Modern Prophets

Sir, have there been any valid prophets between 100 A.D. and 1900 A.D.? Sincerely, Glenn Jedlicka No, there have been no divinely inspired prophets on earth since the close of the first century and the end of Bible miracles. The purpose of miracles was to confirm new revelation from God, according to Mark 16:20. The various manifestations of miracles listed in New Testament passages (Mark 16:17; Acts 8:6-7; 9:33-42; 19:8-20) confirmed the prophets as being from God, including confirmation of Jesus Christ (John 20:30-31). Once the miracles had served their primary purpose in confirming new revelation—what we call the New Testament, they were no longer needed. The New Testament was complete around the close of the first century, about the same time the last of the apostles died. Miracles either ended when the last apostle died or when the last one upon whom an apostle laid hands to transfer miraculous power died; only the apostles themselves were able to transfer miraculous power to others. Since the New Testament is the complete, final inspired revelation from God, no additional miracles have occurred, and there have been no inspired prophets since approximately A.D. 100. Miracles were always scheduled by God to end once the New Testament was complete (1 Corinthians 13:8-12; Ephesians 4:11-14). Mankind already now has all of the divine instruction that God intends for us to have (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 1:3; Jude 3). The Gospel that we already have is “the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16 NKJV). Not only …

Taking Communion Alone

The churches do not take communion each week as the Bible states. I would like to take communion at home to obey my Lord and Savior Jesus. Can I take communion at home by myself? Sincerely, Marlene Hope Weekly communion or observance of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) is one of the identifying characteristics of the Lord’s church about which one can read upon the pages of the New Testament. If a local church is not taking the communion weekly, there is a strong probability that there are other characteristics and teachings (doctrine) of the one true church of the Bible that it is not practicing, too. Recognizing that one, then, must partake of the Lord’s Supper weekly apart from this group ought to prod one also to distance himself or herself from such a church relative to other departures from New Testament teaching (e.g., biblical names for the church and its members, not adding instrumental music to worship, orderly assemblies, male leadership, etc.). The “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:17) endeavor to practice first century Christianity in the 21st century; visit one in your community, today. “Communion” by the very nature of what the word means, “partnership,” implies that the communion (1 Corinthians 10:16) or Lord’s Supper cannot be taken alone in the absolute sense. Even if only a single Christian observes the communion, which he or she could well do, communion involves Jesus Christ, too. “Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of …

What Kinds of Sacrifices Please God?

The very first sacrificial offering recorded in the Bible with which God was pleased was offered by Abel (Genesis 4:4). He lived under Patriarchy, and like under Judaism, specified animal sacrifices pleased the Lord. In those cases, the animal sacrifices and other acts of obedience were manifestations of a sacrificial disposition of the mind. However, then as well as presently under Christianity, it is possible for one to go through the motions of sacrifice and other acts of obedience without those activities genuinely reflecting a person’s true heart; a hypocritical person can feign devotion to God (Acts 5:1-9). Yet, it is certain that when people disobey God that He is displeased with them (Luke 6:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; 1 Peter 4:17). In order for God to be pleased with people today, they must obey divine instruction from the heart, which manifests itself in righteous conduct. The apostle Paul commended first century Christians in Macedonia for sacrificing from their hearts, which made it much easier and likely that they would demonstrate that sacrificial spirit outwardly. Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. …

Did Satan Take the Form of a Serpent?

“Did Satan just take the form of a serpent when he tempted Eve?” Various commentators have these thoughts on whether Satan took the form of a serpent when he tempted Eve or whether he spoke through a serpent when he tempted Eve. “The tempter was a serpent (Satan in the form of a snake), thus suggesting that temptation comes in disguise, quite unexpectedly, and that it often comes from a subordinate (someone over whom one should have exercised dominion; cf. Gen. 1:28)” (Bible Knowledge). When he came into the Garden, Satan used the body of a serpent, one of God’s creatures that He had pronounced “good” (Gen 1:31). Eve didn’t seem disturbed by the serpent’s presence or its speech, so we assume that she saw nothing threatening about the encounter. Perhaps Eve hadn’t been introduced to this species and concluded that it had the ability to speak. (Bible Exposition) “God allowed Satan to make the serpent his instrument and to speak through him” (Geneva Notes). “It was the devil in the likeness of a serpent. Whether it was only the visible shape and appearance of a serpent (as some think those were of which we read, Ex 7:12), or whether it was a real living serpent, actuated and possessed by the devil, is not certain…” (Matthew Henry’s). Of course, the whole person of the serpent that appears in this tragic scene also includes a certain identity with Satan himself, as indicated by Paul’s reference in 2 Cor. 11:3, the indication there being that the …

