Etna church of Christ

03/04/2023

06/17/2022

The Benton Blazoner
“… Present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching” 2.Tim.2:15; 4:2.
This bulletin is a teaching aid of the Hwy 5 church of Christ, 1500 Hwy 5 N, Benton AR 72019. Editor – Thomas Thornhill, 5210 Boone Rd, Bryant AR 72022. Tel. 662-419-5378.
Vol.1 June 19, 2022 No.25
WILL ONE GO TO HELL BECAUSE HE IS NOT BAPTIZED?

In studying with people about God’s plan of salvation the title question has been asked more than once. How would you answer the question? My answer has always been “No!” Are you surprised? You may be thinking, “Doesn’t one have to be baptized to be saved?” “YES, one has to be baptized to be saved.” So, is there a conflict between the different answers to the two questions? NO! Both answers are night, when you understand that the two questions approach the subject of the necessity of baptism from two different perspectives. Let me explain with the following illustration that I learned years ago.

A person is bitten by a poisonous snake. There is an antidote available, called “anti-snake venom.” But the person does not obtain the antidote in time, so he dies. WHY? Was it because he lacked the antidote? NO! He died because of the poison in his body. Many other people don’t have the antidote either, but they are not in danger of dying. Why? It is because they haven’t yet been bitten by the poisonous snake, so they don’t have the poison in their bodies. All who reach the age of accountability get bitten by sin.

Now let us apply the above point to the matter of baptism. What causes a person to be lost? It is SIN. When one commits sin, he is like the man bitten by a poisonous snake. He will be lost and go to hell unless he does something to counteract the poison (sin). There is an antidote available that will counteract the poison, the blood of Christ Eph.1:7. This saving blood is contacted through the waters of baptism, and thus the poison (sin) is counteracted (washed away) Acts 2:38; 22:16. Let me be clear, baptism is not the antidote, but simply the agent by which the antidote (the blood of Christ) is administered. A hypodermic syringe is not the medicine that cures, but it is the method or agent used to administer the medicine.

Back to the question in the title. What causes a person to be lost and go to hell? The failure to be baptized? No! People are lost and are headed for hell because they have been bitten by the poisonous serpent (Satan) and his venom (sin) has entered their lives. The antidote (the blood of Christ) for the venom (sin) has been made available and is applied when one is “buried with Him (Jesus Christ -t.t.) in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working (operation –KJV) of God who raised Him from the dead” Col.2:12-13. When one is buried with Christ in baptism, God removes or washes away one’s sins by applying the blood of Christ Acts 22:16.
No, one is not lost because one is not baptized. One is lost because of sin in one’s life. Until sin enters a person’s life one doesn’t need the antidote. That is why infant baptism is unnecessary. An infant has never committed sin and is not unrighteous 1.Jn.3:4; 5:17.
But, dear friend, if you can read and understand what I have written, you have been affected by sin. All responsible people have sinned Rom.3:23, thus condemned to eternal death in hell because of it Rom.6:23. You are lost because of sin, and unless you take the antidote you will go to hell. The antidote is found in Mk.16:16, Acts 2:38; 1.Pet.3:21. You won’t be able to blame God on Judgment Day if you have been bitten by sin and were too stubborn to take the remedy that is available to all people. No, you won’t be lost because you haven’t been baptized. You are ALREADY LOST, dead in sin, because you are an unregenerate sinner. BUT, you can’t be saved unless you are baptized because that is where the remedy (the blood of Christ) is applied. The inspired apostle Paul writes; “Do you not know that as many of you were baptized, were baptized into His death“ (where His blood was shed for us .t.t.)? “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection” Rom.6:3-5.

Notice in the above scriptures one was baptized (past tense) into the death of Christ, and then (after being baptized) was raised to walk in newness of life. This shows baptism precedes salvation and a new life in Christ. One had to be planted (dying to sin) before one could start the new life. This clearly shows baptism is not administered after one is saved or been born again as many teach. One is baptized before, in order to be saved, See Jn.3:3, 5; Tit.3:5; 1.Pet.3:21. Every scripture in the New Testament that contains salvation and baptism together always places salvation AFTER baptism not before.

