"What Is Tolerated Today Becomes Accepted Tomorrow"

By Dick Millwee

Many years ago I read a quote that I found it to be true. This was the quote: "What Is Toler­ated Today Becomes Accepted Tomorrow". Whoever said that said a mouthful and hit the nail on the head. Let me give a couple of examples.

In 1939 a movie was made that had one curse word in it. History tells all that moral leaders and church pulpits all over our country raised a sustained cry against it be­ing released for public showing and almost succeeded in their efforts. However, Holly­wood turned a deaf ear to the protests and patiently waited until the hubbub died down. After the protest became old news, Holly­wood released the picture, "Gone With The Wind". Forty years later, in 1979, Hollywood produced and released a movie that had only one curse word in it (the same word used in Gone With The Wind) and parents all over the land breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Finally a movie that we can let our children go see." It was "Star Wars." This gradual "toleration creep" has led to most of the movies released today being filled with vile, filthy language that would have made a drunken sailor blush in 1939!

In 1953, a new magazine was about to be released for publication and a volcanic protest by churches and various organiza­tions erupted. The publisher and court offi­cials turned a deaf ear to the protests and, hence, "Playboy" magazine became an American institution. This led to publica­tions of similar magazines. This, in turn, moti­vated Hollywood to begin releasing movies of a vivid sexual nature which led to the ne­cessity of a rating system. Over time there has been a "rating creep" so that what used to be X rated is now R rated, R rated is now PG 13 rated and PG 13 is now rated G. The slow graduation of "Toleration Creep" has desensitized us to the point we are now ac­cepting as O.K. what was toler­ated with anx­ious misgivings a few years ago.

Sadly, many Christians have become so desensitized to this media filth that they, with their money and attendance, have suc­cumbed to this "wile" of the devil. God tells us through the apostle Paul "...do not par­ticipate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but, instead, expose them" (Eph 5:11).

It is sad to see many Christians (even though it bothers them) allowing their chil­dren to watch T.V. programs and movies that promote this moral filth. The danger for their children, for the most part, is that they will feel it is acceptable for Christians to do this because their parents did not speak out against it or restrict them from involving themselves with this moral tragedy when they were in their formative years. Sadly, in some cases, the children learn by example when they see their parents rent or buy these movies and play them on their DVD sets at home.

"Be not deceived, for whatsoever we sow that is what we shall reap" (Gal 6:7, 8). Brethren, young and old, let us take the high road of God and take a stand against these things. Let’s not succumb to this Moral Creep. Beware, it is a device of the Devil to ensnare our souls. &

Seeing Sin for What It Is (2)

By Bob Myhan

Another thing to remember about sin is that God’s word describes sin in the most negative of terms. It seems that He wants us to be as repulsed by the idea of sin as He is. There are several Biblical figures for sin that will help us to see it for what it is.

One such figure is that of "a heavy bur­den" which the Lord will gladly replace with a lighter one (Psalm 38:4-6; Isaiah 24:20; Matthew 11:28-30).

Another figure is "foolishness" (Numbers 12:11; 1 Samuel 13:13; 2 Samuel 24:10).

Sin is also symbolized as "a hard task­master" from whom sinners can be made free (John 8:31-34; 2 Peter 2:19; Romans 6:6, 16-18).

It is "a putrefying disease" from which sin­ners need to be healed (Isaiah 1:4-6; Ho­sea 7:1; 14:4; Psalm 41:4).

It is "a polluting filth" from which sinners must be cleansed (2 Corinthians 7:1; James 1:21; 2 Peter 2:20-22).

It is "a binding debt" which sinners can never repay but from which they can be re­leased (Matthew 6:12, 14, 15; 18:21-35).

It is "a blemishing stain" which can only be removed by water and the blood (Psalm 51:1, 2, 7; Ephesians 5:25-27; Acts 22:16; Revelation 1:5).

It is "an impenetrable darkness" which can only be dispelled by the light of God’s word (2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 John 1:6; 2:9,11; Psalm 119:105; John 1:1-9; 3:19-21).

In short, sin makes God sick (Revelation 3:16) and it should make us sick, also. &

THE VALUE OF BIBLE STUDY

By Bob Myhan

Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to pre­sent yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Being able to rightly divide (or “handle aright” (ASV) the word of truth is a matter of perspiration rather than inspiration. That is, one must be diligent.

The diligent study of the Bible will accom­plish several things for the child of God.

Equip him/her for every good work.

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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).

Supply him/her with all things that per­tain to life and godliness.

as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3)

Provide light in a dark world.

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105).

Provide spiritual food.

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speak­ing, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,  (1 Peter 2:1-2)

Arm him/her for spiritual warfare

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole ar­mor of God, that you may be able to with­stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:10-17).

Of course, individual Christians can study at home, alone, and benefit greatly. But will they not benefit much more from coming to­gether at the place of worship and combin­ing their efforts at coming to a better un­derstanding of God’s word? Surely, this was one of the reasons God, through the Spirit-inspired apostles and prophets, established local congregations! &