Are the Righteous Scarcely Saved?

Some people read 1 Peter 4:18 and become anxious about their eternal salvation. That verse reads, “Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’” (NKJV). Various readers coming across the verse think that since Peter said the righteous are scarcely saved that their salvation is in constant jeopardy. They imagine one can only make it to heaven by the skin of their teeth (Job 14:20). Is that true? What did Peter mean by ‘the righteous are scarcely saved’? We must understand that Peter was writing to Christians in the context of persecution and imminent danger from oppressors. They were “grieved by various trials” (1:6), facing the possibility of “suffering for righteousness’ sake” (3:14), experiencing ‘fiery trials’ (4:12), ‘suffering as Christians’ (4:16), and ‘suffering according to the will of God’ (4:19). Peter wrote to encourage them in the face of those then present dangers and to assure them of the victory they could expect even though it might include physical loss. Let us analyze the words in the passage. The word “scarcely” appears as “with difficulty” in other passages. “When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus…” (Acts 27:7); “…and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him” (Luke 9:39). The word translated “saved” does not always mean eternal salvation – salvation of the soul in Heaven. Our eternal salvation is sure as we walk in the light. Jesus saves “to the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:25). We are “…kept by the power of …

Why Then Are They Baptized for the Dead?

While teaching that Christ’s resurrection was the greatest proof that our own resurrection will occur at His coming to judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31; John 5:28-29), the apostle Paul asked the Corinthians, “Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15:29 NKJV). Some have held that there was a custom practiced by some in the first century of baptizing people – living persons –  for the benefit of the individuals who had died without baptism. Some think that in 1 Corinthians 15:29 the apostle was using an argument based upon what some Christians were doing at Corinth – practicing vicarious baptism, baptizing Christians on behalf of deceased acquaintances who, while under instruction and faith development, had died before completing their primary obedience to the Gospel (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). The obvious difficulty in imagining such allusion here is met by emphasizing that the apostle did not here evaluate such a practice with which he would have been in complete disagreement and merely mentioned it in an argument in making his overall case for the resurrection. Moreover, had such a custom existed there or at any other place in the first century, then, certainly the apostle Paul would have denounced it, as he did in every other case where Christians were deviating from the truth. He certainly would not have used such an unscriptural practice as an example …

Did the Early Church Practice Socialism?

Socialism is a political and economic philosophy that advocates community ownership and distribution of resources, typically controlled by the governing authorities. Does Acts 4:32-35 provide an example of socialism practiced in the early church, and does it set a precedent for all Christians to follow? The passage reads: Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. (NKJV) Contextually, multiplied thousands of Jewish people from distant lands had traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost (Acts 2:1, 5), a large percentage of whom had learned and obeyed the Gospel to mark the beginning of Christ’s church (vs. 41, 47; 4:4; 5:14). Rather than returning home, however, many remained in Jerusalem for continued instruction and fellowship (2:42), perhaps some until they were later forced to disperse (8:1-4). In the meantime, how were their physical needs to be met? A community spirit prevailed, coordinated first by the apostles and then by other godly men, which included selfless generosity and mutual …

When Are We Born Again?

A lot of people believe that Saul (later better known as the apostle Paul) was born again on the road to Damascus. However, this is untrue! The Bible makes it clear that he was still very much in his sins. Therefore, Saul was unconverted until he did what the Lord told him to do. When Saul arrived in the city, he prayed for three days and was in his sins. So, Saul did not become, as some claim, born again when he fell to the ground when the Lord appeared unto him. All three accounts of Saul’s journey to conversion (Acts 9:3-4; 22:6-7; 26:12-14) tell us that, when he saw the light from heaven, he fell to the ground. Nowhere in the Scriptures do we read that he fell from a horse or a camel. This assumption is one that we have inherited from medieval art and human tradition, not from God’s Word! It is no more true that Saul was born again or saved on the road to Damascus. Far too many assumptions are made about God’s Word, based upon human tradition and misunderstandings. In Acts 22:16, the Bible tells us that Saul was still praying and unhealed of his blindness. Only when he was baptized, that is, fully immersed for the forgiveness of his sins, was he truly converted. This is when Saul was born again and entered into the kingdom of his Lord. He did not become a Christian on the road as he fell to the …

How Can We Deceive Ourselves?

