Gospel Gazette

Worse and the Word

In Paul’s last letter, he warned of conditions in the latter days. Before proceeding, the caveat must be established that the last days have been ongoing since the day of Pentecost following the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Peter, pressed to explain the apostles’ behavior of speaking in unstudied languages, explained that it was the fulfillment of the prophet Joel’s passage, where Peter began by saying, “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days…’” (Acts 2:16-17 NKJV). Following the Patriarchal and Mosaic eras came the Christian era. After that, there will be no more (2 Peter 3:10-12). Thus, these days in which we are amenable to Christ are the last days (Hebrews 1:1-4). Paul said that those last days would be characterized by compounded sinfulness. To paraphrase and comment (for the reader can read the passage for himself), 2 Timothy 3:1-4 indicates a love for everything unholy, beginning with a love of self, proceeding to a love of money, intensified by a prideful disregard for even the most basic and tender of authorities (parents). Further, people will be bull-headed and love their lustful pleasures instead of their God. They will even feign righteousness (v. 5) and lead people away with a remarkably stubborn resistance to truth (vs. 6-8). There will be a limitation or a point beyond the extent of God’s “longsuffering” (v. 9; cf. 2 Peter 3:9), but a lot of damage will be done …

Work, Labor, Patience

When Paul, with Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy wrote the first epistle to the Thessalonian church, they were impressed with the faithfulness of the church through persecution. The Thessalonian church started with persecution from envious Jews (Acts 17:1-8). Some Jews, Greeks and leading women of the city were persuaded (Acts 17:4) and this stirred up the angst of the Jews who wanted to keep their traditional status quo. They ran the missionaries out of town. It is likely these incidents to which Paul obliquely refers in his statement that the Thessalonians had “received the word [of God] in much affliction” (1 Thessalonians 1:6 NKJV). In the midst of several compliments regarding their steadfastness and evangelistic nature in Chapter One, Paul specifically noted an intriguing trifecta – their “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Some have noted the parallel with 1 Corinthians 13:13. There, Paul highlighted the virtues of love among brethren, prodding the Corinthians to exercise love rather than selfishness in the exercise of their gifts in the worship of the local church (in the broader context of 1 Corinthians 12-14). He spoke of how the temporary spiritual gifts, which were miraculous, would eventually fade, but faith, hope and love would remain. Some have also suggested a progression in this 1 Thessalonians 1:3 wording that suggests an increase in intensity. The work of faith is the beginning. Faith demands works; without works, faith is dead (James 2:14-26). This one great truth has volumes written …

Do Not Fret

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34 NKJV). “Be anxious for nothing…” (Philippians 4:6). A word from one who has trouble practicing these Scriptures, be thankful they are there. Awareness of evil in the world generally increases with age. Some precious children are exposed to humanity’s injustices earlier than are some pampered adults. Still, the more one knows about the world, the more one knows people mistreat people, the relatively innocent suffer at the hands of the oppressors (Ecclesiastes 4:1), and the privileged and powerful exalt themselves at the expense of the lowly (Matthew 23:14; 2 Timothy 3:6; James 5:5-6). This wicked phenomenon even happens within the Lord’s church (3 John 9-10). It is enough to depress one’s spirit beyond recovery, if it were not for the Word of God. The multiple exhortations of divinely offered comfort include: “Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity” (Psalm 37:1). “And why not?” the persecuted might object. “Evil people seem to be getting their way! Their riches increase! People believe their slanderous lies!” (Job 21:7-16; 12:6; Jeremiah 12:1; Psalm 109:1-5). Why not fret? Because God who had the power to create and to uphold the world with His Word (Psalm 33:6; Hebrews 1:3) is the One who has power to deal in His own good time with the wicked. “For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither …

Love Means Hate

The Gospel of Christ is all about love. It was love that prompted the plan of salvation (Romans 5:8-10). It is love, not force, that kept Jesus on the cross (John 10:17-18). It is love that motivates service toward the gracious Lord (1 John 4:19). It is love that marks the believer as a true disciple (John 13:34-35). Love is a tender blessing between brethren, as Paul noted in Philippians 1:3-5. Further, love is demanded between lovers of God (1 John 3:14-18; 4:20-21). With all this instruction about love, one might be tempted to boldly proclaim, “Hate has no place in the Christian religion.” While such a statement would be understood appropriately in such a context, a broad view of Scripture will reveal that hatred has its place. With this shocking affirmation, Bible students will readily agree after consultation of a few passages. Paradoxically, Paul sadly noted that a love of the truth will sometimes engender hate from those who reject such truth, even among one’s brethren. Galatian brothers of Paul had, at first, loved him so much that they would have been willing to pluck out their eyes for him (Galatians 4:15). They received him as if he were an angel from God (Galatians 4:14). However, after some false teaching had leavened its way through them, they weren’t as fond of their brother, the apostle. Some of the hardest words are reserved for them (Galatians 1:6-8). He quite pointedly asked, “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell …

Falsely Accused

The apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and worked his way up through the Roman court system, defending Christianity and never being found guilty of any crime, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Nevertheless, he was often falsely accused. One Roman governor cried out, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” Paul calmly responded, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason” (Acts 26:24-25). Christianity, indeed, is a religion of truth and reason. It is not a religion of blind faith. The evidence for it is there, though many willfully suppress it. People will always accuse Christians of being crazy, but the response must be to ever try to kindly reason with our accusers.

Dedicated Servants

Timothy may have heard Paul preach through the ruckus that accompanied the apostle’s first trip to Lystra and Derbe (Acts 14:6-20), but the entrance of the young servant into Paul’s life would come in Paul’s second appearance (Acts 16:1-3). This young disciple had been trained in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:14-15), apparently by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5), and had a good reputation in his area (Acts 16:1). Paul was inclined to take this man on the journey of mission work, but something needed done first. Being the son of a Jewish woman and a Greek man made Timothy an outcast in the eyes of many of the zealous Jews. Paul “took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region” (Acts 16:3). There is an indication of commitment. A young adult male was willing to have painful surgery just so the Gospel he was carrying would be more appealing to the folks to whom he was preaching. He did not want to be a stumbling block to Jews who still believed it was necessary (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Dedication further characterized Timothy’s life. He was with Paul off and on through remaining journeys (Acts 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1). He was characterized by Paul as one who worked for the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:10) and as a son in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:22). Paul lauded him for …

Truth

Discouragement can overtake a soul who tries to make sense of the world events and the attitudes of the populaces involved. It is sickening to see violence. Racism is inexcusable. The mistreatment of women is despicable. Religious persecution is wrong. Trafficking of human beings is slavery resurrected and incomprehensible to any mind with any sensitivity. In addition to the events, one might be overwhelmed by the direction of the discussions. Many times, they are fueled by issues of personality rather than by substance. Truth often has no place in a discussion, on either side of an issue. It is all about feelings—how one side feels hurt and another side feels empowered, or vice versa. Facts and even reality are distorted. It seems that no one cares. In vain I search each way for truth,In vain I look for reason.My people turn with every windTo values of the season. What once was right is wrong this day;What once was wrong is right.My wicked people are destroyed,Our ignorance the plight. The God of Heaven Who reigns aboveHas taught us truth from error.His mercy saves all those who hear,But rebels reap His terror. One day all people shall be judged;The standard is the Lord’s.His righteousness has been revealedIn His own Holy Word. Oh, help me find the truth, dear GodThrough all the darkest clouds.And help me as a candle shine,One light for dismal crowds. This disheartenment is nothing new. It might be granted that it feels new to a generation that was raised …

The New Birth

The Pharisees were a self-righteous party ascribing to themselves broad powers of enforcement of their traditions associated with God’s laws (Matthew 15:7-9; 23:1-37). There was, however, at least one who seemed to be intent on doing right. Nicodemus, one ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus by night and began by acknowledging the import of Christ’s miracles. He said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a Teacher come from God…“ (John 3:1-2). Later, this same man would take up for Jesus’ right to speak for Himself before any possible condemnation (John 7:50-51), then would help Joseph of Arimathea with the burial of the Lord’s body (John 19:38-40). Jesus’ answer seemed far removed from the statement of Nicodemus: “…Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Nicodemus tried to clarify, knowing only the physical birth (3:4). Jesus assured that it was a spiritual birth, “of water and the Spirit” (3:5). What is the new birth? Ascertaining it requires honesty with Scripture. Consider that the Holy Spirit is the member of the Godhead responsible for inspiring the apostles and the prophets (John 14:26; 16:13; Ephesians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 2:9-13; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Without the Spirit’s work in writing the Divine record, people living subsequent to the first century would know nothing about those events, or they might know a jumbled version from oral history. Perhaps that is one reason Paul said, “…no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians …

If You Love Me

Many proclaim they love Jesus. How many really do will be determined by the Righteous Judge at the Last Day (2 Timothy 4:8). Those who “love His appearing” will be those who have been prepared according to Jesus’ terms. Those terms are revealed; they are not secret. The revealed words of Christ will be the standard of judgment in the Last Day (John 12:48). These words include those revealed to the apostles and the prophets by the Spirit poured out after Jesus’ Ascension (John 16:13; Acts 2:33; Ephesians 3:5; Hebrews 1:1-3). There is no guessing as to what is required of us. Of course, one may prefer to guess (I speak sarcastically). Many people appear to so prefer. There is an attitude in the world of Christendom that emphasizes love, but that love is redefined in terms of a postmodern world. Postmodern—some say post-Christian—societies emphasize the equality of all belief systems. There is no truth in this worldview (except, of course, the doctrine-devastating irony that “the truth is that there is no truth”). Love is defined as full acceptance and endorsement of all worldviews. This worldly philosophy spills over into the mindset of the Christian who desires minimal friction with the world. Just love. Don’t study on disagreements. Don’t aim to “speak the same thing” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Just love. Love Jesus, and love people. That is all you need. This is the Postmodernism absolute doctrine. However, the Savior of the world defined love. “If you love Me, keep My …

Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ

Years ago, brother Leroy Brownlow penned a helpful book with the title, Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ. Recently, I was asked to preach a sermon on the subject. I’m no Leroy Brownlow, but I humbly submit these thoughts in article form. I am a member of the church of Christ for the sake of unity in truth. Christ Jesus prayed on the night before His death that believers in Him would be one as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-21). Such unity between members of the Godhead serves as the example for the kind of unity God desires of His church. That precludes ecumenism, where everybody agrees to disagree on matters of doctrine. It demands adherence to revealed truth on such matters. Paul’s plea was for Christians to “speak the same thing, that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). As long as I’ve been able to understand language, I’ve known this to be the plea of the church of Christ. Granted, we have some divisions among us. This is due to sin and not due to Christ’s design. To the extent that Christ’s design for the church over which He rules is followed, we achieve unity. I am a member of the church of Christ for the sake of truth in love. Ephesians 4:1-16 is an excellent passage on the achieving of unity. Two factors are required: …