If one wants to be saved as the Bible teaches, there is enough information available. For a person trying to find an excuse to disobey God’s plain command there is no help available 2.Thes.1:7-9. ------------ Those who really want to know and do what God wants will search the scriptures like the people of Berea. “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” Acts.17:11. – end -

ARGUING WITH GOD WON’T WORK
Not everyone who professes to believe in Jesus will be saved. Why? If one believes and is ashamed to confess Him, they are lost because they desire the praise of men more than the praise of the Lord Jn.12:42:43; Lk.9:23-36; Matt.10:32-33. Others say they believe Him but will not obey Him. They only obey when they agree with Him. In Lk.6:46 He asks, “why call Me your Lord if you won’t obey Me?” Also read Heb.5:8-9.
In the sermon on the Mount He pointed out that many will be lost because they did not do as He commanded.Matt.7:21-23. People might argue with God about it, but it won’t work. They will lose the argument and still be lost. YOU CAN’T ARGUE WITH GOD AND WIN.

06/10/2022

The Benton Blazoner
“… Present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching” 2.Tim.2:15; 4:2.
This bulletin is a teaching aid of the Hwy 5 church of Christ, 1500 Hwy 5 N, Benton AR 72019. Editor – Thomas Thornhill, 5210 Boone Rd, Bryant AR 72022. Tel. 662-419-5378.
Vol.1 June 12, 2022 No.24
SECURITIES IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD
We are told in Prov.27:1, “Boast not about tomorrow, for you do not know a day may bring forth.” The longer we live the more we come to understand what this verse really means. Life in this sin cursed world is filled with uncertainties of all sorts. We lay down at night, making plans for tomorrow, but not certain if we will live through the night. If we wake up and turn on the news, we learn of all the horrible things happening in our sin-sick world and wonder if we will make it through the day.
Just think of the uncertainties that have transpired in the last few weeks. People go grocery shopping and a deranged individual attacks and kills 10 persons at the store. Parents send their children to school, then later in the day learn that 19 children and 2 adults have been killed by a young “loner” who had been raised with no stable home upbringing. A doctor’s office is invaded by a former patient who blaming his pain on one of the doctors kills him, another doctor and 2 other people in the room.
Yes, we live in troublesome times. Uncertain times in an uncertain world. A world of sinful, godless people, filled with despair, anger and depression at what they see in society. They see innocent people robbed, maimed and/or murdered. They see hatred, rage and racism all around. They see power hungry, crooked politicians and high-ranking law enforcement officials and unjust court systems who ignore the laws as they show favoritism toward the rich, famous and powerful. With such happening, it is no wonder people live in uncertainty. They wander about aimlessly, fearing the unknown because they have no hope for the future. They live without God and without hope in the world.
While the world around us only sees the uncertainties, one who has God and hope, the Christian, knows there are some things that are secure and certain even in an uncertain world. We cannot know the future, and cannot know what tomorrow, next week, next month or next year may bring we can know security and certainty in this uncertain world.
An unknown author with a lot of faith wrote, “Regardless of what else happens this year, the Bible will still have all the answers. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing. The Holy Spirit will still move. God will still honor the praise of His people. There will still be God-centered preaching. God will still pass out His blessings to His people. There will still be room at the cross. Jesus will still love you. God will still save the lost who come to Him. Isn’t it good to remember who is really in charge, that the word of God endures forever?”
It may be hard for unbelievers to accept things that are unseen, but for those of us who really walk by faith (trust and confidence in God) they are real.
The first certainty is that the holy, eternal God exists. His name is “I AM” which means He has always existed. It was He who created everything, and He is still in control of all His creation, and that includes this world in which we live. Some say, they do not believe in God for they cannot see Him. One cannot see the air we breathe or the wind that blows, or see the electricity that produces power and light, but we know they exist when we see them in action. While it is true God is invisible to us, His works that prove His existence are all around us Rom.1:20; Ps.19:1-4. The moon and stars at night, the sun rising and setting every day, the seasons coming and going, the flowers blooming, etc. all speak of His existence. While invisible, God is still active in providing and caring for us. He is all powerful, yet arrogant men think they can change His laws. Climate control is a prime example. No matter how men may try they can’t change God’s laws that control the temperature and the land/sea boundaries established at creation. Another example. Man thinks they can change the sexual orientation of His creatures, including mankind, of two sexes, male and female, but His creation stands fast. Man may pervert man’s thinking about it by indoctrination and recruitment, but they fail to change what God created. They can only pretend.
Another certainty is the Bible, God’s revealed word to us. It is the only absolute truth in a world that claims that truth is relative. The Bible is without error thus trustworthy. It is the absolute standard of right and wrong and will one day be used by God to judge us. In all the ages of man’s existence no one has been able to produce a book that comes even close to the Bible. The richness of its teachings never run dry, always producing more and more treasure for man to enjoy. The Bible came to us by revelation of God to holy men, who wrote as they were instructed to do by the Holy Spirit part of the Godhead 2.Pet.1:19-21; 2.Tim.1:16-17. 1.Cor.2:9-14. Men have tried to destroy the Bible as the absolute truth but have always failed miserably. God’s word continues to stand certain and sure with unequaled and unblemished truths Matt.24:35.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God is another certainty. He is man’s only Lord, Savior and Redeemer. He came to earth, not to live in an earthly mansion but to live the life of a humble carpenter, until He began His ministry. The three years of His ministry led Him to His ultimate purpose, that of dying and becoming the atonement for our sins. Men tried to kill Him by mailing Him to a cross, but the grave couldn’t hold Him. After His resurrection He returned to heaven carrying His shed blood to pay the redemptive price for our sins. He ever lives to make intercession for us before the Father in heaven. There is no one else to whom we can turn for salvation. The world has tried to produce other saviors, but all have fallen short of the task. Their bodies are still in the grave and will remain there until Christ returns to call His people home.
There are other certainties for the Christian in this uncertain world, the church/kingdom that Jesus paid for and established stands forever, the blessed hope of a future home with no tears, heartaches, death, etc. guaranteed by the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Even the death of a Christian has a certainty to it. But space on this page is running out so I will finish by saying that “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus, blood and righteousness.”

