Most Important Gift

Tell me what you think of this. There is a woman who said she has been called to be a prophet. I don’t have a problem with that but she said this: “Prophecy is the most essential gift.” I totally disagree with that statement, but don’t quite know how to address it. Have you addressed this in one of your earlier Gazettes? If so, please direct me where to look. If not, please respond to my e-mail. I truly respect your opinion. Thanks and God bless! Maxine Collins Prophecy was inferior to love: “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2 NKJV). However, among the miraculous, spiritual gifts available to the Lord’s church in the first century, the apostle Paul ranked prophecy as primary: “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1-2). Howbeit, miraculous, spiritual gifts are no longer available since the time that biblical miracles ceased around the close of the first century A.D. The purpose of miracles is clearly stated in Mark 16:20: “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” Once the purpose of miracles was accomplished, confirming the New Testament as from God, miracles being provisional, were no longer needed. Both 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 and Ephesians 4:11-14 prophesied the …

Racial Generalizations

When someone speaks about false teaching or sin, do you think it wise to say things like: “This sin (or false teaching) is common among the [fill in the blank] race”? Do you believe that this makes an unnecessary generalization, and the sin and/or false teaching would be better refuted without linking it to a particular race, even if the statistics may show it more common with that race? Yes, of course, the answer to these questions is obvious. Generalizations are never universally true. I can see, though, how one might observe, for instance, that our black brethren have more instances of evangelistic oversight, or our white brethren have more instances of apostasy from New Testament principles; yet, either race or mankind in general irrespective of race, ethnicity, nationality, etc. may dabble with either. The apostles and Jewish brethren in Jerusalem gave tailored instruction to Gentile Christians in Antioch of Syria because of true generalizations respecting Gentiles and sins common to them would likely tempt Gentile Christians, too (Acts 15:20-32; 21:25). The Holy Spirit, according to this passage was behind the instruction, and the apostle Paul accompanied those who delivered the epistle and further expounded upon the same. Later, the apostle Paul referred to this episode and included himself as complicit in that instruction. The motive, of course, was good, and the instruction was intended for the welfare of fellow Christians. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor

Where Are the Dead? (1)

It is no mark of courage to speak lightly of human dying. We may do it in bravado, or in wantonness; but no man who thinks can call it a trifling thing to die. True thoughtfulness must shrink from death without Christ. There is a world of untold sensations prodded into that moment when a man realizes his hour is come. It is all over—his chance is passed, and his eternity is settled. None of us know, except by guess, what that sensation is. Myriads of human beings have felt it to whom life was dear; but they never spoke out their feelings, for such things are untold. And to every individual man throughout all eternity that sensation in its fullness can come but once. It is mockery…for a man to speak lightly about that which we cannot know till it comes (Baxter, When Life Tumbles In, 103). Seemingly one of the most faithful foes in our time is the morning obituaries. Without partiality or prejudice, it faithfully reveals the truthfulness of Moses’ statement, “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10). It tragically reports the deaths of little ones and the middle aged. No distinction is made of race, language or gender. None are beyond the reach of the words, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this …

Worship (2)

In our last article we noticed that the first century Christians met upon the first day of the week (Sunday) to worship God. We also noticed how they prayed and how they studied the Word of God (or had preaching). In this article, we will continue by noticing that these same Christians partook of the Lord’s Supper on each first day of the week. In Matthew 26:26-28 we read: “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’” It is here that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this …

Worship (1)

From the creation of man, God has commanded and expected worship. In the 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews we learn that “by faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain” (v. 4). Since the kind of faith that pleases God comes by hearing His Word, we know that God had told these two boys what He wanted as proper worship. In John 4:24 Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” In this passage several things are worthy or attention. God is the object of our worship; man is expected to worship Him; it is imperative that man worship correctly (“must worship”); there must be the proper attitude in worship (“in spirit”); and worship must be according to truth. The one who worships must remember that he is trying to please God, the object of his worship, rather than please himself. Therefore, if we desire to worship God correctly, we must turn to His Word to learn what pleases Him. Let me illustrate. Suppose someone wanted to invite me, the author, to eat a meal with him. Suppose my host or hostess really liked liver and prepared such for me. Frankly, I would just have to disappoint my host or hostess and ask for a cheese or bologna sandwich, simply because I just will not eat liver. I don’t like it, and I never have liked it! Regardless of how sincere the one who invited me may …