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Why do bad things happen to good people? This is the question of the ages—one of monumental significance in the discussion of the existence of God. Atheists argue that God cannot have all three traditional characteristics, that is, that He is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving (omnipotent, omniscient and omnibenevolent). Since there is suffering, they say that at least one of those characteristics fails Him. “If He is powerful enough to stop it and knows about it, He must not care enough to stop it,” they allege. Or, “If He is powerful enough and loving enough to stop it, He must not know about suffering.” Thirdly, they posit, “If He knows about it and cares enough to stop it, He must not be powerful enough.” From Ivy League academia to street smarts, people use this kind of argument (differently worded in many cases, to be sure) to attack the existence of God. How can this be answered? Can it be answered? First, realize that when God created everything, it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). He made no error or pain. Man was given freewill with the placement of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden, and man was warned (Genesis 2:16-17). Where there is choice, there must be consequences. Man chose unwisely, and the consequences of death and suffering were set in motion (Romans 5:12-14). The existence of suffering in the world is not God’s fault; it is altogether man’s fault. There are several reasons men …

The Word Requires…

Basic Speech classes teach that the communication process requires a transmitter who accurately encodes a message and a receptor who as accurately decodes it. (No secret is involved in the coding, just the formulation of the message.) The communication of the sacred Word of God may be so viewed. In the case of God’s Word, the process requires, on God’s (the transmitter’s) part: Communication in Life and Letter. The Word of God was transmitted by the Word who became flesh (John 1:1-3, 14). He, in real person, in flesh and blood (Hebrews 2:14), is the very caring, completely in touch communication from the throne of Heaven. Meditate upon the magnitude of the thought: God not only sent a letter, He sent a life—the very life of His only begotten Son. The Life died for us, the receptors (Philippians 2:5-7). This was no inanimate, uncaring, mandatory letter. This was God incarnate (1 Timothy 3:16). He communicated in person—in the person of His Son. Of course, then, the message of life was recorded. The Son promised He would send the Spirit (John 16:13). He did (Acts 2:33). Those apostles who received it, and the prophets on whom the apostles laid their hands (Acts 8:14-17), recorded the message of inspiration, the very plan of salvation (Ephesians 3:5-6)! These things were written so the receptors who did not see His life would still believe (John 20:30-31) and be in full fellowship with those who did witness His glory (1 John 1:1-4). God “has in these …

A Crown of Glory

First Kings 11 records a prophecy that the kingdom of Israel—united under Solomon—would be divided under his son. First Kings 12 records how that came to be. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, exercised his free will and made a bad choice, but God used it to accomplish His purpose (cf. v. 15) Upon the death of Solomon, the people petitioned Rehoboam for relief from the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed upon them (vs. 1-4). Rehoboam wanted three days for consideration (v. 5). One could argue that taking time to think about a matter was a wise choice of this new monarch, but it went downhill from there. Rehoboam asked the elders of the people what he should do. They wisely replied that he should be a servant to the people, and then the people would serve him willingly (vs. 6-7). It was good advice. Leaders are really to be servants of the people (Mark 10:42-45). Wrongly, Rehoboam rejected their counsel (v. 8). Instead, he sought out his young peers. They advised that he should be tough on the people—tougher than his father. Metaphorically, he said, “My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s waist” (v. 10). Probably not so metaphorically, he threatened, “I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!” (v. 11). The division then ensued (vs. 12-14). A prime lesson to gain herein is to generally respect older people. “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor …

Foundation

The children’s song, “The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock,” encapsulates the poignant simplicity of Christ’s teaching at the end of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27). The one who both hears and does (and not hears alone—cf. James 1:22-25; Romans 2:13) is like one who built on solid rock so that his house would withstand rains, winds and floods. The difference between him and the one who built on the shifting sand is that the latter does not do the things that he heard. No one of knowledge wants to build a home without a well-laid foundation. One must dig deep into solid ground, make rock (concrete) and only after that is completed commence building. The spiritual seeker must first dig deep. Before he can do the things he has heard, he must hear those things. Thus, Scripture declares that faith can only come through the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Diligence is required in its study (2 Timothy 2:15). The precious light of God’s Word (Psalm 119:105) must be transmitted from the ink on pages to the memory of one’s heart to guard against sin (Psalm 119:11). One must learn the Word of God. This takes hard, old-fashioned study. Laying a foundation has never been easy, although modern machinery speeds up the time. There is no invention that cuts down on the need for having one’s mind consistently and persistently in God’s Word. Time coupled with effort is the only means. Salvation must be accompanied …

An Unsure Leader?

In Israel’s pre-kingdom days of the Judges, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25). This meant religion was practiced by the random whims of the powerful (17-18), violent chaos emanated from the lusts of men (19-21) and oppression from former enemies was employed as a recurring punishment by God (2:11-22; 1-16). In mercy, when the people would cry out for help, God would send a deliverer (a judge). In one incident, the Midianites, Amalekites and the people of the East (6:3; 7:12) were the collective oppressor enabled by Heaven (6-8). The nature of this oppression was not a one-time, destructive, all-in battle, but a recurring, demoralizing annual event. When the children of Israel would sow their crops, the enemy would bring in their overwhelming forces, “as numerous as locusts; and their camels… without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude” (7:12; cf. 6:5) to stamp out the crops, take the livestock and “leave no sustenance for Israel” (6:4). Can you sense the yearly demoralization? After one year, “Well, let’s survive the winter and try again.” The same after two. Then, three. Four. Five… It became so bad that they stopped rebuilding and looked for a stronger refuge. “Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the caves, and the strongholds which are in the mountains” (6:2). The children of Israel cried out (6:7). God first sent a prophet to remind them that this consequence was the fault of …

Compassionate

The apostle Peter wrote, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous, not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9). Christians all too often receive a negative caricature that they are mean-spirited, hateful souls, out to do nothing but impose their will forcibly upon all of society. It is true that, indeed, many who call themselves Christians would fit such a caricature. However, rather than judging the religion by the misguided steps of some claimed adherents, should not one judge the character of the religion by the intent of its authorized message? The New Testament teaches that Christians ought to be people of compassion and kindness, not only toward one another, but also toward others. Benevolence is to be shown toward all men (Galatians 6:10). The criteria of judgment in the Great Judgment scene described by Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46 is whether or not the individual was involved in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and giving drink to the thirsty. Compassion on human needs must be at the center of the Christian life. Many times, to be sure, professional beggars take advantage of this kindness, and caution must be exercised. Even then, compassion, not enabling bad behavior, must be the order of the day for the Christian. Indeed, compassion is …

Peace

When Jesus was born, there was angelic praise: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14)! Seven-hundred years before Christ was born, it was prophesied that He would be called “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Paul said that Christ “Himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:14). Even a superficial glance at Scripture associates the name of Jesus with peace. Yet, Christ Himself said, “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division” (Luke 12:51). Even more striking is Matthew’s record of Jesus’ similar statement, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (10:34). How can He be the author of peace and a source of division at the same time? There are those people who oppose all religions, including Christianity, as ideological causes of violence. Could it be true? Please consider these thoughts. Christ Brings Peace with God Those who follow Christ faithfully can have the peace that they have overcome their sins. Nothing pounds a man’s soul more than the knowledge of doing wrong. Though many do not admit this even for years, the guilt creates problems. Societies from the beginning of time have sought some kind of God for some kind of redemption. Moral systems have been turned upside down and evil called good, and good evil, but men have still sought some kind of forgiveness. Micah pictured …

Love or Commandments?

A friend once faced a situation where he was told to preach nothing but love for three months; some were tired of hearing about commandment-keeping. When he asked what I would do, I said, “I think I’d preach through 1 John.” Written by the one who became known as the “apostle of love,” the command to love one another drips from its pages. That is how I would introduce the sermon series. I’d bounce from the command of Jesus in the same author’s Gospel, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). From there, I would introduce one of that great apostle’s famed passages as an introduction to the series. “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:20-21). Then, I might ask if anyone noticed that the “C”word was in that last verse. There was a commandment. Then, I would try to elucidate, kindly and over several weeks, how the apostle weaves love together with commandment-keeping throughout the letter. There is 1 John 2:3-5, which reads, “Now by …

Three Difficulties

Truth is a precious commodity. It is unfathomable how much of the world runs on lies. In ancient times, many Greco-Roman cities each had their own gods and temples. The economies focused around the activities at those temples. People’s lives were practically subservient to the idolatry-based economies, and they were all based on lies. The ancient prophet bemoaned the ignorance of the man who made an idol of wood and was too misled to say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” (Isaiah 44:20). When such a lie was challenged with the truth, there might be an uproar, such as the one Paul witnessed in Ephesus. The apostle Paul tried to preach about the unseen God, but the silversmiths of the region protested that they would not be able to make money off of an unseen God (Acts 19:21-41). Lies were responsible for running the world and for making policy. Modern (or postmodern) man has not advanced much further. From preschools to universities, evolution is the crux of academia, rakes in millions in media coverage and is the basis for many business and political decisions. Truth is absent in the sphere of those who have professed themselves to be wise (Romans 1:22). Regarding truth, it seems that contemporary man is faced with three difficulties: Finding it, standing for it and standing for it in love. Finding truth might not be as easy as it sounds. America used to be a nation flooded both with Bibles and with people who …

Preaching to Today’s Culture

In many places I’ve preached this point, and now it seems time to develop it into writing. Let me begin by stating the obvious: 2017 is not 1955. American culture in 1955 was vastly different from what it is today. At that time, most people were churchgoers, and most people claimed some kind of tie to Christ. The thrust of the Lord’s church, therefore, was to convert people from the falsehoods of denominationalism. The aim was to unite believers in the truths of restored New Testament Christianity. That battle still needs to be fought today! It cannot be denied! However, current culture vastly differs. In today’s America, fewer people than ever go to any kind of church. More people claim atheism than ever before. Multiple generations of families have never set foot inside any place of worship. Some are pressing on to paganism; Islam is making wide inroads. The march toward blatant immorality is sweeping the nation individually, legislatively and judicially. Church buildings of all of the denominations are slowly emptying. What does this mean for evangelism? First, it does not mean changing the Gospel. Indeed, the Gospel’s truth cannot be changed, but only perverted, and that with eternally sorrowful consequences (Galatians 1:6-9). God’s teaching on morality, salvation, church autonomy, unity, love, marriage, life and all subjects remains the same (Matthew 28:20; Jude 3)! Yet, the change in culture does have implications for our approach to teaching. That is as biblical as it can be. When Paul preached to a culture of Jews in …

Now to Him…

The Book of Ephesians is a fascinating discourse on the exclusive nature of the church established by Jesus Christ and bought with His blood. The first three chapters are an exposition on what God has done for us; the last three chapters are an explanation of what we must do because of what God has done for us. God has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). At the top of the list of these blessings is that “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4). The idea of being chosen has been coopted, unfortunately, by false teachers. The concept, along with the predestination taught in Ephesians 1:5 and 11, has been misconstrued to mean that God pre-selected certain individuals to salvation and pre-condemned others to damnation. This falsehood fails to account for the knowledge that God is no respecter of persons; He is not partial (Romans 2:11; Acts 10:34-35). It fails to account for all the “whoever” passages (Mark 16:16), and it purposely negates the freewill of man, taught since the beginning of time (Genesis 2:16-17). Rather than such a paralyzing doctrine of helplessness, the doctrine of being chosen and predestined is actually a call of the Christian to worth, value and hope! Gentiles who were receiving this letter had often felt like second-class citizens in the Lord’s church. The Jews had the Gospel preached …