Some time ago, I heard this sermon, “How Can We Deceive Ourselves?” When I heard the title, my ears perked up. I felt this was a lesson I really needed to hear and learn what to do to not deceive myself. I knew it was something I must put into my daily life. I am afraid we all at times deceive ourselves, and I know I do. We want to believe we are better people than we really are. We say we have not done or said anything wrong, but what about our attitude toward others? The Scriptures teach us to take heed lest we fall in 1 Corinthians 10:12. This means not to think more highly of ourselves than we should. Therefore, we must be able to think of ourselves as we really are. What do we think of ourselves? It is bad when we are deceived by others. When we are misled by others, we may be excused once. There is a saying that goes something like this, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” We must stay alert and follow God’s Word. We are told in 1 Peter 5:8 that the devil is always going about seeking whom He can devour or con, either by ourselves or by others. He wants us to believe a lie and to be deceived, just as he conducted himself in the Garden of Eden when he interacted with Adam and Even. The devil told Eve a …

Humility

The ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome believed in a multitude of immortal gods and goddesses who interacted with mortal men and women. The gods and goddesses had expectations for human behavior, and they punished those who broke the rules. One common theme throughout Greek and Roman mythology describes the punishments given to those who committed the worst offense – excessive pride or hubris (Edgar 2). Hundreds of years before the Greek and Roman civilizations, God’s inspired penmen addressed the human condition of excessive pride. “For You will save the humble people, But will bring down haughty [prideful] looks” (Psalm 18:27 NKJV). “The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground” (Psalm 147:6). “Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility” (Proverbs 18:12). God considers excessive pride an abomination (Proverbs 6:16-17). Notice in the verses above that pride is contrasted with humility. The Old and New testaments praise those who are humble (Proverbs 15:33; 22:4; Matthew 18:4; Luke 14:11). Multiple verses command God’s servants to demonstrate humility (Colossians 3:12; Romans 12:16; James 4:10). Humility Defined Several Hebrew words in the Old Testament and several Greek words in the New Testament translate into our English words “humility” or “humble.” These words can also be translated into the English words “meekness,” “gentleness” and “subdue” in addition to phrases like “bring down” or “bring into subjection” (Strong’s). The general idea of humility or humbleness is an attitude of self-control, submission and an awareness of …

Let It Go!

There are many American movies on the television today. The imagination and ingenuity of movie makers are always surprising and innovative. A new American movie coming out soon features the main character who is motivated by vengeance. Vengeance is defined as “punishment inflicted or retribution for an injury or wrong.” Vengeance is often seen as a good motivation in modern American movies, but is vengeance a good motivator for Christians? We often have many challenges in our lives. None of us are exempt from people in our lives who cause us harm, speak ill of us, or even endanger our lives. However, as Christians, what is our response to those people? Should we seek revenge and vengeance upon those who cause us harm? How should we respond to those who do evil in our lives? In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul urged his readers to be careful about this issue. He said, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21 NKJV) As we look around at God’s creation, from the awesome stars and planets in space to the intricate details of the human body, we see a God who …

The Sign of Jonah

“The Jews demand signs” (1 Corinthians 1:22 ESV). Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, He worked “mighty works and wonders and signs,” which “attested to” (guaranteed) the truth of who he claimed to be (Acts 2:22). Throughout the Gospel records, He healed the sick, casts out demons and raised the dead. Yet, frequently, He was asked by His doubters and enemies, “Show us a sign!” The signs and wonders He was doing were eminently suitable for a divine King of a spiritual kingdom, the kind of kingdom He came to establish (John 18:26). They show Him to have power over sickness, demons and death. Jesus’ enemies were not satisfied. They wanted a material kingdom to defeat Rome, freeing them from Roman domination and establishing a kingdom in which they would rule over the nations, the Gentiles. So, they wanted some kind of sign of military power, maybe like Satan suggested: “Go up on the temple tower and jump off; the people will be amazed when angels bear you up and keep you from harm” (paraphrase of Matthew 4:5-6). Jesus usually answered the request for a sign cryptically, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah” (Matthew 16:4). In Matthew 12:40, He added, “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” The …

