FINAL EXAMINATION FOR THE NEW YEAR Part II

Roy J. Hearn (Deceased)

(Adapted)

       4.  ARE YOU READY FOR THE QUESTION?  WHO WERE YOUR COMPANIONS LAST YEAR?  HOW DID THEY AFFECT YOUR INFLUENCE?  Evil companionships corrupt good morals (I Cor. 15:33 ASV).  David separated himself from vain persons and hypocrites; would not sit with the wicked; and would not gather his soul with sinners (Psa. 26:4, 5, 9).  Some Christians have no Christian friends as close companions.  Some are more comfortable with sinners who run in the fast lane, or those who downgrade the truth, the church and preachers.  “Some have roast preacher for dinner every Sunday.”  It is serious when young people, especially, slip into the wrong crowd.  Better to have close companions who are Christians, especially when dating.  One young lady in a white dress wanted to look into a coal mine; she was warned, but insisted upon entering anyway.  Her dress was white when she went in, but not when she came out. 

5.  ARE YOU READY FOR THE QUESTION?  DID YOU TREAT OTHERS RIGHT?  Jesus taught the disciples to be forgiving, which seems hard for us humans to do at times.  He was forgiving and prayed for those who crucified Him.  Through Paul the Holy Spirit said, “Forbearing one another and forgiving one another as Christ forgave you” (Col. 3:13).  It has been said, “Man is the only member of the animal kingdom that apologizes—or NEEDS to.”  Also, “Humble pie is the only pastry that is never tasty.”  Remember the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12). 

6.  ARE YOU READY FOR THE QUESTION?  DID WE DO ALL WE COULD TO REACH OTHERS WITH THE GOSPEL LAST YEAR?  Psalm 26:7 says, “That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.”  “Publish” means to proclaim, and “tell” means to declare, show forth, speak and talk.  If one cannot teach by word of mouth, he can by example.  “Let your light shine,” the Lord said (Matt. 6:14).  One man came and demanded baptism one time.  He seemed one hard to reach.  “What did I say that prompted you to obey?” asked the preacher.  Replied the old man: “It was not what you said, but that old couple who trod to worship faithfully, regardless of the weather.  That convinced me it was something worthwhile.”  Example is powerful, for good or bad.  Which are you?  Often we talk about everything except church and the gospel. 

7.  ARE YOU READY FOR THE QUESTION?  DID YOU WORSHIP GOD FAITHFULLY THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS?  Psalm 26:8 states:  “ Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.”  Do we enjoy going to worship?  Or, is it like going to the whipping post?  David said, “I was glad when they said to unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psa. 122:1).  God’s house is not the building, but the place where God’s house, the church, meets to worship (I Tim. 3:15).  Christ loves the church (Eph. 5:23, 25).  Do we likewise?  He gave his life and shed his blood for it (Acts 20:28).  What are we willing to do or give up for the church?  What does the record of your attendance look like for the year past?  Will it be better in the coming months, that is, if they come for you?  We know not the day nor the hour the Lord will be coming.  Are you ready?

8.  ARE YOU READY FOR THE QUESTION?  ARE WE GROUNDED IN THE TRUTH AND READY TO MEET GOD AS WE ARE?  Have we studied to show ourselves approved to God (2 Tim. 2:!5)?  Have we grown in grace and knowledge and service (2 Pet. 3:18)?  Can we say with David: “My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregation will I bless the Lord” (Psa. 26:12)?  One cannot depend upon feelings (Prov. 14:12).  A rotten log may look solid, but caves in when one steps on it.  The rocks in the stream may look safe enough, but are to be found very slippery when one steps on them.  The past year did we stumble and fall?  Did our house stand or fall, or did we build upon the rock (Matt. 7:24-27)?  Are we so uninformed that we may be children tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14; Col. 1:8)?

CONCLUSION

For the New Year, can we say with David:  “But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity” (Psalm 26:11)?  As a Christian, if your life were to end, instead of the year, could you truly say, “My feet stand in an even place?”  If you have not obeyed the gospel you cannot be ready for the great examination of all time.  If your life as a Christian has been unworthy of the blood of Christ in a public way, you ought to make that right publicly in true repentance.  Let private sins be confessed privately to God.  Respond Sunday; don’t wait another day. 

