Tag Archives: Christian Living

Articles, Tracts from the Past

Christianity and Americanism (Christian Solutions to Modern Problems – Part One)

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I discovered a lengthy tract in my office, written by F.W. Mattox, best-known as the author of the book, The Eternal Kingdom.  This tract is the text of a speech given at Harding College, showing how the problems of the American marketplace could be solved if people would apply Christian principles.

We will be presenting the text of this speech in several installments (so as not to make your eyes cross reading the whole thing in one sitting on the computer).

Enjoy!

INTRODUCTION:

On October 25, 1949, Dr. F. W. Mattox spoke at the regular daily chapel service at Harding College. Many of the men attending the fourth Freedom Forum were present, several of whom requested the speech in printed form.

Believing that the true objectives of labor and management are identical; that there is desperate need for a better understanding of this fact; and that the application of Christian principles to industrial problems offers the only hope of long preserving our present standard of high wages, Harding College readily consented to print the message for the benefit of a wider audience.

-George S. Benson President

Christian Solutions To Modern Problems

By Dr. F. W. Mattox

In modem literature, there are many criticisms of attempts to apply first century principles to 20th century problems. Yet many of us are convinced that the solution to our modem problems is to be found in the application of the teachings of Christ.

Our purpose here is to examine briefly the applications of Christianity to the pressing problems of today in the light of its critics. The conclusions are of vital importance to our concept of government, society, business management, and labor.

1. THE PHILOSOPHY OF AMERICANISM

There exists in America today a strong influence designed to revamp the American way of life. Its purpose is to exalt the state and mold society according to a visionary concept. In order to accomplish these ends there must be a change in the philosophy that supports American society.

No institution exists without an underlying philosophy. Whether stated or not, there is a concept that supports each institution as a foundation does the superstructure of a building and as roots support a tree. If this basic idealism is not harmonious the institution can stand no better than can a building on a faulty foundation. This means that the reason given for doing a thing affects the way the thing is done. If men do not agree upon the why, one cannot expect them to agree upon the how.

The cause for the chief problems in America is a lack of agreement in regard to this underlying philosophy. With the encroachment of naturalism and relativity, the spiritual concepts of the Bible that gave unification to America in its formative period are being challenged. This has resulted in confusion of ideals and purposes, not only in regard to religion, but also in sociology, economics, and government.

Americanism is a word that denotes such ideas as freedom, progress, enlightenment, scientific know-how, mass production, invention and change. To many, this concept is entirely contrary to the ideas of the Christian religion. For the Bible is thought of as supporting the status quo. Its principles of permanent truth and uncompromising idealism are looked upon to support the heritage of the past and are expected to resist change.

That we are living in a world of change is not denied. Professor Whitehead was correct in reminding us that before 1914 there was in the world more of constancy than of change, but since the First World War, there has been more of change than of constancy. Let it be clearly understood, however, that the Bible is not a defender of the status quo. The ideals of the Bible have never been achieved in any society and every student of Church History has thrilled with the heroic fight of the saints of old in their struggles for social change.

It is the contention here that change in the right direction must grow out of timeless principles of truth. There must be a firm base for a great building and fertile soil for luxuriant growth. The Bible provides this base, the soil of which greatness grows. This is clearly seen by the following examination.

What are the requirements for a permanent and progressive society?

First there must be a feeling of brotherhood. A stable society cannot exist without its members working closely together. That man’s native gregariousness is not sufficient to provide this need is seen through a glance at class strife and human selfishness. The Bible develops this cohesive need by emphasizing the brotherhood of man. It is being claimed that Communism also emphasizes a brotherhood of man, but such claims are soon seen to be without foundation in fact. Brotherhood presupposes equality. Not equality of possession, as the Communists strive for, but a recognition of the equal worth and dignity of each member. Americanism is based upon this concept but apart from the Bible the concept itself is without foundation.

The second requirement for a permanent progressive society is in regard to production. Each member must contribute his fair share. Communism, finding that work is not cheerfully given, attempts to force this contribution through the existence of a police state, with its exile and forced labor camps the motivating influence. Where the state controls the production of each worker, incentive and initiative are killed and force and fear are the only alternatives.

