Islamic Confusion about the Godhead

I just converted a Muslim cleric who is in bed next to mine in the hospital and I need to answer some questions raised by him. 1. What is the relationship between Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1? 2. Which comes first, THE WORD or THE LORD in the beginning? 3. Can we call Jesus Jehovah? 4. Who then is Jesus calling MY FATHER? The word “God” in Genesis 1:1 is the Hebrew ‘elohiym (el-o-heem’), which is plural and indicates the plurality of persons in the Godhead (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9). The plural pronoun “us” in Genesis 1:26 referring to God also indicates the plurality of persons in the Godhead. A couple of New Testament passages that identify the three persons in the Godhead are Matthew 3:16-17 and 28:18-20. In both instances, we find therein God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. “In the beginning” of Genesis 1:1 refers to when the creation of the universe occurred. “In the beginning” of John 1:1-3 also refers to creation, and “the Word” is cited as preceding and participating in creation. “The Word” is a figurative reference to God the Son who came to the earth and took on the form of a human being (John 1:14). The Godhead, including Jesus Christ Who in John 1:1 is referred to as “the Word,” is eternal, i.e., having no beginning. It is not a matter of whether “the Word” or “the Lord” came first in the beginning since they are …

Is the Godhead Comprised of One Person — the Father?

Recently, I received a phone call from a reader of Gospel Gazette Online who posed a question of sorts, or more correctly, made fast and furious affirmations that there is only one person in the Godhead, and that person, he said, is the Father. He based his conclusion on John 17:3, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” I have had lengthy conversations in the past with members of the United Pentecostal Church respecting their oneness doctrine respecting the Godhead, where they claim Jesus Christ is the only person in the Godhead. However, I had never before come across anyone arguing for oneness doctrine respecting the Godhead where the Heavenly Father was claimed to be the only person therein. Since the caller was unwilling to submit a question for my response as Gospel Gazette Online requests, I proceeded to offer a couple of Scripture references for his consideration that clearly indicate that there are three persons in the Godhead: (1) the account of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and (2) the baptism of Jesus Christ. In both instances, the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit are mentioned together. The caller summarily dismissed those passages by redefining the words and terms of Matthew 28 and suggesting that I must admit that there are four persons in the Godhead because John the Baptist is mentioned in the context of the baptism of Jesus Christ. The caller intended to talk over top of me …

The Doctrines of Calvinism

A man by the name of John Calvin was born in Noyon, France in 1509, to parents who were Catholic. As he grew into manhood, Calvin was converted from Catholicism and developed his own ideas of salvation in reaction to the doctrines most prevalent in Europe at that time. Though Calvin, himself, did not start a separate religious group, people who accepted his doctrines came to be known as “Calvinists,” and various denominations today include those beliefs in their manuals of faith. The acronym for Calvin’s basic belief system is TULIP. What do these letters stand for, and how do these doctrines compare to God’s Word? T — Total Depravity: All humans are totally depraved from birth, inheriting the guilt of Adam’s sin, and it is impossible for anyone to choose God on his own; only God can choose the humans that will be saved. God’s Word: “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself” (Ezekiel 18:20). “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me” (Matthew 18:3-5). “…each one is tempted when …

Christian Sabbath?

Is Sunday really the Christian Sabbath? On whose authority or honor do most Christians worship on Sunday? Is the seventh day Sabbath no longer binding as commanded in the 4th Commandment? Sunday is not the Christian Sabbath. Nowhere in the Bible is Sunday called the Christian Sabbath. This language has been used by those who still believe the Ten Commandments are still in force, yet do not keep the real Sabbath day. Sabbath means seventh. Thus, the Sabbath day is the seventh day. We worship on the first day of the week based on the authority of Jesus. The first day was the day on which He was resurrected. It was the day on which the first Gospel sermon was preached in Acts 2. It is the day on which we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and accompanying resurrection, which is the basis of our justification. It is called the Lord’s Day in Revelation 1:10. It is the day on which the early church worshipped from the very beginning (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1). We also know from the writings of the early Christians that the church worshipped God on the first day of the week from the very beginning. The Sabbath day is no longer binding on us today for the very simple reason that the Old Testament law was taken away and nailed to the cross. Many verses could be mentioned in the New Testament pointing out that the Old Law including the Ten Commandments was fulfilled by Christ and …

