A People Acceptable to God
by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

Worldly men have always sought to turn their attention away from God to pursue their own lusts. One of the most obvious examples of this is found in the kinds of man-made religion that are centered upon the praise of men with no view of God and His pleasure. Men can be caught up in this kind of thinking to the point where they have a great confidence that God will be with them in anything they may do, just because they want to do it. The scriptures give us several examples of the tragedy that this approach will bring.

Aaron was one of the great men of the Old Testament, being the first High Priest of God and a close partner with Moses in his work. Aaron knew the character of the living God and was well prepared to stand before Him as the High priest. Unfortunately Aaron failed to teach two of his sons, Nadab and Abihu, about the nature of the one true God, and as a consequence, these “2nd generation” children thought they could treat God and His ways lightly. This attitude was reflected in their rejection of “traditional” worship which, in fact, was God’s instructions on how they were to approach Him. They were sure, that because of their position and familiarity in the service of God, that these past rules were flexible to this new generation. God intervened in a way so that their generation and every succeeding generation might learn a valuable lesson.

“Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. 2 So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1-2).”

What message was God communicating in this event? On the surface we can understand that the “strange fire” which was used by these young men in their version of “contemporary worship” directly violated God’s specific choice of having the fire for their censers come from the altar (Leviticus 16:12).” These young men had not just committed a single transgression; they had approached a living God that they never knew. When Aaron came upon this tragic scene and observed the dead bodies of his two sons, Moses gave a brief, but pointed, explanation of why this had occurred:

"And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying: ‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.’” So Aaron held his peace (Leviticus 10:3).

Do you understand how this truth applies to us today?

If you are a Christian, you are a priest who is to offer spiritual sacrifices to the same living God (1 Peter 2:5). When we approach Him, we must approach Him as a holy God with our sole motive being that of giving Him the glory. Do you really know God and how to approach Him?

When we seek to teach, to worship or to even think about God, we must limit ourselves to what God has revealed. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11a). Christians have rightly quoted this verse to show how we should handle the Bible and how we should not assume to speak for God when He is silent. We would do well, however, to quote the rest of the verse and learn of the fruits of such an approach. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:11a)”.

We live in a time where a generation has arisen that does not know God. Those who point to staying within the authority of God by giving “book, chapter, and verse” for all that we do and teach (Colossians 3:17), are being labeled as “legalist,” “divisive,” and “dead” simply because they ask for Bible authority for all practices. The spirit of Nadab and Abihu lives on and abounds in this age.

As we try to serve God in this generation there are several questions we might ask. Should we use mechanical instruments of music in worship? Should worship become a performance for the talented and be centered upon the desires of men? Should local churches use the collection taken in the assembly and spend it for social meals, recreation, secular schools and even business arrangements? Does it really matter if we use speakers from various religious backgrounds to fill our pulpits?

The questions we might ask will vary from generation to generation, and from congregation to congregation, but the approach God wants us to take in finding these answers is the same for all. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2).”

What does God see when He looks into our hearts? There are many who will apply God’s standards to outward matters but refuse to let the thoughts of their hearts be examined. How do you respond to one who has wronged you? ”Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled (Hebrews 12:14-15).

There is a service that is acceptable to God and a service that is not. Are you renewing your mind each day by testing your heart and your practices by proving the will of God? Is the local church of which you are a part glorifying God in this way, or do they close the Bible to examination by calling others names and appealing to outward things such as numbers and the things money can buy?

One day you and I will stand face to face with the God of heaven. It is my prayer that we together will stand in joy because through the grace of God bestowed upon us through the sacrifice of Christ, that we have, in turn, lived a life with the glory of God being our sole purpose. That is the sacrifice that alone will be acceptable to God.

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That's Just Your Interpretation

by Mark Larson

www.cvillechurch.com

That’s just your interpretation! How many times has someone said that to you when you attempted to teach them the truth from the Scriptures? Rather than take the message of truth to heart, it is quickly dismissed as merely your opinion and not taken seriously at all.

If you have ever heard this before, you know that it is sort of like “hitting a brick wall.” Further discussion of the truth with such a person can be very difficult. The potential for meaningful Bible study is not very promising.

