Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

Hebrews 5:12, "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."

This morning, unfortunately, there are teams of the Lord's people that are in this condition. There was a time years ago (when I was a boy listening to my Dad discuss scriptures with Arminians) when they could put up quite a fight, because they were knowledgeable about what the Bible said (they just misapplied it). Now, they have a handful of verses to throw at you and no knowledge about what any of the rest of the Bible says. If you talk about something other than John 3:16, II Peter 3:9, John 1:12, or Romans 10:13 they bring out the same line, "Well, I'll have to talk to my pastor." Then, you never hear from them again. What a terrible circumstance to not even be skillful enough to know what the Bible says as a whole (not every detail, but at least a general, telescopic view of things).

Paul says that there comes a time when we should be past certain things. It is always troubling to see someone who has spent a lot of time in the Lord's church, and still not know some of the basic principles contained in the word and kingdom. When someone has been labouring for a number of years, they need to be aware of why Christ came, what He accomplished, and what our duty and place is while we endeavor to serve Him. These are basic things, and after labouring for a while, it becomes the duty of the elder (in labouring years) to help the younger (new to the faith).

However, Paul says that some are still babes when they ought to be teachers. I recall the story about a certain sister who was about 90 years of age and had been in the church since she was a little girl. At a funeral, she told a grieving family member, "Don't worry, he did more good than bad. Therefore, we know that he'll be in heaven since his good deeds outweighed the bad deeds." Brethren, these things ought not so to be! While ministers should not expect their congregation to all (every member) be able to lay out the meaning of hard to be understood passages, they all should be able to defend our belief of eternal salvation (covenant, legal, vital, and manifest) and Christ's finished work.

I have told the brethren that I try to pastor that I want them to able to give an answer to anyone that asks them of the hope that is within them. (I Peter 3:15) I hope that they never have to tell someone, "Well let me go ask my pastor." Pastors are here for answering questions that the flock has, but they are not a conversation crutch to get someone out of a jam. Now, on the other hand, pastors should not brow-beat the flock if they are slow on the learning curve. Sometimes a slow-learning flock can be the result of slow-teaching preaching. Therefore, a pastor should try to gently lead the congregation and not strive. There are ditches on both sides, and it is incumbent upon us to try to find the road (as narrow as it may be) and keep to it. Even if we speak with the tongues of men or angels and have not charity, it is nothing more than sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. (I Corinthians 13:1)

In Hope,

Bro Philip