Join us for a profound discussion on the relevance of faith in today’s fast-changing modern landscape. Through the insights and broadcasts of Brother David Farr, Jeff Archie guides listeners to contemplate the essential aspects of belief, inspired by strong biblical figures and their stories. This episode emphasizes the importance of standing on the authority and inspiration of the Scriptures while navigating the challenges presented by modern religious trends. It’s a call to maintain the integrity of one’s faith with the same courage as Daniel exhibited in Babylon.
In Hebrews 11, it was said of Abel that although he was dead, he would still speak, but through faith. Let’s consider some words of faith from the past and for the present today. Coming up from the International Gospel Hour, please stay with us.
SPEAKER 01 :
Hi, this is Jay Webb for International Gospel Hour. We’re so glad you’ve decided to listen to our program today. In a world of challenges, we need God’s Word to help us face those challenges. Thank you for joining us in this period of Bible study with our speaker, Jeff Archie of International Gospel Hour, a broadcast of the Churches of Christ. So let’s listen today. Here’s Jeff.
SPEAKER 02 :
Well, thank you to our J. Webb for his kind words, and greetings to all of you. Great having you with us today for our broadcast from the International Gospel Hour. I mentioned moments ago Hebrews 11, and verse 6 of Hebrews 11 says, But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. So may we seek God through our study today, and of course, speaking of Hebrews 11, as mentioned in the Spirit of Abel, today we want to consider some wonderful biblical lessons that will still speak from the late Brother David Farr. Among a number of good faithful works that Brother Farr did in his lifetime, he was known for his five-minute radio broadcast from Rock Hill, South Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte. And he would begin by saying, Good morning, this is David Farr, minister of the Charlotte Avenue Church of Christ, with a message from the Bible. We are blessed to have a number of those messages here at International Gospel Hour, so we’re going to bring forth a couple of those messages from the Bible as we honor and remember this good brother and work, but over and above to honor the Father above. And speaking of messages, well, friends, it’s time for our free periodical that we’d love to send you. Here is our J-Web.
SPEAKER 01 :
Courtesy of our friends at apologeticspress.org, we at International Gospel Hour have a limited supply of Valor and Virtue, a Christian apologetics magazine for teens. It is a great resource for any age, but especially for the challenging teen years. Get your free copy today by calling toll-free at 855-444-6988. Leave your name and address and just say, Valor. That’s it. Again, that’s 855-444-6988. Leave your name and address and just say, Valor. You can also request it through our website at internationalgospelhour.com. Click on the contact tab and leave us your name and address and put Valor in the message box. We will send you a copy while supplies last. So get yours quickly.
SPEAKER 02 :
Friends, let’s talk about modern religious trends. You know, we cannot fail to recognize the tremendous changes that have taken place in the last few decades. Probably life has been altered more in the past half century than it had been in several prior centuries. There have been many changes in religion as well. From this broadcast, we want to mention some of the changing religious trends, and those who are uninformed might be startled to know some of the theological notions that are being advocated. Among many religious leaders, there is widespread denial of the inspiration of the Bible. Many theologians are saying that the Bible did not really come from God. They argue that there is much that is good in the Scripture, but at the same time they say that much of the Bible cannot be accepted. Actually, this modernistic position suggests that the Bible is part true and part false. Then with egotistic presumption they decide what is truth and what is fable. Following this, there is also a widespread denial of the authority of the Bible. Of course, those who will not accept its inspiration will not accept its authority. But there are others who give lip service to its inspiration and at the same time reject the absoluteness of its authority. They depend instead upon the decisions of councils and the conclusion of scholars to determine their creed and practice. Third, there is also widespread unbelief relative to Jesus Christ. Many deny His divinity. Startling as it may seem, there are men of prominence in churches who say Jesus was not born of a virgin, that He performed no miracles, that He did not die as an atonement for sin, and that He was not resurrected. They argue that, at best, Jesus was merely a good man and a great teacher. We cannot be surprised that religion has lost its meaning for many people when we realize that such bold infidelity is infiltrating churches. It is obvious, too, that the teachings of the Savior are also denied. A gospel preacher once read Mark 16, 16 to a woman who was denying the importance of baptism. The passage says, He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believes not shall be condemned. When confronted with such clear evidence, the woman answered, I don’t care what the Bible says, I don’t believe it. Such boldness would not be often found, but in a more subtle way, many deny the things Jesus taught. Instead of openly saying, I don’t believe it, they explain and reason until they reach a contrary conclusion. But, my friends, one method of denying the truth is no better than another. As we consider some of today’s religious trends, we are reminded of an occasion in the life of Jesus when many of his followers forsook him. He asked the twelve, Will you