Were Some First Century Christians Polygamists?

“Based on one of the qualifications for elders that a man must be ‘the husband of one wife’ (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6), were some first century Christians polygamists? Can Christians today be polygamists?” In short, the answers to these two questions are “maybe” and “no.” Religiously, the first century was a period of transition from Judaism (and Patriarchy for non-Jews) to Christianity. As an example, the apostle Paul and other Christians evidently had initiated Jewish vows at a time when Judaism was effective, but they fulfilled those vows after Judaism was no longer God’s religious law in effect and after the commencement of Christianity (Acts 18:18; 21:23). Since Judaism and Patriarchy have both been replaced with Christianity about two millennium ago, the transition between Judaism and Patriarchy has long since ceased. Polygamy was practiced by some under both Judaism (e.g., Solomon, 1 Kings 11:3) and Patriarchy (e.g., Abraham, Jacob). Polygamy, though, was not God’s ideal plan for marriage, evident from His creation of one man for one woman—Adam and Eve. The original instructions for marriage only allowed for one husband and one wife (Genesis 2:24-25). During His earthly ministry, Jesus restored God’s original plan for marriage when He was asked about the subject of divorce (Matthew 19:4-5). Nevertheless, some in the first century may have been polygamists at the time when they became acquainted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They, then, found themselves in the situation of having entered into polygamy at a time (under Judaism or Patriarchy) …

Was the Lord’s Supper Observed on Monday?

Regarding Acts 20:7, was the Lord’s Supper account therein observed on Monday? Acts 20:7 reads, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight” (NKJV). All standard English translations of the New Testament agree that the church in Troas (Acts 20:6) came together on the first day of the week to observe the communion or the Lord’s Supper. In the first place, irrespective of whether the apostle Paul’s preaching extended beyond the first day of the week into the next day, it remains that the church assembled to observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week—Sunday on our calendars, today. In the second place, the Jewish concept of when a day began and ended differed from how Romans viewed the beginning and the ending of a day. Jewish reckoning of a day considered the day as beginning approximately at 6 p.m. or at sunset (Genesis 1:5, 8); to them, a day was from sunset to sunset (Leviticus 23:32). Therefore, if Jewish understanding of a day were applied to Acts 20:7, the day under consideration had begun at sunset or at about 6 p.m., in which case there was only six hours between the beginning of the day and “midnight.” From the Jewish perspective, then, even after midnight would have been still the same day—the first day of the week. Regardless of whether Roman time—comparable to the contemporary …

Acts 20:7 and Biblical Authority

Several articles about biblical interpretation appear in the archived pages of Gospel Gazette Online. Following are some links for a few of those pages. In addition, in the free digital biblical library on Gospel Gazette Online are several books as PDF files. One of those books is about biblical interpretation, which you may read by selecting the following link. Biblical interpretation involves three different ways of communicating the will of God to man: direct command, approved example and implication (from which we are obligated to infer only what is implied in Scripture without taking from or adding to it). These are the same three ways by which people communicate with each other, too. Sometimes people attempt to disallow approved examples and divine implication in the Bible, supposing that only direct commands equal biblical authority. That is a serious error because it carelessly disregards divine instruction from God to mankind. For instance, without accepting implication from which man must infer what is implied in Scripture, not even direct commands found in the Bible would apply to anyone today, since no Scripture in the Bible was specifically written to anyone now living. For even a direct command to apply to anyone today, one must first see a biblical implication from which he correctly infers that the command not only applied to those to whom it was originally given, but that the same command also applies to people living today. Commands cannot apply today unless one accepts that biblical implication is authoritative. Likewise, approved examples teach …

