Orleans Church of Christ

06/05/2026

AI = Absolute Ignorance!
Undoubtedly, I’ll receive criticism from technological supporters, but I’m ready for their comments. I’ve been frustrated by technology for years, but as a brother in Christ asked me, “Didn’t your grandparents and parents also warn of progressiveness?” Yes, but they simultaneously taught me the value of THINKING. When I was in high school, and struggling with the things that the “me generation” was facing (late 60’s to early 70’s), Dad pinned a postcard to the wall above my desk. It read, “Caution! Please engage your brain before putting your mouth in gear!” Oh, how I wish I had that sign nowadays!
Granted, there is a place for technology. Calculators certainly help with mathematics, and spell-check with Grammarly certainly helps writers like me! But letting technology take the place of my own thoughts and decisions is simply ignorant! Remember, there are two ways to pronounce ignorance: ig nor’ ance and ig’ nor ance. (You should see what spellcheck and Grammarly are doing to my typing right now!) The first means, “giving no attention to; not noticing,” and the second means, “without knowledge or thought.” When you find that word in Scripture, it’s interesting to see the meaning when pronouncing the word both ways! Oh yes, doing so requires INTELIGENCE of the “nature” kind, and NOT “artificial.”
The term “artificial intelligence” should sound ominous to the thinking soul. The very fact that it is “artificial” means it is not real; it is fake. I saw a beautiful Peace Lilly in the doctor’s office the other day and inquired how they kept it blooming so beautifully. “If fake,” said the receptionist! Aw, that explained it! Yes, it looked real, but upon closer examination, it was just silk: a well-done arrangement to be sure, but still “artificial,” which means “fake.” Artificial intelligence, regardless of how “brilliant” it may appear, is still fake! And what bothers me most about AI is that it removes the work of using your brain! It obviously removes the exercising of the mind, and as the adage says, “Use it or lose it” sets in, and the mind reaches atrophy!
Let’s examine it from a Scriptural view. Paul’s inspired statement to Timothy says, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” (1 Timothy 4:15) It is impossible to fulfill this commandment without using your own mind! AI can’t do it for you any more than another individual can do it for you! God demands that you and I use our real, living minds! They are not artificial!
Look again! To Philippi, Paul wrote, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) Just how does a computer do that for you? Add to this the Hebrew writer’s statement of maturity in the minds of Christians, and you see easily that artificial intelligence is absolute ignorance! The Hebrew writer says, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12 – 14) The Christian must use his/her God-given brain and THINK!
If AI were an acceptable venue for guiding the soul seeking heaven, then AI would become accountable to God for its decisions. But since AI only does what the gurus of that technology have designed it to do, it remains a machine – and machines don’t have souls! We (human beings) have souls, and we ARE accountable for our words and deeds. Notice Paul’s words to Corinth again. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) As well, Colossians 3:17 will prevent AI from being accountable; but if we use AI instead of our brains, we will have failed to do what God commands us to do, viz. “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) You can’t do that via a machine!
Yes, I know technology is an advancing reality in our world. I’m old enough to remember cranking the phone on the wall and asking to be connected with another party. I well remember the rotary phone, and then the “bag” phone, and finally the cell phone! I can remember the days when a mechanic fixed your car. Nowadays, they are “computer analysts.” I remember card files as the ancient “google system” in libraries and encyclopedias being the “ancient web” for research. But I also know that nothing of mankind contains greater intelligence than God’s word! (2 Peter 1:3) Colossians 3:16 tells us IT must dwell in us richly in all wisdom. There’s nothing artificial about that truth!