Immortal Souls

What does the Bible teach on nature of human souls? Do people have never-dying/immortal souls? Certainly, people do have eternal souls. Hebrews 9:27 states that it is appointed unto man to die once, but after this the judgment. That implies that death is not the end of all things, but only the end of life here on the earth. Jesus states in Matthew 25:46 that the unrighteous will go away to everlasting punishment and the righteous to eternal life. The words “everlasting” and “eternal” are from the same Greek word. Therefore, punishment is just as long as life is. If you believe in an eternal heaven, then you also have to believe in an eternal punishment.

Extending the Plan of Salvation

Can you please share with me your thoughts (in accordance to scripture) when it comes to some who preach and sometimes don’t mention the Plan of Salvation (H,B,R,C,B) at the end of their sermons? I notice some preachers don’t do it often, or only mention a few steps (which do include Baptism), though I know they believe in all the steps of salvation. The apostle Peter extended an invitation in the first recorded Gospel sermon (Acts 2:38). Note, though, that the audience to whom he spoke on that occasion was comprised mostly of Jewish, non-Christians, and still Peter did not give the complete plan of salvation discernible from the New Testament. We can say, however, that the apostle gave his audience that day the information about salvation that they specifically needed; Peter took his audience from where they were in their journey to salvation to where they needed to go. It was obvious that those on that Pentecost day who inquired, “…Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) following the affirmation by Peter that they had crucified the Son of God (Acts 2:36) already believed Jesus to be the Son of God (John 8:24). In addition, the question posed by the audience was itself a public acknowledgement of their confidence that Jesus was the Christ (Romans 10:9-10). Hence, Peter told the audience what they lacked yet: “…Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38). So, …

Are Pictures Showing Jesus with Long Hair Appropriate?

Dear Sir, Last Sunday in our Bible class on 1 Cor.11:14, one of our elders made a statement that it made no difference whether we showed pictures of Christ with long hair on the screen in our worship service. When I made the comment that Paul said it was a shame (vile) for a man to wear long hair, thus I didn’t think showing an effeminate person with long flowing hair brought glory to our Lord. He stated I was being contentious as per verse 16. I stated I thought verse 16 was talking about people who would argue for longhaired men and shaved headed women in Corinth. …Does depicting our Lord in this light show reverence, glory and honor? …I thought it brought dishonor to Christ to picture him in an effeminate manner, with long flowing hair… ~ Bud Crismon, Altus, OK The context of 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 pertains to the role-relationship between men and women, and especially between the husband and his wife. The two illustrations in this passage that reinforce this principle are the veil that completed concealed one’s identity and the differences typically or habitually between the way men and women wore their hair in Corinth (and many other places [but not universally] from the first century through the present). Regarding the authority issue in first century Corinth, men wearing either a veil or hair characteristic of women would have demonstrated disregard for God’s principle of men and husbands possessing authority over women and wives. Conversely …

Does Matthew 18:15-17 Apply to False Teachers

Must one go personally to a false teacher before exposing him as a false teacher? Is that what Matthew 18:15-17 requires? The context of Matthew 18:15-17 pertains to interpersonal relationships between brethren and has no direct correlation to false teachers. On that basis and because other passages of Scripture do deal with false teachers, Matthew 18:15-17 does not require one to go personally to a false teacher before exposing him as false teacher? Romans 16:17, though, does pertain to false teachers and the action warranted respecting them because of their false teaching. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” The Greek word translated “mark” means to inspect something or someone critically to hold something or someone up as a model. This model can be bad and something to avoid (Romans 16:17) or it can be something admirable that is worthy of imitation (Philippians 3:17). The word “avoid” in Romans 16:17 means, “to shun.” False teachers may be approached personally and taught “the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26), or they may be corrected publicly (Galatians 2:11-13). Due to the serious, negative impact of false teaching by false teachers on souls, especially every impenitent false teacher needs to be identified publicly. In context, Matthew 18:15-17 does not related directly to false teachers, but Romans 16:17-18 does pertain specifically to false teachers. For further reading and study, I recommend the following article: “Must We Personally …