06/03/2022

The Benton Blazoner
“… Present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching” 2.Tim.2:15; 4:2.
This bulletin is a teaching aid of the Hwy 5 church of Christ, 1500 Hwy 5 N, Benton AR 72019. Editor – Thomas Thornhill, 5210 Boone Rd, Bryant AR 72022. Tel. 662-419-5378.
Vol.1 June 5, 2022 No.23
DO WE NEED A REVIVAL TODAY? – conclusion
This is the conclusion to the previous bulletin with article "Do we need a revival?" I closed the article with a couple of scriptures. The first, “Awake you who sleep” Eph.5:14. The second, Heb.10:24, “Consider one another in order to stir up unto love and good works.” I then suggested the thought of singing the song “Revive us again” more often. Both of these verses, along with the song, suggest a strong need for continually reviving the members, to keep us actively working for the Lord.
When John the Baptist came on the scene as the forerunner of Jesus Matt.3:1-3 people flocked to him, submitting to his “baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” Lk.3:3. While John’s baptism did not actually provide full remission of sins it would happen after Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to atone for sins. John’s baptism was to bring people to repentance, to stir up and arouse the people out of lethargy, to revive them again to spirituality, preparing their hearts to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This is borne out by Paul’s later statement in Acts 194-5 to some who knew only the baptism of John. “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentances, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is on Christ Jesus.” As a result, the people to whom Paul spoke were rebaptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
But what about people today who demonstrate they had no idea of what they were committing to after baptism. They need reviving because they show stagnation and lack of growth. They see no need to fully commit themselves to the church where they claim membership. They seem content with a false security, just drifting along but not anchored to Christ. They deliberately forsake many of the assemblies of the saints to do other things much less important. They do not see the importance of assembling with the brethren. We all need to remember the admonition to not grow weary in doing good in a life of service to the Lord Gal. 6:9. Many have lost the joy of Christianity, seeing it only as a series of obligations. Such people need to be reanimated and revived.
Jesus was provoked, stirred up, when He saw the temple defiled Jn.2:13-16; Matt.21:13. He did something about it. He cleansed the temple and rebuked the people for having turned His Father’s house into a den of thieves. How provoked are we when we see people defile the Lord’s church by making it into something it was never intended to be? Jesus was aroused at the hypocrisy of many so- called religious people Matt.23. He let them know what they were doing. Paul was stirred at Athens at the ungodliness of the people and preached against it Acts 17:16. And so should we be stirred when we see the wickedness and immorality of the world around us. Do we speak out?
Too many Christians are like a thermometer which tells the condition of things but does not change the situation. Christians can know something is wrong (a lack of growth, stagnation in the work, people lagging, dragging, failing in their responsibilities to the Lord), but do nothing to change it. They are insensible to what is going on around them. Instead of being like a thermometer we need to be like a thermostat. A thermostat can be adjusted to make corrections and. Improve the situation. Be like Peter Lk.22:32. He stumbled by denying the Lord. Jesus knew He would, but He also know Peter could be revived. So, He told Peter, “When you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” We need to do the same, recognize we have sinned and get revived, Afterward, help revive others. Let yourself be filled with the Spirit which comes through His word Eph.5:18b; 2.Pet.1:13. Let others see it working in you. Be an example to others 1.Pet.2:11-12. "Do you think we need a revival here?" -end-