Common Misconceptions about the Preacher

New Testament writers predicted that some would depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1-3). One needs only to look at the contemporary religious world to know that these predictions stand true. Thus, everyone must examine his or her life and beliefs to be sure that he or she is in harmony with God’s Word (2 Corinthians 13:5). As one considers the scriptural role of a preacher, it is easy to form non-biblical views based upon denominational errors, the portrayal of “preachers” in Hollywood or the expectations of an unlearned and selfish society. The Bible, however, gives distinct roles for Gospel preachers. (See First and Second Timothy and Titus.) Any concept of the role of a preacher that does not harmonize with the Bible is a misconception. Some of the more common misconceptions that this writer has observed are examined below. The Preacher Is Not the “Pastor” One common misconception about the preacher is that he is “the pastor.” This largely comes from the erroneous doctrines of many denominational churches. The term “pastor” (translated from the Greek word poimen) is in the Bible (Ephesians 4:11), but it is often misapplied. This Greek word occurs eighteen times in the Greek text from which the KJV is translated (Matthew 9:36; 25:32; 26:31; Mark 6:34; 14:27; Luke 2:8, 15, 18, 20; John 10:2, 11 [twice], 12, 14, 16; Ephesians 4:11; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25). The word is usually translated “shepherd,” and it never refers to the role of a preacher. In Ephesians 4:11 (the …

Routine

When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing you do? Shower? Eat breakfast? Brush your teeth? Most people have a routine that they follow each day, except for the occasional holiday and weekend. Now, for some people their routine is healthy and productive. They have found the best way to motivate themselves each day and use their routine to achieve maximum productivity. Yet, for others, their routine is harmful, lazy and produces only enough energy to just get by. When we look at these two different approaches to life, we probably all recognize changes we need to make in our physical lives. I know I do, but do we recognize the changes we need to make in our spiritual lives? In Matthew 23, the Scribes and the Pharisees were living their lives just how they wanted. They were telling people to live one way while they were living another way. They were making themselves look good on the outside while on the inside they were full of corruption. They were upholding parts of the Law while they were forgetting other parts all together. In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus continued His examination of their lives and said they were full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. Obviously, their lives were not pleasing to the Lord. What about our spiritual lives? Do we live like the scribes and Pharisees? Are we full of hypocrisy and lawlessness? Many Christians today are caught in the harmful trap of not really living for Jesus. …

Christian Gentleman

Within me is a strong desire to be a Christian gentleman. I try to be conscious of my actions. I want to conduct myself in such a way that I will not do anything that is crude, impolite or inappropriate. Our English dictionaries are consistent as to the meaning of the word gentleman. “A man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior” (Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary). I do not want to paint something with a broad brush; however, it seems to me that gentlemen are becoming a rare breed. For the ladies who are reading this, our dictionaries state that a lady is “a well-mannered and considerate woman with high standards of proper behavior.” The definition is exactly the same as a gentleman; the only difference is the change of gender and specifics applying to a man. I can remember when men generally were gentlemen and women were ladies. It does not take a genius to figure out why the large change in our society has occurred. For example, let’s look at our entertainers and those who shape our younger folks’ thinking and behavior. In this era, movies, television shows and music are, for the most part, very vulgar and are comprised of a sadistic makeup. They present a very negative view of any “high standard of propriety or correct behavior.” I am thankful that the Word of God, the Bible, forms within true believers the desire for correctness in all paths of our …

Encouragement

In our daily walks in life, we all need encouragement. Many Bible characters faced the same disappointing problems we face in modern times. One had been selected by God to accomplish a task larger perhaps than any ever known to mankind. He was to lead people away from slavery, help to organize them into a nation and take them to a land flowing with abundance. The task was awesome, but God was with him. Unfortunately, the pressures got to him, and we read of him failing to give proper credit to God. Subsequently, he was told that he would not be allowed to enter that Promised Land with those he was leading. How sad to spend all of one’s life working toward something only to have it denied because of one failure. Yet, that was the verdict upon Moses! Did Moses give up? No! He knew that there was something better after this life if he continued to carry out God’s will. Therefore, he continued to lead Israel toward the Promised Land and to encourage a new generation. He was especially encouraging to his successor. Before Moses departed this life, he stood before this new generation of Israelites and stated, “But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither, encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it” (Deuteronomy 1:38). What a wonderful attitude! How encouraged Joshua must have been to have this great leader, in a moment of extreme personal sadness, asking …