Spending the Church Contribution

Someone inquires, “Can money for food and school giveaways be taken from the contribution?” This question pertains not to the worthiness of expenditures as much as it is about on what the church contribution can be spent. If a proposed expense is a benevolent expenditure, then the answer is, “Yes.” “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10 NKJV). “[W]hile, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men” (2 Corinthians 9:13). There are two classes of people from the perspective of these two verses—the saved and the lost. Both the saved and the lost are potential candidates for the reception of congregational benevolence—including from the church treasury. Though some brethren tenaciously clutch church dollars, refusing any acknowledgement of a possible congregational response to benevolent needs of non-Christians, the context of Galatians 6:10, for instance, permits congregational benevolence toward non-Christians. In the same series of verses, Galatians 6:6 pertains to paying the preacher for his services (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:4-14; 1 Timothy 5:18). No one contends, preacher or church member, that individual Christians and not the congregation from the treasury are exclusively responsible for compensating the preacher. Since the congregational treasury may pay the preacher in verse 6, likewise the congregational treasury may spend benevolent money in verse 10 on either Christians or non-Christians, only that there is …

Authority for Meeting on Wednesday Night

Someone inquires, “Where is the authority for the church coming together for Bible study on Wednesday night?” First, “Wednesday night” is not the real issue underlying the question, because some congregations opt to have Bible classes for the local church on another day of the week, such as on Thursday. In addition, by whatever authority a church comes together for Bible classes on Sunday is materially the same as for the congregation having Bible classes on a weeknight. Therefore, the heart of the question is, “Where is the authority for the church coming together for Bible classes?” If by chance, Bible classes are not what are meant by reference to “meeting on Wednesday night,” then the crux of the inquiry pertains to a congregation coming together on another day besides Sunday, irrespective of the time of day (or night). When is it wrong to study the Bible? When is it wrong to study the Bible with fellow Christians? Why would it be wrong to study the Bible specifically with others of our own maturity level? We are commanded to study of the Word of God. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). Church leaders, elders in particular, have a responsibility to feed their respective congregations with spiritual nourishment. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church …

Attitudes

Attitudes – we all have them – sometimes they are good, and sometimes they are bad. Usually when we accuse someone of having an attitude, we are implying that they have a bad attitude about something, someone or just life in general. The dictionary definition for the word “attitude” is, “1. manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind: a negative attitude; group attitudes. 2. position or posture of the body appropriate to or expressive of an action, emotion, etc.: a threatening attitude; a relaxed attitude.” We display an attitude by the words we use, our tone of voice and by our actions. Even one’s posture may be indicative of an attitude! Although the Bible does not use the word “attitude,” this topic is discussed in Scripture. Consider Jesus words, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44 NKJV). Our Lord contrasted in this passage two different attitudes – love and hate. We are instructed to do the opposite of what our nature wants to do. Our natural reaction to those who mistreat us is to abuse them. However, Jesus instructed us to show love and kindness to those who harm us physically or mentally. The apostle Paul told the Roman brethren, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). We are to speak well …

Have You Been Transfigured?

