What Does It Mean to Mark and Avoid?

We find the Scriptures commanding Christians, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). To “mark” means to identify. In order to mark a person, it means to identify him. To mark one who causes divisions, we must place some identifying marks on him where others will recognize him. How? We do this by pointing out what he is doing wrong. “Avoid them” is easily understood, but perhaps harder to practice. People have little trouble avoiding a rattlesnake, which can only take a physical life. Why should it be so hard for Christians to identify and avoid those who pose a threat to one’s eternal soul and to the souls of loved ones? The poison of those causing divisions and offences in religion is much more dangerous than the poison of the rattlesnake. Will you obey this command, or will you like some politicians, seek peace with such people? Even little children know that marking means more than “noticing” and that avoiding means to stay away from.

Why Do Miracles Not Exist Today?

Ongoing miracles do not exist today because they accomplished the purpose for which they were permitted to occur. I hasten to mention that the same miracles that occurred in the first century remain recorded for us today upon the pages of Scripture. Notice John 20:30-31. “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31 NKJV). The purpose of miracles is stated in Mark 16:20. “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen” (emphasis added). Miracles were a means of providing new revelation from God as well as validating that message and the messenger. Miracles were never intended to be permanent, but they were to cease once the new revelation from God that we call the New Testament was complete (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). The imperfect or immature contrasted with the complete or mature in both instances in that context pertains to revelation from God. Once the New Testament was complete, there was no longer a use (according to their purpose) for miracles to continue. Healing, speaking in languages not learned, etc. were byproducts of miracles, not the purpose of miracles.

Is Jesus God?

Please clarify my doubts. Is Jesus is God? If not, what about John 1:1-2. If yes, how? ~ Vanguru Venkateswar Lu The Godhead made mankind, or God made man. Just as mankind is represented by several persons (several billion today), the Godhead is represented by persons, too (three: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit). Three times in English translations of the New Testament the word “Godhead” appears (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9). The related Greek words translated “Godhead” mean “divine,” “divinity” or “God.” The Greek word appearing as “Godhead” in Acts 17:29 is translated as “divine,” relating to God’s “power” and “nature” in 2 Peter 1:3-4. All three persons of the Godhead possess the qualities of divinity or being God, just as the billions of people inhabiting our planet all possess the qualities of being human. Throughout both testaments of the Bible one can see that divine qualities are attributed to each of the three persons of the Godhead. In addition, one can see the unity with which these three persons of the Godhead operate. For instance, it is evident both from passages relative to creation that all three of the persons in the Godhead participated in it. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Gen 1:26 NKJV emphasis added). “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was …

Were the 120 Baptized with the Holy Spirit?

“Did the 120 receive Holy Spirit baptism on the day of Pentecost?” No, they did not! Acts 1:17 states, “And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty).” Some assume that because of this that 120 received the Holy Spirit baptism. However, the rest of the chapter shows that out of the “about 120,” one was chosen to take Judas’ place. Yet, as we move into Acts 2, there are several things which show that “about 120” could not have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. First, note Chapter 1:26. “And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Now for Acts 2:1. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” Which they? The eleven of the preceding verse. “They” finds its antecedent in the previous verse. Note verse 7. All those speaking in tongues were Galileans. A close study of Scripture reveals that Jesus had disciples who were not Galileans. Even Judas was not a Galilean, but the other eleven were Galileans. Peter’s defense against the charge of being drunk helps us know it could not have been more than the number of the apostles who were speaking and who had been baptized with the Holy Spirit. Only those speaking in tongues were charged, and only the apostles were …

What Does It Mean to be a “Royal Priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9)?

In 1 Peter 2:9, Peter referred to the church as a “royal priesthood.” This means that every member of the New Testament church is a priest. Peter says that as priests (i.e., Christians), we are meant to “offer up spiritual sacrifices” (1 Peter 2:5). The Mosaic priests offered physical sacrifices such as goats and pigeons, but Peter says we offer up “spiritual sacrifices.” There are two kinds of “spiritual sacrifices.” First, are the sacrifices of good words, with which we proclaim the power of God’s grace in saving us from our sins. In 1 Peter 2:9, we are given this task (royal priesthood) so “that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” This is the “sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15). The second kind of sacrifices is good works. This includes living a life of holiness before the world. The church, after all, is a “holy” priesthood. We need to be aware that our holy living is not just to please God, but it is to attract others to Him. To this end Peter said we should “abstain from fleshly lusts” and keep our “behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that they may observe your good deeds and glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11-12). The sacrifice of good works also includes works of service and benevolence with the community as a whole. …

