Cornelius, Baptism and the Holy Spirit

Hello, I just read some of your web page. Water baptism is not necessary for salvation because we see Cornelius receiving the Holy Spirit before he was baptized. Sincerely, Marc Taylor There is much in the New Testament and several articles archived on the Gospel Gazette Online site that you have to completely ignore to arrive at your summary conclusion based on the Holy Spirit visiting Cornelius. For instance, do you believe Jesus? He said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” (Mark 16:16). Do you believe the apostle Peter? He said, “…Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38). Peter further penned, “…baptism doth also now save us…” (1 Peter 3:21). The Holy Spirit that you say exempted Cornelius (and by implication yourself and all mankind) from ‘baptism for the remission of sins’ or to “save us” caused Mark and Peter to write Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21, Peter to speak Acts 2:38 and Luke to record Acts 2:38, and Acts 22:16 where Saul (later the apostle Paul) was commanded, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” All Scripture came about through Divine inspiration (2 Peter 1:20-21). Baptism is not all there is to salvation as the New Testament describes it, but because baptism is the point at which mankind usually attacks God’s plan for human redemption, the New Testament records more …

BC and AD

Hello my name is James and I have been pulling my hair out trying to find an answer to my question. We define the period prior to Jesus’ birth as B.C., we also define the period after his death A.D. Is there a defined period while Jesus was alive?  If so what is the name of that period? Thank you for any insight you can provide. ~ James Kregness Your difficulty lies in the false assumption that “AD” means ‘after the death of Christ.’ Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary identifies the abbreviation “AD” with various words for which it sometimes stands, including “anno Domini.” Then, the dictionary defines “anno Domini” by its etymology from Medieval Latin, meaning, “in the year of the Lord.” Whereas the abbreviation “BC” means “before Christ” according to Webster’s, the abbreviation “AD” stands for “anno Domini” and refers to time after the birth (not death) of Christ. For centuries, competing calendars were adopted by various parts of the known world. In the sixty century, a Roman Catholic monk by the name of Dionysius Exiguus (500-560) devised a calendar (525) by which modern time was calculated from the birth of Christ. It was not for another two centuries before his calendar was generally accepted. Incidentally, the monk made an error of about four years, which now it is too late to correct given the two millennia that have elapsed since the birth of Christ. The error is evident from first century writers, including Josephus and the Gospel writers, as well as …

The Christian’s Benevolent Obligation

My husband and I are Christians and need direction on our responsibilities to a young man in need. Kyle is now 17 1/2 and has been living with us for 7 months. Neither parent’s new spouse will allow him to live in their home, nor does either parent provide for him. They did not remember his birthday or Christmas and do not call or visit to check on him or offer us financial assistance. I feel sorry for Kyle and so far, I have been willing to provide for him, but I feel we have become enablers. He has been kicked out of alternative school and does not work. He runs around until the wee hours of the morning and then sleeps until afternoon. We have not charged him anything to live in our home and I know he can’t afford to live on his own, but I am ready to issue an ultimatum: get his GED and work or join the military OR find another place to live. My husband thinks it’s too harsh and not scriptural and that we would not be fulfilling our obligations as Christians. Can you help? Thank you. Cathy R. Davis From the information you provided, Kyle was 16-years-old when he came to live with you. Probably then, if not still and at least until he turns 18, his parents had or have a legal obligation to be financially responsible for his health and welfare. Though it seems that Kyle’s parents have evaded their …

Weep at Birth Rejoice at Death?

When I was younger I was told that the bible talks about how we are suppose to weep when a baby is born, and rejoice when someone dies because they are going to live with God. Could you help me to find what scripture refers back to this scenerio? Thanks, Retondra What the precise Scripture is that you may be desiring to find escapes me. The following reference pertains to a period of persecution that had begun in Paul’s day and which he expected to continue. “But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not” (1 Corinthians 7:29-30). Old Testament references to impending doom or release from persecution resulted in similar language. “Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him: but weep sore for him that goeth away: for he shall return no more, nor see his native country” (Jeremiah 22:10). “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5-6). Ordinarily, we should share in the joy of our fellows, particularly that of Christians, and we should sympathize with the same regarding their sorrows. “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans …

Religious Vows

Hello, What would a religious nun with a perpetual vow do to obtain dispensations from vows? ~ Josephine A. Religious vows have been a part of each religious dispensation of time (e.g., Patriarchy, Judaism and Christianity). Jacob, who lived under Patriarchy, made a vow (Genesis 28:20; see also Job 22:27 for a reference to vows under Patriarchy.). Deuteronomy 23:21-23 below demonstrates that vows were a part of Judaism. Acts 18:18 records a vow of the apostle Paul in the Christian era, though he may have initiated that vow while Judaism was still in force. The following instruction to the Jewish people illustrates that religious vows were voluntary in nature, but obligatory once made. “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth” (Deuteronomy 23:21-23; see also Ecclesiastes 5:5; Psalm 50:14; Proverbs 20:25.). However, the type of vow to which you refer is contrary to God’s will and he expressed that in the New Testament. There are a number of biblical reasons why no one is obligated to keep the type of vow required of nuns. …

Husband of One Wife

Dear Louis, Can A divorced man serve as a “Deacon” or an “Elder”? Husband of but one wife can mean, not more than one wife at a time, or it can mean not more than one wife “ever”. All the qualifications for leaders mentioned in 1 Tim. and Titus, rules out men without fault, today. Dosen’t mean they don’t have things in their past they arn’t proud of, but I understand, we, because of the Grace of God, can be, and are forgiven, when we repent and change our ways. I hear “Church Leaders” treat “Divorce” as the “Unforgiveable” sin. Why is the other sins forgiveable and that is not? I know each case is different, but I would like your views on this subject. Thanks, Bill Suffel Biblical qualifications for elders and deacons are addressed in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. The phrase “husband of one wife” appears in the former context, once each applied to elders and to deacons. Commentators differ respecting the meaning and application of that phrase (e.g., Robertson; Vincent). That the phrase constitutes a prohibition against a polygamist, at a time when polygamy had been suffered by God, seems apparent to me. If that is the case, then the verses do not address widowers or divorcees who remarry. Other Scriptures govern the acceptability of a prospective deacon or elder. Death dissolves marriage and any widower who is otherwise eligible to marry may marry any other biblically eligible person (Matthew 22:23-30; Romans 7:1-3). Jesus also …

The Bottle in the Smoke

There is an interesting expression in Psalm 119:83. It reads in the King James Version, “For I am become like a bottle in the smoke, yet do I not forget thy statues.” Probably most readers of the King James Version would not have the least idea of the meaning of the expression. The American Standard Version helps some, but not much. It says, “For I am become like a wine-skin in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes.” Even if one realized that some persons hung their wineskins in the chimney, or other places where the warmth of the fire and smoke would surround it, one might have trouble seeing any meaning in David’s words. As in all cases of serious Bible study, one should read the passage in the context. This will not always reveal the exact meaning, but will usually help to shed light on the subject. He had just asked in verse 82, “When wilt thou comfort me?” At the end of verse 83, he says, “Yet do I not forget thy statutes.” In verse 84, he mentions “them that persecute me.” Without question, the context has to do with persecution, need for comfort and difficulties of various sorts. Realizing that, we can visualize a wineskin hanging in the smoke of a chimney, growing more wrinkled, blackened and shriveled. This would suggest his feeling of distress, anxiety, grief, misfortune, adversity, sorrow, anguish, discomfort and misery. It is very similar to what he said in Psalm …

Good Advice for Young Wives and Mothers

One of the most difficult lessons to learn and apply as mothers is to be consistent in all things. When behavior is acceptable today but not acceptable tomorrow, children become confused and do not know what is expected of them. It is very important that both mother and father are united, in full agreement, with the discipline, behavior and expectations of the children. If a situation should arise that both parents do not agree on a point, they should discuss the disagreement in private and come to a comprise both can accept. This will show a united front to the children, will let them know what is expected of them and will not confuse them. When we are tired, it is easy to “give in” when a child continually begs for something. Sometimes we find ourselves saying “yes” to avoid a scene. If this happens frequently, our children will realize that, “I can get my way if I cry loud enough or long enough.” Sometimes we simply get tired of continually repeating ourselves when asking a child to do something. It becomes easier to do it ourselves. The Scriptures teach that the unrighteous judge succumbed to the widow because she “wearied him” (Luke 18:1-8). While this parable is teaching the need for persistency in prayer, we can learn a secondary lesson. We should not be like the unjust judge and “give in” just because our children “wear us down.” Over the years, I have observed several areas in which a …