In the American system, production is held to the highest level found anywhere in the world, by the principle of individual freedom. This freedom to plan, to work and to enjoy the fruits of labor, rests upon the requirement that each member of society assumes responsibility. This is the key to the problem. How can men be taught to assume responsibility? The Bible has the only answer. Obligation to God requires the assumption of personal and social responsibility. The Christian religion requires one to be loyal, dependable, honest, trustworthy, and unselfish. The degree to which these principles are accepted is the degree of responsibility assumed.

America has done well under this philosophy. Her present greatness is its result. To return to an earlier figure, any tree bearing abundant fruit should not have its roots molested. An attempt to replace the roots of a tree would unavoidably result in disaster. Accordingly, would it be reasonable to suppose that we could change the basic philosophy of our national life and maintain the same desirable ends? It would not. Different roots will produce different fruit. And the fruits so far produced by non-Christian roots are all of the undesirable variety.

Articles

The Church Used to Grow. So What?

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I’m guilty.

I’ve been one of the hundreds of preachers who have tried to guilt people out of their spiritual lethargy by saying In the 50s and 60s, the Lord’s church was the fastest growing religious body in the United States.  (Not-so-subtly implying that they aren’t doing much for the Lord).

I’m one of the hundreds of preachers who have bemoaned the fact that the church isn’t growing across this country (and locally) like it did some five decades ago.

Usually, when that statistic is thrown out there, it’s used as evidence that members of the church (overall) have stopped caring about evangelism.  It’s used to show that the Lord’s church isn’t as dedicated as they once were.  It’s pretty much always used as a comparison.

And I think we’ve made a mistake by using it that way.

The fact is, we don’t live fifty years ago.  We live now.  It doesn’t matter today whether the church grew or shrank fifty years ago.  What matters today is what we as Christians are going to do now.

Bemoaning the fact that the church isn’t growing like it used to isn’t going to encourage growth today.

If we are going to use past growth as an example or a tool to help the church, we need to stop being so negative with it.

We say The church used to grow fifty years ago.  But what the members here is You guys are worthless compared to the Christians from fifty years ago.

We say The church was baptizing hundreds upon hundreds back in the 50s and 60s.  But the congregation starting thinking, What are you trying to say about us?

If you, as a preacher or a member, want to tell other members that the church used to grow five decades ago, then you need to use it in a positive way.

Consider the following:

  • The church experienced great growth in the United States in the 50s and 60s, so there’s no reason for us to get downhearted–it can be done!  Let’s get to work!
  • The church was the fastest growing religious group in the United States, and we can make that happen again!
  • The church grew by leaps and bounds, so we know that there are still people who will respond to the truth.  It’s time to go find them!

It’s high time we bring a positive message that growth is possible and then get out there and do it!

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to make the growth of the Lord’s church in the 50s and 60s look pitiful by comparison!  Let’s all work together and make it happen.  The Lord Jesus Christ deserves no less!

-Bradley S. Cobb

Articles

Homosexuality in Perspective

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A local teenager approached me with an interesting question, one that I thought could potentially be a loaded question.  He said, “What do you teach on homosexuality?”

I told him the same thing the Bible says about it: it’s a sin.  “But,” I added, “it’s not the only sin.”

With all the talk of homosexuality, it’s as though some people think it’s the only sin.  It’s the only sin they talk about publicly (look at their Facebook pages).  It’s the only sin that they get upset over.  It seems to be the front line of all their efforts. They are outraged over every bit of ground that the homosexuals gain in promoting their lifestyle.

They don’t show this kind of outrage over people cheating on their taxes.  They are strangely silent when it comes to people speeding.  Their voice is nowhere to be heard when there are beer ads during the football game. It’s like they’ve gone mute when it comes to people using God’s name in vain.

This teenager, after my response, said, “All I hear every Sunday is how evil homosexuality is.  It’s in every sermon.  I realize it’s sin, but good grief, I think we got the message two months ago.  There’s not a homosexual in our church, and none of them are considering it, so it’d be nice if the preacher moved on to something else.”

Now, don’t take this as me somehow advocating a “soft” stance on homosexuality.  The Bible is very clear that homosexuality is an abomination (Leviticus 18:22), and that there will be no homosexuals in heaven (I Corinthians 6:9-10).  God says it’s an abomination, and that remains true, even if man stops viewing it that way (I’m looking at you, Canadian Supreme Court).

