Wayne Jackson

Some folks are suggesting these days that we have restored "truth" in our worship format, but we have not restored the "Spirit" aspect of public devotions to God (John 4:24). They want to be able to shout, clap, wave their arms, etc. Some are asking: "How do we know the Spirit doesn't 'move us' to do these things? " They argue we ought to be able to feel, in every worship service, the same emotional intensity that we did when we first became Christians.

First of all, "Spirit," as employed in John 4:23,24, has nothing to do with the emotional climate of one's worship. "Spirit" relates to the genuineness or sincerity of the worshiper. The whole premise, therefore, that we should "charge up" our services in order to tap into the "Spirit" is flawed. Moreover, it is in the nature of things that no one can mentally entertain the same emotional pitch, regarding any matter, indefinitely. This, in itself, ought to be a clue that true spirituality is not to be found in emotional "highs," but rather in the satisfying depth of knowing that one is faithfully serving his Maker.

Repeatedly in the Bible we are taught that we receive divine instruction, edification, etc., by means of "words" (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). The scriptures are able to furnish us completely unto every good work (2 Timothy 3:16,17). How could this statement be true if we are in constant need of "nudges" from the Holy Spirit to recharge our religious batteries?

Then consider this: Suppose one has an understanding of what the New Testament teaches regarding a matter, but he feels that he is getting a "prompting" from the Spirit to do otherwise. Which should he follow? The fact is, it is the responsibility of those who argue for the validity of the so-called Spirit-prompting; where is the authority for Spirit-prompting-apart from the Bible? The Pentecostals can outdo us with this emotional subjectivism any day of the week, and some of our people are being seriously influenced by this movement. Make no mistake about it, it is a growing phenomenon.

I am convinced that this surge toward false emotionalism is due in part to the shallowness of our people in Scripture knowledge. Many have become so spiritually / intellectually lazy that they are looking for a quick-fix to alleviate their boredom. It is almost like some are searching for a sort of "spirit" drug on which to get a fast "high." The most thrilling and sustained "high" that you will ever have is when you dig deeply into the treasures of Bible study.

Baptized Into Christ

We rejoice with the angels in heaven at the response to the Invitation of the Gospel of Christ by two young souls this past week. Christopher Howell was immersed for the remission of sins on last Sunday evening, and Darrell Enoch was baptized on Wednesday evening. It is our prayer that each of us might be a proper example to these young men as we each make our way toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Vacation Time

Several of our number are traveling as this vacation season goes into full swing. Keep our travelers in your daily prayers that they might have a safe return.

TONIGHT!!

Remember that we meet each Sunday afternoon at 5:30, in classroom #3, for about fifteen minutes of prayer. Please make it your business to be there. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Our youngsters meet at 5:40 in the auditorium for a few minutes of story and song. Be sure to bring your parents about twenty minutes before worship services each Sunday evening.

The Personal Work Group is scheduled to meet tonight after the evening worship services in Assembly Room "B". Members of the group and those who would like to join in the work should plan to attend.