The Unity of Lights

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:12-15 NKJV) Paul began Chapter Two admonishing the Philippian brethren to be united. This unity is obtained by each Christian humbly submitting himself to his fellow Christian. Paul went on to explain that if Jesus Christ could humble Himself to leave the glory of heaven and come to the earth as a servant, surely we can humble ourselves to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our salvation is dependent upon obeying the commands of God. In the overall context, our entrance into heaven, in part, will be determined with how we treat other Christians (v. 12). We are commanded to not only obey God’s commands but to do so with the proper attitude (v. 14). If we obey God simply because we have to, we have failed. We must obey because we love Him and He is first in our lives. When we submit our attitudes and behaviors to God’s will, we can then be the bright and shining light to a world lost in …

What Matthew 19 Teaches about Marriage

When Matthew 19 is referenced, it is almost always with regard to verse nine, and it is generally regarding the subject of divorce and remarriage. However, in all of our discussions on this very important context, we often overlook the most important aspect of the first nine verses of the chapter, what Jesus says about marriage itself. I honestly believe that if men understood and enacted Jesus’ teachings on marriage in Matthew 19, the questions about the acceptability in areas of divorce and remarriage would largely die away because marriages would be as God intended. Consider what this great passage imparts concerning marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman (vs. 4-5). It is deeply troubling that this conversation even has to take place in our society today, for in generations past any other notion would have been proclaimed ludicrous, and rightfully so. However, in today’s society where down is up, up is down, and truth non-existent, the question regarding for whom marriage is intended is at a fever pitch. However, the answer from Scripture is immediate and unwavering. Jesus stated, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:4b-6). God created man and …

Disciples of the Master

The word “disciple” in our New Testament comes from a Greek word meaning a “learner or pupil” (J.H. Thayer). It is somewhat analogous to our “apprentice.” When reading the following verse, be on the lookout for three sets of disciples. “And John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting: and they come and say unto him, Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?” (Mark 2:18). At this time, there was the Jewish Pharisaical sect, and there was some disconnect between John’s followers and the disciples of Jesus. However, two of these groups would merge, for John declared about Jesus: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). As a harbinger, John prepared a group for Jesus. God desires all men to have but one Master. “Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, even the Christ” (Matthew 23:10). Let’s consider some requirements for disciples of Jesus. Disciples must be drawn to the person of Jesus. Jesus said: “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself” (John 12:32). “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). One cannot be saved unless he believes that Jesus is who He claimed to be—the Christ (John 4:25-26) and Eternal God (John 8:23, 58). Disciples must be drawn to the teaching of Jesus. After He concluded His sermon …

Don’t Give the Devil an Inch

In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul instructed the church to live a godly life and not to allow former ways to creep back into their lives. Paul said in verses 17-27: This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. The devil has no power over us except the power we give him. Make no mistake about it, if you give the devil an inch, he’ll take as much as he can. Everyone has the responsibility to choose whom he will serve in …

Those Whom God Chose

Throughout biblical history, God chose certain individuals to carry out His work at that particular time. One of these individuals was Noah. A Look at Noah Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the apostle Peter penned these words about the Old Testament patriarch: “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly”  (2 Peter 2:4-5). In this passage, we draw attention to the fact that Noah was a “preacher of righteousness.” Since Psalm 119:172 states, “My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness,” we can know as a fact that whatever Noah may have taught all those years while he was preparing the ark, he was a man who taught the truth of God. Does God still want that kind of man proclaiming His Word? Will He tolerate any other kind? We notice from Genesis 6 that Noah operated under the grace of God. Because of His grace, God gave Noah the opportunity to be saved from the impending worldwide flood that was to come upon the earth. Noah was free to accept or reject this offer of God’s grace. Noah was a man of faith, faith that comes by hearing and hearing by the word of …