But, as a Christian, it bothers me that I have so many brothers and sisters in Christ who only get outraged over certain sins.  As a Christian, it bothers me that homosexuality is the litmus test topic, but things like having the proper attitude, showing love towards others, striving for unity in the church, bringing back the erring, and other such things are viewed as secondary in importance (if they’re even mentioned at all).

As Jesus said, “These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone” (Luke 11:42, NKJV).

It also bothers me that so many Christians are outraged because non-Christians (those who are already lost) are accepting homosexuality as “normal” or “acceptable.”   They are beside themselves when the government (or the courts) endorse such behavior.  Yes, it’s a horrible thing that homosexuality is growing in recognition.  But if you’re expecting the government and the court system to teach on things which are morally right or wrong, then you need to reprogram your mind.  It’s not the government’s job to influence people to follow the Bible.

That’s the job of Christians.

You, as a Christian, will be much more influential on showing someone why certain things (such as homosexuality) are wrong when you stand up against the other things that the Bible shows are wrong, too.  People aren’t going to be willing to listen to you if they view you as someone who only cares about the homosexuality issue.

Let’s be balanced in our focus towards all sins.  And let’s also remember that the way to convert a homosexual to Christ is not to post a thousand status updates on Facebook about the sin of homosexuality, but to teach the truth in love, showing him/her how (1) it is possible to change, (2) it’s worth it to change, (3) it’s necessary to change, and (4) God will accept them when they change.

And if you noticed, those four things apply to every sin.

One final thought to add is this: simply believing that homosexuality is sinful won’t going to get you into heaven.  Convincing a thousand non-Christians that homosexuality is sinful won’t get them to heaven either.

What will matter in the final judgment is bringing them to Christ.

-Bradley S. Cobb

Articles

Thank God For His Unsung Workers

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Attendance Last Sunday – 7
Attendance Today – 7

That’s what the record board said at a small congregation of the Lord’s church as I looked at it recently.

Over a decade ago, I was part of a rotation of men who took turns preaching there on Sunday mornings.  I admit that sometimes (OK, most of the time), I didn’t put a lot of preparation into the lessons.  I would find a sermon outline from the internet (usually from executableoutlines.com), and read through it while my wife drove us the 45 minutes it took to get there.

Then, when we got there, we’d sit through class taught by Steve Dinkins.  He was also the song leader and usually did the Lord’s Supper as well–by himself.  Back then, I didn’t really give much thought to how much he did there for that little congregation.

But earlier this month, we visited DuQuoin, Illinois again, for the first time in over ten years.  With our family of six (as well as my parents and my sister), we more than doubled their attendance numbers.  There were only eleven there for Bible class, including our group of nine people.

You might wonder where I’m going with all of this.

Steve Dinkins was still there.  He taught the class, led the singing, and served the Lord’s Supper.  And though he used a workbook from Gospel Advocate as the text, it was incredibly obvious that he had spent a lot of time in preparation to teach the class.  And if we hadn’t been there, he would have been teaching the class–for which he spent hours preparing–to one person.

I honestly don’t know how many people would spend the time and preparation in study, knowing that they were probably only going to be teaching one or two people.  For a lot of people, it would be discouraging, disheartening, and they would be greatly tempted to not really prepare for it much at all.  But not Steve.  He goes into each week knowing that there’s not going to be more than just a handful of people (if that), yet he makes sure he is prepared.

It says a lot about him.

Years ago, I (sadly) took Steve for granted.  I was young, and nowhere near as serious as I should have been about God, Christ, and the church.  But now I realize just how extraordinary he is.  And I now have a great appreciation for the work he’s doing as a member of the church in DuQuoin.

Most people in the Lord’s church have never heard of Steve Dinkins, and that’s unfortunate.  But you know what?  There are several people doing the same thing in little congregations throughout this country and throughout the world.  There are Steve Dinkins all over this globe who quietly serve their congregations as unsung heroes in God’s army.

And today, I hope you stop for a moment and thank God for these dedicated, but unsung workers in the church.  And appreciate them.  There aren’t nearly enough of them.

God, I thank you for Steve Dinkins and people like him who serve you and your church without fame or accolades.  I ask that you will bless them with a long life in your service, and that others will be encouraged to greater faithfulness by seeing their faithfulness to your word.  And may I show the same dedication to you in my own life.  Amen.