05/28/2026

The Sound of the Gospel
“Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of Thy holiness and of Thy glory: where is Thy zeal and Thy strength, the sounding of Thy bowels and of Thy mercies toward me? are they restrained? Doubtless Thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: Thou, O LORD, art our Father, our Redeemer; Thy name is from everlasting. O LORD, why hast Thou made us to err from Thy ways, and hardened our heart from Thy fear? Return for Thy servants' sake, the tribes of Thine inheritance. The people of Thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down Thy sanctuary. We are Thine: Thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by Thy name.” (Isa. 63:15-19)
The above passage comes from the mouths of captives. Israel had sinned, and as a consequence, God had cast them into captivity. Now, after experiencing the seemingly endless departure of God from their lives, these desperate Israelites cry unto God for His mercy. They realized it was they who had left God; yet God allowed them to harden their hearts and sin. Now they recognize their plight and beg for God’s favor to release them and punish their adversaries. Notice they ask, “Where is Thy zeal and Thy strength, the sounding of Thy bowels and of Thy mercies toward me?”
If you were listening to “preaching,” would you recognize that God’s word is much different than man’s word? Unfortunately, most souls in this world accept whatever “sounds” religious, and fail to “prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thess. 5:21) But for the faithful, our knowledge of God’s word should permit us an instant recognition of His voice (word). Just as we instantly recognize the voices of our family and dear friends, we should have such a fervent love and appreciation of God that His “sounding of His bowels (His passionate love for His children) and His mercies” is our desire! (Isa. 63:15)
Not so strangely, we become quite adept at “sound recognition.” If tuning the radio, we easily determine country music from the oldies, and can determine the difference in voices calling the play-by-play of a ballgame and the excitement of an announcer describing a NASCAR race. It is because we recognize the sound of the voices! Yet, if man proclaims something “religious,” because mankind is unfamiliar with the thunderous voice of God, man accepts that uncertain sound as truth, resulting in obeying falsehood! (1 Tim. 4: 1-5; 2 Pet. 2: 1-3)
Equally exciting is the fact that recorded sermons of years past still have recognition to us. In my collection, I have literally hundreds of tapes of dozens of gospel preachers whose voices I easily recognize. It is because these voices were well-known to me in the past. I was well acquainted with these men and respected their preaching of Christ, and Him crucified. They spoke as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11) and therefore presented no other gospel than that which is contained in God’s word (Gal. 1: 6-9). The sound of the gospel from these tapes is the sound we still recognize by men today who speak only the gospel of Christ Jesus. That sound is sweet to our ears, comfort to our hearts, and strength to our souls!
Let us listen carefully, and give heed to the things of God which we have heard, lest at any time we let them slip. (Hebrew 2: 1-4)

05/26/2026

Online at www.Orleanschurchofchrist.org, we just uploaded four recent sermons and added a new Bible study category -- the book of Hebrews! This newest study is being taught by Jesse Jenkins, one of our younger members. Also, under the Sermons category, you will find two recent sermons preached by Jesse. Come and be with us in person, and you'll gain much more from these studies!

Orleans church of Christ study materials for bible students

05/16/2026

After some "cyberspace gymnastics," I was able to reinstall FB to my home computer, which let me upload the articles for Mike's Musings. and Orleans Church of Christ. Since then, I've also updated our website www.Orleanschurchofchrist.org with our latest sermons and bible studies. We pray you find these materials helpful to your daily bible study. We encourage you to come and study with us every Lord's Day (Bible study -- 10:00, preaching at 10:45 and 5:00), Tuesday mornings at 10:00, and again Wednesday evenings at 7:00.

