What Do Christians Believe?

What do Christians believe about suffering? and What do Christians believe about God? ~ Jayde Christians are supposed to believe what God through the Bible has instructed mankind. Though the questions are too broad, basic answers can be provided without too much difficulty. Suffering first made its entrance into this previously Edenic world as a consequence of sin. Following the sin of Adam and Eve, God punished the first pair and parents of the human race by introducing suffering as a consequence to human rebellion and sin. God introduced labor pain to birth in Genesis 3:16, and he introduced laborious effort to grow crops, that from then to the present must compete with thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:17-19). Also, physical death (as well as spiritual death or separation from God) came upon humanity as a direct result of the sin of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:19). Though the rest of humanity does not bear the guilt of the sin of Adam and Eve (Ezekiel 18:10), all of humanity nevertheless experiences the consequences of sin by the first pair. This is not the same world that initially greeted Adam and Eve before they sinned. Furthermore, God made additional changes to this world, most notably during the universal flood of Noah’s day (Genesis 6-8). Suffering is an ever present reminder of the imperfect world in which we live, imperfect because of not only the sin of Adam and Eve, but the sins of the rest of humanity (Romans 3:10, 23). Though suffering often is not the direct …

Ownership

So who owns the church? One can hear the phrases “my church” or “our church” and these are good when they indicate a church at a particular location to which that person or persons are members. If the phrases indicate actual ownership, as in “it is mine,” then those persons are wrong. First then, who is the church? It is Christ and the members of the church, you and me, on earth. Though God owns everything on earth, the building is not the church, and the building might be considered the only thing about the church that its leaders and members can consider as owning. Even that is questionable since it is likely that the church treasury, Christ’s money, bought the building. Then it is more his than that of the members.  Christians make up the church on earth. Christians do not own each other but God and Christ do. Christ owns us and is the ruler of Christians. He bought and paid for us on the cross. Christians are his. His church is his body (Ephesians 1:20-23), Paul telling us, “Which he (God) wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head …

True Freedom

In America we are a nation that cherishes the concept of freedom. We sing about it, celebrate it and argue over it. But what constitutes true freedom is not understood by most. True freedom is not being without boundaries of behavior and morals. True freedom is not without demands and obligations. We need to seek after true freedom. I submit to you that the only true freedom is that which is found when we submit ourselves to God. Paul puts it this way in his letter to the Romans: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:16-18). True freedom is based on allowing ourselves to be in submission to the God of heaven. Then we are free from the practice, grief and consequences of sin. We are not bound by the things of this earth, and we can foresee a wonderful eternity promised to those who serve God. Brother Robert Waggoner recently sent out an essay on God as a Jealous God (see note at end of article about brother Waggoner’s essays). The following paragraph is from his essay. While he is not emphasizing true freedom, he does …

The Wise Woman Builds Her House

I know a woman who had a house built by Habitat for Humanity. In order to qualify for this charitable organization’s assistance, the woman had to commit at least 400 hours of service. For months, she spent every moment of her spare time helping the construction workers build her new home. When the house was completed, she had a feeling of great joy and a sense of accomplishment. A dedication service was planned for a Sunday afternoon. Surrounded by family and friends, the woman listened reverently as the preacher blessed the house and those who would soon occupy it. Tears glistened her eyes as she contemplated the joy of finally having a home of her own. Can you imagine how people would feel if this woman suddenly drove a bulldozer into the house and knocked it down, after all the hard work she put into building it? That would be a very foolish thing to do! Proverbs 14:1 says, “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.” No woman in her right mind would deliberately tear down her house, but what about her home? Many children today are the victims of “broken homes.” According to research compiled by George Barna, over one million divorces are granted each year, compared to 393,000 divorces granted in 1960. Surprisingly, at least 16% of the divorced population consider themselves “evangelical Christians.” Even families who choose to stay together for the sake of the children are often characterized …

Moving Out of My Comfortable Zone

Comfortable is defined as being at ease, contented, relaxed, happy, easy, calm, comfy and well off. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus is doing anything but addressing our comforts. God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are much more interested in our character than they are in our comfort! In this judgment scene, Jesus tells us about a separation that is going to be made based on the lives we have lived. To the ones on the right Christ will say, “…Come, you blessed of My Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in. I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you you six times in these verses. Let’s face it; we are going to have to come out of our beds, our lounge chairs, our recliners and our hammocks to meet the expectations of these verses! Somebody else’s problems and needs are going to have to come before our rest! When we are made aware of a need or a problem, getting on our computers and emailing somebody else is never going to suffice! When we are made aware of a need or a problem, getting on the phone calling somebody else is never going to be acceptable! Sending a fax regarding a need or problem to somebody else in no way relieves us of responsibility! Some of God’s commands we may …