Paul Beneath the Surface

The apostle Paul is well-known for his rejoicing in sufferings. From Roman imprisonment, he wrote to a place where he had been previously imprisoned and beaten, Philippi. He told those “beloved and longed-for brethren” (4:1) to “rejoice in the Lord always” (4:4). He spoke in some detail of his rejoicing and contentment in any situation (4:10-13). We rightly admire his brave outlook in the face of dire circumstances. Yet, he called the whole of the situation his “distress” (4:14). Then, also, there is a verse back in Chapter 3 that gives this author pause. In the midst of an encouragement to walk rightly and seek heavenly things, Paul acknowledged that some have not done so. He said, “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ” (3:18). Did you catch that? As Paul was writing the inspired letter that we know for his rejoicing, he was, at some point weeping. The letter arguably best-remembered for its focus on Christian joy may well have been tear-stained. It would serve our psyches well to remember that Paul’s joy was not an external giddiness and frivolity, but it was an inner confidence that he was doing the right thing, even in the face of many heartbreaks. There is a hint of more heartbreak in some of Paul’s final words. “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged …

Transformation

The cap of the doctrinal section of the Book of Romans ends Chapter 11. Through Romans, the apostle Paul argued that the Gentiles of old were in sin by their amoral Godlessness (Chapter 1), the Jews were in sin by their hypocrisy (Chapter 2), and that, therefore, all were in sin (Chapter 3). He set forth that the only hope comes in Christ through faith, as opposed to the nailed-to-the-cross works of the law (cf. Colossians 2:14). This message begins in Chapter 3 and runs through Chapter 4. He pointed out, quite cleverly, that even revered Abraham was not justified by the works of the Law, since he obeyed God before the Law, and even before the covenant of circumcision (Chapter 4). Therefore, faith (obedient faith) saved Abraham, not the works of the Law. Likewise, “obedience to the faith” (Romans 1:5; 16:26) is what provides justification and reconciliation in the era of Christ (Chapter 5). In Chapter 6, the difference between the sinful lifestyle and the new life in Christ is elucidated. Chapter 7 tells of the codification of the Old Law and how it brought about guilt (by people’s disobedience), sin and death. Chapter 8, then, is refreshing, as opposed to that hopeless view: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” (8:1). Some twist this verse into a once-saved, always-saved doctrine. In context, it is rather a statement of hope once one puts himself in the right place—in Christ rather than under a “law of …

Context, Context!

One of the best things that ever happened for Bible study is the division of the text into chapters and verses. It makes certain passages easier to find and reference. Yet, one of the worst things that ever happened for Bible study is the division of the text into chapters and verses. In the citation of verses of a couple of phrases, students and teachers often forget the context and, even unwittingly, make the verse mean something never intended by the author. One example of this is a verse making the rounds on plaques and memes lately. Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” The modern, feel-good context in which the verse seems to make its appearance is an implication that God would not allow any harm, that people who trust in him would get their way, and that life would just be grand. Or, maybe that is just me reading too much into the statements. Perhaps people mean that there can be a future and a hope even if they have to go through some tough trials. The latter is closer to the biblical context. The statement comes in this historical situation. Jeremiah was prophesying in Jerusalem about the wickedness of the people there bringing God’s judgment upon them. That judgment would come via Babylonian armies who would overrun them. Some had already been taken …

Peace Be Still

On the day that Jesus taught parables from a boat to crowds on a Galilean shore, He, at evening, got into a boat with His disciples to cross to the other side. They were accompanied by other little boats (Mark 4:35-36). As they crossed, one of those notoriously sudden and violent storms arose on the Galilean Sea. It is called a “windstorm” in Mark 4:37 and Luke 8:23, but a “tempest” in Matthew 8:24 (NKJV). The word for tempest there is related to the word from which we get seismology. Seismologists measure earthquakes—monumental events. This would have been a monumental storm. The disciples become afraid. Many of these had been professional fishermen (Mark 1:16-20), but the storm still scared them. The accounts give no more mention of the other ships or what happened to them, but for two millennium, followers of Christ have known what happened in this disciples’ boat. The fearful disciples went to wake up Jesus. That’s right, they went to wake up Jesus. Many people cannot sleep through a storm on land—even when in a brick house with a solid foundation. Jesus was being tossed about by the sea, and He was sound asleep (Matthew 8:24; Mark 4:38). He had apparently fallen asleep during the journey, probably before the windstorm struck (Luke 8:23). It is incomprehensible how He could have slept. Waves were beating into the boat (Mark 4:37). “They were filling with water, and were in jeopardy” (Luke 8:23). Yet, “He was in the stern, asleep …

Astonishing and Horrible

The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah spent his whole life watching his beloved society crumble. Moral decay followed spiritual decay, and this then led to a prophesied and consummating destruction by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Jeremiah was selected before birth (1:5), and called from youth (1:6ff). Due to the hardships that would be coming upon the people of Judah, he was not allowed to marry (16). He would thus not have to endure watching a wife and any ensuing children suffer the miserable fates that others of that nation would suffer. Indeed, Jeremiah would be quite unpopular and even persecuted. While other prophets gained their followings with artificially positive preaching, Jeremiah faithfully told the truth, no matter what it cost him. The false prophets of the day lied to the people, saying those who had already been captured would only be there two years (28:3). This made the people feel good. When Jeremiah prophesied at length that the real duration would be seventy years (25:11; 29:10), it secured him the harsh judgment of governmental and public opinion. He was imprisoned and endured much with the remnant left after the destruction. In the midst of his prophesies warning the people of this impending destruction, there are some passages that stick out as succinct statements of the philosophical tragedies of the society. One of the most remarkable is 5:30-31. “An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their own power; …

The Word Spoken through Angels

In Acts 7:53, Stephen was winding up the sermon that would get him killed when he said that those listeners had “received the law by the direction of angels and had not kept it.” Such a passage makes one wonder how angels were involved in delivering the Old Law. The passage is not alone. Galatians 3:19 asks, “What purpose then does the law serve?” and then answers, “It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.” Such passages whet the appetite of the curious. The curious, however, may never know the details; those may be relegated to the secret things that belong to God (Deuteronomy 29:29). There are some interesting passages in the Old Testament that may apply. Deuteronomy 33:2 has Moses poetically speaking of the Lord coming from Sinai and bringing a “fiery law” for the people “with ten thousands of His saints.” Likewise, Psalm 68:17 is intriguing; “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, Even thousands of thousands; The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place.” Recall, please, that Elisha’s servant, when finally seeing visually the help God was providing, saw it in the form of a mountain being “full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17). Also, in Daniel 7:10, the vision of the Ancient of Days has a “fiery stream” issuing forth from Him and “a thousand …

Doing the Loving Thing

It is with amazement that some might call arrogance with which this author views many naïve, misdirected calls to “do the loving thing” in religious matters. Call it what opponents may, any “loving thing” needs biblical definition. Consider examples of misguided pleas: (1) If men differ on how to be saved, “do the loving thing” and do not challenge views. Let all believe what they will, and let God sort it out in the end. This is what some say and believe. It is misguided. (2) If people are engaged in what one sees as sin, but they seem happy, “the loving thing” is to just live and let live. They’ll answer to God for it, and no one on earth is their judge. This, too, is misguided. Consider, now, biblical responses: (1) If the Bible speaks on the plan of salvation, students of the Bible have the responsibility to rightly understand it (2 Timothy 2:15) and teach it (2 Timothy 2:2). The loving thing is to gently and to humbly (2 Timothy 2:24-25) confront error in the hopes that truth will be understood and heeded (John 8:32; 1 Timothy 2:4). This is what leads to salvation. (2) Then, if brethren are engaged in sin, other brethren are not justified in just leaving them alone. Rather, there is an obligation: “Brethren, if any man is overtaken in a trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and …

Formerly a Blasphemer and a Persecutor

The apostle Paul declared his thankfulness to God in several places. In 1 Timothy, the gratitude is focused on the transformation God allowed with these words, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1:12-13). Paul’s pre-Christian lifestyle as Saul of Tarsus was one of a rising star in Judaism. He, at some point, had moved from Tarsus in Cilicia to Jerusalem to study at the feet of the well-respected Gamaliel (Acts 21:39; 22:3; cf. 5:34). One might speculate that Paul could have been on course to be the next teacher of Israel and to be respected by all the people. In any other generation he might have been, but it so happened that he lived in the fullness of times when Christ came (cf. Ephesians 1:10; Galatians 4:4). This altered his life immeasurably. At first, of course, he fought to preserve the order of Judaism in which he had been raised. He watched the clothes of those who stoned Stephen, possibly as an instigator rather than just a lad standing by (Acts 7:58). He was, indeed, “consenting to his death” (Acts 8:1). He “made havoc of the church” during the persecution that ensued (Acts 8:2-3). After a while, he “was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). …

The Words Are All that Matter?

In regard to congregational singing, oft is offered the quip, “Well, the words are all that matter, anyway.” This is a comfort to tone-deaf worshipers, but, the secular, well-intentioned proverb may be employed too far. If the words were, indeed, all that mattered, perhaps God would have said something like, “Recite to one another in poems, rhymes and spiritual verse.” Could it be that the musical setting (a cappella) has more importance than often acknowledged? Music is an emotional thing. Composers of purely instrumental music (from symphonies and operas to punk rock and country) work to construct the chord progression, melodies and harmonies to create a mood, often mirroring some occasion or historic event. A fanfare for Olympic Games is an upbeat call to competition and potential triumph – a memorable melodic line punctuated with quick punches of harmonic brass. A mournful dirge, by contrast, might employ low strings in slow, solemn movements. In authorized a cappella singing for congregations, the music generally fits the words. “Nearer My God, to Thee” would never be set to a driving rhythm (as in “Ring Out the Message”). The thrill of “The New Song” is best with its buoyant beat and majestic chorus; it wouldn’t work with a contemplative chant-like, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” feel. The musical composers seek to amplify the impact of the wording. Singing might be viewed as the divinely authorized outlet for human emotion. Many sectarian groups take emotionalism to unscriptural levels – mistaking shaking and rolling, …

The Winds of Change

Many days of clinging winter and hesitant spring, one could step outside and feel the physical winds of change. The temperature would be warm one day, only to be replaced that evening by a drastically cooler one. The winds often blow from west to east, bringing in a new front, inevitably in stark contrast to the one that has prevailed for a few days (or a few hours). As many places in the country colloquially and sarcastically say, “If you don’t like the weather here, just wait an hour or two.” Sometimes the winds are more subtle and sometimes they are violent. In any case, the wind blows to bring in the change. The Lord employed man’s universal understanding of meteorological basics to engrain spiritual lessons for all time. Jesus pointed out hypocrisy to Pharisees and Sadducees who could discern the face of the weather but not the signs of the end of Mosaic times (Matthew 16:1-4). Paul warned that Christians not be “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Common speech employs the use of weather patterns to refer to non-physical phenomena. “The winds of change” might refer to a shift in a nation’s electoral mood, an alteration of governmental policy or even the personal modification of one’s religious or philosophical beliefs. The winds of change affect religious bodies. Those with governing hierarchies often issue statements (of differing titles) claiming an authoritative nature, and these statements claim to make changes as if …

