Offering Communion Twice on Sunday

If we are to come together as one body and participate in the Lord’s Supper, why do we have another service later that same day, and allow those who didn’t attend earlier to partake of the Lord’s Supper? If we are not all eating the bread and drinking the fruit of the vine, are we not in violation? The frequency with which Christians are to partake of the Lord’s Supper is weekly (Acts 20:7). The number of worship assemblies on the Lord’s Day (or even the number of times a congregation might meet for Bible study, etc. throughout the week) is not specified in Scripture; these additional meeting times (Acts 2:46; 5:12, 42) are left to the discretion of the congregational leadership (e.g., elders, Hebrews 13:7; Acts 20:28). Offering the Lord’s Supper or Communion on the Lord’s Day at either a morning or an evening service, or for those in both services that have not yet partaken of the Lord’s Supper, is not specified in Scripture but is a matter of human discretion. The matter that is specified in the New Testament is that Christians observe the Communion once weekly (Acts 20:7). Therefore, it would neither be biblically incorrect to invite brethren who have yet to partake of the Supper to do so at either assembly (as usually is done) nor would it be biblically incorrect to limit the Communion to one of those two services (such as the evening service), as long as it was observed once on the …

Remarrying Former Husband

Bro. Rushmore: I have a question concerning marriage and divorce. I have taken the confession of a lady just divorced from her second husband without scriptural cause. She now wants to go back and marry her first husband, who, according to reports I have heard ran around with all sorts of women while they were married and hauled her home and left her with her parents. Since the time of the first divorce he has been married twice with children with at least one of the women. They both now are divorced. I offered prayer for her sins at her request, but I could not in good conscience give her any positive statement about her remarriage, but I did tell her to be sure of being right before God to remain celibate. Have I done this right in the sight of God. [name withheld upon request] Lacking omniscience, you and I cannot know all the details of the wretched disasters some people make of their married lives. Under those circumstances, we, at best, may only be able to acquaint them with precisely what the Scriptures teach respecting marriage-divorce and remarriage (e.g., Matthew 19:9). They will have to evaluate their lives carefully in view of God’s Word and accept personal responsibility for their subsequent actions, including remarriage. Under doubtful circumstances, such as you describe, neither you nor anyone else could confidently encourage the woman to contract another marriage. It is always wise to suggest the way that cannot be wrong to …

He Which Is Joined to an Harlot Is One Body

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:15-20). The question posed pertaining to the passage above is: (1) Does the physical union between a prostitute and a man described in the context constitute a marriage? (2) Does the union between a prostitute and a man in the context represent a physical or a spiritual union? (3) Would one who becomes “one body” with a prostitute as in the context, following repentance, be a biblically permissible candidate for marriage? Overall, the passage emphasizes the incompatibility of practicing sin while purporting to be practicing Christianity. A similar sentiment is expressed in 1 Corinthians 10:21, “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the …

Common Law Marriages

Does God recognize common law marriages as binding? ~ Douglas W. Teague, Gaylesville, AL The USA (and most nations) requires legal officiation of marriages, by which legally sanctioned marriages are distinguished from fornication and adultery. Hence, the following definition of “common law marriage” pertains to such sexual cohabitation without that legal officiation: “the cohabitation of a couple even when it does not constitute a legal marriage” [Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, (Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated) 1993.]  However, were there nations wherein there was no government requirement for legal officiation of marriage (e.g., the Garden of Eden), “common law marriage” would be, by the following dictionary definition, both the distinction from fornication and adultery as well as honored by God. “a marriage recognized in some jurisdictions and based on the parties’ agreement to consider themselves married …” [Ibid.] The following definition of marriage likewise addresses the general distinction between marriage and fornication. Marriage is the state in which men and women can live together in sexual relationship with the approval of their social group. Adultery and fornication are sexual relationships that society does not recognize as constituting marriage. [The New Bible Dictionary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1962.] First, there is a biblical distinction between marriage and fornication. “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). Second, God has decreed that mankind is subject to civil law (Romans 13:1-7) except where human and divine laws conflict, in which cases man must appeal to …