To Dream the Impossible Dream

Recently, my son Chris recorded (or whatever you call it on a DVR) the movie version of Man of LaMancha. One of my favorite Broadway songs is the one with which I have entitled this article. The song is sung by the crazy old man, Don Quixote, who thinks he is a knight when there are knights no longer. However, the gist of the song is to set your sights on high and noble goals, and to never give up, no matter “how weary” or how difficult the goals may seem. I like the way the song sounds, but I also like the message, and I believe that it is an important one. We have individual dreams that come from our hearts and wishes for the future. Sometimes, those dreams come true. Sometimes, those dreams do not come true. However, we are the better for striving to attain those dreams, succeed or fail. Further, our dreams as Christians should be accompanied by an unwavering faith in the One with Whom nothing is impossible (Matthew 19:26). We understand that we cannot know the full consequences of our dreams, nor what the future holds, but we can go into the future with our eyes on our dreams knowing that God knows the future and knows what is best, and therefore, we can put our total faith in Him. We have many “impossible dreams” to attain as Christians. We are told in this world that the idea of living a pure Christian life is …

Living a Victorious Life

Trying to live a faithful life in Christ has never been an easy thing to do, and just as difficult in these times. Whether one is new in the faith or has been a child of God for many years, Satan is always challenging us to compromise our convictions, to let go of certain principles, to allow the world too great an influence in our decisions. How do we overcome our sinful desires so we can live in the will of God? What can we do to be less intimidated by the power of sin and more encouraged by the power of the Gospel? Here are three things that can help make a positive difference in our lifestyles. Reflection: Health experts constantly promote the benefit of examining certain habits and features of our bodies, to make sure we are in good health, that no disease has gained entry within us. Self exams spiritually are good for us as well, to make sure we haven’t allowed sin entry in our hearts or minds. Paul reminded the Corinthians, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). He also encouraged them, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5). A “heart-to-heart” with ourselves is always a good thing. Repentance: Acknowledging a problem is only the first step; ridding …

Christian Worship (Is the Community Church Movement Scriptural?)

“Oh, the drums go bang and the cymbals clang and the horns they blaze away” as the band plays on with vigor. Singers of the chorus and the musicians are at par with trained professionals. The worshipers, with arms raised, are swinging to the beat of the music. No doubt, all are enjoying themselves! Most of the congregation is participating with the enthusiasm and ecstasy of the moment. There is a flood of so-called Community churches in our neighborhoods. These churches entertain folks; they will grow in number; this is certain. In researching Community churches, it seems that they have a statement of beliefs that covers many denominational creeds and doctrines. There are also affiliations with movements such as the “Consultation on Church Union (COCU), the National Council of Churches, and the World Council of Churches.” One in this movement is, “The International Christian Community Churches.” In their statement, they say that they “celebrate the diversity of God’s people and their mission to bring others to Christ. All of our churches are open.” Local Community churches are diversified in beliefs with the approach, come as you are. Their dress code may be of a casual nature. Those attending these type worship services are not pressed to be obedient to any code, creed or doctrine. Again the idea seems to be, “We accept you no matter what you believe.” “We are tolerant, and we judge not, so come and worship with us.” It is very common to have this tolerant and …

I Never Give Up

“So, because I hold a place in this ministry and that because I have had God’s mercy shown me, I never give up” (2 Corinthians 4:1; Charles B. Williams Translation). I use various translations in my daily Bible reading and as I was reading this passage from the Williams translation, I was moved to write an article to encourage Christians never to give up on the Lord but to remain loyal and faithful while we live on this earth. The expression, “I never give up” is also found in verse 16 of 2 Corinthians 4. Other translations render these two verses that involve the other apostles in this manner: “We do not lose heart” (NASB & NKJV); “We faint not” (ASV); and “That’s why we never give up” (CEV). The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (NKJV). Steadfastness and perseverance is woefully lacking among many members of the church today. Seemingly it takes but a small amount of discouragement to cause a brother or sister to leave the Lord and His church. I am reminded of what the wise man wrote in Proverbs 24:10, “If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.” The fact is you never know the strength of a man until you know what it takes to discourage him. When Paul stated that “I never give up” or “We do not …

