Sound strange? Maybe, but it is true. Recently, an article brought this to my attention. It is something that I had known already. The article was entitled "Tequila Helps Actress Take Her Clothes Off" (Reuters, May 14, 2001). It seems actress Rominin-Stamos is required to strip in her next film. According to her, "It was the scariest thing I've ever done… practice and a couple of shots of tequila got me through it." Just a couple of shots of tequila helped this actress take her clothes off. There are other things alcohol can help do.

Other Things Alcohol Can Help Do
         Noah "drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent" (Gen. 9:21). This led to his son Ham seeing his father's nakedness (Gen. 9:22-27). Lot committed sexual immorality with his daughters while in a state of drunkenness (Gen. 19:30-38). After "drinking himself drunk," Zimri killed Elah king of Israel (1 Kings 16:8-10). Alcohol helped Zimri murder.          These biblical examples show the powerful influence alcohol can have on an individual. Alcohol still has a powerful influence in the lives of men today.
         How many shots of alcohol will it take to help a girl to take her clothes off on a date? How much alcohol will it take to help her into bed? How much alcohol does it take to help a woman commit sexual immorality? It is any wonder that some women have risen from drunken stupors to regret activities committed while uninhibited by the help of alcohol? It only took a couple of shots of tequila to get this actress' clothes off. Who knows how far a few more shots can take a person?
         How many shots of alcohol will it take to help a man come home to verbally, emotionally, physically, and sexually abuse his wife? Have you ever noticed that alcohol helps a grown man put small children through the nightmares of physical and sexual abuse?
         How many beers does it take to help one crash his automobile into another vehicle? How many shots of alcohol are needed to help a person kill himself and others by drunk driving?
Alcohol is a tremendous help. It helps in many ways. Just think how difficult it would be to find people willing to do these things without the help of alcohol.

Why Does Alcohol Help?
         It helps because it perverts one's judgment. "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted" (Prov. 31:4-5). Alcohol causes a person to forget and pervert the law and justice. Individuals will forget common sense, the laws of the government, the instructions of parents, and more importantly God's law.
         It helps because it is a mocker. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise" (Prov. 20:1). Alcohol causes one to cease to be a master of himself. For example, the actress was nervous, uncomfortable, and reserved about stripping. After a couple of shots of tequila, those emotions and feelings were removed. One under the influence of alcohol is likely to do things he normally would not do. It may be having sex. It may be abusing a child. It may be killing, stealing, or any other number of things. Natural inhibitions are numbed and sedated. Alcohol becomes master over one's desires, feelings, and senses.
         It helps increase desires. "Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may follow intoxicating drink; who continue until night, till wine inflames them!" (Isaiah 5:11). Why do you think David made Uriah drunk (2 Sam. 11:6-13)? David knew it would only increase Uriah's natural desire for his wife. Why do you think casinos will give those who are gambling free alcohol? It helps inflame their covetous desire for money. Anger, hatred, sorrow, lust, and all other emotions are only inflamed when using alcohol. Add to this the other ways alcohol helps and the results can be deadly.

God Condemns Using Alcohol
         Since alcohol helps the way it does, it is no wonder the word of God condemns its use. Drunkenness is condemned as a work of the flesh and will cause one to lose his inheritance in the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21). It is an act of unrighteousness (1 Cor. 6:9-10).
         Peter instructs Christians to be of the same mind as Christ by arming themselves against the flesh (1 Peter 4:1). One must cease from the sins of the flesh. What do these sins include? "For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles - when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries" (1 Peter 4:3). In this verse, Peter condemns three forms of the use of alcohol. Each form involves a different degree of consumption. Drunkenness, revelries, and drinking parties cover everything from the alcoholic down to the social sipper. All three are included as sins of the flesh.

Conclusion
         There are some things we simply do not need help doing. Stripping naked for a film is one of them. Sexual immorality, murder, and violence are others. These things are neither beneficial for the welfare of one's soul or for his life. Alcohol is really no help at all.
         The actress mentioned in the article above teaches us a couple of things that even some of God's children try to deny. First, she teaches us alcohol affects one's behavior. Some brethren deny the influence alcohol has on a person's behavior. Second, she teaches us that it only takes a small amount of alcohol to influence one's behavior. Some brethren see nothing wrong in social drinking. They argue that the Bible condemns drunkenness, not drinking altogether. This actress only confirms what the word of God teaches. It is shameful that an actress who wants to take her clothes off acknowledges the influence that alcohol can have when some brethren, who are supposed to be professing godliness, deny its influence.
         We need to see alcohol as God sees it. Let us recognize alcohol as a sin and an evil. "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" (Rom. 13:14).

