Rearing Children

Should We Have and Rear More Children?

Since the creation of man, children have been part of God’s plan. God’s first command to Adam and Eve concerned procreation. He said, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Gen. 1:28). After the flood, God told Noah and his sons, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. . . . And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein” (Gen. 9:1, 7). Having children is part of the natural order of things, and today, most consider procreation to be a God-given right.

There is, however, a difference between having children and rearing children. Just about anyone who is of age is capable of having children. The act of procreation itself is biological, and it requires very little knowledge and little or no commitment. This does not mean, however, that those capable of procreation are capable of rearing children. Rearing children requires extensive knowledge and a long term commitment. Many, including the married, simply do not take rearing children into consideration when they procreate, and this becomes a problem.

It is the rearing of children that is of utmost importance to the Lord. Malachi explains the purpose of marriage in Malachi 2:15; “And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.” God’s end design for marriage is that it produces godly seed. This involves many things: procreation, rearing, faithfulness, unselfish love, lifetime commitment, loving companionship, and innumerable other things. God doesn’t just want procreation from marriage; He doesn’t even want functioning adulthood from marriage; His end design for marriage is to have fully functioning adults who are faithful to Him. This is what the words “godly seed” entail.

This purpose weighs upon our question under consideration: Should we have and rear more children? The answer is that a couple should have and rear as many children as they can produce in harmony with God’s purposes, and that is for each individual couple to decide. Obviously, couples who are infertile are not expected to do what they cannot do. However, they may adopt, if that is something that they have the resources to accomplish. If a couple can produce, but not rear a child (for financial or other reasons), then, given the purpose of marriage, they should wait until they can be faithfully responsible in fulfilling that purpose. Like the infertile couple, they are not expected to do what they cannot accomplish.

Some in the brotherhood have suggested that couples simply produce more children indiscriminately with the idea in mind that increasing our numbers will populate the church of the future. I do not believe that this is wise advice. I have heard some preachers counsel the young married to get busy having children as soon as possible, to have as many as possible, and not to worry about the consequences. I know of at least one marriage where taking this advice ended up very badly. In years past, this counsel may have been more advisable given social conditions that were more suitable toward the maintenance of families. In today’s world, however, social conditions tend toward the dissolution of the family. Christian parents would be wise to only take upon themselves as much responsibility as they are able to bear in producing and rearing children.

Another point to take into consideration in this discussion is that under the Old Covenant, procreation was mandatory. Exodus 21:10 makes clear that a husband was not to deny the wife the “duty of marriage.” Women depended upon having children in order to sustain them in old age. Children were literally the inheritance of their old age. This is the meaning of Psalm 127:3, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” The commands to Adam, Eve, Noah, and his sons are also important. God expected these commands to be followed; in return, God said that He would “have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you” (Leviticus 26:9).

Today, however, the establishment of God’s covenant does not depend upon physical procreation, and the New Covenant does not enjoin upon any man the obligation to marry and procreate. In fact, Paul’s inspired counsel in 1 Corinthians 7 advised just the opposite, namely, that there are some situations in which it is best not to marry at all. Obviously, such situations would also imply that it is best not to procreate. Even Jesus pointed out that some would become eunuchs “for the kingdom of heaven’s sake,” and then he said, “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it” (Matt. 19:12); Jesus’ point was that some may indeed choose to be single for the sake of God’s kingdom; that choice is not inherently contradictory to God’s New Covenant with mankind through Christ, and if there is no obligation to marry, there is no obligation to procreate.

My wife and I have produced four children, and each one of them is a blessing; we wouldn’t trade them for the world. Two of these are Christians; two are too young to make that choice right now. We chose to wait five years into our marriage to have our first child because we were young, inexperienced, poor, and not ready. At the right time we made our choices, and I know they were good choices. Having a large family is not easy, but challenging. We do not have a lot of time for ourselves. The weight of responsibility is more heavily felt. Each day brings the challenge anew, and I know that the choices we made would not necessarily be the right choices for couples in other circumstances. Having and rearing more children should not be a hasty decision, but one that is considered carefully and prayerfully, and in the end, it is the couple’s choice. Preachers and teachers who push children upon unready couples would do well to memorize and observe 1 Thessalonians 4:11a and the last eight words of 1 Peter 4:15.