Blessings or Bruises

Do we have a tendency to ponder on our bruised feelings and not our blessings? Too many of us brood over our ordeals instead of appreciating our blessings. Have we learned from our mistakes and from life’s bruises? Some may take their blessings for granted. Good times and fortune are supposed to be our lot. The quest for earthly happiness is paramount for many. Yet, all of us know deep down within our being that we all hurt in many ways. Do we push bad memories, physical or mental hurts to the back of our minds? It is better for us, if we “Take it to the Lord in prayer”. What a Friend We Have in Jesus George Scriven and C.C. Converse Verse 1 What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear;What a privilege to carry Ev’rything to God in prayer.O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,All because we do not carry Ev’rything to God in prayer. Verse 2 Have we trails and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?We should never be discouraged. Take it to the Lord in prayer.Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?Jesus knows our ev’ry weakness: Take it to the Lord in payer. Verse 3 Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?Precious Savior, still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in prayer.Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer;In …

His Ways and Paths

“Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me” (Psalm 25:4-5). The word “shew” means “make me know.” David had a desire to know God’s ways and paths. The word “teach” comes from a word used for “beating with a rod, to chastise, especially beasts of burden.” Imagine David requesting to be treated like a beast of burden so that he would be made to know God’s paths. The Hebrew word for “ways” comes from a root verb meaning “to tread, to trample with the feet.” It is used to describe where the ground has been walked on again and again, forming a beaten path. God’s ways are paths that have been well walked by the righteous before us. They are paths that Jesus walked in order to leave us an example. The Hebrew word for “paths” comes from a verb that means “to decree, to appoint.” This means that God’s paths are a fixed pattern according to His will. Putting it all together, we see that we should desire God to make us know His paths through this life. Further, we should be thankful for His chastisement to help us learn and live His decrees. Decrees indicate that there must be truth, and that is exactly what verse five states: “lead me in thy truth.” David knew that to be righteous, he could not just claim he believed in God. He also knew he could not have God apart from …

Godly Trust

“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Life will have disappointments and hardships. That’s pretty much inevitable. It’s going to happen, but how will you deal with them? Will you trust God’s providence? Will you allow Him to “supply all your needs according to His riches”? Or will you keep trying to overcome hardships on your own? Maybe you’ve tried to get over hardships that you don’t even understand. Will you commit to allowing God to supply those needs? Will you let His peace that passes all understanding characterize your life?

Snow, Beautiful Snow

This subject is on the mind of most everyone today (February 12, 2010). It is rare when we do have snow this far south. Remember other occasions (i.e., Opp, AL on March 14, 1973, 6”–8”; Prattville, AL on March 14, 1993, 6”; as a boy in north Georgia). Snow is the handiwork of God and shows His Almighty power. Psalm 148:8 reads, “Fire and hail, snow and vapor; Stormy wind, fulfilling his word…” The word “snow” is mentioned 20 times in the Bible—5 times in the Book of Job. The power of God is manifested in the field of physical science. God asked 40 questions in Job 38 that are still marvelous today. Consider these samples: “Have you entered the treasury of snow, Or have you seen the treasury of hail…” (Job 38:22). This verse suggests the availability of snow and also the importance of the quality of snow.  Snow collects nitrates, free ammonia, etc. The source of the snow is God. “For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength” (Job 37:6). Snow could be found in Palestine, in the mountain ranges of Lebanon and on Mount Hermon. Snow might also visit Jerusalem. “She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet” (Proverbs 31:21). “Like the cold of snow in time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who him for he refreshes the souls of his …

Knowledge

As Americans, we prize knowledge and understanding. We ardently pursue knowledge in many fields. For instance, we want our doctors to have the latest information and be up-to-date on the newest findings through scientific research, etc. We do not accept ignorance on the part of our doctors. We will not spend much time and money going to one that is incompetent. Why would we assume God accepts our ignorance about the way of life? There were terrible consequences to the people’s rejection of knowledge, which led to their judgment by the Lord. They were rejected by God and destroyed (Hosea 4:6). What a contrast is Timothy in the New Testament: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15; cf. 3:13-17). The Holy Bible is God’s revelation from his infinite mind to our finite minds. Man has no higher purpose than to vigorously pursue spiritual wisdom from above and walk in heaven’s light. You are invited to contact us indicating your interest in learning more of God’s will.

