NOW, THATS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT! I am often sad as I interact with other Christians in so –called “bible studies”…I truly miss the “good old days”, where most everyone “showed up” in them, manifested a serious desire to understand the subject under study, was courteous and not defensive, paid attention to what others were saying, and gave others the “benefit of the doubt”. I don’t get around much anymore, and no doubt miss many such classes, but it is a treat for me to be involved like that. Last night was such a time. Twenty of us met in the home of one of the brethren (we do it on a monthly basis – all are invited, but “20” is about our normal.) As usual, an important bible topic was discussed (the Value of Truth and the Danger of Being Deceived). We took turns reading the passage from 2 Tim 3:1 to 4:5, which talks of ongoing attitudes and actions of ungodly men, to the certainty of persecution and growing depravity of ‘evil men and seducers’, to the divine remedy of turning to the Scriptures and preaching the Word when needed. I could not help but think that, to some, this was a ‘doom and gloom’ lesson – but nobody was downhearted. There was a cheerful realism exhibited, a careful effort to search out the true meaning, and a shared interest that was outstanding. It is also hard not to contrast that collective mood with that of those who demand a constant diet of a ‘feel good’ message that is rarely negative. Despite the fact that, on balance, the scriptures turn more to danger and warning than the benefits of “grace”, “grace” is virtually all that some want to hear. The extended study preceding this was a study of the book of Philippians, where the “other side” gets more attention (we do enjoy thinking of and learning about “grace” as well). To me, heaven will be a lot like that…and while the time for ‘fighting’ will be past, the pleasure of reflection upon divine truths will not (I trust), and unless we have acquired a taste for it in the here and now, our invitation to join in such feasts over yonder is by no means certain! Personally, such things gain increasing importance to me, and I pray for all a thriving spiritual appetite that will lead to joy for us in “heavenly places” even before we attain to the “mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14). (acb)
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:23:34 +0000
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