Orleans church of Christ study materials for bible students

05/16/2026

“My Own Son in the Faith”
The apostle Paul set an example of “training gospel preachers.” There is abundant evidence that he trained Timothy and Titus and may well receive the credit for doing the same with Silas and Apollos. This was not his “claim to fame,” nor was it done to add an achievement to his “resume.” Paul desired to see that the gospel was committed to faithful men who would teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Therefore, Timothy and Titus are noted as his “sons in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4).
Most of us gospel preachers have “mentors” in our past: i.e., men who have taken us “under their wings” to guide us, teach us, mold us, into being faithful men who can teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). None of these mentors desired “carbon copies of themselves.” These great mentors taught their students to be like Christ (1 Timothy 1:16). Yet, since this great treasure is in earthly vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7), older preachers taught us younger men who desired to preach the gospel. Now, being older, it is a joy to do so!
Through the years, I have been blessed to have “sons after the common faith” just as Paul did. No, I’m far from being the gospel preacher Paul was (and is – see Hebrews 11:4), but God has permitted me to help several younger men develop their skills in proclaiming the gospel of Christ. These protégés have done well, and I enjoy sitting at their feet and having them teach me! (Yes, I’ve still lots to learn!)
Presently, another young man who boldly announced his zeal to teach and to preach is allowing me to help him. JESSE JENKINS, a faithful member at Orleans, announced his desire to “try” a few months ago, and all of us benefited from his teaching of the book of James. Now, Jesse intends to teach the book of Hebrews to the adult Bible study class on Lord’s Day mornings (beginning today, May 17). He also agreed to teach the adult class on Wednesday, May 20, and present both sermons on May 24. To some, this may well appear as “too much” for a young man, but I assure you that Jesse’s zeal is only exceeded by his preparedness!
In the first century, there were no “church of Christ schools” teaching younger men how to proclaim God’s word; there were only older preachers like Paul, and younger men with a burning desire to share the gospel. Perhaps Paul used similar “techniques” learned from prophets like Elijah and Elisha, or even what he personally learned from Gamaliel. We know only what Paul said about this training, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:9) From whom did Paul and the other apostles learn? Aw, their teacher was Jesus! (John 13:15; 1 Peter 2:21)
What a blessing to us “old” preachers to know there are younger men of faith whose determination is to know nothing more and preach nothing less than “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2) We old guys realize that, like Paul, we are nearing the end of our faithful fight, the end of our race, and therefore, approaching the end of our lives. We pray we’ve kept the faith, and we long for the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Old preachers never really “retire,” for we realize we dare not stop ploughing to look back! (cf. Luke 9:62) Though our bodies may declare Solomon’s truth more loudly than we desire (Ecclesiastes 12), we can still mentor souls to keep preaching Christ. His gospel alone saves souls (Romans 1:16), and if it is hidden, souls are lost (2 Corinthians 4:3). So, our sons, keep learning, and keep preaching!

05/07/2026

Meet Maivereen Bowlen
Most likely, only readers from the Bloomington, IN, area will recognize her name, but all of you could delight in knowing something about her. At the age of 89, Maivereen departed from this earthly realm. It has been my pleasure to have known her for many years. Her parents were the late Ralph and Mildred Knapp. Ralph once served as an elder in the Lord’s church, and Mildred was the sister of another fine lady, Mable Coulson. Mable and her husband, Tom, became close friends of my parents in 1947 when they came to Bloomington for dad’s graduate studies and for mom to teach in the county system. Tom and Mable’s son, Bob, was born with spina bifida, making it impossible for him to attend public school. Mom became his teacher, and thus the friendship with this entire family lasted throughout their lives!
When the West Second Street church of Christ in Bloomington asked me to begin working with them in 1997, Maivereen was a part of that group. It didn’t take long to form a great friendship, one containing every righteous aspect of Christians being good friends. She was a good bible student, although she remained quiet during our public studies. She frequently sat with the other women without husbands, and collectively, they comprised quite a lively bunch! With an affectionate tease, I called that pew “the buzzard bench” and loved the retort from these keen-witted ladies. “We’re the best doves you’ll ever see sitting here!” Their smiles proved they had peace and joy in their hearts!
Maivereen’s faith was challenged in so many ways, yet she never crumbled beneath the weight of those trials. While she became proficient in several hobbies and was quite successful in every employment she engaged in, her devotion to Christ and His church received preeminence in her life. Though her mind was ravaged with dementia these past several months, she could still reflect on those she loved most, including her family and those of the Lord’s church!
Maivereen endured breast cancer, the life of a single mother with a meager income to support two children, and countless other challenges. But through them all, she trusted in God (Hebrews 13:5-6). There was no greater strength for her; no better Comforter! Thus, to know Maivereen was to know a courageous mindset. She desired heaven and lived to receive it when this life ended. Now, she awaits that judgment!

