A Poisoned Mixture
J. Allen Blair
If you were enjoying a glass of orange juice which would be good for you, and suddenly someone added poison to it, would it still be good for you? In essence, this is what some are doing with the Bible; mixing Bible truth with the poison of unbelief.
In court, a lawyer asked the witness, "Was the wife's Bible on the dressing table?" There were sounds of laughter in the court to which the judge responded, " It is bad form to raise a laugh about that Holy Book. If there is more laughter, I shall order the court to be cleared!"
In the next morning's paper there appeared in large type, "A JUDGE'S STERN REBUKE." These words deserve to be printed in big type and to be well remembered. This judge is needed in some of our churches today more than in court!
But worse than to laugh about the Bible, is to undermine it: to repudiate it; to explain it away; to describe it as a book of myths, as is being done in schools, seminaries, and churches. It is a tragic evil for professing Christians to attempt to destroy the faith of young and old alike.
A professor from a theological seminary was to meet a professor of a well-known university (an avowed atheist) in public debate on the subject of religion. The university professor was against all religion, and flayed orthodox Christianity unmercifully. He attempted to demolish all faith in the Bible and Christ. At the time of the debate, the seminary professor began his speech by saying that anyone who came expecting a debate would be badly disappointed, "Because," said he, "I believe more in what the professor believes than in what the orthodox Christians believe." And he closed his part of the so-called debate by saying, "It is my belief that in a few years we will have an entirely new religion that will replace Christianity, and be far better for this modern age than orthodox Christianity."
This is how far apostasy has gone in some, but not all, of the seminaries. Fortunately, it is not true of all seminary professors. How tragic that people who profess to be leaders (authorities on matters of truth) are nothing more than deceivers! The Lord Jesus warned of such in Matthew 7:15, when He said, Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. These men pose as prophets of God. They appear to be holy and sanctimonious authorities in the realm of religion, but inwardly their motives are selfish--proven by their vicious attacks on the teachings of the word of God.
A few years ago, a popular secular magazine conducted a survey of 100 seminary students from eight denominational seminaries. The result showed that only 44% believed in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ; 29% believed there is a real heaven and hell; 46% believed that Jesus ascended physically into heaven after His crucifixion; 2% were interested in such subjects as "original sin;" and only 1% were convinced that there will be a second coming of Jesus Christ. Many of these young people are now pastors of churches, called by their congregations to shepherd the people and lead them in the way of the Lord. Unless they believe God's Word, and the truths taught therein, how can they lead people in the way of the Lord? This is an obvious sign of the last days prophesied in the Word of God, Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:1). We are living in these last days with defection on every hand. So-called ministers of the Gospel are failing to proclaim the entire counsel of the Word of God. We need to pray for these men to have a revival in their own hearts, and come face to face with the realities of God's eternal Word.
A Christian relates that as she and a friend passed a church, she stopped, and said, "Isn't this a lovely old church? I used to belong here. So did my parents. The old minister preached the whole Bible. The Sunday School was full and had a waiting list of godly people anxious to teach. The present minister says he only believes part of the Bible, and that the church must keep up with the times. But they can't get enough teachers today to teach the small number of children who attend. And look at the sign advertising a fashion show on Wednesday night. They don't have prayer meeting in my old church any more."
What our friend saw in the transition of that church many of us have seen in our communities. We can remember when there were God-fearing men in our pulpits, proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. Souls were being saved; lives were being changed; hearts were being established in the infallible truths of God's holy Word. But the situation is different today. In many cities, one must travel for miles before he finds the Bible taught and the Scriptures proclaimed in their entirety. Are you one who at one time knew and believed the Gospel, but over the years have turned from the truth? Your heart is hungry and in great need today. Be assured, there is no substitute for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Word.
The apostle Peter declared, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus Christ is The Way. Complete commitment to Jesus Christ is the answer. Paul wrote, For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time (1 Timothy 2:5,6). Don't be deceived and turn aside to something or someone else. Jesus is the One that gives light.
During WWII, when supplies became scarce in Central Europe, German authorities offered the people substitutes of all kinds: flour substitutes, meat, and other kinds of substitutes, which they began to loathe. Churches are offering substitutes for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In these days of great stress, we need a solid foundation. This is no time for spiritual substitutes. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:11, For other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Christ is the solid rock. Build and establish all you have upon Him.
There is no salvation apart from Him. He died on the cross and rose again that you might have life. He lives today as the man in glory, that you might be eternally saved.
Upon this rock [Jesus Christ] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).
The Light of Life!
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamp, I pray!
So goes the words to a popular chorus of years past. Seeing the recent fires burning in the Gulf of Mexico reminded my of the feudal attempts of how some people spend their lives. The burning oil is simply wasted, yet for a good cause--to protect sea-life and shore-lines. When a person wastes his or her life, it is a total loss! Dr. Blair spent his life Shining The Light; the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In an effort to encourage you, we'll give you a copy of Shining The Light, his autobiography. Ask, and send us your USA address. We even pay the postage as part of our ministry to you!
(Offer is good only during this current month of September 2010.)
Look Inside!
The Self Life is a printed tract that you'll receive free if you'll simply write and ask for it. This is a test--a self-evaluation. As with all the teaching we produce, this message is biblically based, with six scripture references!
It is not Dr. Blair's opinion, it is God's view.
Who Is Hurting?
Have a friend who is hurting? Give them a helping hand with one of Dr. Blair's booklets.
Heartaches
Trouble, Trial or Opportunity?
You Can Master Your Problems
Obtain one copy of each booklet for $8.00 this month (includes tax and USA postage).
Additional copies are available for $4.00 each, sent to the address of your choice.
Audio Cassette Tapes, CD's & Transcripts
All messages heard on Glad Tidings are made available in these media. Additionally, the messages can be heard free at gladradio.net for fifteen days after airing, and can be downloaded free in MP3 format. Our desire is to make this teaching as accessible to all as possible. While we do charge for the audio media and transcripts, we offer the messages free in MP3 format as the cost to us is minimal. Our ability to be low cost or no cost is due to the generous supporters of this radio ministry. We are grateful to God for His supply of people who share in this vision to tell others about Christ's saving power!