I can vividly recall a statement made by some members of the Lord’s church during my high school days at a Christian school that went something like this: “You shouldn’t send your children to a Christian school because you will isolate them from society.” And I suppose that some amount of isolationism was practiced in that day among the students and teachers, but there were enough ‘outsiders’ and worldliness around the place to equalize the situation. I know that Christians are not to be isolated from society, but to live in such a manner as to be ‘insulated’ from carnality and ungodliness (Romans 12:1-2). We must permit our salt to savor and our light to illuminate in order that we can be a proper influence among the people of this world (Matthew 5:13-16). The church is to be a fort on the front line of a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-12). We must radiate Christ in our lives in this world of darkness in order to bring others to our Lord (Philippians 2:15). In this manner, we must ‘mix and mingle’ with persons who are not disciples of Jesus Christ. I believe that most Christians would agree with this premise. However, I believe that some Christians practice isolationism in reverse. Please correct me if I am wrong. Some members cannot be found except for one hour per week. They would be highly insulted if you should ask them why they don’t come around more often to the various periods of Bible …

Just suppose that you receive an invitation to attend a series of religious meetings that is to be conducted by this writer. The meeting is to be for five nights, beginning on a Monday and concluding the following Friday. On the first night an exhortation is given relative to salvation from sins. Emphasis is given to the teaching that everyone will be saved eternally, thus the doctrine of universalism. Tuesday night at the conclusion of a Bible-centered lesson stress is given to the point that there isn’t anything that one can do regarding salvation, that is, some are chosen to eternal life while others are chosen to eternal damnation. The teaching of John Calvin, that is, the doctrine of predestination is preached by this writer. Again on Wednesday night you return and hear this scribe instruct people in the way of redemption by teaching sinners that the only way to be saved is to believe in Jesus Christ. This could be classified as being the doctrine of faith only. Somewhat confused, you are still determined to learn more of the Bible so you come to the meeting on Thursday night. As the lesson is being concluded, sinners are urged to come down to the ‘mourner’s bench’ and pray through. By this time you must have some doubt as to the stability of the speaker since you have heard him teaching differently the past four nights relative to salvation from sins; yet, in spite of this confusion you decide to return for the final session of …

On the occasion of calling Levi to become his disciple, Jesus associated with the publicans and sinners present, eating and drinking with them. This invoked the wrath of the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees. In answer to their criticism Jesus replied, “They that are in health have no need of a physician; but they that are sick. I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:29-32). Luke, the physician, wrote of the Great Physician, Jesus Christ. Jesus had to be great because of the nature of the disease called sin. There are times when a general practitioner is all that one needs; however, there are occasions when a specialist is required because of the seriousness of the disease. In combating the malady of sin, there is no other one to whom man can go except Jesus Christ. We can best understand how effective Jesus is when we view the horribleness of sin. First of all, the seat of this sickness is the heart. This is where sin originates in the individual. Jesus knew this fact and stated it in this fashion, “For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings: these are the things which defile the man” (Matthew 15:19-20). The wise man wrote, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). We can readily see the need of following Solomon’s admonition to “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the …

4. Where was the Law given? Again you are urged to read Deuteronomy 5:2. “Jehovah our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.” The terms “Horeb” and “Sinai” refer to the same location in the southern part of the peninsula located between the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Akabah. “Sinai” is mentioned as a desert and a mountain in 35 passages of the Old Testament. In 17 passages the same desert and mountain are called “Horeb” or “the waste.” Thus, to speak of “Horeb” is to speak of “Sinai” with reference to where the Law of Moses was given. 5. What was Christ’s relationship to the Law of Moses? Jesus Christ was submissive to the Law of Moses that was in force during his earthly voyage. In Galatians 4:4-5, we learn, “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Jesus was indeed born of the virgin Mary and the time period in which he was born was during the Law of Moses; therefore, he was under obligation to his Father to keep the Law in perfection. Let’s observe the attitude of Christ toward the Law of Moses as we read now from Matthew 5:17-18. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I …

“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect” (Hebrews 10:1). The Old Testament law was not the ‘real thing’ because it was only “a shadow of good things to come.” One cannot pick apples from the shadow that is cast by the tree; rather, one has to pull the fruit from the tree itself. In our understanding of the Bible, it is imperative that we observe the two major divisions of the Bible, namely, the Old and New Testaments. When Paul instructed Timothy to rightly divide the word of truth, he implied that it could be wrongly divided (2 Timothy 2:15) and a part of rightly dividing the Bible is to understand our relationship to the Law of Moses. The Old Testament is as inspired of God as is the New Testament. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Peter declared, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). Therefore, the source of these writings is God himself. Paul wrote relative to the events …