KNOW GOD, KNOW PEACE. NO GOD, NO PEACE
The above words are found on a sign after one turns off I-40 at exit 35 on the road leading into Ozark AR. After moving to Ozark to work with the Etna church of Christ January 2012 I read this sign every time I came off I-40 onto the exit 35 road going into the town, so the words are firmly fixed in my mind.
These words, though simple, carry a great meaning to anyone who takes time to meditate on them. If one truly KNOWS God (who He is, and what He expects of us 1.Jn.2:3-5), one will have peace (not carnal peace free of fleshly turmoil), but inward peace of mind and security, knowing that regardless of what is happening in the physical world, one is secure in the arms of God Jn.16:33; Phil.4:6-7. On the other hand, the one who does NOT KNOW God will have NO inward peace and serenity of mind as he frets and worries over the constant everyday trials, trouble and turmoil of life brought on by a sinful world.
After the event of May 24 (the killing of 19 children and 2 adults) and the earlier shooting a week or so earlier in Buffalo New York where 10 were killed, the words, KNOW GOD, KNOW PEACE, NO GOD, NO PEACE once more came clearly ringing into my ears, making the words very applicable to the situations.
While both killers acted from different philosophies and motives, I am certain of one thing. Neither of them KNEW the great God of the universe. Their godless unstable home lives gave them NO peace, secularly or spiritually. I am fully persuaded from various accounts that I have read both killers suffered from mental problems that caused them to act as they did. The red flags of warning were there, but tragically were ignored by officials until it was too late. Yes, I hate what they did, and I feel great sorrow for the innocent lives they needlessly took. While I might wish for them a home in an eternal hell, I have to remember I am not in a position to really know their hearts and judge them. Only God knows that, and He will make the appropriate judgment when the time comes. As for us, we just need to trust God. If we know Him, we will know the peace that passes all understanding.

05/27/2022

The Benton Blazoner
“… Present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching” 2.Tim.2:15; 4:2.
This bulletin is a teaching aid of the Hwy 5 church of Christ, 1500 Hwy 5 N, Benton AR 72019. Editor – Thomas Thornhill, 5210 Boone Rd, Bryant AR 72022. Tel. 662-419-5378.
Vol.1 May 29, 2022 No.22
ANOTHER GENERATION AROSE THAT DID NOT KNOW THE LORD - conclusion
Very few churches remain faithful beyond two generations. How long do you think this congregation will continue to exist? We don’t know, but if it does, WHY? As pointed out at the close of last week’s article I noted Rom.1:21-23. Throughout history when people apostatize, they leave the light of God’s revelation. They may have known God at one time but failed to glorify Him, so they became unthankful. They then become vain in their reasoning, made fools of themselves by changing the One true, living God for idols. In believing the lie of idolatry they became immoral.

What is the solution? Keep the scriptures foremost in life. A lack of knowledge brings failure Hos.4:6; Jn.8:32. The preceding generation is responsible for teaching the next. We read in Deut.31:9-11 the law was to be read every 7 years. So, a child just born would hear the law repeated at age 7-14-21-28-35-42 on and on. If these instructions had been followed, every generation of Jews would know the law, having heard it read so often. In Jesus’ day the elders of the synagogue should have demanded the law to be read and observed. But they didn’t. What about congregations today?