Ministerial Associations

… gospel preachers joining the local ministerial association and church members joining denominational churches just to sing and be in plays. ~ Reva McIntyre Amos 3:3 poses a rhetorical question, the answer of which is, “No!” “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” The principle contained therein is applicable to the questions posed above. As long as the New Testament church about which one can read upon the pages of the New Testament, and which faithful Christians earnestly try to be without addition or subtraction, differs from denominationalism, we cannot participate in it. The motto of at least one ministerial association (and the practice of the them all) is: “We have agreed to disagree.” The doctrines over which the denominational members of ministerial associations have agreed to disagree include: the plan of salvation, Christian worship, the nature of God, Christian living, etc. Essentially, members of ministerial associations have concluded that their doctrinal differences do not matter, that is, how one is saved from his sins, how one worships God, the characteristics of God, whether moral living is important, etc. This is hardly the unity for which Jesus prayed (John 17:20-21). This is hardly the fellowship of which the apostle John wrote (1 John 1:3, 6-7; 2 John 9-11). Joining denominational ministerial associations and denominational churches to be in their music and theatrical programs is hardly in keeping with the directive of the apostle Paul (Ephesians 5:11); “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” …

Who Created the World?

There are many references to Jesus being the creator of the world (you know them all). However, Gen. 1:1 states God created the world. Is this God the Father, or God the Son? Or is this the triune? Eph. 3:9 states that God, “who created all things by Jesus Christ.” KJV. The ASV 1901 leaves out “by Jesus Christ.” My question is, which one created the world? ~ Robert Brooks In Genesis 1:1-27 respecting the whole creation, including mankind, a plural form of God is used to designate the Creator. From other passages, we learn that there are three persons in the Godhead (Matthew 28:19). The knowledge that “God” refers to plural persons relative to creation is apparent also from the plural pronouns associated with God creating man. “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness …” (Genesis 1:26). Notice the Hebrew word for God in Genesis Chapter One and its corresponding definition. ‘elohiym (el-o-heem’); plural of OT:433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God …” (Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.) All three persons of the Godhead participated in the creation of the world. Though the ASV drops the reference to the Father creating the world through Jesus Christ in Ephesians 3:9, the ASV retains that information in Hebrews 1:1-2. The Godhead is united (John 10:30) but composed of three persons so that even what …

Youth Ministry

I’m a member of the Lord’s church and also the Organising Secretary of the Blantyre Churches of Christ Youth Ministry. I would like to learn and seek your advice on how youth ministry is undertaken. ~ Eliam We entertain religious questions for which biblical answers are sought. This question, then, causes somewhat of a quandary, since “Youth Ministry” is not something addressed in the Bible. The English word “ministry” appears 22 times in the Bible (KJV), all but twice appearing in the New Testament. The Greek word “diakonia,” translated “ministry,” occurs 34 times in the New Testament and is translated also as “ministration,” “administration,” “ministering,” “relief” and “service.” The word means “attendance as a servant.” Scripture applies “ministry” to domestic duties as preparing a meal (Luke 10:40), the special work of the apostles (Acts 1:17, 25), exercising church benevolence (Acts 6:1), benevolent financial assistance (Acts 11:29), teaching and preaching the Word of God or the Gospel (Acts 6:4; 2 Corinthians 4:1; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:5) and references to the function of God’s law (namely, Judaism). The usual application of the word “ministry” in the New Testament pertains to teaching and preaching the Word of God. Youth are not singled out among all possible candidates for the “ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4), any more than is any other age group selected in Scripture for special treatment with the Gospel (e.g., middle-aged, senior citizens, etc.). The terminology “Youth Ministry” is of human origin rather than divine stipulation. Of course, youth …

Small Group Ministry

Our group needs to look at the scriptures related to groups that met in homes to decide what implications these may have on our church today. Is there clear Biblical reasoning for having groups meet in homes? Are the groups that met in the NT from one congregation that split up for a different worship experience or some other reason or were they each complete congregations? Are there Biblical reasons to pursue this ministry? Is there Bible reasoning that prohibits this ministry? Sincerely, Lori Sansom The word “church” is used in three different senses in the New Testament: (1) universal, encompassing congregations everywhere as well as from generation to generation, over which Jesus is the head (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47; Colossians 1:18); (2) a single congregation (1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:1); and (3) the worship assembly of any congregation (1 Corinthians 11:18, 22; 14:4-5, 12, 19, 34). For centuries, the Lord’s church did not own meetinghouses. Instead, congregations assembled in public places (Acts 5:12) and in private homes (Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2). “The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house” (1 Corinthians 16:19). Further, the worship assembly of a congregation is defined in Scripture as the ‘whole church coming together in one place at one time.’ “… when ye are gathered together …” (1 Corinthians 5:4). “… come together … For first of all, when ye come together in the church … When ye come together therefore into one place …” (1 Corinthians 11:17-20; see also 11:33-34). “… the whole church …

Fruit Juice Blend for Communion?

