"Teaching"

Have you ever been in one of those Bible study classes that was very difficult to listen to? I don't mean the word of the Lord but the one speaking, teaching made the class so difficult and very 'non-understandable'! I feel for the brethren and yet many of them keep a good attitude and endure the hardship of the one teaching. What is even worse that the one teaching is completely clueless they are making things difficult. I guess it is one of the things that really gets under my skin as I speak about this a lot.

Why do those who are in teaching positions not realize what they are dealing with? When you have a study, they don't seem to deal with the study at hand or they try to intellectualize and be scholarly. They think that's what makes a study good. In the process, at times they loose complete sight of the study and the purpose at hand and before you know it, we are on rabbit chases. I recently sat in one study where we never got back to the context and spent 30 minutes of our time talking about things that aren't being taught. Every time I go through something like this it makes me think of Paul telling Timothy, "For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions." (I Tim. 1:6-7)

Teachers are suppose to be speaking for the Lord. They are taking the hearts and faith of the hearers and suppose to help them in purity and building trust. Instead, we get a lot of non-sense applications, fleshly approaches, intellectual lectures and who knows what else. There is so little understanding on how to take a topic or context in a book from the Lord's word and make it a faith building class. There is difficulty it seems on presenting the Lord God before the eyes of the hearers to develop convictions. I am not trying to stomp teachers here. No, I just wished some of our teachers knew how to teach!! It seems to be everywhere you go.

First, a teacher needs to understand themselves about the study! They need to glean from God's word what God is trying to say so the faith they gain is shared with the hearers. Secondly, don't go off on hunting sprees! Just because a word is used in a verse doesn't mean that's what the verse it speaking about so we run off on other verses that has that word in it! Keep with the subject, the context at hand. Thirdly, spend time in prayer. Pray for understanding and insight. Allow the Lord to open your mind and heart to receive so you can give. Finally, keep everything simple and don't lecture! Teach! A teacher is to teach!! Know what you are speaking about in the verses and let them flow.

Remember this above all, "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment." (Jam. 3:1) That should bring soberness to our thinking in our approach to teaching!

"Grandchildren"

Today I am preparing to leave Buffalo, New York. I have been here since Saturday but I am ready to be back with my family. I miss my family. Today's blog is lighter as my time is limited. 

Grand kids are something special. Those who have little children (or older children) will not understand this as much. Being a grandparent can only be experienced not taught. It is something that is unexplainable even though many try. I've heard all the little sayings about how grandparents are to spoil their grand kids or you take them home after a while. But those things aren't what they are to me. I don't look at spoiling my grandchildren and I don't look forward to taking them home. I see something greater. Grandchildren to me are so precious because you get to help in teaching them things you might have been weak in or failed in your own children! I love to teach my grandchildren. 

They say some of the funniest things and their observations about you or life are incredible. How their little minds work amazes me. They see things through 'untainted' eyes and nothing, I mean nothing is defiled. You don't ever have to worry about hidden agendas or meanings with them. When they speak, they are speaking from the purity of heaven! A couple years back my oldest granddaughter (who is now 7) wanted to write me a story. I got her some paper and crayons. She started her work of scribbling and page after page was handed to me. After she finished, I asked her what the story was about. She replied, "Grandpa, you know I can't read yet. You have to read it yourself!" There was my second born granddaughter (who is three) and she was staying with us. One night she took the cloth protector off the arm rest on our lounger chair. You know those little pieces of cloth that come on the arm rest? She put it on her head, whirled around and said, "Look grandpa, I am an "Iswoolwight" (Israelite). It's those little tidbits that make such memories.

The Lord gave us our little children and grandchildren to remind us of the greatest in God's kingdom. They are so pure and innocent. Today, if you have little ones in your home, whether you are a parent or grandparent, take a moment, look into their eyes, see the sparkle of life and look a little deeper. There you will see your image along with the image of God stamped on their heart. Right then, think that these innocent bundles of joy are a gift of God, given into your hands to mold and train in His ways because one day, you will return them to the Maker who blessed you with them. Teach your children the ways of the Lord! Teach your grandchildren that a walk with the Lord is the greatest blessing on earth. Step back and listen, as they play, run and giggle, it is infectious because they are so pure and free from all worries and defilement! Kind of makes you want to go back there, huh?