The Question of Instrumental Music

The question of the use of instruments of music (other than the human voice) in worship to God continues to plague sincere seekers of spiritual maturity in Christ. On the one hand, these students of the Word are cognizant that the Lord deplores unnecessary division in His body, the church (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1-16). They, wanting to be good neighbors and friends to other religious seekers, do not wish to be divisive but as tolerant and as accepting as God will allow. On the other hand, they know the need to submit willfully and fully to God’s authority. If division then comes, so be it (Romans 16:17-18; Luke 12:51-53; 1 Timothy 6:3-5). The question of instrumental music then pits the conscientious between a love of friends and a love of God. If he accepts instrumental music in order to keep peace in the religious community, is he doing so with or without God’s approval? If he rejects it, is he binding the doctrines of men as commandments of God (Matthew 15:7-9)? The question of the instruments, then, is ultimately determined by the authority of God. Once the question of how God authorizes is understood, the question of instruments is understood as well. God authorizes by general (generic) commands. When God says to do something but does not specify limitations, men are free to make choices. God commanded men to “Go” into the world to preach. He did not specify how. Men are thus free to go by boat, car, …

Testing by Fire

“Various trials” grieved early Christians (1 Peter 1:6). Because of this, words of encouragement were offered: (T)hat the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than Gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:7- 9) There are times in history when collectively Christians suffered persecution and were tested. At other times the fire may be more of a personal nature. In either case, the faithful servant of God is reminded that devotion to the Savior is never, ever a guarantee of an easy ride. The Gospel of Christ is most decidedly not the health and wealth Gospel of the charlatan preachers often popular on television. Collectively, the church at Smyrna was warned, “Do not fear any of those things you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). There, apocalyptic language highlights that trials would be coming. The people would not be spared, but the living and powerful word of Christ (Hebrews 4:12) was given to exhort them to faithfulness. On the …

It’s All about Forgiveness

Christians across the world work hard. I never cease to be amazed at how much people give of their time, effort, money and various talents—from carpentry to technology to medicine to evangelism—to advance the Lord’s cause. The Gospel needs preached, and in publishing it, there is a whole lot that needs done to get out the message. Whatever these selfless Christians do is all—they would certainly agree—for one goal: the forgiveness of sins. They do it because they are in Christ and have experienced the washing away of sins in baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16). They do it because they know God expects of us, as Christians, to be a people of good works (Ephesians 2:10). They do these things so that the cause of Christ can advance and more and more people can learn about the forgiveness of sins. This is why Christianity exists. This is why Christ died on the cross. This is the reason God planned this plan from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Sin is a real problem. It is what separates people from a holy God. The Psalmist praised God with this acknowledgment of His holiness: “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You” (Psalm 5:4). This holy God, through the prophet, identified sin as the reason people feel far from their Creator (Isaiah 59:1-2). Sin draws people away into a downward spiral (James 1:13-15). Sin is a submission to the “god of this …

God’s Discipline

To Christians who may have been overcome by self-pity, the Holy Spirit reminded, “…consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:3, 4). It does not sound like a very compassionate tone, does it? So, the Spirit proceeds with a discussion of joyfully accepting Divine discipline. “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:5-6). Such disciplining comments and exhortations emanate from love, not bitterness. They proceed from a God who wants us to be trained to be “partakers of His holiness” (12:10). The recipients count the comments not as pleasant, but if wise, as useful to be trained toward righteousness (12:11). After all, our physical parents have disciplined us for our good – why shouldn’t our Heavenly Father do the same (12:9)? God’s discipline comes through words. Well, not just any old words such as might be used by an angry dad scolding a disobedient son. God’s discipline comes through inspired words that pierce the conscience-laden heart. His Word is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of …

Undying Zeal

John penned these words of Jesus to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:4-5: “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” The language seems to indicate a lack of fervor, fire or zeal on the part of the Ephesian Christians. They had good works (vs. 1-3), but they were lacking something. Bible students might desire more specificity. Surely, though, whether this verse refers to it or not, observant disciples can notice that there is sometimes a lack of enthusiasm among the Lord’s people. Let’s assume, for the sake of argument, this is the case. Homer Hailey in his commentary on Revelation had an idea worthy of note: Perhaps this loss of an early fiery devotion can be accounted for by the fact that the congregation was now in the second or third generation of its existence. This is always a dangerous period in the life of a church. At such a point the youthful fire of discovery and the enthusiasm of a glorious anticipation of future hopes too often begin to diminish. Isn’t this a sad but true observation? It seems to be a common problem in many ventures. A business is opened by one generation of a family. They work feverishly to make ends meet at first and eventually make a profit. Their prosperity is …

Maturity

“Maturity” receives several definitions for different uses in language. A mature plant is one that is fully grown and developed. A bond that is due has matured. Something that has matured has come to a desired or full condition—it is ripe. These definitions—especially the first and third—are ever so applicable to the maturity of the Christian’s heart. While it could never be said that any Christian has grown to perfection, Scripture reveals an inspired expectation that time in Christ will bring one to more maturity than when he or she began (Hebrews 5:12 -14). Sadly, though, it is often the case that those who have been Christians long have not matured in knowledge, discernment or character. Immaturity of character is especially noticeable and troublesome. Such immaturity is illustrated biblically in the account of Miriam and Aaron chiding Moses, “‘Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?’” (Numbers 12:2). Such jealousy of positions of authority shows immaturity of character. Miriam was struck leprous because of the incident (Numbers 12:9-10). Ananias and Sapphira could be labeled immature because they sought the approval of their peers at the expense of their integrity. They so wanted to look good that they lied about how much money they were giving. They lived, apparently, for attention. They were struck dead (Acts 5:1-11). Numerous modern examples of these types of immaturity could be cited. Someone becomes upset because he doesn’t get as much time leading in worship services as one …

Moral Opportunities

Not long ago a speaker presented the idea that in our postmodern, amoral and immoral world, there still is an opening to talk with people about God. His point, if I remember correctly, was that even though biblical morality seems lost in the present generation, most people still have some point at which they can see a wrong has been committed. Atrocities make them recoil in disgust. It is at this point that Christians may have an opportunity for evangelism with even the hardest of unbelievers. When such an event as the Holocaust is discussed, people will generally (though tragically, not always) recognize the inherent awfulness of such a thing. Then, the Christian has the opportunity to pry a bit. “Why is that wrong?” one might ask. It may take some time to peel through the layers of superficial responses: “Well, it just is!” However, perhaps it can be done. Maybe the Christian can get the unbeliever to see that without a transcendent God, morality really means nothing. Without a Creator, who gets to make up moral rules? If someone responds that a government does, then Hitler’s gas chamber guards were just doing the right thing. Hopefully, people will see the errant nature of that logic. If someone responds that morality is based on inherent goodness in man, one could ask him to define that goodness. One leaving (unscripturally) an ailing wife to marry another might not seem good to that first wife, but it might seem great to the …

You Show Me What I Am

Burton Coffman relates a story from William Barclay’s commentary in which an ancient heathen man hated a particular righteous man. His reason was thus stated once to the righteous man: The man guilty of a lifestyle of debauchery said to the much more upright individual, “I hate you; because every time I meet you, you show me what I am.” If honesty were inescapable, this statement would be repeated many times over from the lips of those wicked souls who persecute the righteous. Sometimes the simple living of a righteous life is provocative enough to get the unrighteous quite angry. Christians trying to humbly follow their God may receive every form of persecution from tongue-lashings to physical scourging just because those who are not trying to humbly follow God do not like it that some are. In many cases, Christians have neither been arrogant nor confrontational about the differences of lifestyle. It is just that the immoral see an indictment of their depraved lifestyle when they encounter one who has learned to exercise self-control. The Bible warned that this would be the case and told Christians how to respond. Christians should be ready to answer their opponents, and continue to keep “a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed” (1 Peter 3:15-16). It is disturbing, but should not be surprising to Christians, that some non-Christians would despise their lifestyle. Peter reminded, “Beloved, do not think it strange …

Do We Need More Boldness?

A healing, a sermon, a trial and a proclamation herald an eternal call for more boldness in preaching the Gospel. Not long after the establishment of the church, the apostles Peter and John approached the Temple at an hour of prayer. There, they met a beggar. He had been lame all his life of over forty years (Acts 3:1-2; 4:22). The public knew the man (3:10) and gathered in amazement at his “walking, leaping, and praising God” (3:8). (Note: The miracle was instantaneous, complete, and public. Oh, how modern, falsely called miracles differ! They take days and weeks in hospitals, are incomplete or faked [“He took one step!”], and/or are privately claimed.) This public, undeniable (cf. 4:14) miracle served the purpose of miracles in calling attention to the word of God (Hebrews 2:1-4; Mark 16:20). Gathering in Solomon’s Porch of the Temple Complex, the people heard a straightforward sermon from Peter (3:12-26). In the message, Peter outlined the Jewish people’s own prophets’ predictions of the Christ (3:22-26), and set forth some rather accusatory language: “But you denied the Holy One and the Just …and killed the Prince of Life…” (3:14-15). This preaching led to retaliation, not from the common people, but from the religious leaders, who were “disturbed” that Jesus was still being preached (4:1-2). Peter and John were arrested (4:3) and tried the next day (4:5-12). In the trial, Peter’s force did not shrink. He proclaimed to the rebellious council that the “good deed” done to the “helpless man” …

We Need a Lot of Prayer

Luke’s preface to Jesus’ parable in Luke 18 explains its purpose: “that men ought always to pray and not lose heart” (v. 1). The former is the prerequisite of the latter. Without prayer, losing heart would happen quickly and last long. We inhabit a violence-laden world in which tyrants of different sorts oppress and murder the poor and the helpless. The political arena mirrors the cultural war in combative tones. Denominations corrupt the pure Gospel of salvation. Even congregations of the Lord’s church squabble over everything from the pettiness of finances to the weighty matters of doctrine. Discouragement at mankind’s lack of empowerment to solve these problems can be overwhelming to the contemplative. Then, there is prayer. The earthly story Jesus chose to illustrate His heavenly meaning (Luke 18:2-8) was, as usual, one of simple import. As usual, it highlighted curious characters. A selfish, godless, judiciary appointee cared not for justice for a poor widow seeking mediation in regard to her oppressive adversary. He did not fear God. Therefore, as is often the case with the godless, he felt no need to give any regard to his fellow man, especially one as lowly in societal ranks as a widow without wealth (Luke 18:2, 4). The woman had no hope in the sight of her adversary or this useless go-between. Well did she fit the Preacher’s pitiful description: “Then I considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: And look! The tears of the oppressed, But they have no …

