It should go without saying that one’s attitude toward the Word of God itself will affect interpretation greatly. However, time and time again, in my studies with individuals, I have seen people willing to impugn God’s Word rather than accept the truth. In other words, they would rather imply that the Bible is inconsistent or wrong than admit being inconsistent or wrong themselves. The Pharisees were so intent on proving Jesus was wrong that they were willing to assign Jesus’ healing power to Beelzebub (Matthew 12:22-24). To this Jesus replied, “All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men” (Matthew 12:31). Jesus told them that in their efforts to circumvent Jesus’ teaching they, in fact, had brought indictment against the Holy Spirit who had provided the means of the miracle. Likewise, when we take a position that implies that the Bible is in error, we have effectively committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, impugning the Source, because we are implying that what God says is not really from God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Many people commit this moral felony when they refuse to examine the entire context of a passage. How many people have quoted Jesus saying, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1), and then interpreted that to mean that all judging is wrong? Jesus also said, “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Therefore, Jesus could not have

As the children of Israel marched through the Wilderness of Sin on their way to Mount Sinai, Amalek brought an army against them. Moses sent Joshua to choose some men to fight against them, but Moses himself went with Aaron and Hur to the top of a nearby hill. So, when Moses held the rod of God up by his hands, the Israelites prevailed, but when he lowered the rod, the Amalekites began winning. “But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun” (Exodus 17:12). If Christians, God’s people today (2 Corinthians 6:17-18), are to be strong and victorious in spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-17), we must recognize that we must each be willing to participate and fulfill our respective roles. The Israelites needed the strong leadership of Moses. They needed men such as Joshua who were preparing for leadership. They needed people who were willing to engage the enemy and fight for the cause. They needed those who supported the hands of Moses. And, most of all, they needed the LORD. Today, we need strong leadership. We need men preparing themselves for leadership. We need all people to participate and be active members of the Lord’s army. We need people who will support the hands of the

It should go without saying that one’s attitude toward the Word of God itself will affect interpretation greatly. However, time and time again in my studies with individuals, I have seen people willing to impugn God’s Word rather than accept the truth. In other words, they would rather imply that the Bible is inconsistent or wrong than admit being inconsistent or wrong themselves. The Pharisees were so intent on proving Jesus was wrong that they were willing to assign Jesus’ healing power to Beelzebub (Matthew 12:22-24). To this Jesus replied, “All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men” (Matthew 12:31). Jesus told them that in their efforts to circumvent Jesus’ teaching they, in fact, had brought indictment against the Holy Spirit who had provided the means of the miracle. Likewise, when we take a position that implies that the Bible is in error, we have effectively committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, impugning the Source, because we are implying that what God says is not really from God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Many people commit this moral felony when they refuse to examine the entire context of a passage. How many people have quoted Jesus saying, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1), and then interpreted that to mean that all judging is wrong? Jesus also said, “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Therefore, Jesus could not have

“And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days” (Genesis 49:1). In the words that follow Jacob proceeds to pronounce in prophecy the future of his sons’ descendants. For the most part, Jacob’s words dealt with the character of each of his sons and what that meant for their children and future generations. Although no one can now utter prophecy about our future descendants, it would do us well to consider the impact our character will have upon those who follow. All too often, we spend our energies training our children how to be good children (doing well in school, minding us, etc.), but fail to teach them how to be successful adults. Our goals should extend far beyond seeing them graduate from high school or college or marrying. Parental responsibility is not just to provide for children for 18 or so years; it is to use those years in such a way as to make the rest of our children’s lives have proper focus and meaning. It does not matter as much what people see in your children while they are at home as it does what they will see after they leave home. Live your life with your moral legacy in mind. Make a Christian life, a Christian home and Christian children your legacy, and future generations will call you blessed.

The Greek philosophers of the first century followed their earlier counterparts in emphasizing rhetoric as a means of persuasion. Their emphasis upon human wisdom and rejection of God’s role in human affairs (similar to the rationalism of the eighteenth century and secular humanism today) caused them to reject anything supernatural. Instead, they preferred a self-styled intellectualism that relied on man to solve man’s problems, most of which man created. They exalted the art of persuasion to the extent that the manner of speaking (extensive vocabulary and endless analogies combined with elegant oratory) became more important than the content or meaning. Having rejected the divine, they attempted to understand the world apart from divine morality, divine revelation, and God himself. However, God acted in such a way as to demonstrate the foolishness of the wisdom of men. “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (“1 Corinthians 1:21). And so Paul could tell the Christians at Corinth, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30). In the person of Jesus Christ God demonstrated his wisdom, so much so that Christ personifies the wisdom of God. Everything about Jesus Christ set at naught the worldly wisdom so prevalent in Corinth. His birth of a virgin demanded a supernatural act of God (Luke 1:35). His teaching

