By Joshua Winslett

This era of technology has give many advances in multiple areas. We are certainly blessed too have such an abundance of resources and commodities. Whereas this is certainly a blessing, I fear that often it takes our minds away from growing in grace to being entertained. Many times when in fellowship with brothers and sisters I have observed that my conversation has often been on secular things.

There is nothing wrong with secular entertainment. I enjoy sports, movies, music, games, social networking sites, etc. Yet we, as disciples, would be better edified with having our time filled with discussing scripture and prayer. It has been observed that we do not discuss scripture enough when in fellowship because we are not studying enough during the week. This ought not to be so. If God has given the ultimate sacrifice for the specific purpose of our eternal security, what is it that we make our chief desire learning of Him and His salvation?

Why is this important?
1 Peter 2:1-2 states, “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby”. Growing in grace is accomplished first by leaving sinful works. Yet that is not the end to growing. Growth is not just done externally but is also done by bringing our very mind into subjection to God(2 Corinthians 10:5). Growing in grace is a continual life long effort that a believer endeavors upon. This effort is centered around the word of truth. James describes this effort as a begetting, that when brought to fruition is able to save our very lives from temporal destruction and disfellowship from God(James 1:13-21). This takes our diligent perseverance in concentrating our mind and conversations towards God’s word. My hope is that we, myself deeply included, will set our minds upon spiritual things in our conversations, our lives, and most importantly when we assemble ourselves with the church of God.

Below is an excerpt from ‘The Autobiography of Elder Wilson Thompson’. Please take notice of the importance to discus scripture, have bible studies and prayer as often as we meet.

The Autobiography of Elder Wilson Thompson (1788-1866)
Chapter Four, Page 40-41

“In those days it was common to hold prayer meetings among the Baptists; and in that church a portion of every Sunday and Wednesday was devoted to the prayer meeting, at which we attended to the reading of the Scriptures, giving short exhortations, singing, and reading select sermons and commentaries of some approved authors, and generally some on would propose a text, and those present would give their views on its meaning. I am sorry Baptists have so generally ceased to sustain this useful practice. I have been as much edified by the exercises if the members as by any sermons I ever heard. And then all the different gifts of the members were brought out; and, being so often together, and religious worship being the object of their social meetings, their confidence and brotherly attachments were cultivated and confirmed. One great advantage was derived from this constant exercise of the brethrens’ gift, and it was this: when anything prevented the preacher from filling his appointment, the assembly did not disperse without a religious service, for the brethren would proceed with the meeting by prayer and exhortation, etc.”

I will conclude by asking you a simple question: bible study or entertainment, which will you choose?

Originally published December 2011