“I Want to Go to Work”
As I write this article, he still lives. His life is nearing its end, and he knows it; he lies on a hospital bed in hospice care. His body is unable to regain the vibrancy it once exhibited vigorously. Medical science has not surpassed the appointment of death (Hebrews 9:27), and so when all that can be done has been done, loved ones can only wait on the Lord to care for His own. This is the condition of Don Lee and his family.
Don and his family met us in June 1988 when we moved to work with the Pinhook church of Christ, southeast of Bedford, IN. They waited for our arrival, which came several hours later than we had planned, and helped us unload two large truckloads of household goods. Don, his wife, Mary, and their three children, Brian, Stephanie, and Patty, were all dedicated members of the Lord’s church and have remained extremely dedicated Christians.
A few years ago, Don brought his wife to Orleans, and they asked to be identified with us in the work of our Lord. We were delighted to have them join us and take part in this work! Immediately, Don was wording prayers, presiding at the Lord’s table, and even preached a few times! He was eager to participate and, without fail, gave strict attention to the lessons he heard from the pulpit. He told us, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do my best. I want to work for the Lord in this place!” He was serious about that request and fulfilled it with every opportunity.
Alas, for the past several weeks and months, Don’s health has prohibited attendance. But when he was here, he was fully engaged in worship. We saw his physical weakness, and once we had to attend to his unexpected collapse. It was his emphatic determination to be at work for the Master! The last coherent conversation we shared (he was hospitalized at the time) contained his request, “I want to go to work.”
Physically, Don will work no more. His family and all who knew and loved this man as he once was grieve this reality. How blessed we’ve been, however, to have benefited from his labors! And frankly, even after he departs from this time world, Don will teach us, just as faithful Abel speaks (Hebrews 11:4). Somehow, that reality is comforting to me, and I pray it is comforting to all who have been blessed to sit at Don’s feet as he taught us.

05/07/2026

We just uploaded the second lesson of the Song of Solomon, chapter one! (See www.Orleanschurchofchrist.org) Now you have four lessons to listen to for this wonderful book of love: two introductory lessons and the two lessons for chapter one. As we progress through the study, be looking for the additional lessnos for each chapter!

05/02/2026

Graduation Time
May is the month of graduation! High Schools and Colleges devote a great deal of time to organizing the pomp and circumstance of the occasion, parents plan parties for their respective graduates, and friends and family join the excitement as they watch their loved ones enter another chapter of their lives. There is an air of excitement surrounding these accomplished young men and women, and simultaneously, an air of trepidation for an unknown future. The best advice anyone can give or receive at such a time as this is, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Graduation from high school or college isn’t the only advancement we enjoy. There is evidence of spiritual growth that should be more delightful to us than any achievement of the flesh. The word “graduation” means “a scheme of rank or order,” and therefore a “graduate” is “a holder of an academic degree or diploma.” The perspective we address here is “one who has advanced in knowledge and experience.” For a Christian to advance from being a babe in Christ to one of full age (cf. Hebrews 5:12 – 14) is a type of “graduation” that every Christian should achieve. The sixth chapter of Hebrews instructs us to do just that: “Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection” (Hebrews 3:1a)

Graduates tend to seek a profession from which they not only earn a living but also contribute to the community in which they live. Christians must do the same! The youthful Christian has much to learn (as do the older ones – learning and doing never cease!), but as he learns to do, he also does by learning. This permits the gaining of experience, and as this growth takes place, the earnest soul develops his life in the service of Christ Jesus and contributes to the community (congregation) in which he lives! Every congregation needs additional teachers, additional preachers, preparers of communion, helpers with leading prayers and songs, servants to assist the less fortunate among us, etc. How fortunate we are to see these additions forthcoming among us!

Yet more, each congregation needs elders and deacons: men who will faithfully lead and men who will faithfully serve the needs of those comprising the local work. These men (and their wives helping them meet the God-given requirements of those offices) set their lives to become such men of faithfulness. When they are found qualified, the day of that appointment is a remarkable day! These are men who have “graduated” to responsible work for the Lord, the likes of which no other work compares! Oh, how we value those who have served and do serve in the Lord’s kingdom in such capacities!