What does it mean to be spiritually minded? The question itself seems ridiculous, because the answer should be obvious. However, many people have exchanged spirituality for pseudo-spirituality. They want the appearance of being spiritual without the responsibility that goes with it. Some equate zeal with spirituality, yet Paul indicated that zeal alone does not insure the proper spiritual mindset (Romans 10:1-2). Others get caught up in emotional hype, relying on the excitement, often of externals, to give them the strength by which to live. But neither of these is true spirituality. They fail to provide any strength and comfort after the initial “high” and create a dependency on the fervor and emotion of the moment rather than a trust in the God of eternity. Somehow, people have equated these emotions with being “Spirit-filled” and spirituality. God, on the other hand, always connects spirituality with our reception of and our living by the message revealed by the Spirit (Romans 8:1-4). “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). Spiritual-Mindedness, then, is not a feeling but a determination — a determination to direct our thoughts and our lives according to God’s revealed will. Jesus taught in parables, especially early on in his earthy work, in order to stimulate spiritual thinking (Mark 4:10-12). “And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all  parables?” (Mark 4:10-13). In asking these two questions, Jesus showed that their problem in understanding the

In one of the most often quoted passages of the New Testament, Romans 1:16-17, Paul makes his thesis statement of this wonderful treatise concerning the Gospel: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” The Gospel will never give you a reason to be ashamed. Paul was not ashamed of preaching the Gospel anywhere that he went, and this was certainly true of Rome. For what about the Gospel could possibly cause shame? It is the good news of Jesus Christ, salvation provided, and victory achieved. Which of these would cause us shame? Are we ashamed of the perfection of Christ’s life, his sacrifice on our behalf, or the fact that he died? Or are we ashamed of what he has taught and demands of each one of us? We may be ashamed of our failure to do what Christ says, but we should never be ashamed of what he has said for us to do. The Gospel is the power of God. Surely, the dynamic power of an omnipotent God is difficult to comprehend! But perhaps even more difficult is the thought that this power is expressed in the words of the New Testament. But when we realize that the Gospel expresses

The third chapter of Genesis communicates many rich lessons for today, but one principle that seems largely ignored is the distinct difference in opinion between man and God as to what is appropriate clothing. After Adam and Eve sinned and realized that they were naked, they covered themselves with fig leaves (Genesis 3:7). When God confronted them and pronounced their sentence, it says, “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). It is interesting that Moses did not write that God “re-clothed them” or “added additional clothing.” As far as God was concerned, they were not clothed. Though they had made some effort to cover themselves, God determined that they had not done so adequately. The Hebrew word for “coats” denotes a garment that went from the shoulders to the knees.  Therefore, we can know for certain that this amount of covering pleases God. However, in today’s world, far too often, Christians and their children let summertime temperatures, the latest fads and fashion, and worldly friends have more influence on their choice of clothing than God does. How can we possibly be “clothed with Christ” (Galatians 3:27) when we do not let him influence our “other clothing”?

Imagine for a moment, if you will, a congregation of the Lord’s people where the people are truly united — not only in worshipping in spirit and truth, but in spiritual work, goals and priorities (John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 3:13-14; Colossians 3:1-2). Imagine a congregation where the people enjoy Christian fellowship so much that they long for it throughout the week and create opportunities to be together more on their own (Romans 12:10). Imagine a congregation where the youth group not only presents a united front for Christ and against sin but also is involved together with their parents in teaching their friends (Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 3:14-15). Imagine a congregation where the minute someone becomes disorderly in any way all Christians immediately take action in order to try to restore that lost soul (2 Thessalonians 3:6; Galatians 6:1). Imagine a congregation where children come with lessons prepared, ready to participate and soak in a Bible lesson (2 Timothy 2:15). Imagine a congregation full of people trying to prepare themselves for greater service in the kingdom at every opportunity (2 Peter 3:18). Imagine a congregation so knowledgeable of the Bible that individual Christians can teach the truth and correct misunderstandings their friends have on the spot (Hebrews 5:12-14). Imagine a congregation free from strife, bickering and complaints, exhibiting Christian love and Christian attitudes toward one another and toward all men (Philippians 2:14; John 13:34-35; Matthew 22:39). Imagine a congregation that is teaching the lost on a daily basis