The Potter and the Clay

Like a lot of other folks, I get a good bit of enjoyment from sports, but it is my uninspired opinion that God is really not into sports any more than He cares about crossword puzzles and checkers. However, there are some indications in the Bible that God does have some interest in, of all things, the making of pottery. I invite you to join me in investigating further God’s interest in pottery. Let’s begin by reading Jeremiah 18:1-4. The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. The Lord wants His people to understand this thoroughly, as is clear from verses 5-6. “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?’ says the LORD. ‘Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!’” The Lord’s message to Israel was that He is the Potter and they were the clay. He is the Lord and Master, and they were but clay in His hands, to be used …

Great Bible Students in the Bible

We cannot go without regular Bible study if we desire to be spiritually strong and healthy. Spending time in the Word of God will help us to not only come to know God better but to live the kind of lives that God requires of us. The inspired message of God was given to the prophets and apostles, and it has been preserved for our benefit (Ephesians 3:3-5). We are to desire the sincere milk of the Word so we can grow (1 Peter 2:2). The Bible is of no value to us until we study its contents and allow its teachings to become a part of us. We would greatly benefit if we found good role models to follow in the area of Bible study. If we could see the habits and practices of those who faithfully and diligently studied the Word and incorporate them into our own lives, we would be more capable and well-rounded students of the Bible. The Bible not only tells us it is from God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and that we should meditate on its contents (Psalm 1:2), but the Bible also provides us within its pages good examples of Bible students. Let us learn some valuable lessons from several great Bible students in the Bible. Joshua: A Lifelong Studentof the Word (Joshua 1:8) When Moses died, after leading God’s people for forty years, Joshua took his place (Joshua 1:1-4; Deuteronomy 31:1-8). As Joshua was entering his position as the new leader of Israel, …

For the Love to Be True, the Will Must Be Free

Free will means that our choices are our own, that no outside force or influence can so infiltrate our thinking as to void our choices. Many times, this is debated in the context of God’s sovereignty, that, for God to be absolute ruler of the universe, His choices must overrule all others. Thus, free will is only an appearance. This is the doctrine of Calvinism. What answers this apparent dilemma is the Bible’s concept of love. Love does not “seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5). In other words, in order for love to be love, it will not be self-willed. It is not about self. For love to be true, it must always have some other as its object and reason. Real love is totally caught up in caring for the one loved. That God is love is a major declaration of Scripture (Exodus 34:6-7; 1 John 4:8, 16). That we are to mirror that love to those around us is also a clear teaching of Scripture (John 17:26; Ephesians 5:1, 2; 1 John 4:11). Yet, love must always be a free choice of the will for it to be real. Forced or manipulated love is not love at all but simply a control mechanism for the exercise of raw power. So, real love demands a will free to choose. When we learn that Jesus did not come of Himself but that He was sent (John 8:42), yet He could always call on God to escape the cross (Matthew 26:53), we get …

Give Careful Attention

It is a fact that all Christians have flaws and imperfections. Therefore, we have a need for improvement. However, because of our relationship with God through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are also unique and beautiful in His sight. The same is true in nature. Take, for instance, the formation of crystals that make up valuable minerals and precious stones. I read where each kind of mineral and gem has its own special shape and appearance. Experts in gemology say each mineral and gem is made up of a great number of atoms that are stacked in perfect alignment. They say that occasionally one of these basic particles get out of line. Surprisingly, these “flaws” or imperfections give gems their most beautiful properties. With that said, all of us have personality flaws and character weaknesses. We see sinful tendencies in ourselves such as selfishness, irritability, impatience and vindictiveness. So, what should we do about these flaws, and how can we guard our hearts from getting discouraged and stop living a changed life, holy as God would have us live? One thing we can do is give careful attention to our thoughts, not only because God knows them but also because our thoughts determine our character. Jesus said in Matthew 15:18-19 that our words and actions spring from our hearts. Another example from nature is found inside Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. There are enormous pillars in this massive cave that formed by the steady dropping of water. A single drop …