Faith, Hope and Love

In the first three verses of First Thessalonians, Chapter One, there are six of the greatest themes of the Bible: grace, peace, thanksgiving, faith, love and hope. Each of them is worthy of a series of articles. Usually when we speak of faith, hope and love, we start with 1 Corinthians 13:13. My purpose in this article is not so much to deal directly with those subjects, but to suggest another line of thinking related to them that needs our attention. It is sad that we have allowed denominations, and false teachers in the church, to monopolize these grand themes in a positive way so that most of our preaching is negative, telling why their false doctrines are not so. I do not know how to overcome this problem completely, for false doctrine must be condemned. However, our only sermons on grace should not be to emphasize that we are not saved by grace alone. Our only sermons on faith should not be to emphasize that salvation is not by faith only. It is possible to center our attention too much on what is wrong instead of emphasizing what is right. Yet, we should never get so concerned with “positive” preaching that we cannot point out error. At the same time, we need to be aware that we cannot get to heaven on the errors of our religious friends or brethren. This tendency to make a goal only on a rebound from the missed shot of another may result in …

God Is

The words “God is” occur 157 times in both the Old and New Testaments. It is a tremendous affirmation. So much is held dear in the words, “God is.” We do not have to look too far to see the importance of the words, “God is.” Negatively, if ‘God is not,’ then there would be no creation. If ‘God is not,’ then, we have no adequate answer as to man’s origin. If ‘God is not,’ then, we would have no Word of God. If ‘God is not,’ then, we would have no Son of God and Savior. If ‘God is not,’ then, the church has no reason to exist. If ‘God is not,’ then, man would be lost forever. Men respond variously to the words, “God is.” The atheist says he knows that there is no God (Psalm 14:1). The agnostic says he is unable to know that God is or God is not. The materialist claims he does not need God; a biblical example is the rich farmer in Luke 12:13-21. However, what about the responses from the Christian? The Christian will tell you that there is nothing to this life without the existence of God. The Christian knows how vital the importance of a strong faith is in the fact that “God is.” ‘God is’ affirms God’s existence. The existence of God is inherent in the words, “God is.” God has not left man to grope in darkness about His existence. God has not left us in doubt about …

Maturity

“Maturity” receives several definitions for different uses in language. A mature plant is one that is fully grown and developed. A bond that is due has matured. Something that has matured has come to a desired or full condition—it is ripe. These definitions—especially the first and third—are ever so applicable to the maturity of the Christian’s heart. While it could never be said that any Christian has grown to perfection, Scripture reveals an inspired expectation that time in Christ will bring one to more maturity than when he or she began (Hebrews 5:12 -14). Sadly, though, it is often the case that those who have been Christians long have not matured in knowledge, discernment or character. Immaturity of character is especially noticeable and troublesome. Such immaturity is illustrated biblically in the account of Miriam and Aaron chiding Moses, “‘Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?’” (Numbers 12:2). Such jealousy of positions of authority shows immaturity of character. Miriam was struck leprous because of the incident (Numbers 12:9-10). Ananias and Sapphira could be labeled immature because they sought the approval of their peers at the expense of their integrity. They so wanted to look good that they lied about how much money they were giving. They lived, apparently, for attention. They were struck dead (Acts 5:1-11). Numerous modern examples of these types of immaturity could be cited. Someone becomes upset because he doesn’t get as much time leading in worship services as one …

You Will by No Means

One of the many definitions of the word “means” that Webster states, is a method used to attain an end. When we understand and know God and His Son as they are revealed in Scripture, we become keenly aware of the fact that they say what they mean and mean what they say. This straightforward approach eliminates the possibility of anyone successfully using an alternate method when divine truth has been spoken. Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35). This is clearly seen in the account of the rebellion and complaining of the children of Israel in Numbers 13. Their refusal to believe what God had said led to the doom of all persons 20-years-old and above. God passed a death sentence on the rebels. He said in Numbers 14:29-30, “The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above. Except for Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun, you shall by no means enter the land which I swore I would make you dwell in” (emphasis added). When the people heard this, they mourned greatly. They went to Moses and said they would go up to the place that God had promised, for they had sinned. In Numbers 14:41-42 Moses said, “Now why do you transgress the command of the LORD? For this will not succeed. Do not go up, lest you be defeated by your enemies, for the LORD …

I Started Out with Nothing, and I Still Have Most of It

The apostle Paul reminded us that you really cannot “take it with you” when he wrote these words to Timothy: “For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either” (2 Timothy 6:7). This truth should help us to put material things into proper perspective. Everything associated with the material universe is temporary and will exist only as long as the universe exists. Thus, to put all our time and efforts into accumulating material things is what Solomon described as “vanity and striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). So, how should we view the “things” of this world? Well, we should recognize that they’re really not worth much in view of eternity. We should use them but not hold on to them with our hearts. We should also be generous with them; that is, we should use them in serving or helping others. Those who try to “store them” up usually forfeit them, like Achan or the rich man who built bigger barns. You can never keep them forever. They are designed by God for the “here and now” and must be spent in the “here and now.” It’s really not a matter of how much you have or don’t have, but how you view what you have. When you add it all up, it really amounts to nothing that will last.

