I have heard of wild oats, but I had never heard of Avena fatua until I set out to write this article. According to Wikipedia, “Avena fatua is a species of grass in the oat genus. It is known as the common wild oat.” The article goes on to state, “This species and other wild oats can become troublesome in prairie agriculture when it invades and lowers the quality of a field crop, or competes for resources with the crop plants. It takes very few wild oat plants to cause a significant reduction in the yield of a wheat or cultivated oat field.” (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avena_fatua). Now that caught my attention!
 
We have probably all heard the idiom, “sowing one’s wild oats” which essentially means to behave in a reckless, impure manner and is especially directed at youth. What good are wild oats? In nature, they take away from a good crop. It reminds me of the parable of the wheat and tares found in Matthew 13:24-30. Jesus provided the explanation of this parable in Matthew 13:36-43. The one who “sowed the wild oats (in the parable identified as the tares)” was the devil (Mt. 13:39). Thus, to “sow wild oats” is to behave like the devil! We should never encourage anyone, especially our youth, to behave like the father of lies (Jn. 8:44). To be a tare is to be gathered and burned in the fire at the end (Mt. 13:40-42). Just because everyone is doing it does not give me license to do it (Ex. 23:2). The reality is not everyone is doing it, and I can always decide to do the right thing. Evil company still corrupts good habits or morals, so we want to be sure we choose our associates wisely (1 Cor. 15:33). Abstaining from every form of evil is a sure-fire way to avoid the fire (1 Th. 5:22)!
 
Youth is a vibrant time of life and should be spent wisely. One of the wisest men to ever live, Solomon (cf. 1 Kgs. 4:29-34), wrote the book of Ecclesiastes (Ecc. 1:1). He wisely stated that youth must be spent remembering the Creator (Ecc. 11:9-12:1). There will be difficult days ahead of youth as the body fails and eventually dies (Ecc. 12:2-7). Using the energetic time of youth for good is the grand message from this old sage! Man’s all is to fear God and keep His commandments which will keep the wild oats from being sown (Ecc. 12:13).
 
The youthful Timothy was instructed by the aged apostle Paul to be an example to the believers in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Tim. 4:12). The King James renders “to the believers” as “of the believers.” Both are good thoughts and highlight that we need to be Christians (believers) that are both an example of what a believer looks like and an example for other believers to follow. There is no greater One to imitate than God (Eph. 5:1) and His beloved Son (Rm. 8:29). When our audio (word) matches our video (conduct), our motivation is love, our attitude is focused on doing the Lord’s will, we are dependable, and we are pure from the defilement of sin, then we will be as God wants us to be. I have no time to sow wild oats when I am working for the Lord!
 
What good are wild oats? They are good for nothing! Let us be like the precious wheat (the righteous) that will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of God (Mt. 13:43)!

Trent Thrasher

The “stone” Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream of a great image broke the image into pieces (Daniel 2:31-45). The stone grew and became a great mountain. It was a prophecy of the church that would be built by Jesus in the first century (Matt. 16:18). Instead of it being a worldly kingdom, it would be a spiritual kingdom and would fill the whole earth.

THE KINGDOM / CHURCH IS A SPIRITUAL KINGDOM
Jesus said to Pilate: “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Jesus also said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation” (Luke 17:20). At Athens in Greece Paul preached, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (Act 17:24). The writer of Hebrews tells us that the kingdom is made up of “the spirits” of just men, not their bodies. “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb. 12:23). Peter refers to the kingdom / church as a “spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:4-5,9).

THE KINGDOM / CHURCH IS UNIVERSAL
It reaches around the world and its Gospel is preached in every land. It began in Jerusalem and spread throughout Judea, then Samaria and around the world. Paul wrote to those in Colosse: “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister” (Col. 1:23). Isaiah prophesied that “all nations shall flow into it” (Isa. 2:2) and that is exactly what it did and continues to do. The Lord’s eternal kingdom is not limited to one place or nation.

THE KINGDOM / CHURCH HAS ONLY ONE HEAD
Its head is Jesus the Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Paul declared: God the Father “hath put all things under his feet [Jesus], and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23). To the brethren at Colosse he wrote: “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18).

