In these two verses Jesus said, "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

We want to focus on the word "idle" as used in verse 36. The word "idle" literally means: "a vain, thoughtless, useless word; a word that accomplishes no good." What is under consideration here is not innocent talk or conversation on non-spiritual subjects such as one's family, vacation, weather, recreation, etc. In this context, it evidently means wicked, malicious, injurious, false, slandering, impious words.

The context of these verses is in regards to the Pharisees' "evil speaking." In verse 24, they attributed the ability of Jesus to cast out demons to Beelzebub, the prince of demons. In verses 31-32, Jesus talks about those who speak against or speak evil of the Holy Spirit or the Son of man. In verses 34-35, Jesus says that those who are evil will speak evil things and those who are good will speak good things.

It is clear that the words a man speaks, the language he uses, his manner of conversation, reveals volumes concerning his manner of life.

A person's speech reveals the true principle and nature of his heart. In verse 35 of our text, Jesus said, "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things" (Matt. 12:35). James chapter three has much to say about this same principle. Therefore, Children of God must guard their words. We must be careful so as not to cause others to stumble by our words. We must be careful to not speak lightly frivolously of God, His Word or Holy things. We must not curse nor use God's name in vain. As this text shows, improper speech can cause one to be lost!

Idle words alone are certainly not the only thing that will cause a person to be lost. There is far more involved than simply one's speech. However, one cannot have improper speech and expect to be accepted with God.

-Garland M. Robinson

A FEW WEEKS ago at the hospital someone asked me the question: "Have you seen the movie 'Left Behind'?" I excused the blank look on my face by replying, "We never go to the movies." "Oh, it is So good--you really ought to see it."

After thinking about that title, I began to develop some idea about the plot of the movie. Now I have a borrowed copy of the audio tapes of the book/movie, by Tim LaHaye, and Jerry B. Jenkins from Bill Haywood, minister at Abingdon. I have listened to the tapes, although somewhat casually; and it confirmed my expectations of it. Interestingly enough, the topic of discussion for the radio program last Thursday on WZAP-AM/ 690 was in relation to the content of this book/movie.

Well, why are we concerned about this book/movie? Are members of this congregation affected or influenced by this material? Perhaps. I certainly hope not, directly. Yet, someone surveyed the religious "believers" in this country and estimated that some 85% believe in the Rapture/Premillennialism theory, in some form. If it does not affect you and me, it affects a goodly number in Greene county, in Greeneville, and in Tweed Holler. If it affects any of these, THEN it does affect you and me.

It may be the case that someone may feel I am making a mountain out of a molehill. However, eighty five percent of all believers is a big, big, molehill. If this is a danger spiritually for ONE soul, it is something to be concerned about. Someone may ask how it can be a danger spiritually? Is it not just a small insignificant matter? Is it not just causing people to be better prepared for eternity? Actually, no! The problem is that it gives people a false hope--that if they are left behind, they can turn their life around and get a second chance. BUT, there are no second chances! Remember that the apostle Paul, perhaps, wrote in Hebrews 9:27: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." That is it, friends: one death, one judgment.

All this speculation, interpretation, supposition about several Raptures, Resurrections, Tribulations, and Judgments is a danger to our soul's destiny. Is an attitude of total disbelief any more condemning than one which sounds exciting, mystical, and highly believable; but one which is in scriptural error? A false doctrine is a false doctrine, and the more believable it sounds the more dangerous it is.

We may not have any problem knowing when a doctrine is false, and rejecting it personally. But, what if we are unable to convince others of the error of that doctrine? How can we earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 1:3), if we cannot convince the gainsayer (Titus 1:9)?

We need to understand the dangers of the doctrines of Premillennialism and the Rapture, and be able to show the Scriptures that disprove them.

If we take the time to sit down and methodically expose all the errors involved in a book/movie like "Left Behind," we will find it very little different than accepting as fact a movie like Cinderella, or Ichabod Crane. After all, how much fiction is required to qualify a movie/book as fiction? I would almost ask the question, is anything produced by Hollywood factual and true?

After coming in at dark last night from mowing, I sat down to eat and cool down in front of a John Wayne movie that I have seen many times. Strangely, they (John W. and brothers) were to be taken as prisoners from the jail at "Pecos", for an 8-9 hour wagon ride to the U.S. Marshall's jail in "Laredo." Maybe that sounded good to the script writers, but the distance from Pecos to Laredo is about 500 miles!

The speculative fiction regarding Raptures, Resurrections, Tribulations, and Millennial Reigns, is no more TRUE, than the movie distance between Pecos and Laredo. These things simply have NO TRUE Bible basis.

If you doubt what I am staying, let us sit down with the Word of God, and study through the situation! If I am wrong, you will do me a soul-saving favor by proving me wrong by the Bible.

--Ewell Davis Pritchett

Greeneville, TN

God commands the assembling of his people. It is a sin to fail to do so. We must meet on the first day of every week for worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; Acts 2:42). The early church met on other days as well (Acts 2:44; 4:31; 11:26; 12:12; 14:27; 1 Cor. 5:4; 14:23,26). Nothing should keep us from any assembly (Matt. 6:33).

Let's take a look at some of the excuses people give for not assembling with the saints.

1. Too busy. The Christian must make his time count for God (Eph. 5:16). What do you do that is more important than worshiping God?

2. Too many hypocrites. I had rather spend a few minutes with the hypocrites in church each week than an eternity in hell with all of them.

3. Too tired. I have found that although the worship of God drains me physically and mentally, I always walk away feeling much better (Matt. 11:28; Gal. 6:9).

4. Someone hurt my feelings. The Christian will not be so childish. He knows the forgiveness and forbearance of God (Matt. 5:23,24; 6:12; 18:15-35).

5. Clothing not good enough. Read James 2:1-9.

6. Had company. Who are we afraid of offending? God or company (Luke 10:38-42).

7. Weather too bad. Too many times convenience comes above conviction (Rom. 8:35-39).

When we "forsake" we not only break one of the Lord's commandments, but we are also deprived of all the blessings of fellowship and worship.

--Robert Dodson

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