Do Not Fret

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). “Be anxious for nothing…” (Philippians 4:6). A word from one who has trouble practicing these Scriptures: Be thankful they are there. Awareness of evil in the world generally increases with age. Some precious children are exposed to humanity’s injustices earlier than are some pampered adults. Still, the more one knows about the world, the more one knows people mistreat people, the relatively innocent suffer at the hands of the oppressors (cf. Ecclesiastes 4:1), and the privileged and powerful exalt themselves at the expense of the lowly (cf. Matthew 23:14; 2 Timothy 3:6; James 5:5-6). This wicked phenomenon even happens within the Lord’s church (3 John 9-10). It is enough to depress one’s spirit beyond recovery, were it not for the Word of God. The multiple exhortations of divinely offered comfort include: “Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity” (Psalm 37:1). “And why not?” the persecuted might object. “The evil seem to be getting their way! Their riches increase! People believe their slanderous lies!” (cf. Job 21:7-16; 12:6; Jeremiah 12:1; Psalm 109:1-5). Why not fret? Because the God who had the power to create and uphold the world with His Word (Psalm 33:6; Hebrews 1:3) is the One Who has the power to deal – and here’s the key – in His own good time with the wicked. “For they …

The Love of Christ

“For the love of Christ compels us,” said Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:14 (NKJV). The word “compel” is translated “constraineth” in the King James and “controls” in the RSV. It comes from the Greek sunecho, indicating the idea of holding something together lest it fall apart or be broken into pieces (Vine). It is used with a curious variety of connotations, including the crowds pressing Jesus (Luke 8:45), Jerusalem being surrounded by armies (Luke 19:43) and the affliction of the sick with various diseases (Matthew 4:24). Is Paul saying, “The love of Christ holds us together”? A familiar verse bears even another nuance. In Philippians 1:23 Paul expresses his plight of being “hard-pressed” between two options – staying and working with brethren on earth or going on to be with the Lord. Perhaps the best reflection of the 2 Corinthians contextual meaning is found in Acts 18:5, where “Paul was compelled by the Spirit,” and so “testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.” The Spirit pressed Paul to do the necessary work of evangelism. The Spirit held him together as he engaged in a most difficult task that often invoked the disdain of the listeners. That seems to be the meaning in 2 Corinthians 5:14. Earlier in the chapter, the apostle had cited the coming judgment and “terror of the Lord” as a motivation for persuading men of their need to turn to the Savior (vs. 9-11). Fear of an afterlife of torment is still and shall always be …

You Can’t Be an Evolutionist and Be a Christian

Some still try to massage the Bible into agreement with unproven and unprovable macroevolutionary theory. Such compromises as the Day-Age Theory (redefining the days of Genesis 1:1-2) and the Gap Theory (inserting billions of years into Genesis 1:1-2) have been answered adequately and repeatedly (Niessen, Morris). So-called “Progressive Creationism” is refuted by Genesis 2:1-3 and Psalm 33:6, 9. Yet, some still attempt the impossible union of Christianity and Darwinian Evolution. The course most Theistic Evolutionists take begins with an attempted relegation of Genesis 1-11 to the literary genre of mythology. It is not historical, they allege, since snakes don’t talk (Genesis 3) and universal floods don’t happen (Genesis 6-9). Never mind that Christians believe in other recorded miracles, like a donkey talking (Numbers 22) and a Savior’s resurrection. The consequences of such an irresponsible dismissal seem to escape them. In short, to wipe aside, or even metaphorically interpret Genesis 1-11, is to dismantle all of the Christian system. The system of Judaism, the precursor of and tutor toward Christianity (Hebrews 8; Galatians 3), focused highly on the Sabbath rest theme. Yet, a Sabbath rest is based solely on the solar creation days of Genesis 1 (Exodus 20:8-11; Hebrews 4:4). Without the reality of Genesis 1, the entire Jewish economy collapses. Jesus Christ (“Lord of the Sabbath” – Mark 2:28), the culmination of that Jewish system in law-keeping, prophecy and genealogy, loses all credibility if Genesis 1-11 is not historical. He taught, just as Genesis, that “from the beginning of the …

The Center of Things

By: Andy Robison During our visits to family, we routinely drive through the small town of Edgar Springs, Missouri, which boasts a sign proclaiming it to be the population center of the United States. We do not know how some statisticians arrived at such a calculation. It is intriguing, nevertheless, to know that this little burg has some notoriety as a center of one of history’s major world powers. Outside of Jerusalem of Judea is the likely place that Jesus of Nazareth died by the Romans’ practice of crucifixion. In political and geographical terms, the area is insignificant. In numerical terms, His cross was just one of thousands employed during Roman reign. However, in spiritual terms, His cross is the center of the universe; and that is so without any statistical manipulation. His cross was the center of God’s plan to reconcile man to Himself. Redemption of mankind comes through Christ’s blood there shed (John 19:25-27; 1 Peter 1:18-19), and “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times…” (1 Peter 1:20). His cross is the center of the Christian attitude. The only boasting in this life of any validity is in the cross of Christ (Galatians 6:14). By it, one is crucified to the world, and the world to Him. “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). They have put away the things that make for sinfulness—indeed, the things that sent Christ to the …

God Reigns Over the Nations

The Psalmist’s declaration should bring comfort to the Christian citizen: “God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne” (Psalm 47:8). Christ’s disciples who populate the United States of America wonder (sometimes, perhaps, anxiously?) about the outcome of war, the result of adversarial politicking and the consequences of the waning morality of the public. Is the nation rapidly traversing the gulf from righteousness and God’s blessing to the sort of wickedness that inevitably provokes God’s wrath? Bible students know the history of God’s dealings with kingdoms, whether chosen Israel of old or anyone else. Of the once chosen nation (Deuteronomy 7:6) who engulfed themselves in iniquity, God promised, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). When they would not, they were punished and scattered (2 Kings 17, 24-25). The Almighty God employed the kings and armies of other nations to execute His wrath. Assyria thought his conquering was of his own might, but the nation was just a pawn in the plan of the All-Powerful (Isaiah 10:5-11). Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was designated by God to be lifted up and have all nations serve him (Jeremiah 27:5-8), but that same Babylon would be quickly destroyed (Isaiah 13-14). “Hell from beneath” would be “excited” about meeting this corrupt kingdom (Isaiah 14:9). It is this Nebuchadnezzar that dramatizes the way in which …

Manifold Wisdom of God

The comprehension of Ephesians 3:10 ushers the Bible student into the realm of the sublime. That “the manifold [much-varied] wisdom of God” is “made known by the church” is a sweeping claim that stimulates much study. To whom it is made known—“the principalities and powers in the heavenly places” is a subject leaving the learner in awe. Aiming to determine the meaning of “principalities and powers” from its various contexts is instructive. In Romans 8:38-39, it follows a mention of angels. Ephesians 6:12 has it in conjunction with the unseen realm against which Christians “wrestle,” that is, “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Colossians 1:16 places the descriptive phrase alongside other creations of Deity, “visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.” It seems there to have some connection with the governments God authored. Indeed, when Christ took the Old Law out of the way, doing away with Mosaic Judaism, He “disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14-15). One wonders about scenes in Daniel’s apocalyptic figures wherein a heavenly being was withstood by “the prince of the kingdom of Persia,” only to be rescued by “Michael, one of the chief princes,” who stood watch over the sons of Daniel’s people (Daniel 10:12-13, 20-21; 12:1). Was there an unseen war behind the visible, physical confrontations on earth, as God adjusted empires’ power to suit His controlling wishes …

Pray for Me

It is biblical, right and helpful to ask brethren to pray for you, as long as the purpose for prayerful consideration is right, moral and godly. Such a precedent is clearly set in the course of the Bible. In closing remarks to the Thessalonian church, Paul requested simply, “Brethren, pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25). He does not there specify a need, but the brethren there knew his life was devoted to the service of Christ. A prayer for Paul would certainly be a prayer in accordance with Christ’s will (as prayers must be, 1 John 5:14-15). Paul himself bolsters this conclusion with his words in Hebrews 13:18: “Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.” It follows that godly servants of modern times may legitimately request prayers of faithful brethren — not necessarily for any explicit work, but simply for that person’s well being. This is, of course, often done. Missionaries, preachers and elders are heard making the requests of supporters and congregations. Prayers may also be requested for specific works. Second Thessalonians 3:1-2 has Paul asking the same brethren this: “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.” Two particulars are the subjects of the requested petitions: 1) That the Word of God may have …

Obedient Rechabites

Among the many object lessons God employed through his prophet Jeremiah (figs—Jeremiah 24, bonds and yokes—Jeremiah 27) was a family of people loyal to the commands of an ancestor (Jeremiah 35). God told Jeremiah to offer wine to the house of the Rechabites, and Jeremiah did (35:1-5). These noble nomads refused on the grounds of a forefather’s directive. Rechab’s son, Jonadab, who had lived in the time of Jehu, some two hundred years prior to this event, had instructed them to live in tents as sojourners and to drink no wine (35:6-11; 2 Kings 10:15-17). Though several generations removed, they obeyed. One might observe from the Rechabites some parallel with the sojourn of a Christian on earth. Christians have their primary citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and confess that they are “strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). Earth might be compared to a campground. Christians are just camping here, temporarily, awaiting an eternal, incorruptible abode in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4). Too many Christians, however, are all too caught up in the amenities of affluent societies. They feel too much at home on earth, and thus, they do not prepare for an eternal abode. Christ’s disciples would be well served to remember they are but nomads wandering on God’s temporal campground. However, that is not the point God makes with this account. His point is even more simple and basic: If Rechabites can be obedient to the long-removed commands of a dead ancestor, why could not the children …

Do the Loving Thing

It is with amazement that some might call arrogance with which this author views many naïve, misdirected calls to “do the loving thing” in religious matters. Call it what opponents may, any “loving thing” needs biblical definition. Consider examples of misguided pleas: 1) If men differ on how to be saved, “do the loving thing” and do not challenge views. Let all believe what they will, and let God sort it out in the end. 2) If people are engaged in what one sees as sin, but they seem happy, “the loving thing” is to just live and let live. They’ll answer to God for it, and no one on earth is their judge. Consider, now, biblical responses: 1) If the Bible speaks on the plan of salvation, students of the Bible have the responsibility to rightly understand it (2 Timothy 2:15) and teach it (2 Timothy 2:2). The loving thing is to gently and to humbly (2 Timothy 2:24-25) confront error in the hopes that truth will be understood and heeded (John 8:32; 1 Timothy 2:4). 2) “Brethren, if any man is overtaken in a trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). What more need be said? Granted, the truly loving thing will carry with it some the air of judgmental pomposity. Paul sharply rebuked the Galatian church …

Beware of the Smooth-Talker

Many professions require proficiency in the art of talking. Beyond the obvious application to public speakers—such as preachers and teachers—are the lawyers who present cases to juries and the salesmen and women who make pitches to potential customers. A temptation in each of these professions is to allow a talent for manipulative language to override any concern for a matter’s truth. A preacher can twist the Word of God to the destruction of himself and those who hear him (cf. 2 Peter 3:16 and 1 Timothy 4:16). Lawyers are often blamed for the avoidance of truth through clever exploitation of the law’s loopholes. Salesmen are accused of exaggerating the benefits of their products. Anyone of any occupation can be guilty of saying too little or too much to mask the faults of some used item he may have for sale. When these things take place, the guilty have earned the label, “smooth talker.” Whenever the aptitude for persuasive speech is used to deceive, the devil has won a victory. He has somehow convinced the talker to forfeit the good standing of his soul in trade for a sale, a verdict or a superficial conversion. But, the devil may win another victory if listeners are not vigilant. Yes, in spiritual things, those who hear the false ones will still be held accountable for being deceived, a fate quite reasonable when one considers all the biblical warnings against such self-motivated prophets. “By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words…” reminds Peter (2 …

