From the Pen of Paul

Understanding the Bible

Last week we suggested three reasons why the Bible is misunderstood. (1) Many have no sensible plan in their study; (2) prejudice and preconceived ideas are a great hindrance, and (3) being more concerned with things not revealed or more difficult to understand than with practical passages that apply to us today causes many to fail to understand the sacred Book.

But the greatest hindrance to our understanding the Bible is simply because we do not study. Knowledge and understanding do not come by osmosis. You can't learn any subject unless you apply yourself to diligent study of that subject. Before one can become a school teacher one must put in years of study, practice, and earn a degree. One cannot become an electrician, a farmer, or a doctor or nurse without a great amount of study. Then why should we expect to know and understand the greatest of all books without being willing to put forth the effort required? Peter tells us, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (I Pet. 3:15). That divine injunction requires diligent study, but the effort is rewarding.

There are a host of people who say that they would like to know more about the Bible. But actions often speak louder than words. Test time: how much time did you spend in reading and studying the Book last week? Have you ever read the entire Bible? What about the entire New Testament? Do you know the first principles of the doctrine of Christ? Can you intelligently discuss with your friends and neighbors the plan of salvation? Can you take the Bible and point out its teaching on this important subject? Can you show from the Scriptures why one must be a member of the Lord's church and why denominationalism is sinful? Can you answer the questions: why does the Lord's church not use instruments of music in worship? Why do we observe the Lord's Supper every first day of the week? Again I ask, how much did you say that you studied the Book last week?

Brother Deaver asked in his lesson last Sunday, "Do you want to be a Bible owner or a Bible student?" We live in a free land and most of us have multiple copies of the sacred Scriptures in our homes. We need to set aside a regular period of time each day to study this great Book. You will be surprised how much knowledge you can add by one hour of real study per day. Why not give it a try? Peter's last words encourage us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (II Pet. 3:18). Knowledge is one of the things we are to "add to our faith" as we grow and mature in the Christian life (II Pet. 1:5-8).

So we are back to our original questions. Can the Bible be understood? Definitely it can! Can the Bible be understood alike? Again the answer is a definite yes! But it does not come easily; it does not come without effort; it does not come without mental perspiration.

The Bible stands between man and God; it stands to reveal, to guide, to correct, to illuminate the pathway of righteousness. We should determine to learn as much as possible about this great Book of Books. We must make time and take time for Bible study.

The Psalmist writes, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night" (Psalm 1:1-2). "Meditate" means to "think quietly; engage in deep and serious thought; reflect" (The World Book Dictionary). Before one can meditate in the law of God, he must have spent time in study. How often do you meditate; contemplate the marvelous things which God's Word reveals?

Let me challenge all (including this writer) who read these words to resolve to be better students of the Book. Let's not wait until the New Year to make this resolution, but starting immediately set aside some quiet time each day to read, study, and meditate on the Word of God. If we will do that, we will all be making progress toward the goal to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Pet. 3:18).
—Paul Wilmoth

From the Preacher's Viewpoint. . .

Life's Decisions

Life is filled with many decisions. Some are very important and some not so important. In serving the Lord Jesus Christ there are many decisions to be made. All have some very important decisions as well as some not so important.

We are now in our 55th year as a preacher of the Gospel of Christ. We have done our best to seek the truth and follow it no matter what the cost. In some cases we have lost friends but on the other hand we have gained some. So it seems that in most cases things balance themselves out.

In leading Tennessee Bible College we have done our best to follow the Bible. Some on the left hand have not appreciated this and some on the right hand have at times taken offense to our stand. We must also say that some of the strongest stands taken against our work at Tennessee Bible College have been from the compromising middle. The middle brethren want to please both sides while at the same time their cause is impossible if one would stand for and follow the truth.

As we review the past 25 or 30 years we must say we rejoice in the work done. Some say we have been a little too strong but all must agree this is a matter of opinion. As we review the past we think many have been far too weak. Who is right? Time will tell and it is already beginning to do so. What we were saying and standing for years ago is only now being spoken and seen by brethren in general. Denominationalism was invading our ranks years back and we called attention to it but many at the time did not seem to see what was taking place. They criticized us for doing all we knew how to do to keep the church pure from denominational error. We went easy at first thinking this was all that would be necessary but such did not work. So we then took more stringent measures thinking this would help and we think it did so. The price we paid was costly in different ways but so be it. We do not intend to be moved away from the Gospel no matter what the cost. Many brethren are now expressing their thanks for our fidelity to Christ and we appreciate it so much.

All of God's people need to follow the Bible wherever it may lead. Some may think we are too far to the left in so doing and some may think we are too far to the right but what does this amount to? It amounts to nothing to the right-thinking person and the strong child of God. Let all who have decided to follow Jesus do so and "no turning back, no turning back."
—Malcolm L. Hill