(Brother John H. Renshaw furnished the outline from which this is written.—R. J. H. )

—THE KNIGHT ARNOLD NEWS, Dec. 20, 1986

FINAL EXAMINATION FOR THE NEW YEAR

Roy J. Hearn (Deceased)

(Adapted)

      The end of another year is approaching.  Two thousand twenty-one will soon be gone, and we are “nearer our salvation that when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11).  By God’s grace those who read this have been permitted to live, and by his grace all have been abundantly blessed.  If we think not, look around at others who have suffered more.  All students are acquainted with examinations.  They are a means of determining progress.  Suppose God himself were to give us a final examination at the close of each year, and would not permit us to enter another year unless we passed?

Everyone of us must face the final exam one day (2 Cor. 5:10).  Perhaps it would help us to give ourselves one occasionally.  Psalm 26 presents a fair example of questions we may face.  Read all of it.  Verse 2 says: “Examine me, O Lord, and prove me: try my reins and my heart.”  David somewhat examines himself before worship.  Do we properly examine ourselves?  Paul said, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…” (2 Cor. 13:5).  Each one is taught to examine himself before worship (I Cor. 11:28).  SO, ARE YOU READY FOR THE QUESTIONS?

1.  WHAT ABOUT OUR PRIORITIES FOR PAST YEAR?  “The night is far spent, the day is at hand” (Rom. 13:12-14).  “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead…” (Eph. 5:14-16).  Here the Holy Spirit calls upon everyone to walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, using it properly.  Ecclesiastes 7:8, “Better is the end of a thing that the beginning thereof.”  First Peter 4:17 states, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.”  So, when the end comes, what shall our condition be?  Will we pass the exam?  If all of us had nine lives, as said of a cat, could we afford to lose or waste one?  We do not have nine lives, SO WE MUST USE THE ONE WE HAVE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, OR ELSE FACE JUDGMENT UNPREPARED (Heb. 9:27).  A little boy said, “Daddy, do you know you are lucky?  You won’t have to buy me any school books this year, because I’m taking last year’s work over.”  Having observed the lack of study on the part of many, certainly some need to do the same. 

Did we put the kingdom first?  Jesus so commanded (Matt. 6:33), and the providence of God is promised to those who so do.  Colossians 3:1-2 teaches that we should set our minds on heavenly things, not on things on earth.  The Lord said lay up treasure in heaven.  Have we done so the past year?  Peter commanded to “grow in grace, and in knowledge” (2 Pet. 3:18).  Have we done so, or have we become like those mentioned in Hebrews 5:12-14?  (Please read all passages listed.  Space does not allow for full quotations.)  Are we stronger or weaker?  A small boy in a candy store looked longingly and carefully, till his mother urged him to hurry.  He answered, “Mama, I’ve just one nickel to spend, and I must spend it careful.”  So, we have just one life to live and we should use opportunities carefully.

How did we use our money last year?  Did we waste it?  Use it carefully for good?  Did we give as prospered?  Or did we rob God as He accused the Israelites, by withholding from the treasury what should be given (Mal. 3:8-10)?  All thieves are not in prison or being sought by the law.  Some go to service every Lord’s day with the intent to steal from God by failing to give as the law of God teaches (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:1-12; 9:7).

2.  ARE YOU READY FOR THE QUESTION?  DID YOU BACKSLIDE LAST YEAR?  Psalm 1:1 expresses the idea.  The same is indicated in Hebrews 2:1-3, which poses the question, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?”  No way.  Backsliding may lead to apostacy, from which there is no return.  Such can be avoided by obeying the injunction of Second Peter 1:5-11, by adding the Christian graces, and by keeping ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21). 

3.  ARE YOU READY FOR THE QUESTION?  DID YOU WALK IN TRUTH THE YEAR PASSED?  What is meant?  God’s word is truth and saves the soul (I Pet. 1:22).  It means to strive to do what God commands as He commands.  This involves the daily practice of Christianity, keeping ones self unspotted from the world of sin (Titus 2:11-12), and being cleansed from all filthiness of flesh and spirit (I Cor. 7:1).  Did you always worship regularly and properly?  We are commanded to worship in spirit and truth, that is with the proper attitude and according to divine instructions.  Did we encourage others to do so (Heb. 10:24-29)?  Did we thereby set a good example before others?  Did we practice attending only one service a week when we could have done better?  Do we really love the Lord, or are we attempting to take out a little fire insurance?  Did we give to the poor and help those in need (Matt. 25:34-46)?  Ephesians 4:28 says, “Let him labour, working with his hand,...that he may have to give to him that needeth.”  Galatians 6:10 teaches that we should do good unto all men, especially those of the household of faith.  Did we show proper attitude toward others (Eph. 4:32)? 