-Bradley S. Cobb

Articles, Restoration Movement

Restoration Moments – The Final Day of Knowles Shaw

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“Oh, it is a grand thing to rally people to the Cross of Christ!”

Those were the final words of Knowles Shaw, a preacher and hymn-writer in the late 1800s.

We present to you now a Restoration Movement Moment that comes from The Life of Knowles Shaw, Singing Evangelist (by William Baxter), which is available as a free download from the Gravel Hill church of Christ website.

—–

[Knowles Shaw] telegraphed to the church at McKinney, that he and I would be there the next day. Early the next morning there was a tremendous rain-fall, lasting two or three hours. The brethren tried to prevail on him not to go to McKinney that morning, urging that the weather was so unfavorable that he could not have a meeting if he went, and insisted that he should remain in Dallas that day and rest. He replied, “No; we have telegraphed the brethren we would be there, and we must go; that there was no time for rest now; rest would come by and by.”

I met him at the depot about seven o’clock that morning, as lively and cheerful as I ever had seen him. He had bought his ticket and was ready to start. We took a seat in the car, and, in a few moments, were off. We conversed a few moments in regard to the work at McKinney. He then took up the morning paper and looked through it.

While thus engaged, I left him, and went forward to the front of the car, and was about to pass out to the coach ahead, when someone called me by name. I turned, and saw a Methodist minister, Mr. Malloy, whom I had known years before in Arkansas. I sat down by him, and spent some time in conversation. He asked me about our meeting in Dallas, and Brother Shaw. I told him that Mr. Shaw was on the train, and just at that moment caught his eye, and beckoned to him, and he came to where we were seated.

I introduced him to Rev. Mr. Malloy, and gave him my seat, and took the next one. Mr. Malloy asked him to tell him the secret of his success in protracted meetings, which Brother Shaw proceeded to do in a very earnest manner, saying he depended much on the power of a song-preached Christ.  He always kept Jesus before the people, made them feel that they were sinners, and needed just such a Savior as he preached. That he never became discouraged, had confidence in the gospel truth as the power of God, that he loved his work, and became wholly absorbed in it.

Then he added: “Oh, it is a grand thing to rally people to the Cross of Christ.”

At that moment, I turned to see if we were in sight of McKinney, and I felt the car was off the track, bouncing over the ties. I did not feel in any danger; did not know that we were on an embankment, and expected that we would check up in a moment or two. I saw Brother Shaw rise from his seat, and realized at once that the car was going over.

Not a word was spoken.

I saw Brother Shaw alive no more.

All became as dark as night. When I came to myself, the coach was at the bottom of the embankment, and I was its only occupant. I looked round, but all were gone. When I got out, I saw the passengers on the railroad track above me, and made my way up to them. The first one I met was Mr. Malloy, with whom Brother Shaw was seated at the time of the accident. I said to him, “Have you seen Brother Shaw?”

“NO,” said he, “I fear he is under the wreck; but he saved my life by pushing me from the position in which he himself fell.”

I waited to hear no more, but ran down to the wreck, looked in, and saw a man’s hand pointing upward out of the water. It was Brother Shaw’s hand. I called for help, and in about fifteen minutes he was taken lifeless from the water. Portions of the wreck had to be cut away with an ax before the body could be reached and removed. I had the body placed in the baggage-car, which had not been thrown from the track, and sent to McKinney, where it was taken charge of by the brethren and placed in the church. I sent a telegram to Dallas, telling the sad news.

In a short time, a deep gloom pervaded the whole city, as from house to house passed the sad words, “Brother Shaw is dead.” Quite a number were injured by the accident; some very severely. My own injuries were of a serious nature, much more so than I at first supposed. Such was Brother Shaw’s last day on earth.

Articles

What Have I Done?

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She was a friend.  A very kind woman who always was willing to listen and just talk whenever I came by.  It didn’t matter that I was a little kid and she was in her 60s.  It didn’t matter that I was a teenager and she was in her 70s.  It didn’t matter that I was now grown up with a family and she was in her 80s.  Mrs. Smothers, the woman who lived next door to my parents, was always happy to see me.

