*** This blog was originally posted online 1/25/22.
In a culture permeated with secular, humanistic thought, we must teach the reality and existence of God, the uncaused cause, the builder of all things (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 3:4; Psalms 19:1; Romans 1:19-21).
The Jewish people not only taught their children that God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4), they taught them to love God (Deuteronomy 6:5). This is the foundation stone in living the Christian life (1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Matthew 22:37-40; Hebrews 13:1; John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:15; 4:20; 5:3).
Faith in God’s providence must be taught (Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:33; Psalms 37:23; 1 Corinthians 10:13). There is the realm of God’s general providence wherein He sheds blessings upon all men, both good and bad (Matthew 5:45; Acts 17:28; Colossians 1:17). Special providence is reserved for those “that love God” (Romans 8:28). The late Rex Turner Sr., in his book on Systematic Theology, had this to say about angels: “The saints of God are surrounded no doubt by angels, in-visible to them. Angels are primarily ministers of God's providence” (Hebrews 1:14).
The next generation must be taught the distinctiveness of the Lord’s church. When Christ came into the region around Caesarea Philippi, He made this announcement, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Note, Jesus did not say, “I will build my churches” as of many, but “church” as of one. Further, He said, “I will build My church.” He said My church indicating ownership. He owns it because he paid the ultimate price for it (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25).
The truth must be preserved at all costs (Galatians 1:6-9; Philippians 1:17). Since there are some who will turn from the truth, in our efforts to restore New Testament Christianity in the twenty-first century, we must “try the spirits” (2 Timothy 4:1-4; 1 John 4:1).
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