A Soft Answer vs. A Soft Answer
Steven Harper
The wise writer once said,“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Good advice, indeed.
We would be wise even today to admit that it is much better to give a soft [as opposed to harsh] answer because we will be more successful in our attempts to persuade others of the truth, be more likely to have others actually hear what we are saying, and have a greater chance for making friends while diminishing the chance of making more enemies. Even when others have spoken or acted harshly towards us, the soft answer will prevent [or at least hinder] an escalation of the conflict or strife, whereas a harsh retort would only prolong it and incite further anger. In most situations, this proverbial instruction would be worth heeding.
New Testament Beverages
One of the greatest difficulties in studying God’s stance on drinking is the bias translators have brought to the meaning of words used in the Bible in regards to drinking. The most common Greek word, which is translated “wine” is oinos which is directly equivalent to the Hebrew word yayin. (See “Old Testament Beverages” for full details on this and other Hebrew words.) Both the Hebrew and Greek words refer to all products of grape juice. Only the context can determine whether the drink was alcoholic. In many cases, we just do not know the alcoholic content of the beverage being discussed as the context is insufficient to make a determination.
Old Testament Beverages
Throughout the Bible, drunkenness is consistently condemned. We understand that a drunkard cannot inherit the kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:9-10). Paul warned that carousing and drunkenness are improper behaviors for Christians to engage (Romans 13:13). The warnings are clear enough that few people argue that being down-and-out drunk is acceptable. Many will even admit that it is a sin.
Creeping Traditionalism
In my last article Brethren: The Increasing Rebellion I pointed to the changes taking place among educated young people among the Assemblies. Several factors push them into this direction, and one of them is the increasing traditionalism in the assemblies.
By "traditionalism" I mean a tendency to adhere in an inflexible manner to what was there yesterday, the day before yesterday, and the day before. For example, if only two songs were sung at the start all these years, anything less than that or more than that is immediately seen as anathema. If clapping of hands has been always absent, then someone who claps is seen as a weirdo, and so on.
I am not advocating that everything be broken down for that would be anarchy. Nor am I advocating an inflexible "order of service" for that would make us no different from the nominal churches. On the contrary, we need to regain the spontaneity that characterized the early brethren. Thy had both an order as well as flexibility. Unless we regain that healthy balance, we can expect in increasing defection from the assemblies. [Tambourine, Public Domain Image]
Brethren: The Increasing Rebellion
The number of young people who wish to call themselves Brethren, but who would prefer to reject the ideals and doctrines for which the Brethren stand, is on the increase.
There are several streams of people who want the identity but not the ideals or doctrines. One of them is a group of young people schooled in all the wisdom of this world and its philosophies. They vouch by the Bible and Jesus Christ but it is a postmodernist Bible and Christ, which is none other than the Hindu (Vedanti) interpretation of the Bible and Christ.
Unfortunately, very leaders of the assemblies have understood this change. Worse, as these young people become increasingly vociferous, the leadership does not understand how to tackle them. The words these postmodern young brethren use is so loaded with sweetness that what lies under it goes unnoticed. Thus they are able to seduce an increasing number of young people to their fold. Unless steps are taken now, their influence will become irreversible soon.
Calvinism and Arminianism
Calvinism and Arminianism, One-sided Theology By CH Mackintosh: We have lately received a long letter, furnishing a very striking proof of the bewildering effect of one-sided theology. Our correspondent is evidently under the influence of what is styled the high school of doctrine. Hence, he cannot see the rightness of calling upon the unconverted to “come,” to “hear,” to “repent,” or to “believe.” It seems to him like telling a crab-tree to bear some apples in order that it may become an apple-tree.
The New Age Movement
The New Age Movement By Dr. Johnson C. Philip & Dr. Saneesh Cherian: New Age” is a term seen frequently in personality-development books and magazines these days. They claim that we are in an age when humans can take total control of their bodies and minds. Contrary to what the name suggests, the New Age Movement is a very ancient Cult, and they claim it to be “New” only to deceive people. Plenty of Christians have become spokesmen and agents of this movement without realizing it for what it is. The New Age Movement has its origin in Satan who promised to Eve that by eating the forbidden fruit, she would become “like God”. Realizing this promise is the basic promise and quest of this movement.
The pursuit to become like God became an organized movement with Nimrod and the Tower of Babel. There one observes the seeds of the first one-world religion and government, both contrary to the course of human history as decreed by God. Consequently, God dispersed this movement. Yet Satan, the architect of this movement, continued in his struggle to raise up another all-world religious and political union. The story that unfolded in the millennia that followed is quite complex, but what one needs to know took place only in about one century.
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