Someone posed a question as to whether it would be biblically permissible to use a fruit juice blend for communion instead of grape juice alone. The drink specified by Jesus as he instituted the Lord’s Supper or communion is “the fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18). Likewise, the bread available in the house (because of “the feast of the unleavened bread” Matthew 26:17) at the time Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper was limited to unleavened bread. The Bible is the final, absolute standard of authority that God has provided and preserved for mankind. That authority is conveyed through explicit commands, approved examples and implications. In some instances, biblical authority specifies the details pertaining to its instruction. Regarding other topics, biblical authority does not specify details respecting its instruction and we may refine those details without opposing what God has authorized. An example of the latter is Mark 16:15, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” While it is obligatory to “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel,” what kinds of conveyances (i.e., walking, riding an animal, by wagon, by car, by bus, by boat, by airplane, by train, etc.) are not specified and mankind can opt for himself whichever means of travel he deems to be expedient. Further, how the Gospel is preached (e.g., before an audience, by radio, by television, through literature, etc.) is not specified and mankind can opt for himself whichever means of proclamation he deems to be …

Has Satan Won Over God?

Thank you for answering my question. However, you did not answer all of it. If God does not restore the earth to paradise, then has not Satan won? He kept God from fulfilling his purpose, did he not? ~ David Aldridge Sometimes querists are not satisfied with the answers provided to their inquiries through the pages of Gospel Gazette Online. However, the Gazette is neither a forum for debate nor a discussion list. Consequently, rebuttals to the biblical answers for religious questions posed, as well as subsequent counterpoints to rebuttals usually are not entertained in the pages of the Gazette. We choose, though, to treat this follow up question because, like everything we include in the Gazette, we believe there are some points that may prove useful for our readers. It is a grievous misunderstanding of spiritual matters to imagine that (1) Satan is victorious over God if God does not “restore the earth to paradise” and (2) God’s primary “purpose” respecting the human experiment is provide mankind an earthly paradise. Also, it is a misrepresentation that the earth was ever the paradise versus God placing a paradise (called the Garden of Eden) on earth. Further, the querist’s acknowledgement that his previous question was answered, for which he offered no complaint other than the above assertion, allows that the previous answer stands, which standing disarms this more recent question before it was asked. Yet, we will respond. Indeed, Satan did realize many victories in his battle against God, including tempting mankind to sin in the Garden …

Paradise on Earth?

Does the Bible teach that the earth will be a paradise again? Psalms 37:10,11 “the meek will inherit the earth.” Also, do we not pray for this, when we pray God’s will to be done on earth? Was that not God’s original purpose for man, live in paradsaic conditions? Would it not be accepting defeat by God to abandon this original purpose? Answers from the Bible only please! ~ David J Aldridge The phrases “the meek shall inherit the earth,” “those that wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth” and “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed” appear respectively in Psalm 37:11, 9 and 3. The same Hebrew word is translated “earth” in verses 11 and 9, while it is translated “land” in verse 3. The King James Version and the New King James Version use the words “earth” and “land” as noted, but the American Standard Version, New International Version, New American Standard Version and Revised Standard Version use “land” in all three verses. Either English translation accurately represents the original language word. The latter versions cited more readily convey to us today the idea involved in the context. Jesus quotes Psalm 37 in Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” The way in which the Jews used this reference and, consequently, the way in which Jesus used it is well illustrated by the commentators Albert Barnes and Adam Clarke. Matt 5:5 …

