In Romans 1:31, among a list of sins the Gentile world committed against God, we find the word in KJV “covenantbreakers.” A covenant is an agreement between two parties that is regarded as a solemn vow. An underlying principle of a covenant is the Golden Rule. Jesus said in Matthew 7:12, “ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” If I want someone to be truthful and keep up their end of the covenant with me, then I should be committed to doing the same to them.

Many today do not keep their word in the business and social realms. An agreed upon contract should be upheld by both parties. There may be some unforeseen circumstances that come up in these realms where changes must occur. Understanding and fairness should be applied while these adjustments are being made.

For years there has been an epidemic in regard to breaking marriage vows. Far too many do not regard the marriage vow as seriously as they should. Because many have long viewed marriage as a trial run, it is not uncommon for couples today to abandon the concept of marriage altogether because, for them, it has no real solemnity and commitment. Marriage is still an institution designed and ordained by God (Genesis 2:22-25; Matthew 19:1-12). He takes it just as seriously as He always has. The Lord hates the breaking of marriage covenants now just as much as He did in Malachi 2:10-17. It is not marriage that needs to change, but the people who regard marriage as frivolous who need to change

In Psalm 15:1, David asked “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” The answer is given in the following verses, detailing what caliber of people God will allow in His presence. One of the characteristics, found in Psalm 15:4, is “He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” God’s approval is on the man who when he makes a covenant will keep it even if it costs him dearly. When one makes a covenant, particularly a marriage vow, the vow is for the rest of one’s life regardless of health problems, financial difficulties, etc.; we need more people who will swear to their own hurt.
What if someone breaks their covenant with me and refuses to make it right? If I have tried to convince them to keep their agreement to no avail, then I should follow the exhortation of Romans 12:21: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Just because people do not keep their end of an agreement, does not mean I have the right to become bitter and vengeful. We must return good for evil, even though it is a difficult practice.

When one is baptized into Christ, one is making a covenant to die to self and serve the Lord for the rest of his days (Romans 6:3-13; 7:4). Are you keeping your commitment?

-Mark Day

One hundred forty years ago, a brother named Moses Lard finished his commentary on the book of Romans. His comments on the first chapter of that epistle are particularly interesting in light of what is happening in our society today.

In regard to Romans 1:26-27, which says homosexuality is a sin which is “against nature,” Lard had to refer to practices in Paris, France to conclude, “there is little doubt of its existence in other modern cities.” He then referred to the writings of history and mentioned the disgraceful practices that were common in Greece and Rome during the time of Paul’s writing, adding, “Nor were these vices rare, and viewed as we view them” (p. 61). How different this nation was back when Lard wrote! He had to mention foreign cities and ancient practices to even give examples of homosexuality. Then he mentioned how “we,” that is the general public in this nation, view this vice. In Lard’s time, even though there were religious differences, there was a public, united front against sexual sin.

A few pages later, in reference to the sin of murder, Lard says:

This crime, according to the Bible should always be punished with death. But in our day, especially in our country, it generally brings with it only a good deal of notoriety, and not death. But we may rest assured of this, that God will one day visit on the people of this country a fearful retribution for the indulgence which they show to the crime. Take the life of him who willfully and with malice takes the life of his fellow man- do this surely, do it in all cases, and murder will cease. Fail to do this, and you breed mobs” (p. 64).

God ordered such retribution for murderers early in the Bible (Genesis 9:6). Old Testament Israel was told that murder defiled the land with blood, and only the blood of the murderer could cleanse the land (Numbers 35:33). Governmental authorities are given by God as a terror to evil works (Romans 13:1-4). Christians are to respect those that keep the peace in our society, even though they sometimes abuse their power (1 Peter 2:13-17). If Lard thought murderers had notoriety in his day, then what would he say about them today? For years, certain popular music artists have made millions while boasting about killing police officers in their lyrics. Is there any wonder that we now see so many fatal attacks on police officers? Lard’s comments on Romans were finished just a few years removed from the Civil War, an event so horrific that many Bible-believing government officials even up to the President viewed it as God’s punishment on the United States for our sins. What punishment awaits this nation today for its atrocities, especially when we consider that the Supreme Court of this nation has authorized the murder of over 57 million unborn children since 1973?