What Is Your Interpretation? The best way to begin in your response to someone who says: “That’s just your interpretation” is to hand the passage over to them and ask for their interpretation. An interpretation in Bible study is simply an explanation of the meaning of a particular passage of Scripture. Rather than be discouraged and give up, make this offer instead: “I am willing to hear your interpretation and correct my own position if I am wrong. What is it?” This demonstrates fairness as well as humility, both which are necessary for Bible study (Prov. 18:12-13). Be open-minded and willing to hear any evidence that they might have for their beliefs and practices. Just as we hope for positive change in the people we teach, we too must demonstrate a willingness to change our own beliefs and practices when we are corrected (e.g., Acts 18:24-26).

Speak in Terms of Evidence: When making the offer to listen to other people’s interpretation of Scripture, be sure to include this request: “You must have evidence to support your interpretation over mine. What is it?” Before allowing an exchange of interpretations to take place, it is important to come to a mutual agreement that true, saving faith is based on the evidence or the teaching of the Scriptures. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).

We must speak of the importance of providing book, chapter, and verse for the beliefs that we hold (1 Pet. 4:11; Col. 3:17). We must emphasize that a fair hearing must be given to all that God has said on the matter to get a proper understanding of God’s will. When studying any subject, “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) should be sought in the pursuit for the truth. Passages must be examined in its proper context. Concordances and Hebrew or Greek Bible dictionaries are very helpful to gather even more evidence.

No Legitimate Interpretations? Sometimes people reject the truth because they are convinced that no interpretation of Scripture can be relied on as the truth. Many are convinced that every interpretation involves man’s opinions and thus everything is spun, biased, or slanted to favor a particular doctrine, practice, or personal viewpoint.

Let us admit the fact that there are indeed many interpretations of Scripture offered today that are according to man’s opinions that must be rejected (2 Pet. 3:15-17). However, not all interpretations are false. There are real differences between interpretations. Many will lead to eternal destruction, yet only the truth will lead to eternal life (Mat. 7:13-14).

Finding the truth requires a recognition that there is ultimately only one right interpretation of the Scriptures. There is only one faith (Eph. 4:5; Jude 3) or one truth (John 8:32; 17:17) that God has revealed to us. God has promised us that we can know what the truth is (1 Tim. 2:4; Eph. 3:4). These facts ought to bring hope to the skeptic who says there are no legitimate interpretations.

Will Any Interpretation of Scripture Do? Sometimes people take the opposite extreme and declare that though there is only one faith or truth, it is too confusing or difficult to find. Many people, in response to the multitude of religious groups and doctrines, conclude that almost any interpretation will do. Rather than rule out certain religious beliefs on the basis of Scripture, there is the desire to respect every belief as equal in merit or legitimacy. Many people want to “just get along” and do not want to debate or discuss their differences. The preferred “solution” of many is to just choose the interpretation that personally suits you best and call that “the truth.”

Some Interpretations Are Better or More Plausible Than Others: The answer to any confusion or challenge that we may have in searching for the truth is not to choose just any interpretation of Scripture! Imagine the trouble we would have in our lives if we handled all of our decisions this way. For example, would we be willing to randomly choose a marriage partner? Would we choose just any car to drive or any house to live in? Would any of us be willing to invest our hard earned savings into just any type of investment? When we are sick, would we decide that just any medicine or treatment will make us well? Of course not! In making any important decision in life, to choose wisely requires that we learn all that we can about the issue or problem that is at hand. The same is true in deciding what we should believe and practice in religion from the Scriptures.

So which interpretation of Scripture should one choose? To sift through the interpretations that are possible and decide on only one requires that we accept the interpretation that is most plausible, probable, or credible. Rather than foolishly accept just any interpretation of Scripture, let us choose the one that provides the most evidence (e.g., true to the context of the passage, in harmony with parallel passages on the same subject, true to the actual meaning of Bible words, etc.). “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).
God Provides Us with Rules for Interpretation: Thankfully, God provides us with some assistance on how to interpret the Scriptures right in the Word itself! The Lord gives us the help we need to determine the truth for what we are to believe and practice in religion. There are four major rules He provides: (1) Direct statements or commands we must obey (e.g., John 14:15; 2 Pet. 3:1-2); (2) Divinely approved examples we are to follow (e.g., 1 Pet. 2:21; Phil. 3:17; Acts 2:42); (3) Necessary implications, meaning conclusions we can make from what is implied in Scripture (e.g., Mat. 22:41-46); (4) Respect for the silence of God, meaning we restrict ourselves to what God has revealed in the Scriptures to determine His will (Deut. 29:29). We do not add to it nor take away from it (Rev. 22:18-19). Let us all be true to God and respect His word in the interpretation of the Scriptures.