- Truth Magazine, 9/6/01
www.truthmagazine.com

LESSONS FROM THE TRAGEDY OF SEPTEMBER 11th
by Heath Rogers

         Like President Bush has said, none of us will ever forget where we were and what we were doing when we heard about the terrorists attacks on September 11th. I saw a little bit of the footage on the morning news as we were getting ready for the day. We were too busy to stop and listen and I left thinking that there was just a fire on one of the floors of the World Trade Center. After I dropped my daughter off for school I turned on the radio to find that all the programming had been preempted. It was then that I realized that something serious was happening. After a few moments of reporting the radio went silent. Then I heard Peter Jennings say in disbelief, "The north tower has just collapsed."
         It wasn't until I got home for lunch that I got to see the footage for myself. I went numb when I saw the airliner crash into the World Trade Center. All those passengers killed against their will at that exact moment. What horrors they must have gone through! And then the tower unexpectantly crumbling to the ground - killing the thousands of innocent people who had not yet managed to get out. Like the rest of the nation, I felt helpless and mortified. For the first time in my life I did not feel safe.
         Lives have been changed by this event. Only time will show the true significance that this event will have on history. But the short term changes are being felt and seen already. There are some observations and lessons that need to be drawn from this tragedy. Some of them are more obvious than others, but they are all important.
         1. Evil Exists In This World. Why do things like this happen? Why do innocent people have to die in such a tragic way? The Bible says there is no way around it. We live in a fallen world that has been cursed by the presence of sin (Genesis 3:17-19). As long as we live in this world we are subject to the effects of sin and evil. And since the nature and working of sin and evil are mysterious (2 Thessalonians 2:7), we are left to wonder "Why?"
         God has not promised to take evil away, or to build a hedge around us to protect us from its effects. But God has promised that Christians will never undergo any more than we can handle: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Cor. 10:13).
         2. The Terror Of Hopelessness. The Bible says that hope is an anchor. "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil," (Hebrews 6:19). An anchor is used to keep a ship steady and on course in the midst of a storm. Hope serves the same purpose. People can endure almost anything as long as they have hope. But once hope is gone, all is lost.
         One can only wonder what the passengers on those four airliners felt once they realized that the plane they were on wasn't going to land. There was no way to escape, they could only sit and wait for their death. How about those in the World Trading Center who were trapped on the floors above the impact of the airliners? These massive feats of technology and architecture had risen those buildings so high that they had placed these people out of reach. No one would be able to help them down. How can we ever forget the scores of people who made their way to "ground zero" with pictures of their loved ones who were unaccounted for? Wandering from hospital to armory in a desperate search. Many of them told reporters that they were still holding out hope - but their faces were telling a different story.
         3. Judgment Will Be Sudden and Unexpected. No one had any way of knowing what was going to happen. The people on those planes and in those buildings were simply going about their normal business. No one was prepared for what was going to happen. There was no warning - just instant terror!
         The Bible says that the Second Coming of Christ is going to be the same way. "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape" (1 Thess. 5:2-3). Jesus tells us to "watch" and "be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:42, 44).
The victims of this tragedy had no opportunity to escape. Time did not pause just for them. Judgment will be the same way. It will come suddenly and unexpectantly and those who are not ready will be lost. Are you ready?
         4. Some Things Really Aren't That Important. Within hours of these events, the announcements of cancellations started to pour in. Our daughter's Open House at school was scheduled for that evening. It was canceled. Baseball games were called off for one day, then for two more days, then for the entire weekend. The entire Minor League Baseball seasons were canceled and champions were announced. The NFL canceled their slate of games for that weekend, which led to the cancellation of all college games for that weekend.
         What was the explanation for these cancellations? Over and over again we heard athletes, owners and coaches say, "There are some things that are more important than sports." How right they are. And it's sad that it takes a tragedy like this to get people to realize it. Don't get me wrong. I am a sports fan. But the fact is that sports weren't any less important the week after this tragedy than they were the week before. People need to get their priorities straight. How many spouses and children are neglected in the name of sports and recreation? How many senior citizens are left alone while their children and grandchildren run here and there doing unimportant things? How many church buildings do these sports fans pass by on Sunday morning to get to the big game? How many people are going to face God in judgment unprepared because they have wasted their life away with unimportant things?
         5. Good Will Triumph. Some ask why an all powerful and benevolent God allows such tragedies to happen. God has His reasons. Times of suffering and pain are opportunities to test our resolve and prove what we are made of (James 1:2-4). America is passing this test with flying colors (the most prominent being red, white and blue!!!). Our country has grown closer and stronger as a result of this tragedy.
         We have a long way to go. The families left behind will have to mourn and put the pieces back together. The Pentagon and World Trade Center will have to be rebuilt. The airline industry will suffer, which will most likely have a domino effect upon other parts of our economy. But in the end we will come out of this better off than we were before September 11th.
         But on a much higher level, we hope this recent tragedy will awaken the hearts of men and women to see the need for God in their lives. Now more than ever Christians need to be letting their lights shine (Matthew 5:14-16). People who were once indifferent are now looking for answers and hope. May they find what they are looking for (Matthew 7:7-8), may their hearts be good and honest when they find it (Luke 8:15), and may they serve God faithfully for the rest of their lives (Revelation 2:10).

OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT
by Heath Rogers

         Christians are told to "Rejoice in the Lord always!" (Phil. 4:4). Joy is a fruit of the Spirit which is to be present in every Christian's life (Gal. 5:22). And when you stop and think about it, Christians have plenty of blessings to rejoice about. But living in this fallen world brings us many sorrows. Things happen in our lives that cause us to become frustrated, depressed and beaten down. Sometimes we feel like throwing in the towel.
         Discouragement is a reality that everyone experiences from time to time. What matters is how well we can bounce back from it. Life has its peaks and valleys, its ups and downs, its highs and lows. Most people are able to move from the lows back to the highs with little problem. However, some people get stuck in a rut and can't pick themselves back up. Does the Bible have anything to say about this? What are some things that we can do to overcome discouragement?
         1. Be Around Other People. When some people get discouraged they want to go off and be alone. They may be too ashamed to let anyone know they have a problem, too proud to accept help from anyone, or too insecure to let anyone close to them.
         The Bible tells us that we should do the opposite. The encouragement that we need to lift us up is found in companionship, not isolation. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Eccl. 4:9-12).
         As friends and brethren, we need to be alert to the needs of others: "But exhort one another daily, while it is called 'Today,' lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Heb. 3:13). There are times that all of us are in need of extra encouragement. As brethren, we are to be close enough to each other that we can tell when someone is down and needs to be picked back up. And one of the benefits of helping others with their problems is that we often forget about our own.
         2. Prayer and Bible Study. There are times that we need the strength and comfort that only God can give. This comfort is found in God's word and prayer. David said of God's word, "This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life" (Psalm 119:50). God's word gives purpose, meaning and focus to our lives. It answers our most important questions and calms our most troubling fears. Of all the things that the king of Israel had available to him, it was God's word that brought him comfort in time of trouble.
         Paul prescribed prayer to those who were troubled: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7).
         Show me a person who is in the process of falling away from the Lord and I will show you a person who has already given up on prayer and Bible study.
         3. Focus On Heaven. We need to keep our eyes on the goal. One night Jesus sent his disciples out on the sea and stayed behind to pray. Later He came out to their boat - walking on the water! Jesus assured His disciples that it was Him, and Peter asked to join Him on the water. Jesus invited him to come to Him, and Peter stepped out of the boat and actually walked towards Jesus on the water! Everything was fine until he took His eyes off the Lord and started looking at the stormy waters around him. It was then that he began to sink (Matt. 14:22-33).
         The same is true for us. As long as we keep our eyes on heaven, we will do just fine. Our hope anchors and sustains us in times of trouble (Heb. 6:19). But if the storms of life are able to distract us, we will sink.
         Things get bad from time to time. But Paul teaches us at least two things about our trials. First, regardless of how bad things are, they could always get worse. Consider what Paul said about his struggles, "We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Cor. 4:8-9).          Secondly, when things are bad, they don't compare to how great heaven is going to be. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Rom. 8:18). It all has to do with maintaining a proper attitude.
         4. Remember Who's Side You Are On. If we are on God's side then we are on the side of victory! Depression and doubt aren't characteristic of conquerors. Through faith in Jesus Christ we have overcome the world "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world… For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith" (1 John 4:4, 5:4). We must face the trials of life with an attitude of victory. We have already won! Paul said, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Rom. 8:37).
          Just think about that. How can we be more than a conqueror? Through Christ we can defeat and overcome anything this world throws at us. Plus, because Christ raised from the dead, we know that we will defeat death and enter into eternal life. Just remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13).
         5. Get Rid Of Sin In Your Life. Some Christians suffer from discouragement and depression because they have allowed sin to come into their lives. As long as sin is in our lives we are separated from God, and our conscience knows it. Confession and repentance is what it takes to solve this problem: "When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,' and You forgave the iniquity of my sin" (Psalm 32:3-5).
         Perhaps the source of your discouragement is sin that is in your life, sin that is keeping you from enjoying a good relationship with God. You may have hidden it from others, but you can't hide it from God. Confess it, repent of it, let God forgive it and get rid of it.
         Different things cause discouragement, so there is no easy cure-all that works for everybody. But these are some things that we need to consider and try the next time we are discouraged.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH DIVORCE?
by Heath Rogers

