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BIBLE VISITATION
(Barry K. Villaverde, taken from Sound Words, Vol XII, No. 6) Visitation is going or coming to see someone. It is the making of a call upon others for social reasons. And it is going over as a guest of another. Indeed visitation is all these things . . . that is, when considering the dictionary definition. And, all things being equal, these are healthy actions. Nonetheless, is this Gods definition of visitation, the visitation that His children should be practicing as faithful Christians? "NO!" shouts the bible; though, sadly, far too many of us believe it is, as evidenced by what we do and consequently label "visitation." If we are to please God we must learn and practice visitation according to the Bible.

VISITATION DEFINED
The Greek word most often translated "visit" in the New Testament which applies to this study is episkeptomai. Its unaffected meaning is "to carefully look upon; to inspect." Of its eleven occurrences in the Bible, five refer to Gods visitation of men and six refer to mens visitation of other men (though in one of those instances the Holy Spirit applied it in a slightly different way from the others Acts 6:3). However, the remaining ten cases provide sufficient evidence to understand the Bibles applied meaning; that is to understand what visitation is according to the Bible.

GODS VISITATION OF MAN

Luke 1:68-79 records Zachariass prophecyof redemption through the coming Messiah. It speaks of Gods visitation of his people with spiritual relief. Motivated by mercy and love, this visitation is both active and sacrificial. Luke 7:11-17 is the account of the widows son being resurrected by the Lord. Following this compassionate work of Christ the people correctly exclaims that "God has visited his people" (vs. 16) as God through his Son brought physical, emotional, and spiritual relief to those in need. Likewise, and the Jerusalem council (Acts 15:1-21) James pointed out how God had "visited the Gentiles" in reference to Peters work with Cornelius (Acts 15:7-11, 14). Of course, this refers to the conversion of Cornelius and his household at the hearing and believing of the gospel preached by Peter (Acts 10-11), spiritual help brought about through the preaching of Gods word. And, though Hebrews 2:6 may apply to Christ, its original intent in Psalm 8 was toward Gods care for man. In all instances Gods visitation of man involved active spiritual, physical, and/or emotional relief to those who had a great need of it.

MANS VISITATION OF MAN

A valuable context to consider is Matthew 25:31-46, part of Jesus discourse concerning his second coming (24:3625:46). In this judgment scene the Lord puts a premium on practical goodness. Though visitation is applied to those either sick or in prison all examples are of people with real physical and emotional needs. Approval is given to those who see the problem and actively bring help by sacrificing of themselves in some way. Stephens wonderful sermon in Acts 7 refers to when Moses made choice to "visit his brethren," determining to do his part in delivering them from oppression (Acts 7:23-25), physical and spiritual aid to a nation sorely in need. Following their work in Antioch Paul and Barnabas determined to go "visit . . . [their] . . . brethren in every city where . . . [they had] . . . preached the word of the Lord" (Acts 15:36). Splitting up, Paul took Silas and strengthened those churches of Christ in faith resulting in an increase in number daily (Acts 15:41-16:5). Finally, James 1:27 records inspirations definition of pure and undefiled religion. True service to God includes visitation of the fatherless and widows "in

their affliction" the providing of practical aid and relief for those troubles and tribulations associated with being bereft of ones parents or of ones mate. These verses collectively show that mans visitation of man also involves actively bringing spiritual, physical, and/or emotional relief to those who have a great need of it.

APPLICATION
According to the Bible visitation should be defined as "actively doing what YOU can to bring practical relief and help to those who have a need, no matter what the need may be." It is important to note that this type of visitation puts a premium upon deeds, not upon words. It is neither socially oriented nor geared toward entertainment but it is practical concern for those in distress (whether spiritually, physically, emotionally, etc.). Biblical visitation demands the mind set of being committed first and foremost to God, the willingness to sacrifice in giving oneself to the Lord and to others, and the motivation of love and mercy for those in need. It necessitates the realization that men do not exist of and for themselves but first for God and then for others (Mark 12:30-31).

CONCLUSION
Many churches of Christ have visitation programs, but how many have Biblical visitation programs? Brethren, lets continue to get together to eat, socialize, and share with one another, but let us not substitute such for Bible visitation. Every child of God must be active in visitation Gods way. Are you visiting erring brethren with spiritual relief? Are you visiting the sick and afflicted with what aid you can bring? Are you spending time giving your shoulder to someone in deep sorrow? Are you doing what you can for those in need? This is visitation according to the Bible are you practicing it?