To be sure “we” have changed in this nation, but God does not change (Malachi 3:6). May God’s holy nation, the church, ever cling to His eternal truths laid out in the Bible (1 Peter 2:9; 2 Timothy 3:15-17).

-Mark Day

“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

In this section of 1 Thessalonians, Paul gives the Thessalonians some practical exhortations that will help the congregation to advance spiritually. The first order he gives involves how the members regard elders. Though the word “elder” is not used in this context, the ones described are those who fulfill the three following roles: 1) “labour among you” 2) are “over you in the Lord” and 3) “admonish you.” Other passages use this type of description of elders, likewise without giving a title. Consider Hebrews 13:7, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” Also, Hebrews 13:17, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” It is God’s will that each congregation of the Lord’s church have a plurality of faithful men who can function as spiritual overseers of God’s people (Acts 14:23; 20:28-32; Titus 1:5-8; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

The first directive is that we appreciate our elders. The word in the original translated “know” in the KJV also carries the idea of knowing in order to appreciate or respect. These elders were men who diligently labored among the Thessalonians; thus, in God’s plan elders are not merely decision makers, but are, as caring shepherds, busy working among the congregation, sacrificing their time and themselves for the members. Do we appreciate the sacrifice elders make for the congregation? The Bible here commands us to “esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.”

The eldership of a local congregation also has charge over the congregation in the Lord; that is, they are responsible for giving direction to the congregation and have authority vested in them to direct the congregation according to the Lord’s word, giving correction when individuals do not act as they should. Instructions from the eldership are not to be dismissed as if they are no account, but are to be obeyed as long as it is in keeping with the Lord’s commands. The point of this passage is for members to regard their leaders for their work and make them feel that they are loved. If, as a congregation, we are good followers, it will make the work of elders go better, “that they may do it with joy, and not with grief” (Hebrews 13:17).

The final word of exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:13 is, “be at peace among yourselves.” If we fail to regard the leaders of the congregation in high esteem, then contention will likely follow. When critical and disrespectful attitudes prevail, the work of the church is stymied; however, when unity and good fellowship prevail then the church can accomplish great things. An effective leadership is essential to the spiritual health of a congregation, but it takes willing followers to have effective leaders. If I am trying to work for peace among the brethren, then I will hold my tongue and go to the brother with whom I disagree instead of openly criticizing everything. May each of us do everything within our power to promote peace and respect in the Flatwoods congregation.

-Mark Day

Most congregations plan and conduct at least one or two Gospel meetings during the year. There are those who question the value of such efforts. In the minds of some they are a waste of time. How many times has it been said, “We don’t have Gospel meetings like we used to”?

It could be that some Gospel meetings have become nothing more than a tradition. We have them because we have always had them. Unless we understand the value and impor­tance of such efforts, we will not have success­ful Gospel meetings. Why are Gospel meetings valuable to the work of the local congregation?

Gospel meetings are valuable in the:

Preaching of the Word of God

We must take advantage of the opportu­nities to make known the Will of God. The Word must be proclaimed. “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2). “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). We must preach the Word and Gospel meetings provide such an opportunity.

Promoting of the Work of the Church

We have the obligation to “seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Our main business in the church is to be in the “soul-sav­ing” business. Gospel meetings remind us of the great responsibility we have toward those (1) outside of Christ that need salvation (Rom. 1:16-17; 2 The. 1:7-9) and (2) in Christ mem­bers of the church who have become unfaith­ful, that need to be restored (Jam. 5:19-20).

Protecting the Welfare of the Congregation

God desires for His people to be united (John 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:1-6; Psa. 133:1). Feuding, fighting, and fussing among the brethren is fatal to the spiritual welfare of any congregation. Gospel meetings encourage brethren to think about others and to work to­gether. Gospel meetings edify us and strength­en us as we hear the Word proclaimed and la­bor together (1 Cor. 15:58).

Preventing of Wandering from the Lord

It is possible for the child of God to be­come unfaithful to the Lord (1 Cor. 10:12; Gal. 5:4; 6:1, 7-9; Heb. 3:12; Jam. 5:19-20, 1 Pet. 2:20-22). As we grow “in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18), we are helping ourselves to remain faithful to the Lord. In 2 Peter 1:5-11, we learn that we must “add” and “abound” in the “Christian graces.” Why? “To make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (1:10). Gospel meetings help to prevent unfaithfulness.