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

I believe that more people would study the Bible if they knew more about it and where to begin. The Bible is a big book, and according to some people, it is a book on which no one can agree. However, I suggest to you that the Bible is the Word of God, revealing God’s will for man. Instead of being one book, the Bible is a library of 66 books, written by about 40 different authors over a period of 1,600 years. The miraculous thing about the Bible is it all fits together to tell a single story of God providing a way of salvation for man. There are no contradictions in the Bible, for it is a perfect book. The problem of disagreement on Scripture is man. The Lord said through the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.” This demands that we open our Bibles and investigate for ourselves God’s will for man.

Christ’s Resurrection

The birth, life and death of Jesus Christ are of great importance to mankind. Yet, without His resurrection, those things would have no meaning for man’s salvation. There are numerous ways that His resurrection has meaning. His resurrection means that He is Lord both of the living and of the dead (Romans 14:8-9). His power and His Lordship is not nullified when we die. He lives in Heaven and is Lord over all who have died. This tells us that a part of us survives death and that part has a mind. His resurrection is a pledge that we do have an inheritance in Heaven (1 Peter 1:3). He is ruling in heaven, and He will not forget those who serve and obey Him. His resurrection is the proof that He will resurrect us (Romans 8:11). We do not have to doubt our resurrection. His resurrection guarantees that the righteous who have died since the beginning of the world will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). All the righteous will come out of their graves to new lives. His resurrection assures us that we will see all the righteous in Heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:14). All the righteous will live in Heaven with Jesus Christ. His resurrection is the ultimate example of God’s power (Ephesians 1:19-20). That power is granted to all who live for Jesus. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead will be used to raise us into new lives at baptism. It will also be used to …

Jesus Never Had an Obituary

Many of us often make it a habit of reading the obituaries to see which one of our classmates, coworkers, friends and family have gone on to meet their reward. Obituaries tell us about where a person was born, lived, one’s immediate family history, one’s occupation, hobbies and many other things, besides the times of the funeral and the burial location. These notices of death are a daily reminder that life on earth is not permanent. Obituaries have a finality to them; they become a permanent record and a reminder that a loved one is not present with us in this life any more. Now, as one reads the Bible, it becomes very clear that Jesus never had an obituary. We read about His birth in Bethlehem (Matthew 1:18-2:6). We can learn about His family (Matthew 1:1-17). We can learn about much of His life and ministry in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We can also learn about the events leading up to His death and about His actual death upon the cross in these same passages of the Bible. Yet, the one thing no can find in the Bible is Jesus’ obituary. First Corinthians 15:1-4 explains it this way: Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the Gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of …

Pulling on Both Oars

An old Scotsman operated a small rowboat for transporting passengers. One day a passenger noticed that the old man had carved on one oar the word, “Faith,” and on the other oar, “Works.” Curious, the Scotsman asked the meaning. The old man replied, “I’ll show you.” He dropped the “Faith” oar and pulled the “Works” oar. The boat went around in circles. Then, he dropped that oar and pulled the “Faith” oar. The little boat went in circles the opposite direction. After the demonstration, the old man picked up “Faith” and “Works,” and he began pulling both oars together. The boat sped swiftly over the water. The old man explained, “You see, that is the way it is the Christian life. Dead works without faith are useless, and faith without works is dead also, getting you nowhere. However, faith and works pulling together make for safety, progress and blessing (James 2:14-26).”

Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself

Some folks are known as story tellers. The stories told may be interesting to some while boring to others. They may be humorous or perhaps rather serious. Such stories may be political or religious while they also may avoid these subject matters. The stories told may illustrate good moral principles of right and wrong for the general benefit of humanity. The story of the Good Samaritan is one such story (Luke 10:25-37). This well-known biblical story illustrates that we have a responsibility to others in their times of need. Though the Samaritans were of pagan stock, were cursed publicly in the synagogue, were rejected as Jewish proselytes, with the Jews praying that they have no part in the resurrection of life, this Samaritan assisted beyond measure the Jewish stranger. He extended a caring heart to the very ones who seemed to despise him greatly. He truly is our example of being a neighbor to those about us. May we so order our lives that we have the courage and aptitude to love the unlovely and to make a lasting impact in our community. May we make it more common to be involved in the daily lives of those about us. Lives may be changed by so doing!

The Case of Saul

You and Saul of Tarsus are good friends. Your hatred for this new religion of one called Jesus is the same at that of Saul. You travel with him on the road to Damascus. You are there when the light shone about him. You hear him ask, “What would you have me do.” You hear the answer of Jesus, and you travel with Saul into the city. You remain with him as he prays, fasts and waits for someone designated by the Lord to come and tell Saul what he must do. Finally, a man by the name of Ananias comes and tells Saul, “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Immediately you grab Saul by the arm and urge him to leave this man. “After all,” you tell him, “You were saved out there on the road. Don’t listen to this man. He believes in water salvation by telling you to be baptized. Don’t you know that baptism has nothing whatsoever to do with one’s salvation?” If this scene had happened back there in the first century, what do you really believe that Saul would have done? After all, wasn’t it he who said, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ”? The real question is, “What did Saul actually do when he was told what to do?” Have you done the same thing?

Baptism by Desire?

A popular television personality stated that a doctrine that would substitute for baptism is “baptism by desire.” If a person failed to be baptized, then by reason of a good life and character, it would be equivalent to “baptism by desire.” This was a novel and heretical theory, new to me. This farfetched plan joins numerous false ideas for rejecting a plain and simple command of God. The venerable Marshall Keeble was wont to say, “The Bible is right,” and this is true about baptism. Here are facts about baptism. It saves from sin. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16 NKJV). It is commanded. “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38); “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord” (Acts 10:48a). It is for the remission of sins. “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). It saves and gives a good conscience. “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). It then adds one to the church of Christ. “And the …

The Christian and Angels

In today’s modern world, we hear a great deal of talk about angels, and it seems that much of it is without any real biblical basis. Part of the reason is that the Bible actually speaks very little about angels. They are mentioned quite often, but no text specifically teaches about angels, and little is actually said about their role in God’s plan. We hear few lessons on angels in the church. Consider the following thoughts on this subject. First of all, we must realize that they are created beings; thus, they are not like God. Nehemiah wrote, “You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host” (Nehemiah 9:6). The host of heaven must include the angels; thus, they are created beings. We also read of the sons of God shouting for joy when God laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:4-7). The sons of God must be a reference to angels since they were there when the earth and all its host (including man) was created. Angels are the servants of God with the power to do whatever God sends them to do. When Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den, an angel shut the mouths of the lions (Daniel 6:22). Angels are not glorified human beings. Nothing indicates that when faithful children of God die, they become angels. There is an unknown multitude of angels in existence. Jesus stated in Matthew 26:53 that He could have called twelve legions of angels to His aid. …

Why Live by the Bible?

Why should you allow the Bible to direct your life? There are critics who ridicule people who live by principles found in the Bible. The critics mock Bible believers calling them by prejudicial names—names like “Bible-thumpers,” “stupid,” “ignorant,” “judgmental” and perhaps the most despised name of all, “intolerant.” When I choose to believe in the Bible as a guiding principle of my life, then I risk being called by these names. However, why should I allow an ancient book to direct my life? Why should you? People who genuinely believe in the Bible as God’s Word want to live by the Bible’s principles. These people believe that the Bible’s principles have come from God. When people practice Bible principles, they become the finest examples of human behavior anywhere in the world! That’s right! That is a good reason to follow the teachings of the Bible because they are the best principles in the world by which to live. Jesus’ half-brother James put it this way: Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial …

