Heeding God’s Warnings

“Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me” (Ezekiel 3:17). God had placed the great prophet Ezekiel as a “watchman” so that Israel would hear and heed the warnings that God had sent to it. Ezekiel was to herald God’s warnings faithfully to caution Israel about the serious situation that existed if the Israelites failed to heed. God’s warnings are serious indeed! The same is true today. God, through His Word, warns us of certain dangers that are ever present as we walk the pathway of faith. To fail to heed these warnings will result in serious eternal consequences! Consider a few of the serious warnings that we must heed in order to gain an eternity with God. Firstly, there is the warning regarding self. Honest self-evaluation is a daily Christian discipline (2 Corinthians 13:5). Paul reminded Christians in Rome to examine carefully, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). There is always the human tendency to be self-deceived. We can think dangerously of ourselves as more righteous than others (Luke 18:11-12), while beams are protruding from our very eyes (Luke 6:42). Jesus strongly warned, “Take heed to yourselves…” (Luke 17:3a). While it is often …

Baptism

The late David Lipscomb is attributed with saying, “There is no more propriety in calling baptism the work of the man baptized than there is in calling the burial the work of the person buried.” Stop and think about that analogy for a moment. The dead neither dig the hole in which they are buried nor do they shovel the dirt into the hole upon themselves. Someone else besides the dead is responsible for the activity associated with the burial. Yes, Christian baptism resembles a burial, and it imitates the death, burial, resurrection and walking in newness of life observed in Jesus Christ. Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection. (Romans 6:3-5 NKJV) Just as in the literal, physical burial of the dead, in Christian baptism there are also administrators responsible for bringing about the figurative, spiritual burial of souls who die to sinful lives (Romans 6:6-7). The apostle Paul penned that one such superintendent of Christian baptism is the Holy Spirit. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” (1 Corinthians 12:13). A …

Forget Not All His Benefits

The Psalmist of long ago declared, “Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2). Surely one of the great themes of the Psalms is praise and adoration. I love to study the wonderfully inspired Psalms because each time I do, my heart is filled with a greater desire to thank God and praise His great name. The above Psalm reminds us to “…forget not all his benefits.” The word “benefits” as is used here refers to “that which has been given.” On a daily basis, God “…loadeth us with benefits” (Psalm 68:19). Surely one of the greatest tragedies would be to forget the benefits or blessings that God gives. Hezekiah made that terrible mistake, and God’s wrath was kindled against him for his forgetfulness (2 Chronicles 32:25). Nine lepers that were healed by Jesus forgot to praise and thank the Master as well, and Jesus took note (Luke 17:15-18). Our lives are truly loaded with daily benefits! Consider with me just a few… Firstly, there is the daily benefit of help. Life upon earth, at times, can be very difficult. Without help, life can be unbearable. However, we have the guarantee that God’s help is available to the faithful. David, when faced with great trouble, declared, “Behold God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul” (Psalm 54:4). Interestingly, David was writing of a time when the Ziphites betrayed him out to Saul (1 Samuel 23:19; 26:1). David felt as though …

The Spirit of the Lord Spoke by Me

Second Samuel 23:2 reads, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue” (NKJV). This statement asserts “direct and immediate inspiration” and “directly inspired” words (Clarke). The apostle Peter claimed no less “direct and immediate inspiration” and “directly inspired” words for the Old Testament prophets, and by implication for the New Testament prophets as well. “…No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21). In particular, Jesus Christ validated the Holy Spirit inspired prophetic words of David (Matthew 22:41-45; Mark 12:35-37), which includes 2 Samuel 23:2. The apostle Peter also specifically authenticated David as a divinely inspired prophet (Acts 2:25-36). The declaration, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue,” teaches verbal, plenary, divine inspiration for even the original language words that comprise the Bible. The same omnipotence by which God conveyed His Word to humanity is amply competent to preserve it for posterity, too, in the contemporary dialects of mankind today. Not every Bible translation, though, fairly and accurately represents God’s message to humankind. “One’s understanding of inspiration is critical to the understanding of Scripture…” (O’Dell 1), but proper appreciation for divine inspiration is no less important among those who collaborate to render into modern languages the Holy Word of God. On this count, some of the popular translations of the Bible …

Ye Which Are Spiritual

I wonder if sometimes as Christians we often know what to do, but fail to know how to do it. It is one thing to know what we must do, but another thing altogether to know how to accomplish that particular task. In many congregations, restoration of just a few delinquent members would result in empty pews being filled, not to mention the rejoicing that would take place in heaven (Luke 15:7) and the souls saved from eternal death (James 5:19-20)! Paul reminded the churches in Galatia that restoration was essential; he wrote, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). While the mandate is clear, the method is left to one’s discretion. A method that has been proven to work involves three different actions. Firstly, restoration involves supplication. Prayer is such an important element in the art of restoring the erring. How often do you pray by name for the erring? I often imagine just how many souls would be restored if we individually and collectively spent time on our knees on behalf of the wayward. Sadly, very few assemblies are devoted to prayer for the fallen. Jesus knew that Peter was going to fall from grace, and so Luke records the words of our Lord, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…” (Luke 22:32a). In His High Priestly prayer, Jesus further prayed …

Religiously

Today, religion is about the only thing that often is not practiced religiously. The adjective “religiously” in the way under consideration in this article means, “very careful to do something whenever it can or should be done” or “scrupulously and conscientiously faithful.” Synonyms include “fervent” and “zealous” (Merriam-Webster). For instance, people follow sports religiously, but God-given religion is not comprised of athletics (1 Timothy 4:8). While a person may be a fan or a fanatic about something, such as sports, the general public derides religious people who exhibit conviction or what it views as excessive enthusiasm. And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:13-17 NKJV) While one’s devotion to sports or to hobbies meets with widespread approval or at least indifference, evidence of a person’s devotion to the God of the Bible is frowned upon many times by family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances and even by strangers …

Lifting Holy Hands

In Paul’s inspired letter to Timothy, he declared, “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:8). In this one verse we learn a great deal regarding man’s communication to God. Prayer is such an important part of the Christian’s life. Of course, prayer is act of worship. Given the context of 1 Timothy, it appears that Paul was dealing with a mixed assembly of men and women and how each was to conduct himself or herself within the assembly of the church. There are at least three notable things for us to consider. Firstly, we see the plan. “I will therefore that men everywhere…” Interestingly, Paul made it abundantly clear that in a mixed assembly “men” are the ones who are to pray. The word the Holy Spirit chose is not anthropos, which is the generic word for mankind when no gender is specified. However, Paul was specific; he used the word aner, which is gender specific referring to males only. God specifically gave leadership roles in the church and in the home to men. Secondly, we see the posture, “…lifting up holy hands…” This section of the verse has led many well-meaning people to believe things that are simply not true. For example, some have taken this verse to mean that we are to literally lift up our hands while singing. However, this verse has nothing to do with singing at all. The context is prayer. Also, what significance would lifting up our literal hands have …

Enough Evidence to Convict?

If you or I were to go on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict either of us? This is no idle question in many parts of the world, and it may become a reality in some sense even in western countries that characteristically and historically have been at least tolerant of Christianity for hundreds of years. Two Gospel preachers of the churches of Christ were arrested in December 2015 by Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) in its criminal investigation of them for national security crimes. They “were charged with numerous offenses, including waging war against the state, espionage and undermining Sudan’s constitutional system” (McKay). Their fate is now in the hands of a prosecutor for the Attorney General. Essentially, brethren Kuwa Shamal Abu Zumam and Abdulraheem Kodi are being investigated for being Christians and promoters of the Christian faith in the predominantly Muslim nation of Sudan. Christianity is an affront to the Sudan government’s march toward implementation of an entirely Muslim nation under strict Sharia Law. These Christians are particular targets because they have documented and disseminated the brutal and deadly assault upon Christians in Sudan; since leaking such information to the world community may invite international scrutiny, the Sudanese government considers this to be a breach of national security. If convicted, they face the death penalty. This is precisely the import of Revelation 2:10, which reads, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil …

Where to Sit in the Church

Pride can be found in the most saintly of places. Pride and arrogance are not sins just for the heathen, but sadly, they are often common among “religious” folks. Some erroneously look at the church through the eyes of the corporate world with a promotion based mentality. The idea is that the longer I am in the church, the higher I climb in “the corporation.” While that may be true in the business world, it is the exact opposite among the Lord’s disciples. Matthew records an incident (20:20-28) that well illustrates this fact. The incident in our text deals with the age-old problem of “position.” Firstly, consider the people (Matthew 20:20-21). Zebedee’s wife came asking that her two sons be granted positions in the Lord’s kingdom. Of course, these two sons were none other than James and John. Scripture teaches that the kingdom and the church are the same entity (Matthew 16:18-19; Colossians 1:13), so what this mother was asking was for a special place in the church for her two sons. Sadly, like many, she was looking at the church through carnal eyes instead of through spiritual eyes. The church is so often misunderstood by many who should know better. There are no human positions in the Lord’s church! Christ is the Head (Colossians 1:18), and every Christian is equally under that authoritative head. Secondly, consider the prediction (Matthew 20:22-23). The Lord’s response was certainly not what this family was expecting to hear. “…Are ye able to drink of the cup that I …

Butter Knife

Late one night recently, I was rinsing off (pre-washing) a few things in the kitchen sink before placing them in the dishwasher. I don’t like to leave dirty dishes and the like in the kitchen when I retire for the evening and go to bed. I’m like that about a lot of things. Several years ago when working with a congregation and while I was teaching an auditorium class, I used myself as an illustration. I was conveying my daughter’s book about the four basic personality types – their strengths, weaknesses, biblical characters who seemed to have the various personalities and how we ought to make self-improvements. I remember my illustration and the reaction that it drew from one elderly sister in Christ. I said that if my shoes weren’t lined up in the closet before I went to bed that I couldn’t sleep at night; it was somewhat of an exaggeration for the purpose of emphasis, but not far from fact. The old sister belted out from the back of the room, “You’re Weird!” Quite possibly, she and I represented two of those four different personality types. Anyway, in passing empty glasses, plates and tableware through my hands under the water before placing them in the dishwasher, I paused and reflected upon the butter knife that I was holding. It was shiny, metal, solid and real, as one might observe in contrast to disposable utensils or even less tangible items like thoughts or the wind. As physical and concretely …

Walking Humbly with God

“Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:6-8) The problem in Micah’s day is an age old problem that still exists today. Religion had become a matter of external emphasis to the neglect of the internal. Micah was a contemporary with Isaiah, and Isaiah’s analysis of religion was that the people were only offering lip service to God (Isaiah 29:13). Of course, Jesus quoted Isaiah regarding much of the religion of the Lord’s day as well, when He said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8). Genuine religion comes from the inside! God seeks to change the inner man – the mind, the volition and the will. Walking in humility requires sincerity from the heart. What does walking humbly look like? What does it entail? Firstly, consider the meaning of humility. In the Lord’s beatitudes, Jesus placed a blessing on the humble (Matthew 5:3). Humility literally means …

Foundations of Regrets

Often, lives are built on foundations of regrets. I know that my life’s foundation rests on numerous regrets, things that I wish I had done differently or not done at all! After many years of living, one comes to the stark realization that there are no do-overs in life. Frequently, bad choices made and simply the lack of making choices have results that cannot be undone. Few of us reflecting upon our youthfulness would not be haunted by some indiscretions for which we are now sorry (i.e., actions, words, attitudes, etc.). What would we as parents at this late date wish that we could do over in childrearing? Do we as married persons wish we had been more attentive and responsive to our respective husbands or wives? Have we regrets regarding the educational track or lack thereof that we pursued? Are there choices of employment and work ethics over which we lament because we acknowledge our personal deficiencies? Have we failed to follow our Lord Jesus Christ faithfully or dutifully? Have we let down our families, either by not caring for them adequately or by defaming them due to ruined reputations? Do we rue today because of the regrets of yesterday? Some things for which we have regrets are more serious with ongoing consequences than other matters which we also regret. For instance, the struggling saint certainly regrets every sin of the past and of the present. More than only regretting sin as was true perhaps of Judas (Matthew 27:3-5 “remorseful” or having regret NKJV), …

The Enemies from Within

In 1871, an American named Heinrich Schliemann began excavating an ancient city in Turkey. To the amazement of many, this retired businessman had discovered the lost city of Troy. Today, you can still see the ruins of its towers and walls, which were 16 feet thick. According to Homer’s Illiad, the Greeks besieged Troy for ten years without success. After the death of the warrior Achilles, many wanted to give up the fight. However, the King of Ithaca came up with a plan to get the Greek army into the city of Troy. He built an immense wooden horse. He had his warriors hide inside the wooden horse. After leaving the horse in front of the gates of Troy, the Greek army sailed away. The Trojans, thinking the Greeks had given up and had left the horse as a gift, brought it inside the gates. That night while the Trojans were sleeping, the Greek ships quietly returned. The soldiers in the horse slipped out and opened the city gates. The Greek army quietly entered the city and started fires throughout. The Trojans awoke to find their city engulfed in flames. As they tried to flee, they were killed by the awaiting Greeks. The story about this Trojan horse has come to represent the subversion of anything from within. This is exactly what is happening in the Lord’s church today! Firstly, there is the Trojan horse of indifference. Christianity in many places has simply become a “social club” experience. A lack of involvement …

Denying the Future Resurrection Is an Old Heresy

Denying the future resurrection is an old heresy. At nearly the very inception of Christianity a false doctrine arose and was promoted among Christians, members of the churches of Christ (Romans 16:16), which denied the future bodily resurrection from the grave. Three times the apostle Paul specifically identified this apostasy and corrected it. The heretical teaching debunked in the first century is no less fallacious today than it was nearly 2,000 years ago. Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:14-18 NKJV) Just like the proponents today of the A.D. 70 Theory (otherwise known as Kingism, Realized or Fulfilled Eschatology), the error that the apostle confronted in the first century claimed that the resurrection was already past. Regarding this false teaching, Paul said about it that (1) it was striving about words to no profit, (2) the teaching ruined those who heard it, (3) those who either taught it or embraced it were not rightly dividing the word of truth and ought …

Voices from Calvary

Outside the city walls of Jerusalem was a small hill in the shape of a skull. It was called Golgotha and had become known as “the place of the skull” (John 19:17). This place influenced human hearts and human history more than all other hills in the world. This particular place was the place where the Romans cruelly and mercilessly crucified their victims. While many crosses were erected before the cross of Jesus, only one cross represented God’s proclamation of hope and salvation to a lost humanity. Interestingly, as we approach Calvary, there are a number of voices that can be heard. Firstly, we hear the voice of the coward. This voice, of course, is none other than Pontius Pilate. Pilate had earlier tried to release Jesus, but he relented to the Jewish mob and said, “…Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him” (John 19:6b). This coward knew that Jesus was innocent and did not deserve to die; however, in spite of the facts, Pilate dramatically and meaninglessly washed his hands claiming, “…I am innocent of the blood of this just person…” (Matthew 27:24b). Although Pilate tried to deny his part in this brutal killing, his voice still echoes from Calvary, “…See you to it” (Matthew 27:24). Secondly, we hear the voice of the culpable. This is the boisterous voice of the Sanhedrin who spoke officially for the nation of Israel. Earlier in our Lord’s ministry, the Pharisees and Sadducees began attacking Jesus. The Sanhedrin used …

Where Is My Mission?

