____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ April 5, 1992 ____________________________________________________ Praise God For His Word In Our Own Language! by Tom Edwards It was John Wycliffe (1320-1384) who gave to the world the first English translation of the Old Testament in 1380 and the New Testament two years later. In his efforts to disseminate God's word across England, he had gathered together a group of men who were disparagingly referred to as ``Lollards'' by those who opposed them--a term which denotes ``one who mumbles.'' By Wycliffe's efforts to withstand the ``authority'' of the Roman Catholic Church and put the Bible into the hands of those who would now be able to peruse its contents for themselves in their own language, it is said that an estimated half of England joined him. His influence was far reaching. In a similar vein to the resistance and antagonism that Jesus was often confronted with by the religious leaders of his day, Wycliffe, too, was marked as a rebel by many of those who opposed him. Arundel, the ``Archbishop of Canterbury,'' decreed in 1408 that anyone who would read Wycliffe's English translation of the Bible or his writings anywhere in the province of Canterbury would be imprisoned. This law was heightened six years later (1414) which would now penalize the violator by taking away his land, his cattle, his goods, and even his very life. It appears that not even his heirs would be able to receive his property, livestock, or belongings. To further show the repugnance that the Roman Catholic Church harbored against Wycliffe, his deceased body was dug up, burned, and the ashes were scattered on the river Swift. Why? Because here was a man who had wanted the people to be able to read the Bible in their own language, to have it for themselves--but many religious ``authorities'' adamantly objected for they felt they were to be the exclusive ``interpreters'' for everyone. We can be thankful for all of those who helped make it possible that we today can read the Bible in our own language. I read somewhere that there was once a time when a Bible would cost a person about a year's wage; and in some countries, in not too distant times, owning a Bible was a violation of civil law and could, therefore, only be done so secretly. Today, however, Bibles are very affordable and we may each own one (or more) without having to conceal it (or them) from our nation's higher powers. Let us, therefore, not take for granted these blessings and realize the spiritually superior value in God's holy and divine revelation itself, for faith comes by hearing God's word (Rom. 10;17), and the Holy Scripture teaches us how to be saved (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rev. 2:10) and how to live as Christians (1 Tim. 3:15); and it also brings to us comfort, encouragement, and edification (Rom. 15:14; Acts 20:32). Indisputably, the Bible is the greatest book in the world because it is, as one preacher used to say, ``the only book from out of this world.'' It's a book from God Himself, and it points us people below to heaven above and shows us the narrow road that leads toward and through heaven's shining portal. No treasure map could ever compare with this great chart of God's holy directions that can lead the follower to that heavenly land of endless blessings and supernal riches. Especially in the early church, many good people, by their toil, sweat, and blood, gave their lives that the baton of God's word may be passed down to a succeeding generation. Will it stop with us or will we pick up the baton of God's sacred revelation and run with it, also, by helping others to hear the word and encouraging them to render obedience to it? Let us never forget of that evil generation that grew up--shortly after Joshua's death--as not knowing the Lord (Judg. 2:10,11). Their lack of knowledge contributed toward their wickedness. In view of this, let us diligently strive to shine the light of God's illumination into the hearts of those that have become darkened by ignorance and sin. As Paul earnestly expressed to Timothy, ``And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also'' (2 Tim. 2:2). On and on throughout time, we need to continue this exhortation until our hope of heaven is swallowed up by sight and we will have finally reached our once longed-for destination. ``And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified'' (Acts 20:32). ___________________________________________ Suggestions For Individuals 1. Begin now! Rather than waiting for the time when you will be able to hand out hundreds of tracts a week begin by resolving to give away one per day. You will be amazed how easy it is and how much good it does. 2. Always give a tract with a smile. You represent Christ and the gospel and you need to show your happiness in serving Christ and in helping to save the lost. 3. Give out tracts that are appropriate. Titles that deal with the plan of salvation and the church are very good as a rule. Tracts that deal positively with subjects are well received. 4. Keep in mind you are giving away something rather than selling. If you give only to those who will accept them you will have more opportunities than you can handle. 5. Seek ways to give tracts to others. The tracts can be handed out personally. They can be put in racks located in convenient places. They can be sent in envelopes with letters, etc. You can try to think up new ways to distribute them. ---- from The Harvester ___________________________________________ WHICH CHILD SHALL DIE? The young mother stepped into her doctor's office carrying her little one year old boy in her arms. She sat down across the desk from the physician and said, ``Doctor, I need you to help me with a problem. My little boy is only one year old, and I am pregnant again and I simply cannot have two children so close together.'' The doctor thought for a moment and then asked, ``What would you like for me to do?'' Without hesitation, the mother replied, ``Well, I'd like to have an abortion, of course.'' The doctor sat silently thinking, then replied, ``I think I can suggest a better solution to your problem. If you truly object to having two children so close together, let me just kill the child sitting on your lap, and let the other live. You see, it is so much easier to kill a child already born--and it makes no difference to me which one I kill. Besides, due to possible complications, it would be somewhat dangerous for you if I undertake to kill the child in your womb.'' The young mother jumped to her feet, clutched her little child to her and began to verbally assault the physician as a murderer. A few carefully chosen words from the doctor soon calmed the young lady and convinced her that his offer to commit murder was no worse than her request for the destruction of her unborn child. The only difference would be in the age of the victim! -- An adaptation by Wes Brown of an article from Family Helps. ___________________________________________ Do You Think It Is All Right For A Member To File Or Clip Their Finger Nails During Church Services? by Bob Buchanon One preacher said his sermons were designed to make folks bite their nails--but not to file, buff or polish them. A religious service should prompt more serious meditation than grooming the finger nails. Such a practice is thoughtless, keeping one from truly worshiping. It is distracting for those who sit near by and hear the click, click, click of the nail clipper. It is also disruptive by diverting the preacher's attention from his subject. Never should we allow a thoughtless habit to detract from worship to God. This would apply equally as well to combing the hair, playing with children, putting on make-up, etc. ________________________________________ Tri-State CHURCH OF CHRIST 1314 Montgomery Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky 41101 Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Bible class 10:50 A.M. Worship 6:30 P.M. Worship Wednesday: 7:30 P.M. Bible study evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (606) 325-9742 e-mail: tedwards@zoomnet.net Gospel Observer web site: http://www.zoomnet.net/~tedwards/go ________________________________________