Surrender Is to Relinquish

To surrender is to submit willingly, giving up control, to renounce or to forsake. It is an act of relinquishing control or possession to somebody or something. For Christians, this means God is fully recognized as the One and the only One in control. They come to accept wholeheartedly, “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). Through obedience to the Gospel message of salvation from sin—the good news—Christians declare their allegiance to His Son, Jesus Christ. This commitment culminates in baptism and is adhered to until death. The hymn “I Surrender All” is convicting every time this writer sings it. The question was posed to the congregation by a preacher who challenged us with this question: “Are we singing this song with an exclamation point or with a question mark?” All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give,I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. All to Jesus I surrender, humbly at His feet I bow,Worldly pleasures all forsaken; take me, Jesus, take me now. All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee;Fill me with Thy love and power, let Thy blessing fall on me. I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. It is perhaps the most difficult, distressing and heart-wrenching song for this writer to sing because I know it is not …

“Jesus in the Midst!”

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were accompanied by a fourth in the fiery furnace—one “like the Son of God.” Many believe the fourth was Jesus. If so, He was in the midst of the fiery furnace with them; He was literally with them in the worst of their trial. Jesus has promised us the same (i.e., in our midst; cf., Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). The word “midst” comes from the word “middle.” It is vital that Jesus is in the midst of our lives, not on the outside or on the left or on the right, but the focus, center or nucleus. What can we learn, and how can we be comforted when “Jesus is in the midst”? Jesus was in the midst of the doctors and lawyers (Luke 2:46)—hearing. Jesus was 12 years old, and all were astonished at His understanding and His answers. Jesus was in the midst of the disciples (John 20:19-29)—comforting. The resurrected Savior appeared to the disciples, confirming His promises and His teaching. Jesus was in the midst of the assembly (Matthew 18:20)—gathering. Jesus’ presence provides confidence and confirms accountability. Jesus was in the midst of the churches (Revelation 1:13)—judging. If we want to be a Christ-centered church, we must live Christ-centered lives. Jesus was in the midst of the church (Hebrews 2:12)—singing. The Lord deserves all the praise, honor and glory we can give. Consider how much the Lord has done for us! Jesus was in the midst of those crucified (John 19:18)—suffering. Jesus died a …

One Must Be in the Church to Be Saved and to Finally Enter Heaven

The Bible teaches that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). To be saved from sin, one must be taught, believe in Him and be baptized (Mark 16:16). Those whom He saves, He adds to His church (Acts 2:47), which is His kingdom (Matthew 16:18-19). At His coming again on the last day, Jesus will receive His kingdom unto Himself, and He will deliver the kingdom, the church, to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24). “And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). One must, therefore, be in the church to be saved and to finally enter heaven. However, as much as it is required to believe and obey the Gospel to be saved and to become a member of the church of Christ, it is also equally important to remain saved in Him until the end. Christ taught, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). People become followers of Jesus Christ after hearing His Gospel, believing in Him, repenting of their sins, confessing Him to be the Son of God and being baptized for the remission of their sins. Christ, according to His promise, adds them to the church, and they try to be faithful to Him for some time by attending worship services of the church every Sunday and by staying away from all sinful things and bad habits in which they formerly engaged. However, due to the lure of sin …

Preaching to Today’s Culture

In many places I’ve preached this point, and now it seems time to develop it into writing. Let me begin by stating the obvious: 2017 is not 1955. American culture in 1955 was vastly different from what it is today. At that time, most people were churchgoers, and most people claimed some kind of tie to Christ. The thrust of the Lord’s church, therefore, was to convert people from the falsehoods of denominationalism. The aim was to unite believers in the truths of restored New Testament Christianity. That battle still needs to be fought today! It cannot be denied! However, current culture vastly differs. In today’s America, fewer people than ever go to any kind of church. More people claim atheism than ever before. Multiple generations of families have never set foot inside any place of worship. Some are pressing on to paganism; Islam is making wide inroads. The march toward blatant immorality is sweeping the nation individually, legislatively and judicially. Church buildings of all of the denominations are slowly emptying. What does this mean for evangelism? First, it does not mean changing the Gospel. Indeed, the Gospel’s truth cannot be changed, but only perverted, and that with eternally sorrowful consequences (Galatians 1:6-9). God’s teaching on morality, salvation, church autonomy, unity, love, marriage, life and all subjects remains the same (Matthew 28:20; Jude 3)! Yet, the change in culture does have implications for our approach to teaching. That is as biblical as it can be. When Paul preached to a culture of Jews in …