Many people do not ever have a question as to where they will be buried. They have lived their whole lives basically in the same place and expect to be buried in the family plot. This sounds similar to Jacob’s words at the end of his life. “Bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt: But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place” (Genesis 47:29-30). Although on the surface we might think that Jacob simply had a sentimental attachment to the family cemetery, his words hearken back to the promise that God made to him that his family would grow to be a great nation and prosper in the land of Canaan. Jacob had lived for seventeen years in Egypt, but he never considered it home. He was reminding the family that they were only sojourners in that land, and that God had promised them a home somewhere else. This is the same attitude we need to have today. We are strangers and pilgrims upon this earth (1 Peter 2:11) who are traveling through life, however long our stay, in order to reach our ultimate destination of heaven, the place of our citizenship (Philippians 3:20). Too often, we are so wrapped up in where we are that we forget who we are and where we want to go. It does not matter so much where you are buried upon this earth, but it does matter whether or not,

One of the most painful lessons in life is to realize that you have taken something for granted, that you have assumed something only to have it disproved in such a way as to make it impossible for you to deny. We often take things, and people, for granted, when we assume that everything will always stay the same or that everyone has what we have.  Sometimes we take it for granted that what we are doing is right. But have we actually proven it so from God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21)?  Sometimes we take it for granted that we understand a passage of Scripture. But are we willing to let it be tested and then accept the truth (Proverbs 23:23; John 17:17)?  Sometimes we take it for granted that certain “church work” will be taken care of, just because someone has always done it. Do we ever consider that that individual may be very weary of bearing the burden all alone (Galatians 6:2)?  Sometimes we take it for granted that there will always be people to do the work. But what if everyone had that attitude (Proverbs 20:4)?  Sometimes we take it for granted that those people that volunteer to help “have more time” than we do. But perhaps they just use their time more wisely or have their priorities properly placed (Ephesians 5:16; Matthew 6:33).  Sometimes we take it for granted that it is easier for someone else to put a lesson together or teach a class, or

Mark Twain once said something like, “It isn’t all the things we know that hurt us. It’s all those things we know that ain’t so.” How true this is in regard to Bible study! Most people think that they understand the Bible, at least to some degree, before they ever seriously begin studying it. However, the sincere Bible student must guard against holding preconceived ideas, because they are roadblocks to truth. When Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, heard that a prophet of God could heal him of his leprosy, he headed toward Israel. However, “Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper” (2 Kings 5:10-11). Naaman’s anger, which originally caused him to ignore the prophet’s instructions, was rooted in his preconceived idea of what the prophet should do. It was only when he was willing to accept the truth regarding what he was told, following his obedience, that he was healed (2 Kings 5:14). In the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17).

As the land of Egypt suffered through the plagues God sent against them in punishment for Pharaoh’s refusal to allow the Israelites to go into the desert and serve the LORD, Pharaoh, having already broken many promises but under pressure from his servants (Exodus 10:7), offered up a compromise solution. Pharaoh offered to let the Israelites go into the wilderness but only on the condition that they leave their children behind (Exodus 10:8-11). The Lord’s response was the plague of locusts followed by darkness. Then Pharaoh offered to let the Israelites go into the wilderness and take their children, but on the condition that they leave their flocks and herds behind. But Moses rejected his offer because it was not what God wanted (Exodus 10:24-26). Often today, people wish to bargain with God over what he will allow and what he requires of them. For some reason, they believe that if they go along with some of God’s requirements, he should just forget about the rest. However, God does not operate that way. He knows what is best for us and offers us a covenant that is in our best interest out of his love (1 John 4:7-11). Our obedience — without any exceptions we may propose — is essential to pleasing him (Hebrews 5:8-9). Pharaoh had every opportunity to accept God’s will and let the Israelites serve him in the wilderness. Due to his own pride, he lost his slave laborers not only for a few days but forever.

It amazes me how often people question the wisdom of studying the Old Testament. Surely we should understand that we are no longer under the Old Law but under the New (Hebrews 8:6-13), but this does not discount the usefulness of that Old Law. Others might complain that the Old Testament is boring and long. There are even those who appear to be pious because of how they emphasized that there is so much to learn in the New Testament that we should really learn it first since it is what we are under. All of these reasons appear good on the surface, but not one of them respects the true value and need of studying the Old Testament as God has told us to do. Paul, writing to the church at Rome, said, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). The great apostle said this immediately after quoting Psalm 69:9. Therefore, there are many principles that we should learn from Paul’s use of the Old Testament. Paul wrote about and recognized that the Old Law had been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14), but he said that there was still a place for it. In fact, he shows us that by understanding it, we can gain greater insight into our hope. The Old Testament teaches many of the same principles as the New, and we can learn from it by applying