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Safe Sex

For several years now there have been various appeals made (through public service
announcements and other venues) to those who are sexually active to practice safe sex.  The main purpose of these appeals to “use protection” is to prevent pregnancy and to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).  These are definitely legitimate and sobering concerns; however the best appeal for safe sex is usually taken the least serious.  “Abstinence” is the safest way to prevent pregnancy and to ensure that sexually transmitted diseases are not contracted.  That’s a look at things from a physical perspective.  Now let us consider this from a spiritual one.  In an age in which premarital sex, extramarital sex, experimental sex (etc.) is so prevalent and openly practiced, it is important for us to know what God says on the subject.

When God created the institution of marriage (Gen. 2:18-25), the sexual relation was a built-in feature. While the expression, “the two shall become one flesh” (Mk. 10:7-8) may be understood in reference to the marital union itself, it is clearly an expression
that references the most physically intimate relationship that a husband and wife can have. However, man is often dissatisfied with what God has provided for him, and, as a result, he abuses and perverts what was once wholesome and pure.

According to Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” “Adultery” is sexual relations between a married person and someone other than their spouse.  “Fornication” is any kind of
unlawful sexual relations.  Being that the only God-approved marriage is that between an eligible man and an eligible woman (Gen. 2:24; 1 Cor. 7:1-2), it is apparent that any sexual activity outside of that union is sin; whether it be man with man or woman with
woman (Rom. 1:26-27; cf. Lev. 18:22), or a single man with a single woman, or adultery, prostitution (1 Cor. 6:18), incest (cf. Lev. 18:6-16;   1 Cor. 5:1), bestiality (Lev. 18:23), etc.  According to 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5, Rev. 21:8 and 22:14-15 those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Friends, the only “safe sex” (spiritually speaking) is that which is between husband and wife.  All else falls into judgment.  Therefore, “flee sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18).

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Modern Day Revelation

What Does the Bible Say about Modern Day Revelation?

Not long ago, I received an email from one of our website visitors who made some comments regarding a lesson he had downloaded and listened to. He based his opinions on the belief that God is still making his will known through the means of modern day Revelation. In other words, it is his belief that God communicates directly with man today through prophets and/or apostles just like He did in the past.

The purpose of this lesson is to examine what the word of God teaches regarding modern day revelation in order to ascertain whether or not this is the truth. The purpose of examining any doctrine which is different than our beliefs is so that we can ultimately compare it with our own and if need be, make any necessary corrections. Paul commanded the Christians in Corinth to, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). We are to subject ourselves to a critical self examination. Our beliefs and practices must be “in the faith”, meaning according to God’s will.

We have before us today a doctrine which claims modern day Revelation. We in the churches of Christ believe that the written word of God is the inspired and complete Revelation of God, and that it is accurate, authoritative and sufficient to give us the information required for salvation. In short, we believe everything we need to know in order to be saved is contained within the written record of God’s word. It cannot be both ways, one or the other is truth. What does the Bible teach about this?

1). The Bible states that God’s complete will for man was revealed in the first century when the church was established.

Peter wrote in his second epistle chapter 1 starting in verse 2, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:” According to Peter, all things that pertain unto life and godliness through knowledge of God was delivered at that time. Peter stated in words impossible to misunderstand that all knowledge which was necessary to live a life of Godliness had already been given.

If we will turn to Jude 3, we will find an interesting verse. Jude 3, “…it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” The word I want to call our attention to in the original language is “Hapax” which is translated in the KJV and as “once” delivered. This Greek word has a very specific meaning. It carries the meaning of “once for all” of what is of perpetual validity, not requiring repetition. Simply stated, The faith that was “once for all” [hapax], “delivered” is forever valid, and it will never need to be repeated.

The Bible plainly teaches that all we need to know in order to live a godly life has been fully revealed, is forever valid and does not need to be revealed again. One must ask why additional revelation today would even be necessary since we know the early church had all the knowledge they needed revealed to them almost 2000 years ago?

