ARE YOU CLOSED MINDED?
 

Chuck Northrop

The way a Christian thinks is important. Paul in Philippians 4:8 reveals to the Christian the kinds of things he should think about. He said, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Just as important is how or the way a Christian thinks about things; that is, whether he is narrow or broad minded, open or closed minded, conservative or liberal minded.
As one considers the way a Christian thinks toward other things, he must realize that it often depends upon the subject at hand. A Christian ought to be narrow minded toward the religious opinions of men and broad minded toward the truth of God as found in His word. Further, a Christian ought to be open minded toward the doctrine of Christ and closed minded toward the doctrines of men. Subsequently, a Christian ought to be conservative when it comes to a “Thus saith the Lord” and liberal minded when it comes to giving of ourselves and of our means. Certainly, we are not trying to be “wishy washy” in our approach to this subject. We are just trying to help others understand how a Christian ought to think.
 Oftentimes when we approach people about Christ and their soul’s salvation, the response is, “I have my own religion!” What is this really saying? And what are they trying to communicate? In so many cases, they are saying they are not interested in what we have to offer for they are satisfied in their present state and are not open to any further considerations. However and in reality, truth has nothing to hide and should be open to scrutiny and investigation. It is truly sad to see people lost in error and not open minded enough to a study of the truth and to evaluate what they believe. No matter how sad it may be, it is their choice. A choice only they can make.
From another perspective, consider the Christian. A Christian is one who has “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” (Romans 6:17). He or she was open to the truth, received the truth, and accepted the truth. Thankfully, some continue to receive and accept the word which was planted in the soil of his hear  Sadly, however, others are no longer open to the truth.  They “were once enlightened...and have tasted the good word of God” (Hebrews 6:4,5). They have closed their minds to God’s word, and because they have, “it is impossible...to renew them again unto repentance” (Hebrews 6:4,6). Like Israel of old, they have “an evil heart of unbelief” because they have been “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:12,13). The exhortation of Hebrews should help us to guard ourselves against this “evil heart of unbelief.” We must beware and take heed against this ever present danger!
Good people, the way we think must be a prime and constant consideration. We must always keep it in check lest we fall into condemnation. We need to be aware that closed mindedness toward the Word of God is an ever present danger. Open mindedness, however, does not mean that we are to be “children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14). We need to be open minded like the Bereans who “were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). When they heard teaching, they examined it, and if it was the word in truth, they accepted it. Therefore, let us consider our own state of mind which can be best examined by our reaction to the truth when it is taught. How do you react when the truth is taught?

This psalm begins with a four-verse thanksgiving to Jehovah.  These verses contain the thought that God deserves this praise.  Thus, I have titled our study, “You Are Responsible for All Good Things.”  As we read and think on Psalm 92, we will note four sections, each of which emphasizes the overall theme of His goodness (or, in the words of the poet, “thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night”; verse 2).

Each of these four verses has at least one major point that is related to the idea of God’s goodness toward us.  In verse 1, His goodness promotes praise—good praise.  This praise is offered in thankfulness (see Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:18), and this thankfulness is sung to the Only One Who can correctly be called “O most High.”  This frequent Old Testament name of God goes largely unnoticed and unused today.  We would be far better off if we studied it and started using it again to “show forth” His praises (see 1 Peter 2:9).  In verse 3, the Old Testament instruments of music are mentioned to emphasize the harmony that ought to exist in such praises to God.  We offer our praises as a “harmonious sound” (NKJV).  Today, we offer this harmonious sound by singing (Ephesians 5:19).    In verse 4, gladness and victory begin to characterize the soul of the person who learns these lessons.

These verses are an explanation of three very real things.  In verse 5, the truth about God is expressed.  His works are great (which is a common theme in several of the psalms at the end of the book), and His thoughts are very deep—infinitely beyond our abilities (Romans 11:33-36).  In verse 6, the truth about the “senseless” fools is stated.  They have chosen to reject the evidence of the universe and the Bible.  In verse 7, the truth about the end toward which they are rushing is stated.  They have no more hope than the flimsy grass of the field (1 Peter 3:12; Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).  In verse 7, the word “flourish” appears.  It also appears in the King James Version in verses 12-14.  But in Hebrew, it is three different words.  Here in verse 7, it is from a word that means, “to shine.”  It is used to teach that the “shining” of the wicked is very, very temporary.  After they “shine” for a moment, they shall be destroyed forever.