The Purpose of Baptism

There is much discussion on this subject, especially between those who have characterized themselves as “change agents,” or “progressives” and those of us who, in their estimations, are neither. Some have gone so far as to insist that as long as a person being immersed is aware that he is doing that to please God, his immersion is acceptable in the sight of God. This is not a new discussion among us-it has gone on intermittently for nearly a hundred and fifty years. The question actually comes down to whether or not it is necessary for a person who wishes to be immersed to know why that action is being taken. The first question that comes to our minds is this: If one wishes to be immersed, but does not know why, and/or has no interest in knowing why, how can he submit to baptism as an act of faith? Can one do a thing by faith ignorantly, since faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17)? If one has heard the Word of God sufficiently to desire immersion, we fail to see how he could possibly do that without knowing why. If he does not, is he ready for that beautiful step? One finds it difficult to understand how anyone could give the Book of Acts even a casual reading and not know the reason for baptism. Surely any person can understand the language of the incomparable apostle Peter who told the converts on Pentecost Day to …

Empty Houses

In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus gives a parable that was directed toward that wicked generation. However, like most teachings of Jesus, there are principles that apply to any generation or person. The principle we want to emphasize now is one of particular value to new converts and elders. The passage reads like this: “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” When we have a baptism, we presume there has been a conversion and “the unclean spirit is gone out of the man.” We rejoice that the “old house” is “empty, swept and garnished.” We need to understand that getting rid of the old thoughts and sinful activities is only the beginning of the task. When our father bought an old farm that was covered with rocks, trees, briers and weeds, we spent many hours loading rocks into a wagon and many more with a grubbing hoe and axe clearing the ground. But even as little boys, we noticed a very simple thing. Having done all those things, unless we …

Shouldn’t She Come First?

Question: “A friend of mine has said some unkind things about me behind my back. I feel hurt and mistreated… I really do love her and want the situation between us to be better, but shouldn’t she come to me first?” 1. Yes, your friend should come and ask for forgiveness. Jesus said, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). 2. However, you also have an obligation to go to your friend. “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother” (Matthew 18:15). Do you really love your friend as you say you do? Then you need to go to her. 3. Your relationship with God depends upon your relationship with your friend. Compare Ephesians 4:23, Colossians 3:13 and Mark 11:25,26. How can you communicate with your heavenly Father when you can’t even talk to your friend? Too many of us hold on to the wrong belief that time and distance and silence can eventually heal all hurts. Maybe we don’t want to seem petty or oversensitive. Maybe it’s pride. Perhaps it’s a fear of facing honest emotions. Whatever the case, time is not on our side when forgiveness is needed. Let’s have a closer look at an important scriptural principle from a passage… …

Together We Are Heaven-Bound

What a wonderful thought for our minds to focus upon, to be actively engaged in contemplation. It is a noble thought, a healthy and most worthy one. It gives the faint-hearted cheer and encouragement in a moment of trial. It empowers the struggling to make the right choice in a time of temptation. However, this is no time for self-satisfaction by having the realization we are heaven-bound. Together we must continue to diligently sow, water and “bring in the sheaves” for our Master. It is undetermined on our part just how many more souls may yet be won to Christ as we reach out in love with the Gospel of the everlasting kingdom. “Together” is used with purpose in the title of our considered topic. In God’s superior and infinite wisdom, he has so arranged that we be “together” in fellowship with him and with one another. Deity’s plan is for God-fearing, Christ-following, Spirit-filled believers to walk the Christian walk together in love and unity as dear children (Ephesians 5:1-2). Satan’s objective is to get us off by ourselves where we feel we are isolated, alienated and all alone without a Christian friend to care. There is strength in numbers, but only when God is among the number. May we continue to walk together along the straight and narrow path (Matthew 7:13-14). We need God. We also need each other. “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness …

The Way that Is Safe and Cannot Be Wrong

Several years ago we lived in Savannah, Georgia. It was a new experience for us to watch those huge freighters entering the mouth of the Savannah River and traveling some fifteen miles inland to the state docks. It didn’t seem possible that the massive ships could achieve such a feat. However, we learned that a channel had been dredged in the middle of the river for a safe passage for these huge ships. And as long as the captains of these ships steered their vessels in the channel there was safety. It was not necessary for the men on these ships to know where all the hidden dangers were beneath the surface of the water; but it was essential to possess knowledge of the safe way to travel. This principle is very applicable in the study of the New Testament of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught men to enter the “strait gate” and walk in the “narrow” way (Matthew 7:13-14). “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” declared the wise man in Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV). We should therefore seek out the way that is infallibly safe and cannot be wrong in religious matters. We suggest the following aspects of this way that are revealed in the Word of God. Accepting the Holy Scriptures as being the inspired Word of God cannot be wrong (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3, 21). It cannot be wrong to believe in God and in …

