holy of Holies") under the Mosaic dispensation? This facility was entered by only one man, and at only one time a year (Heb. 9:7). Would they have complained to Moses that this was “a waste” of such an elaborate and costly facility?

What about using the church building for pet projects, entertainment and recreation, as is practiced by social organizations? Is such a use of the building authorized? May we use the Lord’s money to provide a building for exercise classes, arts and crafts classes, Boy Scout meetings, Tupperware parties, Christmas parties, Halloween parties, birthday parties, anniversary parties, recreational events, sporting events, and entertainment? Many people do, but what does the Bible say? As with the baptistery and songbooks that we discussed in our last article, the church building is a lawful expedient. Thus, authority for the building resides in the passages that authorize the things for which the building may be used. Since God commands the local church to assemble for various purposes, we are allowed by God to buy, build, or rent, and maintain a church building. The command to assemble authorizes a place or facility in which to assemble (Hebrews 10:25; 1 Cor. 14:23, 26). This would include church assemblies for: teaching & preaching (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 14:26); singing (Ephesians 5:19); praying (Acts 2:42; 4:24-29); observing the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7); giving (1 Cor.16:1-2); evangelism (preaching and teaching to saints and sinners) (Acts 5:42; 11:26; 19:9-10); edification (spiritual development of the saints, including special teaching services and Bible studies) (Ephesians 4:13-16); benevolence (physical assistance to needy saints) (Acts 6:1-7); special meetings about church business, including reports about works in other places (Acts 14:27; 15:30).

Where is the Scripture that authorizes the use of the Lord's money in the construction of a facility for sporting and entertainment events? Can such be found? The focus of the church is not social and secular; it is spiritual (Rom. 14:17). The church is not a social institution: It is a spiritual institution. Jesus said that His kingdom was “not of this world” (Jn. 18:36). Those who make their kingdom be “of” this world plainly admit that their kingdom does not belong to Christ! Let us be careful.

If you are in our area, 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.

Tim Haile, for the Parkway Church of Christ

Country Club Churches (2)

Country Club Churches (2)
Tim Haile

To their shame, many religionists are using the Lord’s holy name and purposes to satisfy their own selfish and carnal desires. They misuse the word "Christian" by applying it to their recreational and social activities. They misuse the term "church" by applying it to their social organizations. They misuse the Lord’s money by paying for things that have nothing at all to do with the divinely revealed work of the church. They have adulterated the true religion of Christ in their efforts to draw and please the crowds. The church building is not our personal playhouse to do with as we see fit. We are bound and obligated to abide by the will of God as to what we do with that building. Authorized uses of church buildings are clearly set forth in the New Testament.

The Church Building is an Expedient. Authority for a place to assemble is inherent in God's commands for the church to assemble. The church building is therefore authorized as a lawful expedient. That is, the building “helps” us do what God wants church assemblies to do. Any passage of scripture that authorizes the church to assemble also authorizes the use of church facilities that are adequate to accommodate that assembly in the accomplishment of its purpose. We shall view several of these assembly passages in a later connection. For now, let us consider the basic concept of expediency.

An expedient is something that facilitates in the accomplishment of God’s will. It might be described as a better way of doing a thing. That is, God has not specified how the particular thing may be done, and under the umbrella of general authority He permits men to use their own judgment. The matter of general authority must not be overlooked. In order for a thing to be expedient it must be (1) lawful (1 Cor. 6:12) and it must serve the purpose of (2) edifying (1 Cor. 10:23). It is lawful for saints to assemble outside in the snow and freezing rain, but such is not profitable or conducive to worship. A church building is, therefore, a worship expedient.

Some Other Expedients: Songbooks are authorized by this principle. Since God has commanded singing in the assembly (Ephesians 5:19; Col. 3:16; Hebrews 2:12), songbooks may be purchased and used. Why? Because songbooks help us in carrying out the command to sing. The same is true of a baptistery. An easily accessible pool of water facilitates in implementing the command of baptism. Rather than having to search for an adequate supply of water, we have the water at our disposal, in a convenient location. It is not wrong to baptize in a natural stream, ocean, lake, or pond, but it is much easier to have an adequate container of water readily available to us. The command to baptize authorizes the use of a baptistery.

Church buildings are in the same category as song books and baptisteries: they help us to fulfill divine commands. This rule is important to remember. It emphasizes the need to respect Bible authority in the use of the Lord’s money, and consequently, in the use of the church building. The “country club” church mentality conditions people to use their church buildings for just any practice they want. We will consider this more in our next article.

If you are in our area, 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.

Tim Haile, for the Parkway Church of Christ

Country Club Churches (1)

Country Club Churches (1)

Tim Haile

The church that you can read about in the Bible is far different than many churches of today. Most of today's churches place a great amount of emphasis upon social programs, recreation and entertainment. The Bible says, "The kingdom of God is within you" and "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but peace, righteousness and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Luke 17:21; Romans 14:17). Jesus told Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). These passages show that the kingdom is a spiritual association that exists or a spiritual plane and for spiritual reasons. It is not an entertainment organization. The church is “social,” but the church is only social in the sense that it is composed of people who enjoy friendly relationships and companionships. Their bond, however, is not based upon their participations in sporting events or the eating of common meals, but rather, based upon their common faith (Tit. 1:4). Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). The church certainly isn’t a social club.
People are guilty of adulterating the mission of the church when they use the church to fulfill their carnal desires to be fed and entertained. Jesus Christ did not leave heaven and suffer the cruel torments of the cross so that humans would have a reason to build a glorified playhouse.
Multitudes view religion and the church as a means of social interaction and fulfillment. From this misconception stems the false practice of spending the money that was collected in the name of the Lord on projects and facilities unauthorized by the Lord! Jesus said, "Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but you do not practice what I say?" (Luke 6:46). If religious people are going to collect money by appealing to the Lord’s name, they are obligated to appeal to the Lord’s authority in their use of that money. The activities that are housed by gymnasiums, movie theaters, recreation halls, family life centers and fellowship halls are not authorized by Scripture as legitimate works of the Lord’s church.
The Church Belongs To Christ; Not To Us! Many people see the church as theirs to do with as they please (their own little playhouse). Obviously, humans are free to form social organizations for various social purposes. However, people are not at liberty to hijack the Lord’s church and use it to fulfill their secular purposes. God has spoken with regard to the nature and purpose of His church. The church belongs to Christ: He is its builder. Jesus said, "Upon this rock (the fact of His full deity) I will build MY church..." (Matthew 16:18). The next verse shows Jesus using the words "church" and "kingdom" interchangeably, and Colossians 1:13 refers to this "kingdom" as "the kingdom of God’s dear Son." It belongs to Him! Jesus purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). He is also the “head” of that church (Eph. 5:23). As the “head of the church,” Jesus is authorized to direct and regulate the church. He gives it permission to do certain things, and He prevents it from doing other things. Humans are free to charter and order their own organizations, but they have no right to charter and order God’s church. God alone has the authority to do that. We will make some applications in subsequent articles.