This section has two parts, each with two verses.  In verses 8 and 9, we learn about the Lord and the enemies.  Verse 8, which is the shortest one in the poem, restates the position of Jehovah the Most High.  Verse 9 states that those who are His enemies do not have a chance (unless they repent, of course).  We should also learn that these enemies are also our enemies as long as we walk in the light of the Lord.  In verses 10 and 11, we learn about the Lord and “me.”   The author is clearly aware of what Jehovah had done and would continue to do for him.  In verse 10, he tells us that he had been exalted and would be anointed.  In verse 11, he tells us that his enemies would receive that which they deserved.  He calls this his “desire.”  This does not mean that he had no desire to see them repent, but it is written this way to emphasize that it is not wrong for the faithful to desire to see evil conquered.  It is to be understood that if our desire to see evil conquered comes true (and it will), that those who do the evil will be punished.

This section also has two sections of two verses each.   In verses 12 and 13, the second word for “flourish” appears.  This word means “to sprout, to blossom; to be vigorous and strong.”  Verse 12 is an illustration of the kind of flourishing that God provides in the righteous.  And it is very different from the “flash in the pan” flourishing of the wicked!  We are compared to the palm and the cedar of Lebanon!  Verse 13 is the application.  We shall be in the courts of our God, flourishing in such a way as to bring glory to God.  In verses 14 and 15, the third word for “flourish” appears. It means “green.”   In verse 14, the idea is clear—we who are being nourished by the Most High are going to continue to bring forth fruit to His name’s honor and glory—remaining “green” and productive.  In verse 15, all of the credit for this goes to God.  Three things are attributed to Him:
He is upright (righteous in every way).
He is my rock (a place where one is safe from his enemies).
He has no unrighteousness in Him (He is infinitely perfect).
This psalm ought to be an important part of our individual efforts to learn the value of thanksgiving.  God deserves our thanks because He is so very good… 

SICK LIST:  Steve Brown’s  father, Jack, is in Room 231 at Eastside Hospital in Snellville.  He has lung cancer.  Lynn Bradshaw’s father, B.D. Draper, will begin chemotherapy for lung cancer.  Thomas and Nathan Lanier have been ill.  Skip Andrews’ biopsy report was good.  Electa Wilson is at Gwinnett Extended Care.  Let’s remember those who are ill and their families in our prayers.

SYMPATHY:  Greg and Curt Davis’ father, Jessie, passed away.  His funeral was in Tennessee.  Daryl Callender’s brother, Carlos, died after a long illness.  His funeral was in Kentucky.  We offer our sympathy to these families and pray we can be a comfort to them during this difficult time. 
 

PLANTATION SOUTH:  Group 2 is in charge of the services today at 1:30. 

CHILDREN’S CLASS:  5:30 today.

LADIES’ CLASS:  Tuesday at 10:00

FOR THE RECORD: 
AM Class                     103 
AM Worship                137 
PM Worship                  97
Wednesday Class          90 
Contribution              $4071
 
 

MISSION WORK:  William Howard and Rod and Brenda Rutherford are in the Philippines.  John Grubb is in Thailand. Our prayers are with them as they work spreading the gospel and their families as they are separated.  Jimmie Hill, Paul Meacham, Jr., and Thomas Reid returned safely from Ghana. 

TEACHERS’ MEETING:  There will be a teachers’ meeting Sunday, September 9, at 5:00.  All those who are teaching or interested in teaching are asked to attend.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:  Everyone is encouraged to attend a meeting Sunday, September 30, at 4:30.  The elders will be presenting plans for 2002 and discussing our work.  If you have suggestions, please give them in writing to one of our elders.