Where is my mission? As a Christian, where is my mission (Matthew 5:16)? Is it afar somewhere (Mark 16:15,16), or is it close by as well (Luke 10:25-37)? As a father, where is my mission (Ephesians 6:4)? As a husband, where is my mission (Ephesians 5:25)? As an evangelist, where is my mission (Acts 20:27)? As important of a consideration, what is my mission? What is my mission as a Christian (Ephesians 5:8)? What is my mission as a father (Deuteronomy 6:7)? What is my mission as a husband (1 Peter 3:7)? What is my mission as an Evangelist (2 Timothy 4:2)? Furthermore, for Whom am I a missionary (Colossians 3:24)? Is it me I am to please (Galatians 1:10), or is there someone else whose favor I desire (John 12:26)? Surely, there is no nobler cause than that of Jesus Christ our Lord (2 Corinthians 12:10)! One’s mission and with whom that mission unfolds revolves around Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5).

Life’s Greatest Joy!

There are many joys in life. Having a home filled with love is certainly a real joy. Falling in love, getting married and having children are reasons for joy as well. Succeeding at a worthwhile endeavor, graduating from school and getting a good job are all joyful things. However, with the above items, joy can be easily lost as well. There is a joy that surpasses all others. That joy is finding God and walking each day with Him. There was a time long ago when God’s people had drifted away from Him. Isaiah was called by God to preach and prophesy in hope of restoring the wayward. Isaiah preached: Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of …

Other Sheep

The task at hand is the consideration of John 10:16, which reads, “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd” (NKJV). Generally, both denominational commentators as well as members of the churches of Christ correctly conclude that our Lord Jesus Christ was speaking to Jews and referring to non-Jews or the Gentiles as the “other sheep.” However, some denominational people and even perhaps some non-biblically-minded members of the Lord’s church twist Scripture (2 Peter 3:16) to erroneously teach that the “other sheep” include denominational churches. Some even more progressive than that have little difficulty including world religions such as Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism among the “other sheep.” Anyone who affirms that the “other sheep” about whom Jesus spoke would include denominations or world religions besides Christianity is exercising himself in eisegesis rather than in exegesis of Scripture. Those of that type are more proficient in putting into the biblical text what is not there rather than extracting meaning from the Sacred Holy Writ that the Holy Spirit caused human penman to write. Speaking of exegesis or exposition, let’s take a closer look at John 10:16. This verse appears in the context of Jesus the Good Shepherd (John 10:7-18). Focusing on verse 16, we want to look briefly at some of the primary words in it. The word “other” from the Greek allos appears in Galatians 1:6 where it is contrasted with a different word for “other” or …

Changing the Future

What can possibly change the future? Americans are hearing a lot these days about change. Each presidential candidate promises positive change for America. What can really change the future? There is a group of individuals that week after week in congregations all over this world who are surely changing the future of our world in a very positive way. Who are these individuals? They are Bible class teachers! These, who without laud and noisy fanfare, continually prepare to teach and to share God’s Word. What is involved in becoming a faithful Bible class teacher? Firstly, there is the consideration to teach. Before an individual steps foot into a classroom to teach God’s Word, he or she must seriously consider the warning, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1). The word “masters” here refers to an instructor or a teacher. James was certainly not discouraging teachers, but rather he was reminding those who would teach that there is great responsibility attached to the teaching of Holy Writ. Bible teachers deal with eternity, and as such, in a very real way, they hold the future of the souls that they teach. Secondly, there is the command to teach. God’s directive is clear, “…teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19b-20a). Just think of the thousands of “nameless” individuals each week …

The Miserable Experiment

Almighty God created the angelic host (Genesis 2:1; Isaiah 45:12; Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16), and many of them rebelled against their Creator (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:9). Consequently, it might seem that creating angels was a miserable experiment. The Godhead created mankind (Genesis 1:26-27), and the first couple (Genesis 3:6), as well as the balance of humankind after them (Romans 3:10, 23), transgressed divine instructions provided to them. In such a condition, mortals were not suitable to be in the presence of a Holy God (Genesis 3:23-24; Isaiah 59:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 1:9). Creating mankind, then, also appears to have been a miserable experiment. Subsequently in the course of punishing wayward humanity, God on more than one occasion modified the created universe into which He had placed mankind (Genesis 3:15-19; 7:11-12, 20-23; 11:1-9). All that God had created, which He had styled as “good” (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25) and “very good” (Genesis 1:31), became less than what it had been. The universe and every component part within it is winding down and slowly deteriorating. Even the created world and everything else that God made from nothing (Hebrews 11:3) appear to be specimens of a miserable experiment. When God endowed angels and mankind with freewill, He gave to them the capacity to make choices for themselves (Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21). Unfortunately, some of the angels chose to defy God. Regrettably, every human who has attained the ability to discern between right and wrong, likewise, has chosen at …

What Hinders Me from Being Baptized?

Without doubt, the baptism of the Great Commission (Mark 16:16) transforms one from being a child of the Devil (Colossians 1:13; 2:12) into being a disciple of Christ (Matthew 28:19) and to being one who has been added to the church by Jesus Christ Himself (Acts 2:38, 41, 47). Biblical baptism is the point at which one gets into Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:27) and the point at which one receives the remission of sins or is saved (1 Peter 3:20-21) from past sins (Romans 3:25). Naturally, then, evangelism has as its rudimentary goal leading souls into the watery grave of baptism (Romans 6:3-5). How, though, ought Christians to approach unsaved souls with the intention of leading them to obey the Gospel, since not obeying the Gospel consigns people to an eternity isolated from God in hell (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 1 Peter 4:17)? The temptation is to use all means to coax as many persons as possible into submitting to baptism. The temptation is to focus on numbers at the expense of actually converting people to Christ, whereupon if they were truly converted He could really add them to His church. “Everyone who is baptized today will receive a new Bible!” “In order to receive medical treatment today, you must have a Bible study with us.” “We are distributing clothes and eyeglasses at the Sunday assembly.” Time and time again, these and similar enticements in foreign fields have resulted in hundreds to thousands of people agreeing to be “baptized.” Yet, time and time again, after …

Unholy Spirit

The phrase “wine and spirits” refers to alcoholic drinks. In that regard, a dictionary definition of “spirits” is “a strong distilled alcoholic liquor,” and the British use of the word “spirits” means “alcohol” (Dictionary.com). In consideration, then, of Ephesians 5:18, there appears in Scripture a contrast between an unholy spirit and the Holy Spirit. Notice various translations of Ephesians 5:18 so that we can grasp the effect of consuming alcohol in contrast to being filled with the Spirit. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (KJV). “And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit” (ASV). “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (NIV). “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (ESV). The words “drunk” and “drunkenness” in both Greek and English have the same definition of “intoxication.” Therefore, Ephesians 5:18 says, “be not intoxicated…” Especially Christians, then, ought to refrain from being filled with spirits and rather opt to be filled with the Spirit. The contrast represents polar opposites with no middle ground. On one hand, consumption of alcohol or spirits is debauchery and leads to more debauchery. On the other hand, being filled with the Spirit is an admirable pursuit, distinctly different from the unholy spirits associated with alcoholic consumption. Medically or physiologically, too, there is no middle ground. The least amount of alcohol introduced into one’s body produces some level of …

Prayer Preaching?

Do you really listen to the words when prayer is led publicly? Public prayer is such a unique opportunity coupled with a huge responsibility! Prayer is communication with God Almighty! As such, we must never approach prayer lightly or flippantly. An observation that frightens me is “prayer preaching.” “Prayer preaching” is essentially a public prayer that becomes a sermon geared at the listeners instead of for the Creator. While it is true that those who we are leading in prayer must be considered, those listeners are not the focus of public prayer. Sadly, public prayer is often led by men who have never been trained or taught how to pray. Even those men who traveled daily and knew Jesus intimately needed training in prayer, as did John’s disciples (Luke 11:1). As Christian men, our desire should still be, “Lord teach us to pray…” Consider Matthew 6:9-13 as our Lord did just that. How should we pray? Firstly, prayer involves an invocation. “Our Father which art in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9a). This invocation or summons is very personal and intimate. Prayer is not a casual conversation with a mere acquaintance, but rather it is an intimate conversation with our Heavenly Father. Paul reminded the brethren at Rome that God had sent forth the Spirit of His Son into their hearts and that they could “cry out ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15). “‘Abba’ is an Aramaic term used by a child to address his father. It is less familiar than ‘Daddy,’ but it is more intimate than …

The New Reality!

Inevitably there will come in one’s life what we might call a showstopper, an event that is so overpowering that it can neither be ignored nor set aside. Life as one knows it comes to the proverbial screeching halt. Nothing else can happen or interfere until the showstopper is acknowledged and appropriately addressed. We are talking about a crisis in a person’s life that eclipses every other untoward situation previously experienced. If it hasn’t happened yet in your life, it will. In those prolonged, slow-motion moments, maybe encompassing days, weeks, months or even years, every familiar thing in one’s life is subjected to analysis and to evaluation. This is the time when a person reluctantly facing personal tragedy begins to involuntarily sort out in his or her mind the things in this life that really do not matter from what really matters. Some things are so temporal and fickle that honestly, they never really mattered. On the other hand, it becomes increasingly clear that some things have always mattered, they do matter, they will matter tomorrow, they will matter a hundred years from now, and they will matter eternally. Of course, what has always mattered and what will always matter are things spiritual and eternal in nature in contrast to everything in this physical universe (Matthew 16:26). Especially as one contemplates Judgment (Hebrews 9:27) and the eternal disposition of his or her soul, it becomes obvious that only spiritual things really matter (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12-15). Spiritual awareness and recognition of the …

Not Everything Is a Test of Fellowship

Not everything is a test of fellowship, but some things are, in fact, a test of fellowship. While there are many things in life and in religion that do not matter, there are a number of things, including religious beliefs and practices, that mattered yesterday, matter today, will matter tomorrow and will matter eternally. Hence, mankind must adhere to divine instructions when it involves something that matters in both this life and in eternity. “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 NKJV). Characteristically, humans frequently are given to extremes. Every facet of life demonstrates this (e.g., politics, religion, social organizations, at work, etc.). Some people are too loose with rules and values, while others oppositely are overly strict respecting procedures and beliefs. In the Lord’s church, even some Christians do not try hard enough to practice biblical instructions, while still other Christians try too hard to implement and enforce religious teaching. Those on the left of biblical center loose God-given teaching, while ultraconservative brethren essentially make rules where God did not make any. The Gospel of Christ is difficult enough to apply to one’s life, and so no one ought to take it upon himself to make it more difficult (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18-19). Regarding members of the church who take a liberal approach to the Scriptures, it is misleading and deceitful for them to presume that they are more studied and more mature in the Christian faith than those with whom …

Three Tears from the Savior’s Eyes

Far too many have grown up with the false idea that “real men don’t cry.” The attitude of some is that shedding tears shows weakness and cowardice. However, nothing could be further from the truth! Tears often show compassion, caring, passion and reality. Jesus was certainly a “real man”! He was not weak in any sense of the word (John 2:13ff), and yet on at least three separate occasions His merciful eyes were filled with tears. On one occasion, Jesus cried over a city. “And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes” (Luke 19:41-42). What broke His heart on this occasion? It certainly involved the fact that although opportunity abounded in the city of Jerusalem regarding salvation, the city wasted its chance. Now the only thing that was left was judgment. Wasted opportunities surely continue to break our Savior’s heart. I wonder how many tears Jesus has shed and continues to shed over cities today. On another occasion, Jesus cried over a comrade. “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept” (John 11:33-35). I have heard many discussions on why Jesus wept on this occasion. While …