The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). The word in this text translated “transformed” comes from the Greek word metamorphoo (from which we get the word “metamorphosis”). It means “to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure” (Thayer). The import of the use of the word in this context is quite interesting. As Christians, we are to be those who are not conformed to or cut out of the pattern of the world. We have come out of the world through obedience to the Gospel; consequently, our lives are to be transfigured into something else. Certainly the greatest example of transfiguration was given by the Lord Himself. This same word is used in Matthew 17 and Mark 9 concerning Jesus’ transfiguration before Peter, James and John. As one notices that account, it is evident that Jesus did not just appear to be different, but He was actually changed during this event. The same is expected of our transfiguration; it is not to simply be a supposed transformation, but an actual one. Additionally, this metamorphosis has an originating point—the mind. Paul taught that one becomes transfigured “by the renewing of your mind.” The word “renewing” comes from the Greek word anakainosis, which means “to renovate.” As Christians, the first thing that must change is our mindset. When …

Alleged Bible Discrepancies

When I was a teenager, I received a book titled: “Alleged Discrepancies of the Bible,” authored by John W. Haley. The volume was written in response to a pamphlet claiming to expose contradictions within the Word of God. Mr. Haley said the tract was “cunningly adapted to deceive the ignorant and unwary.” While responding to the supposed contradictions, Haley noted that he came to see clearly “the flimsy and disingenuous character of the objections alleged.” Through the centuries, men have tried to discredit the Scriptures. However, the Bible is like an anvil upon which skeptics blunt many hammers. Paul wrote: “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Yet, Luke wrote that Zacharias and Elisabeth “were both righteous before God” (Luke 1:6). Is this a bona fide contradiction? No. When taken out of context it might appear so, but Luke was complimenting this godly couple for being relatively “blameless” (Luke 1:6), while Paul’s discussion dealt with righteousness in the absolute sense. Mark recorded that when Jesus was crucified “it was the third hour” (Mark 15:25), while John wrote that the trial before Pilate was still in progress at “about the sixth hour” (John 19:14). The apparent contradiction vanishes when we realize that the Jews began each day counting hours from six in the morning, while the Romans reckoned time more as we do, beginning from midnight. So at about 6 a.m. Jesus was before Pilate, and by 9:00 a.m. our Lord was nailed to the cross. John’s account was written sometime after the …

The Grace of God Provides Abundant Life

When the Son of God came into the world, it was suffering from spiritual malnutrition. Men were trying to feed their spirit on the husks of human philosophy, traditions and legalistic observances of the Law of Moses. All of these had failed. In the midst of man’s moral and spiritual bankruptcy, Jesus announced, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). The life of which Jesus spoke was eternal life, but His grace in providing the abundant life manifests itself in this life as well in many ways. Christ is the Water of Life (John 4:10). He is the Bread of Life (John 6:33-35). He is the True Vine, through which the branches (disciples) derive their nourishment (John 15:1). The Text The teachings of Christ, the Good Shepherd, lead to life because they are true. The doctrine of false shepherds leads to death, because it neither comes from nor can lead to God Who is the fountain of life. The life given by the Son of God consists of all good things. The Mosaic Dispensation provided little, even in the promised land, compared to the blessings and privileges possessed by those in the Lord’s church. Because Christ is the Author of life, He is called the life. “In him was life: and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). He is also called the eternal life. “…this is the true God, and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). From …

First Things First

Set priorities for your goals. A major part of successful living lies in the ability to put first things first. Indeed, the reason most major goals are not achieved is that we spend our time doing second things first. (Robert J. McKain) The principle of first things first is a very common thought. I will risk being called a nitpicker, as I make a simple illustration of putting first things first. You just finished shopping at Wal-Mart, buying much frozen food. You have to drive home, approximately a ten-mile trip. The temperature is near 100 degrees. You get home and unload the frozen food and put it on the counter. You leave the frozen food on the counter while you make a non-emergency telephone call to a friend. No, no! First things first! You put away the frozen food, and then, you make a telephone call. Do we “spend our time doing second things first”? I love my family, friends, brethren and my fellow man. I try very hard to practice the Golden Rule. “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). Yet, when all is said and done, my greatest responsibility, as I put first things first, is to protect and watch out for my soul. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God …