The Process of Appointing Elders & Evangelistic Oversight

I have been asked to comment on the following passages that bear directly or indirectly on the process of appointing of elders: Titus 1:5; Acts 6:3; 14:23; 2 Corinthians 8:19. The correspondent asks what relationship these passages may have on the teaching of evangelistic oversight that some brethren teach. The Greek word for “ordain” in Titus 1:5 is kathistemi. Among its definitions in Strong’s Concordance, and appropriate for the Titus 1:5 context, is the word, “designate.” Titus was to designate or label elders in the congregations assembling on the island of Crete. Kathistemi appears 23 times in the New Testament, and it is variously translated as “make ruler” (Matthew 24:45, 47; 25:21, 23; Luke 12:42, 44), “made” (Luke 12:14; Acts 7:10, 27, 35; Romans 5:19; Hebrews 7:28; 2 Peter 1:8, 10), “is” (James 3:6; 4:4), “conducted” (Acts 17:15), “appoint” (Acts 6:3), “set” (Hebrews 2:7) and “ordain” (Titus 1:5; Hebrews 5:1; 8:3). The circumstances to which this word applies in the New Testament are varied, but in each of those instances, the idea of designating or labeling could be understood. Therefore, respecting the appointment of elders in Titus 1:5 and the selection of deacon-like men in Acts 6:3, kathistemi has to do with the officiating, recognition, designation or labeling of men who met the qualifications to be elders (Titus 1:6-9) and men who were selected by the congregation to be elders or deacons (Acts 6:3). The Greek word for “ordain” in Acts 14:23 is cheirotoneo. Among its definitions in Strong’s Concordance are the words, “select” and “appoint.” Cheirotoneo appears twice in the …

Filled with the Holy Spirit from his Mother’s Womb

“…please explain to me how that John the Baptist in Luke 1:15 was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb, and this filling seemed to be without means (i.e. the word of God)?” Luke 1:15 reads, “For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.” The prohibition of “wine” from before birth designates John the Baptist as a Nazarite like others before him (Numbers 6:2-3; Judges 13:7, 14, 24). Both the designation as a Nazarite and being filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb demonstrate “the divine intention that he should be set apart to this work…,” and especially the reference to being filled with the Holy Spirit “…refers to an actual fitting for the work from the birth by the influence of the Holy Spirit, as was the case with Jeremiah (Jer 1:5)…” (Barnes’). Clarke’s suggests that the incident in Luke 1:41, 44 where the unborn babe, John the Baptist, reacted to the exchange of greetings between Mary and Elizabeth pertains to John being filled with the Holy Spirit; note that Elizabeth on this occasion was said to be “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Yet, being filled with the Holy Spirit evidently did not mean John the Baptist had miraculous abilities since “indeed of John it is expressly said that he ‘did no miracle’ (John 10:41). Nor can the reference be to inspiration, because …

What Is the Implication of Angels Worshipping Jesus Christ?

Someone asks, “What is the implication of angels worshipping Christ in Hebrews 1:6?” Chapter One of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Jesus Christ over all the heavenly host (i.e., angels, Hebrews 1:4). The reason Jesus Christ is superior to the angels is because He is part of the Godhead, was at creation and participated in the creation of everything, including the angels (Hebrews 1:2). “To forestall such a development [apostasy by Jewish Christians], the author of Hebrews stressed the superiority of Christ in a series of contrasts to the angels, Moses, Aaron, Melchisedek, and the Levitical system. The object of such contrasts was to show the inferiority of Judaism and the superiority of Christ” (Wycliffe). Hebrews 1:6 concerning the superiority of Jesus Christ over angels is just one of those contrasts. Christianity offers greater promises than previous God-given religions, chief of which is true forgiveness of sins. Jesus Christ is central to salvation through His sacrificial death, burial, resurrection, Ascension and coronation in heaven. Works Cited  Wycliffe Bible Commentary. CD-ROM. Chicago:  Moody Press, 1962.