         We probably all know several people who have been divorced, some more than once. Perhaps you have even been divorced. There was a time that a divorce was a rare and shameful event, but that time is far past. Divorce is now accepted as a common practice in this country. Churches are pressured to change their stand on divorce. Many members do not know or care what the Bible really has to say about divorce. And some who do are not willing to take a strong enough stand for the truth. But we must remember that statistics do not change God's word. Divorce is still wrong - for several reasons.
         1. Divorce Always Involves Sin. It is impossible to have a divorce without someone having committed a sin. Many divorces are filed under "Irreconcilable Differences." But what has caused the irreconcilable difference? Neglect, physical or emotional abuse, withholding affection, adultery, distrust, jealousy, laziness, etc. These are sins. Marriages don't come to an end innocently or harmlessly. Someone has been sinned against if there is an irreconcilable difference.
         2. God Hates Divorce. "For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one's garment with violence" (Malachi 2:16). Why does God hate divorce? Because it is an act of violence that has very harmful effects on people. It leaves emotional scars that are hard to heal. Depression can come from a sense of betrayal, desertion or failure. It destroys families and friendships. It often brings financial hardships. Many families depend on the income of both spouses. Divorce leaves them both struggling to get by financially.
         Divorce has an adverse effect on our society. I recently came across the following statistics:
         Divorce In America - The Latest Numbers
         - 45% of new marriages end in divorce.
         - 60% of remarriages end in divorce.
         - 40% of married adults have been divorced.
         - Over one million children each year see their parents divorce.
         - 25% of all adults have parents who are divorced.
         (The Philadelphia Trumpet, March/April 2001)

         Children are often the innocent victims of divorce. The breakup of the family destroys the structure that God has set in place to train, support and encourage children as they become adults. As a result, children of divorce are more likely to engage in sexual promiscuity, violence and crime. Many children never recover from their parent's divorce. And a pattern is set forth that many children of divorced parents are doomed to follow. It isn't hard to see why God hates divorce.
         3. Divorce Breaks A Covenant Made With God. Marriage is a sacred covenant made before God. In the exchange of vows, a man and woman not only make a commitment to each other, they make a commitment to God. A divorce is a couple going back on their word. This may not sound very serious to some people, but it is! "Till death do us part" is a promise that God expects us to keep.
         4. Divorce Seeks To Separate What God Has Bound. In answering a question about divorce, Jesus teaches us that God is the one who joins a man and woman together as husband and wife. Then He concludes, "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matt. 19:6). Man can not separate what God has joined together. We lack the power to do such. Divorce is an expression of rebellion against God's authority in our life. Man may respect the couple's divorce and see them as separated, but that doesn't mean that God does.
         Conclusion: Divorce is wrong. It always has been and it always will be. Instead of finding ways to justify divorces, we need to be finding ways to avoid them! Husbands and wives must be diligent and faithful in meeting their responsibilities. Successful and happy marriages take a lot of work. The fire has to be kept burning. And we have to avoid the pitfalls. Wisdom and discretion must be exercised when choosing a mate. Don't be fooled into thinking that your love will change undesirable habits and behavior in another. You get what you marry. Choose wisely. Remember: "For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives" (Rom. 7:2).