I Come Broken

Several years ago, I was introduced to a new rendition of the song “Just As I Am.” It was entitled “Just As I Am (I Come Broken).” Within the additional lyrics in this newer rendition, there are words with which I connect every time I hear them. “I come broken to be mended. I come wounded to be healed. I come desperate to be rescued. I come empty to be filled. I come guilty to be pardoned by the blood of Christ the Lamb and I’m welcomed with open arms. Praise God. Just as I am.” Most people have felt broken at one time or another. This is especially true when a person honestly evaluates his life and sees what sin has done to his relationship with God. Thankfully, the Word of God tells us exactly where we can go and to Whom we can turn for help – for all of the pain and brokenness we sometimes feel because of things in this life and due to our sins. Before the foundations of the world, and before sin and pain even entered the world, God had a plan to send His Son to redeem mankind (1 Peter 1:19-21). He knew that all men would sin and deserve death (separation forever from God, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Yet, God had a plan that offers salvation and eternal life to all who would obey (Romans 3:23; 6:23). We all have the opportunity to be cleansed of our sins (1 Peter 3:21) and …

Heavens and Clouds

Everyone wants mercy for things they have done wrong. No one wants to be found guilty and to be punished. Mercy is not receiving what is deserved for wrongdoing. Every person sins against God (Romans 3:10, 23; 1 John 1:8, 10). Sin is transgressing God’s law (1 John 3:4 KJV). Sin separates a person from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Every person who sins deserves eternal punishment in Hell. However, God has a plan of mercy. He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:26). Jesus’ death on the cross was given for every person (John 1:29). Every person must obey God to access the mercy. Think about the amount of mercy required to cover the sins of every person who ever lived, lives now or may live in the future. A picture is given of God’s mercy in Psalm 36:5, “Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds” (NKJV). Not only does His mercy originate in Heaven, but it is as high and as far as the heavens. “Faithfulness” comes from a word that means “stability” or “firmness.” In other words, God’s is absolute, and there is no possibility that His mercy will fail. That stable mercy is as high as the clouds. What a wonderful God we have. Though none of us deserve mercy, He is willing to give it. He is willing to give it to every person who has and will ever live …

A Credit to Her Name

Many of us know and realize that some of the greatest advice we’ve ever received came from a significant mother or grandmother in our lives. Although Scripture regularly records the instruction, admonition and wisdom of fathers (as given to them through God), it is often the wisdom of mothers that guides their children throughout their entire lives. What makes the wisdom of mothers so different from the wisdom of fathers is not the quality of wisdom. Perhaps the difference is the willingness of mothers to offer that wisdom through the emotional connection they have with their children. It is not just the words that we remember, but it is the tone, the emotion, the care, the concern, the expectations and ultimately the love with which the words were wrapped that make their wisdom enduring. Proverbs 31 describes such a mother who was a credit to her family and her name. This woman answered the unending curiosities of a child. “What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?” (verse 2). We know that children are constantly asking questions and expecting their parents to know all the answers. A gift of a mother is that heartfelt interest in a child’s questions. No matter how outlandish they might be, she will respond with some nugget of wisdom that will provide direction and understanding – all described in a way that a child can learn. However, the child is not a youngster anymore. He’s a King – a grown …

The Eiffel Tower Compared to Christianity

According to History.com, the 986-foot-tall Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 and surpassed the Washington Monument as the world’s tallest structure. Though now considered a symbol of romance, it was protested as “useless and monstrous” by several French artisans. Fast forward and now consider those comments. The Eiffel Tower endures, and those critics and criticisms are a distant memory. Pursuing New Testament Christianity is similar. Some scoffed then and now at the restoration plea and process today. Still, worshipping according to the New Testament pattern endures because it is based on eternal truths and an everlasting foundation – the eternal Jesus Christ, His enduring Word and His everlasting Kingdom. God is the one who made all these eternal elements, and even though there may be some who scoff and ridicule our plea to follow the New Testament and its pattern for us, these truths remain. While others may scoff, they are being interrupted by those who seek to worship the Lord in spirit and truth each Lord’s Day. New Testament worship withstands the test of time!