A Charge to Keep

Consider the command given Timothy by Paul in 1 Timothy 1:18-20. Paul had nurtured Timothy for quite a time (cf. Acts 16), and now left him to care for the church at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). Recalling Paul’s deep concern for all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:28), this was quite a compliment to the young (1 Timothy 4:12) servant. Paul still cares, and writes to encourage and teach Timothy. He wants Timothy to know how to teach others to behave themselves in the house of God (1 Timothy 3:15). The book begins with a charge: “…charge some that they teach no other doctrine…” (1:3). After a profitable digression, in which Paul reflects a bit on his tainted but forgiven past (1:12-17), he returns to the charge, with more explanation. Someone — whether an apostle or one on whom an apostle had bestowed the gift of prophecy (cf. 1 Corinthians 12-14; Acts 11:27-28) — uttered prophecies about Timothy and his fulfillment of this charge. The first-century charge has application to twenty-first century servants, although particular circumstances differ. For example, the charge (mandate, command) included waging a good warfare with faith and good conscience, living up to the expectations that had been prophesied about Timothy. The Christian life is a battle against the forces of evil using spiritual — not carnal — weapons (Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4). More than once did Paul use the analogy of soldiering to describe the lifestyle of Christ’s enlisted (2 Timothy 2:3-4; Philippians 2:25; Philemon 1). …

Ballad of the Unborn

My shining feet will never run on early morning lawn;My feet were crushed before they had a chance to streak the dawn. My fingers now will never stretch to touch the winning tape;My race was done before I learned the smallest steps to take. My growing height will never be recorded on the wall,My growth was stopped when I was still unseen and very small. My lips and tongue will never taste good fruits of the earth;For when still blind, destroyed were they in the black womb of night. My lips and tongue will never taste good fruits of the earth;For when still blind, destroyed were they in the black womb of night. I’ll never walk the shores of life or know the tides of time,For I was coming but unloved, and that my only crime.

The “Us” of Acts 11:15

Hello, I have read your book “The Spirit Summarized,” and I have enjoyed reading it. I have learned much. I am currently in a serious study over “Acts” and currently I am in chapter 10. I have profited from chapter 6 of your book and I have a couple of questions for you. 1. In Acts 11:15 it says, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning.” Who is the “us” in this verse? 2. A couple of versus later the text reads, “For as much then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us.” Once again, who is the “us” in this verse? Please elaborate on these questions. In Him, Michael Robinson Pronouns refer to nouns and the correct correlation between nouns and their pronouns must be made in order for language to be properly understood. This is as true in the Bible as in everyday speech or in the newspaper. That is all it will take to satisfactorily address the question of to whom the “us” in Acts 11:15 and 17 refers. Acts 11 is a reiteration of the events that transpired in Acts 10 respecting the conversion of Cornelius and those who were with him. Without duplicating the entire Bible text relative to this incident in these two chapters and without giving a full narration of the events that are chronicled in these two chapters, nevertheless, references must be made to verses in …

Are Mormons Christians?

With respect: I agree entirely that the New Testament apostolic faith plus the guidelines of the early centuries of the Christian Church should define our faith, but I find it confusing that the Mormons should be included in any list of Christians, because they have clearly gone way off the mark with the Book of Mormon and Mormon doctrine which contradict the Scriptures… I wonder why you mention the LDS alongside true historical churches. Would it not be better to keep denominations togerther, but steer clear of sectarian groups? Many thanks for the contact – I await your reflections! Tony Somervell, Paraguayan Anglican Church First, “the New Testament apostolic faith” about which anyone can read in the Bible constitutes authority in religion (Jude 3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). However, it is not the case that “the guidelines of the early centuries of the Christian Church should define our faith.” Jesus claimed all authority for himself (Matthew 28:18, ASV). He delegated authority to his apostles (Matthew 16:16-19; 18:18). The Holy Spirit in the first century inspired additional men to write New Testament books (e.g., John Mark, Luke, James, Jude). No changes were permitted to the Gospel already delivered in the first century (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18-19). Second, it is almost laughable for members of any denomination to cite another contemporary religious group as “way off the mark” when all the denominations are either a remake of the apostate Catholic Church or equally distant in organization, doctrine and worship from the church anyone can read …