The apostle Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Yet, the attitude some have toward Bible study would indicate that Paul’s words in this passage were meaningless. While some would say that understanding the Bible is a noble objective, they would also argue that it is essentially impossible. Yet, Paul tells us that the Bible was penned specifically for us to understand and apply! A few have even argued that, because man is so low, it is impossible for him to understand the things of God. However, this does not exhibit humility; it denies the power of God. Do we really believe that God created a being that he wished to communicate with but was not able to do so? Also, God himself reveals the fact that some things will remain unknown to us because he does not reveal them (Deuteronomy 29:29), but does this not imply that what he reveals we can know and understand? “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Another segment of people would alter this objection only slightly, claiming that while it is possible to understand the Bible, it is not possible for us to understand the Bible alike. This view really teaches that it is possible for us to misunderstand the Bible, but not to understand it. God,

Within our society today there is a determined effort to eliminate personal responsibility. The criminal is therefore not morally corrupt, according to this philosophy, but simply a product of his or her environment. For this reason, they surely must marvel that God said, “He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death” (Exodus 21:12). After all, they maintain that the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment, defining their morality in terms outside the absolute truth of God’s Word (Romans 13:1-4). Similarly, many of these same people have no problem with women aborting their babies by the millions. In the same paragraph Moses recorded the Lord’s words, “If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life…” (Exodus 21:22-23). By God’s own record, an unborn baby’s life is treated as any other human life, and an action that caused the death of that unborn child was to be treated the same as an action that caused the death of any other person. Sadly, in our country today, we sanction the murder of innocent children and have great protests that make the news each time some guilty criminal is executed. Sadder yet is the untold number of Christians who sit

Long ago the prophet Hosea cried out, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children” (Hosea 4:6). The overall level of knowledge among members of the Lord’s church today could only be described as abysmal. It is becoming harder and harder to teach (in some ways), because it is necessary to provide so much background information on Old Testament history, the life of Christ or the Acts of the Apostles just so that the lesson will make sense. Our attention to basic facts, such as knowing the books of the Bible, being able to quote scripture and having a basic grasp of the scheme of redemption and the message of each book of the Bible, has given way to a general feeling of disinterest in what the Bible says because people are often content with what they feel about the Bible. We console ourselves in our ignorance by claiming that we cannot remember “all of that.” What amazes me is how much we can remember about other aspects of life while claiming a poor memory as an excuse for not knowing the Bible. While our children are learning computer skills and keyboarding at an increasingly early age, our expectations about their ability to learn Bible facts is dropping. While our teenagers are taking chemistry, physics and calculus,

One of the most misapplied passages in the Bible concerns the eating of meat offered to idols. As Paul concludes his inspired discourse, he shows that there are certain things that could be right for one person and wrong for another, depending on the conscience of the individual. “Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is if he eat, because he eateth not to faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:22-23). Unfortunately, many have taken this passage and perverted its meaning, trying to justify their own sinful actions. We must understand the true meaning of Paul’s instructions so that we will not be deceived by those lying in wait (Ephesians 4:14). Paul was not speaking of something that is sinful in and of itself, but of an action that could be perceived to be wrong by those who had once participated in it as a religious act. This then shows that Paul was speaking of the realm of personal judgment based on the individual’s attitude toward that action. There is nothing wrong with having a cow for a pet, but if one had been a Hindu before receiving the truth, it might violate his conscience since Hindus recognize cows as beings worthy of worship. The meaning that Paul is emphasizing is that one who does not have any problem with having a cow for a pet because

There is something extra special about happily married couples. I do not refer simply to their longevity together but to that they truly belong together. Many of us have seen the beauty of couples who are rarely seen apart and who look out of place if they are apart. God designed marriage to be just like that, so that two people will grow closer together throughout their lives, that they will learn to depend on one another, and that through this “togetherness” they will have a home in the truest sense rather than only on paper or in the mundane chores of daily living. After God performed the first “wedding ceremony,” Moses records, “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:23-24). God intended marriage to foster togetherness, to build interdependency and to create the proper environment of unity for training children. Many couples fill their lives with so many things that they forget to fill their lives with God and one another, but this is what marriage is supposed to be about.

Providence is one of the hardest concepts to understand in the Bible, yet it is taught, without any doubt. When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, they did not have anything in mind other than ridding themselves of a “nuisance” and making a little extra money. Though Joseph handled the situation very well, working in Potiphar’s house, rising to importance in prison and eventually coming to be second in the kingdom, he did not — at the moment his brothers sold him — have a grand plan for saving his brothers from a future famine. But after all of these things had passed and Joseph could look back on it all, he told his brothers, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). Joseph did not mean to excuse the wrong that his brothers committed, but he did see the bigger picture — that events had turned out well in the long run, despite what had appeared to be a situation from which nothing good could come. Providence does not interfere with nature. It is God using natural means to accomplish his will. Though we can never know for sure when something is providential, even in hindsight, we should always look back upon events to see the good that came from them instead of dwelling on the bad.