Re-Evaluation of Elders

Humble Request …can you please send me material that either you have written (or audio, video, etc.), or please explain to me what you hold to be true (or not true) in regard to the doctrine of re-evaluation and reaffirmation of qualified elders … since I realize now that brethren are divided about this issue, I wish to study and come to a sound conclusion. In my studies, I just ask for the knowledge and instruction from those who may know about this. There are some brethren who have drawn lines of fellowship with other brethren on these issues, brethren whom I’ve always believed to be sound. In any case, I wish to remain calm and just study the issue honestly. Can you help? Thank you. Rather than using emotionally charged terminology such “re-evaluation and reaffirmation” of elders, students of the Bible would do better to “speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11), that is, use Bible words. In addition, though I do not doubt the sincerity of the one posing the question above to me, the question is not couched in neutral phraseology: “re-evaluation and reaffirmation of qualified elders.” Qualified elders are qualified elders! As posed, the question is prejudicial since the phrase “qualified elders” immediately makes unnecessary any review of the elders under consideration. The qualifications for the appointment of and continued service by elders appear in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Specifically, the biblical prescription for public, critical evaluation of elders is 1 Timothy 5:19. There is biblical precedent in …

Thanksgiving

As I was preparing a sermon on the things for which Paul gave thanks, I noted something that in 65 years of reading God’s Word I never noticed before, and about which I have never heard a comment. It seems significant enough to me that I think it is worth taking the time to notice and study. There is an interesting expression of thanks given in 1 Corinthians 1:4, “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.” The thing that struck me about this expression of thanksgiving is that instead of saying something like, “I thank God for your ability, knowledge, love, good works,” he says, “I thank God for the grace of God which allowed you to have these things, or gave you the opportunity to have them.” The emphasis is not so much on what they were or qualities they had, per se, but on the grace of God that produced those conditions. I think that distinction, which I never remember hearing anyone mention, is worth noting. There is a difference in my saying, “I thank God that you are a Christian,” and saying, “I thank God for allowing you and helping you to become a Christian.” The more I think about it, the more significant it seems. I believe it suggests what I think is one of our basic problems. That is, we are prone to be more anthropocentric in our religious thinking than we …

The Women’s Liberation Movement Is Actually the Exploitation of Women!

There was a time not so long ago — in my early years — when a woman was treated with deference and respect. “Ladies first” was the rule, as doors were opened for them, and they traditionally walked in front of men. A man stood up and gave a woman his seat. Even a rough man would refrain from the use of bad language in the presence of women. A slur spoken against a woman could cause a fight in defense of her good name. A woman was shielded and protected from the harshness and dangers of the world, insofar as was possible. That is not to say that there were not hardworking, courageous women who struggled alongside their husbands with the challenges of life. There were certainly cases of abuse of women, men who took advantage of their physical weakness and of their inability to protect themselves legally, emotionally and physically. There were bad women, and there were bad men who made life miserable for the women under their power. However, the majority of women were protected and deferred to as the “weaker sex.” They and their children lived in the security of a husband who stood between them and the world. Legally, not much in the line of “rights” was defined because the very culture itself safeguarded the majority of women. “Woman’s Suffrage” had brought freedoms and recognition in areas that were just and fair: women had gained the right to vote and to inherit property. Working conditions …

Preserved by God —What Does that Mean?

A sister in the faith recently spoke at the 75th Ladies’ Day program of a local congregation. In her biographical sketch, she stated that her favorite Scripture was 2 Timothy 4:18. This verse reads, “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” Upon reading this verse, it brought to mind Psalm 40:11, “Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD; let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.” W.E. Vine’s Concise Dictionary of Bible Words defines “preserve” as guarding, protecting and keeping. When those verbs are used to describe the actions of Jehovah God, they express the ability and power of the Father of mercies and God of all comfort beyond what we can ask or think. However, God’s guarding, protecting and keeping us is predicated upon our willingness to surrender our desires, our emotions, our intellect and our will to His divine and sovereign control! What does it mean to be preserved by God? For the Almighty to guard, protect and keep us, some of the things we must do are: Throughout Scripture, the blessed assurance we have of God’s guarding, protecting and keeping us is overwhelming. David expressed his ever-present trust and confidence in God’s power to preserve in Psalm 5:11-12, “But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name …