BUT THE CHURCH ISN'T MEETING MY NEEDS

Randy Dodson (Seek The Old Paths, Dec. 2000, edited for space) To be sure, the above title could well take on any one of several meanings, depending on the context in which the statement is made. However, only one application is of interest herein. This statement is many times made by those who purport to be dissatisfied with the role the New Testament church plays in their lives, particularly in corporate worship. When used in this particular context, the phrase takes on the following meaning: "The church isn't meeting my needs. Our worship services aren't meaningful. Let's change our corporate worship so that it is more meaningful and meets my needs." This sentiment, perhaps even genuinely expressed, reflects a deep misunderstanding of both the purpose of worship and the role the worshiper plays in it. The sentiments expressed above would seem to suggest that the primary purpose of worship is to "meet my needs." Certainly the formal corporate assembly of the saints provides opportunity for worshipers to meet certain spiritual needs: fellowship (Acts 2:41-42), edification (Eph. 4:11-13), education (2 Tim. 3:15-17). In fact, that list could go on for a while. However, the Bible does not support the viewpoint that the primary purpose for corporate worship is to meet the needs of worshipers. What then is the primary purpose of Christian worship? Webster defines "worship" as "paying homage or service to deity; expressions of devotion or adoration to deity." Thus, in the very nature of the case the primary purpose of Christian worship is to pay homage, or express devotion to God. The concept of expressing devotion to God is not a new one, and in fact is as old as time itself. In Genesis 4:1-7, Moses records the worship of Cain and Abel. Abel's worship was acceptable to God (4:4); Cain's worship was unacceptable (4:5). Why were they worshiping God to begin with? Was it to meet their needs or was it because God commanded them to do so? Moreover, how did they know to worship at all? . . . Abraham does the same thing in Genesis 22:1-2. "And it came to pass after these things, that God did prove Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and get thee into the land of Moriah. And offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." God gave Abraham instruction for proper worship, and Abraham acted. . . . Hebrews 11 discusses the worship of Abel and Abraham. Both were instructed of God concerning the proper address to him. Both responded to those divinely revealed instructions. Why? What made them respond thusly? The

Hebrew writer says it was faith. Hebrews 11:4,17, "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh. ... By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son...." Abel and Abraham were instructed of God, they responded to that revelation through faith. Thus, faith always presupposes a previous revelation. Paul confirms this in Romans 10:17. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Why has God asked us to worship him? Why has God from the beginning of time to the present asked man to approach him in worship and expected him to do it correctly? For this reason alone: he has made us creatures of worship. He created us to worship him. He is worthy of our devotion as the creator of the universe (Rev. 4:11). He is our sovereign (1 Tim. 6:15). He has redeemed us through his Son (Rev. 5:9-14). Throughout the Psalms (29:2; 42:4; 89:7; 95:2-3), David acknowledges the fear, reverence and thanksgiving owed God through worship. As the creator he knows us, and knows we need an outlet for our devotion. Looking back, we can see why God told the Israelites to "...have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). God alone is the audience for our worship. So in times of old, God revealed to his people how he wanted to be approached. They responded to that revelation by approaching him in the manner requested because they believed (had faith) that what God has asked them to do was right, reasonable and proper. Note further that the approach to God was made without thought to the personal preferences of the worshiper. Additionally, notice the blessings bestowed on both worshipers. Is that primarily why Abel and Abraham approached God in worship -- to receive blessings from Him? No. Did blessings follow? Yes. Abel's blessing was God's acceptance of his sacrifice. Abraham was blessed when the life of his son was spared. However, in neither case did the worshiper approach God with the express thought in mind of what might be obtained from worship. Has God revealed to his people today (the church of Christ) how he wants to be approached in corporate worship? Indeed, he has. Our liberal friends can ridicule it all they like - it makes it no less true. It is what God's word plainly teaches. Singing Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16 Praying James 5:16, Col. 4:2, Eph. 6:18 Teaching Acts 2:42, Matt. 28:20 Lord's supper 1 Cor. 11:23-28 Giving 1 Cor. 16:1-2 There you have it, i.e., God's divine revelation to us. Are we ready to accept it, and respond to it in faith and approach him as he has requested, just as Abel and Abraham and so many others down through the ages have done? . . . As we look back at Biblical history, surely God's people in our day have not become so presumptuous that we would engage in worship that he has not authorized. Would his people further assume to have his approval and approbation for such practices? Are we prepared for the consequences of such arrogance (Lev. 10:1-2; Matt. 7:21-23)? In his book, Piloting the Strait, Dave Miller deals with these sentiments in a very powerful way. He reminds his readers (paraphrasing) of their youth when parents would often attempt to teach their children to eat something they might not like. Remember what your parents said? Two things, right? Eat it anyway, and learn to like it; it's good for you. "But I don't like doing it this way, it doesn't meet my needs." Friends, where correct Christian worship is concerned, do it God's way anyway, and learn to like it, its good for you.