God’s People Have a Place

We know God cares for His people. He cared for the Patriarchs. He cared for the Israelites. He cares for Christians. We know that all the faithful from all three dispensations have a home with God in heaven. All will be with God after the Judgment. God’s people have a place with God on earth. In fact, there are several places. Deuteronomy 33 tells us some of those places. In verse Three, we are told that God loves His people. So, we have a place in His heart. How wonderful to know we are in His heart. It is a comfort to know we have a place in our mothers’ and fathers’ hearts. How much more comfort there is in having a place in God’s heart. Verse Three also says that God’s saints are in His hand. It is a feeling of safety when one walks with one’s hand in mother or father’s hand. What a great feeling of safety to have our hands in God’s hand. Verse Three also says God’s people are at His feet. In ancient times, it was customary to state that a student sat at his teacher’s feet. What a great amount of knowledge and wisdom we can get from sitting at God’s feet. Verse Twelve says God’s people dwell in safety by Him. This means we have a place by His side. When there is a danger nearby, it is always good to be able to scoot up close to your father or mother …

The Truth about Water Baptism

Any teaching that disagrees with the Bible is wrong! That is so because “the word of the LORD is right” (Psalm 33:4). Let us consider the Lord’s Word on water baptism. Purpose for Baptism Baptism is of utmost importance, for without being baptized, we can neither be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21) nor enter Christ, His church or kingdom (John 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Without being baptized, we cannot have our sins forgiven and washed away (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Beware of men who teach otherwise! Please note that Jesus submitted Himself to John to be baptized for an entirely different purpose because Jesus had no sin (Matthew 3:13-15; Hebrews 4:14-15). John’s baptism was for the remission of sins (Luke 3:3), so it was no wonder that John initially tried to stop Jesus from being baptized. The Lord offered His own purpose for John to baptize Him, and John complied. Apart from that account, there is no exception to water baptism “for the remission of sins.” Later, John’s baptism was no longer valid after baptism in the Lord’s name came into effect. That is evident from Acts 19:1-5. The men of Ephesus, after learning that the baptism of John which they received was no longer in effect, were baptized “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Baptism in the Lord’s name is also water baptism (Acts 10:47-48), and it as well is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Not Sprinkling When Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the water (Matthew …

Lydia: Energetic Servant of God

There are numerous female personalities who are characterized favorably in Holy Scripture. Details of their lives fill all our hearts with delight and encouragement as we struggle with many of the same temptations and challenges they encountered. Whether Bible characters are male or female, we can always learn from examples of faith, courage, love, compassion, moral purity and dedicated, zealous service to our Lord and Master. One such person of interest in early Christian history is a God-fearing lady of Thyatira by the name of Lydia. Paul, being accompanied by his missionary team in Philippi, made contact with this business lady, who was a seller of purple. Luke recorded how the place of their meeting was on a river bank as she and her companions, apparently having become proselytes of the Jewish faith, had come to worship God. Therefore, Lydia held important knowledge about the one true and living God Who created this magnificent universe and had given promise to bless all nations through the seed of faithful Abraham. No doubt it was through God’s providential working that the two were brought together to bring about such thrilling results. Paul, Silas and Luke sat down and conversed with them about the manifestation of God’s grace through Jesus Christ, that Jesus of Nazareth was the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies. Lydia and her household came to learn that Jesus was Prophet, Priest and King, and that, as Priest, He has offered Himself for the sins of the world upon that old …

How to Pray

In Luke 11:1, the disciples are said to have requested of Jesus, “Teach us to pray.” Romans 8:26 says, “We know not how to pray as we ought.” Many times when persons want to know how to pray, they are talking about external mechanics of prayer—to make their prayers sound better to men who listen. God gives no rules about that. He does give some other information we need to know. We need to know the conditions of acceptable prayer. One of the first conditions is that we must be obedient children of God for any of the promises of God about the values of prayer to apply to us. Proverbs 15:29 says, “Jehovah is far from the wicked, but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.” First John 3:21-22 says, “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God; and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.” Most denominations misuse 1 John 1:9 which says, “If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all righteousness.” This is spoken to those who are already children of God, not alien sinners who are not in God’s kingdom. As Jesus put it in John 15:7, “If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Related to this is that …