Aged Women

… a sister … has questioned what right some of our younger women, throughout the brotherhood, have in teaching at lectureships (to ladies), ladies inspiration days and such. She argues that Titus 2:3-4 states that this should only be done by older woman. Some are getting the idea that no female can teach at any time unless she is an “aged woman.” They are also taking the definition that can be found in the Gospel Advocate Commentary of a youth being anyone from 18-40 to say that an “aged woman” allowed to teach must be at least 40, thus excluding anyone under than the age of 40 from teaching. Titus 2:2-8 is a rare occasion in Scripture where each age group of accountable souls is addressed in a single context: aged men, aged women, young women and young men. The references to the aged women and young women primarily concern the God-ordained, feminine domestic role, that is, in the home. The passage presumes that the aged women previously were the successful recipients and faithful practitioners of what they were expected to convey to younger women. The information that the aged women were to pass on to younger women pertained mostly how to be godly wives and mothers. Significantly, the elders were not entrusted with the training of young married women, a function that pertained to the godly older women in the congregation. There are seven qualities to be instilled in the younger women, two mentioned in this verse, five in the next. They …

Baby Elijah, A Daddy’s Boy

A child learns by example. A careful observation of young children at play will verify this point. Children will do the things those around them are doing. A child learning to talk will imitate the words that he hears. Those words may come from the radio, television, parents or other individuals with whom the child may come in contact. I have always known this, however, I was reminded of this fact recently when talking to my son about his son. When Raymond gets his tools out to make repairs on the house, two-year-old Elijah gets daddy’s tools and tries to help. Elijah wants to wear clothes similar to daddy’s clothes. Elijah wants to be like daddy. I believe this is probably true of most young children. Young children want to be and try to act like the adults around them. Unfortunately, as children grow older, this role model attitude fades far too quickly. Knowing that we have young children watching us and trying to imitate us should encourage each of us to live our lives the best we can. It should encourage us to control our tongues and to control the things they hear on the radio and television. We should be careful to keep, not only the vulgarity that is rampant in the world from their tender ears, but also the gossip and negative complaints about others in which good moral individuals sometimes become involved. Vulgarity, gossip and backbiting are sinful (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8; 1 Timothy 5:13; 1 …

What Are Parents For?

There were times when I was a boy that I would get a phone call wanting me to do something or go some place. Deep down, I really didn’t want to do it, but didn’t have the courage to tell my friends. So I would say, “Just a minute…” then I’d go to my Mom and say, “Mom, tell me I’m not allowed to do such and such.” She would, then I could go back to the phone and say, “Sorry, Mom said I couldn’t go.” Thus, she bore the responsibility for me, when I felt too weak to bear it myself. Now, some may think that’s a cop out, but I think it’s part of being a parent. You see, there are times when what a child needs most from his parents is for them to be mature, responsible and grown-up. There are times when, due to immaturity and weakness, a child needs help in making decisions. That’s when Mom and Dad need to step in and be parents for that child. There are times when, due to peer pressure, a child can’t muster the strength to say, “no.” That’s when Mom and Dad need to be parents and say “no” for him. Knowing when to jump in and take over is the difficult part. But, let me offer this suggestion. If your child is too immature to make a correct decision, especially a decision that has the potential to adversely affect your child’s eternal destiny, then parents, by …

The Danger of a Lie

Many of you no doubt saw the movie “The Titanic!” As you know 1,513 of the 2,224 people on her maiden voyage perished when, on April 14, 1912, the ship went down after striking an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Only six survivors are still living. The Titanic had double wall construction. It consisted of 16 water tight compartments, any four of which could be flooded without affecting the ship. It was billed as “unsinkable,” yet it sank! The billing was a lie, and believing that lie, no doubt, cost some people their lives. There is a popular idea in religion that says that if a man believes a thing to be true, honestly follows his convictions and is sincere, his course will ultimately lead to heaven. But, only in religion is this thought to be true. Suppose you had invested several hundred thousand dollars in James McDougle’s savings and loan, sincerely believing that he was an honest man and that the institution was on a solid financial foundation. Would that have meant that your money was secure? Obviously not! Sincere belief in the integrity of the institution would not have protected you from financial harm! Belief in a thing is no guarantee that it is true. Jacob believed that Joseph was dead, but he was not (Genesis 37:32-35). Though it was not true, Jacob’s grief was real because he had believed a lie. Paul sounded an alarm regarding the danger of believing a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). We would …

What Was the Problem of the Pharisees?