A Procedure for Appointing Additional Elders

Much has been written about God’s ordained plan for qualifications and duties of the shepherds of God’s flock (although that has not seemed to have had much effect in many quarters), but we have not noticed very much about what procedure might be used in the actual appointment. We suppose this is because God has not legislated about a specific procedure, and most of us who think of ourselves as conservative feel that most of our writing should be exegetical in nature, and not merely an exposition of our opinions about matters not revealed. However, there is a place for setting forth what we have discovered by observation and practiced as an appropriate or an effective manner of expediting a particular command of God. This article deals with one method that we would recommend for consideration in the mechanics of appointing additional elders. First, a series of sermons should be preached on the qualifications, responsibilities and duties of elders to the congregation, and the relationship of the congregation to the elders. Second, a form should be prepared with something like the following reminders in it: No one has a right to be considered as a shepherd of God’s flock who does not meet God’s standards. “We must have elders” is no excuse for placing unqualified men in positions of leadership. Although there are no specific procedures set forth in the Scriptures for the appointment of elders, the following words and ideas are suggestive of some principles that should be applied. (1) Acts 6:3 says, “Therefore, brethren, seek out [episkepsasthe] …

Planting and Producing

Farmers have planted the seed for this year’s crops as evident by the plants of various kinds now growing. Even we who have gardens annually anticipate the time when we can enjoy working the soil. It is also a wonderful experience to be able to enjoy vegetables from the garden. There is an age-old truth that we would like to bring to your attention once again, and that is, you always reap as you have sown. This seems very simple and elementary, but it is very profound. In the study of the Parable of the Sower or Soils, as recorded in Luke 8, we learn that Jesus used the common and known to teach spiritual truths to those of sincere and honest hearts (8:10). Jesus said that the Seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). God’s power of salvation today is the Gospel of His Son (Romans 1:16). The Word never changes. It will always produce after its kind. The soil is also most important because it represents the various kinds of hearts. If there is a failure in reaping, such cannot be blamed on the Seed, for therein is the God-given power to germinate and reproduce. James wrote that we should “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Peter declared that we have “been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:23). Wherein is the failure to …

Street Smart

In some circles, being street smart is the best kind of intelligence. Here one has learned the way of the city, where the dangerous people and places are. If you don’t know your way around, staying with one who is street smart may be your ticket to safety. In Proverbs 2, a father had a heart-to-heart talk with his son, where it reads, “To deliver you from the way of evil…” (Proverbs 2:12). The father was concerned about whether his son was aware of the most important kind of knowledge and whether he had the work-ethic required to get that knowledge. He appealed to him to see the “treasure” (Proverbs 2:1) of being God-smart. God-smart is better than any other kind of intelligence. Paul talked about people who claimed to know God, “but by their deeds deny him” (Titus 1:16 NASB). John talked about people who claimed to know God, but it was obvious they didn’t. How do we know? They didn’t keep His commandments (1 John 2:4). Paul told the Christians at Thessalonica that on Judgment Day God is going to deal out retribution to those who know not God (2 Thessalonians 1:8). As Solomon told his son, everyone needs to “discover the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:5). That sounds like good advice for us, too. We spend our lives learning all kinds of stuff. We may know how to build a house or how to fix a car. We may know how to prepare a meal or how to sew a …

Are You Living Sacrifice Material?

Paul gave one of the most encompassing expectations for each member of the Lord’s church when he wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). Clearly, Christians must present themselves as living sacrifices to God! The motivation for this conduct is the “mercies of God.” God is a God of mercy, and His people should also appreciate and reflect that (2 Corinthians 1:3; Philippians 2:1; Colossians 3:12-14). Christians’ “bodies” are singled out here as what are to be presented as “living sacrifices.” Before we became Christians, we served sin with our bodies (Romans 1:24; 6:6, 12; 7:24; 8:13). After we obeyed the Gospel, our whole being, including our bodies (and souls and spirits), functioned as a “heart” unit in rendering obedience and service to God (Romans 6:17). When one’s fleshly self is wholly given to God, then his entire being is given to God (Romans 6:11-13). This truth is perhaps part of why God chose circumcision as a sign of the covenant under Mosaic Law (i.e., if that part of a male’s body were set apart for God, then his whole body would be!). A Death Must Occur beforea Sacrifice Can Be “Living” Like a literal sacrifice where an animal was killed, for a person to become a “living sacrifice,” a death has to occur. This death is a death to sin through baptism (Romans 6:1-7). Unlike a …