Desiring and Striving for Congregational Growth

Immediately and naturally by mentioning congregational growth, one first thinks about physical growth – an increase in the number of persons attending worship assemblies. Yet, there are two types of congregational growth in which Christians ought to be interested – numerical or physical and spiritual. Frankly, though, spiritual growth ought to be prioritized over numerical growth. There is the ever present danger if a congregation’s goal first and foremost is numerical growth that compromises in Christian doctrine will occur in the all-out effort to achieve the objective of numbers. However, spiritual growth is a more worthy first goal than merely numerical growth. Furthermore, having spiritual growth as a congregational goal is less susceptible to doctrinal concessions than striving primarily for numerical growth. Quantity without quality in anything and especially in God’s kingdom is counterproductive. A congregation must grow from the inside out to achieve and sustain true growth with which God is pleased. The local church grows spiritually as each Christian grows spiritually. Spiritual growth, followed by numerical growth, takes time; be patient, but be active in edification and evangelism. This edification (spiritual growth) and evangelism (leading to physical growth) needs to be a matter of a personal as well as a congregational ongoing effort. Successful evangelism begins with Christian homes successfully implanting Christianity especially in the children of the home. A local congregation will be no stronger than the families who comprise it. Consequently, weak, dysfunctional families will result in weak, dysfunctional and ineffective local churches – and by extension, the church throughout a nation and across the globe. Contrariwise, strong Christian families will …

Blessed Hope

How futile life would be without real hope! Hope is cause for joy (Romans 15:13)! Little wonder then why many in our world lack joy. Sadly, far too many people live day by day not ever discovering real hope. Real hope, in contrast to false hope, is anticipation, a surety. It is not a “wish” or “guess,” but rather it is a sure guarantee. According to God’s Word, real hope involves at least three concepts. Firstly, real hope involves a condition. Hope can be lost by a person walking away from the truth of God’s Word. “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel…” (Colossians 1:23a). The conditional “if” is a serious part of lasting hope. My eternal hope depends upon my everyday obedience. If a person decides to walk away from hope, hope is gone until that person decides to come back. Thankfully, God is always waiting for the apostate’s return (Luke 15:11ff). Secondly, real hope involves an expectation. Far too many Christians face each day as though they “may have hope” or they “wish they had hope.” However, real biblical hope is not a wish or a guess, but it is a promise! What kind of life would the Christina life be if we only guessed or wished for our eternal hope? John promised, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life…” (1 …

The Fragrance of Forgiveness

Mark Twain is given credit for saying, “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the flower leaves on the heel of the one who crushed it.” Paul demanded that this “fragrance” be in the life of every child of God. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiveness, for many, is a real struggle. It is often difficult to forgive those who have wronged us, even if they have repented. When you feel the pain of another’s boot, the last thing you want to do is forgive! How do you put that hurt aside? What does real forgiveness “smell” like? Firstly, the fragrance of forgiveness begins with a demeanor. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted…” How often does forgiveness come with the attached stench of a sour disposition, coupled with cruelty and a self-righteous demeanor? This demeanor is often manifested with phrases like, “I forgive you, but don’t let it happen again” or “I shouldn’t, but I will forgive you this time.” Those kinds of attitudes are certainly anything but Christ-like. This is the exact attitude the Pharisee seemed to manifest. “…God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican” (Luke 18:11b). Each one of us are included in “all” (Romans 3:23)! Secondly, the fragrance of forgiveness involves a demand, “…forgiving one another…” No matter whether we feel a person deserves it or not, when a …

Pain & Suffering

Cause & Effect Consequences of Sin The Book of Job is the ideal occasion to study the topic of “Pain and Suffering.” The patriarch Job’s extreme suffering occupies 42 chapters of biblical text. He and we, too, want to know the answer to the questions: (1) “Why do good people often suffer despite their righteousness?” (2) “Why do bad people often prosper despite their sins?” The short answer is, “Satan is behind pain and suffering.” Satan certainly was responsible for the pain and suffering experienced by poor Job, and at least indirectly, Satan is equally responsible for pain and suffering today as well. Pain and suffering came into the world as the cause and effect of sin entering the world. Satan, in the guise of a talking snake, persuaded mother Eve to violate God’s instructions in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9). Subsequently, Adam also sinned. As consequences of sin, mankind was expelled from the Garden, women experience labor pains, death was initiated and the earth was modified from what it had been in creation. God cursed the ground with “thorns and thistles,” which necessitated hard work and sweat to produce crops. As the centuries passed, humankind continued to sin greatly. Finally, man’s sins reached the breaking point, whereupon God could no longer tolerate it. Except for Noah and his family—eight souls in all (1 Peter 3:20), God destroyed all other humans with a universal flood (Genesis 6). The means by which God implemented the great deluge …

Worship that Really Matters

For faithful, devoted children of God, worship is certainly the highlight of each week. It is a blessed privilege and honor to bow before “the Great I Am.” Jesus placed worship as a high priority (Luke 4:16). Sadly, far too often worship has been decreased to merely a “ritual” or an empty routine (Matthew 15:7-8). God is the Audience in worship, and as such, He not only deserves, but He demands our full attention and devotion. How tragic when individuals fail to really worship the God of heaven. Many professing Christians merely go through a series of “rehearsed actions” only to walk away without ever biblically worshipping. Jesus spoke regarding worship that really matters as He sat by Jacob’s well and conversed with a Samaritan woman; “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Firstly, worship is aimed at the proper person; “God is a Spirit…” What is often passed off as worship in the 21st Century is simply entertaining the attendees. Man has become “center stage,” and he must be dazzled and astonished. We rate the preacher’s performance, the song leader’s abilities and the “feel” of the building that surrounds us. We give the worship a grade, much like we would grade a movie at the “big screen.” All the while, we miss the scriptural fact that God is center stage; it is He that we must aim to please and not ourselves! Secondly, worship involves participants; “…and they that worship him…” …

Blest Be the Tie that Binds

In 1772, John Fawcett penned the words to the Christian hymn, “Blest Be the Tie that Binds.” The first stanza reads, “Blest be the tie that binds, Our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds, Is like to that above.” All of the words in the spiritual song are appropriate, but we want to dwell for a few paragraphs on the ideas put forth in the first stanza. We begin by posing a question. Since the churches of Christ (i.e., the church of God, 1 Corinthians 1:2; the New Testament church) have neither earthly headquarters nor centralized church government, just what are the ties that bind together individual Christians and the congregations of which they are members? What binds together into a worldwide fellowship barefoot Christians wearing cultural costumes that date back thousands of years with finely dressed Christians in contemporary western garb on the distant shores of other continents? First, Christians everywhere voluntarily bow down (Romans 14:11) humbly in obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9) to Jesus Christ. He has “all authority…in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Further, our Lord is the Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23) and Head of the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18). Christians of every nation (Matthew 28:19; Revelation 5:9), of every complexion and from diverse cultures scattered all over the world are bound together in one universal church under Jesus Christ Who is the Head of that church, which He built as He promised that He would (Matthew 16:18-19). Secondly, Christians throughout the …

Sing a Little Louder

During the horrific events of the Nazi Holocaust, a German Christian remembers a train that passed by his church, and as it did, the churchgoers could hear the people and their cries for help—cries that to this day still haunt the man. The church soon realized that if they just sang a little louder they could drown out the cries of distress. Sadly, this cover up is still going on today. Many Christians are simply singing a little louder in an attempt to drown out the cries of God’s people who are leaving the simple pattern for the church and her work. In fact, far too many congregations are digressing from the model God gave in His Book. Consider some of the areas of digression. Firstly, the pattern is left when it comes to glorifying. In many places, man has stolen the glory that so rightfully belongs to Almighty God. Paul penned, “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21). In this one passage alone we see the person – “Unto him…” which obviously refers to the Godhead (cf. Ephesians 3:1-20). No person is worthy of glory! God deserves each and every ounce of glory and adoration! However, when we name extra religious organizations after mankind, we are robbing God. Secondly, we see the practice – “…glory…” which refers to praise, homage and worship. Far too often, we are enamored with man instead of with God. Only God is worthy of praise and worship …

Left Behind

The real left behind are not the supposed post-premillennial rapture refuse of ungodly souls per that anti-biblical and unscriptural manmade, denominational doctrine that has been and continues to be so popular with the majority of the religious crowd in Christendom. The real left behind are the survivors whose parents, children, spouses, other family members or friends have passed away. “We who are alive and remain” (1 Thessalonians 4:15) have been left behind, and we grieve. The severity of our grief varies from person to person, differs respecting who it is that left us behind (e.g., acquaintance, friend, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle, spouse, child, etc.) and fluctuates in keeping with the depth of the relationship we enjoyed with the deceased (i.e., the closer the relationship and the more love exchanged). In any case, we grieve because we have been left behind by our loved ones. We who have been left behind find ourselves overwhelmed with a myriad of often simultaneous and involuntary feelings. There is that biting, overshadowing umbrella of loneliness and a sense of abandonment. At the same time, there is the stifling and stuffy delirium of sadness and depression that leads us to throw away formerly held human and earthly aspirations as though there is little left for which to live and no expectation of ever enjoying anything again or even any longer maintaining a longing for life. Life, death and eternity become the only realities. An embarrassing spontaneous bitterness arises, really with no one or anything toward which to direct it, though some mourners fashion the …

Every Light in the Meetinghouse Is On

In 1996, song writer Kent Robbins along with country music artist Trace Adkins released an amazing hit titled, “Every Light in the House Is On.” While it is the case that I rarely endorse secular music, often the lyrics to certain songs “hit” me and cause me to think. A brief understanding of the lyrics will introduce this article. The song’s message is essentially this: A man’s wife decided to leave the relationship for “greener” pastures. Obviously, the husband was heart-broken. As such, he illuminated the house and property as a welcoming gesture to the wife. If she ever decided to come back home, she would be easily able to find the house where love once thrived. Although at first glance this gesture seems wonderful, my thought is this; if the husband really loved the wife would he not leave the illuminated house and search for her and try to “restore” her back? As I contemplated this thought, I wondered, is this not the same mentality that we sometimes have regarding those who have left the “house of God” (1 Timothy 3:15) for the world? Consider… The Possibility It is a real possibility for those who were once faithful to become unfaithful. The false doctrine of “once saved always saved” or “Perseverance of the Saints” may be pleasing to the ears, but it is condemning to the soul. Over and over God warns that unfaithfulness is always a possibility. Using Israel of old as an example, Paul warned Christians, “Wherefore …

The Church in Prophecy

he only church of which everyone now living desperately needs to be a member is the single church about which one can read in both testaments of the Bible. Especially in the Old Testament, the Bible student can read about the church in prophecy. However, in the New Testament, the same truth seeker finds the fulfillment of those prophecies upon the establishment of the church that Jesus Christ died to establish and over which He alone is the Head. Throughout the centuries preceding the commencement of Christianity, though, God’s plan for mankind’s redemption, and that it involved the church, remained a curious mystery (1 Peter 1:10-12). Yet, the interrelation of God’s scheme for human redemption, the church and Jesus Christ is no longer hidden from earnest pupils of the Holy Scriptures since the New Testament completes divine revelation of the mind of God to mortals. What was formerly a “mystery” is now recognized as the Gospel of Jesus Christ. and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:9-11 NKJV) If the New Testament church is the result of Old Testament prophecies, we should expect to find church prophecies in the Old Testament. God had a plan that involved the church …

Be Ye Holy

Are you holy? Do you desire to be holy? It seems that holiness has become an “undesirable” lifestyle among many who profess Christianity today. In fact, holiness is sometimes looked down upon, evidenced by phrases like, “He thinks he is holier than Thou” or “He thinks he is just Mr. Holy.” While some may disdain holiness, God demands it of His followers! How does one become holy? Obviously, holiness begins at the point of complete obedience to the Gospel. However, many believe that holiness ends there as well. Holiness is the faithful Christian’s life-long pursuit. To scattered and dispersed Christians, God gave the divine recipe for pursuing holiness. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16). Firstly, holiness is pursued by a change in one’s attitude. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” This imagery, “…gird up the loins of your mind…,” would have been common phraseology to first century saints. The picture here is that of a …

Forgiveness, Justification & Sanctification

Forgiveness “Redemption” and “forgiveness” are synonyms. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14). “Forgiveness” means “pardon” (Biblesoft’s). Mortals must have a willingness to forgive their fellow men, or else God will not forgive those who are unwilling to forgive (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:35). An unwillingness to forgive others will render one’s prayers void (Mark 11:25-26). However, preceding forgiveness, sinners must repent. “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him” (Luke 17:3-4). We cannot truly forgive those who because of their impenitence God has not forgiven, but we must be willing to forgive. Those who have repented and have been forgiven by God, the child of God must forgive likewise. “This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him” (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). Christians must be forgiving of one another as well (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). Consequently, when we also repent of our sins, God will forgive us of our …

An Age-Old Problem!

During the days of Hosea, an age-old problem plagued the people, and it continues to loom still over the church and the land today! “Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1). Knowledge is priceless! The Word of God places special emphasis on knowledge. “Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold” (Proverbs 8:10). “…fools hate knowledge” (Proverbs 1:22b), but “Wise men lay up knowledge…” (Proverbs 10:14a; cf. Proverbs 1:5). God intended for knowledge to play a crucial role in the lives of His people. We are to abound in knowledge (2 Corinthians 8:7) and to “grow in knowledge” (2 Peter 3:18). Knowledge is one of the necessary “Christian graces” that must abound in our daily lives (2 Peter 1:5-9). God placed such a premium on knowledge that He told Israel of old He “desired knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). Knowledge is priceless! The Condition If one doubts that the lack of knowledge is an age-old problem that still exists today, conduct a survey in the local congregation where you attend. Ask such questions as: “Can you prove on what day the church was established?”; “Who was the first Gentile convert, and where is the account found in Scripture?”; “Who accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey?” Possibly even sadder still is to …

King Jesus

That the words “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You’” (Psalms 2:6-7 NKJV) refer to Jesus Christ there can be no doubt since by inspiration the apostle Peter made that connection and the inspired penman Luke recorded it (Acts 13:33; cf. Hebrews 1:5; 5:5). Hence, Jesus Christ was prophesied to be King (Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 6:1-3; 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Daniel 7:13-14). He is called “the LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory” (Psalm 24:10). Gentiles and Jews alike were aware of King Jesus coming to earth (Matthew 2:2). Jesus of Nazareth declared Himself to be that prophesied King (Matthew 21:5; 27:11; John 12:15; 18:36-37). Spiritually minded souls have always acknowledged the rightful place of King Jesus in their lives. “Nathanael answered and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’” (John 1:49; cf. 12:13). Jesus Christ is presently reigning as King, and He will continue in that role until the end of time (1 Corinthians 15:23-28). The apostle Paul attributed to Jesus the position of being “the King of kings” (1 Timothy 6:15); the apostle John did likewise (Revelation 1:5; 19:16). No earthly ruler surpasses Jesus Christ in authority (Matthew 28:18)! Anyone in any age who possessed reverence for God exhibited an irrepressible compulsion to speak only in accordance with the revealed divine will. “And Balaam said to Balak, ‘Look, I have …

Change Your Name or Change Your Conduct!