Calvinism

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6) The above passage of Scripture has been misinterpreted by some to mean, before God created anything, He decided individually who would be saved and who would be lost. Such a view is certainly not what Paul was teaching! As the saying goes, “not the man but the plan” was predestined. As Paul wrote to these Christians, he reminded them that God chose us, before anything was created, to be holy and blameless before Him. This is possible through Christ’s sacrifice, and how we are, by the blood of Christ, adopted as His children by His will. God’s purpose in redeeming us through Christ, then, is eternal, and anyone who submits to Him in faith can be a recipient of His grace, freely bestowed through Christ the Beloved. What we should take away from this passage of Scripture, then, is the amazing love of God for us. How amazing is it? It began before we were created, before anything was made. God knew …

Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness

The attitude: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.” Hunger and thirst are two of the most pressing drives of the human body. Jesus used an example that man understands. Here they show how great our desire must be for righteousness. Righteousness is doing right or doing God’s will. Righteousness can be described as ‘the condition acceptable unto God.’ Righteousness results from doing right or doing God’s will. God commands only that which is right. Therefore, when we do what God commands, we are doing right. When we do right as God gives the right, we are doing righteousness. The Christian and Righteousness: Those that are born of God practice righteousness (1 John 2:29). The new man is created in righteousness (Ephesians 4:24). Righteousness comes by faith (Hebrews 11:33; Philippians 3:9). God loves righteousness (Hebrews 1:9). The righteous shall inherit eternal life (Matthew 25:46). A Christian must desire righteousness. That desire must be intense or great. A Christian’s attitude toward truth and right will determine the kind of character he will become. The attitude on which Jesus pronounces a blessing is that of hungering and thirsting for a higher life, a spiritual life and a life that is in Christ. The reward: They shall be filled. They will be satisfied with righteousness. The righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel (Romans 1:16-17). God has a divine plan for bringing sinners to the state of righteousness (John 8:32). Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will find that …

Compelled to Preach

Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest political force among Jews, on the day after the lame man was healed. They asked the apostles how they had healed the lame man. Peter, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” answered with a defense of Jesus’ power as the resurrected Lord. Through Jesus, the one they rejected and crucified, the man was made well. He quoted Psalm 118:22 to show that they had rejected the very stone chosen by God to be the head of the corner. Anyone who would ever receive spiritual healing or salvation would only do so under the authority of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:5-12). The council saw that Peter and John, who had not been trained by the rabbis, dared to interpret Scripture with great boldness. It was evident “they had been with Jesus.” All Christians should live so that others can say the same about them. Most damaging of all, the council could not refute the miracle because the formerly lame man stood before them and reports of the healing were widespread. Neither were they able to refute Peter’s arguments for the resurrection of Jesus, but they needed to stop the preaching of Jesus before more of the people turned to follow Him. They threatened the apostles again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus (4:13-18). The apostles said the council had no authority to countermand God’s command. They were compelled by the power of the things …

The Word “Christian”

The world uses the word “Christian” in ways that have a broader meaning than found in the New Testament. Many use the word loosely or improperly. Even religionists use the word “Christian” in ways contrary to Scripture. God promised, “and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of Jehovah shall name” (Isaiah 62:2). We read of the fulfillment of this prophecy in the Book of Acts. “The disciples were called [of God; see Young’s Literal Translation] Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). If one considers the verses that precede this statement, he will learn who the Bible describes as a Christian (Acts 11:19ff). We learn brethren were “speaking the word” (v. 19), others were teaching Gentiles and “preaching the Lord Jesus” (v. 20). As a result, “a great number that believed turned unto the Lord” (v. 21). Barnabas taught the new converts “that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord” (v. 23). Luke then tells us “much people was added unto the Lord” (v. 24). Barnabas went to Tarsus and brought Saul back, and they taught the church. The church was identified as “disciples,” and they were called by God “Christians” (v. 26). The Christians were those who were followers of the teaching of Christ (disciples) and who were designated as “the church.” These were they who had heard the preaching of the Word and of the Lord Jesus (vv. 19-20), who had believed and were converted to the Lord and had been added …