In one of the most beautiful “biographies” contained within the pages of Holy Writ, Moses records, “And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:21-24). For Enoch, walking with God was not an empty ritual or a few minutes of devotion here and there; walking with God was his life. It was a personal journey through the daily routines of life that kept God as his guide and companion. Such a life included marriage and family but these did not interfere with his walk with God; they were part of it. Enoch’s walk with God was a lifetime adventure, growing closer to him each step of the way. Enoch was not old when God took him; he was quite young for his day. The end of life was also different than others, because it was God’s action–not death (1 Corinthians 15:55)–that ended his earthly walk. What a wonderful life! May we all determine to walk with God today (1 John 1:5-7), just as Enoch did then, that we may join Enoch in his walk with God for the rest of eternity. Copyright © 2000 Louis Rushmore. All Rights Reserved.  Conditions of Use

The famine that Joseph prophesied would come to pass in Egypt also took in the land of Canaan, so that Jacob sent his ten eldest sons to Egypt in order to buy food. When they arrived in Egypt, they went to buy grain along with the others but did not recognize Joseph who was in charge of selling the grain. Joseph, however, recognized his brothers and, testing them, charged them with spying, put them in prison for three days, and then allowed them to go on the condition that one brother stay behind while the others went to get the youngest who had been left behind. His brothers then said, “We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us” (Genesis 42:21). After twenty years, Joseph’s brothers felt the full weight of their guilt regarding their treatment of Joseph. We also often let society mold us so that we do not feel guilty when we sin. It takes some that long to realize their mistakes in youth. It often takes parents twenty years to feel guilty over their mistakes raising their children, and longer still for those whose consciences are seared. But guilt because of sin is good because only when we feel guilty will we try to make the necessary correction.

Study To Teach Others One of the fundamental laws of teaching is, “You cannot teach what you do not know.” Unfortunately, many believe the only criterion for being a teacher is the willingness to teach! This inevitably leads to the blind leading the blind (Matthew 15:14), so that ignorance begets ignorance which begets ignorance. Teaching others carries a great responsibility (James 3:1), and this responsibility includes knowing God’s Word well enough to communicate it to others. Thus, diligent study must go hand in hand with those who would teach. The writer of Hebrews said, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Hebrews 5:12). How can we avoid having such a denunciation apply to us? Only through studying the Bible. Every Christian has the responsibility of taking the Gospel to the lost (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:18-20). Though some may not have the greatest ability and while some may be so young in the faith that they do not know much, neither of these works as an excuse. The responsibility to teach implies the responsibility to study in order to teach. Paul told Timothy, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). The Gospel is

Near the end of the first century, the Gnostics, a group which believed wisdom and knowledge to be the way to salvation, began to influence the church with their teaching that flesh is evil and only spirit is good. In short, as true with many today, they simply could not comprehend the thought of God becoming flesh. To combat this problem, the apostle John wrote his first epistle, beginning with, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (1 John 1:1). In this short opening, the apostle has already shown the fallacy of the Gnostic teaching, but he also teaches us much about our Lord and our God. Jesus Christ is our eternal God. By affirming Christ’s existence not only prior to his conception and birth but also before creation, John is demonstrating that Jesus is more than just a man. In this context, he is implying Christ’s role in creation (Colossians 1:16; John 1:3) and is exalting our Lord from the very beginning. He was not just a good man. He was not just a prophet. He was not a man inhabited by God. He is God himself ¾ deity in the flesh (John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-8) ¾ just as he must be so that God could be tempted (James 1:13; Matthew 4:1-11), remain perfect (Hebrews 4:15) and shed his blood for us (Acts 20:28).

The word “propitiation” does not easily roll off the tongue, nor does its meaning come readily to the mind. However, when such a word is used to describe our Savior, Jesus Christ, we must take special note of it. The apostle John described him in this fashion, saying, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). The Greek word that is translated propitiation (hilasmos) translates four different Hebrew words in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. Its meaning thus includes the ideas of forgiveness (Psalms 130:4), a trespass or guilt offering (Amos 8:14), a sin offering (Ezekiel 44:27) and atonement (Leviticus 25:9; Numbers 5:8). All of these we may obtain only through Jesus Christ, our Propitiation. When we sin, we create for ourselves the most difficult situation possible. Having broken law, we need a pardon. Having dirtied ourselves with sin (Romans 3:23), we need purification. Being guilty of trespassing God’s law (Ephesians 2:1), we need a release from our guilt. Having separated ourselves from God (Isaiah 59:2), we need reconciliation. Yet, this is what it means for Christ to be the propitiation for our sins. Through the righteousness of Christ, we can receive a full pardon. Through the sinlessness of Christ, we can be purified. Through the One without guilt, we can be released from our guilt. Through the one who maintained the right relationship with God, we can be