Alexander the Great, one of the greatest military generals, conquered almost the entire known world with his vast army. One night during a campaign, he couldn’t sleep and left his tent to walk around the campground. As he was walking, he came across a soldier asleep on guard duty, a serious offense. The penalty for falling asleep on guard duty was, in some cases, instant death. The soldier began to wake up as Alexander the Great approached him. Recognizing who was standing in front of him, the young man feared for his life. “Do you know what the penalty is for falling asleep on guard duty?” Alexander the Great asked the soldier. “Yes, sir,” the soldier responded in a quivering voice. “Soldier, what’s your name?” demanded Alexander the Great. “Alexander, sir.” Alexander the Great repeated the question: “What is your name?” “My name is Alexander, sir,” the soldier repeated. A third time and more loudly Alexander the Great asked, “What is your name?” A third time the soldier meekly said, “My name is Alexander, sir.” Alexander the Great then looked the young soldier straight in the eye. “Soldier,” he said with intensity, “either change your name or change your conduct!” The faith a Christian professes with his or her mouth must harmonize with his or her daily conduct! Inspiration said it best, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and …

Conversion Examples

The New Testament governs everyone now living. All of the Old Testament was replaced with the New Testament (Romans 7:6-7; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14). The prophet Jeremiah had prophesied hundreds of years earlier that this would occur (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:6-13). The theme of the Book of Hebrews was to establish in the minds of Jewish Christians that they had made the correct choice to no longer practice Judaism but rather to embrace Christianity. In addition, the apostle Paul cautioned Christians through his epistle to churches throughout Galatia not to return to Judaism (Galatians 2:16, 21; 5:4; cf. Acts 13:39; Romans 3:20). Therefore, one needs to turn to the New Testament rather than to the Old Testament to reflect on examples of conversion that apply to mankind today. However, the Gospel records and the first chapter of the Book of Acts bridge the two testaments, and the people then living, including our Lord Jesus Christ, lived under the Old Testament. The church of our Lord did not come into existence until Acts 2. The Gospel records and the entire Old Testament were preparatory and pointed in the direction of Christianity. Hence, in our search for examples of conversion that apply today, we need to examine the New Testament from Acts 2 onward. The first occasion of a conversion relative to Christianity appears in Acts 2. The thief on the cross, for instance, lived and died under Judaism before the church began (Acts 2:47), and so, he has no bearing on conversions that …

I Am Saved Because…

Which statement is biblically correct: “I am saved because I feel good” or “I feel good because I am saved”? Notice that all of the same words appear in both expressions, but there is a significant difference in their meanings. More importantly, the variation between them can affect where a soul spends his or her eternity. Therefore, it is extremely important for you and me to distinguish between these approaches to salvation as we make preparation to meet God at the end of time (Amos 4:12). Doubtless, the first statement is widely popular among the majority of people today who claim to be Christians. However, despite its widespread acceptance, is it biblically accurate? Are personal feelings the divine benchmark for determining if one has been saved? If a person feels good, is Almighty God obligated to bestow forgiveness of sins and reserve for him or her a place in heaven above? Do mortals have the standing before the God to obligate Him to save them on their own terms? Or, as created beings, must men and women humbly yield to the mandates of the Creator regarding salvation—and every other directive? Prior to visiting relevant New Testament passages and simply upon reflection of relative questions posed here, common sense alone leans in the direction of discounting one of the statements. It is not reasonable to imagine that the God of all creation must bow Himself to the casual impulses of the creature—man. Proponents of feel-good salvation and subsequent feel-good religion suppose that perhaps the Holy Spirit is responsible for them feeling …

It Really Happened! Who Turned Off the Water?

Some events in everyday life are remarkable and astonishing. Then, consider God’s miraculous interaction with humanity in the past. Some biblical incidents would be unbelievable if it were not for the all-powerful hand of Almighty God in them. The child of God can exclaim regarding numerous such occasions throughout the biblical text, “It really happened!” Despite as much as they stretch one’s imagination, “They really happened!” Who Turned Off the Water? Through the hand of God 40 years earlier, the Israelites had escaped slavery in Egypt after a series of plagues and a stupendous crossing of the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit. Because of a humongous detour circumventing the land of Edom, finally a new generation of Israelites found themselves standing on the east bank of the Jordan River. The Promised Land for which they and their parents had longed for decades since it was promised to them (Exodus 3:8) was only the breadth of a river away. However, between them and their Canaan Land destination was a serious obstacle—the Jordan River. There were no bridges spanning the Jordan River at that time, but there were over 50 well-known shallow spots or fords for crossing it (Joshua 2:7). However, the Jordan River was at flood stage (Joshua 3:15). Therefore, the inhabitants of Canaan did not feel threatened by the millions of Israelites teeming on their borderland—as long as they remained on the far side of the flooded Jordan. Further, the Canaanites saw no need to fortify the …

Relationship Religion

Relationships can be baffling, and there is no more important relationship to understand than one’s relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Of course, relationships with other persons are no less challenging. This includes relationships between fellow Christians and even spouses. Yet, figuring out the nature of one’s relationship with either God or with people is essential on so many levels. Understanding the proper relationship that the Christian ought to have with God is of chief importance, but that can be daunting, especially when it comes to “works.” On one hand, the student of the Bible recognizes that he is not saved by and his eternal redemption does not depend upon meritorious works (Galatians 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 11:6). “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV). On the other hand, there is a real sense in which the children of God under Christianity need to show forth “works” (James 2:14-26) or “fruit” (John 15:1-8). “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:8). Jesus Christ even stated that a determining factor in where a person spends his eternity is based on what he or she does or does not do benevolently toward others (Matthew 25:31-46). Since Christians do not earn their salvation and eternal redemption, how should we harmonize these apparent contradictions or this paradox? A paradox …

Treasures in the Snow

While I am certain not everyone can fully relate to an article with such a title, most parts of America, especially by this time of the year, can relate. Snow means many different things to different people. To the young, snowfall often means a day off from school, as well as jubilant days filled with the building of snowmen and launching “snow balls” at an unsuspecting sibling, or even worse, their parents! To the elderly, snow often is associated with treacherous roadways, slippery sidewalks and unseemly bitter temperatures. Interestingly, in 1946, a winter storm was estimated to be worth some $15 per acre due to the value it brought to the land and the summertime crops. While it is true that many look at snow as a burden, nevertheless, contained therein are divine blessings. The patriarch Job was a pious man (Job 1:8). Job was also a patient man (James 5:11). Given the dark valley that Job faced, he began to question God (Job 13:22). As the great book continues, a series of speeches between Job and his three friends ensue. Near the end of the Book of Job, God, who had largely remained silent throughout, began to somewhat chide Job and remind him that Job’s perspective was limited. In the midst of this “reminder,” God profoundly asked, “Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?” (Job 38:22a). “Treasures in the snow”? Really? What treasures could possibly be contained in these frozen white crystals? Firstly, snow teaches us the powerlessness …

Redemption

Redemption Requires a Redeemer “For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth” (Job 19:25). Once prosperous from every consideration, then destitute of this world’s goods and even of his health, yet Job maintained the hope of a heavenly hereafter that sufficiently overshadowed every present distress. Job demonstrated confidence in the Lord to whom he gladly trusted his eternity. Job earnestly desired that the consolation with which he was comforted based on this hope would be realized by many others as well. Job’s hope and confidence was three-fold: (1) Job was confident that the Redeemer lives; (2) he also fully expected that the Messiah would someday appear to rescue his and other souls; and, (3) Job was hopeful and confident regarding the general resurrection in which he would participate. These reflections encouraged Job in the face of his severe adversity and served as the basis of his hope. Likewise, contemporary children of God who find themselves greatly afflicted or facing death can appropriate to themselves consolations through the same hope. Certainly, for the rest of us who are relatively free from great trials, we can also through this hope known to Job find sufficient strength to satisfactorily cope with daily difficulties. The Redeemer of whom Job spoke is the Christ (i.e., Savior, Christ, Messiah), whose function and certain ministry on earth was first intimated in Genesis 3:15. That our Redeemer lives is the foundation of all our hope; if our God were dead …

Ascension of Jesus Christ

Comparatively speaking, the Bible treats the Ascension of Christ less often in its pages than several other Christian doctrines. Yet, many biblical passages are more or less dependent upon and imply the Ascension of Christ. Irrespective of the amount of space dedicated to the Ascension of our Lord in the Bible, it is a crucial and cardinal doctrine of Christianity. For instance, the Ascension of Jesus Christ enabled Him to act as Intercessor (Romans 8:34), Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) and Advocate (1 John 2:1) for Christians before Almighty God. In addition, note: “The spiritual value of the Ascension lies, not in Christ’s physical remoteness, but in His spiritual nearness. He is free from earthly limitations, and His life above is the promise and guarantee of ours” (ISBE). The Ascension Defined The Ascension of Jesus Christ is “…his visible passing from earth to heaven in the presence of his disciples, on the Mount of Olives, forty days after the resurrection…” (McClintock and Strong). Three accounts of the occurrence of the Ascension appear in the New Testament. “So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19 NKJV). “And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven” (Luke 24:50-51). Now when He had spoken these things, while …

Giving Thanks to God

In 1 Chronicles 29:10-15, King David thanked the Lord for all the blessings of life. He led Israel in a prayer of thanksgiving as they prepared to build the Temple and appoint Solomon as their new King. Verse 13 in that passage reads, “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” David’s prayer teaches us about the importance of thanksgiving! Thus, for what am I thankful? I am thankful for the blessed hope (v. 13). Blessed Hope equals “prosperous expectation.” It’s the Christian’s absolute certainty of future good. “Faith accepts, hope expects; faith appropriates, hope anticipates; faith receives, hope realizes; faith is always and only concerned with the past and present, hope is always and only concerned with the future.” The “blessed hope,” then, for which the Christian is looking is not an event, but a Person: Christ himself. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness,” wrote Edward Mote. The return of our Lord is the great incentive for a pure and devoted life of service. Thus, God’s Grace strengthens the blessed hope: past, present and future. Past: God’s grace redeems us (v. 11); it brings salvation to all who will receive its wonderful and marvelous blessings. Present: God’s grace reforms us (v. 12); it is instructional in nature – teaching both denial (“leaving”) and determination (“living”). Future: God’s grace rewards us (v. 13); it is a reward from the Great (“megas”) God and Savior (i.e., rescuer, deliverer, preserver). I am thankful for the blood of Christ …

Jesus, the Good Master!

The Rich Young Ruler, whatever the reason, addressed Jesus with this profound truth, “Good Master” (Luke 18:18; Matthew 19:16). As the second person of the Godhead, Jesus is inherently good. As a teacher of righteousness, He was preeminently good. The biblical record declares that Jesus “went about doing good ”(Acts 10:38). Our Lord Himself declared, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:14). Master (“didaskalos”) means, “teacher.” Question: Is Jesus the Good Master of my life? Does He master my attitude, actions and abilities? Does He master my time, talents and treasures? Does He master my heart, mind and soul? Jesus is the Master Teacher (John 3:2; Matthew 19:16; 22:16-24). “Teacher” is found 29 times in the gospels, 90 times in its noun (teacher) and verb (teach) forms in the New Testament. Jesus taught in such a way that astonished those who heard Him. The reason being, Jesus taught with authority lacking in the other teachers in His day, who often only quoted other Rabbis. Jesus spoke with inherent authority – the authority of God’s revealed Word (Matthew 7:28-29). Therefore, the character, conduct and charisma of Jesus was manifested in that He practiced what He preached, He taught with authority, and He cared enough to sacrifice Himself for the world. Thus, multitudes flocked to His side and hung on every word that He spoke (i.e., “the common people heard him gladly,” Mark 12:37). Jesus is the Master Builder (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). Jesus is building our future home (John 14:1ff), faith home (Matthew 16:18, …

The Greatest of These!

Paul identifies “love” as “the greatest of these” (1 Corinthians 13:13); however, consider other things that are great as found in God’s Holy Word. The greatest handicap: Fear (Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 1:7). Fear paralyzes, whereas faith empowers. Fear imprisons, but hope liberates. Fear weakens, and love strengthens. The greatest day: Today (2 Corinthians 6:2). Life is short, death is sure, sin is the cause, and Christ is the cure! Our life is as brief as a vapor; therefore, seek Christ today! The greatest mistake: Giving Up (Philippians 4:13). When Christ is my strength, I can face tomorrow. Because he lives, all fear is gone! The greatest stumbling block: Ego (Galatians 2:20). Paul said, “…not I, but Christ…” Humility is a good thing! (See James 4:10; 2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 Peter 5:5). The greatest comfort: Heaven (John 14:1-6). Heaven is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Are you prepared? The greatest need: Forgiveness (John 1:29). If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. However, our greatest need was forgiveness, and so God sent us a Savior. The greatest gift: Jesus (2 Corinthians 9:15). God is the greatest Giver; He gives the gift that is …

Jesus’ Great Prayer for Unity!