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The Value of Doubt
by Larry Rouse

www.cvillechurch.com

Late in his ministry John the Baptist sent two disciples to Jesus with this startling question: “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another? (Luke 7:19-20)” To the careful Bible student this question makes no sense when you first consider it. John appears to have doubt about a matter that he had earlier expressed great confidence in. Jesus described John as being the greatest of the prophets (Luke 7:28). How can this happen with such a man of faith?
Consider the earlier experiences and statements of John the Baptist. He had witnessed the Holy Spirit come down upon Jesus as a dove and had heard the voice of God from heaven proclaim: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Mt 3:17)” Shortly after these events, John boldly proclaimed this eyewitness account to his own disciples. It is from these very men that Jesus would later choose his 12 disciples. Listen to the bold, confident proclamation from John as to the identity of Jesus Christ. “And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” 35Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:32-36)

Possible Causes of John’s Doubt

The bulk of John’s ministry consisted of his strong preaching to the multitudes in the wilderness. He was an outdoors man described as being clothed in camel hair, and eating wild locusts and honey (Mt 3:4). He was arrested and imprisoned for boldly and accurately teaching the will of God. His stand of faith was exactly the stand God wanted him to make. But now he is isolated and soon would be killed. This sudden change of lifestyle would cause any man great pain. It is at this time that a man of faith would step forward and review the very foundations of his faith.
Another possible cause of doubt would be John’s lack of knowledge of the details and timetable of the execution of God’s plan. He preached boldly of the power of the Messiah and how He would purge Israel of the chaff of unbelievers (Mt 3:7-12). John was like every other prophet that came before him in that he was given a specific, accurate message to deliver, but he was not given all the details. We are told of how both the prophets that spoke of Christ and even the angels from heaven desired to know “the rest of the story” but were not allowed (1 Peter 1:10-12). Did John have a mistaken view of the kingdom as Jesus’ own disciples did? Was he expecting a physical, earthly kingdom? From the outlook of the fleshly eye, the ministry of Christ would appear to be going nowhere.

Is Doubt a Threat to Faith?

Whatever the cause of John’s doubt, we see in his request to Jesus the exact response that a man of faith would have in a moment of doubt --- he brought his doubt to the Lord! Doubt, by itself, is not a threat, but instead, it is an opportunity! The man of faith has learned that when doubt comes, a man is to seek out answers. These answers are not often easily found and will require great energy and suffering. When one runs from his doubts and tries to bury his doubts he is in reality running from a stronger faith. Jesus taught in such a way to make men think, struggle and doubt in order that they might reach the truth of God. When Jesus challenged a man to believe in His ability to free his child from demon possession, the man honestly and tearfully said: ““Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! (Mark 9:23-24)”

Jesus Response to John’s Doubt

Jesus gave John the very evidence he needed to erase his doubt. “And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. 22Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me. (Luke 7:21-23)”

Can you imagine John hearing the eyewitness testimony of his disciples about the miracles and teaching of Jesus? John knew the prophecies of Christ, given both to the O. T. prophets and also to him. Can you see him as he reviews again this evidence and, as a result, saying: “Yes, Jesus is the Coming One!”?

Did Jesus rebuke and show disappointment in John because of his doubt? No, rather in this very setting Jesus gives John the highest of praise. “When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: …..This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ 28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. (Luke 7:24-28)”

What About Your Doubt?

What questions about God’s will do you have? Do you have a reasonable foundation to know that Jesus is the son of God and the Bible is His complete revelation (1 Peter 3:15)? Are you running from doubts about the application of God’s will in the local church where you are a member?

Sadly, many churches have taught their members to run from their doubts and to run from an honest examination of the evidence found in the word of God on a multitude of possible questions one may have. This approach will not lead to a stronger faith.

I will never forget the reactions that I received as I studied my way out of denominationalism and later out of a local church that had made some serious compromises. Men threatened me, others ridiculed me, and others gave me “easy answers” thinking that I would swallow them and end my struggle. None of these men helped me to find what I found after a lengthy, painful struggle – a faith upon which I could stand and defend to myself and to others.