Several years ago the congregation I was working with conducted a Gospel meeting during which there were fourteen baptisms. The following Sunday, I preached a sermon regarding what it meant now for these new converts as they began their life in Jesus Christ. This was a lesson to encourage these babes in Christ to grow “in the grace and knowledge” of the Lord and to inform them of some of the spiritual blessings and of their new relationship they now have as children of God. This means that you have been born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5). It means that your sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ the Lamb of God (Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5). It is now a time of rejoicing (Acts 8:39; 16:34; Ephesians 4:4). You are now a babe in Christ and should desire to grow in the knowledge of your Lord (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18). God is truly your heavenly Father (Galatians 3:26-27; Matthew 6:9). All spiritual blessings in Christ are now yours (Ephesians 1:3). You have the wonderful privilege of conversing with your Heavenly Father in prayer (Matthew 6:9-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 12:12). God will grant you strength in the time of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 2:9). God can and will use your talents in His kingdom (Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). You can cast all your cares and worries upon the Lord knowing he cares for you (1 Peter …

Jesus Christ, on the night of his betrayal, instituted the Lord’s Supper. In reference to the fruit of the vine, he said: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Jesus spoke in prospect, that is, his blood was to be shed for the remission of sins. It is declared in Hebrews 9:22, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and, without shedding of blood is no remission.” It is plain to see that Jesus shed his blood in order that man might have the forgiveness of his sins. Jesus did not shed his blood because man was already saved. His blood was “for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28, Emphasis mine, RE). Now, by understanding this expression, “for the remission of sins” in this light, it will not be difficult for one to perceive the meaning of the same expression in another passage. The apostle Peter preached Christ and him crucified on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:22-24). He instructed those people to “know assuredly” or believe confidently that Jesus was “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). We know that many believed in Christ because “they were pricked in their heart” and inquired of Peter and the rest of the apostles as to what they should do to be saved (v.37). By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Peter commanded them to “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name …

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). In a beautiful poem about the Bible, there is a particular line that goes like this: “It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.” While I have never had the experience of a navigator’s use with a compass, I have used one in other activities. Several years ago, I was hunting with a Christian friend in unfamiliar territory. The weather was terrible. The sky was darkened and the sun was hidden from human view. The rain descended. The trees were unusually tall and massive. As I continued to seek game, I became aware of the fact that I was ‘temporarily confused.’ I thought I knew the way back to the location where I entered the forest but the more I walked, the more I realized that I didn’t know. It was then that I took out my small compass and began to follow a certain course, however, after walking some distance, I looked at the compass again and it was then that I realized I was following the wrong end of the needle. I was actually traveling the opposite direction from the way I wanted to go. So, I began to walk in the right direction by following the compass in the correct manner. After some time I arrived at my desired destiny. Perhaps this experience is not completely parallel with the lessons I …

“Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). The usual connotation of the term ‘vision’ in this verse coincides with a definition given by Webster: “The ability to perceive something not actually visible, as through mental acuteness or keen foresight (a project made possible by one man’s vision); force or power of imagination (a statesman of great vision).” The understanding of the word ‘vision’ colors one’s interpretation of this verse. Thus, many suggest that when the leaders of a congregation have vision, projects and programs will be introduced into the work; otherwise, where there is a lack of such, the church will suffer greatly. This may in fact be true in principle; however, this is not the correct meaning of the passage under consideration. Let us examine carefully the scriptural exegesis of this verse. The New King James Version renders the first part of Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no revelation.” The Revised Standard Version reads: “Where there is no prophecy.” The Douay Version has: “When prophecy shall fail.” The Hebrew word for vision as used in this verse is haza. It is defined in the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, as follows: “The revelatory vision granted by God to chosen messengers, i.e. prophets. Such apparently was the experience of Balaam the son of Beor (Numbers 24:4, 16). This vision of the prophet took place sometimes in the waking state, but also in ‘the spirit’ (Numbers 24:2). Sometimes the experience of seeing a revelatory dream …