Christ and the Word

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16 ESV). Scripture commends itself to us as authoritative, as being the very word of God, of Christ via the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). The apostle Paul emphasized in Colossians 3:16 that the Word must dwell in us (imperative tense), a necessity defined as such by God. This is so, as there is no other work of literature like it among us; it alone is inspired, breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible is the only book that offers us an abundant life today in the midst of trials as well as blessings. It alone offers us eternal life. The Word is integral to Christ Himself, as He is described as being the Word incarnate (John 1:1, 14). So, to better understand the role it should play in our lives, how does Scripture describe Jesus’ use of it? Surely if the Son of God made use of the Word, then it should mean something to us and to our walk with God. Jesus believed Scripture to be given by God and was therefore authoritative. In the Sermon of the Mount, He pointed out, “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of …

The Way of the Righteous

Every Christian ought to model – to wear – righteousness. Going into evil is a process. The singer of Israel wrote, “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). The righteous man will not even walk by a questionable place (Romans 13:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:22). If the righteous happens to walk by evil, he certainly should neither stand nor loiter around it (1 Corinthians 15:33). Staying around evil will tempt one to sit down and become a part of it (Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-27). Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-17 NKJV) The righteous man will turn to God and be blessed. He will read and study God’s law day and night (Psalm 1:2). His love for God’s Word will be apparent to all who know him (Psalm 119:97-100, …

The Way

Christianity was referred to in the first century as “the Way.” In fact, as Saul of Tarsus was still breathing out threats against the church, Saul went to the high priest and desired to go to Damascus and find those of “the Way” and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial (Acts 9:1-2). Several years later, Paul came to Ephesus and spoke boldly in the synagogue for three months, but some to whom Paul preached were hardened and began to speak evil of “the Way” (Acts 19:8-9). Of course, the insightful Bible student understands that “the Way” is none other than Jesus (John 14:6), and those who follow Him become part of “the Way” (Galatians 3:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17). “The Way” is used in contrast to all other ways! There is but “One Way” to please our heavenly Father. Sadly, today many believe there are many ways to please God, but that is completely foreign to the Bible. Becoming part of “the Way” occurs neither by chance nor by accident. Being in “the Way” requires thoughtful and scriptural obedience. The Way begins with knowing. “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me” (John 6:45 NKJV). Under the Old Testament, a person was simply physically born into a Jewish family and became part of God’s chosen race. However, becoming part of “the Way” is different (Jeremiah 31:31-34). One must come to the knowledge of the …

Something We Do

When I was a young boy, I learned about reverential worship through my Catholic upbringing. Worshipers entered the church building through a short foyer, finding themselves almost immediately in the sanctuary or the place of worship. Even before crossing the threshold separating the sidewalk from the interior of the edifice, each person quietly and reverently prepared himself or herself to arrive in what to him or to her was the equivalent of the throne room of Almighty God in Heaven. We felt as though we were in the very presence of God, Who deserved to arrest our complete attention along with our purposeful intention to worship Him. We strove to demonstrate our humility before and to express our awe of our Creator God. For the time spent there, our entire focus was on worshiping Almighty God. The mechanism for fostering reverential worship, however, was of man’s design – a sanctuary. Under the authority of the Old Testament rather than under the authority of the New Testament, God did recognize a sanctuary (Leviticus 19:30), but He does not now authorize a holy place (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). A sanctuary is “…in religion, a sacred place, set apart from the profane, ordinary world” (“Sanctuary”). As such, the sanctuary was always holy irrespective of whether worship were occurring. Despite the external encouragement to conduct oneself reverentially, true worship of God under Christianity demands of worshipers reverence toward Almighty God, even  without an external mechanism. Nevertheless, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world …