From my experience, I have found some who have the weakest faith are the very ones who try to project the greatest confidence. From the Pharisee who scoffed at how anyone could disagree with him, to the one who loudly proclaims God’s grace but lives in sin, these all have one thing in common – they will not open their hearts and test the doubts that actually exist in their hearts with an open Bible. They will, however, try to silence those whom they may disagree by using their tongues to attack or other forms of intimidation.

My prayer for you is that you begin this struggle for a stronger faith and that you will not abandon the struggle. Do not let men enslave you in fear and doubt. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

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A People of Refuge
by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

The identifying characteristic of God’s people is their love for and their involvement with one another. These identifying marks of the church of Christ are not merely outward beliefs or outward practices found only in our assemblies, but they are, in fact, shown by our willingness to lift up and care for others whenever their time of need arises. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). It is no surprise that Jesus described the separation of the saved from the lost at the judgment day as being determined by service rendered or in service that was ignored to others in their time of need

(Mt 25:44-46).

Make no mistake that every child of God must be determined to do “all things” the Lord has commanded (Mt 28:20). Still it is the human side of God’s commands, the willingness to sacrifice our time, our effort and our money to be intimately involved with others of vastly different backgrounds, that provides the greatest evidence of our faith in God. In order for us to help another, we must first empty ourselves just as our Lord did when He came to earth

(Phil 2:1-8).

Everyone who comes to God understands their need of refuge. Our God provides a refuge, not one in a physical place, but in a spiritual place, a place that He describes as His church. When one is baptized in water he is then added by God to a spiritual family described as the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13). Our primary care comes directly from God through His written revelation, His daily provisions and through the lives of those who were also washed in the blood of Christ. We come to God broken in our sin, rejected by the world and completely empty of any good that would obligate God to us (Matt 5:1-8). It is at this point where God begins rebuilding our lives, and a major tool that He uses in that process is the local church.

The Reality of the World

In this world we will find rejection, exploitation and slander. King David once cried out to God for refuge in a world that wanted to see him destroyed. “Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; My eye wastes away with grief, Yes, my soul and my body! {10} For my life is spent with grief, And my years with sighing; My strength fails because of my iniquity, And my bones waste away. {11} I am a reproach among all my enemies, But especially among my neighbors, And am repulsive to my acquaintances; Those who see me outside flee from me. {12} I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel. {13} For I hear the slander of many; Fear is on every side; While they take counsel together against me, They scheme to take away my life. (Psalms 31:9-13)”

God responded to David’s call for help by providing such a refuge with Himself and with His people. “Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! {20} You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues. {21} Blessed be the LORD, For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! {22} For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications When I cried out to You. {23} Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person. {24} Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD. (Psalms 31:19-24)”

In the New Testament God describes how His people both receive help and give help to those who are weak and wounded. “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, {13} and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. (Hebrews 12:12-13)” What a comfort to find others willing to selflessly extend their hands to assist in my time of need!

Consider the needs of any man that comes to God for refuge.

The Truth about Sin

Jesus pleaded with men to understand the bad news about sin so that they might receive the good news. Any “comfort” that comes without first dealing with the issue of sin is a shallow and empty comfort. Sadly many churches of men have rejected the Bible as being inspired, and as a result, will never address the subject of sin as our Lord did. “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.

(John 8:24)”

The Forgiveness of Sin

Peter instructed those who never knew the Lord to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:37-38). Christians were instructed by Peter to repent and pray to God so that “the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. (Acts 8:22)” What a comfort to find the entire, enormous burden of your sin lifted!

A People to Share and to Stand With

The power of a local church is found in our knowledge of our own forgiveness. Those who fail to grow in the Lord were described by Peter: “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. (2 Peter 1:9)” Because of this, Christians above all people, will show mercy and be quick to receive and comfort all who repent and turn to the Lord. It is this forgiveness that we have in common and that makes this relationship so rich! We may be laughed at and ridiculed by the world, for the world does not understand the basis of our lives or of our companionship (Heb 10:32-35).

A People that Help Him to Remember and Renew His Faith

The people of God have assemblies for this very purpose. ”Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25)” In addition to these assemblies, the bulk of this encouragement is found in a day-to-day involvement with Christians in our homes and in our lives (Acts 2:46-47).

Have You Found this Refuge?