Escaping and Returning

Second Peter 1 opens with glorious words concerning the “like precious faith” of those who have “escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Look at what that means. Lust is what brings on sin in the first place. Sin is what brings death. People often wonder from where the temptations and evils of this world come, and some blame God. But Holy Scripture proclaims God is innocent and our lusts (desires) are to blame: Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:13-15) Those lusts pass away, but he who abides in obeying God will last forever (1 John 2:15-17). Such lusts, then, are inarguably the enemy. They are to be avoided. They are to be respected as powerful. One should not toy with his ability to master them, but flee from every hint of temptation (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:18) and “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Those lusts are enslaving. Jesus taught, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin” (John 8:34). Paul echoed that every man serves either sin (which leads to death) or obedience (which leads to righteousness) (Romans 6:16). Only …

Incense Abuse

Every authorized form of worship is subject to abuse and misuse; the Old Testament practice of burning incense is no exception. An altar of incense was authorized in Exodus 30:1-10. Even in that presentation, the warning to avoid offering “strange incense” is prominent. After preparing incense for burning in their censers, Nadab and Abihu were consumed by fire because of offering “profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them” (Leviticus 10:1-2). Incense burning became a popular trend among the ancients as an act of worship to a false deity (1 Kings 11:8; 2 Kings 17:10-11; 23:5-6, 8), or as a feel-good measure made in unauthorized places and means (1 Kings 3:3; 13:1-2; 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3). The burning of incense apparently helped Israelites appreciate the reverence necessary when coming into the presence of God, and thus was connected with the idea of prayer. The cloud from incense protected the high priest from dying in the presence of God in the Most Holy Place (Leviticus 16:11-13). The Psalmist wrote: “Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2). The imagery of incense in correlation with prayer continues in New Testament visions of grand worship to God. Revelation 5:8 identifies “golden bowls full of incense” of the heavenly vision as “the prayers of the saints.” In Revelation 8:3-4, an angel offers incense “with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke …

Interesting Outline

In Gareth Reese’s commentary on Acts, he notes the interesting parallels in the outlines of sermons in the Book of Acts. Here are his words: The same major points were regularly made by the apostles when preaching to Jewish audiences. I. An affirmation that the time of the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies had come II. A rehearsal of the ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus III. An appeal to the relevant Old Testament Messianic prophecies whose fulfillment in these events are evidence Jesus is himself the Messiah IV. A call to repentance. (p. 58) These sermons can be checked for such a theme. In Acts 2, Peter preaches in Jerusalem on Pentecost. He makes use of prophecies from Joel and Psalms, reminds the people of the deeds of Jesus and boldly proclaims his Messiah-ship due to his undeniable resurrection. In Acts 3, Peter preaches in the temple area after healing a lame man. The message is the same: Even though prophet after prophet predicted the life of Jesus, those listeners had still been guilty of taking his life from him–that is, until he rose to take it back. In Acts 13, Paul preaches in the synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia. In all these cases, Jewish history is at the core of the sermon, because it was designed to lead up to One through whom all nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). In all these sermons, Jesus is exalted as the Son of God, proven …

He Came to Compete

A particular emotional appeal as to the value of the Olympics takes the form of focusing on poorly trained athletes from underdeveloped countries who come with an abundance of heart to at least compete in the world’s spectacle of their sport. These athletes are poorly trained because they don’t have the practice time (due to work schedules) or the opportunity (due to facility deficiencies) equal to their competitors from advanced societies. In those economically advanced regions, athletes may be able to train all day, every day at state-of-the-art facilities with well-funded coaches and programs. They, therefore, should be contenders. But, no one expects these highlighted individuals from the third-world countries to do well in a sport. Why point them out? Because these are those who come for more glorious reasons than a medal. They come to represent the upward progress of a nation which warrants their patriotic loyalty. They represent the virtue of effort in the face of horrible odds. They shine with values of selflessness–building upon their losses (and possible embarrassment) to pave the way for others who will come after them. The appeal of such athletes does strike a heart-chord in many spectators. As one is reported to have put it, these are not here to win their races, but simply to finish. Can the Bible student help but be reminded of the analogy the apostle Paul drew from the games of his day? Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but …

Salvation’s Plan in the Epistle to the Romans

It is interesting how the Gospel plan of salvation unveils itself throughout the unfolding of the wonderful Book of Romans. Of course, there is much more to be said about the plan; all the books of the New Testament are to have their teachings heeded appropriately, but it is nevertheless good to notice how it unfolds in this particular book. Chapters 1-2–All the ungodly will suffer God’s wrath. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness…” (1:18, emph. mine, AR). All people will experience God’s fair judgment (2:6-10). Chapters 3-4–All are ungodly and need the justification that comes through Christ. (3:10-23, 24-26). Chapter 5–All can benefit from Christ’s reconciling sacrifice. He died for the ungodly (5:8-10). Being justified by his blood, we can be saved from that wrath that would otherwise be toward all impenitent (5:9; cf. 1:18). Chapters 6-7–All must be baptized into Christ (6:3-6). In doing so, one comes into contact with his saving blood by coming into contact with his death. In doing so, one is buried in the waters of baptism as Christ was buried in the earth. In doing so, one is raised to a new life as Christ was raised to a new life. What a fitting act of obedience. It is the turning point wherein one stops serving sin and starts serving righteousness (6:11-13, 16-18). Chapter 8–All can be assured of their salvation, if they are walking according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh (8:1). The power of Christ to hold onto his …

Neutral, Good or Bad

This life witnesses many inventions or phenomena that are neither good nor evil in themselves, but can be used in the extreme for either purpose. Music is one. The organized blending of vibrations–whether of the vocal cords, instruments or combinations thereof–is neither good nor evil within itself. History has shown many ways this medium can be used for either purpose. Composers of several centuries (not just the twentieth) have employed music to purvey some pretty immoral messages. Songs of varying popularity and genres have glorified sexual promiscuity, alcohol and drug abuse, marital infidelity, and even suicide. The destructive influence of such messages may be immeasurable, but an open mind sees a connection between the proliferation of such music and the degrading morals of a society. Sometimes art imitates life. Sometimes life imitates art. Sometimes, it seems just to be a vicious, self-perpetuating circle. On the other hand, music has had a positive effect on many souls and societies. In the secular world, there have been many songs that convey positive, even inspiring messages that are just the opposite of those ungodly communications mentioned above. Good, secular songs have become special emotional bonding points for couples and families. Almost all societies have a national anthem that inspires the hearts of its citizens to loyalty. In the case of a good society, where democracy aims to keep people free and prosperous, surely this is a good thing. Yes, even secular music can have a good message that is helpful (or, at the …

Beyond Absurd

Shirley MacLaine has written a book with her dog. Out on a Leash (a take off of MacLaine’s earlier work Out on a Limb) purports to be co-authored by MacLaine and her “humanimal” Terry. An interviewer asked why she hadn’t collaborated with pets before. She said she hadn’t yet been ready to listen. (Parade Magazine, Dec. 14, 2003). On MacLaine’s website, her dog Terry has a statement of introduction to the section “Pet Pages.” In it, the dog purportedly says this: “Hi. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Terry. Shirley is my human Mom. …Mom asked me to create a section of her website that focuses on animals. I thought this was a wonderful idea.” Lest we think the suggestion of a talking and writing dog creating a website at his owner’s suggestion is intended to be a joke, this sentence is included, in a plug for “their” book: “Mom and I collaborated on a book, which is titled Out on a Leash. It is a serious book that looks at the world through her eyes and through mine.” Ms. MacLaine’s work with her Terrier is proposed to be a “serious book.” Further, the dog allegedly writes, “We did an audio book, too, that is available on CD or audio cassette. Mom reads the whole thing of course, but she acted my role while we recorded it.” Please excuse the sarcasm when I note that it was helpful that Shirley “acted” (i.e. read) the dog’s part of the script. One might think that a talking, writing, website-building dog …

Vicious Cycle

David Pharr makes an astute observation in his book, Thy Kingdom Come, on p. 148. “Ungodly living fosters unbelieving hearts. At the same time unbelieving hearts encourage ungodly living.” Evidence of the truth of this doubled edged statement is available on many fronts. Take the first half first. “Ungodly living fosters unbelieving hearts.” Any observer of human conduct can quickly come to the conclusion that many people likely do not believe in God because they realize the consequences. If they believed, they would have to change their lifestyles. Somewhere down deep, they know that admittance of the existence of the Divine would also be admittance of the existence of a Judge to whom they would someday answer. They don’t want to change their habits; they don’t want any unseen God dictating their lifestyles, so they simply deny he exists. These are but modern embodiments of the ancient principle set down in 2 Peter 3:3-5. Notice the passage: “Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’ For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water.” Those who want to “walk according to their own lusts” are fond of dismissing Christianity and the attendant notion of the Second Coming of Christ for judgment. …

The Beauty of His Holiness

Four times in Scripture God’s people are admonished to worship him “in the beauty of holiness.” Consider the passages: Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! (1 Chronicles 16:29) And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 20:21) Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Psalm 29:2) Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. (Psalm 96:9) From these Old Testament passages several lessons can be learned for the New Testament Christian. Though worship patterns are different in a changed age (John 4:21-24), no change has taken place in God’s nature (Hebrews 13:8). The attitude and lifestyle behind worship are always the same. Whatever one may do in worship to God must be accompanied by a holy lifestyle. Holiness carries the ideas of purity, dedication, devotion and sanctification. One is different from the world around him by a separation from sin and a commitment to pure living. He becomes, then, a living sacrifice, whose life is “holy, acceptable to God” as a matter of “reasonable service” (Romans 12:1-2). When such holiness is evident in the everyday living of a …

Always Under Oath

The word play of the media and the political world is ever intriguing. Much ado was made when the National Security Advisor of the present administration agreed and was allowed to testify under oath and publicly before the 9/11 Commission. Inherent in all the attention given this landmark case was the implication that there was much more to be expected from the qualifications “under oath” and “publicly.” Private testimony without an oath, it was inferred, could not be trusted. Then, other officials testified privately and without an oath. The reports led listeners to believe there was something lesser and even sinister about such testimony. Without an oath, would people really tell the truth? Without being in public, would they be more apt to hedge on the full story? Perhaps. But the point of this article is neither to question the motives of either the media or the politicians, nor accuse anyone on either side of those volatile issues of any malice or perjury. Rather, the whole affair calls to mind a very relevant biblical principle. Christians, one should observe, should always be considered under oath. Whether or not a verbalized oath is taken, or a hand is placed on a Bible or a “so help me God” is uttered, Christians ought to be people who tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Consider the following biblical teachings: Jesus sharply rebuked the Pharisees for regarding some oaths as more binding than others (Matthew 23:16-22). Jesus also taught that such swearing should …