THE KINGDOM / CHURCH IS THE CALLED-OUT BODY
Sinners are called out of the world and translated into the church of Christ when they Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess and are Baptized into water for the forgiveness of their sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:37, Acts 22:16). “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13). The saved constitute a “...chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

THE KINGDOM / CHURCH WAS/IS THE ETERNAL PURPOSE OF GOD
“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph. 3:10-11). What God had in store in the Old Testament (his kingdom, his church) was revealed in the New Testament. It had been kept secret through the ages, but was revealed to the apostles (cf. Eph. 3:2-7; 1 Cor. 2:6-9; 1 Peter 1:9-12; Rom. 16:25; Col. 1:26-27).

THE KINGDOM OF GOD, THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, IS NOT OUT OF DATE
The Lord instituted it and is its head (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18). It will continue until he comes again. “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power” (1 Cor. 15:24). Salvation is in Christ and to be in Christ is to be in his church (Col. 1:2; 3:15; Acts 2:38,41,47). In him is “no condemnation” (Rom. 8:1). Salvation is in him (2 Tim. 2:10) where “all spiritual blessings” are found (Eph. 1:3).

(adapted)

Garland M. Robinson

Church attendance is essential in obeying God. It is unthinkable for one who has embraced the Lord's Way to forsake even one of the assemblies of the saints. The Bible is clear regarding this sin and the severity of it. Hebrews 10:24-26 says, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins ."

Far too often, members of the Lord's house see church attendance as an unpleasant obligation. It is often viewed like bad tasting medicine, something that is not enjoyed but necessary for one's health. What a shame such individuals have so little faith! I'm convinced they do not see the severity of sin and the eternal destruction it brings.

To be able to worship the God of heaven, the creator and sustainer of all living, to commune with brethren of like precious faith, is a blessing enjoyed by far too few -- even among those who have "named the name of Christ." This article will explore just a few of the blessings and rewards of faithful church attendance.

Faithful church attendance strengthens not only the individual but entire families as well. One evidence of this is seen in the number of couples that have happy marriages. Statistics prove that families who worship together are far more likely to remain together. Rare are the occasions where such homes are broken and end in divorce. When families are constantly instructed in the way of the Lord, it becomes harder for them to rebel against that which is right. The prodigal son removed himself from family worship and influence and fell into the depths of sin and folly. Only after returning home did he once again enjoy the pleasure and company of those who truly loved him (Luke 15:11-24). Lois and Eunice brought Timothy up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (2 Tim. 1:5; Eph. 6:1-4).

Church attendance places one in the midst of the best people in the world. It is a place of safety and comfort. There's no worry about someone seeking to take advantage of you. You don't have to worry about turning your back for fear someone may steal from you. You have confidence your children will not be bombarded with foul language and obscene gestures. Such fills the TV, school and neighborhood. You don't have to worry about "perverts" looking for a chance to molest you or your children. With all the crime, lust, greed, outrage, abomination, obscenity and lewdness in the world, why would families not seek to escape such and provide that which is wholesome, good, honorable, generous, beneficial and positive? These good things and many more are found in the assemblies of the saints (Gal. 5:22-24).

Church attendance strengthens one's faith. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Heb. 11:6). "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). The more you hear the Word of God, the more you grow in faith when you apply the lessons learned. Multitudes are those who often say, "I wish I were stronger in faith." Yet these same people do little, and many times nothing, to make it so! A stronger faith is directly related to the study of God's Word. The more you attend the assemblies of the saints, the more you hear God's Word, the more you grow in the faith!

Church attendance provides the proper example. Had you rather your children find their heroes on TV or at church? I observed godly men and women as a child who reverently: bowed their heads in prayer (1 Thess. 5:17), partook of the Lord's supper (Acts 20:7), gave of their means (1 Cor. 16:2), sang praises unto God (Eph. 5:19), listened to the Word of God (Acts 20:7). They served to teach me how to worship God (John 4:24). It impressed upon me the reverence and respect due unto God. I learned the seriousness of holy things. I'm no doubt a Christian today because of those early years and being shown such wonderful examples.

Who will deny the blessings of families worshipping God together? Who will step forward and say that such does not strengthen the home? No one can do so!

Garland M. Robinson

By now you have probably heard the news that my family will be moving back to the Kansas City area at the end of June. I have accepted the position of minister at the 39th Street congregation in Independence, Missouri which necessitates this move. I remember going to the 39th Street congregation for their annual lectureship since I was a kid. Their current minister will be retiring after forty plus years of service in early July and he will continue to serve as a godly Christian man and elder. This is part of the reason for the late June proposed move. Another reason is to give the congregation time to find a sound man to fill the pulpit while I continue to fill it as I am privileged to do so. We should always demand sound teaching in our pulpits and a godly preacher will always do so (2 Tim. 4:1-2; Tt. 2:1). Soundness may not always sound like what we want to hear, but it should always be what we need to hear.
 