Why I Believe in God

I believe in God because of the existence of cause and effect. An effect cannot exist unless there is a cause behind it. A world of living things exists. That is an effect. It is not philosophically reasonable for one to conclude that such an effect resulted from a non-living cause. A living effect always implies a living cause. Belief in a living God as the cause of the world of living things is, therefore, philosophically valid. I believe in God because design exists. Nature has been intelligently designed. Fish are designed to swim in water. Birds are designed to fly in the air. A designer is always implied whenever there is design. Since this earth on which we dwell is designed, then there is a designer who designed it. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe in a living God as the Designer of this mammoth design called earth. It is also most unreasonable to conclude that such a Designer does not exist when the design is so evident. I believe in God because real “right” and “wrong” exist. Let us for a moment assume that there is no God, but how, then, is real right and wrong decided? What is right or wrong would be merely the product of individual human thinking. Right or wrong would be subjective since humans do not always think the same. Various societies would have their own subjective standards of right and wrong. The Nazi society headed by Adolph Hitler thought it was right to destroy millions of Jews. Without an …

The Historicity of Jesus

In recent years, there have been a few persons who have said that they have found no evidence to indicate that Jesus ever existed. My research has led me to conclude that there was more evidence for the historicity of Christ, and even for His resurrection, than there was that Napoleon fought the battle of Waterloo. Since it would take a whole book to deal properly with the evidence, let me suggest now only one aspect of the subject. One of their primary objections is that there is no Roman or Jewish writer contemporaneous with Jesus, except the New Testament historians, who wrote of Him. They knew Josephus did, but they suggest that since we do not have the original of Josephus, it is probable that his reference to Jesus was added by some early Christians who wanted to propagate this so-called “myth.” Aside from the fact that a person who rejects the historical accounts of the apostles is required by honesty to give logical reasons for rejecting them, if we took this approach, no historical record of anything would have any value. One could not prove that we have a valid Declaration of Independence, for it is possible that someone forged a document and forged the signatures of everyone, including John Hancock, and that the story of the origin of this nation is but a myth. Of course we can prove logically that such a theory would be ridiculous. Anyone with any knowledge of mythology can tell immediately the …

Living the Resurrection

At dawn on a distant Sunday morning, grieving women on their way to visit the grave of Jesus came upon an incredible sight. They found the stone rolled away from the mouth of a deserted tomb. Suddenly, they were confronted by two men in dazzling apparel who asked, “Why do you seek the Living One among the dead? He is not here but is risen” (Luke 24:1-6). He is not here! These words sum up the hope and glory of the Christian faith (1 Peter 1:3, 21). Christianity centers on a blood-stained cross and an empty tomb! The resurrection lies at the very heart of what we believe, practice and live as followers of Christ. Unfortunately, some would-be Christians find the doctrine of the resurrection more of an embarrassment than a cause of celebration. The apostle Paul found this to be true in His day. His proclamation of the resurrection was met with jeers (Acts 17:32), with sneers (Acts 26:24), and with angry fears (Acts 23:9). It is still so today! In Britain, the Anglican Church was recently plunged into controversy by the appointment of a Bishop who openly denies the historical truth of Christ’s resurrection. In America, the “Jesus Seminar” has expended a great deal of effort and ingenuity to show that the resurrection could not actually have happened. A seminary professor voiced the doubts of many when he said, “I no longer believe it is possible to take the resurrection myth seriously.” However, we must take the resurrection seriously if we …

Does God Change?