Because It Is the Word of God Students pour over textbooks daily trying to learn pieces of knowledge that man has accumulated over time. Youthful scientists sit with mouths agape as they read the genius of Albert Einstein. Scholars tingle with excitement at the discovery of additional writings of such men. How much more should we tremble in both awe and delight every time we open the Bible? “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrew 4:12). The Bible is the written record of what your Creator has spoken to you (2 Peter 1:21). It amazes me that people will listen to the words of the President of the United States because of how his policy may affect the world, that people will listen to advice from a broker because of how it may affect them financially (“When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.”), that people will listen to celebrities and sports figures when determining their next purchase, but that few people truly listen to God when he speaks through the pages of Holy Writ! When Jesus said, “It is written” (Matthew 4:1-11), the power in these words came not from the fact that they had been recorded, but because God had spoken them. The Bible is God’s own breath. Paul said in 2 Timothy

As Paul does so often, he closes the epistle to the Thessalonians with several short admonitions that served as a partial summary, part of a conclusion and part exhortation in order to help strengthen this young congregation at Thessalonica. Perhaps the simplest of these is the precept, “Rejoice evermore” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Although it seems straightforward and uncomplicated on the surface, this two-word verse should cause us to consider our whole attitude toward life. The very fact that Paul had to command rejoicing should provoke us toward further study. Why was it so important and necessary to tell people to be happy? Obviously, the type of joy Paul had in mind had roots much deeper than external happiness found in the general circumstances of life. These do indeed give us reasons to rejoice, and may seem to occur quite naturally, but Paul’s approach extends far beyond the intermittent enjoyment of life’s circumstances. All too often, we base how we feel and what we think upon the externals of life and how well our worldly concerns are doing. Many times our happiness may depend on whether or not we just got through paying the bills or we recently received a paycheck. Or, perhaps we allow how other people treat us or mistreat us to determine how we feel for that day (week, month, etc.). But the joy of which Paul spoke was not so fickle. That is why God commanded it. Christians have more to rejoice about than any other people,

The word “righteousness” carries with it the concept of ideal character, ideal relationship or the means or process by which these are achieved. Since “all men have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), we lack ideal character; having thus offended the character of God, we were separated from him (Isaiah 59:2), losing the ideal relationship. Therefore, without the character to reinstate these, we needed a means to regain what we lost through our own foolishness.  While we would have languished forever attempting to devise even the semblance of a plan to regain what we previously tossed aside, God in his wisdom put his own plan into action, sending Jesus Christ to do for us what we could not do for ourselves, to provide the means by which we might begin anew by being made righteous (justified). “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:24-26). To address the problem of our failed character and our separation from God, it was necessary to make forgiveness possible, for this was the only way possible the restore a relationship with a perfectly righteous God. And the only

The recent flare up in the creation/evolution debate in our country demonstrates how much tension exists regarding the origin of the universe. Many insist on a completely naturalistic explanation, claiming that any view that requires God is unscientific. If you take the time to read their writings, you will quickly realize the arrogant snobbery and intellectual elitism these secular humanists have as their core belief. Others compromise, claiming to believe in both God and evolution. These people have cowardly caved in to the demands of evolutionists because their faith is too weak to take God at his Word. The Bible begins by saying, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 NKJV). The account that follows markedly disagrees with the evolutionary theory, making all attempts to “harmonize” the two a sad commentary on the hermeneutics of those involved. Some attempt to justify a belief in God and evolution by denying that the Genesis record is accurate, but this would mean that it was deliberately misleading-an implication with serious consequences (Titus 1:2). Then the atheists who attempt to browbeat others with their scientific jargon have the gall to call belief in creation “unscientific” when the biblical account squares with all known facts. They call us unscientific because we do not accept their interpretation-pure and simple. Besides, macroevolution itself defies many laws of science. Now, who is unscientific?