I mowed her yard on occasion.  When  the snow came, I always shoveled her walk (and she’d always give me a couple 50-cent pieces for my trouble).  When I got a drum set and banged horribly around on it, she complimented my ability to keep a steady beat.  When she was on her porch, she always invited me to come over and just talk.  But we moved ten years ago, and the visits with Mrs. Smothers became very few and very far between.

We have been traveling the past couple weeks, and we stopped in Illinois to visit my parents.  But along the way there, Mrs. Smothers entered my thoughts.  I realized as we were heading that way that though we’d talked before about religion in general (mostly about the fact that I was going to be a preacher), I’d never talked with her seriously about her soul.

So, I made up my mind before we ever arrived that I was going to talk to Mrs. Smothers about her soul, about Jesus, and about eternity.  I had prayed for God to allow her a receptive heart to hear the truth and at the very least to consider it.  But shortly after arriving, I asked my mother about her, and this was the reply: “Oh, didn’t I tell you?  She passed away.”  Mrs. Smothers was gone.

And I never tried to reach her with the gospel.

I had made up my mind to do so, but by then it was too late.  To say I am sad is an understatement.  I am so upset with myself over it.  I am incredibly tormented knowing that she died having never obeyed the gospel.

At this point, there are voices coming at me, saying Brad, you haven’t lived in Illinois for a decade, as though that’s some kind of excuse.  Or Brad, there are plenty of other Christians that live in the same town she does and none of them talked to her about it either.  It doesn’t matter what someone else did or didn’t do.  The fact is, I had the opportunity many times over throughout the years to talk to her about it, yet I never did.

I know that the Bible teaches each person will be judged based on his or her own works.  So Mrs. Smothers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to answer for her own actions.  But God only knows what a word from me–a serious attempt to show her the gospel–would have done.  It’s possible that she would have been willing to listen, become a Christian, and serve God faithfully the rest of her days.  It’s possible that as a result, other members of her family might have been converted to Christ as well.

But none of that happened, because I never took the time to talk to her about Jesus Christ.  I bear the blame myself, because I did not act when I had the opportunity.  And I ask myself What have I done?

Then the words of the song echo painfully in my mind.

When in a better land,
before the bar we stand,
How deeply grieved our souls will be,

If some poor lost one there,
Should cry in deep despair,
You never mentioned Him to me.

You never mentioned Him to me,
You helped me not the light to see
You met me day by day,
And knew I was astray,
Yet never mentioned Him to me.

I know she can’t read this now, but the only thing I can say is:

I’m so sorry, Mrs. Smothers.

And I don’t want that to ever happen again.

-Bradley S. Cobb

Articles

Good Works

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The letter to Titus was written from a Christian to a Christian. True, they were both preachers, but more importantly they were both Christians. There are teachings contained in this epistle which apply to all Christians. In the three chapters of this short book are instructions to young men, older men, older women, slaves, elders, and preachers. But throughout, there is one theme: do good works.

Paul first instructs Titus regarding false teachers that “profess that they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). These were people who claimed that they were in a relationship with God, but their works said otherwise. They were hypocrites who were reprobate (worthless) when it came to doing good works, meaning they did not do any. Paul called such people “unruly and vain talkers and deceivers” (Titus 1:10). Paul basically tells Titus that if a person is not doing the works that go along with the profession of Christ, they are abominable and disobedient.

Paul later commands Titus that “in all things” he is to show himself as “a pattern of good works” (Titus 2:7). Since Titus was to be an example, that means Christians are supposed to look to him and follow that example. That pattern of good works was to be shown in four ways: (!) uncorrupted doctrine, (2) gravity (seriousness), (3) sincerity, and (4) sound speech (Titus 2:7-8).  Christians are supposed to follow that example by abiding in the uncorrupted doctrine of Christ (II John 1:9). Christians should be serious about their Christianity, for it is not a joking matter. All Christians are commanded to follow the pattern of sincerity (I Timothy 1:5). Finally, all Christians are required to follow the pattern of sound speech (Ephesians 4:29). These are all to be done so that no one can accuse you of evil (Titus 2:8).

Jesus Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Paul, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, states that Jesus Christ died so that he could purify (cleanse) those who follow Him. Those who have been purified are those who are “zealous of good works.” To be zealous of something is to be actively enthusiastic. So, Christ’s purified people must be enthusiastic about doing good works.