A popular saying used especially in the church is, “Majoring in the minors and minoring in the majors.” Properly used, this phrase refers to those who omit or violate some of the broadest, most basic commands while pressing and over stressing what is relatively minor. Sometimes, these “minors” may involve causes or issues that need addressing. Other times, matters of no consequence are ridden without mercy or relief. Jesus was constantly berated and challenged by some religious people who “majored in minors” and “minored in majors.” On them he unleashed one of the stronger condemnations found in Scripture (cf. Matthew 23:23-33). The scribes and the Pharisees were the objects of his righteous anger. Why? First, understand who the Pharisees were. Between the Old Testament and the New Testament, with the remnant of Judah settling into a land they once owned but never would again, they needed to maintain spiritual stability. Nehemiah seems to be the first to organize a permanent authority to preserve and interpret the Law. Ignorance about how to treat the priests, who could be fellowshipped religiously according to the law, who could live in the Temple and other matters naturally disturbed Nehemiah (13:11). Somewhere along the line, those first gathered by Nehemiah began to be known as “The Great Assembly” to preserve the Law. The Great Assembly, soon known as the Sanhedrin, was led by what amounted to a president and vice-president. The famed leaders of the Sanhedrin in Christ’s day were Hillel and Shammai, whose positions …

If Jesus Had Not Been Born!

No one knows what day or what month or exactly what year Jesus was born, but his birthday does not matter. What matters, something of eternal significance, is that he was born! If Jesus was not born, the greatest book in the world, the book that “has done more for the world than all the books that men ever wrote” (William Jennings Bryan), is a book of lies! “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). “All of the prophets testify to this one” (Acts 10:43), as: But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, which are little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of you shall one come forth to me who is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting (Micah 5:2). For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even forever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this (Isaiah 9:6-7). If fifty prophecies about the coming of Jesus had been made, assuming an equal chance for their happening or not happening, the law of probability against all fifty being fulfilled “is greater than …

Are We Saved by Water?

God told Noah to build an ark. The apostle Peter wrote that eight souls or persons were saved in that ark by water (1 Peter 3:20). Then Peter wrote, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also 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 3:21). Not Saved by Water from Water Noah and his wife, their three sons and their wives were the eight people who were saved in the ark by water. They were not saved by water from water! They were saved from water by the ark (Hebrews 11:7). But, they were saved by water from something! From what were they saved by water? They were saved by water from a wicked, sinful world of people! Of that sinful world, Moses wrote, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in all the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). The waters of the flood destroyed that world of exceedingly wicked people. The waters of the flood came between that wicked world and the cleansed world following that flood! Therefore, Noah and his family were saved from that wicked world by water! In What Sense Are We Saved by Water? We are saved by water in the same sense that the blind man of John 9 received his sight by water. Jesus told that blind man to wash his eyes in the water of the pool of Siloam. When he did so, he received his sight. Of course, …

Dispensationalism and Zechariah 14

Zechariah 14 has no reference whatever to a millennial reign of Christ upon the earth. Dispensationalists — those enamored with the notion that Christ will return to the earth to establish a political kingdom over which he will reign for 1,000 years — rely heavily upon Zechariah, chapter 14, as an important Old Testament element of the premillennial scheme. Dispensational writer Hobert E. Freeman characterizes this chapter as a description of “the destruction of Israel’s enemies, salvation of Jerusalem and the millennial reign of the Messiah over all the world from Zion.” He further states: The prophecy of Zechariah is to the Old Testament what the book of Revelation is to the New. It is the Apocalypse of the Old Testament which portrays God’s future dealings with His chosen people Israel…The book of Zechariah, especially chapter 14, stands as a continual corrective to all those theories which deny the literal, future restoration of Israel, after a period of chastening, in her own land, over whom the Messiah will reign in Zion (334-335). Dramatically, advocates of dispensational theology allege that Zechariah 14:1-3 contains a description of the approaching “battle of Armageddon,” which supposedly will be consummated by the descent of Christ “upon the mount of Olives” (vs. 4) to overthrow his enemies and to commence his millennial reign. The truth of the matter is, Zechariah 14 has no reference whatever to a millennial reign of Christ upon the earth. The Bible indisputably teaches that the Second Coming of the Lord will terminate …

By Whom Were You Sealed?

