FUN THAT KILLS by T.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 7, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 27.

“FUN THAT KILLS.”

By T.

A HANDBILL has recently fallen into our hands that reads as follows:—

“Evangelist — will preach on FUN THAT KILLS. A wide-awake meeting! Sew on the buttons, say your prayers, come and hear the last word on the amusement question.”

When a person first looks at the above, he is inclined to think that the subject might indicate that a minister of Christ was about to attack the “fun that kills,” and show the ruin into which the pleasure-loving spirit of this age is plunging such vast multitudes. But when we are exhorted to “sew on the buttons” and “say your prayers,” it looks as tho the “evangelist” was going to try an act at the clown, so as to do some fun-making himself.

There are many pleasurable recreations that Christians should enjoy, and when they are enjoyed, they elevate. But when the pastor or “evangelist” turns his pulpit into a stage, and he acts the part of a comedian in order to make “fun that kills,” he can not be said to be doing the Lord’s work. One of the most noticeable evils of this age is the desire for fun. We would not expect anything else, however, in the world, but the extent to which the professed church of Christ has gone into this fun-making business is simply deplorable. The place of worship is solemnly dedicated to God. But how many pastors there are who fail to win a congregation, and instead of searching their hearts to find the evil that thus keeps them from leading souls to Christ, they resort to theatrical plans in order to draw people to what they would fain have us believe is purely consecrated fun.

What a delusion! And did you ever consider the enormous extent to which this fun-loving and amusement spirit has taken possession of our various churches? And while your mind is on the subject, turn to 2 Tim. 3:1–5 and read what is said. In verse 1 we are told that “in the last days perilous times shall come.” And, speaking of the people living in these “last days,” verses 4 and 5 say of them that they are “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God,” and yet at the same time they are “having a form of godliness.”

The world does not pretend to have even the “form of godliness,” so it is the professed church in the “last days” that is here spoken of as “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” Reader, study these first verses of the third chapter of Second Timothy, then look around you for what the apostle tells shall come in the “last days.” If you do this honestly before God, you may be sure that His Spirit will reveal to you His truth.

We are surely in the last days. Everything points to it. If you are prepared for the issue, you are rejoicing in the hope of a soon-coming Saviour. If you are not prepared, get ready at once, so that you may rejoice at that great day. T.