Thoughts for Reflection

When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he greeted them with tender and complimentary words. He remembered their “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope…” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). He admired them for receiving the Word of God even in much affliction (1:6; 2:14). He gave them accolades for being such a good example to the churches in the area (1:8). Paul appreciated these brethren. Paul had preached in Thessalonica to get the church started there (Acts 17:1ff.) As usual, there were some who gladly obeyed and others who bitterly opposed the teaching. In this case, those who were bitter became also aggressive. Upon not finding Paul, they aimed to punish some of those who had become Christians. Jason and some brethren were dragged to rulers of the city. They were accused of turning the world upside down and harboring those regarded as criminals (Paul and company). Such a troublesome beginning probably caused the church there to develop a closeness in the oft-sung-about blessed tie that binds. While Paul felt emotionally close to so many churches with which he had association, his words in 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5 express a special tenderness: But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown …

Relation to the Generation

“Be saved from this perverse generation.” These are words of Peter on Pentecost that follow the more familiar strains of Acts 2:38. Peter apparently elaborated on them to some extent, since the Holy Spirit records, “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation’” (Acts 2:40). Wouldn’t it be interesting to know the illustrations and applications that elucidated this stern and loving warning? Perhaps Peter spoke of the rampant immorality of the Roman world, in which the Jews grudgingly resided. Perchance he spoke of corruption in leaders — both Jewish and Roman, although it is unlikely he railed against government, for later inspired teachings command a solemn respect for the authorities (Romans 13; 1 Peter 2; 1 Timothy 2). He may have mentioned the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He had already spent accusations against Christ’s tormentors, and those bystanders who called for his death. He may have dwelt on that theme a while longer. It would be interesting to know, but it is obviously not necessary, or we would know. The whole thought, though, gives rise to the question of what times in history such a homily would be appropriate. Is every generation perverse? Are there some better than others? To this author’s mind, with limited historical knowledge, the application seems timeless. Every generation has its righteous people, and, conversely, its wicked. The wicked, as per Jesus’ prediction (Matthew 7:14,15), outnumber the godly. Never is there an age that cannot fit this …

Church Problems

“It is a shame the church has problems.” This saying is echoed throughout the brotherhood of the Lord’s church. The pressing thought is that God’s cleansed people should so put sin behind them that they overcome difficulties before they happen. Members think it. Non-members trumpet it — often as an excuse for disobedience. It is, indeed, a shame that the church has problems. A shame at least equal, though, is the discouraged surprise many feel when contemplating the fact. Church difficulties should never be defended, but perhaps they can be viewed in a little different light. While the design of the Lord’s church is perfect beyond doubt, the inclusion of fallible humans opens the door for sinful potential. Christians will stumble (1 John 1:7-9). Sin affects people, and not just oneself: “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself” (Romans 14:7). (Spiritually speaking, the references to a “victimless crime” are even more absurd than in the physical world.) Put those two concepts together with the command of Christians to continually assemble together (Hebrews 10:25), and one has an inevitable, logical conclusion: Christians will sin, and thereby cause pain to other Christians. It is a shame, but it should not be surprising. The Lord was not surprised by it. In his omniscience, he even provided a means of dealing with offenses between individuals (Matthew 18:15-18). Ah. And, it is therein that the Lord separated his people from all other organizations of the world. While we must …

From a Distance

During the Gulf War, the radio stations oft repeated the emotionally provocative song, “From a Distance.” The thought was that God was watching over his creation from far away, and, when he did so, he saw a better situation than mankind had made for himself. From a distance, there were no bombs, no disease. From a distance, everything appeared better than it really was. The song had its theological fallacies (i.e., a God who is too far away and views the world too naively to do anything about the real problems), but it made for a stirring emotional experience. More recently, the astronauts in the earth-orbiting space station witnessed from far above the smoke rising toward them from the burning World Trade Centers. They expressed their sympathies and condolences, but obviously felt very helpless. Their feeling of helplessness, akin to most of ours, had to be magnified by the separating distance of an entire atmosphere plus. More significantly than the astronauts, and more realistically than as depicted in the song, God looks on his world feeling the pain evil causes. He is not so detached as to be able to merely express sympathy. Nor is he so distant as to erase the problems of man from his thought. Rather, as Paul stated on Mars Hill, he is quite attuned to man’s plight and everyday circumstances: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. …

Prepare to Hear

God will answer Job’s questions with a humbling interrogation, prefaced (twice) by the blunt warning, “Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me” (Job 38:3; 40:7). Confrontation with God requires preparation. God’s revealed truth impacts its auditors with a challenge. With God’s Word, it always is. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11). The Word of God will never leave a person in the same spiritual position. It will have some effect, depending upon the choice of the hearer. The listener could reject and rebel, as Stephen’s suddenly self-appointed executioners did (Acts 7:54-60). The listener could repent and obey, as did the Jews on Pentecost (Acts 2:37-47). The listener could even procrastinate (Acts 24:25), but he will not be left unchanged. The Word of God pierces to the guilt of the soul, like a sword through sensitive flesh. It would behoove everyone to behold the power of the message to be proclaimed during the Gospel. One wonders, then, if God’s message to Job might have modern application. Even though God does not speak person-to-person …

The Worship of God — And Others

Second Kings 17:33-34 are verses that may catch and hold the attention of the curious due to the apparent incongruity of the statements made there. The verses read like this: They feared the Lord, yet served their own gods — according to the rituals of the nations from among whom they were carried away. To this day they continue practicing the former rituals; they do not fear the Lord, nor do they follow their statutes or their ordinances, or the law and commandment which the Lord had commanded the children of Jacob, whom He named Israel. Before raising several questions, it is worthwhile to note that the Bible, of course, records Israel’s frequent digression into idolatry. Their monotheism (belief in one God) often degraded into polytheism (belief in many gods). They paid homage to the gods of the Canaanites, who had lived in the land there before them. They would not have been so tempted had they driven out all those pagan peoples as God had originally commanded (Deuteronomy 7:1-4). However, they did allow many of them to live. Then, they intermarried with them. Over time, they began to worship the molded images just as their predecessors, and now, cohorts did. As a side note, it is interesting to note that recent archeological finds confirm the paganism of the ancient Israelites. The May/June issue of Biblical Archaeology Review contained an article by Ephraim Stern that highlighted the finds that confirmed the many temples at numerous sites and the goddess worship that took …

Fear — The Random and the Right

There is a difference between random fear and righteous, godly fear. Random crimes cause whole communities to live in a justifiable paranoia. Terrorists, by definition, leave some of that effect upon a country. Those affected painfully note the absence of even distorted reason behind acts of violence. The slain and injured committed no particular crime, offended no particular crime boss and warranted no such treatment. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time was their tragic misfortune. The living about them mourn — and worry. Who might be next? The behavior of individuals doesn’t matter. Living righteously will not ensure exemption from the sniper’s bullet or the terrorist’s hate. This is random fear. The Christian has the opportunity to overcome random fear with the victory of faith. Jittery though he might be, the Christian knows of bliss beyond temporal sufferings in this life. He knows of justice beyond a world of injustices. But, the Christian still fears. Yes, 1 John 4:18 taunts “perfect love casts out fear,” but Philippians 2:12 reminds the saved to work out their salvation “with fear and trembling.” There is a fear of God that is justified; but it is so much better than random fear. And it is so for that very reason — it is just. Violent men who try to play God by instilling fear in a locale’s citizenry do so arbitrarily, without any sense of fair play. God, however, is a righteous judge (1 Timothy 4:8). He is quite different in …

Elisha and the Enemy

The king of Syria, in preparing to make war with Israel, was seeking a place to set up camp. When he settled on a tentative spot, it was — much to the frustration of Syria’s monarch — already known by the Israelites. The king of Israel, you see, received his information from Elisha, who received his information from God (2 Kings 6:8-10). The king of Syria — with an assumed anti-supernatural bias — wondered who was providing Israel with the intelligence. He thought there was a spy among his people (2 Kings 6:11). Somehow, his astute servants realized and reported to him that Elisha the prophet was the cause of Syria’s failed secrecy (6:12). Being a man of authority and power, a man used to getting his way, he sent “horses and chariots and a great army” to Elisha’s residence (6:13-14). He was apparently aiming to bring what he deemed foolishness to an end. Read the text: Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” Then the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me which of us is for …

The Most Neglected Command in the Bible

Every once in a while one hears those sorts of statements that press him to do two things: 1) Examine his own soul, and 2) Pass the thought-provoking message on to others. A few weeks ago I heard such a statement. The study of the hour had taken folks to the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke, and verse two. The verse records Jesus’ words to the seventy on the Limited Commission: “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Luke 10:2, NKJV). One person observed what he had heard another always say about this verse: “It is the most neglected command in all the Bible.” It doesn’t take long to catch on to what is meant by that statement, does it? There are a couple of implications: First, a person can be tempted by the lure of routine to consistently ask for material things, and end up neglecting the spiritual. Prayers can sound more like holiday wish lists than humble presentations of oneself for service to an Almighty God. One might ask himself, by way of examination, how often he prays for good weather, a good job, and good food and compare the results to how often he asks for wisdom and help in spiritual growth. Then, a step further along the same line is the second implication. How often does one pray for lost souls, and workers to harvest those ready …

A Little Story and a Big Lesson

All right, I’m going to let everyone in on one of my blunders in life, because it so well illustrates a biblical point. My car registration needed to be renewed by October 1. So, I took my paperwork to the courthouse in mid-September and got the registration and decal. Good move, I thought. I’m on top of things. Making many stops in town that day, I piled the decal and card in with the other stuff on the passenger side front seat, and it stayed there for a while. For the next two weeks, I kept seeing that decal there and saying to myself, “Ah, I’ll just leave it there so I can remember to do it later.” The front seat of my car is a pretty good repository for all different kinds of stacks from day to day — mail, books, sermons and brotherhood periodicals, etc. Those stacks get changed about daily as I shuttle stuff back and forth from home to the office. When Oct. 1 came, I drove around all day without the proper decal, because I’d forgotten to put it on. In the evening, remembering, I thought I’d take the five minutes necessary to do it. Get a wet paper towel and a dry one, clean off the spot on the license plate, and stick the thing on. Trouble was, it wasn’t there in my front seat any more. It wasn’t in the back seat either — or under the seats, or under the mats, or …

The American Dream and the Christian Reality

A friend recently requested help in defining the American Dream. My reply was my opinion — and that only — for the term is often used but vague in meaning. Many associate it with materialistic progress. To me, it is so much more than that. The American Dream unites high principles of the equality of all humans and the reward of a strong work ethic. It highlights potential and offers opportunity for the honest seizure of it through freedom from oppression. Many of history’s cultures have mired themselves in the dogmatism of racial and class distinctions. If one was born poor and enslaved, he stayed that way. There was no hope. Only with a democratic system that rewarded people for their individual effort were such binding shackles thrown off. The American Dream gives people hope to advance themselves. It provides opportunity for thinkers to propagate their ideas. It is not the license to serve one’s own pleasures, but the freedom for honest labor to be rewarded outside of the constricting boundaries of dictatorial societal castes and causes. Those rewards may be financial, but more often than not, they are otherwise. They are the rewards of knowing others have benefited from one’s research and work. That, to me, is the American Dream. The Christian Reality, if you’ll permit the coining of such a phrase, is, though, far better than such a dream. The American Dream is a lofty ideal, but it is often corrupted by man’s sinfulness. His greed hinders the …