Female Song Leader

Bro. Rushmore, Again I come to you for some sound Biblical knowledge. Would it be sinful for Christians to sing religious songs being lead by a female Baptist song leader? In Him, Rayford Henderson, Jr. First, being a female song leader or any other kind of female leader in a religious assembly composed of men and women is biblically impermissible, that is, sinful. Respecting the different roles God gave to men and women in religion and in the home, women are forbidden by Scripture from addressing a religious assembly. “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law” (1 Corinthians 14:34). Women are forbidden in religion from taking an authoritative position over men. “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy 2:12). Therefore, it is equally inappropriate or sinful for anyone (and especially Christians) to implicitly approve by his or her participation what God disapproves. The two following passages illustrate the principle that approving of what God disapproves causes the approving one to be likewise guilty of sin. “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Romans 1:32). “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth …

The Hadean Realm

A sincere Bible student would like a discussion in regard to “the Hadean realm”: 1. “My understanding [he says] from the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 is that there is a place for departed souls which consists of a place of comfort for the righteous (Abraham’s bosom) and a place of torment for the wicked.” I believe that your understanding is accurate. 2. Another sincere brother takes Paul’s statement in Philippians 1:23, “having a desire to depart and be with Christ,” as teaching that when one dies he or she goes to be with Christ in heaven. On the contrary, a person’s being “with Christ in heaven” has to wait until after a stay in “Abraham’s bosom” (Luke 16:22), which is another name for Paradise (Luke 23:43) and “the third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12:2). And heaven must wait until “the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render to every man according to his deeds (Matthew 16:27). Jesus “is ordained by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42; 17:31; John 5:22). We all will be “made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ” that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what we have done, “whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). After “the day of judgment” (Matthew 10:15; 11:22, 24; 12:36), the righteous will “be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the …

January 22, 1973

January 22, 1973 is a day that has gone down in infamy. However, unlike December 7, 1941, another day of infamy, the death and destruction did not occur on that day but has continued since that time and has snuffed out the lives of countless more than those killed on that day. Since 1973 there have been 35,000,000 babies killed [this article was penned for January of 2001; the numbers here and current events mentioned below are a year old. ~ Editor], over 1.2 million per year. Furthermore, the attack on Pearl Harbor was against armed shipping in the United States Navy and not against the innocent unborn in the womb. Last year congress passed a law to ban what has become known as “Partial-Birth Abortion.” That bill was vetoed by President Clinton. Hopefully, with a new Congress in session and a new President having been sworn in, Congress will again pass such a bill that George W. Bush has already indicated he would sign such a bill into law. I believe that it is vital that we understand what “partial-birth abortion” really is so that we might encourage our congressmen and senators to ban the practice as a first step to overturning the Roe versus Wade decision legalizing abortion that has enabled a vast number of our innocent, unborn children to be murdered. Note the following excerpts from a statement made by a nurse before a House subcommittee considering the Partial-Birth abortion ban bill. I stood at the doctor’s …

The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Fund

Dear Brother Rushmore, Recently in the area I live we were hit hard by some severe storms. Many lost their homes and sadly some lost their lives. In the aftermath an organization called “The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Fund” came in and left truck loads of food for victims of the storm to be dispersed by local congregations. I had never heard of this organization before but as I understand, it is not under the over sight of any eldership and has a board of directors. The workers are volunteers and they will not release goods to a community unless it is done through the local church. They also receive funds as I understand from buisnesses and other sources outside of the church. My question is this, I know this is a good work but is this a case of the organization doing benevolent work for the church and is this something congregations should be involved in? I would appreciate you comments, I know some see no problem with it and others are very opposed, I just want to do what is right! In Christ, Roy Williams First, most people outside the churches of Christ and many members of the churches of Christ would wonder why this is a question of concern at all. Anyone not aware of the need for divine authority in religion or whose concept of authority in religion dethrones God and imagines that mankind, through humanly established churches, is his own religious authority, will not understand apprehension …