This refuge will not be found in the wisdom of men nor in their churches. This refuge will come when you find and claim the written promises of God and stand with others who do the same. God wants to provide, but He will only do so for those who look for Him. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)”

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What Will the Next Generation Bring?
By Larry Rouse

www.cvillechurch.com

One of the most persistent and heartbreaking defeats among the people of God has been the failure to instill a Biblical faith in their own children. The book of Judges calmly announces a sad truth when it says: “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). When you examine the Bible, church history and the events unfolding in the Lord’s church today, you will find the same repeated failures when a new generation arises. Why does this happen? Is there a way to be an exception to this oft-repeated “rule?”

The generation that the book of Judges describes as not “knowing the Lord” was very different than the generation that preceded it. But the parents of this new generation were also very different from the generation that preceded them. Open your Bibles and look at the characteristics of these three generations.

The first generation that came out of Israel had great advantages. They were personally led by Moses, whom God commonly described as a “man of God” (Joshua 14:6; Ezra 3:2) and as being more humble “than all men who were on the face of the earth” (Num 12:3). This generation saw the great plagues that were brought upon the nation of Egypt, as well as the parting of the Red Sea for their physical salvation. They witnessed the collapse of those mighty walls of water to the utter destruction of Pharaoh’s army. In addition to that, they had the visible sign of God’s leadership with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to give them assurance of God’s guidance. What did this generation do with its opportunities?

The Hebrew writer tells us about the legacy of that generation. “While it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” 16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? 17Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey” (Hebrews 3:15-18)?

Even though this generation was correctly and accurately taught by God through Moses, they constantly challenged and rejected that teaching. On one occasion, a man named Korah arose and led a group in rebellion against the “traditional” teachings of Moses by proclaiming a greater “fairness” in his new approach to God’s will (Num 16:3). On another occasion because of the physical discomfort of the people, they actually looked back to their slavery in Egypt with favor (Num 11:5). These people in their hearts never trusted in God! Their bodies had left Egypt, but their hearts never did. “This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, 39whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt” (Acts 7:38-39).

The next generation did not have the attachments to Egypt and learned to walk by faith. They were not tempted by material wealth because they had none. Through the 40 years of wandering this generation saw the emptiness of sin and the great future that a living faith would bring.

This generation was personally led by Joshua, a man like Moses, that fully put his trust in God and, as a result, God was with him (Joshua 1:7-9). This generation had to personally fight for every inch of ground that they received. Yes, it was God’s power that brought the victory, but it also was their faith and obedience to God’s spoken word that allowed that power to act. They learned to determine what God’s will was and then obey it. Because of this they rejected human wisdom and refused to adapt to the tactics of the religions around them. Does one take a city by marching around it and shouting? You do if the power of the word of God is behind it! “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days” (Hebrews 11:30).

This generation knew God, enjoyed the blessings of His presence, and dearly wanted their children to walk by faith. They were well aware of the failures of their parents and even were given specific instructions by God in how to instill such a faith. After they crossed a flooded Jordan River, in a manner similar to their fathers crossing of the Red Sea, God made provisions for a great teaching tool for the next generation. They were to construct a monument of stones. “And Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, 6that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever” (Joshua 4:5-7).

How did this generation do at teaching their children? They were an utter failure (Judges 2:10). What do we need to learn from this?

Instilling a Biblical faith requires first that you have such a faith. Too often we have those who were “raised in the church,” but never saw a living faith in their parents.

We also need to be humble and realize that as parents the task before us is great. If it was easier for Israel to take the Promised Land than to instill faith in their children, then I must realize how much help I need. Pray to God for help. Take the time to closely associate and talk to your children. If you have a living faith, then opportunities will abound for you to show how to trust in a living God.

Let your teaching be more than a catechism, that is, a simple memorization of questions and answers. Let your children build their faith in God and not in a denominational concept of the church of Christ. People and churches fall away from the Lord. Teach your children not to be disillusioned because men and local churches fail and are untrue (Rom 3:4). It is the unchanging God that we serve!

What will your child face in the next generation? Will they have to rebuild from an apostasy like Daniel, or may they enjoy a time of great evangelistic fervor and growth as the early church experienced? My prayer for both your children and mine is that they serve our Lord Jesus Christ all their days. If they will do that, then we all will have unspeakable joy at that great reunion when Jesus returns.

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