Part 2 Next Week...

MOTHER’S PRAYERS

BEN F. VICK, JR.

The prayers of our mothers are encouraging to us, especially as we look back on them. I recall a friend and gospel preacher, Jon Hackett, who told of what strength he gained while in Viet Nam, knowing that his mother was praying for him.  Others perhaps can agree.

It has been almost three decades since my mother left us, but I still remember her prayers when I was a young boy.  Every morning after breakfast, we would have a devotional.  Mother would say a prayer.  In the privacy of her bedroom at night, she would get on bended knees to pray.  On an occasion or two, I saw her praying beside her bed.

Her prayers included thanksgiving.  Though we had little compared to others, she was thankful.  Though she had endured the hardships of a Job, she was grateful.  She lost three husbands in her lifetime—one to war, one to unfaithfulness, one to instability. Mother had only been married to Hugh Dorsey North for six months and was only with him a month when he was killed on Okinawa. The second one fathered four children and could not be counted upon. The third, like Reuben, was as unstable as water.  Mother worked a full-time job and reared her children. Through all her trials, she counted her many blessings.  I recall being asked to lead a prayer in chapel at Georgia Christian School.  I was in the 7th grade.  I told my mother of my trepidation; she wrote a short prayer for me and told me to make it mine.  One line I still remember: “Father, we thank thee for the manifold blessings bestowed upon us.” How true it was that God had blessed the Vick family through all our trials!

Mother’s prayers included supplications to our heavenly Father.  Give us strength for the day.  Give us our daily bread.  Help us to get along and love each other.  Please help us to be wise in our choices.  She prayed that her children would be faithful to the Lord.  She prayed that each of us might marry a Christian.  She knew how important it was to marry someone who could help us go to heaven. She prayed for us and preached the importance of marrying someone who had the same goal – heaven. She asked God to forgive us of our sins.  She knew she was not perfect, but she strove to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

In her supplications, I can still hear her words, “Guide, guard, and direct us down the uneven pathway of life.” And if anyone knew the difficulties of life, mother did.  Life’s pathway includes ups and downs, twists and turns, rough spots, and smooth lots.  It is fraught with dangers and the lurking enemy always ready to pounce upon the unsuspecting.   She looked to God’s word to guide her as a lamp to her feet and light to her path.  As a child of God, she believed in God’s providential care.  Her faith was strong through all the strain and stresses of life, knowing that God would direct her.  She desired the same for her children.

For the last ten months of our mother’s life, she struggled with that dreaded disease, cancer.  No one prayed more fervently for her recovery than she and her children. But it was not to be.  Mother had told us that God would either remove the cancer or help her through it. During that time, there was a certain point that she could not pray anymore.  We knew intellectually that she was sick, but we knew emotionally that she was very ill when she told us this.  I said, mother, we are still praying for you.  I told her there are occasions in our lives when we do not know for what we should pray.  I referred to Paul’s words: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Rom. 8:26) The “groanings” here are not the Spirit’s groanings, but our groanings when we do not know for what we should pray. 

We buried mother’s diseased-wreaked body on her 69th birthday, but her prayers I will not forget. 

I wonder how many of our mothers are praying with and for their children.  Mothers, as well as fathers, can teach their children to pray.  They learn from us. Do we express our worries to our children but never our prayers before our children?

MOTHER’S BIBLE

I have my mother’s Bible.  It is pretty worn and highlighted.  She read it every day.  She had it rebound. Unlike the Moravians who just opened the Bible, letting the pages fall where they would, mother read it systematically. She made notes in the margin of her Bible.  She read at least three chapters a day, sometimes more.  When she finished her reading for the day, she would put the next day’s date on the next chapter to begin reading. I also have her mother’s New Testament (my Grannie’s), in which she dated the chapters the same way. 

On the day my older brother was killed by a drunk driver (7-16-1988), she wrote the following at the beginning of Proverbs 20:  Steve 9-19-50.  Ironically, she was ready to begin reading Proverbs 20:1, which reads, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” She got three chapters read on that Saturday.  Her next reading began at Proverbs 23. 