This move also places my family within close proximity to my mother (less than an hour) and Leah’s family (a few hours which is “just over yonder”). The beauty of the church is that you have family everywhere the church is (Mt. 12:48-50), but I also understand the need to be close to your blood relatives especially in the case of special needs such as widowhood (1 Tim. 5:3-4, 8, 16). This was a large factor in my family’s decision to make this move. I truly appreciate the thoughts and prayers that everyone has given during my father’s illness and his passing last year.
 
Transitions can be difficult so let us make sure we walk in love in all that we do (Eph. 4:32-5:2). Let us think well of one another and continue to help one another to be better (Rm. 12:9-21). Let us act with Christian decorum at all times and especially during this time of transition (1 Cor. 14:40).
 
A good brother in Christ that I know tells his wife every day before he leaves for work “see you later.” He does not use the word “goodbye” and for good reason. “See you later” is a reminder to them both to live their lives in such a way that they will see one another again regardless of what parts them on Earth. It is a reminder that there is a great reunion that will take place when the Lord returns (1 Th. 4:13-18). It is a reminder to walk on the difficult way that leads to life (Mt. 7:14). It is a reminder to be faithful unto death no matter what the devil throws at us (Rev. 2:10). It is a reminder to not shrink back from Christian duty (Heb. 10:37-39). It is a reminder to keep our eyes on Jesus (Mt. 14:25-29). It is a reminder that we have a hope laid up for us in Heaven (Col. 1:5).
 
And so, it is “see you later” and not “goodbye.”

Trent Thrasher

Link to Part 1

WHY ARE SO MANY MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH WORLDLY?
I would say the first cause is a failure to properly evaluate life. Too many members of the church have not learned the real values of life. They are interested in finding happiness, but do not know where it is to be found. It has never dawned on them that happiness is determined by what one is. Look at the beatitudes and note the emphasis on character. Substitute the word “happy” for the word “blessed” and re-read the beatitudes. Someone describes Paul in prison as follows: “with life and all that men count dear behind, and with the horrors of a barbarous death before him, alone, unfriended and suckered, he is yet the happiest man in Rome. Among the millions within her wide walls, not another heart is so buoyant with hope, so lifted with you.” This was true of Paul because he had learned life’s value. He was happy because of what he was.

A second reason so many members of the church are worldly, is that they have never tried to reach their potential in Christian living. Life will not remain a vacuum. It will be filled with something. If all Christians would make a determined effort to fill their lives with good, there would not be any place for the worldly. Too many are satisfied to just “get in” the church, and then just do as little as possible! The natural result from such is to fill the void that is left with worldliness. God knew what he was doing when he said, “seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33) This is not just an arbitrary command. It has as its basis the building of a life that is spiritual. The way to get worldliness out, is to put something in its place! Just as long as there are members of the church who refuse to fill their lives with service for God, there will be worldly members.

A third reason for so much worldliness in the church is indifference. This is perhaps one of the greatest hindrances to the solution of the problem. It is so much easier to travel the path of least resistance, to take the road mapped out by others, than it is to find out whether it is right or not. So many members of the church live day after day not caring that they have no influence for good and are not interested in learning why. They are afraid if they got interested it would upset their own lives and they just do not want this to happen. Let the preacher present any lesson and they refuse to give it even a passing thought.

A fourth reason for worldliness in the church is that there are some who do not want to pay the price that is necessary to be spiritual. The story is told of a young woman, who having observed the charming life and broad influence of a fine Christian woman, went to her and said, “I would give the world if I could only have your influence.” The lady replied, “that is exactly what it costs.” There is a price for everything, and spirituality is no exception. Until more Christians are willing to pay the price of spirituality, the church will be filled with worldliness.

A fifth reason for worldliness in the church is that many are guided by custom rather than the Bible. There are many members of the church who want the Bible on the plan of salvation, the church, its organization, and worship; but, they do not want the Bible on worldliness. Do they ever give chapter and verse for their worldly practices? No. Their theme song is: “everybody else is doing it,” “I can’t see any harm in it.” That is exactly what denominational people say about instrumental music. Why reject their plea for instrumental music and then turn right around and use their old worn-out arguments for your worldly practices? Then some say, “I can do it and it won’t hurt me.” Suppose you could. Can a conscientious Christian be happy when he knows he is giving his time and lending his influence in that which degrades more than it uplifts?

Let us face the threat of worldliness and build lives that are spiritual.