A Woman’s Place

The other evening as I was listening to a talk show, a man called in to explain his views on “a woman’s place.” He thought women should stay at home and see that all her family’s needs were met. That was the extent of “a woman’s place.” He probably was not a Christian, but I believe many Christian men and women feel that a Christian woman’s place is very limited. There is no question that God does limit it, but neither in the degree nor manner than some think. I feel that the Bible is very clear that a concept which limits women to the home is not accurate. When or if we have been taught that, many of us have either accepted it and spent our lives trying to please our families without regard to other activities that may be equal in value to that task, or we may reject the idea, turning in the opposite direction and neglecting our God-given duties to our families for other pursuits. We should like to present what we believe to be a more balanced and biblical view of the matter. One of the most outstanding examples of women who served God and man outside the home is Deborah, who was the only woman judge. She was apparently quite effective as a judge, for she judged God’s people for 40 years. Her courage and faith were demonstrated when she accompanied Barak to take the army of Sisera (Judges 4). Not many of us …

Women Stood by Jesus

Central to Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus. Paul correctly wrote, “And if Christ be not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! …If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable” (1 Corinthians 15:17, 19). Throughout the Gospels, women were mostly in the background, even though some of them supported Jesus and the apostles out of their personal means (Luke 8:2-3). When Jesus faced the most important and trying circumstances of His earthly ministry, women stood by Him when men fled in fear (Mark 14:50). Their staying by Jesus during those dark hours made it possible for them to be able to be the first to tell the good news of His resurrection. Jesus’ Teaching Jesus’ main effort during His personal ministry was to see that the apostles received adequate instruction to carry out their ministry and testify of His resurrection (Acts 10:40-41) after He ascended back into heaven. They were the only ones who are recorded to have been with Him when He revealed His impending death and resurrection. The only exception was when the Jews asked for a sign. Jesus responded, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19-21). Jesus spoke to the apostles of His death and resurrection after the following events (Consider the context of the following verses to determine to whom Jesus was speaking.): Peter’s confession that He is the Christ (Matthew 16:21-22; Mark 8:31; Luke …

Being Patient and Waiting: Who Wants to Do That?

We live in a microwave–“make it happen” yesterday society. Virtually all of us have experienced having to be patient and to wait when it was the last thing we wanted or felt we needed to be doing! I will share three such nerve racking occasions. My husband and I waited for three hours to receive a service. When it finally became our turn, we were told we had been directed to the wrong line. The service we needed could have been taken care of two hours before then! I waited in a drive-through pharmacy for one hour when there were only four vehicles ahead of me! I waited 35 minutes on a plane and watched at least 15 planes leave before we were finally cleared for take-off! We are thrilled beyond words when God answers us within minutes or even seconds. What about those times when we are left to be patient and wait for hours, days, months and sometimes even years? It is hard to be patient and wait, especially when we do not understand what God is doing. Sometimes, we lose sight of Who our God and Father is and how He deals with us. We forget that He can and will respond to us with something far better than we ever imagined at times, if we have the faith to be patient and to wait. Job 14:14 says, “If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my …

The Bible and Reincarnation

There are all kinds of strange ideas about life here and hereafter. Several cultic groups, including those who are commonly called New Agers, believe in a thing called “reincarnation.” This rather fantastic idea, which comes into western thought by way of certain heathen philosophies from the east, holds that the way one lives eternally is through endless rounds of births and deaths. These, according to some of the cults, go on forever, while others hold that they go on until a certain stage of perfection is reached, and then one goes into nirvana, which is a form of nothingness, if nothingness has form! In an attempt to give these fantastic and pagan ideas some sort of credence, many who belong to various New Age movements teach that Jesus taught reincarnation, when in John 3:3, He said to Nicodemus, one of the members of the Jewish Sanhedrin, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” However, if our Lord had been teaching reincarnation, he should have said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again and again and again and again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”Look at the passage carefully and ask yourself this question, where did Jesus say anything that is remotely like this idea? It was never said! Rather, than rebirth after rebirth, after rebirth and death after death, after death, the Bible teaches that we only die once. If we only die once, we …

Collection for Jerusalem

The historian Suetonius referred to frequent famines between the years A.D. 45 and A.D. 48. Famines are times when there is either too little rain for crops to grow or too much rain that does not allow the crops to be planted. The Jewish writer Josephus tells that the queen-mother of Adiabene sent much grain and figs to Judea to help the poor. Her son sent money to the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem to help the poor. It is likely that the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem would have been excluded from those gifts. The Jewish leaders hated Christians and considered them as infidels. Thus, Christians likely suffered the most from the famines and had a very difficult time regaining any prosperity in the following years. Paul wrote to Gentile Christians telling them about the needs of the Christians in Jerusalem. Those in Jerusalem were poor and hungry. Paul told the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 9 that each person should be a cheerful giver. He told the Romans in Romans16:25-26 that the Christians in Achaia and Macedonia had happily shared in giving to the collection for those in Jerusalem. Paul told them that they had been made partakers of the Jew’s spiritual things, and that they should feel duty bound to give physical things to needy Jewish Christians. Paul was using the situation to teach the Gentile and Jewish Christians proper love for brethren. Many of the Jews still looked down upon Gentiles. It was hard for them to accept that …