When mother retired from the bank in Valdosta, Georgia, she determined to memorize a keyword for each chapter of the Bible. In her large-print Bible, she had written down what she considered a keyword for each chapter of the Bible.  When she was out walking or had spare time, she had cards with keywords.  One could ask her what is in a specific chapter of the Bible, and she could give her keyword. 

Mother read the Bible to her children. I wonder how many mothers are reading the Bible or telling the Bible stories to their children? I have my mother’s old copy of Egermeier’s Bible Story Book.  It is falling apart, but I can recall my mother’s having read it to us when I was very young. I remember her crying as she read about the crucifixion of Jesus.  Paul said to Timothy, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” (2 Tim. 1:5.) What are we teaching our children?  Are we teaching them fear or faith?  What kind of example are we living before our children?

SHOULD ONE SUPPORT THE UNITED WAY?

BEN F. VICK, JR.

Usually, the United Way makes a big push for financial support at this time of the year. Employers and celebrities are encouraging people to contribute. It may be that some companies encourage 100 percent participation of their employees in the United Way’s annual drive. The question then comes:  Should I give to the United Way?

There is no question that the United Way does many good works. They help Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Boys Club Associations, Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fire, Inc., Cancer Society, Little Red Door, etc.; these are some of the good organizations which the United Way supports.

However, you may not know when one donates to the United Way, a certain percentage goes to the Catholic Social Services, Catholic Youth Organization, Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Jewish Community Center Association, Jewish Family Services, Inc., Lutheran Child and Family Services, The Salvation Army, etc. A Christian should not give to these organizations.

The Bible teaches, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (1 Cor. 16:1-2.) We are to give as we have prospered on the first day of the week into the Lord’s treasury. Christians on the Lord’s Day do not forget to give as they have been prospered. It is wrong to give beyond what we have prospered to good works. Paul wrote, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10.) If a person chooses to give to a worthy cause beyond what he has prospered, he does not sin.

Christians should not give to the United Way where the money is spent to support false doctrine (2 John 9-11; Eph. 5:11). 

WHAT ABOUT PUTTING MONEY INTO THE RED KETTLES?

The red kettles have been out for several weeks now. The Salvation Army puts them out. The money goes to support the poor and disenfranchised. Some going into a store or leaving it may feel almost forced to drop some change or even dollars into these kettles. However, The Salvation Army is a false religion. A Christian should not give a dime to this begging organization.

William and Catherine Booth in 1865 began to work in London helping the poor. Their organization was at first called The Christian Mission, but in 1878 the name was changed to The Salvation Army. Booth came out of the Methodist Church. He set up the polity was set up as an army. He became the General. Their declaration of faith was called the “Articles of War.”  Mission stations became corps; members became soldiers; evangelists were called officers, and converts were referred to as seekers. In 1878 the first brass band introduced music and arts to the Army.

The Salvation Army has a creed book called Handbook of Doctrine, which teaches that repentance is the first condition of salvation and faith is the second and final condition of salvation. Their creed says, “It is a mistake to say, ‘Only believe’ to unrepentant sinners, because they do not always understand that repentance must come before saving faith.” It mentions that “the jailer was already truly repentant when Paul and Silas said to him, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved’ (Acts 16:31).”

The jailer was indeed sorry for what had happened to Paul and Silas, but he could not repent until he first had faith. A careful reading of the text (Acts 16:25-34) will show that the jailer had to have faith before he repented. He asked the question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The answer given was, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Then, they spoke unto him the word of the Lord. After they had spoken to him the word of the Lord, he washed their stripes and was baptized. He knew nothing about the Lord Jesus; so, he had to be taught. Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). Repentance is a change of the mind. How could he have a change of mind toward Jesus Christ if he knew nothing about him? Faith always precedes repentance. The washing of their stripes indicated his repentance. He and his household were baptized the same hour of the night. They did not put off baptism until a later time. This shows the necessity of baptism. In The Salvation Army’s creed book under the “Conditions of Salvation,” they are as silent as the tomb about baptism. The Salvation Army does not believe baptism is necessary to be saved.

So, one should not donate to the red kettles.

IF THE GOSPEL WERE LOST

BEN F. VICK, JR.