WEEKLY OBSERVANCE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
by Heath Rogers

Most religious groups observe a memorial which they call the "Lord's Supper" or "Communion." Some differences exist concerning this observance. One of the most noticeable would have to be the frequency of the Supper: that is - how often it is observed. Some partake only on an annual basis, some quarterly (once every three months), some every Sunday, some during special events or holidays. Who is right? I believe the Bible teaches us that we are expected to observe the Lord's Supper every week. Allow me to make the following points:
         First, we see that it was the practice of the early Christians, under the guidance of the apostles, to observe the Lord's Supper every first day of the week. "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight" (Acts 20:7). The breaking of bread mentioned here is not a common meal, but the Lord's Supper which was observed during worship. It was a memorial of Christ's body and blood (1 Cor. 11:23-26). The disciples came together on the first day of the week - Sunday. The question now needs to be asked, "Which first day of the week did they come together on?" Every week has a first day. Isn't it reasonable to say that they kept the memorial every first day of the week?
         The Jews were given the command to keep the Sabbath day. "You shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people" (Exodus 31:14). It is interesting that the Jews didn't have to ask which Sabbath day they were to keep holy. They knew God meant every Sabbath. The same language is used in connection with the Lord's Supper.
         Secondly, consider the instructions given by Paul concerning the taking up of a collection (offering, contribution). "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come" (1 Cor. 16:1-2). Did Paul mean that they should take up a collection quarterly or annually? No. Most religious groups interpret this command to mean every first day of the week - for they take up a collection every Sunday (some even take up more than one collection, some on other days in addition to Sunday). Notice that this command has the same wording as Acts 20:7. If they were to take a collection every week, they partook of the Lord's Supper every week as well.
         Finally, partaking of the Lord's Supper was not something done occasionally or randomly. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). It was something they continued in, they were steadfast. Something they were devoted to. Personally, I have a hard time saying this about something done quarterly or annually.
          An argument is often made that if we observe the Lord's Supper every week it will lose its significance. Not necessarily. The same argument could be made about other acts of worship: the preaching of the gospel, praying, singing, and giving. If we are hungering and thirsting after righteousness the Lord's body and blood will never lose its significance.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO OUR HOMES?
by Heath Rogers

         The home is the building block of society. Good, strong homes produce well adjusted, mature citizens. Dysfunctional or destroyed homes produce young adults who are not able to cope with, or be productive in, society. Such is the case, to a large extent, in our country today.

What has happened to our homes?
         Secular Humanism has had a negative impact on every aspect of our lives, including our homes. This movement claims that man is self-sufficient, that we don't need God. As a result, the Bible's teaching on the home and family have been ridiculed and rejected as being outdated. People are left to themselves to choose how to raise their children.
         A High Divorce Rate has destroyed many homes. Divorce removes the environment that children need in which to grow and develop into adults. There is no stability being tossed from one parent to another like a ping pong ball. Both parents are needed in the home as role models. The children of divorce are often left in poverty, with no father to administer discipline, and with emotional scars that do not heal.
         Co-habitation has hurt the home, and it isn't hard to see why. If God's plan for marriage is not honored, why would His plan for the family be followed? Co-habitation sends one message - lack of commitment. This is confirmed by the high divorce statistics among those who lived together before they married.
         The Homosexual Agenda has challenged the traditional family. The Lifetime Network recently ran a movie called "What Makes A Family" in which a lesbian woman was suing for custody of her dead lover's daughter - and won! Homosexuals are raising children without both role models being present, and the role models that are there are perverted.
         Certain Women's Organizations have tried for years to destroy the traditional family. The Biblical roles for husbands and wives are rejected by feminists. Some women reject marriage altogether and seek to have children without a man involved at all. Many animals raise their young like this (without the male parent present). Is it any wonder that some of our children are acting like animals today?
         The Busy Lifestyle of many families has a negative impact on the home. Because of debt or other financial burdens, both parents work (sometimes more than one job). They have their hobbies after work and on weekends. Their children have ball practice, cub scouts, piano lessons, etc., and by the time everything is done, there is no time to spend together in the home as a family.
         What can we do about it? We can begin by making sure that these negative influences stay out of our homes. Things like Humanism and Feminism affect Christians more then many of us realize. Our homes need to be a sanctuary from the godless world around us. The Bible needs to be studied and followed in our homes. Some families need to re-evaluate how much time they are spending together. Are all the hobbies and after school activities really necessary? Family life should be given top priority, not leftovers. And we need to remember to pray for our families.
         Happy, successful homes don't just happen. They take a lot of time and work.

