A VOICE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS

by Kevin Rutherford

John was the “voice of one crying in the wilderness (John 1:23).” Included in his message was the command to repent. He encouraged the Jews everywhere to repent. He was telling them to change their ways, give up their sin, and prepare themselves for the coming of Christ and the kingdom. This voice crying in the wilderness cried out against the sin of King Herod, for which John lost his life (Matthew 14:1-12). John had the courage to cry out against sin no matter who or how many supported the sin.

Where are the voices crying in the wilderness today? Shouldn’t we hear the voices of preachers, elders, teachers, and all Christians crying out in this wilderness of sin? The voice of Christians should be heard crying out against denominationalism, corruption, and immorality. The church of Christ should be heard crying out against fornication, adultery, homosexuality, and divorce for any cause other than fornication (Galatians 5:19, 20; Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9).

When Christians cry out against sin some powerful people may be offended. Those powerful people may seek to harm the Christians for telling the truth. John lost his life for crying out against sin. We must be willing to cry out against sin even if it should cost our lives. Is your voice crying out in this wilderness of sin?

TEACH RESPECT

by Kevin Rutherford

Many children today are rude, disrespectful, and rebellious. God doesn’t like it. He didn’t like it under the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). He doesn’t like it under the Law of Christ either (Hebrews 12:9-11). If you don’t teach your children to respect your authority it is not likely they will respect the authority of legal authorities or God. Punish disrespect and encourage respect.