2). The Bible states that scripture is inspired and sufficient.

Now if we will consider 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which reads, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” “All scripture”, meaning there is no scripture left out, is “inspired”, meaning revealed by God. So we see now that everything we have recorded for us in the Bible is revealed by God. That means all scripture is accurate, authoritative and trustworthy. Paul went on to say that the man of God may be perfect, meaning complete. Thoroughly furnished, or equipped, unto all good works. When one is equipped with the knowledge required for all good works, that means there are no good works out there for which we are not equipped. The Bible claims to be complete. The Bible claims to be sufficient.

So far we have learned that the Bible teaches that all we need to know in order to live a godly life has been fully revealed, is forever valid and does not need to be revealed again. And what has been recorded for us by the direct revelation of God can make us complete and furnishes us totally. Why would additional revelation be required today since the Bible teaches that everything we need to know was revealed and recorded almost 2000 years ago?

3) The Bible teaches us that the word of God lasts forever.

Since the Bible teaches that everything we need to know was revealed and recorded, the only other possible reason for revelation today would be if what was revealed and recorded has been corrupted and that we don’t have an accurate account of what was revealed in the first century.

Let’s consider 1 Peter 1:23-25, “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you” (NKJV). Peter taught that the word of God is living and abiding which means continuing in its present condition. He then taught that it endures forever which means to hold out against damage or corruption for all of time.

If what we have today is not what was revealed and recorded in the first century then God’s word did not abide (continue on its present condition) and it did not endure (hold out against damage or corruption) for all of time. 1 Peter 1:23-25 is our assurance that what we have recorded for us today is what they had revealed for them in the first century.

The Bible teaches us that everything we need to know for a life of godliness was revealed and recorded in the first century and preserved for all of time. Since everything we need to know was revealed, recorded and preserved, then there is no reason whatsoever for additional revelation. The early Christians had what they needed and we have today what they had then.

4) The Bible claims to be the exclusive source for truth.

Not only does the Bible teach that it is inspired, accurate, authoritative and sufficient, it also forbids going to any other source other than itself for instruction. The inspired writers commanded their readership to not think, or go, beyond what has been written (1 Corinthians 4:6). John wrote in 2 John 9, “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God” (NASB). I used the NASB translation because it more accurately communicates what the original language meant. The Greek carries the meaning of going beyond where one is authorized to go. One can depart and abide not in the doctrine of Christ if one goes beyond, or goes too far.

In Revelation 22:18-19 we read of God’s curse on those who add to or take away from His words. This attitude echoes His sentiments regarding the Old Testament law as well. In Deuteronomy 4:2, Deuteronomy 12:32 we see God’s express command not to add to or take away from the law of Moses. Concerning this very thing, Solomon wrote in Proverbs 30:5-6, “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” We do not live under the law of Moses today, but we can surely see from an examination of scripture that additions or subtractions of God’s will from any covenant was, and is, forbidden.

5) The Bible teaches us that we are to reject the teachings of men.

The Bible gives us severe warnings over perverting the gospel message. Paul pronounced a curse on any who teach a gospel other than the one delivered in the first century (Galatians 1:8-9). When John warned his readership not to go too far in 2 John 9 he went on in verses 10 and 11 to forbid any association with false doctrine at all. 2 John 10-11, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (NKJV).

Which doctrine is John talking about here? John says “does not bring this doctrine”. Which doctrine is “this doctrine”? This doctrine is the one John had, which was, and is the complete revelation of the knowledge of God’s will for man at the dawn of the Christian age. This doctrine is the faith that was once for all delivered. This doctrine is the one that thoroughly furnishes us unto all good works. This is the doctrine that is capable of making complete and thoroughly equipping us for every good work. This is the doctrine that lives and abides forever. The scriptures teach us to reject anyone teaching any other doctrine and then warns us that if we do, we are a partaker in their evil.

If a doctrine does not come from God, it has to come from man’s additions or subtractions from God’s word. The Bible also teaches us that our worship is vain if we follow as doctrine the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9, Mark 7:7).

The only way I know of to assure myself that I am not worshipping according to the commandments of men is to adhere strictly to the Bible which claims to be inspired, or coming from God.