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS ELDERS
by Heath Rogers

         When considering the subject of elders, emphasis is often placed upon the duties and qualifications of the elders themselves. This is reasonable, seeing as how these matters are set forth in Scripture. The qualifications must be met and the duties must be carried out if there is to be a scriptural eldership. But we can't neglect the fact that God has also given the church responsibilities to carry out towards her elders.
         The success of an eldership has as much to do with the attitude and actions of the congregation as it does the elders. The church has to submit to the elders before they can be effective. The elders can not lead unless the members follow. They can't feed a flock that refuses to eat. Both parties have to agree upon their roles in order to have a smooth and fruitful relationship.
         Let's examine some of the responsibilities that God has given the church has towards the elders.
         Recognize Them. "And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you" (1 Thess. 5:12). This passage is talking about elders: they are the ones who are over us and who admonish us. We are urged to recognize them. The idea behind this is more than just being able to pick them out from the congregation as the elders. We are to respect them as the elders, acknowledge them as our leaders, recognize the position of authority which God has given them and which we have appointed them to. In doing such, we readily subject ourselves to their voice; respecting their judgments, teaching, and admonitions as authoritative.
         Esteem Them Highly. 1 Thess. 5:13 continues: "and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves." The word esteem means "to lead before the mind." It is a position in the mind of respect. Elders are not to be placed upon a pedestal, but they are to be held in the highest regard.
         There is no higher honor bestowed upon a man than that of serving as an elder. The fact that elders have fulfilled the qualifications 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 shows that they are worthy of high regard. But this passage tells us that we are to esteem them highly because of their work's sake.
          What is their work, and how do we benefit from it? Elders serve the congregation as overseers, they watch out for our souls, they see to it that we are spiritually fed, they guard the church against threats from without and within. This gives us the freedom to study, grow and work without distractions or dangers. Not many men are qualified and willing to sacrifice to do this work for the church. Those who are should be held in high regard.
         Obey and Be Submissive. "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Heb. 13:17). Again, we know this passage is talking about elders because it refers to those who rule over us and watch out for our souls. Terms such as "obey" and "be submissive" imply the presence of authority in the eldership. It is not enough to respect and honor our elders, we must obey their voice.
         What if I don't agree with the decision or the direction of the eldership? The idea behind these two words is to be persuaded; a willingness to trust, yield to and comply with. When there is a conflict between our will and the expressed will of the eldership, we yield to their decision and obey their voice in the Lord. Elders receive their authority over a congregation from Christ. To disobey qualified elders is to disobey the Lord.
         Elders have a hard job to do, and Christians who benefit from their efforts should be willing to cooperate with them by submitting to and obeying their voice. Members who constantly second-guess and criticize the elders are a grief to them, which has a negative effect upon the entire congregation.
         Receive No Accusations. Timothy was told, "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses" (1 Timothy 5:19). No one is above criticism - but there is a big difference between criticism or respectfully disagreeing and making false accusations. False accusations made against any member of the church is bad enough, but accusations made against an elder can have a devastating effect upon the entire church. Unless members are able to prove by the word of God that an elder has sinned, and it can be backed up by at least two reliable witnesses, they must keep silent.
         No Unreasonable or Unscriptural Expectations. We can't expect things from elders and judge their performance based upon things that the Scriptures do not set forth as their responsibilities. We need to continue to study and understand what their work is. This is the only way we can truly appreciate them and encourage them in their work.
         Consider the following common sense suggestions: We need to remember that their work is of a spiritual nature with emphasis upon spiritual matters, not physical. An elder's work is not that of a deacon. Elders are not perfect men. Elders answer to the Lord, not to the congregation. They must strive to please the Lord, not all the members of the congregation. We wouldn't appreciate them making unrealistic expectations of us, so why would we do it to them?
         Prayer. If ever there were men who needed and deserved our prayers, it is those who serve as elders. The importance and seriousness of their work demands thoughtful and diligent prayer on their part, but also on ours.

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