Degrading

One dictionary’s entry on the word, degrade, includes these definitions: “To lower, especially in rank or degree; to debase morally.” To apply the word this way is to speak to either the character or the perceived value of a person. To affix the word to the recent reality TV show, The Bachelor, is a debate at hand. Viewers were treated to outtakes of a single man’s search for a wife, in a world constructed to be anything but real. In the lap of luxury, the man dated twenty-some women and gradually narrowed the choices down to one whom he thought might be worthy to be his bride. Americans tuned in regularly to see who was ousted and who was picked. Ratings apparently did well as the tournament proceeded. May the word degrading be used to describe the series? Did its premise degrade the value of women in a supposedly advanced society? What can one assume of ladies who would place themselves in such a situation? Were they each deeply in love with the bachelor? Or, were they tantalized by the exhibitionism of the thing? Had they no better options for relationships? Need they parade themselves as ancient maidens groveling for the favor of a self-aggrandizing emperor? Where, in all of this, is modern society’s push for respect for women? For years, women’s groups have sought better status for their gender. Females wanted rights equal that of males. Great progress characterized the twentieth century. Then, the twenty-first starts with this. Where are the organizations to cry foul? …

God’s Faithfulness

Haggai 2:4-5 records a portion of a message of Jehovah to those trying to lead in the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the captivity. God, through Haggai, says: ‘Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the Lord; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!’ (NKJV) It is the second part of the statement that was so eye-catching to me. If ever there was a bold statement of the faithfulness of God, couched in a command to be faithful to him in return, this is it. After the exile from their homeland, many Jews had been allowed to return to Judah and Jerusalem. They eagerly began reconstruction of the temple, but fell into a fear-filled delay when their enemies raised a fuss over it. The incidents are recorded in the first chapters of Ezra, and chapter four, verse twenty-four concludes with this sad recognition: Thus the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem ceased, and it was discontinued until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. I guess we shouldn’t, as fellow human beings, be too hard on those folks who discontinued the work. After all, the opposition was persistent and vociferous. But, God, in …

Calmness and Control

It’s all about control, isn’t it? Especially the amount of personal security we feel — it’s based on the quantity of control we believe we possess. When Jesus encouraged his disciples to cross the sea with him, “a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling” (Mark 4:37). The disciples, quite understandably, were afraid for their very lives. They asked Jesus anxiously, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). You see, it is natural to be fearful when things are out of control. The disciples must have felt merely an infinitesimal measure of security, for the wind and the waves were beyond their control. They were at the mercy of the forces of nature, and they were afraid. There was One in the ship, of course, who did not fear, but slept peacefully — at least until he was awakened by the nervous passengers. His calmness was, by measure of human nature, inexplicable. There was a storm going on! This ship could have sunk! How could anybody have been sleeping? The Lord slept soundly because he was secure. And he was secure because he knew he had ultimate control. He was the agent through whom everything (including the sea and the laws of nature) was made (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17). Therefore, he knew he controlled them. He knew the storm was no threat to him. He was the One in control. That makes perfect sense. He arose from …

He Who Hates Correction

A minister who taught about teaching Bible classes once had a gem of a piece of advice. Noting that certain age groups become very defensive when their behaviors or beliefs are challenged, he recommended having students read Proverbs 12:1, then ask a simple question. Proverbs 12:1 reads, “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid” (NKJV). The question was, “Now, you’re not stupid, are you?” How the approach worked for him I never noticed, but it has worked well for me on a few occasions. People don’t want to admit stupidity, much less when the Holy Bible indisputably points the accusing finger. Many, when finally seeing the import of this verse as compared with their actions, have responded much better to loving rebukes. They have thought over again the issues that were so sacrosanct in their minds. They were willing to look again at the firmness of their beliefs. After all, they finally noted, someone who thinks they are above correction would certainly fall into the category of people denounced in Proverbs 12:1. The wise sayings that are the Proverbs develop this as a recurring theme. Proverbs 15:5 — “A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.” 13:1 — “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” 15:10 — “Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, And he who hates correction will die.” 15:12 — “A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, …

A Charge to Keep

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

The Healing Power of the Big Picture

Joseph had been humbled by his brothers and exalted by God (Genesis 37-50). Jealousy had prompted murderous notions among his kin, but cooler heads succeeded in lowering their presumptuous sentence to slavery. When serving faithfully and thereby exalted to a chief position in his master’s house, Joseph was falsely accused and subsequently imprisoned. Serving well there, he rose to prominence even among the inmates. Upon interpreting dreams and patiently waiting, he was finally released from prison to become, of all things, second power in the land — under only the supervision of Pharaoh himself. Indeed, “whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper” (Genesis 39:23b NKJV). In full power of the food supply for Egypt and the surrounding world during the time of predicted famine, Joseph encounters those brothers who had started his outlandish journey into foreign lands and infamous circumstances. They came begging this Egyptian leader for food, but they did not yet know it was Joseph. He toyed with them a while, then could no longer contain his emotion. He “wept aloud,” and with poignant bluntness tempered by curious humility made himself known: “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” (Genesis 45:2-3). From this point, the brothers’ reaction was quite predictable, but one could argue Joseph’s was quite not. The brothers had already been hounded by their guilt (Genesis 42:21-22). Now, the one they sold and called murdered not only stood in their presence but also was in utter, life-and-death, control of their fate. It is no …

Responsible for Believing a Lie?

The Gibeonites lied and the Israelites got in trouble for it — at least that is how some skeptics would look at it. The Israelites were commissioned to do battle against all nations inhabiting the land that had long ago been promised to them. They were to destroy the people and not leave anyone alive (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). Joshua and his troops are doing a pretty good job of that, and so the people of Gibeon become afraid. Rather than mustering their forces to fight the nation powered by Almighty God, they aim to outwit them. And that they do. The Gibeonites approach the Israelites in torn clothing with ragged luggage. They lie, claiming they are not inhabitants, but travelers through the land of Canaan. “Well,” reasons Joshua and his men, “if they are not inhabitants, we don’t have to destroy them.” In an apparently compassionate decision, God’s Word is disobeyed. The Israelites make a covenant with the Gibeonites, promising not to kill them. When their true habitation is exposed, Joshua has egg on his face. The oath now prevents him from proceeding to destroy the people. This was the first let-down of God’s command, and it couldn’t be “made up.” Once one group of people was permitted to stay, the snowball effect of influence and ensuing idolatry would not be stopped in Israel (see the book of Judges). But why, one might justifiably ask, was Joshua held accountable for responding — again, apparently compassionately — to a boldfaced lie? The …

Why Would a Person Want to Repent?

What causes a person to want to repent? This is a good question for pondering in light of our responsibility to persuade men to turn to the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:11). Repenting is, indeed, turning, changing direction, doing an about face. It is spiritual in nature but necessarily effects our practical behavior. The drunk realizes his exclusion from the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21) and gives up his mind-numbing practice. The backbiter ceases to speak stabbing words and speaks what is good for edification. These are examples of repentance, but the question remains, what causes a person to want to change? Guilt. One phenomenon that separates man, made in God’s image, from beasts is that of conscience. Men and women feel remorse when they’ve done something they feel is wrong. True, the conscience needs trained for sensitivity and guidance by revelation, not just feelings. It is possible to be sincere about a belief, but still wrong (cf. Romans 10:1-3). However, conscience is implanted within man (cf. Romans 2:14-15) and he feels badly when his course is defined by objective wrongdoing. The guilt can be ignored, causing one’s conscience to become hardened (cf. 1 Timothy 4:2). Preferably, it can motivate one to repent. Then, he can seek the forgiveness of the Lord through obedience to his commands, and begin a new life of guilt-free service (Romans 6:3-6). In answering our question, “What causes a person to want to repent?” then, we are led to an ensuing question: “What causes one to realize …

Responsibilities

Paul tactfully but bluntly reminded the Ephesian Christians, of the life from which the grace of God rescued them: “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others” (Ephesians 2:1-3, NKJV). It is a situation with which all the saved can identify. There were certain characteristics of the former life that remain no more in the new life in Christ. We, at one time, lived only to fulfill our lustful pleasures. We were led by the spirit of disobedience rather than a spirit of submission. We, indeed, were led about by the course of the world, just like everybody else. It is that last servile characteristic that is so intriguing. To be “dead in sin” (v. 1) is, in many ways, synonymous with just following the crowd, going along with the way things are going. It’s been called “peer pressure” and it’s been repetitively preached on, especially to the young. But, adults equally suffer from its deceptive clenches. Once we are satisfied with accepting “the way things are going” we yield ourselves to just the slavish, thoughtless trance in which …

Christian Growth & Apostle Peter

The apostle Peter had humble beginnings as a follower of Christ. Introduced to the Lord by his brother (John 1:40-42), Peter embarked on a three year quest that would change his life, as well as impact the history of Christianity and the world. But it started from humble beginnings. Luke records his call to discipleship in the first eleven verses of Chapter Five. On Simon’s (Peter’s) fishing boat, Jesus instructed that the nets be cast for a catch. Peter’s skepticism was overcome by obedience. After a night of fish-less efforts, at the word of the Lord the nets were so full they were breaking. Peter realized the Lord’s power and admitted his rather humble position. “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” He then left everything and followed Jesus. Learning from the Master proved challenging for impetuous Peter. Eager to walk on water with the Lord, he soon had to learn a lesson in faith and complete dependence (Matthew 14:22-33). Even after confessing Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 16:13-19), he had so much more to learn about Christ’s mission. He, in error, rebuked Jesus for his self-sacrificing prediction of death (Matthew 16:21-23). He wanted to equally honor Moses, Elijah and Christ (Matthew 17:1-13). He slept while Jesus prayed in agony (Matthew 26:36-46), then fought in a way Jesus did not intend to fight (John 18:10-11). Appropriately rebuked on all of these occasions, Peter learned that learning can be painful. Still, he boasted of his …

The Need for Christian EducationAt the Elementary and Secondary Levels

By: Andy Robison Recently, the Kansas State Board of Education nobly decided to exclude the theory of evolution from testing standards. The decision drew rude criticism from arrogant liberals. This reaction of prejudice underscores the basic need for Christian education. After a summer of healing, Columbine students and teachers return to school with understandable anxiety and admirable hope. The circumstances that led to the senseless acts that rocked their school and world last April point further to the need for the proliferation of Christian-based schools. My call for more Christian schools is not based on a delusion. Never have I, nor will I, believe that Christian schools offer a utopia wherein brotherly love rules uninterrupted and wrong ideas are never presented. In the most guarded of settings, students will have to be disciplined and teachers reprimanded. Some will face dismissal due to the lack of moral or doctrinal integrity. In these negatives, nevertheless, lie the blessings. At public schools, students living immorally are applauded by peers, and sometimes by teachers. Their behavior and such insidiously positive reinforcement are powerfully negative influences on the young Christian trying to live “in, but not of, the world.” At Christian schools, the enrolled can be disciplined for things like promiscuity and drunkenness, even if those things took place outside of school hours. At public schools, students who wear advertisements for hate groups and satanic cults are defended by the ACLU. At Christian schools, their display is stopped, most likely before it degrades into bitter, …

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