If there is divine revelation today, then the scriptures which recorded all the knowledge required to live a Godly life in the first century cannot be the exclusive source for truth which it claims to be. If there is divine revelation today, then we would have to transgress the word of God in order to follow it. God is not the author of confusion. He is not going to forbid going to any source other than what was revealed and recorded in the first century and then 18 centuries later, turn around and reveal something we need to know and then expect us to violate His original word in order to live faithfully.

So now are we to believe we have two sources for God’s truth, separated by 1800 years? The oldest one claims to be inspired, accurate, authoritative, sufficient, perpetual and forbids us to go to something else for instruction. And now, are we to believe that roughly 1800 years later we have… something else for instruction? We have the new testament from the first century which forbids us to go to another testament and now in the 21st century we have another testament?

Conclusion:

The Bible teaches us that we do not need modern day revelation. When God delivered the knowledge necessary to live a Godly life, He delivered it all. (2 Peter 1:2)

The Bible teaches us that the scriptures are inspired. God inspired them all.

The Bible teaches us that the scriptures are sufficient and equip us to every good work. Concerning the works of righteousness and obedience to God’s will, we have it all. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We do not need additional Revelation.

The Bible teaches us that God’s word will endure and is preserved for us. He preserved it all and it endured it all. (1 Peter 1:23-25). We do not need additional Revelation.

The Bible claims to be the exclusive source of God’s word today. Concerning any teaching more than or less than what can be found in the Bible, it excluded all. (1 Corinthians 4:6, 2 John 9, Revelation 22:18-19) There cannot be any additional Revelation.

The Bible is our sole instruction manual for living a godly life. Any teaching which is less than what can be found therein is incomplete. Any teaching which is more than what is revealed and recorded is too much. Our course of action is clear and true. God says his word is complete, we believe Him. God says His word completely equips us, we believe Him. God says His word is recorded by His inspiration, we believe Him. God says His word endures forever, we believe Him.

People living in the first century who obeyed the word of God then were saved. They had what they needed, they were complete, they lived according to the revealed truth and were saved. We have what they had. We can obey the same faith they followed, believe how they believed, worship the way they worshiped and live how they lived in absolute assurance of the hope we have in Christ.

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What’s Your Title Preacher?

As one reads various religious publications or watches TV on Sunday morning, he will hear or read many “titles” given to various ones who preach. Some of these individuals seem to put on a title, as you or I would put on a shirt. If a person were to string together every religious title used by the denominational world, he would have to introduce himself as, the “Right Reverend, Reverend, Apostle, Bishop, Cardinal, Elder, Evangelist, Father, Friar, Minister, Missionary, Parson, Pastor, Pope, Preacher, Priest, Dr. John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt. Ph. D.”

As one who preaches the gospel and is paid to do it, I am often asked by those outside of the church what my “title” is, or what they should call me. They usually act kind of confused when I tell them that my “title” is “mister.” After having said this, they still insist on calling me “Reverend” or “Pastor” and if my contact with them is to be brief or momentary, I try not to belabor the point. However, if there is time I simply try to explain to them why I do not and will not accept any “title” other than that of “mister.”

First, let it be known that every member of the family of God, is worthy of only one title and that title is “Christian.” Moreover, since we are of one family, it befits us to refer to one another as “brother” or “sister.” The one who preaches is deserving of no “greater” title than that of “Christian brother,” or simply “mister.” Even though, the “pulpit preacher,” is often the public face of the congregation, he has no greater position than that of any other Christian. His responsibilities are no different from those of any other Christian. He is simply supported by the local congregation, as an expedient, so that he can have the time to prepare and present biblically sound lessons that will edify and teach his fellow Christians. Therefore, I can think of no “better” or “higher” title than to be called after our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Second, we are commanded by Christ to call no man “father” (except our male parent). “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:8-12). We are not to think of men more highly than we should. When the Roman Centurion Cornelius, in Acts chapter ten,  met Peter, he bowed down to worship and exalt him, yet Peter would not accept such praise. Peter understood that all are one in Christ Jesus, that he was no better or higher than any other person was. Therefore, he considered himself unworthy of any greater honor or title. Later in that chapter, he would discover that there was also no difference between ethnic Jews and gentiles.