First of all there was the news of the deaths of eight students in Enterprise, Alabama when a tornado destroyed their high school building. Then there was the bus accident in Atlanta, Georgia that took the lives of four college students as well as the bus drivers. Later, it was learned that the fifth student died due to the injuries suffered in the terrible accident. One of the greatest fears that parents have is the possibility that a child might be killed in some accident or that some disease might take the life of a beloved son or daughter. I remember well when the telephone rang late one night and a close Christian friend informed me that his fifteen year old daughter had been killed in an automobile wreck. It was not an easy task to face the parents who were dear friends of mine and members of the local church where I was serving as a preacher. I went with the father so he could identify his precious child. It was a heart-rendering experience. It was thirty four years ago that I had to go alone to identify my baby brother, age 35, who had been killed by a car so I would be able to tell my mother that it was indeed her precious son. My mother had already lost her oldest son in World War II at the tender age of 19. Most parents would be willing to precede their children in death. It seems so unnatural …

Several years ago while viewing the Today Show on television, I became quite interested in an interview that the host was having with a noted author who had written a book about the civil strife in Northern Ireland. The author’s wife, who was a professional photographer, had taken many pictures in the city of Belfast and the surrounding areas that depicted the physical destruction caused by the bombings. One scene was of a building that had only one wall standing. I could not help but be overwhelmed with a sign painted on the wall. It was painted in large letters and asked the question, “Is there life before death?” Such a question reflected the remorse of a person’s heavy heart. It is difficult to imagine circumstances being so deplorable that one could not enjoy life, at least to some degree. But here was a person asking if one could live before one dies. How sad! This so different from the usual question asked by the masses of people, and that is, “Is there life after death?” This is the all consuming inquiry of persons seeking hope beyond this earthly pilgrimage. But the question remains in our minds, “Is There Life Before Death?” First, one must understand that all people outside of the spiritual relationship with Christ are dead (lost) presently. The basic meaning of death is the absence of life. Physically, death occurs when the spirit of a man departs from his body (James 2:26). And in the moral and spiritual realm, a person …

The April 2007 issue of Gospel Gazette Online is dedicated to the honor of brother Raymond Elliott. Raymond Elliott and Louis Rushmore have neither met nor otherwise crossed paths personally, but I know brother Elliott through his biblically accurate and effective writing. It is with great pleasure and humble gratitude that we (1) regularly enjoy brother Elliott’s articles in the pages of Gospel Gazette Online, and (2) dedicate this issue of GGO to brother Raymond Elliott. Raymond Elliott is a graduate of Faulkner University (BS in Religious Education) and Southern Christian University (MS and M.Div). Brother Elliott has served on the Board of Regents of Southern Christian University since 1973 (Chairman for five years; presently Vice-Chairman). Brother Elliott began preaching fulltime in 1958, serving churches in Georgia and Alabama (since 1960). He has served in various capacities at Wiregrass Christian Camp near Enterprise, AL since 1971. He has spoken in various lectureships (e.g., Freed Hardeman University, Faulkner University, Southern Christian University and Mount Dora, FL Christian Home & Bible School) and many Gospel meetings. Brother Elliott has written for a number of religious journals (e.g., Sound Doctrine, Vigil, Words of Truth, The Evangelist, Firm Foundation, Gospel Advocate, Magnolia Messenger, Gospel Gazette Online), written for Gospel Advocate’s Annual Lesson Commentary, has experience in newspaper, radio and television evangelism, as well as been instrumental in establishing new congregations. Raymond Elliott is married to the former Virginia Slaughter of Wildwood, FL. Brother and sister Elliott have four children and nine grandchildren. Brother Elliott writes: Hello Louis, I am very humbled at your request. Of course you …

I read the obituary column in the local and area newspapers (online) practically every morning. This is a habit I developed over the years because my family and I have lived in various cities in the state and we know people in every location. In a humorous fashion I might say that I read the daily obituary column to make sure that mine is not listed there. In the past two weeks I have observed that two different families made the choice to use pictures of their departed loved ones when they were young. The pictures of the two ladies depicted the beauty of their youth. However, at the time of their deaths they both were in their 80s. The obituaries detailed the various activities and accomplishments of these two ladies during their lifetimes and both were very impressive. You know when you have a picture in front of you and reading the obituary of the person it really comes home to you that regardless of the beauty of youth and the achievements attained in life, death will eventually come to each person. The inspired writer informs us in Hebrews 9:27: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (NKJV). The Preacher in Ecclesiastes 9:5 wrote: “For the living know that they will die.” In Ecclesiastes 12 the writer details the aging process from youth to old age and eventually death. I often relate to people who are growing older that “I have …