Angel of Light

What does the Devil look like? There is a pretty interesting picture in Revelation 12 and 17 that depicts Satan as having multiple heads, horns and a massive tail that sweeps away a third of the stars. Even though these words are not meant literally, it still presents a terrifying image of what (and who) the Devil really is. The Devil is truly an ugly being, but is that how he is going to present himself to us? The really scary thing about him is that he is not going to present himself to us as the monster that he really is. Who would pledge allegiance to him if he represented himself as he really is? Some would, but he doesn’t want some. He wants us all. So to get the rest of us, he is going to dress himself up in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). He is not going to come to us as an agent of darkness, but as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). He will disguise himself as a prophet of God (1 Kings 13) or maybe as an elder of the church (Acts 20:28-30). This is why we must be as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).

Ashamed of the Gospel!

Surely one of the greatest statements in the New Testament is the one made by Paul to the churches in Rome, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). What all is contained in the Gospel? In a much “boiled down” simplistic definition, the Gospel revolves around the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). We may say that those three facts are the “core” or “essence” of the Gospel message. However, every precept upon precept, every line upon line is part of the Gospel (Isaiah 28:10, 13; Galatians 3:8). The Gospel involves the entirety of God’s Word—the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:20, 27)! Thus, those who are not ashamed of the Gospel are those who are not ashamed of God’s Word! Have we become ashamed of the Gospel? We have become ashamed of the Gospel in our tolerance. Sin abounds; it has always abounded, and it will always abound. Yet, the real tragedy is seen when the church allows it to abound within her borders. The works of the flesh are manifest (Galatians 5:19-21), but they are never to be named among God’s people (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). Faithful congregations have no choice! It is not up for discussion; nor is it up to the “leaders’” opinion. Sin cannot be tolerated among the people of God! We have become ashamed of the Gospel …

What about Handclapping?

Times are rapidly changing! There was a time in most churches of Christ when the services were focused upon worship that exalted God, and the preaching consisted of reverent instruction from the Scriptures. Thankfully, in some places, it is still that way. On the other hand, drastic changes are underway in hundreds of congregations across this land. Some are becoming “us-focused” in worship instead of “God-focused.” One of the manifestations of “us-focused” worship is the addition of handclapping. As near as I can discern, there are two “reasons” why some are involved in handclapping. Firstly, there is handclapping as percussion. Some advocate and practice handclapping as an accompaniment to the singing. Before we begin to seek the Scripture, let’s make some observations. The issue is not whether handclapping sounds good or bad. The issue is not whether someone “likes” it or not. The issue at hand is whether we have any scriptural authority for handclapping during the singing. God was crystal clear on what He expects in New Testament worship: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19; cf. Colossians 3:16). “Speaking” and “singing” both involve the mouth. I like what one author wrote: “We are not instructed to ‘make sounds,’ rather, the command is to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Clapping is not singing. Singing is the expression of thoughts by words through melody. Singing is intended to convey ‘understanding’ (1 Corinthians 14:15). There is no ‘instruction,’ analogous …

Foul Language

Apparently every language has them—bad words. God, through the apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:8 regulates the use of foul language—prohibiting the children of God from using such in their conversations. “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth” (NKJV emphasis added). Other translations read “filthy communication” (KJV), “shameful speaking” (ASV), “obscene talk” (ESV), “abusive speech” (NASV), “foul talk” (RSV) or “filthy talk” (YLT). The Greek word ‎aischrologia appearing as “filthy language” (NKJV) in Colossians 3:8 is a compound word meaning “vile or base conversation or words”; it appears only in that verse of Scripture. Ephesians 4:29 provides similar instruction. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (NKJV)—“corrupt communication” (KJV), “corrupt speech” (ASV), “unwholesome talk” (NIV), “evil talk” (RSV) or “corrupt word” (YLT). The Greek word sapros, translated “corrupt” (NKJV) means “rotten or worthless” and comes from another, related word that means “to putrefy.” Seven times sapros is translated “corrupt” and one time “bad” in the King James Version of the Bible. Ephesians 5:4 continues with this type of admonition regarding bad words. “[N]either filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (NKJV emphasis added). The Greek word aischrotes for “filthiness” means “shamefulness or obscenity” and only appears here in the New Testament. Notice from the passages already cited that foul language is only one type of sinful words that may come forth from one’s …