Looking Ahead

According to scholars, Jesus was crucified on Friday, April 7, A.D.30. According to Paul, Jesus, as he died, “nailed” the entire Law of Moses “to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). Until Moses’ law was nailed to the cross, Jesus cancelled not one command in Moses’ law, saying, “Indeed, I assure you, until the heaven and the earth disappear, neither the smallest letter in the law, nor the smallest part of a letter, shall pass away before all things are fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18). I. “All Foods Clean” In the Law of Moses certain foods were prohibited, notably pig meat (Leviticus 11:7-8; Deuteronomy 14:8). Before Jesus died, while the Law of Moses was still in effect, Mark’s words “all foods” are “clean” (katharizon panta ta bromata, 7:19), have caused some to say that Jesus would not and did not make “all foods” as legal. Indeed, those words were omitted by the scholars who gave us the King James Version (1611). However, the scholars giving us the New King James Version (1979) have corrected their predecessors’ mistake, saying that Jesus was “purifying all foods.” An E-mail correspondent says that “Most translations do not” include the words “He declared all foods clean.” On the other hand, besides the KJV, my limited bookcase has only one other translation that omits the words, namely, the Living Oracles by Alexander Campbell (1826). All the rest of the translations in my bookcase (eleven in number) do include the statement that all foods are clean: ASV (1901), RSV (1952), PME …

The Ministry of John the Baptist

One of the most intriguing portraits on divine canvas is that of John the Baptist. While several New Testament writers give us a glimpse into the affairs of his work, we want to share some thoughts on John’s ministry as seen through the eyes of the apostle Matthew (3:1-12). First, the time (Matthew 3:1). Historically speaking, writes Matthew, it was “In those days…” (3:1). “Those days” refers to the historical circumstances of John’s ministry. In the physician’s Gospel, John’s ministry is dated with the finest precision (Luke 3:1-2), to correspond unerringly with the inspired Hebrew prophets of old (cf. Daniel 2:31-45). Spiritually speaking, John’s ministry blended perfectly in time with the plan of salvation in the divine scheme. His place in the divine scheme is one of a bridge–a link between the Old Testament prophets and their fulfillment in Christ (Matthew 11:11-13). The time of John’s ministry is historically and spiritually perfect. Second, the work (Matthew 3:1b). John came “preaching,” is the simple description of his work. Of all the offices and occupations of Roman society, of all the positions John could have held with his family genealogy (his father from the order of Abia, cf. Luke 1:5-6; 2 Chronicles 24:1; his mother from the priestly tribe of Aaron, cf. Luke 1:5), his personally and divinely chosen profession was “preaching.” There has never been, nor will there ever be, a more controversial vocation than that of the preacher of righteousness. Whether the Immerser, the slain prophets of old (Matthew 23:25), or Jesus …

Samson Crossword Puzzle

(Crossword Puzzle is Internet Interactive; do the puzzle online.) You need Java enabled to view the crossword applet. Solution

Draw Water

In many places in the world people get their water from wells. A well is usually a deep hole dug in the earth. At the bottom of the well is water. This water comes from underground streams. Normally, a bucket is tied to a rope. Then the bucket is let down into the well. When the bucket is full of water, it is pulled up by the rope. This may need to be repeated several times until the desired amount of water is obtained. Wells are very important in places with hot temperatures. Wells are extremely important in deserts. People who are traveling in the desert get very thirsty. Water is highly treasured by such people. In Isaiah 12:3, we read, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” In the previous verse we read that Jehovah is our salvation. God is pictured as the deep well of salvation. We are traveling in the spiritual desert of life. As we travel through this life, we need spiritual water. Without that water we will die. God has plenty of cool water. He will always give us the water that we need. Just as people have to let down their buckets and then pull them back up to drink real water, we have to dip our buckets into the well of salvation. God is ready to give us the water, but we have to do our part before we can drink it. The water will save us. …

Counsel of Stocks and Staff

God says in Hosea 4:12 that the people of Israel have asked counsel of their stocks and staffs. They were doing this instead of looking to him for answers to their problems. The pagan people had mythical customs which the Israelites were mimicking. Sometimes they would take two sticks and drop them. Then a ‘wise’ person would look at how the sticks landed and make an interpretation. This ‘reading of the sticks’ was supposed to give answers to a question asked. Another custom was to have two sticks in a container. One stick would have a ‘yes’ answer engraved on it. The other stick would have a ‘no’ answer engraved on it. A person would reach in and pull a stick out. Whichever one came out was the answer to the question. Another custom was to take a stick and shave all the bark off one side. This stick would then be dropped. Whichever side was facing up gave the answer. If it was the shaved side, it was a ‘yes.’ If it was the side with bark, it was a ‘no.’ There are people today who do such silly things. They will look at crystals for answers. Some will look at leaves in a bowl. Some will look at cards being turned over. Some will look at skin creases in their palms. Some will look at the stars. Some will simply look to a fortuneteller. God says we are to look to his Word for the answers to our …