"What Will You Say?"

If you are aware of your impending death, what kind of advice would you give your family? What would you say? Would you talk about the years gone by? Would you speak about your possessions? Would you talk about the things you didn't do or places you didn't go?

David, before he passed away, spoke to his son Solomon giving him advice. David was an old, experienced warrior and king but he knew his own mortality. David knew Solomon would take his place as king but it is interesting to note that David did not advise him how to rule. He didn't speak to his son about the family inheritance. He pointed his son Solomon in the path that all people should take because all will face death. 

"I am going the way of all earth. Be strong therefore, and show yourself a man. Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all you do and wherever you turn." (I Kings 2:2-3)

Of all the things that David could have spoken, the last words his son would hear from the mouth of his father was pointing him to God and His instructions. David wanted his son to be a man of character, integrity and be strong and act like a godly man should act. He spoke about being strong toward the Lord and His teachings. He didn't want Solomon to follow the world. Anyone can follow the crowd but a man of conviction and faith will stand with the Lord no matter what everyone else does or says.

Years down the road, the apostle Paul wrote two inspired letters to Timothy, his spiritual child. As Paul's life drew to a close he penned these words of advice and direction: "For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (I Tim. 4:8) Be godly was his advice. "In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day; and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing." (II Tim. 4:8)

As you draw nearer to the end of your life, what will you speak to your family? 

"Clear Minds"

Sometimes we need to think about our thinking. That sounds a little strange but it it true. Whatever was happening in the days of Peter, we don't know exactly what they were, these words were penned for us: "The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer." (I Pet. 4:7) I have my own idea of what I think that the end is near means but it's just my idea and serves no purpose here. What I want us to focus on is sound judgment and sober spirit.

The two terms work together. We are being told that we need to think about our thinking! These two terms are used after speaking about drinking, sensuality, desires (lusts) and abominable idolatries (v.3). Intoxication, whether by alcohol or drugs physically hinder our thinking. Our desires (lusts) and sensuality and the abominable idolatries also affect our thinking and judgments without outside help from drugs or alcohol. Lusts, sensual ideas and idolatries stir the desires of the mind where one cannot think clearly to what they are pursuing.

With all the recent tornadoes and weather issues, when we see the news flash or hear on the radio, our minds stop to listen and take in the news. Our desire to focus and listen is heightened! Details become important and our mind latches on to each one of them. We want quiet as we listen because we are mentally alert.

We do this with news that shocks us but when it comes to the things of God, our alertness seems to be missing. People sit in the assembly to worship but the mind sometimes is not at all engaged, hanging on the every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Finger nails are clipped or cleaned. Gum, where's the gum? Looking around to see who is here and our minds are just what they are...not sound judgment  and  sober spirit. Too many are making poor choices in their daily lives because the mind is not set. It is muddled with the concerns of the world and daily living. There is little focus and clarity. When was the last time you could say that your mind was prepared and set for the purpose of prayer? Too many minds are muddled by chemicals, distractions of daily living, lusts, passions and desires. It is difficult to be transformed as long as we continue to conform (Rom. 12:2). In fact, God cannot transform you because we think like the world around us. 

"Is It Me or the Lord?"

It's just plain scary! Sometimes in my reading and studying, things hit me and it scares me. It happened this morning. As I was reading about Paul speaking to the Thessalonians's about their faith in the word of God, accepting the word as from God (I Thes. 2), it struck me: The number of people who listen to what I teach/preach and what are they hearing? My word or the Lord's word? That's a scary thought to me. I always pray it is the Lord's word but is it really?