God the Father

Down through the ages there have been many strange ideas regarding Elohim whom we worship. For more than two thousand years now, Christians have believed that He is the one true and living God in whom we live and move and have our being. We believe because the Bible so teaches that God has been our God from all eternity even as the Psalmist declared when he wrote, “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Psalms 90:1‑2). From all eternity God has been God, and there is not another like Him in all the universe. However, not all people believe that. A man who claimed to be a prophet of God said, during a funeral sermon back in the mid 1800s, “We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you might see.” Hence, we have the declaration of a self-proclaimed prophet that God was not God from all eternity. According to the theology of these people, our Heavenly Father lived on another planet similar to the earth. Where did He come from and how did He get to that planet? Well, a man who claimed to be an apostle of, we know not whom, said, “We were begotten by our Father in heaven; the person of the Father in Heaven was …

None of My Business

In the year of 1964, a young lady known, as Kitty Genovese was brutally stabbed to death near her home in Queens, New York. It gained national recognition because of the nature of this terrible murder. You see, although the neighbors were fully aware of the killing, no one responded to help Kitty. The neighbors were non-responsive to Kitty’s screaming and crying for help, allowing the killer to continue his act of violence. An investigation was conducted to try to find out why citizens refused to help this young lady. The homicide case and the investigation went into the social, psychological phenomenon that now is known as the bystander effect. This phenomenon is also known as diffusion of responsibility. This behavior is sometimes called the Genovese Syndrome. This account of terror and detachment reminds me that human conduct has its highs and lows. I am further reminded of The Parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. In this portion of Scripture, we find a lawyer trying to justify himself, who asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Verse 29). Jesus relates the parable of how one “fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead” (Verse 30). The priest and then the Levite failed to render aid; they “passed on the other side” (Verse 31-32.) Did these uncaring two mumble or think within themselves, “This is none of my business?” “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and had compassion …

The Son of Man and Compassion

Though it might seem to be improper for polite conversation, compassion is usually the English translation for splanchnizomai meaning properly “to be moved as to one’s bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion, (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity)” (Thayer 584). It is a fitting description for Jesus, as is seen by the fact that inspired men used it twelve times (Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; 18:27; 20:34; Mark 1:41; 6:34; 8:2; 9:22; Luke 7:13; 10:33; 15:20). Jesus taught about compassion in answer to the lawyer’s question, “And who is my neighbor?” The Samaritan, in contrast to the priest and the Levite, saw the man who had been wounded and left for dead and had compassion on him. It was displayed in his pouring oil and wine on his wounds, bandaging them, setting him on his own beast of burden, taking him to an inn and caring for him (Luke 10:25-37). The Master also described the compassionate father of the prodigal running to him, falling on his neck and kissing him, before killing the fatted calf for a celebratory feast (Luke 15:11-24). Jesus demonstrated compassion toward the hungry, sick, demon possessed and bereaved. He had compassion on the hungry multitudes, which led Him to feed the four thousand (Matthew 15:32-38; Mark 8:1-9). Our compassionate Lord touched and healed the leper (Mark 1:40-42). He cast unclean spirits out of those who were demon-possessed (Mark 5 5:1-20; 9:14-29). Jesus raised the son of the widow of …

Thanksgiving

The Psalmist declared, “What shall I render unto Jehovah for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of Jehovah… I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of Jehovah” (Psalm 116:12, 13, 17). It was said that the Lord sent two angels to earth to gather the petitions and thanksgivings made by his followers. Both angels returned to heaven in distress. The angel bearing the petitions was truly weighted down with his burden. The other angel bringing the prayers of thanksgivings was nearly empty handed. The lesson is obvious and clear. Most of God’s children are more apt to make requests, petitions and supplications rather than the giving of thanks. This is often the case in private and public prayers. We need to listen to our prayers and note that this is true. Our brothers who lead the public prayers during our assemblies should express gratitude to God for all the blessings we have in Jesus (Ephesians 1:3) on behalf of the congregation. It is sad to observe that this is not done very much. I remember hearing a fellow preacher lead prayers in two different assemblies during Gospel meetings wherein he never gave thanks for the grace and love of God. It is so needful that we all express our gratitude to our gracious heavenly Father for all of life’s blessings that flow so freely from His bountiful hand of grace (James 1:17). …