Think of the Good

Before 1921, the most feared and dreaded disease in the world, one that was taking thousands of lives all over the earth, was called simply, “sugar in the blood.” Researchers into the nature of this disease called it “sugar diabetes.” There was no known cure or treatment except extreme dieting. Many people, in an attempt to keep from dying of sugar in their blood dieted so severely that they died of malnutrition or starvation. Imagine starving yourself to death in a vain attempt to keep from dying from some other disease! In 1920, Dr. Frederick Banting and a medical student, Charles Best, were conducting research into diabetes at the University of Toronto in Canada. In 1921, they discovered the hormone that they called isletin; we call it insulin. It was the first step taken to help control this horrible disease that still takes thousands upon thousands of lives in the most advanced countries in the world, including the US. Researchers say there are more than twenty million diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetics in our nation. Today, one advance after another is made in the care and handling of this disease, but eventually all must return to the use of insulin to “control” diabetes, and today the best we can hope for is control, for as yet, there is no cure. Take just a minute to stop and consider what Banting and Best did for untold generations of diabetics, many of whom have never yet been born. How can one calculate the …

He Is in Heaven

I received word that a good Christian friend of mine who was a member of a congregation where I had preached several years ago was in a hospital in critical condition, having suffered a series of strokes. The problem was at that time I did not know in which hospital he was a patient. As soon as I could I called his home telephone number hoping that some of the family members might be there. The person who answered the telephone was a granddaughter of my good friend. I asked, “Where is your grandfather?” In a very sweet loving voice and without a moment of hesitation she replied, “He is in heaven.” Of course it was then that I knew my brother in Jesus Christ had passed from this life into eternity to be in the care of our Heavenly Father. I thought to myself, what an impression this brother had made on his granddaughter that she would speak with such confidence concerning her grandfather’s eternal destiny. Now I realize that only God knows for certain the eternal destiny of every person who dies. We do know that “the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7). In addition, the child of God does have this precious promise from our Lord Jesus Christ: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes …

Living in the Exclamation Points!

Several months ago, in one of the many biblical articles that I read regularly, the statement was made that we as God’s people should live in the exclamation points of His Word, not in the question marks of life. What a proactive attitude for us to acquire if we don’t already think that way. After I read that, I started noticing some of the places in the Bible where exclamation points have been inserted. I fully realize that none of the punctuation in Scripture is inspired, but some of the passages that will be referenced in this article will resonate the attitude of living in the exclamations of God’s Word. Psalms is perhaps the one book of the Bible where the use of the exclamation point has been utilized more frequently, and maybe rightly so. The Psalms are filled with worship, praise and prayer to God, the Most Excellent Glory. Psalm 32:19 – “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!” To fear God is to hold Him in the highest reverence and to respect Him and His Word. We must learn to trust God, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance, throughout our lives no matter what happens. Psalm 38:1 – “O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure!” Any sensible person does not want …

Where Are You?

God asked this question on a cool day in Eden (Genesis 3:8-9). Adam and Eve hid due to shame caused by sin (10-13, 17). Therefore, God cursed them and the ground (14, 17), thus paradise was lost (23-24). God’s question should challenge us! Consider the following. “Where are you” in your marriage? God wants married folk to grow old together (Matthew 19:6). The sacrificial love of Christ is measured at the cross. How does your marital sacrificial love measure up? If you’re not giving 100%, you have got some growing to do. Here’s the bottom line: Marriage is two people climbing the mountain of life together! “Where are you” in your spiritual growth? The newspaper on February 4, 1983 reported that Karen Carpenter died at the age of 32 from anorexia nervosa. What? That just means she starved herself to death! I am convinced there is such a thing as spiritual anorexia. Spiritual anorexia is an aversion to reading the Scriptures. Nutritious food to the body is as important for physical health as spiritual food to the soul is for spiritual health. The words of Jesus in Matthew 4:4 prove the point. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” The cure for spiritual anorexia is found in Psalm 1. “But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in His Law he mediates day and night.” Delight and meditation! Delight is finding joy in getting clear direction from the Word …

Bored or Edified?