The Woman that Excels

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). Many young women are taught about the virtuous woman. The virtuous woman described in Chapter Thirty-One of Proverbs is a marvelous woman. She is described as a hard worker, a supporter of her husband, a provider of needed items for her family, a helper of the poor and a person of wisdom. The Hebrew word translated “virtuous” in the above verse is always translated this way when referring to a woman, but when it is used to reference a man, it is translated “strong,” “valiant,” “worthy,” “valor” and “mighty.” It is easy to see that the virtuous woman is also strong, valiant, worthy and a mighty person of valor. It is interesting that this last chapter of Proverbs is said by the King to have been taught to him by his mother. It is likely that the King is Solomon and the mother is Bathsheba. Bathsheba would have done her best to tell Solomon to find a proper woman to marry. She would have wanted her son to find a woman who would be the best helpmeet. Such a woman not only excels, but helps her husband excel as well. Such a woman guides her children into excellence. Of course, the excellence that is most important is spiritual excellence. The virtuous woman will be well versed in Scripture. She will aid her husband in his spirituality. She will teach her children proper spirituality. Study your …

Look to God and Ask for Strength

No rocket scientist is needed here to explain that we are living in challenging times. Many of us are not accustomed to adversity, at least not openly. Human nature, for the most part, is to prefer that things run smoothly, no hitches, no glitches. Roll with the flow, but some things are beyond our control. No, no one enjoys difficult times. Yet, ultimately, they can have some positive effect. By choice, that positive effect should be maximized for the greater good of the heavenly kingdom. God can help us through difficult times to become stronger and more effective in our service for him. In times like these, may we remember to look to God for strength. While we at times may be weak, our heavenly Father is an awesome God of power. One of the wonderful things about our Creator is that He not only knows how to majestically utilize his power, but He has the capacity and willingness to share power with us His creatures. Paul closes his prayer in Ephesians Chapter 3 with an expression that glory might be “…unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (vs. 20). Since we have been recreated and redeemed by the blood of Christ, we know something personally about the power of God. God’s power transcends all other power in the universe. The familiar lyrics “…the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not …

By Your Fruit

At the close of His masterful Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, speaking in the immediate context of false teachers, affirmed, “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:17-20 emp. added). Not only are false teachers known by their fruits, but so also are “false Christians.” Although the term “false Christian” is a contradictory term, sadly it is often a reality in the church for which Jesus died. How can we be sure that we are not the corrupt trees of which Jesus spoke? First, we must ask, what fruit should I bring forth?Every accountable person has at sometime brought forth bad fruit (Romans 3:10, 23). However, penitent believers change their fruit (Luke 3:8) and begin to bear fruit pleasing to the Lord (John 15:8). This one no longer walks after the flesh, but now after the Spirit (Romans 8:1ff). As a Christian grows and walks a more mature walk following the Word of God, he or she mortifies or puts to death the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 8:13) and begins to bear spiritual fruit. “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). By …

Helps and Hindrances to Biblical Interpretation

There are several contributions to successful biblical interpretation. For successful biblical interpretation, one must examine the biblical context carefully: immediate context, remote context, total biblical context. Biblical context (the immediate passage, the book, the testament and the entire Bible) is crucial to correct biblical interpretation. Kin to the foregoing: “A passage of Scripture is to be understood in the light of all Scripture” (Kelcy 79). In addition, one must avoid in his biblical interpretation backdating present circumstances to the ancient, biblical past (i.e., we must avoid overlaying the past with the template of the present). An interpreter must realize that “Christianity began and took its initial shape in the context of first century Judaism. The writers of the New Testament lived and thought within the categories of Jewish tradition” (Chouinard 196). That is: “In order to understand what a passage means to men of today, one must first ascertain what it meant to those to whom it was first written” (Kelcy 80). “Only when one understands what a text meant in the First Century will he be able to understand with clarity what are its implications for the present” (Osburn qtd. in Flatt 68). One cannot overestimate the importance of familiarizing himself with the historical setting of biblical text. “Without a knowledge of Old Testament history, anything like a satisfactory understanding of the New Testament is impossible. The New builds on the Old…” (Le Moine Lewis 246). “It has become clear in the twentieth century that any interpretation of Scripture must …