Stand Fast

Approximately 3,000 years ago, Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, conquered the kingdom of Judah and took captive young men – probably late teens to early twenties – to serve in his palace. These men were descendants of royalty, handsome, well spoken of by their peers, smart and capable of learning the Chaldean language and sciences (Daniel 1:3-4). For three years, these young men were to be served a portion of the king’s meat and wine ending with their meeting and spending time with King Nebuchadnezzar for his evaluation of their appearance and training. Daniel determined that he would not eat the meal provided (Daniel 1:8). Albert Barnes describes this food as: The word “meat” here means “food,” as it does uniformly in the Bible, the Old English word having this signification when the translation was made, and not being limited then, as it is now, to animal food… means delicate food, dainties; literally, food of the father, i.e., the king; or, according to Lorsbach, in Archiv. f. “Morgenl.” Litt. II., 313, food for idols, or the gods; in either case denoting delicate food; luxurious living. …And of the wine which he drank] Margin, “of his drink.” Such wine as the king was accustomed to drink. It may be presumed that this was the best kind of wine. From anything that appears, this was furnished to them in abundance; and with the leisure which they had, they could hardly be thrown into stronger temptation to excessive indulgence. In addition, it is possible …

An Attitude of Gratitude

November is usually characterized by the traditional holiday known as “Thanksgiving.” Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time of the year for me and brings a nostalgic feeling that is second to none. Thanksgiving is a time where I can slow down just a bit and reflect more on God, His creation and the wonderful family with which He has blessed me! Thanksgiving Day is a time when many stop and give thanks to the “One from whom all blessing flow,” and rightfully so! However, I often wonder if it is the case that we have become so enthralled with all of life’s activities that we fail to regularly express thanksgiving each and every day. The narrative of the ten lepers recorded in Luke 17:11-19 is a clear example of how, as humans, we can become so absorbed with our blessings that we fail to express thanksgiving to the “Giver of all good things” (cf. James 1:17). The narrative is pretty straightforward. Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem, passed through Samaria and Galilee and entered a certain village. Upon entrance, ten lepers met Him, crying out for mercy. Jesus, full of compassion, commanded the lepers to “go and show themselves to the priests.” As they went, they were cleansed. One of the ten lepers, upon seeing he was cleansed, took time to stop and “glorify God” and gave thanks. This thankful leper had an attitude of gratitude, one that should characterize each of us every day! What would an attitude of …

Bite, Devour, Consume

“But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Galatians 5:15). “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other” (NIV). “Bite” and “devour” are present tense verbs, indicating continuing action. This biting and devouring is not a one time or even an occasional episode, but a habitual activity. The prominent words in this verse of Scripture are “often used together of wild animals, or like cats and dogs” (Robertson’s) or “of animals of prey” (Liddell, H.G.), and so this context describes Christians who act toward each other, howbeit figuratively, as ravenous, mortal enemies in the animal kingdom. Christians are not supposed to act like “wild animals in deadly struggle” (Wuest). This type of behavior is as remotely removed from the ideal of the preceding verse as one could possibly imagine, which reads, “…You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:14). “Bite” literally refers to “with the teeth” (Thayer’s), but metaphorically, it means, “thwart” (Strong’s) or “to wound the soul, cut, lacerate, rend with reproaches” (Thayer’s). Vincent’s portrays divisive parties within a congregation thus: “Strong expressions of partisan hatred exerting itself for mutual injury.” Lipscomb depicts this hostility as “combative temper.” Clarke’s sees in Galatians 5:15 “continual altercations” and then comments: “Nothing is so destructive to the peace of man, and to the peace of the soul, as religious disputes; where they prevail, religion in general has little place” (emphasis added). “Bite” refers to “backbite …