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). The antecedent of the pronoun “whom” in Ephesians 4:30 is “the Holy Spirit of God.” Paul told the Ephesian Christians that they had been sealed for the day of redemption. Down through the years various men have made a great deal of “to do” about what it means for the Christian to be “sealed” by the Holy Spirit. One example, which I read some years back, is that the Holy Spirit seals us up as in a quart jar so that sin cannot touch our lives, and that in that sealed state we live a sanctified life perfectly free from sin in every way. One writer said that we cannot sin, and we do not want to sin, because God has, through the Holy Spirit, sealed us up as if we were sealed in a fruit jar. Nothing can get in to tempt us or cause us to sin because we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Let us begin by investigating the word “sealed” as it is used in this text to see just what the meaning is. The word translated “sealed” in this passage comes from the Greek word “sphragizo” which means a mark that is made by a seal or a signet ring which shows genuineness, and it brings security or preserves. The word by implication means to keep secret. Hence, the meaning of the word is not …

Thank God for Faithful Mail Carriers

[church bulletin, 6th & Washington Sts., Marietta, OH, Nov. 18, 2001, pp. 1, 3.] Recently, you may have seen the United States Postal Service commercial. The commercial is a wonderful description of the effort that is put forth by those who faithfully deliver mail throughout our country. I am thankful for the dedication these hard-working people portray by their service every day. With the recent craze of e-mails and other forms of electronic communication, the use of “snail mail” has been affected. However, I strongly believe it will go on as a constant method of communication because of its strong sense of reliability. What would you think of your mail carrier if he or she opened a letter addressed to you and added a few words to it? What if he or she took some white-out and deleted a few words from the letter addressed to you? Even if it were just a couple of words, you would be extremely upset, wouldn’t you? Writing to the church at Corinth concerning the Gospel of Christ, Paul said, “For I have delivered to you first of all that which I also received…” (1 Corinthians 15:3). In a casual glance at this passage, we may not realize the attitude Paul is demonstrating with this opening phrase. Paul was truly saying that he was not the one who wrote the Letter. He did not add any of his own words to the message. He was simply the mail carrier. Today in religion, we have some folks …

David & Goliath

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David & Goliath

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The Sound of Millstones

One of the first sounds to greet the ear of people early in the morning during Bible times was the sound of the grinding of grain. In villages of Palestine, the grain was ground by handmill. This was to obtain flour for cooking. Women normally did the grinding. They usually began early in the morning and worked at it for half a day. The sound of the grinding was not really musical, but it was a soothing sound to those in Palestine. It was a sound that represented the comfort of home and the sound of having plenty. In Jeremiah 25:10 we read, “Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.” God was telling about sending the Babylonians to enslave the Israelites. The Israelites would become slaves. They would no longer have the pleasures of being a free people or of being a prosperous people. God was going to punish them for not following his commands. God has given us the Bible so that we can know what to do to obey him. He loves us and wants us to live with him in heaven. We will not grind grain in heaven, but we will be in our eternal home. We will have the constant pleasure of being in the presence of God. We will hear only good sounds and we …

Let God Do the Washing

Many nations today have machines that do the washing of clothes. You put your clothes in the machine along with some soap and turn the machine on. Later you come back to take the clothes out. During Bible times, clothes were washed a much different way. The clothes would be taken to a stream, pool or watering trough. The clothes would be dipped into the water several times. Then the clothes would be placed upon a flat stone and beat with a club or another rock. The clothes would be rinsed with water. In Psalm 51:2 we read, “Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” The Hebrew word here for “wash” means to “wash by beating or kneading.” This is the word used for the way they washed clothes in this manner. David was saying that he wanted God to do whatever was necessary to make him clean from his iniquity. Tradition tells us that this psalm was written by David after he had committed a terrible sin. Nathan the prophet had come to David and made him admit what he had done wrong. Then David prayed, asking God to forgive him and cleanse him. We can learn much from David’s attitude in this psalm. When we do something wrong, we should be willing to admit it and then ask God for forgiveness. Sometimes it may not be easy to do what is right. Sometimes the results of our sins will cause us great sadness. …

The Duchess Kissed Herself to Death

In the gold fields of Alaska, California and Brazil, there was the practice of “salting” rocks and mines by loading a shotgun with gold dust then firing the dust into the rock. The rock would then appear to be thoroughly laden with the precious metal. The prospective purchaser of the claim, upon discovering that he had been duped, would confront the unscrupulous seller, which often ended in a shoot-out, ending the life of one or both of the participants. A little glitter would mislead the person into accepting fraud as truth. Some look for happiness in pleasure, position, power or wealth. True happiness is experienced when we turn from pursuing self-satisfaction in the pleasures of this world and begin to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). For What Did They Die? Nine prominent people (a baseball star, six entertainers, two who had inherited great wealth) committed suicide. A highly regarded educator and his wife took a lethal dose of drugs upon learning that she had terminal cancer. They all failed to find the real “stuff” by which to cling to this life. Human beings were created to bring glory to God. Our lives have purpose for time and eternity. God made us in his image (Genesis 1:5; Colossians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 11:7). We are to bring honor to our Creator. We may choose the glitter of this world or we may choose that city of pure gold whose builder and maker is God (Revelation 21). …