There are many great prayers recorded in Scripture: Solomon’s prayer (1 Kings 9), Abraham’s prayer (Genesis 18), Moses’ prayer (Exodus 32), Daniel’s prayer (Daniel 9), Paul’s prayer (Romans 10:1; Ephesians 1:15-23) and Jesus’ prayers (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 23:34). Notice some points regarding prayers of our Lord. The Savior Prayed for Himself (17:1-5). His concern for Himself is actually a concern for the glory of the Father. The Savior Prayed for His Disciples (17:6-19). Jesus spoke of His mission among the disciples and their reception of it. The Savior Prayed for His Believers (17:20-26). He prayed for us. “United We Stand” is a powerful theme that has united Americans for decades and beyond. However, Jesus’ prayer for Himself, His disciples and all who would ever believe in Him is a unity far beyond patriotism; it is a unity of eternal magnitude.

The Meaning of the Lord’s Supper

The institution of the Lord’s Supper is found in Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25 and Luke 22:19ff. The Christians of the first century observed it weekly (Acts 20:7). Knowing its significance and observing it properly are most important (1 Corinthians 11:27). The Lord’s Supper is a dedication (1 Corinthians 11:25), “this cup is the new covenant in My blood.” Further, it is a proclamation (1 Corinthians 11:26a), “you proclaim the Lord’s death.” The Lord’s Supper is also an anticipation (1 Corinthians 11:26b), “you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” The inclination to forget is common to everyone (Deuteronomy 6:12; Jeremiah 2:32; 2 Peter 1:13-15). Forgetting is easy; thus, the admonition to remember appears often in Scripture (Ecclesiastes 12:1). God gave us the Lord’s Supper so we would not forget to dedicate (give God one’s all), proclaim (make known the Christ) and anticipate (long for Jesus’ return).

Love’s Four Sweet Companions!

One preacher labeled 1 Corinthians 13:7 as “Love’s four sweet companions.” Four things love is: strong, believing, hopeful and enduring. These four amazing qualities define, determine and designate Christian love. Consider the four Greek words for “love.” “Eros” is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. “Storge” means “affection” in modern Greek; it is natural affection, like that felt by parents for offspring. “Philia” means “friendship” in modern Greek, a dispassionate virtuous love, a concept developed by Aristotle. “Agape” means “love” in modern Greek, such as in the terms, “I love you.” Love Bears All Things (v. 7a) The word “bears” means “to protect… to guard… to shield.” Either way, Paul brings an important truth along with 1 Peter 4:8: “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” Love does what is necessary to help a person. True love is eager to protect a person from harm, ridicule and embarrassment (cf. Genesis 9 – Noah and his sons, Luke 15 – Prodigal’s Father). Love Believes All Things (v. 7b) Love is not suspicious nor quick to misjudge others and is not always ready to believe the worst about another. Never believe a lie, but we never believe evil unless the facts demand it. We choose to believe the best of others. In believing all things, love makes a conscience choice to walk by faith rather than by what is seen. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians …

Thanks Be Unto God

We praise (Hebrews 13:15-16), preach (Romans 8:28) and pray (1 Timothy 2:1) about God’s great giving and goodness. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). For all His goodness we are eternally thankful! What are some of the great blessings and benefits given to us by God for which we should always be thankful? Thank God for His goodness (Romans 2:4). God’s goodness is intended to cause man to repent. Oh, how good God has been to us when we had no goodness, demanding His mercy (2 Corinthians 7:9-11; Acts 17:30-31; 2 Peter 3:9). Thank God for His love (John 3:16). John 3:16 has long been celebrated as a powerful and succinct declaration of the Gospel. Of the 31,373 verses in the Bible, it may be the most popular single verse used in evangelism. Thank God for His gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). If we really understand and appreciate the “indescribable gift” that God has given us, our lives will be saturated with gratitude; we will praise and proclaim His excellencies (1 Peter 2:9-10). Thank God for His blessings (Ephesians 1:3). Paul called for a blessing upon the Father (in the sense of recognizing His glory, honor and goodness), because the Father has already blessed the Christian with every spiritual blessing. Christians should be thankful for physical and spiritual blessings. Thank God for His grace and mercy (Titus 2:11-12). The ancient Greek word for “teaching” has in mind what a parent does for a child. It speaks of the entire training …

Marriage – The
Greatest Human Contract!

The Home is the backbone of society. Marriage is the most basic and influential unit in the world. The importance of marriage must be emphasized because each year there are more than half as many divorces as marriages. Recent statistics caught my attention: 1 of 3 marriages end in divorce, 1 of 50 marriages (where the ceremony is in a church building) end in divorce, 1 of 1105 marriages (who follow the Bible) end in divorce. The biblical pattern for marriage works! Therefore, consider what the Bible has to say about a God ordered marriage. The Nature of Marriage First, marriage is between a biological male and female. Genesis 1:27 says that God created “male and female.” The homosexual lifestyle is a deadly force against godly marriages. Second, marriage involves sexual union. God called it the “one flesh” relationship. This relationship must be saved for marriage and kept within marriage. Premarital sex and extramarital affairs are violations of God’s law (Hebrews 13:4). Third, marriage involves a covenant before God. Malachi 2:14 says, “She is the wife of thy covenant.” The Duration of Marriage First, marriage is a lifelong commitment. The time-honored words of Jesus express God’s desire for longevity in the marriage relationship: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:4). Second, marriage is not eternal. Notice Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:30, “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” The Number of Parties …

Life-Lessons from Job!

The Book of Job is the story of a normal human being who was beset by misfortune and suffering. In James 5:11, he is pointed to as an outstanding example of steadfast faith in the way he handled severe trials. He provides specific life-lessons we can learn about for responding to trials in our lives. First Life-Lesson “Naked I came from my mother’s womb.” All of us come into this world with the same number of possessions – nothing! Second Life-Lesson “Naked I shall return there.” “How much did he leave?” asked one to another at the graveside. “He left it all,” was the reply. Possessions end at the cemetery (Luke 12:16-21; Matthew 19:23-24). Third Life-Lesson “The Lord gave.” The Lord can give because all belongs to Him (Psalm 50:9-12). We must overcome pride’s right hand – selfishness. Do you daily acknowledge God’s gifts to you? Fourth Life-Lesson “The Lord has taken away.” Often our favorite word is “mine.” Only when we truly trust the Lord can we accept that “the Lord has taken away.” We are clay in His hands (Romans 9:20-21). The lump does not question the amount of clay the potter adds. We must not cry out at the carvings done on us. How dare we lift up clay hands to heaven and question His works. We must trust His omniscience. Fifth Life-Lesson “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” We praise Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7) and has given us all good and perfect gifts …

God’s Commandment to Repent!

The doctrine of repentance is taught throughout the New Testament. No one can be regenerated without repentance. Repentance cannot confer salvation or merit it in any way, but it does bring a person to a place where the forgiving grace of God can meet him. So, what does true repentance involve? A Change of Mind(Matthew 21:28-29;Luke 15:17-18; Acts 2:38) Repent (metanoeo) means, “a change of mind.” Repentance involves a change of mind – waking up to reality, seeing things as they really are, and recognizing the error of one’s ways – resulting in a change of action. Godly Sorrow for Sin(Psalm 38:18; Luke10:13; 18:9-14) There is another Greek word (metamelomai) that means to have remorse or regret. Repentance is associated with renewing the mind (Romans 12:2). When you know the truth, then, truth makes you free as you act on it (John 8:32; cf., 2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Confession of Sin(Luke 15:18-21; 18:13;James 5:16; 1 John 1:9) Confession is the acknowledging of sin. It means, “admitting oneself guilty of what one is accused of” (Vine’s 224). A person must humbly admit his or her need for God’s forgiveness and acknowledge one’s sinful actions. If one is not willing to confess sins, the love for this world reigns supreme in that person’s heart (Matthew 13:22). Confession is a command (James 5:16). God promises forgiveness to those who confess their sins (1 John 1:9). Forsaking of Sin(Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7;Matthew 5:29, 30; John 8:11) Repentance includes forsaking old patterns, habits, priorities and all things …

The Theology of Creation

A well-known scientist named Herbert Spencer died in 1903. Spencer said everything that exists, exists in one of these categories: time, force, action, space and matter. Now consider Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning,” that’s time; “God,” that’s force; “created,” that’s action; “the heavens,” that’s space; “and the earth,” that’s matter. All that could be noted about everything that exists is said in the first verse of the Bible. Time “In the beginning.” God Himself was before the beginning: “Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting” (Psalm 93:2). Some are troubled by the questions, “Where did God come from?” and “Who created God?” The answer is found in the definition of God – that God is the uncreated Being, eternal and without beginning or end. Force “God.” This is the ancient Hebrew word “Elohim.” Grammatically, it is a plural word used as if it were singular. The verbs and pronouns used with Elohim should be in the plural, but when Elohim refers to the Lord God, the verbs and pronouns are in the singular. Action “Created.” The word “created” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to call into existence something that previously had no existence.” That Hebrew word is only used of God. Only God can create. He created something out of nothing. We can make things, but we have to have something we can use before we can make anything. God created out of nothing. Space “The heavens.” A typical galaxy contains billions of individual stars; our galaxy alone (the Milky Way) contains 200 billion stars. Our galaxy is shaped …

How to Meet with God!

Worshipers fall into two categories: (1) Those that have a worshipful experience, and (2) Those that simply go through the motions. Worship is not ritual, but experiential. Worship that is spiritual and truth-based will exhilarate the heart and life of the person gathered with those of like precious faith. The Bible teaches us about true and spiritual worship. Let’s look at Isaiah 6. Worship is an act of reverence (v. 1-2). Two extreme aspects of God are: (1) The transcendence of God (i.e., God is above and beyond anything earthly), and (2) The immanence of God (i.e., God is present in every part and moment of the created universe). Isaiah was overcome with God’s transcendence, and thus, worship begins with reverence. Majesty: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up” (v. 1). Greatness: “and the train of His robe filled the temple” (v. 1). Supremacy: “above it stood Seraphim” (v. 2). Holiness: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts” (v. 3). Glory: “the whole earth is full of His glory” (v. 3). Worship is an act of confession (v. 5). There is something about being in the presence of God that makes us aware of our own unworthiness (Luke 5:6-8). Isaiah came to this realization and exclaimed, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of Hosts.” Isaiah recognized that his guilt was genuine and so was the guilt …

Heaven Holds All to Me!

The song “Heaven Holds All to Me” was written by Tillit Sidney Teddlie (1885-1987), a native of Swan, TX. He was baptized into Christ by A.M. Shelton at Golden, Texas in August of 1903, and he composed the song in 1912 on an envelope with a pencil stub, both of which he carried in his helper’s overalls while sitting under a hickory tree on his farm near Golden, north of Tyler, Texas. The Gospel Advocate Company copyrighted the song in 1932. It is probably brother Teddlie’s best-known Gospel song. During his lifetime, Teddlie was not only a songwriter and hymnbook publisher, but also he was a Gospel preacher for the churches of Christ. The Place “Heaven.” Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people (John 14:2). A little girl was taking an evening walk with her father. Wonderingly, she looked up at the stars and exclaimed, “Oh, Daddy, if the wrong side of heaven is so beautiful, what must the right side be!” The Principle “Holds.” We speak of people, places and things that hold our attention. Heaven is the desire of all God’s people, or the desire that all God’s people should have. “They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly” (Hebrews11:16a). Living by faith is much easier when we remember that this world is not our home. Our desire for heaven describes a strong longing. Going to heaven means Christians are finally with their Lord. The Parameter “All.” The desire for heaven is boundless and ever expanding. “All”describes …

First and Foremost!

The word “first” pinpoints priority; it identifies the importance of success and happiness. Remember, success is getting what you want while happiness is wanting what you get. The “first things” in life declare what’s most important. Thus, what are the most important things to a Christian; what’s first? Give God the first hour of each day. Begin each day listening to God (i.e., reading the Bible) and talking to God (i.e., praying to God through Jesus). Prayer and Bible study are irreplaceable. They are not mutually exclusive; they are totally and completely dependent one upon the other. Thus, meditate daily on God’s Word (Psalm 1:2) and pray with priority (1 Timothy 2:1). Give God the first day of each week. Christians honor the day of Jesus’ resurrection: Sunday (John 20:1). We assemble on the “first day of the week” (Acts 20:7) as did the early church. We assemble each Sunday and remember what the Lord has done for us (1 Corinthians 11:24-25); we honor, praise and glorify Him (Revelation 4:11; 5:12). The exhortation we receive from regular and consistent assembling is strengthening (Hebrews 10:24-25). Give God the first portion of your pay. Every blessing, physical or spiritual, is from God (James 1:17). He requires that we live as “faithful stewards” of all He gives us (1 Corinthians 4:2). Proverbs 3:9-10 communicates a powerful principle of priority: “Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” …

God Is Good – All the Time!