Conscience Void of Offence

If the following few words encourage first the proper education of the conscience, and secondly, the proper use of the conscience to serve God, they will have achieved their purpose. The English word “conscience” appears 31 times in the singular and once in the plural in the Bible (all instances being in the New Testament). Though the word “conscience” does not appear in the Old Testament, the model of the human conscience appears expressed in other words (2 Samuel 24:10). “Under both the old covenant and the new covenant the conscience must be formed by the will of God” (Nelson’s). The Greek word suneidesis (soon-i’-day-sis) translated “conscience” is a compound word in its parts meaning ‘with awareness’ (Biblesoft’s). Just what is the conscience? Consider these useful definitions of the word “conscience.” The awareness that a proposed act is or is not conformable to one’s ideal of right and manifesting itself in the feeling of obligation or duty. …Conscience is not so much a distinct faculty of the mind, like perception, memory, etc., as an exercise of the judgment and the power of feeling, as employed with reference to moral truth. It implies the moral sense “to discern good and evil” (Heb 5:14) and a feeling, more or less strong, of responsibility. …the testimony of conscience certainly rests on the foundation of a divine law… (New Unger’s). “A person’s inner awareness of conforming to the will of God or departing from it, resulting in either a sense of approval or condemnation” (Nelson’s). Vine says …

Buy the Truth and Sell It Not

Proverbs 23:23 In these few, short paragraphs, we purpose to emphasize the essentiality of embracing biblical truth at all costs. All truth is important, but no truth is more important to one’s happiness on earth as well as eternally in heaven than biblical truth. Biblical truth is divine in origin. No cost or effort is too great to know biblical truth, and no cost is too extreme to retain biblical truth. Hence, by inspiration, Solomon wrote the famous words of Proverbs 23:23: “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Divine truth is the goal. This divine truth depends upon divine wisdom gleaned from divine instruction that leads to proper understanding of divine truth. The commentator, Matthew Henry, wrote about Proverbs 23:23: “We must not sell it. Do not part with it for pleasures, honours, riches, any things in this world. Do not neglect the study of it, nor throw off the profession of it, nor revolt from under the dominion of it, for the getting or saving of any secular interest whatsoever.” Another commentator penned: “‘Truth,’ spoken of in this verse as ‘wisdom, and instruction, and understanding,’ is something to obtain at all costs and something not to part with regardless of what earthly or momentary gains one may get by doing so” (Hunt 308). (I am indebted to Winfred Clark for the three main headings of this lesson; other resources that proved helpful in assembling this material are cited accordingly.) Divine truth is …

Bible Faith

Introduction How would you define faith? What does faith mean to you? Webster defines faith as an “unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence” (510). Unfortunately, most of the world uses this definition. It is unfortunate because it is a false definition. Faith is not a “leap of faith” or a “leap in the dark” as this definition implies. The definition given by New Unger’s Bible Dictionary is more appropriate–“the body of truth, moral and religious, which God has revealed–that which men believe.” This definition parallels faith with revealed truth, thus implying a need for evidence. The Nature of Faith When defining a Bible term, the best source to use is the Bible! Hebrews 11:1 holds the best definition of faith, as it is a divine definition. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This definition gives us the first point about the nature of faith–it is based on evidence. The Greek word for substance used in this verse means “a setting under” (New Exhaustive). This gives a meaning of support or a foundation. The word evidence is also used in the verse. The Greek word means “proof” (New Exhaustive). Therefore, the verse could read: Faith is the foundation of things hoped for, the proof of things not seen. Further, consider 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Prove all things.” The Greek word for prove means “to test” (New Exhaustive). This too indicates a need for evidence. To illustrate, consider the wind. We cannot see the wind, but we know it …

The Impact of Faith

What is the impact of your faith on you personally as a Christian? In order for a professed faith in Jesus Christ to actually mean something, it has to have a direct impact on the way we conduct ourselves. In what ways is it evident that one’s faith in Jesus Christ has a direct impact on him? Faith in Jesus Christ has a direct impact on us when we obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ and become Christians. Faith that does not lead one to become a child of God on his terms is a faith that is no more valuable than the faith of “devils” (KJV) or “demons” (ASV, NKJV) (James 2:19). If faith in Jesus Christ has the proper impact on us, we will couple that faith with baptism and be saved. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” (Mark 16:16); I like to say with some force, “Jesus said,” because mere mortals surely can be moved by the words of the Son of God himself, if they can be moved at all to do the bidding of God. Baptized believers are added to the church by Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, 41, 47). Members of the church were first called Christians in Antioch of Syria (Acts 11:26). Faith in Jesus Christ has a direct impact on us when we are aware of our allegiance to our Lord every waking moment. There is no time during our waking moments that we as Christians should not think pure …