Anyone who has been around for a few decades can attest to the changing attitudes of people when it comes to morals, but especially when it comes to young people today. Of those 18 to 34 years of age, 74% approve of same sex relationships, 71% of having children outside a marriage relationship, 48% of abortion, 46% of doctor assisted suicide, 68% of divorce as acceptable and 49% of pornography being okay (https://www.gallup.com/poll/162881/older-americans-moral-attitudes-changing.aspx). Changes in attitudes are nothing new from one generation to the next. It would seem each generation likes to push the envelope beyond that of the one just past. There is always pressure to conform to the standards of the world. Does this, however, justify changing? We could also mention changes taking place in the church as well. Activities of the world have become more important to some than assembling to worship God, to attend Bible class, to fellowship and to read the Bible daily, and the list goes on. Are these positive changes that should be embraced? In considering all this, aren’t we glad our God doesn’t change? “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). God is not swayed by the whims of society. He watches over creation consistently. We don’t have to worry whether gravity will be active from day to day, or if a flood will destroy the world or if …

God’s View of Marriage

Marriage was designed by God to fulfill a basic need of man, companionship. The first five days of creation repeatedly have God observing his work and noting “it was good” (Genesis 1:9, 12, 18, 21, 25). The Almighty made man on the sixth day and noted, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Genesis 2:18). The Creator brought every animal that He made to Adam to be named (Genesis 2:19-20). “The relation of man to the animals of the field would not fill this loneliness of man. Adam knew this from his naming of the animals” (William E. Woodson, Writings and Notes). God’s revealing to man of the special creation who was to serve as his companion for life brought forth a wonderful statement from the man. “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Moses’ inspired addition seems fully appropriate. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:23-24). Jesus’ most thorough teaching about marriage arose because of the Pharisees’ question, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” (Matthew 19:3). The Lord thought the answer was implicit in Moses’ account of the creation of man and woman. “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male …

“I Beseech Thee”

Throughout God’s Holy Word, the word “beseech” is used many times. In fact, there are some 64 occurrences of this word in the KJV Bible. The word is sometimes translated from a compound verb that means to “call to one’s side.” It carries with it the idea of an admonition or a serious entreating. It is as if the writer is coming to another’s side to plead and beg for a response. The apostle Paul used this phrase many times throughout his inspired letters. He loved his brethren (2 Corinthians 2:4), and Paul wanted them to heed God’s admonitions to grow and become stronger in their spiritual walk. Let’s consider three of those occasions. Firstly, Paul beseeched the brethren to serve. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). Although people can do a multitude of things with their lives, everything pales in comparison to serving the living God. Paul would also remind the brethren at Corinth that even their very bodies belonged to God and should be used in service to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-21). He later exhorted the same brethren to “be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” Still today, Paul, through the inspired text, continues to beseech men to be busy serving. Secondly, Paul beseeched the brethren to segregate. When we think of Christianity, we often think of unity. While among faithful brethren …

Soul Conscious

“Male pattern blindness” is a phrase that I have heard on occasion being muttered by some woman, maybe even my wife, regarding men and perhaps me in particular. That expression is likely to occur, for instance, if I were unable to find something in the refrigerator, although whatever for which I was searching was plainly in view. (I tend to think, however, if there is such a thing as “male pattern blindness,” there must also exist sometimes “female pattern blindness.”) Someone else might utter another idiom when something obviously visible cannot be discovered, such as, “If it were a snake, it would’ve bitten you!” All of us, I suppose, on occasion are oblivious to what should be obvious to us. Most of the time, though, our “blindness” when trying to locate something is relatively unimportant and pertains to mundane matters associated with daily life. Yet, it is a serious human failing when we appear to be blinded to spiritual matters, which pertain to one’s eternal life. It is alarming when the children of God seem to have little concern for their own spiritual wellbeing and even less interest in the spiritual welfare of other people. The priority of seeking spiritual pursuits ahead of material needs was clearly stated by our Lord Jesus Christ. “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these …