Titus is later exhorted to “affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8). Paul calls this a “faithful saying,” which means that it is one that is always true and should be relied upon and taught. The command is to affirm this truth. To affirm is “to confirm something as binding and valid” (Encarta Dictionary). He is told to constantly confirm that good works must be maintained. This is not a one-time thing. Christians need to be reminded that they do good works. The reason for continuing in doing good works is because “these things are good and profitable unto men.”

At the end of the letter, Paul states that Christians need to “learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful” (Titus 3:14). Christians must learn to do good works to help with honest needs that arise. One translation says “busy themselves in good works for pressing needs” (McCord). There are always needs that arise in life, and the Christian who is doing good works will be prepared and willing to help with those needs. In doing so, they will be fruitful.

Throughout the book of Titus, “good works” are evidence of true Christianity. A lack of good works shows you’re a hypocrite. Good works are to be done as a pattern and example to others so that they may live righteously in doctrine, seriousness, sincerity, and sound speech. Christians must be enthusiastically doing these good works constantly. These good works are profitable to the ones doing them, but also to others who receive the benefit of the good that Christians do.

Paul is often viewed as the apostle of faith and grace, but throughout the book of Titus, it is abundantly clear that Paul is also the apostle of works.

-Bradley Cobb

Articles

Don’t Quit!

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In his second letter to the young preacher, Timothy, Paul gives final instructions on what he wants his “son in the faith” to do. Paul knows his time is almost through on this earth, so he spends this letter reminding Timothy of the things he thought were most important. He reminds the evangelist to be bold and stand for the truth (chapter 1), to endure hardships and have the right attitude (chapter 2), and about false teachers (chapter 3). All of this is encapsulated in II Timothy 4:5 – But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Keep Watching

Paul warns Timothy (and by extension all of us) to watch in all things. We are to be watching out for false teachers and false doctrines. Immediately before telling Timothy to be watchful, Paul states the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but…shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears…and shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables (II Timothy 4:3-4). All Christians must be aware of the importance of this command of God. There will indeed be false teachers, and they will lead people away from Christ (I Timothy 4:1)! There are too many Christians who want to bury their heads in the sand and pretend that problems don’t exist. The Holy Spirit, through Paul’s letter, warns us all to keep our eyes open so we can combat false teaching.

Keep Enduring

The apostle encourages Timothy to keep going forward, even though afflictions would be continuous. Christians are to expect persecutions. Satan does not want the message of Christ taught. As such, we will face opposition. But as followers of Christ, we must endure these afflictions and continue to press on. These afflictions can be from outside of the church, but as shown earlier, they can come from those within the church as well. False teachers and those unwilling to endure sound doctrine can also afflict the faithful. The Holy Spirit encourages us to continue to endure these afflictions.

Keep Preaching

In addition to watching and enduring, the faithful Christian will continue to teach others the gospel. Paul earlier specified exactly what Timothy was to do: preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (II Timothy 4:2). The most important job we’ve been given on this earth is to teach others the gospel. God loves every soul and we must as well. The vast majority of people will not read their Bible and lead themselves to obeying the gospel. We have to teach them, for how will they hear without someone teaching them (Romans 10:14)? The Holy Spirit instructs us to spread the gospel.

Keep Showing

Paul tells Timothy to make full proof of thy ministry. He is instructing this faithful Christian to keep living right. His life is to be a proof that he not only “talks the talk” but “walks the walk.” He is to keep showing himself as an example to others. In the same way, we are encouraged to follow the example of faithful brethren. Paul said Be followers of me, even as I am of Christ (I Corinthians 11:1). He also exhorted Christians to follow the example of other faithful Christians (Philippians 3:17). He did his best to be an example to others. He, by inspiration, told Timothy to live as an example. Therefore, we are commanded by God to live as an example for others to follow.

Paul was nearing death, and he thought these were the most important things of which to remind a faithful Christian and preacher. Let us take his words to heart. If we are to truly be the best Christian we can be, we must watch out for false doctrine, endure affliction, spread the gospel, and be an example to others. When we do that, we will be truly doing what we were designed to do: fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

-Bradley Cobb

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Are You Sowing the Seed of the King, Dumb Brother?

