A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

VOLUME 4 NO. 48                                        January 27, 2008

Wax On - Wax Off

By Steve Niemeier

There was a movie some years ago entitled “Karate Kid.”  The story line centered upon a young fellow who had moved to a new area and was being bullied by some other boys.  He found a friend in an older fellow who was very knowledgable about karate.

The older man put the boy through a lot of work such as waxing a number of older cars.  He gave specific instructions about how to apply the wax and how to remove the wax.  While the boy did not think that this was training for karate, the older man explained it to be the basic moves of karate.

Today, we need to look at the word of God and find the basics found in His word.  Then we should keep applying those basics to everything we do.  When we leave the basics of His instructions then we are going to have difficulties.

It is so unfortunate but it seems many today believe that Hebrews 5:12 through Hebrews 6:8 teaches us to move away from the basics of the teachings of Christ.  It is actually teaching that we are to have those so imbedded in us that we move from the milk (the basics) to the meat (a more in depth understanding) of His teachings.  To do this we must never forget the basics and always have those guiding us as we move forward.

How many times have we tried to move forward only to have to retreat because of one not knowing the basics of God's word?  Paul brings this out in Romans 10:1-3.  There were those who had a zeal for God but not the knowledge.  It seems that we have both issues in the church today.  We have those who have been members for years and still do not know the basics.  Then we have those who have just obeyed the gospel and want to work for the Lord with their great zeal but do not have the knowledge.  We need to constantly teach the first principles for there will always be those who need that milk to grow.  However, for those who have been members for a long period of time and do not know the basics the writer of Hebrews is speaking to you directly.  Learn them and imbed them in your heart and press on to the meat of the word.

Also, today we have the other issue of the basics not being preached from the pulpit or taught in our public Bible Classes.  It is so disheartening to hear someone give a lesson form the word of God and at the end tell people if they have any need to come forward---yet not tell them what they really need to do to obey the word of God though His Son Jesus the Christ.  It is like we are almost ashamed to extend an invitation anymore.

It has been interesting to travel around and conduct gospel meetings.  Sometimes for the Bible Class on Sunday mornings I like to ask the audience to list the steps of the basic plan of salvation and give scriptures to prove these steps.  Instantly there are glares up to the ceiling or glassy eyes looking at me as if I had committed blasphemy.  Then there might be one or two brave souls that at least will give an attempt to come up with the steps.  Providing scriptures is a different ballgame.  Then out of nowhere will be a babe in Christ who will speak from the heart and list the steps and the scriptures.  In fact at one place I went a fellow told me they had not had a lesson on “first principles” in several years!

My friend, when we forget the basics we struggle!  We need to teach the basics, learn the basics, keep them ever before us and then use them to move forward in our knowledge of God's word.

The Golden Compass

FROM BULLETIN BRIEFS, VOL. 10 NO. 12

The above title is the name of a fantasy movie starring Nicole Kidman that was released December 7, 2007.  It is based on the writings of Philip Pullman, an English author who is an avowed atheist.  Pullman has written a trilogy of books called “Northern Lights” which are marketed in the U.S. under the title “The Golden Compass.”  The author left little doubt about his aim when in 2003 he said, “my books are about killing God.”

This movie, which features Nicole Kidman, is a watered down version of Pullman's first book.  The aim is to get parents to take (or allow) their children to see the film and judge perhaps it's not too bad, then buy the books for them, thus putting money into the hands of an atheist who wants to kill off belief in the true and living God.

See The Golden Compass on the web for follow up information.

“Daddy, Have I Ever Seen One?”

FROM THE LINCOLN BIBLE READER VOL. II NO. 21

A little boy once asked his daddy what a Christian was.  The father replied that a Christian was a person who loved and obeyed God.  He loved his friends and neighbors and expressed his appreciation for other Christians.  He even loved his enemies and prayed for them that they might be blessed.  He prayed often and blessed God's holy name in reverent worship.  He is kind, considerate, gentle and courteous in his speech and in his selfless attitude toward others.  He lives a life that is pure and holy and all people around him know that he is a Christian through and through.  The little boy thought for a brief moment and then asked another question, “Daddy, have I ever seen one?”

What a sobering question!  Has your child ever seen a real Christian?