That You May Know That You Have Eternal Life

In the wonderful and brilliant Book of First John, the apostle of love makes a statement in chapter five and verse thirteen that has caused no little controversy in the church and among other religious bodies. The verse, as it is set forth in the New King James translation of the Bible is as follows: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” One is impressed with the fact that the text says that the Christians of the day in which John was writing could know that they had eternal life. The question naturally arises as to the sense in which we have eternal life. Do we have it in the absolute sense in that nothing we can do can cause us to lose that life? No, we do not! This is just another way of expressing the Calvinistic doctrine of “once in grace always in grace.” If the Book of Hebrews demonstrates anything at all, it demonstrates that one can walk out on Christ, thus falling away from him, and lose whatever reward God may have for the saints (Hebrews 6:4-8). Everyone who understands what it means to be a “free moral agent,” with the ability to make choices, knows that a person can walk out on God just as surely as he can come to God. The Calvinists attempt …

The Deceiver of the Whole World

[West Virginia Christian, Volume 8, No. 8, August 2001] Revelation 12:9 speaks of our adversary, the devil, “…Satan, which deceiveth the whole world…” This is the devil’s real power — actually, his only real power today. He is a liar and the father of it! (John 8:44). He makes evil things look good, and good things look evil; he puts darkness for light and light for darkness, bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter (Isaiah 5:20). He has always done this through his “ministers” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15), and there are “many deceivers” working for their master (Titus 2:10; 2 John 7). Paul warned Timothy that “…evil men and seducers (impostors — ASV) shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). John said, “…many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1) and commands that we “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…” Jesus wants us to “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” The Lord says we can “…know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-20). There is an old illustration that helps us to better see the work of Satan. It is said that some boys in a small town decided to play a prank on the owner of the local hardware store. They knew of a window in the back of the store that was usually left unlocked, so they entered the store one night and …

The Parable of the Sower Crossword Puzzle

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

Ruth

You probably are familiar with the story of Ruth. She lived during the times of the Judges in the Old Testament. She lived in the land of Moab which was located southeast of the Dead Sea. A Jewish man took Naomi, his wife, and his two sons to the land of Moab. The two sons married while in Moab. Ruth was one of the brides. The man and his two sons died so Naomi decided to go back to her hometown. Ruth went with her. Naomi even tried to get Ruth to stay in Moab, but Ruth insisted to go with her. When they get back to Naomi’s home, Ruth is sent to gather grain in the fields of Boaz. Boaz takes good care of Ruth and Naomi. After a short time, Ruth asks Boaz if he will take her as a bride. To do so, Boaz must go to the nearest relative of Naomi and ask him if he intends to marry Naomi and Ruth and keep the property of Naomi’s husband. Under Old Testament Law, the nearest relative had this right. The relative says he does not want to keep the property nor to marry Naomi or Ruth. Boaz then obtains the property and marries Ruth.   In some ways, the story of Ruth is like what Christ did for the church. He had to be willing to purchase the church and have the ability to pay for it. Christ was willing to purchase the church. He did …

What Can a Little Girl Do?

In 1 Kings 5, we read about a captain of the Syrian army named Naaman. Naaman was a great man in Syria. He was a very courageous man. But, Naaman had a bad disease known as leprosy. This disease made the skin fall off. It ate away slowly at the body. The Syrians had invaded Israel and taken captives. Among those captives was a little girl who was taken to Naaman’s house. She served Naaman’s wife. When the little girl knew about Naaman’s problem, she told her master about the prophet in Israel who could cure his disease. Word is taken to Naaman. The girl must have been a very good person, because when Naaman hears what she has said, he believes her. Naaman goes to Israel and meets with the prophet Elisha. It takes some persuading, but eventually Naaman does what Elisha tells him to do and Naaman is cured. The little girl did not let circumstances change her belief in God. She knew that God was still in control of all things. She also did not allow her circumstances to make her bitter. She could have been happy that a mighty man of Syria was so sick. After all, he was responsible for invading her  country and making her a servant. He was responsible for taking her from her parents. But, she did not think about these bad things. Instead, she was willing to do what she could to show him the true God. Make sure that you …