I was taught to pray, “God is Great, God is Good!” We sing and pray about it. Paul identified the “goodness of God” as a motivational factor in repentance (Romans 2:4). David said, “For the Lord is good, His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 100:5). What involves God’s Goodness? God Is Infinitely Good Infinity is the term used to describe something that cannot be counted or measured, and God is certainly limitless and immeasurable (2 Chronicles 2:5-6; Psalm 145:3; Jeremiah 23:24). God is good because this is His nature, and He is the standard of moral right. Yet, He also allows evil to exist. He is not the source or promoter of evil; He is the everlasting giver and demonstrator of goodness. His goodness is demonstrated by giving Jesus as the sacrifice for sin (1 Corinthians 5:7). God Is Intrinsically Good Intrinsic is the term used to describe something that is good-in-itself (i.e., good by itself). Thus, intrinsic good is good for its own sake alone; it is not a means to an end. It stands alone as being good, needing no aid or assistance. God’s “goodness” cannot be measured by human standards. It is so perfect and composed of so many numerous and diverse features or facets that it cannot be altered by outside forces. His “goodness” is eternal (Exodus 33:19; 34:5-6; Psalm 27:13; Matthew 19:17). God stands alone in supreme goodness. God Is Instrumentally Good Instrumental is the term used to describe something …

The Wonderful Word of God

The Bible is an amazing book, a living book. It provides information that can be found in no other book. President Ronald Reagan pointed to that Amazing Book and said, “Indeed, it is an indisputable fact that all the complex and horrendous questions confronting us at home and worldwide have their answer in that single book.” Newsweek magazine (Dec. 27, 1982) on its cover wrote about that Amazing Book, “How one book unites us, divides us, and still defines us.” The Bible: Learn it, live it and love it! The Nature of the Bible(2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:9-11; 1 Peter 1:20-21) The attributes that make the Bible a unique book include its Author, authority, accuracy, adequacy, appeal and agenda. It contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as given through prophets of God, and it can help us become like God to the extent we believe, love, obey and follow its teachings. The Scriptures are sufficient to inform the ignorant, to confute the erroneous, to reform the wicked and to guide and direct, support and comfort the godly. The Need for the Bible(1 Peter 1:23-25; James 1:18; John 5:24) The Bible addresses all the needs of the human being. It is essential for life, likeness, liberty, light and labor. It is the single most important book ever written. The Nourishment from the Bible (1 Peter 2:2) The Bible reveals and regulates the development God planned, the diet God provided, the disposition God prescribed and the diadem God promised. Read Matthew 4:4; when Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, He showed that every word that …

Why We Know the Bible is from God!

The origin, accuracy and inerrancy of the Bible must be established before it can benefit the soul. Once established as a Divine message, then the soul can be addressed. Thus, how do we know and on what basis do we say that the Bible is the Word of God? The reasons are important and as follows. First, the Old Testament writers affirmed that they were speaking the Word of God and not the words of men. The phrase “Thus says the Lord” or an equivalent is found more than 2,000 times in the Old Testament (cf. 2 Samuel 23:1-3; Isaiah 8:1, 11; Jeremiah 1:9; 5:14; 7:27; 13:12; Ezekiel 3:4; Micah 5:10; Habakkuk 2:2; etc.). Consequently, the Old Testament speaks from the perspective of divine inspiration. Should we do any less? Secondly, the apostles regarded the whole of Scripture as the infallible Word of God (1 Corinthians 14:37; Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). Notice the word “all” in 2 Timothy 3:16. Second Peter 1:20-21 informs us that the Holy Spirit did not provide an imperfect revelation! In the third place, Jesus without reservation endorsed the Scriptures as the inspired Word of God (Matthew 5:18; John 10:35; 12:48). Jesus taught that the whole of Scripture is inspired. Fourthly, fulfilled predictive prophecy unmistakably demonstrates the authoritativeness of Scripture (Deuteronomy 28:37, 63-65; Isaiah 13:19-22; Jeremiah 46:19-20; 51:37; Ezekiel 29:15; 30:6; Nahum 3:1, 4-6; Zephaniah 2:13-14; Luke 21:24). Fulfilled prophecy is evidence that God is the Author of the …

Paul on Prayer

In a recent Bible class, a verse was quoted from the Book of Philemon. On hearing the verse, my first thought was, “I thought that verse was in a different book.” When I later looked more closely, I found the words from Philemon are found in at least nine of the books of our New Testament written by Paul. What did Paul find so important that he stated it often in his writings to the infant church? What can we learn from these words to help us in the church during the 21st century? The Words Throughout Paul’s writings, he used the words “I thank my God” (Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:3; Philemon 4) or “We give thanks” (Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:2). Other verses also mention “thank God” (2 Thessalonians 1:3) and giving “thanks” (Ephesians 1:16). In each case, Paul was thanking God for fellow Christians and their work or for God’s gifts to those Christians. Obviously, Paul was thanking God through prayer, as we do today. However, in many of the verses where Paul stated that he gave thanks, he emphasized giving that thanks through prayer (Philemon 4; Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Ephesians 1:16). Additionally, several of these verses written by Paul tell the original recipients that he made “mention” of them in prayer. The Reasons Paul’s prayers for the brethren were about more than just thanking God for the existence of fellow Christians. In Romans 1:8, Paul was thankful for the faith of the …

Trying to Level with Myself

This writer is on a mailing list to receive letters of spiritual encouragement since I experienced the most significant loss of my life. In the letter that I received in November of 2014, several questions surrounding the idea, if any earthly desire might be granted what would it be? The statement was made, “Well, today, I am trying to ‘level with myself’ – looking inwardly in a most sane manner.” This is a thought that could resonate with us for the entire year of 2015. That sentence immediately captured my attention. I have been thinking about it since then, and a few thoughts have definitely caused me to actively pursue that inward look. Spiritually, we are either growing or we are rotting; we are either moving forward or slipping backward. There is no such thing as “holding our own” and still being pleasing to God! Being in a holding pattern is great for airplanes – never for God’s people. The call of the prophet Zephaniah was to motivate the nation of Judah to repentance. God told him to tell His people that He would search Jerusalem with lamps, “And punish the men who were settled in complacency, who say in their heart, ‘The LORD will not do good, nor will He do evil’” (Zephaniah 1:12). What were they saying? “God never does anything; He won’t help us; He won’t punish either.” They really needed a reality check! Zephaniah gave them one they would never forget regarding their terrible impending punishment. All facets of our …

The Power of His Resurrection!

Today the resurrection of Jesus Christ often means to Christians nothing more than proof of life after death. It meant that to the early Christians, but it meant much more. The resurrection was the proof that Jesus was the Messiah of God. The Resurrection speaks of a living Savior. The angel said, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:4-5). Had Jesus remained in the grave and returned to dust, there would be no hope of deliverance from sin and death. The Resurrection tells us of the power of God. God’s omnipotence is clearly seen in the resurrection (Romans 1:4). Jesus lives by God’s power (2 Corinthians 13:4). The Resurrection guarantees our redemption. Righteousness and justification are accounted to those who have faith in God (Romans 4:24-25; 5:1, 9). The Resurrection is the foundation for the hope of life beyond the grave. See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 6:14 and 2 Corinthians 4:14. Jesus’ resurrection is the promise of our resurrection. When our loved ones die in the Lord and pass into the invisible universe, there is hope. Christians have the same hope of life beyond death. The Resurrection gives assurance of the judgment. We know that there is a great day coming when God will judge all human beings that have ever lived (Acts 17:30-31). The resurrection gives us that assurance (John 5:21-29). When Jesus died, the disciples fled because there was no sense in risking one’s life in a lost cause. However, at the very depth of despair, they were …

The Transforming Power of the Resurrection! 1 Corinthians 15:17-19

Christianity stands or falls with the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Christianity is merely one religion among many without the literal, physical resurrection of Christ from the dead. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul wrote about the resurrection of Christ. Yet, why is the resurrection so important? First, it proves Jesus’ claims; He is Who He said He is! Secondly, it changes the meaning of our existence. Faith in the resurrection of Christ changes the way we live, think, believe and behave; it gives new meaning to every area of our lives. Thus, what is the significance that the resurrection of Christ has in our lives? The Resurrection Changes the Meaning of Faith! “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!”(1 Corinthians 15:17). Christianity is based upon a historical fact: Jesus Christ died and rose from the grave! Since He conquered death, all claims, teachings, words and deeds are true; most of all, He is who He claimed to be – the Messiah. That changes everything, especially the meaning of faith! Faith is not just a sentimental wish list, a religious whim or “a pie in the sky” superstition. Instead, it is absolutely true, and God’s promises are all authentic! The Resurrection Changes the Meaning of Death! “If Christ be not raised, then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished” (1 Corinthians 15:18). If there is no resurrection, then the dead in Christ are gone forever. However, Christ is risen, and …

What is Right with the Church?

The church is Christ’s body of which He is the Head (Ephesians 1:21-23). It is made up of all baptized believers. “Church” comes from the Greek word “ekklesia,” which means “assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of “church” is not that of a building, but of people. Sometimes people disparage the church and say awful things about it; however, our thoughts and words should reflect respect, honor and appreciation. The church is right, and we must communicate the blessings and benefits of it; therefore, what is right with the church? The Foundation Is Right Everything must have a proper foundation, whether it is a marriage, a building or the church. Jesus built His church upon the foundation of faith (Matthew 16:13-19). The church has the right foundation because Jesus is that foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20-21). The foundation of Jesus is solid as rock (Matthew 7:24-27). The Faith Is Right Doctrine is simply that which we teach. Some teach truth while some teach falsehood. Those who teach falsehood pervert the Word of God. Those who teach truth affirm the Word of God. It is the truth for which we should “earnestly contend” (Jude 3). The church has the right doctrine because Jesus is that doctrine (Acts 8:35)! The Fellowship Is Right Fellowship is the lifeblood of the church (Philippians 1:3-6; Acts 2:42). The early church spent time together in new family relationships in Christ. Over and over came the instructions: suffer together (1 Corinthians 12:26), rejoice together (Romans …

Christ’s Glorious Church

One of the greatest descriptions of the church of Christ is found in Ephesians 5:27 (i.e., “glorious church”). The church is blood-bought, rock-bottomed, Christ-built and hell proof. Thank God for the blood of Christ that purchased the church (Acts 20:28). May we live in such a way to always honor Christ’s Church! Glorious Servant-Leadership (Ephesians 5:23) The word “head” means, “authority” (F.F. Bruce). What kind of authoritarian is Christ? He exercises Headship with a Savior-style, servant-leadership; He leads with sacrificial love. Glorious Savior (Ephesians 5: 23) The greatest act of love known to humanity is the love of God in giving His Son on the Cross! In doing so, Jesus became the Savior of the World (1 John 2:1-2). Thus, His name is above every name in regard to salvation (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only way to be saved (John 14:6). Glorious Submission (Ephesians 5:24) Worldly submission says, “You must submit to me, so here are the things I want you to do for me.” Godly submission says, “You must submit to me, so I am accountable before God for you. I must care for you and serve you.” True submission is agape love in action and it’s needed in the church! Glorious Sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25) Christ, like the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), was sacrificed so the judgment of God might pass over us; however, when Christ was crucified, He became the supreme and final sacrifice for God’s people (Hebrews 9:26). He removed the sin of the world …

The Joy of Faith!

The joy of serving the Lord is unmatched in this world. Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” People, things, worry and circumstances will often rob us of our joy! Paul identified four attitudes in maintaining Christian joy in Philippians: the single mind (1:21); the submissive mind (2:3); the spiritual mind (3:20) and the secure mind (4:7). Biblical joy (John 15:11; 16:24; 1 John 1:4) includes the joy of salvation (Psalm 51:12; Acts 8:39); the joy set before us (Hebrews 12:2; Matthew 5:12); the joy of suffering (Acts 5:41; James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:13, 16) and the joy of faith (Philippians 1:21, 25). Consider what the joy of faith involves. Personal Faith “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” When Saul (Paul) was converted to Christ, he considered it a personal conversion (Acts 9:6). Paul had been personally crucified with the Lord (Galatians 2:20). He knew the Lord personally (2 Timothy 1:12). Our faith must be personal in order to defend the truth (1 Peter 3:15). Only a person with a personal faith can say, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Purposeful Faith “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Like Paul, we must have the right purpose (live for Christ); we cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Too many people are “double-minded” (James 1:8). Christians must focus on seeking first God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Joshua exemplified a purposeful faith, by saying, “As for …

Claim Your Many Blessings

The Mount Morgan gold mine in Queensland, Australia is one of the richest in the world. For many years, though, the original landowners lived in deep poverty on the mountain’s barren surface. Even though the vast wealth was out-of-sight, it was beneath their feet all the time. Similarly, many Christians live the same way. They plod along and struggle through their spiritual lives, laboring every step of the way. They are unaware of the vast riches God has promised them, and therefore, they do not claim them. Not only must we count our many blessing, we must also claim them. Consider the nature of blessings found in Ephesians 1:3. The Source of Blessings “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God is the source of all blessings, both spiritual and physical! James said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). We should have the attitude of certainty and assurance because God’s resources are ours each day and always; He has and continues to bless us. The hymn writer put it this way, “O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory, great things He has done” (Fanny Crosby). The Sphere of Blessings “In heavenly places (i.e., “in the heavenlies”) in Christ.” Since our sphere (domain) of spiritual blessings is in heaven, we are strangers and pilgrims here on earth (1 Peter 2:11). The …

For Our Admonition

As the old adage goes, “Those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it.” Such is true of Bible history as well. In fact, the examples of Israel are recorded in Holy Writ “…for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11b). The people of God during Hosea’s day had left all that was good and right, and they quickly spiraled out of control. Hosea’s message was primarily to the northern kingdom known as Israel. That nation was on the brink of being carried away and spread abroad by the wicked Assyrian army. God was going to use Assyria to defeat Israel because Israel had collapsed morally, spiritually and religiously. Hosea’s message was surely written “for our admonition” today. Israel had collapsed morally. The morality and godly principles that the northern kingdom should have followed were swept away and overtaken by sin and moral depravation. Immorality included adultery (Hosea 7:4), alcohol (Hosea 7:5) and abominable leaders (Hosea 7:6-7; 8:4). So much was this immorality present that God affirmed that the “whole land” had left Him (Hosea 1:2; 4:1-3). Israel stands as a serious reminder, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34)! Israel had collapsed spiritually. Not only was the “world” depraved during Hosea’s time, but even many of them that were God’s children had forsaken Him (Hosea 7:13-16). The people of God had become complacent and slothful regarding their own …