also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we believe and are sure that you are the Christ. that Christ, the Son of the living God, John 6, 68, or rather verses 66 through 69. Friends, we honor Brother Farr’s writings and his broadcasts, but more so, we love how he honors God in Christ and warns us of these modern religious trends. This recording was done several years ago, many years ago, Has it not found to be true, and do we not see those very things today? Let’s think about somebody who stood for God. Daniel, a boy who said no. When the Babylonians, under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, ruled over the Hebrews, Daniel, a Hebrew youth, was chosen as one of a select group of students who would be trained in the king’s palace. We might say that Daniel was given a scholarship in Babylon. There he was to be trained in the wisdom of the Chaldeans, and while living in the palace, the students were expected to partake of various delicacies and wines which the king provided. These things were not lawful for Hebrews to eat, and Daniel knew he should not accept them. Therefore, though under great pressure, he purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s dainties nor with the wine Daniel won ate. Daniel was a boy with the courage to say no. The circumstances emphasized the courage of Daniel’s decision. He was away from home, beginning a new life in a strange land. His parents and former friends were not there. And two, he was a captive. The Hebrews were a conquered people. He might have given in to the despair of the times, or he could have reasoned, when in Babylon, do as the Babylonians do. The things offered to him were desirable, and he could have enjoyed them. But to these circumstances add the fact that the king would be displeased with his refusal to cooperate. The pressure to go along with the crowd was very great, but Daniel had enough conviction and courage to resist temptation. The Bible often urges that we be courageous and strong in taking a stand for what is right. Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth, Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be ye like men, be strong, 1 Corinthians 16, 13. In Ephesians 6 and verse 10 he admonished, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Timothy was told to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, 2 Timothy 2, 3. Those who serve in the army of God must be bold to stand up for what they know is right. God prospered Daniel for his faithfulness. He came into the highest favor of the king. Two, he won the respect of others. Honorable men respect a person who has convictions and lives by them. Daniel also had self-respect. His own conscience could testify that he had made the right decision. We cannot read of the courage of Daniel without being impressed with the wonderful way everything turned out for the best. Daniel could not have foreseen exactly what would happen. but he trusted God and committed himself into his care. It is seldom easy to go against the crowd. Often we are confronted with circumstances that demand courage. Usually in such circumstances it is not difficult to find excuses for giving in, but like Daniel we should learn when to say no. For such courage we are rewarded with the knowledge that we have made the right choice. Those who weaken under pressure later feel remorse, but one is never sorry for having done what he knows is right. Solomon admonished, My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 1.10 It is possible that Daniel thought of this verse when Babylon’s enticements were set before him. The wise king’s advice and young Daniel’s example should be followed by all. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Let’s say no to sin. My, what great studies today. How thankful we are to study and turn back the clock and to see such great lessons from such a good brother as the late David Farr. Friends, we’ve prompted you to think about a few things today. You want to continue your studies? Let’s wrap up our broadcast to let you know how you can receive our free Bible course by mail.
SPEAKER 01 :
Our well-received Bible study course by mail is available to everyone absolutely free. Would you like to try it? All you do is call us toll-free at 855-444-6988 and leave your name, address, and just say, Home Study. That’s it. That’s all you have to do. You may also go to our website at internationalgospelhour.com. Click on the Contact tab and leave us the same information, name, address, and type Home Study in the message box. At your own pace, you can study the Bible in your own home. Again, it’s free. Give it a try. And it’s from your friends here at International Gospel Hour.
SPEAKER 02 :
Well, again, dear friends, what a joy today to study some lessons from the past. Yes, the modern religious trends should alarm all of us. And let us be certain we stand on the authority and the inspiration of the Scriptures and to stand for the life of Jesus Christ that changed the world and continues to do so. Let us have the courage like Daniel, the boy who said no and who stood firm with the teachings of God in a world that did not know God. Let us grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 2 Peter 3 and verse 18. If we can send you your free valor and virtue or a Bible study course by mail, again, 855-444-6988. Leave us your name and address and your request and we’ll be glad to help. We’ll continue our studies together at another time, but for now, thank you for joining me today here from the International Gospel Hour. I’m Jeff Archie, and friends, keep listening.
SPEAKER 01 :
Thank you for listening today. May this study prompt your search of God’s Word for His will in your life. To assist you in your study or to listen to our other programs, please visit our website at internationalgospelhour.com. To God be the glory. God be with you till we meet again.