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Years ago, a kind man named Dooley, after teaching the Wednesday evening Jr. High class at church, decided to share with the class some of the misheard hymn lyrics that he remembered.  I know he mentioned more than one, but I can’t remember the others.  The one I do remember is the title for this post: Are you sowing the seed of the king, dumb brother? (original words are: Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom brother?).

After discussing misheard hymn lyrics in one of last week’s posts, this one sprang to mind.  And when it did, it got me to thinking, and I began to ask myself:

Are you sowing the seed of the king, dumb brother?

And that is the exact question I want to pose to you today.

Before anyone gets offended, let me explain.  The word dumb still has the meaning of “silent” or “mute,” though it isn’t used that way much anymore.  For example, look at Isaiah 53:7 (KJV): as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.  This is the meaning I want you to think about.

Are you sowing the seed of the king, silent brother?

Evangelism is stressed in almost every congregation I know.  Bulletin articles are written about it.  Sermons are preached about it.  And every member agrees it needs to be done.  And the congregation doesn’t grow.  So more sermons are preached, more articles are written, and every member is even more convinced that it needs to be done.  But what happens?  Do we go out sowing the seed?  Or are we silent?

Preachers are oftentimes just as guilty as anyone else of being silent.  For some reason, we get it through our heads that we’ve spent hours upon hours studying for teaching class, writing sermons, preparing articles, and visiting the members, so we’ve “put in our time.”  Somehow we give ourselves a pass for not doing any evangelism outside of the invitation we put at the end of our sermons.

Are you sowing the seed of the king, dumb brother?

It’s easy to point at others and say, “they’re not evangelizing.”  And that is probably a legitimate accusation against many Christians.  But the question isn’t “are they evangelizing?”

The question is “are you evangelizing?”

I’m not comfortable evangelizing.  God never promised a comfortable life.  Those wonderful folks in the Bible who went out evangelizing did it because they wanted to do it.  Their mindset was that it was a glorious thing to bring others to Jesus Christ.  They were willing to do things that may have been uncomfortable—even risking being murdered—because they thought Jesus and His church were worth it.  Do you?

I’m no good at evangelizing.  Have you ever actually tried it?  There are many different methods, and you’d be surprised at how easy some of them are.  Some are as simple as handing a DVD to someone, and telling them, “I really think you’ll find this interesting.  When you get done watching it, let me know what you think.”

I’m afraid.  The one person who knows me best can attest to the fact that I am a massive fraidy-cat when it comes to needles.  I spent a month avoiding a shot, and then when it came time for me to give it to myself, I couldn’t do it.  I was afraid.  But I finally forced myself to do it.  And you know what?  It’s really not that bad.  If you will finally just start doing it, you won’t be afraid anymore.

This article was written for you.  It was also written for me.  Let us both challenge ourselves every day to speak out for Christ and not be dumb—silent—any longer.

Are you sowing the seed of the king, dumb brother?

–Bradley Cobb

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Be United, not Divided!

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The brethren in Corinth had problems. In that congregation, there was a spirit of selfishness that seemed to prevail. Some members wanted to show themselves superior to other members in the local church. Because of this, some would seek to vaunt themselves up by saying “I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas [Peter], and I of Christ” (I Corinthians 1:12). They were basically saying “I was baptized by Paul; therefore, I am more of a Christian than you are.”

Paul condemns the practice of dividing the church. He instead calls for unity in Corinth. After all, he states clearly “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (I Corinthians 1:13). Neither Paul nor Apollos nor Peter died for the sins of the people, only Christ did. People are not baptized in the name of Paul, Peter, or Apollos, but of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Therefore, Christians should not seek to follow after the teachings of any man, but instead those of Christ. Christ is not divided, nor should His church be. This is a strict condemnation of the idea of denominationalism.

Instead, Paul calls the Corinthian Christians (and all Christians) to unity. By inspiration, Paul implores, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (I Corinthians 1:10). Is such a thing really possible? Yes, it is. Not only is it possible, it is commanded. If God’s people would simply take the Bible, God’s word, as their standard instead of following traditions and their own opinions, unity would be achieved. Not everyone is willing to do this, and they will be judged by God for their rebellion. What are you doing to promote the unity commanded by God?

-Bradley Cobb