Jesus Is God

The name “God” is a word that applies appropriately to only the three personalities of divine nature (the Godhead), either collectively or individually. All three of these personalities, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are called “God” in Scripture (John 1:1; John 3:16; Acts 5:3-4) and each possesses all of the attributes of Deity. This means that all are “God” and all are equal in every respect. It has been the claim of many, even today, that Jesus is not Deity, that he never claimed to be God, and that the Bible does not teach such. However, even a casual reading of the Bible uncovers the error and inaccuracy of such empty assertions. The relationship of “Father” and “Son” expressed often in Scripture (Matthew 11:27; John 3:16; John 5:19-23; Revelation 2:18) clearly evidences an existing equality. The Jews that sought to kill him rightly understood this fact. In John 5:18 they declared that Jesus “said that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” In the following verses (18-23), Jesus did not deny what the Jews had said, but rather attested to that equality. He expressed that equality in terms of work (vs. 19); in terms of knowledge (vs. 20); in terms of power (vs. 21); in terms of judgment (vs. 22); and in terms of honor (vs. 23). Logic, as well, attests to the fact that the nature of a father inheres in his son. So it is with human beings and so it is with Deity. In this …

What Will We Leave Behind?

If the Lord delays his coming, none of us will get out of this world alive. We have an appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27), when we hope to meet our angelic guide to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22). Tear-dimmed eyes will last view our casket, and lonely mourners will follow the trail of tears to the silent city of the dead where our bodies will wait for the resurrection morn (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). All desire to leave something worthwhile behind. We want our families left financially secure and to be remembered for making some contribution to society. From Methuselah, who, though he lived the longest he accomplished the least (Genesis 5:26-27), we learn that it is not the length of our lives that counts, but what we do with them. Jesus, though he lived only 33 years, made the most of them. So should we. A Record Of Good Deeds: When they visit the funeral home, will our friends reminiscence about the good that we have done like Dorcas’ friends did (Acts 9:36, 39)? Will the preacher’s eulogy be long and full? Hopefully, they can remember our kindness to widows and orphans (James 1:27), the food we gave the hungry (Matthew 25:35), the clothes given to those cold, visits to the sick (Matthew 25:36), flowers to the bereaved (John 11:19), comfort for the hurting (Philemon 7) and encouragement we gave the downtrodden (Acts 9:27). When the Herods died, people must have cheered (Matthew 2:16; Acts 12:1). They were not remembered for their good …

Glimpses of Patriarchy

The Patriarchal Age or Dispensation is the first period of God-authored religious history, which was subsequently followed by Judaism and Christianity, respectively. The type of interaction between God and mankind that was characteristic of Patriarchy began immediately following creation of Adam and Eve. Until the institution of Judaism for the descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, Patriarchy was a universal religion. After God gave the descendants of Jacob Judaism, Patriarchy continued for the rest of humanity not included in God’s covenant with the Israelites. Upon the establishment of Christianity, Patriarchy seems to have continued for a time also parallel to Christianity, until the Gospel of Christ was proclaimed to non-Jews (the Gentiles, Acts 10-11). Patriarchy, then, commenced with the dawn of human residency upon planet earth and was, at first, applicable to all of mankind. Yet God is revealed as God not merely of a tribe, but of all the earth (Gen 18:25). All nations were to be blessed in Abraham. The Gentile Pharaoh and Abimelech have revelations. God is called “almighty” (Gen 17:1; 28:3; 35:11). Melchizedek, of Canaanite Salem, is His king priest, and He punishes Canaanite Sodom and Gomorrah.1 It is applied in the NT to Abraham (Heb 7:4), to the sons of Jacob (Acts 7:8-9), and to David (2:29). In common usage the title patriarch is assigned especially to those whose lives are recorded in Scripture previous to the time of Moses.2 All of the Book of Genesis and part of the Book of Exodus contain …