Many don’t want to hear the simple, plain scriptures. They want to be entertained. They like to hear stories, not scripture. They are happier with speculation than revelation. Remember, Joshua told the people to not turn to the left or to the right. Stay centered on the word of God alone. The same is true today 1.Cor.4:6; 1.Pet.4:11; Jude 3. Speak the truth. Love the truth 2.Thes.2:10-12. Don’t allow the word to be perverted or contaminated with error Gal.1:8-9. There is but one true gospel.

People of Joshua’s day should have desired to have the Law read to them. They owed their allegiance to God for all He had done. Instead, they followed their own impulses and forgot God. People today are no different. This is why teachers and preachers must uphold the truth Acts 20:26; 2.Tim.4:1-4. They must not seek to please men, rather seek to please God Gal.1:10. One who teaches the truth is your friend, not your enemy.

Watch for innovations that men want to bring in Acts 20:29. Many people like the ones Paul preached to in Athens want to hear and/or practice something new Acts 17:21. Things that seem harmless can create problems. Christians must remain steadfast 1.Cor.15:58. Always demand the truth, shun evil 1.Thes.5:22-23. Prov.23:23. Don’t let our generation forget God. Don’t let them forget His word or go beyond it. – end --.
DO WE NEED A REVIVAL TODAY? – no.1

Before answering the question above let me make sure you understand what is meant when talking about a revival. Note the definitions. Revive–1. To restore or return to consciousness or life, to reanimate. 2. To raise from languor, discouragement, depression, to render or become active, operative or flourishing again. 3. To recover from a state of neglect or disuse; to restore; to re-establish.” Revival – a renewed interest in religion, after indifference and decline; a period of religious awakening.” We have the definitions, now let’s look at the question again?

Stop and think. Do I? Do we? Does the church need a revival? I believe a fair assessment is that all of us, both individually and collectively, recognize that we, as God’s people are facing a spirit of decline. From personal observation, and in talking with other preachers, or reading things that are written in articles and bulletins it seems that many congregations of the Lord’s people are experiencing a great wave of indifference, neglect of spiritual things and a declining membership
Many members of the church are letting worldly things (not necessarily sinful) interfere with their first duties and obligations to God to whom they promised full allegiance when they were born again into His family. It is seen in people’s casual approach to service to God. God seems to be in the background as they go through the motions of worship but not with a lot of enthusiasm. There are many areas that could be explored, but since space is limited, I will let you think of ways the brethren just drift along in their lives. Yes, I see a pressing need for God’s people to have a religious awakening? Christians need to let the world know that they not only call Jesus their Lord, but also practice it in the way they live and talk. Don’t just talk the talk, make sure you also walk the walk.

This need for revival is not a new thing. Spiritual decline has always plagued God’s people. Read the OT prophets as they sought to revive God’s people Ps. 85:4-6; Hos. 6:1-2; 14:4-7. The NT writers faced the same problem. They may have used different terms, but they meant the same thing. Let’s note some.

“Awake you who sleep” Eph.5:14; 1.Thes.5:5-8. We all understand sleep as a period of time where one is unconscious or insensible to what is going on around since the body is at rest. In the text it is used figuratively to describe Christians who had become too unconscious and insensible to their spiritual responsibilities, so immobile and inactive in their lives, that they seemed to be unaware that they were in danger of losing their souls. Read and see if the following passages apply Mk.13:36; 1.Cor.11:30; 15:34; Rom.13:11-12. How awake are you?

Another passage about revival is Heb.10:24. “Consider one another in order to stir up unto love and good works.” “To stir up” (provoke) is to stimulate, incite, excite, arouse one another. Is this not the idea of reviving or revival? We need to revive each other to live and work as Christians ought to do Tit.2:14; 3:1, 8; 1.Cor.15:58. It might be good if we more often sung the song, “Revive us again.” There are a couple more things I want to consider on this subject, but out of room, so will note them next week.