Other so-called titles such as “bishop,” “pastor,” “shepherd,” or “elder” are simply descriptive terms, describing the duties of certain Christian men who meet the qualification listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. The preacher may not be one who meets those qualifications, and therefore couldn’t properly be described as a “bishop,” pastor,” “shepherd,” or “elder.” Even so, these are not “titles” by which we ought to call men, but rather ways to describe them. Some other titles given to denominational leaders, such as “pope,” “bishop” and “cardinal,” (as they are used by the Catholic church) refer to positions that are not even biblical. These titles are part of a sectarian hierarchy that is found nowhere in scripture.

The titles, “apostle” or “prophet” are scriptural titles, by which men have been rightly called, but are no longer in use today. The sign and miracles that God worked through the prophets and the apostles were necessary to establish that they spoke with His authority and that their words were from Him. Now that their words have been authenticated as inspired, and they are now available in written form, the need for such signs and wonders has dissipated.

Finally titles such as “reverend,” “right reverend,” “your holiness,” etc., are terms that should properly be reserved for only God Himself! Nowhere in scripture do we find authority for calling anyone other than God by these kinds of titles. In the King James Version of the Bible the word “reverend” is found only one time, in Psalm 111:9, “He sent redemption unto His people: He hath commanded His covenant for ever: Holy and Reverend is His name.” For me or any other man to assume such a title for himself is little short of blasphemy!

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Cornelius

Many think morality will save them. But, we read of the good man, Cornelius, who was morally good, but he was not a Christian and therefore, not saved. Cornelius was a Roman centurion of Caesarea in Palestine and one of the class of Gentiles known as “God fearers” because of their attachment to Jewish religious practices, such as almsgiving and prayer. In Acts 10, we read of this man who was the first Gentile to convert to Christianity. But as we read of how he and his household and friends all listened to Peter’s preaching, we ought to ask ourselves, how do our lives compare to the life of Cornelius? How do our deeds, prayer life, and attitude compare to his?

For example, Cornelius was a devout man meaning that, he was a dedicated man. He knew what he stood for and therefore, he did not fall for everything. Yet, are we wholly dedicated and consecrated to the cause of Christ? Solomon once wrote, “ There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.” (Eccl. 9:14-15). The righteous need not be concerned over their good deeds being forgotten, for while man may take little notice, God is sure to remember (Heb. 6:10). But, do we present our bodies a living sacrifice and do we make and keep them holy and acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1)?

Cornelius also was a God-fearing man. But, do we fear God like Cornelius? Now, we should not fear Him with a cringing, slavish fear, but with a fear mingled with awe and profound respect. The Hebrew writer said, “ Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” ( Heb. 12:28). This fear is a fear that trembles at the thought of offending a just and holy God. To “fear God and keep His commandments is the whole duty of man (Eccl. 12:13-14) and to “fear God and work righteousness” is the same thing (Acts 10:34-35; Psa. 119:172). But, are we as Cornelius–God fearing?

Cornelius was a good influence in his home. It says that he feared God with all of his house. He was a lot like Joshua choosing for him and his household to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Now, not every Christian could say this. But, if we are dedicated to the Lord and if we are God fearing, we ought to have a good influence over our families. And, having our homes filled with good influences for the Lord, we become more like Cornelius in our faith by which, we will also become more like Cornelius in our giving for he was a very generous man who gave much alms to the people. And, then our homes should be seen as a prayerful home, offering our hearts before God as Cornelius did.

Cornelius was indeed a good man. He is a man that we can learn a great deal about. But, listen to what Christ said in Matt. 5:47, “. . . what do ye more than others? . . .” What do we do more than Cornelius? You know, he did all this and was not even saved yet. Christians should do more; we should show that we have a different spirit and we should have a genuine love of God and truth which is accompanied by love for all men and not just a select circle of friends. We should show like Peter learned here that religion is not selfish, and is superior to all other principles of action. Let us therefore, be like Cornelius, but, let us also be greater than he as Christians.

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