  “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” (Dan. 2:44.)

  “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” (Rev. 14:6-7.)

What would happen if the gospel were lost, if it were destroyed or obliterated? It has always existed in one form or another. It was in the mind of God from eternity (Eph 3:8-12; 2 Tim. 1:8-11; Rev. 13:8; 1 Peter 1:18-20). He purposed it. He proposed and promised it (Gen. 3:15; 22:18; Gal. 3:8-16). The prophets predicted it (2 Sam. 7:12-14; Isa. 2:2-4; 7:14; Joel 2:28-32). John the Immerser, Jesus, and their disciples prepared for it (Matt. 3:1-3; 4:17; 10:5-7; Mark 1:14-15;). Then, it came to the state of perfection, beginning after our Lord’s death, resurrection, and ascension (Acts 2).

We are promised that God’s word will endure. Long ago, the Psalmist sang, “The words of the Lord are pure words: As silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” (Psa. 12:6-7.) Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matt. 24:35.) Peter said, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” (1 Peter 1:22-25.)

But if the gospel were lost, what would take its place? Would astrology be a substitute for the gospel? God warned Israel of old not to lift their eyes to heaven to worship and serve the sun, moon, and stars (Deut. 4:16-24).  Men are not to place their trust in such things. Nancy Reagan made travel plans based on the alignment of the stars and planets.  In 1949 the Astronomical Society said, “Whatever hides behind the title of astrology…is nothing more than a mixture of superstition, duplicity and business.” (Peterson, Those Curious Cults, p. 22.) 

Would the idolatry of the pagans be a good substitute for Christianity? Paul spoke of such vain religions in Lystra, Thessalonica, and Athens.

Perhaps Islam could take the place of the gospel of Christ. Its adherents follow the teachings of a man who doubted his revelations and visions, a man who killed critics for speaking their minds, who was a ruthless general and raided caravans for financial gain. The Bible has been made available in many languages for centuries, but only those reading Arabic can understand the Quran, the Muslims’ creed, according to Muslims.  Muslims do not worship the true and living God revealed in the Bible. Any truth that is found in the Quran was borrowed from the Bible.

 Roman Catholicism, with all of its adherents bowing to some man who has clay feet, would not be a substitute at all.  Catholicism is a mixture of paganism and Judaism sprinkled with a little Christianity. People are like dumb-driven cattle following whatever the Pope says. They are told that they cannot interpret the Bible for themselves, but that the clergy – the Pope, Cardinals, Bishops and priests are the only ones who can explain it. According to them, truth is whatever the Pope says, though the Popes have changed their doctrines many times. 

What about atheism? Would it be a good substitute for Christianity? What has atheism offered the world? Its adherents never wrote a book that made the world a better place. No hospital or nursing home was erected by the followers of such a hopeless religion. And yes, it is a religion. What hope does it offer for the next life? Atheism has no standard of right and wrong. Do you want to live in a society in which every man does what is right in his own eyes as it was in the days of the judges?

What about the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, also known as Mormons?  What do the followers of Joseph Smith have to offer? The Book of Mormon is their creed book along with Doctrines and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. They all have errors in them. Polygamy was once an accepted practice; however, for the territory of Utah to be recognized as a state in the Union, it had to renounce polygamy.   Ann Eliza Young was the 19th wife of Brigham Young, who was head of LDS after Joseph Smith. She broke away from him and toured the country, exposing Mormonism, particularly polygamy (Wallace, Irving, The Twenty-seventh Wife, Simon and Schuster, 1961.). They also practice baptism for the dead. 

What do all the denominations of the world have to offer? Can any or all substitute for true Christianity? They present to the world a divided front. They teach and practice conflicting doctrines. They all have their organizations following their creed books. Some teach infant “baptism.” Others practice sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Some celebrate what they are pleased to call communion once a month, quarterly, or bi-annually.

They all were founded by men too late for the first century. There was Luther, who was the head of the Lutheran Church in 1517.  Henry the VIII founded the Anglican Church in 1535.  The same year John Calvin started the Presbyterian Church, which went by various names according to the country.  Wesley started the Methodist Church. John Smyth was the founder of the Baptist Church in 1611.  All fall short of the church in the New Testament.

There is just no substitute for the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). It is the everlasting gospel and shall be here as the ages roll on until time shall be no more.