“And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him” (Genesis 50:15). Joseph’s brothers had been shocked at the good treatment they received from Joseph when he first revealed himself to them in Egypt, but now that their father was dead, they supposed that he would probably take his revenge. Why would they think such a thing? Had Joseph given them any indication of this? No. But, as often happens, they assumed that Joseph’s motives for doing what was right toward them was the same as their own often were–pleasing their father. However, when they urged Joseph not to do anything to them in accordance with Jacob’s wishes, “Joseph wept when they spake unto him” (Genesis 50:17). Joseph behaved righteously toward his brothers from a righteous heart-not because of his father’s desires. For some reason, many people today think that it is a great accomplishment to teach their children to do what is right “for their sake.” We need to return to a desire for righteousness, so that we do what is right because it is right, because God said it, because it is the best thing to do. When we need motivation to do right beyond the fact that it is right, we lack integrity. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

Many times we speak of something being a “sure thing.” But while we treat minor things of this world as if they will help us obtain assurance, we often react differently to the things of God. In 2 Samuel 1 the prophet records the account of the Amalekite who came to David claiming to have killed Saul. It is important to recognize both his attitude as he approached David and David’s own attitude as he spoke with this man. This individual was from a nation that was hostile to Israel, yet he expected to receive a reward for his claim. He had not even actually done what he claimed, but he wanted David to reward him. The unexpected problem that he soon faced must have caught him by surprise. The question that David posed was one of great power: “How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” (2 Samuel 1:14). The motives of this man were surely self-serving, yet they benefited David as well. David, however, was concerned with the attitude toward God that this man had exhibited and called him into question because of his actions. There are so many today who claim to worship and follow Christ while adjusting this worship to suit their own self-serving motives. People throughout the world attempt to justify their actions through “sincerity” or “blissful ignorance.” But there is no excuse for failing to respect God’s authority. This man went to David feeling that he would

When Jacob’s sons returned from Egypt with food, Jacob was in no mood to allow Benjamin to return with them in order to buy more grain. But eventually their food supply ran out, so the brothers begged Jacob to allow them to take Benjamin to Egypt, knowing that otherwise they would not be given any food. Finally, Judah stepped forward and said, “I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever” (Genesis 43:9). Years earlier none of the brothers had been willing to take responsibility for what happened to Joseph, but at this time one stepped forward to personally accept responsibility for the life of his youngest brother. Taking responsibility is one of the major steps toward spiritual maturity. We must be willing to accept responsibility for doing what needs to be done and accept responsibility when things do not go as they should. One of the hardest things to do is to step forward and show a willingness to be active in the work of the church. It is a great responsibility that few ever consider. Taking responsibility is hard because it opens you up to have to take blame, but a willingness to accept both burdens is part of what spiritual maturity is all about (1 Corinthians 15:58).

The position of being “firstborn” held great significance in the ancient world. It referred to more than simply birth order. Among males it generally served as a designation for the heir of family authority in regard to ownership, leadership and religion, though this could be altered should the son give it away (Genesis 25:33) or should the father have a reason to divest the elder son(s) of this right (Genesis 49:3-8). In fact, since another son could hold this position, this word as a specific reference to birth order almost disappeared. So the writer of Hebrews intended to indicate much more than a reference to Jesus’ birth when he wrote, “But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, ‘Let all the angels of God worship him’” (Hebrews 1:6 NKJV). The first chapter of Hebrews presents strong argumentation regarding the superiority of Jesus Christ to angels. Thus, having already introduced Jesus as God’s Son (Hebrews 1:1-2), the writer proceeds to add that this Son has the right of the firstborn. When we then consider the deeper meaning of Christ being the firstborn, it enters a new level automatically because he is God’s Heir. However, this would be contingent upon his receiving the inheritance.  As firstborn he would have the rights of ownership of the world that rejected him. As firstborn he would take the role as Leader of God’s people that the Jews denied him. As firstborn he would exercise authority in religious matters that the Jewish

As 1 Samuel closes, the Amalekites invaded Ziklag, a city housing the families of David and his men. The men were in Philistia at this time, so the Amalekites carried all their families away as captives, including David’s two wives. However, the men did not consider David’s loss. Instead they blamed him for keeping them away – a decision that each had made individually. Many men might have crumbled at the very mention of dissension, but David provided us with a wonderful example. “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Sam. 30:6). The Lord’s church sometimes acts much like these men. When we see something happen that we do not like, we tend to blame the person in charge, even though they might not have any control over the situation. Following this line of reasoning, we should always blame the treasurer if the church does not meet the budget – even if we have not been giving as we should. We should blame the Bible Class teachers when our children are not learning – even though we remain too busy to teach them ourselves. We really should be angry with the elders when our youth do not have “adequate” entertainment – even though we have not invited them over to our house yet. We ought to fire