A brotherhood periodical recently asked comments from its readers regarding the influence of sports, if sports were hurting church attendance and if people cared about it. There were lots of responses to this issue, many of which concurred that sports could be detrimental to faithfulness in worship. One person, however, responded, “What’s the big deal about kids missing irrelevant Bible classes and boring worship assemblies that they and their parents are not getting anything out of anyway? Isn’t this another example of measuring success by how many people show up?” In thinking of this, of course, we should do our best, and we should offer our best to glorify God in our worship of Him. We can and should be relevant to the age in which we live, as God’s Word is always relevant to every aspect of our lives. “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NASB). On the other hand, who decides whether worship is “boring” or not? Worship is the prerogative of God and is to be offered to Him from a pure and loving heart. If one comes to worship but expects it to be focused on what each person wants and desires, instead of what God desires, then how is God glorified in that? Each person present in worship comes …

A Daily Spiritual Life

In the Parable of the Sower we find different kinds of soil. We do not want to be the kind that started the Christian life with joy, but after a while falls away. Neither do we want to be “choked” by the things of the world. Instead, we want to continue to be “good ground,” bringing forth “good fruit.” Why are we looking at this type of lesson today? First Corinthians 10:12 reads, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls.” This may seem to be a simple matter, and one may feel that he or she may never fall away. However, Satan will try to ruin you and me. He will try to make us give up. This study is designed to help us continue to grow stronger. To be good ground and bear fruit, we must recognize the importance of daily attention to spiritual things. It will be of great benefit to establish good daily spiritual habits. Acts 17:11 notes, ‘The Bereans were more noble than the Thessalonians because they searched the scriptures daily.’ Hebrews 3:13 says to “exhort one another daily.” In the model prayer in Matthew 6:11, Jesus said, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Since food is needed every day and since the prayer was only for “this day,” Jesus implied such a prayer is needed every day. Acts 5:42 tells us how the apostles taught people daily. Acts 2:46 records that first century Christians experienced daily fellowship with other one another. We take it for granted that …

Staying Busy

Professional beekeepers say that you never want to “rob a hive” (remove the honeycomb to extract the honey) on a rainy day. On rainy days the bees are typically in a bad mood because they are stuck in the hive. They really do not like the rain. However, pick a sunny day because on sunny days the bees are out working, and they are always the happiest when they are working. Our Creator knew that man needed work to do, so He assigned Adam to “tend and keep” the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). Paul understood this principle, as is evidenced in his words to the brethren in Thessalonica. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in such a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12) Raymond Kelcy noted that Paul used the imperfect tense, which means the apostle repeatedly commanded them. The ones who habitually refused to earn a living were to be refused aid by their brethren. Unfortunately, the same people who refuse to do anything to help themselves often fill their hours telling others how to do their business. It really is impossible to remain idle. Those who do not busy themselves taking care …

Respect for God’s Word

The Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). It is all-sufficient (2 Timothy 3:17). Respect for God’s Word requires respect for its Author, authority, aim and its attainment. The Author of the Bible is Jehovah God. God spoke to man through the ages by the prophets in Old Testament days. Now in the Christian age, He speaks to us through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). God has revealed His Word through the Holy Spirit to inspired writers (1 Corinthians 2:10). These holy men of God spoke God’s Word as they were moved (guided) by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Therefore, if the Bible is from God, we need to respect it and accept it as the Word of God as did the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Respect for the Author demands respect for His authority. Since the day God spoke the world into existence, He has had authority over man and over all the affairs of man. God has never relinquished His authority! God the Son was granted all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). He is the one through whom God speaks today (Hebrews 1:2). If one does not respect the Word of the Lord and does not receive the Word of God, he will be judged by those very words of the Lord that he rejected (John 12:48). What was the aim or purpose of God’s Word? It was simply to reveal God’s will for man (1 Corinthians 2:10; Galatians 1:11-12; 2 Peter 1:20-21). It was presented to mankind …

Are You Sure Jesus Rose from the Dead?