Proving of Our Well-Being

Gospel meetings help us as Christians to see where we are spiritually. It helps us to check up on our (1) Commitment, (2) Con­viction, (3) Courage, and (4) Compassion. In Gospel meetings we demonstrate what is re­ally important to us. Do we pray for our Gos­pel meetings (Col. 4:2; 1 The. 5:17)? Do we eagerly participate in the promoting of such efforts (1 Cor. 3:9)? When the Gospel meet­ing begins we will be present for every service (Heb. 10:24-25). Gospel meetings are a test of our faith and faithfulness.

Preparing for That Wonderful Place Called Heaven

It is God’s desire that we go to Heaven (1 Tim. 2:4). Heaven is a prepared place for those who have prepared themselves (John 14:1-3; Mat. 7:13-14, 21-23). Gospel meet­ings afford us the opportunity to think even more about Heaven (Col. 3:1-3). As we think about Heaven and hearing the Gospel of Christ being faithfully proclaimed, we are motivated to make sure we are preparing for Heaven according to God’s plan. God’s plan is the only way (John 14:6; Heb. 5:8-9; John 8:24; Luke 13:3; Mat. 10:32-33; Mark 16:16; Rev. 2:10). Preparing for Heaven is what this life is all about (Phi. 1:21; Ecc. 12:13).

How thankful we should be for Gospel meetings where the Truth is faithfully pro­claimed and upheld. Gospel meetings are valuable.             –Author Unknown

The apostle Paul lived in such a way that his life would be an example to others. There were some in the Thessalonian congregation that refused to work, who needed to imitate the work ethic of Paul. Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9, “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.”

Paul particularly mentioned that he did not eat any man’s bread without paying for it. Now, Paul is not talking about simply going to someone’s house for dinner; “to eat bread” is equivalent to our expression “put food on the table.” “Bread” among the Jews was a term sometimes used for eating food in general (1 Samuel 20:34; 28:20; 1 Kings 21:5; Psalm 41:9; 102:9); moreover, “to eat bread” stood for making a living (Amos 7:12). The connection between working and eating has its roots early in the Bible going back at least to the principles of Genesis 3:19. The Old Testament touches on this principle time and again (Psalm 128:2; Proverbs 10:4; 12:11; 19:15). If one is able to work, then work should be done to support self and help others who are in legitimate need (Ephesians 4:28).

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were not motivated by greed when they came to Thessalonica (1 Thess. 2:5), but came to save souls. To demonstrate this lack of covetousness among them, they refused to be a financial burden on anyone (1 Thess. 2:9), but instead made their own living. While many of the social elite of the first-century Greco-Roman culture regarded manual labor as degrading, Paul did not underplay but in fact highlighted his own manual labor in establishing his upstanding character (1 Thess. 2:9).

Paul did teach that financial support for preaching and other Christian service was acceptable, but on several occasions he did not make use of this privilege (2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Cor. 9:7-14; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; cf. Matt. 10:10). One is not fit to be supported for Christian service if his ministry is motivated solely by financial gain (Acts 20:33; 1 Tim. 3:3, 8; 6:9-10; Titus 1:7; Heb. 13:5; 1 Pet. 5:2; 2 Pet. 2:3). Many philosophers and religious leaders of the day looked for patrons to support them, but Paul, Silas, and Timothy avoided this practice, making themselves a model for the church to follow.

In the epistle of 2 Thessalonians, Paul returns to the teaching on work given at their initial visit: “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thess. 3:10). God’s response to one who could work but refuses is essentially, “You choose not to work? Then you choose not to have the necessities of life when you need them.” Often there is a mistaken notion of charity today, where “the Christian thing to do is always provide for the needs of others” even when they could provide for themselves. This is not Christian; it is not what the Bible teaches. While 2 Thessalonians 3 commands that we be merciful and do good (2 Thess. 3:13), it also prohibits us from enabling someone in a life of freeloading (2 Thess. 3:10-11).

–Mark Day