We as humans like to give our opinion on matters and sometimes our opinions can over-ride all sound judgment. I know I have done that before only to be found a fool! But teaching the word isn't about opinions, is it? In years gone by, 31 yrs. to be exact, a wise man instructed me, "Let God speak for Himself and keep your opinions silent!" I'm not sure how well I have done with that but I try. It catches my ears when I listen to others speak/teach how many times they say, "I think..." or "I believe..." and off they go. For next few moments (sometimes lengthy moments) we get insight to their thought process. Are they right? Sometimes. Are they wrong? Sometimes. But then I reflect on my teachings. Am I wrong? I hope not! Am I right? (I want to say always) but in answering that question is just my opinion!

I look at the many, many people who hear me and yes, it scares me. What are they accepting? The word of God or the word of Brent? Then I reflect how many people are headed to eternity with my teachings/instructions I claim are from the Lord. They will decide and build their faith off of what I teach. Their eternity is drawing nigh and I have instructed and led them. It makes me pause. It makes me reflect. It makes me sit and think making sure that when you teach, what you say for the Lord is from the Lord and not your opinion from the Lord. That's difficult and it brings teaching/preaching to accountability. It makes me more focused and aware knowing that when I speak, the eternal destinies of those listening are at stake. That makes me not have the liberty of saying whatever I think but focusing on the word of the Lord making certain it is Him speaking through me and not me speaking. That's a sobering thought.

"It's In the Name"

  Your name speaks about who you are! I don't mean the defining of your name. Your name is associated with your character. Your reputation is tied to your name. Have you ever heard a parent (maybe you are one) that called out, "That's my girl!" or "That's my boy!"? They  are proud of their child's accomplishments as their child has brought honor to them.

  I remember telling my own children when they would leave the house, "Remember who you are!" speaking of their name. In other words, remember the principles we hold to and that you were taught.

"A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor better than silver and gold." (Prov. 22:1)

  How do you think God feels about His name? When the name of God is dishonored, is that not a dishonoring of God and His character? People freely throw around the name of God in some slang form reducing His character to meaningless. However, are they really reducing His character? NO! They are actually reducing the character of themselves! They are speaking against their own name and character by using the name of God! God's name stands and His character is intact. 

  How do so many, who proclaim a love for the Lord their God and His Son Jesus Christ, throw the name of God around so loosely? Our television  shows are filled with God's name being the butt of a joke as if His character is an object of laughter and entertainment. God's name is used in a casual by-word that is seen posted or spoken  our society: OMG (oh my God). God's name is profaned by being dishonored when used as an exclamation of surprise or extreme anger. Using God's name in demeaning ways other than as our Lord and Father is taking Him and striping Him of His identity and dignity. Too many have made the name of the Lord God as a common, meaningless, pagan god that is not holy, righteous or just. No wonder people really don't see the need for a Savior. His name has been reduced to nothingness but one day, it will be revealed that every knee will bow at the name and His character will be seen (Phil. 2:9-10). Yes, it's in the name!

"Nibbling At Religion"

There seems to be so many that "nibble" at religion. What we are calling the church of Christ Jesus seems to be filled with 'nibblers' rather than the converted. Let's just look at this with a few questions and see if we are walking with a whole heart that was converted or just content with a sample here and there:

(1) Are you one to decide your worship and assembly with the saints is based on convenience or conviction?

(2) Do you find yourself zealous to serve and help, looking for opportunities or not bother to notice?

(3) Do you listen to God in His word?

(4) Is your giving purposed and sacrificed or just a token amount?

(5) Is your prayer life existing?

(6) Is 'church' to you a business opportunity?

Those brethren that were converted in the first century were committed and dedicated to the Lord's cause. The 'church' wasn't a name where they went to but a reality of the body of Christ being tied to one another through Him. These dedicated men and women gave out of a heart of liberality and joy though in deep poverty at times. They experienced mockings and scourgings, chains, imprisonments, lived in caves and holes in the ground. In all, they continued to speak and live for the Savior who bought them eternally. They left occupations, fathers and mothers to follow the Lord of their lives. They saw their lives in the reality of eternity and that motivated them to live, serve and love. They didn't 'nibble' at religion.