Twelve Inches from God

I recently read an “eye-opening” illustration; it went like this: “A number of years ago a preacher delivered a sermon titled, ‘Twelve inches from God’. In it, the preacher maintained that many religious, ‘churchgoing’ people are indeed just twelve inches from God. You see the distance to which he referred was the approximate distance between the heart and the lips. Many profess a good religion with the lips, but their heart is just not in it.” Of course this eye-opening illustration is exactly to what Jesus was referring when He warned, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it written, this people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6). The difference in just twelve inches is immense! The difference between sin and salvation, humility and hypocrisy, sincerity and shams is found in those twelve little inches. On the surface, “lip religion” may look good, but it lacks the substance that genuine Christianity demands. Those who practice “lip religion” expose their hypocrisy in a variety of ways. They are quick to tell others how to live, but seldom do they follow their own advice. Jesus, referring to the scribes and Pharisees that sit in Moses’ seat, declared, “Therefore, all that they tell you, that observe and do. But do not according to their works, for they say and do not” (Matthew 23:3). They often did good works, but merely to be seen of men. Jesus said that the hypocrites of His day were …

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the core of the Gospel message preached in the first century, and it remains the heart of the Gospel message throughout the New Testament. “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Corinthians 15:14). One simply cannot overemphasize the significance of the resurrection of Christ. Among other considerations, the hope of our resurrection depends upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you” (2 Corinthians 4:14). “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). Why Jesus’ Resurrection Matters The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave, never to return thereto, is a critical aspect of Christianity. Had Jesus Christ not resurrected from the grave, there would have been absolutely no hope for sin-laden, lost humanity! Though Jesus Christ was the Son of God, without His resurrection human hopes would have been forever dashed. Though Jesus Christ was the long prophesied Savior or Messiah, without His resurrection He could have saved no one. Although Jesus Christ shed his precious blood on Calvary’s cross, without the resurrection its purchase price would have been …

Christmas: From God or Man?

Millions of people around the world every year celebrate December 25th as a special religious “holy day” because they believe it marks the date of Christ’s birthday. It may, however, come as a surprise to you to learn that Christmas is a religious observance of wholly human origin. The Bible, which is the source of learning about Christianity, is completely silent concerning any special festivities to commemorate the date of Christ’s birth. The observance of Christmas did not originate in the apostolic age, and thus, it is without divine sanction. As a matter of fact, the word Christmas, which means “Mass of Christ,” does not even once appear anywhere in the Bible. Furthermore, it is not possible to determine in what month, on what date or on which day Jesus was born. The Bible gives two accounts of the birth of Jesus, and they are found in Matthew chapters 1 and 2, and in Luke 2. No mention is made of Christ’s date of birth. We are living in the year of our Lord, A.D. (Anno Domini) and all the time before His birth on earth is known as B.C. (before Christ). All people on earth, therefore, accept and admit advertently or inadvertently when they write a date on any piece of paper or document that almost two thousand years ago Jesus Christ was born on earth. Yet, in what month and on what day or date Christ was born, the Bible is silent. No command is given for Christ’s …

The Stewardship of the Soul

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). God used the pen of the prophet Ezekiel to write the truth regarding the stewardship of the soul of humanity. A steward is a person who takes care of what belongs to another. When we consider ourselves and those around us, we must understand that we are stewards of our own souls and the souls of those we meet. Humanity belongs to God in at least one of two ways. First, every individual belongs to God because He created everyone (Psalm 100:3). Secondly, Christians belong to God in a special way because He purchased us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Thus, in a very real way, God has entrusted every human being with the stewardship of an immortal soul. Consider the truth regarding this trust. Firstly, we must understand the Possessor of the soul. “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine…” (Ezekiel 18:4a). This statement is true of all humanity, Christian or not. The soul of every person is God’s by right of creation (Genesis 1:26; 2:7; Acts 17:25). As such, mankind must understand that although seldom admitting it, people do not “own” themselves, but rather God owns them. Therefore, what I desire to do is not ultimately up to me, but I must be pleasing to the Owner (God) of …

But Cain Worshipped God!

Clearly, Cain worshipped God, but God rejected his worship. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Genesis 4:3-7 NKJV) Apparently, on that occasion and under the period of Patriarchy, God required worshippers to worship Him with animal sacrifices and not with fruits and vegetables. Probably neither Cain nor Abel were aware of the significance of the shed blood of animal sacrifices as types or figures of the shed blood of Christ that would occur about 4,000 years after they lived. It is unlikely that either brother understood why fruits and vegetables were unacceptable for worship, but animal sacrifices were acceptable for worshipping God. “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained …

Better than Medicine

The wise man proclaimed, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). This is God’s ancient divine testimony to the dual treatment of man’s sickness, a merry heart and medicine. God has made the human mind in such a special way that what we think has a powerful influence on how we feel! Bodily health is often affected, either positively or negatively, by the “heart” (mind). “The tune in one’s heart helps to determine the tone of one’s health” (Brownlow 13). The Bible records much about joy, the positive effects of it and how to obtain it. Consider the facts. “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken” (Proverbs 15:13). “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15). God is the continual source of real, lasting joy. That joy lifts, builds and causes the very countenance of man to be healthy (Psalm 43:5). Our “merry heart” is only really merry by means of Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:4)! Why are so many in the world so downtrodden and downcast? Few really know Christ! Consider secondly the formula. Even those who profess to know Christ are far too often sad and despondent. The old adage, “garbage in, garbage out,” certainly applies in the arena of a “merry heart.” Our thoughts affect our feelings. Paul gave a divine formula for lasting joy and …

Baptism Isn’t for Everyone!

Outwardly and disassociated with its true biblical significance, baptism is merely a dip in water or a bath, which at best could only effect a washing of the body. The apostle Peter acknowledged that to the uninformed onlooker the act of baptism may appear to effect the cleansing of the flesh. However, the apostle affirmed that biblical baptism rather results in the cleansing of one’s conscience because it saves the soul from sins. “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:20-21 KJV). Obviously, every reasoning soul needs to be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), whereby his or her sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). Yet, baptism is not for everyone! As just implied, of course, Bible baptism is not needed by souls who because they are too young or due to mental incapacity cannot choose for themselves to be baptized. Babies are born without sin (Ezekiel 18:20), and God imputes sin to them in later years (Ezekiel 28:15) after they become responsible for their own actions. For instance, babies and such like cannot respond to the biblical commands to believe, repent, confess Jesus Christ …

The Essenes

The very name by which this group was called refers to much of their ideals and lifestyles. The Greek name Essenoi or Essaioi is related to the Aramaic hasya, meaning “pious.” The Essenes were a close-knit group of isolationists that thought of themselves as the “holy ones.” Until the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the only information we knew about the Essenes came from classical historians. Because of their semi-monastic, separatist ideals, much information regarding them died with this isolationist sect of the Jews. Background The Essenes are not mentioned in New Testament or the Talmud, but Philo and Pliny the Elder mentioned them, and Josephus gave a detailed description of them. The community at Qumran was evidently an Essene community, due to the detailed information of Josephus and the information from Qumran. Although they are not mentioned by name in the New Testament, they were evidently active during the life of Jesus. Beliefs Their religious beliefs were indeed interesting. The Essenes believed that everything in life was determined by divine providence and that fate determines all things. They stressed the importance of angels, even to the point of possibly worshipping them. This group may have prompted the Spirit to guide Paul’s pen in Colossians 2:18-23. While they revered the Law of Moses, they also added their own interpretations to it. For example, not only would they not cook on the Sabbath, but they would not so much as even move a cooking utensil on Saturday. Also, they would not use the bathroom on …

The Pharisees

Surely one of the greatest heartaches Jesus faced in His earthly ministry was the sect of the Jews called the Pharisees. There is no doubt that this group took its religion seriously, but sadly, they were seriously misguided. Zeal without knowledge is never a good combination (Romans 10:2). Background Of the three “sects” that Josephus lists – Pharisees, Essenes and Sadducees, the Pharisees seemingly appealed to him the most. He admired the Essenes with whom he lived for three years, but he joined the Pharisees. The Pharisees are not mentioned in the Old Testament, and most likely trace their origin back to the Intertestamental Period during the Maccabean interlude. The New Testament refers often to the Pharisees, and usually, if not always, to their faults and hypocrisy. The Talmud lists seven categories of Pharisees, and only the seventh is laudable. There was the shouldering Pharisee who paraded good deeds; there was the delaying Pharisee who let business wait in order to do a good deed; there was the bruised Pharisee who walked into a wall to keep from looking at a woman; there was the pestle Pharisee who with false humility walked with his head down like a pestle on a mortar; there was the ever-reckoning Pharisee who asked what good deeds he might do that would be reckoned as canceling out his neglects, and there was the fearful Pharisee who was in terror of God. Then, there was the loving Pharisee who like Abraham loved God; he was admirable …

From the Inside Out Approach to Conversion

In western society in general, even among many members of the churches of Christ, purported conversion to Christ appears to be from the outside or superficially with some notion that eventually “conversion” will work itself to the inside and somehow result in conviction. How’s that working? Well, of course, it is not working at all! Instead, true church growth needs to be precipitated through conviction that leads to conversion. To indeed be true conversion, it needs to work itself from the inside to the outside – manifesting itself in one’s manner of life (Ephesians 5:8). Unfortunately, much that passes in our day for evangelism – stateside and foreign, is purposely orchestrated to ease souls into the Lord’s church, after which planning to indoctrinate those “converts” with biblical doctrine and hoping that scenario will manifest itself in true conversion and conviction; that is completely backward, whereas conviction ought to precede conversion. How is conversion followed by conviction working? Well, of course, it is not working! Such tactics may inflate numbers and serve as the basis for future fundraising to repeat the process, but these things do not contribute to producing mature, fruitful Christians (Matthew 7:19-20). Usually coercing souls into baptismal waters with promises of Bibles, medical treatment, eyeglasses, clothes or other material benefits only temporarily swells the ranks of those who call themselves after Christ, and immediately they are gone as soon as the freebie-toting promoters have returned home; little to nothing remains in the wake of episodes like these either to establish congregations where there were none or to grow existing …

The Sadducees

In studying the New Testament, one often comes across the name “Sadducee” (some 14 times in the KJV). To simply read over the word “Sadducee” without any knowledge of that group is to miss some really great nuggets. Understanding the historical background to the Bible aids in ones’ understanding of a particular text and the overall message. Such is the case with some facts regarding the sect of the Jews called the Sadducees. Background The origin of the Sadducees is a bit ambiguous, although most historical information records that they originated sometime around the time of the Babylonian captivity. One of the major difficulties in describing the Sadducees is that most of what we know about them comes from their opponents. They themselves left no written records of their history, their organization or their views. Most scholars believe that they were not a numerous group, but that they were extremely influential due to their wealthy, affluent lifestyle. In fact, Josephus records that they could persuade none but the rich. They also largely controlled the Sanhedrin (the highest court of the Jews). Interestingly, according to Josephus, Annas the High Priest was a Sadducee. Beliefs The name “Sadducee” means “to be righteous,” which is somewhat of an oxymoron given their beliefs. The Scriptures sum up in a concise way the Sadducees’ beliefs, “For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit…” (Acts 23:8a). The Sadducees boasted loyalty to the written Law and vehemently rejected the oral traditions of …

Salvation Summarized

Essentially, the biblical plan of salvation for today can be summarized, encapsulated and briefly stated in just nine (9) words – one short sentence. Numerous additional New Testament Scriptures could be marshalled respecting the plan of salvation for non-Christians, but just nine words in one little sentence reveal enough information to identify the point at which one’s sins are removed. Furthermore, the scope of the authority of the Speaker – Jesus Christ – who made the nine-word statement encompasses heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18 NKJV). Our Lord and Savior said, and it is recorded, in Mark 16:16 (NKJV), “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” One has to marvel at the simplicity of our Lord’s declaration, which is equivalent in simplicity to 1 + 2 = 3. Belief + baptism = salvation! The plan of salvation could not be any simpler than that, and any thinking mind can easily understand it, too. Frankly, someone would have to have the wrong kind of help to misunderstand that straightforward statement of Jesus. Some people mistakenly make an unwarranted distinction between the words of Jesus and the speeches and writings of the apostles of Christ and other writers of the New Testament. Actually, God and the Holy Spirit are behind both the words of our Lord (John 12:49-50) and of the writings in the rest of the New Testament (Matthew 10:19-20; 2 Peter 1:21). Nevertheless, Red Letter Edition Bibles highlight the words of Jesus Christ in red letters, and therefore, Mark 16:16 appears in red …

THE B.I.B.L.E.