We Must Not Make Peace with the World

It would be difficult to find a more important and timely subject for our consideration than the one that is about to claim our attention. What is to be our relationship with the world? Is the restriction suggested in the title of this article one that is to be applied to all people everywhere, or is there a certain segment of our population that is to maintain such a distinction? This lesson will affirm that Christians are those who must not make peace with the world. What is meant by the word “world” that would demand that a Christian sustain a relationship to it that would be different from that of anybody else? Why should we not live peaceably therein? What is the reason for the prohibition against making peace with the world? Does not the Bible say, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men”? (Romans 12:18). It seems as though this would require striking some peace agreement with the world. If not, why not? My purpose in these questions is not to play “Devil’s advocate.” It is merely to suggest the wide range of application which is contained in the topic now before us. Several important questions will challenge our thinking as we delve into these matters. In order that we might obtain a full grasp of the subject, I have framed this article around a number of significant questions for our consideration. First, what is the world in the context …

Faith and Knowledge

Faith in an essential element in our response to God. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is defined in Scripture as “…the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Living faith is the operative agent in man’s obedience to God. It is faith that leads to action. Faith and works are inseparably linked. One is ineffective without the other (James 2:14-26). Given the importance placed on faith in Scripture, it is imperative that we understand the meaning of faith. Faith is often seen as the proverbial “blind leap into the dark,” a crutch for weak individuals. But, nothing could be further from the truth. Superstition results from ignorance and fear of the unknown. They originate in ignorance. Faith is often associated with superstition. In fact, one of the definitions provided in Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary for faith is “firm belief in something for which there is no proof.” I suspect that to be the definition many people attach to “faith” in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth. Faith, as used in Scripture, is not belief without proof, but belief based on evidence. Peter admonished Christians to provide reasons for their faith, because our faith is reasonable (1 Peter 3:15). Our faith in Creation, in the Bible, in Jesus …

Abraham Who?

It amazes me how often people question the wisdom of studying the Old Testament. Surely we should understand that we are no longer under the Old Law but under the New (Hebrews 8:6-13), but this does not discount the usefulness of that Old Law. Others might complain that the Old Testament is boring and long. There are even those who appear to be pious because of how they emphasized that there is so much to learn in the New Testament that we should really learn it first since it is what we are under. All of these reasons appear good on the surface, but not one of them respects the true value and need of studying the Old Testament as God has told us to do. Paul, writing to the church at Rome, said, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). The great apostle said this immediately after quoting Psalm 69:9. Therefore, there are many principles that we should learn from Paul’s use of the Old Testament. Paul wrote about and recognized that the Old Law had been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14), but he said that there was still a place for it. In fact, he shows us that by understanding it, we can gain greater insight into our hope. The Old Testament teaches many of the same principles as the New, and we can learn from it by applying …

Power, Love and a Sound Mind

Most of us like to think of ourselves as bold and courageous. Many times, we prove it to ourselves by how fast we drive, or when we confront someone about a wrong that has been done. Why is it, then, when it comes to teaching someone about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the “Power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16), all of our vaunted courage vanishes like a puff of smoke? As a preacher of the Gospel for the last twenty years, this writer has heard many excuses offered for this phenomenon — “I can’t do that” or “I just don’t know enough Scripture” and the list goes on. Why does our bold, lion-like approach to life fade away and turn into timidity when the topic of discussion is the salvation of one’s soul? We certainly agree that all of us need to be encouraged at times. A pat on the back is effective when applied in the proper circumstances. However, there are times when a good, swift kick in the backside is also needed! Too long have Christians cowered under the pressures of the worldly-minded. We have forgotten who is on our side and that none can stand against him! “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Consider, for a moment, the gentle but firm rebuke of young Timothy by the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 1:6-8: “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of …

Common

Words are intriguing. They serve as the vehicles by which ideas and concepts are carried from the mind of one person to another. God has used these things that we call “words” to bring to our minds those things he would have us to know in order that we may be acceptable in his righteous sight. In the Book of 1 Corinthians, chapter two, Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit searched the mind of God, and that he revealed to man what God would have man to know from that well-spring of eternal truth that God has in his own mind. Many of the words of God are very striking and we are immediately drawn to do a word study to try and learn all the nuances of those words so that we may better understand and appreciate Christianity. Others are words that we are very likely to pass over, thinking that we understand them sufficiently to get the meaning of a given text. In the third verse of the Book of Jude, the half brother of our Lord spoke of the “common salvation.” Because the word “common” in this text is coupled with the word salvation, one is almost immediately drawn to it wondering in what sense the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ can be thought of as “common.” In Titus 1:4, Paul used the very same word in addressing Titus as his “true son in our common faith.” Again, one cannot help but wonder how the …