“WE’RE ALWAYS HERE, UNLESS WE’RE GONE!
W. Kent Graham
A local business in Atoka, Oklahoma, has an advertising slogan which proclaims, “We’re always here, unless we’re gone!” Every time I see this commercial I cannot help but think of some of our beloved brethren. The story is told of a Christian who was compelled to extol his faithfulness in worshiping God. He rightly asserted that every faithful child of God is present and an eager participant at every designated Bible Study and Worship Assembly. He professed that those who were unnecessarily absent from any assembly of the saints were suffering for spiritual illness. Supporting his proclamation, he said of his family, “We’re always here, unless we’re gone!”
This well-meaning Christian’s message produced a resounding “hollow ring” as it was heard throughout the classroom auditorium. Those whom he was trying to convince and persuade knew well that the man had failed to complete his sentence. He should have said. “We’re always here, unless we’re gone fishing!” They knew that he was in worship as long as he felt like being there. Occasionally, he and his family did not come for “whatever” reason. He was not overly concerned about the effort of his decision on his children’s respect and reverence for God. Very likely, he figured that he would just be doubly devoted to God sometime in the future.
Although this individual may have meant well, he was lacking in spiritual maturity, and was somehow blinded to his own unfaithfulness. Faithful Christians must realize the importance of being consistent in their faith. This goes for every facet of our duty as a follower of Jesus Christ. Yet, our presence at all the Bible class assemblies and worship assemblies is a fundamental test of our devotion to God! Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). Christ has promised to providentially provide for our physical necessities, but we must properly prioritize our lives by placing our spiritual welfare as our chief concern in life! It is not always convenient to remain faithful, and at times we must make some sacrifices to remain faithful; but it is just these “test of faith” which let us know if we truly are a faithful Christian. Paul wrote, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be we3ary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:7-9). Good brethren, please understand that when we neglect any assembly, even just one, we injure the good name of the church, lessen its power, discourage our fellow Christians, dishonor God, and do ourselves and our families an inestimable disservice. Will you be in every worship assembly and every Bible study every time the “Saints” meet? Brethren, I humbly as, “If not, why not”
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DOES THE BIBLE REALLY SAY WHAT WE THINK IT DOES?
Steven D. Cline
“There’s never been a man on the moon! The only man on the moon is the one God put there for burning sticks on the Sabbath Day!” So was I told by an old gentleman back in the mid-70s. Actually, the Bible never mentions such an occurrence. It was simply an example of what an individual believed the Bible said.
You may be quite startled to know that there are many expressions that good and honest folk affirm are in the Bible but actually are not. Very briefly, the following are but a few: “Before the end of time, you will not be able to tell the seasons apart.” “Never put the price of a dog in your pocket.” “Every tub shall stand on its own bottom.” “Mary Magdalene was a prostitute.” “Blood is thicker than water.” “Once a man, twice a child.” “The Bible itself says it can’t be understood.” “You can repent between the saddle and the stirrups.” “Jesus had a ruddy complexion.” “One thousand years shall pass, but not thousands.” “Weaker but wise.” “Three wise men came to visit baby Jesus at the manger.” (Actually, the number of wise men is never given. By the time they reached Bethlehem, moreover, the small family had moved into a house (Matt. 2:1-12).
In order to be pleasing God we must do His will. Jesus one time said in John 7:17, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” The Bible has been given to us in order for us to learn the will of God. We are told in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
It is one’s responsibility to God and himself to take the time and make the effort to learn the will of God.