Someone has cleverly observed that the B.I.B.L.E. stands for “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” That sentiment is quite true! God’s Word must be known, loved, respected and applied (James 1:22-25). Certainly without God’s Word, no one is ready to depart this life or even able to really live life the way God intended (Psalm 119:105; 2 Peter 1:3-4). What a wonderful treasure is the Word of God (Psalm 119:162)! Consider just how wonderful God’s Book really is. B – The Bible is a book about BELIEF. John’s thesis certainly attests to this fact. “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30-31 emp. added). In fact, real faith can only be produced by a study of God’s Word (Romans 10:17; 1:16; Acts 4:4; 8:12; 15:7). The Bible is a book about belief! I – The Bible is a book about INHERITANCE. In Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian elders, he affirmed, “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). Paul again declared, “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel” (Colossians 1:5). The Bible details forth the hope of which each and …

No One Has to Live that Way

A person cannot always materially change his or her living conditions when it comes to economic circumstances that are beyond one’s capacity to alter them. Yet, there are a number of opportunities to make positive changes in one’s lifestyle, in most cases, irrespective of economic limitations. Certainly, a person can leave behind morally bad behavior with its attendant maladies, and anyone can opt to become and to remain an obedient child of God (Mark 16:16), regardless of inconveniences or even personal peril (2 Timothy 3:12; Revelation 2:10). Popular music lyrics typify broken homes and the sin-sick world that appears in every direction to which we might cast our view. Shootings are epidemic; murders are widespread from urban metroplexes to small towns and rural areas. The world is awash in alcohol and drugs. The whole planet is crazy about sex; sexy commercials sell cookies and burgers to everything else imaginable. Such a list could be lengthened indefinitely, but you get the idea. It would be difficult to conceive of Noah’s pre-flood world being any more depraved than what we experience in the 21st century (Genesis 6:5). However, mankind does not have to live that way! More specifically, neither men nor women, for instance, have to troll bars, streets and the Internet for lovers and one-night stands, over which they experience regret – if any part of one’s conscience remains unseared (1 Timothy 4:2) – just to do it again and again, night after night, week after week, month after month and year …

Divided Judaism

Division in the realm of religion is nothing new. There will be divisions as long as men exist. Religion seems to be a “breeding ground” for sects and divisions. When the Law of Moses was given at Mt. Sinai, God was clear in what He demanded (cf. Exodus 20). There was no room for personal opinion or preference. However, as time passed, mankind began to “slice” away and “add” to the Law. As these additions and subtractions became more widespread, people began to divide into groups or sects of Judaism. These divisions were political and theological in nature. Apart from the Bible, we have little information historically regarding these divisions. There were four major sects of Judaism in the First Century: the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes and the Zealots. The Bible mentions only three (Pharisees, Sadducees and Zealots), but Josephus, a Jewish historian, gave some insight from an historical perspective, which divulges more about these groups. The Pharisees prided themselves on being “people of the Book.” They attempted to ensure that every “jot and tittle” were meticulously obeyed. This mission was a noble one indeed. People of the Book and meticulously obeying all of God’s commands does not make one a Pharisee! The Pharisees were not content just keeping the Law, but they made a “hedge” (traditions) around the Law of God and made these traditions as authoritative (often more authoritative) than the Law itself (cf. Mark 7:2ff). They also had a major hypocrisy problem, “…they say, and do not…” (Matthew 23:3b). …

A Bag with Holes

Following the captivity of Judah by Babylon, God allowed a remnant of His people to return back to Jerusalem. At the time of this return (which took several years 536 B.C.-444 B.C.), there were three main literary prophets chronicling the events; Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi (the books of Ezra and Nehemiah also deal with the return as well). The Book of Haggai divulges that the people had neglected the expense, time and effort to build the Temple (God’s house). Thus, God, through Haggai, warned the people, “consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5, 7). Not only did the people fail to build God’s house, but sadly, they had taken the time, spared no expense and were living in their own lavish houses (Haggai 1:4). Haggai’s primary message is that life without God is not worth much. In fact, Haggai likened life without God as simply “earning wages to put it into a bag with holes” (Haggai 1:6b). Consider the futility of such. Always running but getting nowhere! When we fail to put God and His Word first, life falls apart. There are certainly things in life today that are simply “a bag with holes.” Denominationalism Is a Bag with Holes. Tragically, the religious world has become much like the local ice cream shop; pick the flavor that suits you. While that philosophy may be fine for a choice of ice cream, it will never do for spiritual matters! The world needs to be taught that Jesus only ever authorized one church (Matthew 16:18-19; Ephesians …

Is Implication and Inference a Valid Hermeneutic?

For decades now, some members of the churches of Christ have been arguing that Implication and Inference is not a valid hermeneutic or mechanism in correct biblical interpretation. Sometimes styled as the so-called New Hermeneutic, these brethren have adamantly affirmed that only Commands or Direct Statements constitute biblical authority. That declaration, of course, jettisons from consideration as biblically authoritative Approved Examples and Implication and Inference. There are numerous problems or horns of a dilemma with that approach to biblical interpretation, but the chief reason for seeking a New Hermeneutic in the first place seems to be the attempt to exempt mankind from divine instructions that are viewed as unpalatable. Incidentally, brethren who are willing to ignore Approved Examples in hermeneutics are completely agreeable to ignoring, for instance, the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). The elders and the preacher of one local congregation told me directly that they see no biblical authority necessitating the observance of the Lord’s Supper each week or that when it is observed that it needs to be observed on the first day of the week. The same church leaders, though, are as comfortable ignoring Commands or Direct Statements respecting singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) versus use of instrumental music in Christian worship. Furthermore, they have downgraded the biblical qualifications for appointment of elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-8) to mere “suggestions,” despite the Commands or Direct Statements by which the New Testament conveys those instructions. It becomes quite clear, then, that the true object of the New Hermeneutic is the …

Attitudes toward Truth

Jesus, the Son of God, came to this celestial ball called earth to seek and save lost humanity (Matthew 18:11; Luke 19:10). “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15)! Interestingly, even though Jesus’ mission was a mission of love and rescue, some still rejected Him. Possibly sadder still is the fact that far too many still reject Him. Of course, rejecting Jesus today is manifested by rejecting His Word (John 12:48; 14:6; 2 John 9-11). The accepting or rejecting of Jesus is based upon the attitude (heart) of the hearer. Consider… Firstly, there is the stubborn heart. Of eternal sadness is the fact that this type of attitude (heart) is often the most seen in society today (especially in America)! This attitude does not use the law of rationality, which states we must justify our conclusions with adequate evidence. Even in the face of irrefutable evidence (John 20:30-31; 1 John 5:13; Hebrews 11:1; et al.), this type attitude will not submit. This type of heart is based more on feelings than on facts. One can see the biblical example of such an attitude as is recorded in Acts 6:8ff. Secondly, there is the suitable heart. This attitude acknowledges truth, but fails to obey it. Usually the “time is just not right” to submit to the Gospel. Of course, no greater example of the suitable heart exists than that of Governor Felix (Acts 24). In fact, Felix was so convinced and sobered by truth that he “trembled” (Acts 24:25). Although convinced that …

Adorning the Doctrine

The apostle Paul left the young evangelist, Titus, on the exceedingly wicked island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. Paul’s plan for Titus was essentially three-fold. Titus was to focus on (1) Scriptural Leaders, (2) he was to focus on Sound Lessons, (3) and he was to focus on Spiritual Life. These three themes centered on good men, good teaching and good living. Since sin was so easily found on Crete, Titus was to make certain that Christians, and even those in the world, could ascertain the difference between sound doctrine and sinful deviance (Titus 2:1). Above all things, the pure doctrine of Christ was to shine through. Paul declared that God’s children were to “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Titus 2:10). The idea of “adorn” means to “to beautify, to extol.” How were the Cretan Christians to adorn the doctrine? How can we today adorn the doctrine of Christ in this sinful world? Firstly, adorning the doctrine involves imitation. “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works…” (Titus 2:7a). This “pattern” refers to a stamp, a model for imitation. Christians, following the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21), certainly will adorn the doctrine by doing good works. It was said that our Lord and Master “…went about doing good…” (Acts 10:38b). Good works cause the world to notice God (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15). Secondly, adorning the doctrine relates to our education. “…in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity” (Titus 2:7b). Today, religion is often looked down on due to …

They Don’t Start Out That Way!

Little babies don’t start out destined to be internationally notorious characters like Joseph Stalin or Adolf Hitler. Infants don’t start out to become rapists, murderers, burglars, drunkards or other derelict citizens of world society. Nevertheless, boys and girls do grow up to be enemies of God and man alike. Why is that? Innocent newborns don’t start out their lives with any aspirations for themselves or of their parents for them to be the personification of evil. Yet, our world is rife with violent criminals, flagrant lawbreakers, warlords and villains. Why is that? Contrary to the Catholic idea of “original sin” and Calvinism’s concept of “total depravity,” the Bible teaches that children are born without sin; this is true about all newborns. “You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:15 NKJV). Children do not inherit the sins of Adam and Eve or of their forefathers. “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself” (Ezekiel 18:20). Instead, little children are innocent, thereby being suitable examples of the guiltless inhabitants of heaven someday from among the human population. Our Lord Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” …

There Is Just One!

The exclusive idea of there just being one of anything is “narrow minded” to many in this all-inclusive society. Sadly, the world in which we find ourselves today is a “broad-minded,” tolerant and permissive one. While the idea of tolerance may be fine when it comes to one’s choice of vehicle or color of house, tolerance in religion has never been, nor is it now the Lord’s desire! Man has reduced the idea of the church to nothing more than an optional social club, and which “social club” one chooses depends on his or her personal preferences. However, a close look at God’s Book proves the very opposite. While this sentiment is not popular, there are not many churches but just one church! Carefully consider the following. There’s just one church that was purposed. Paul declared that, “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:10-11 emphasis added). An afterthought? An optional choice? The church was purposed in the mind of God in eternity! There’s just one church that was prophesied. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, …

Gullibility in Religion

Gullible is a word that is used to describe someone who, without evidence and/or much forethought readily accepts something as fact. I recently read an amusing article that clearly illustrates gullibility. A freshman at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair, April 26. In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical “dihydrogen monoxide.” And for plenty of good reasons, since: (1) It can cause excessive sweating and vomiting. (2) It is a major component in acid rain. (3) It can cause severe burns in its gaseous state. (4) Accidental inhalation can kill you. (5) It contributes to erosion. (6) It decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes. (7) It has been found in tumors of terminal patients. He asked fifty people if they supported a ban of the chemical. Forty-three said, “Yes,” six were undecided and the last one? Well, only one knew that the chemical, dihydrogen monoxide is water! Now before reading this article, I too would have been gullible and may have been inclined to ban water as well! However, this illustrates the importance of evidence and logic [a scary word for common sense or sound reasoning, Louis Rushmore, Editor] before making a decision. Sadly, far too many people fail to use logic and evidence (God’s Word) when it comes to religion (Isaiah 1:18). Because of this failure, gullibility inundates the religious world. The apostle Paul, by the Spirit’s guidance, gave the …

The Ministry of Angels

Introduction to Angels As is true regarding the biblical introduction of God or of Satan, the Bible does not dedicate space to precisely define either what are “angels” or in what other accommodative ways the term may be applied in Scripture. The Bible mentions “angels” “…incidentally as a fact, without furnishing any details to gratify curiosity” (McClintock and Strong). “The Bible rarely focuses on angels themselves; they are usually characters in larger stories about God’s dealings with man. Information that we know about angels is determined from whatever details emerge from these stories” (Parker 15). As with God and Satan, for instance, the student of the Bible must piece together information gleaned from several biblical references. The Book of Job, though, introduces angels as a distinct, created group of beings to which Almighty God has assigned ministries or duties. From time to time, they must appear before God on His throne to give an accounting (“sons of God,” Job 1:6; 2:1). Hence, a little study on angels at this point is warranted. Definition & Examples Both Hebrew and Greek words translated “angel” mean “messenger.” As such, the word “angel” can refer to different persons or things according to the context in which the word “angel” appears. Frankly, this is largely true with most words; their exact meanings rely heavily on the context in which they are being used, besides whatever inherent meanings they may have. Therefore, the Hebrew word for “angel” is rendered “messenger” in Job 1:14 and “messengers” in …

Neither Could They Blush

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet of old, saw a calloused, hard-hearted people. They had become so calloused that they no longer saw sin for what it really was. “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush…” (Jeremiah 6:15a). Blushing is good! It shows that our consciences have not been “seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:2). The danger of becoming calloused and hardened to sin is ever present (Hebrews 3:13). In a world where sin is rampant, we must diligently guard against losing our ability to blush. What can we do in the midst of sin to guard against the sin of not blushing? Firstly, we must respect the standard. If man becomes his own standard, then complete mayhem will be the result (cf. Judges 17:6; 21:25). “…it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23b). The standard of God’s Word is what determines what sin is (1 John 3:4; 5:17). When the standard is disdained and ignored, like is seemingly being done in the world today, then there is no sense of right or wrong. Morality is being determined by each individual. Blushing is almost unseen in society today because the standard is disrespected! Secondly, we must take a stand. Sadly, sin’s presence often erodes our moral fortitude and courageous defense. Alexander Pope said it truthfully, “Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, as, to be hated, needs but to be seen; Yet seen too …

The Deceiver of the World

At the very core of all sin is Satan! John penned, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning…” (1 John 3:8a). Since all humanity has sinned (Romans 3:10; 23), we are all somewhat familiar with the Devil. However, familiarity is often just enough to sink us spiritually deeper. As the old adage goes, “better the devil you know, than the devil you don’t.” Knowledge is powerful, especially when that knowledge concerns the one who has his sights set on your eternal soul. What can we know about the deceiver of the world? Firstly, the deceiver’s derivation. Although the Bible does not directly address the derivation of Satan, there is, however, enough divine revelation from which we can draw a logical conclusion as to his origin. There is ample evidence from the Scriptures to affirm that Satan was originally an angel of light, but due to arrogance and pride (1 Timothy 3:6-7), he rebelled against God and fell (cf. Job 4:18; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7ff). Satan, like every other part of God’s creation was very good (Genesis 1:31), but due to his poor choices, he became the deceiver of the whole world! Secondly, the deceiver’s deception. It is fruitless for Satan to strike back at Deity, for the Devil knows he cannot win that battle. As Thompson suggests, “God’s power was too great, and His omnipotence too all-consuming (Job 42:2; 1 John 4:4). Another target was needed; another repository of satanic revenge …

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