Bible lessons should include both an exposition of the scriptures chosen for study and the application of the principles found to everyday life. If the teachings of God don’t apply to every day living to help one conduct themselves properly, then what does apply and what rules will people follow? Applying the behavior that is reported in the news each day, a large portion of the nation’s people isn’t following God’s way. And it gets worse when a film built on God’s message is given the same rating as films that aren’t fit to view. (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50556 http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200606/CUL20060609a.html)  A new family film featuring miracles and a pro-God theme has earned a rating of "PG" from the Motion Picture Association of America due to fears it might offend people who have no faith or a different faith.) Now to the Bible teaching to show the folly of that nonsense and then the application of the teaching as the lesson develops.

To begin, it must be noted that many people have no faith in God and many have a different faith. It is indicative of the fact that very few understand the reason for preaching the gospel of Christ. The lack of understanding revolves around the failure to admit that sin is a reality and that Christ came to save sinners. [Rom 5:8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. [Rom 5:9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. If God’s message of love expressed by Paul is offensive, does that mean sin isn’t offensive to those so offended by the truth?

Paul in Romans asked the question: [Rom 10:14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? [Rom 10:15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! [Rom 10:16] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? [Rom 10:17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Did the God’s word preached by Paul offend people of his day? The message did and Paul lost his life for preaching Jesus Christ.  Other apostles were killed as were the Christians who also preached the word or otherwise followed Jesus Christ. Paul makes it plain that faith in God through the work of Christ comes through hearing the preached word.

The word of God arrives through various means: film, books, news articles, tapes, song, and speaking. That is a part of the freedom of speech that exists in this nation. One can either reject God or accept His word. The amazing thing about the rating given to that film, is the fact no one ever considers that the utterances of atheists may be offensive to believers or to those of different “faiths.”  No other message cuts like the gospel, and thus to those who don’t wish to offend, the rating gives great meaning to the following scriptures: [Hebrews 4:12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [Heb 4:13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. One stands naked before God and as such the gospel message can be offensive to those who are disobedient and to those who don’t believe or have a different “faith.”  Hearing the gospel may be offensive, but it is the word of salvation. The verse that ended the Tough Love applies here also. [2 Pet 3:9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

 © 06-12-2006 DEC

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