In today’s society people often present the benefits of being popular and being respected as diametrically opposed. Popular thinking would also have us believe that morality must be sacrificed completely in order for people in the world to like us. Although it is certainly true that darkness hates light, it does not follow that God’s people are therefore totally unlikable! First Samuel 18:5 provides a wonderful example for us when the inspired writer records, “And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.” At this time Saul had already decided that David was a threat, and his plans to keep David from becoming king were well known to David as well as many other people. However, the most important point to learn is not from the attitude that Saul displayed but from the attitude exhibited by David toward Saul.David did not let the attitude that dominated Saul’s life change the way that he knew he ought to behave toward him. All too often we react quite differently when we are presented with similar situations. Saul’s actions were plainly wrong, but this did not justify a change in David’s behavior. David showed himself to be wise in his behavior because he did not let the actions of others cause him to be unfaithful to God. When we lash out without

Dictionaries define an annuity as an investment from which one receives an income over a long period of time. The most important aspect of an annuity is that it is a long-term plan. But listen to the apostle Paul’s words, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Paul had a long-term plan spiritually. He treated any suffering or sacrifice that he endured while upon the earth as an investment that would reap dividends beyond compare in the future.A short-range plan concentrates on the here and now without worrying about the possibility of a coming depression. It guarantees quick gain with nothing planned for the future. A short-range plan is easier and more affordable by most. It is easier to see because that is what everyone else has. A short-range plan of life guarantees sin for awhile and nothing for eternity. “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:24-25).On the other hand, a long-range plan considers benefits that are not immediate but are of better quality and of lasting value. As Christians, we can look toward heaven (Revelation 21:1-4), a place that has quality beyond any comparison. Too often we get caught up in the rat race of every

No matter where you go, there is always one phrase that brings fear to our eyes–“breaking the law.” When we hear these words we usually think of murderers, rapists, extortioners, gangs, organized crime and many others. The problem we sometimes have, however, is not understanding that breaking the law covers many other areas than just these. It is not enough to understand this in light of the law of the country, but we should also comprehend the magnitude of the unlawful offence in the eyes of God.”Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves” (Rom. 13:1-2).This includes all of the laws of the land, with the only exception being laws that would cause us to disobey God (Acts 5:29). Misdemeanors are just as much against the law as felonies. Traffic violations probably constitute the most frequently broken laws. It seems easy for us to gently apply pressure to the accelerator when we are in a hurry, but speeding is still breaking the law and thereby resisting the ordinance of God. Seatbelt laws, child car seat laws, age limits, handicapped parking, etc. may seem like an imposition at times, but they still are the law, even if everyone else is doing it and even if law enforcement chooses to look the other way. Admittedly, the nature

Counseling, in the broadest sense, includes many different aspects, among which are listening in order to identify difficulties, trying to help the individual realize his or her own problems and giving advice. Most of us take on this role in some capacity during our lifetime, whether as friends, coworkers or even parents. A problem arises, however, when we become so confident in our own abilities and intelligence that we carry this over into religious matters. In Romans 11:34 Paul wrote, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?” We do not have the capability to understand the “ins and outs” of what God does, and so we are not qualified to give Him counsel. Unfortunately, this does not keep some from trying. Some try to counsel God regarding how Christianity ought to be. How often do we here remarks made to justify an action such as, “I don’t see anything wrong with it” or “It doesn’t say not to do it.” While these comments may be directed toward another person, the counsel is actually being made toward God. Whenever we find ourselves deciding that, “Well, I know it says that, but it means this,” we need to reevaluate exactly what we mean and whom we think needs to hear it. When we start questioning the wisdom of God’s Word, it amounts to an attempt to instruct the Almighty in the way he should have designed Christianity. We may couch it sayings like, “Times

Judah had not exactly been a model citizen. From his behavior in selling Joseph into slavery to his behavior with Tamar, Judah had many faults. But when he and his brothers were traveling back from Egypt after purchasing grain the second time, only to be stopped and accused of stealing, Judah showed how much he had grown (Genesis 44). He had become surety for his brother Benjamin, guaranteeing to Jacob, his father, that the youngest son would return safely. Then after a cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, requiring Benjamin to return to Egypt as a slave, Judah steps in and offers himself as a slave instead of his brother. When he encouraged his brothers to sell Joseph, he was purely selfish, looking for gain. His actions in regard to Tamar were unfair, and he broke his word. But now we see a different Judah. He is not thinking selfishly, but rather is concerned about his brother and father. He is not about to break his word, but he tells others of his promise. Judah was willing to be a living sacrifice, a slave in a foreign country, because of a promise he made and because of his love for others. When we obey the Gospel, we make a promise to God to do His will (Romans 12:1-2). When we said we would follow Christ, it meant putting others first (Philippians 2:4). Judah grew out of selfishness and into sacrifice. Is it not time that we all did?