What “graduation” goals have you set for your spiritual achievement? It does no good to remain “satisfied” with your present standing: that isn’t growth! (See 2 Peter 3:18) Can you teach a class of young people? Don’t say, “No,” until you try! Can you teach an adult class? Don’t say, “No,” until you try! Can you preach? Can you prepare communion? Can you visit the sick, teach a home bible study, or help those who cannot help themselves? Don’t say, “No” until you try! Be studious in learning, zealous in gaining the experience, and eager to “graduate” to the next level of service for God!

04/25/2026

Correcting the Erring
Before we scribe our thoughts, take time to read and study the following passages:

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

There are other passages we could use, but these will address our subject. All of us sin and need correction from time to time. (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1: 5 – 11) As children of God, we should expect chastisement because He loves us (Hebrews 6: 1 – 12). Yet, some Christians receive correction as if it is a “harsh discipline they don’t deserve.” Instead of being grateful for the correction, they express disgust when someone dares to challenge their conduct or convictions. Which of us is without need for correction? Are we too arrogant to appreciate the love of a Christian who truly cares about our faithfulness?

Perhaps the problem is more in HOW we correct others, than in what we show them as their error. Note Galatians 6:1 and the phrase, “in the spirit of meekness.” Meekness is “courage with humility.” Webster defines it, “Appropriately, humble, in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations.” This is the mannerism of the one doing the correcting, not the one being corrected. When we correct another soul, it is not with the attitude of “I’m better than you,” but rather, “I’d like to talk to you about something.” Often, the approach to correcting an error is as important as the correction itself
The passages of 1 John 5:16 and 1 Thessalonians 5:14 concur with this approach: ask to speak with them, warn the unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, and be patient. The approach allows one in error to know you care for their soul! It should never be an “I’m right, you’re wrong, and I’m going to prove it” approach, but one of genuine love for the erring soul!

However, there is a time when our rebuke must be marked by meekness. Let’s examine three separate passages, each containing the word “rebuke,” and consider its meaning. First, 1 Timothy 5:1 -- Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren. Here, the word means “chastise, upbraid.” Yet a few verses later, we read, “ Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” (1 Timothy 5:20) Here, the word has a stronger meaning and means, “ to confute, admonish: - convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove.” We must be more stern in rebuking a leader (elder) who sins before all those who follow him, not only for the sake of his soul, but for the sake of all souls who would follow his pattern of error. Paul is very explicit with these instructions to Titus (1:10-16). For all of us, the admonition of Paul to Timothy is applicable: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2) Here, the word rebuke means, “to tax upon, that is, censure or admonish; by implication forbid: - (straitly) charge, rebuke”. Again, the approach is as important as the correction itself.

Last, we need to look into mirrors when correcting others! Remember Galatians 6:1 says, “considering thyself.” No one is so well seasoned and perfected that he is without need for improvement and, yes, correction. Paul told Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Be grateful for those who help us by correcting us. Be grateful for those who get a little “t0ugher” with us when rebuke is required. And be grateful for those who are insistent on exactness regarding truth and righteousness! They are trying to help us go to heaven, just as we are endeavoring to help them receive heaven as well!

04/15/2026

Mike’s Musings …

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Without apology, this week’s THOUGHTS WORTH THINKING is one of the lengthiest articles published in this format. Nonetheless, its content is meant to prick the hearts of those who have departed from us and stir the hearts of those of us who diligently seek to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) To some, it may be offensive. It is not meant to be, but if it helps to pull souls out of the fire, then let it be offensive to their sinful ways! I pray that it be effective for the souls who need to hear it and bring them to repentance! MJD



The Lord’s Church Must Please Christ, Period!

Read what the inspired apostle Paul wrote to the Lord’s church at Corinth: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6: 14 – 18) What is negotiable about this commandment? What makes this a “choice”? Where does “allowances for our desires” fit into God’s plan?