Everything about Christianity revolves around the resurrection of Jesus. Paul made it abundantly clear that if Christ is not raised from the dead then we are still in our sins, and we are to be most pitied among men (1 Corinthians 15:16-19). If there is no resurrection from the dead, if Jesus did not die and rise again, then we are wasting our time. Since everything hinges on the resurrection, can you be sure that Jesus rose from the dead? We were not there to see it, and our observations tell us that dead men stay dead. Would you believe me if I told you my grandfather was raised from the dead? What if I told you I saw him with my own eyes? Therefore, why believe the biblical account? Four facts of history need to be addressed. (1) Jesus lived in first century Palestine. (2) He was crucified by the Romans. (3) His tomb was found empty. (4) His disciples claimed He was raised from the dead. The fact of the matter is that no explanation fits the facts better than resurrection. First of all, there is absolutely no reason to doubt the New Testament documents in terms of authenticity and accuracy. Second, if Jesus was not raised, then what happened to His body? A guard was placed there to prevent theft (Matthew 27:62-66). Some believe he fainted, but the Romans (1) were professional executioners and (2) ensured Jesus was dead when they stabbed him (John 19:31-37). Some believe …

Jesus, Worthy of Our Devotion!

Someone correctly penned of Jesus: He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. Until he was thirty, he worked in a carpenter’s shop, and then for three years he was an itinerant preacher. He wrote no books, held no office, never owned a home, never was in a big city, and never traveled more than two-hundred miles. The authorities condemned his teachings; his friends deserted him. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for the only piece of property he owned—his coat. When he was dead, he was buried in a borrowed tomb. Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone, yet today he is the crowning glory of the human race, the adored leader of millions of the earth’s inhabitants. All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built, all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the rulers that ever reigned have not affected the life of a man upon this earth as profoundly as has that One Solitary Man! To the above we must reply Amen! However, it is logical to ask, why do millions follow Him? What makes Jesus so magnificent? Why is He so worthy of our devotion and dedication? Consider: His mission makes Him worthy of our devotion. After creating mankind, God warned that man would be destroyed if he disobeyed God’s law (Genesis 2:16-17). Of course, man defiantly missed …

More Than a Baby!

The Christmas season for many is about baby Jesus in a manger. Wise men, gifts and other holiday traditions are usually emphasized as well. While I am happy that at least some folks still remember Jesus in some form and fashion, Jesus is so much more than a baby! While His virgin birth and the events surrounding His entry into this world are miraculous, there is much more to Jesus than His birth and infancy. Firstly, there is His servant-hood. Thankfully Jesus did not stay as a baby in a manger! He grew “…in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52b). His growth enabled Him to fulfill the greatest example of servant-hood the world has ever known! In fact, Jesus is the perfect “example” of what real servant-hood is all about (1 Peter 2:21). He served His Father (Matthew 26:42; Luke 2:49; John 5:30); He served His fellow man (John 13:4ff; Philippians 2:5-8); and He even served His foes (Luke 23:34). His servant-hood shows that He is more than just a baby! Secondly, there is His self-sacrifice. Jesus’ purpose for becoming flesh was not to remain in a manger as an infant, but rather was to “…seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10b). His self-sacrifice is seen in His incarnation (John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-8); His self-sacrifice is seen in His humiliation (Luke 9:58); and His self-sacrifice is seen in His termination (John 15:13; 1 John 3:16). Thank the Father above for Jesus and His Self-Sacrifice! Thirdly, …

The Nuts and Bolts of Pornography

The word “pornography” means, “the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement” (Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It comes from the compound Greek word, “pornographos,” “porne” meaning “prostitute,” “whore” or “harlot” and “grapho” meaning “to write.” The word “pornography” entered the English language in about 1864. It is no wonder, then, that the word did not appear in the earliest English translations of the Bible, which predate 1864. Although subsequent translations of the Bible do not include the word “pornography” either, biblical instruction definitely warns against it. First though, let’s attempt to quantify “pornography” so that we can see more clearly the scope of its reach and affect. Generally, pornography is typically categorized as “soft porn” and “hardcore porn.” Hardcore pornography is a worldwide exploding epidemic, but so-called soft pornography has already completely saturated especially western culture to the point that nearly everything advertised is marketed with some degree of sex appeal (e.g., hamburgers, jewelry, clothes, cars). Movies, music videos, video games, magazines, books and the Internet are awash with soft and hardcore pornography. Pornography of some degree is so plentiful that it is not uncommon for children or adults to come in contact with it even involuntarily. As long as pornography continues to be big business (billions of dollars annually) and to appeal to the baser side of humanity (mostly to men but to many women, too), it will continue to reshape both individuals and society in the mold of wickedness away from the “good …