05/20/2022

The Benton Blazoner
“… Present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching” 2.Tim.2:15; 4:2.
This bulletin is a teaching aid of the Hwy 5 church of Christ, 1500 Hwy 5 N, Benton AR 72019. Editor – Thomas Thornhill, 5210 Boone Rd, Bryant AR 72022. Tel. 662-419-5378.
Vol.1 May 22, 2022 No.21
ANOTHER GENERATION AROSE THAT DID NOT KNOW THE LORD

After the death of Moses, Joshua became the leader of the people of Israel. As he takes command, he repeats God’s instructions and promise to Israel. ”… As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people I you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you, do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left that you may prosper wherever you go. This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth that you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Josh.1:6-9.

He then leads the children of Israel into the Promised Land. After conquering the land, it is divided among the 12 tribes of Israel as their possession. Then Joshua, at the end of his life repeats once more God’s instructions to the people. He proclaims what they should do to remain faithful to God, while at the same time warning them what will happen if they didn’t Josh.23:6-8; 24:14-17, 31. Joshua dies with the Israelites in possession of the land, and the generation following Joshua’s death stays faithful.

But then we read Jud.2:6-13 and learn that the people, only two generations removed from Moses and Joshua, are already turning away from God. We read, “Another generation arose…who did not know the LORD.”

Note the characteristics of their apostasy vs.11-13. 1. They had become Ignorant of God’s ways. They copied the gods of the people around them. They did what was right in their own eyes as we later read Jud.17:6; 21:25. 2. They forsook the God who had saved them from slavery to become His chosen people and repeated the same sins of apostacy over and over again. Centuries later God’s prophet Jeremiah describes what they did. “Has a nation changed its gods, which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory for that which does not profit. Be astonished, O heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid; be very desolate” says the LORD. For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and hewn themselves cisterns – broken cisterns that can hold no water” Jer.2:11-13.3. They became unthankful to God for what He had done in the past. They forgot what He had done for their forebears. 4. So, they did that which was evil in God’s sight, bringing His wrath down upon them. “Another generation arose … who did not know the LORD” Jud.2:10.

When we read how quickly ancient Israel. as a whole, turned away from God after their God-fearing leaders died, we might think we are reading present day history. Our country, having gone through the Great depression of the 1930s and WW2, enjoyed a short-lived revival back toward God. The depression and the war served to bring people back toward God. During this period of the late 40s, 50s and early 60s, the Lord’s church enjoyed a great growth, but it didn’t last long.

The next generation along with the last two or three generations forgot or ignored the history of how this country was established and how the founding fathers labored to build a country resting on godly principles. And frankly few today seem to care. This is true, from our leaders on down to the common man. Jeremiah observed this same attitude in his day, “An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely and the priests rule by their own power; and my people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?” Jer.5:30-31. Today, it might read, “The religious leaders tell lies and the politicians elected by unthinking people rule by their permission with rottenness and corruptness, and the people love to have it so.” They don’t care, and they are no longer able to stop their fall. This same thing is happening in the church.

Whether in the secular or religious world there is nothing new in history. Solomon in Eccl.1:9 observed, “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” So, history repeats itself over and over again. Those of us who understand what Solomon wrote are helpless as we watch people who don’t know and study history follow the path to destruction. It remains true, whether it be God’s people (the church), or the citizens of our country, people are always ready to leave the true, godly principles on which they were first established, and blindly follow the evils of a godless, wicked society.

Today, a generation arises that does not know the Lord. A study of Israel of old shows this. People did not remain faithful to the truth very long. Throughout their history there was a continual falling away, maybe a short revival at times, but then back to apostasy. Where are the churches of the first century today? They are non-existent. What of the ages in between then and today? I believe there were churches in existence in past ages because the word of God, the seed of the church, remained alive, but over time they died out. Very few churches remain faithful beyond two generations. How long do you think this congregation will continue to exist?

Why does this happen? Rom.1:21-23. They leave the light of God’s revelation. They know God but fail to glorify Him and become unthankful. They then become vain in their reasoning, made fools of themselves by changing God for idols. Believed the lie and became immoral.

What is the solution to this situation today? In my conclusion next week, I will discuss what we need to do to keep this church from going into apostacy. Wake up and “redeem the time. It is not too late Eph.5:1416.