Throughout the New Testament, serious students notice that the Lord’s church is HIS, not ours! We who have obeyed the gospel (Acts 2:36 – 48) are privileged to be part of HIS body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 1 Peter 2: 5 – 10), but we must remember it is HIS, not OURS! Therefore, those who obey the gospel have no right to even suggest changes in any part of HIS church! Still, some souls, admittedly, are not satisfied with the blessing of being part of HIS church and insist that their desires be accepted as “acceptable” practice. These same people would be insulted if someone, even an appreciated friend, were to come into their home and insist on changes that suit the guest but are not authorized by the owner. Why, then, should anyone think the Lord is not insulted when souls claiming to love and obey HIM depart from those congregations of the Lord’s church that insist the church belongs to CHRIST and does not bow to the wishes of men, including its members? The Lord’s church must please CHRIST! Period!
“If you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that barks is the one you hit.” Proverbial, yes, but its truth is seen all too often when souls are disgruntled for selfish reasons. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease” is another truthful metaphor, but it should never describe a Christian! The faithful soul does not grumble about doing what God has commanded us (1 Corinthians 10:10) because the faithful are content to obey God without question. They realize they can neither add to nor subtract from the truth and righteousness of God’s word (Revelation 22:18-19), and they remain content to be HIS servants (Hebrews 13:5). The faithful realize that the church (of which they are a part) must please Christ, PERIOD!

Are we, the faithful, to be concerned for the souls who have left their first love? (Revelation 2:4) Certainly! Being spiritual, we are to restore the erring in the spirit of meekness, considering ourselves lest we be tempted (Galatians 6:1). But notice that the wayward must be willing to repent and be restored for our efforts to succeed! Also, notice that the faithful are under no obligation to cater to the whims and fancies of those who would have us engage in error only to please the flesh! The faithful realize we can have NO fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:6 – 17). The faithful realize we cannot indulge the ways of the world (1 John 2:15 – 17). Yet disgruntled souls say, “I’m not happy,” or “It doesn’t suit my needs,” or some other selfish excuse, and are really saying, “I’m not satisfied with what Christ authorized His church to be and do.” Why not? It is HIS, not yours! By what authority should Christ bow to man’s wishes to please man? It is man who must obey HIM. (Hebrews 5:8-9)

The faithful are neither “babysitters” nor “fetchers of the fallen” who don’t want to return! Granted, we are to feed babes in Christ (Hebrews 5:12-14), but we must also feed meat to the full-grown (ibid.). The father of the prodigal did not chase after his wayward son, though we can certainly understand his aching heart over his son’s loss! Instead, he patiently waited for the son to “come to himself,” and when he returned, the father welcomed him home! (Luke 15:8 – 32).

“I don’t feel loved” is the worst excuse offered by departing souls. They may feel that way, but the question must be asked, “How much love did you extend to the brethren?” If love is only “one direction,” then how can it be true love? Christ gave His life for us, and we ought to give our lives for the brethren (1 John 3:16). Unfortunately, those expressing this selfish attitude want only to receive without giving. They often try to “monopolize” certain ones to capture their individual and exclusive attention, saying, “He/she is my best friend” when in reality they are their OWN “best friend,” wanting all the brotherly love and attention without returning any love of their own toward any other member. Which member of the Lord’s church does Jesus love more than another? To which member does He grant “exclusive” attention? Is it not the WHOLE body of Christ (i.e., the church) that He loves? Is it not the fact that HIS church is “fitly framed together and compacted by that which every joint supplies” (Ephesians 4:16)? That which compacts us together is LOVE. The Hebrew writer commanded us, “Let brotherly love continue.” (Hebrews 13:1). That is impossible if brotherly love does not first exist! And brotherly love cannot exist if YOU are not extending it! Why? Because true love is GIVEN more than received (John 15:13; 1 John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:22-23).

Notice Paul’s inspired words to Titus: “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” (Titus 3: 9 – 11) Notice also John’s inspired statement regarding such souls: “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” (1 John 2:18-20) These souls simply refuse to accept that the church belongs to Christ alone! If they aren’t happy with that fact, if HIS church is not “suitable to their needs,” if they don’t “feel loved,” let them examine themselves and see if they be in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). They will find they are either faithful or unfaithful: they are either pleasing Christ or they are not! There is no “middle ground of satisfying favor.” (Matthew 12:30) Unless they are willing to accept this fact, there is nothing the faithful can do to change them! They MUST remember they are members of the LORD’S church, and it does NOT belong to man!