Historical Posts
It is Hip to Call Evil Good and Good Evil
It May Be “Hip” To Call Evil Good, But God Says, “Woe Unto Them That Call Evil Good, And Good Evil”
In Isaiah 5:20, the prophet of the Lord pronounced “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Lately, I find myself shaking my head more and more frequently at the news that comes from every corner of the United States. Things that once were universally considered evil, wicked and sinful seem no longer to be seen as such by the majority of the population. Things that were once universally considered good, wholesome, and right are now seen as hateful, oppressive and wrong by an increasing number of people. When I was young, I used to think that old people were irrational for grumbling about how bad things were, in society, when compared with how they used to be. Now, I find myself grumbling in exactly the same way. I guess it means that I’m getting old – but it also means that I’m finding out just how right my elders were in their assessment of the world.
In Isaiah’s day, there were probably quite a few people who thought that he was just a grouchy old man who didn’t know what he was talking about, but they ought to have been listening to him. He tried to warn the people of his generation about the error of their ways, calling evil good, and he pleaded with them to repent before it was eternally too late. But most of the people were bent upon doing what they wanted to do, and they paid no attention to the Lord’s prophet. Jeremiah summed up the attitude of the people very well, “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so” (Jeremiah 5:31). We are living in a topsy-turvy world, and it seems that the people love to have it so.
Consider how society’s attitude toward sin has changed. Sin has always been part of the human condition (Romans 3:23). But, in days gone by, people knew what sin is, and if they committed sin, they were not proud of what they had done, calling evil good. People used to feel ashamed of themselves, when they did something they knew they ought not to do, or failed to do something they ought to do (Hebrews 10:26-27; James 4:17). But, nowadays, people are proud of their sins, and because of their pride, they see no need to repent of their sins.
Ezra wrote about people who had a proper perspective on their own sins, “And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased overour head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens” (Ezra 9:6). Jeremiah, on the other hand, wrote about people who are very much like modern Americans, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: in the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 6:15).
Today, people are proud to be homosexual, fornicators, adulterers, and to commit all manner of abomination. The very notion of “Gay Pride” is an affront to all that is good and holy. But, if any Christian dares to oppose such a thing, he is called “bigot” and “intolerant” and “hateful.” This is how the world calls evil good and good evil. It’s enough to make many Christians want to give up the good fight of faith!
But, I want to encourage Christians to hold fast against the rising tide of the world’s love for sin and hatred of righteousness. We can’t be calling evil good and good evil. Paul said it best, when he wrote to Timothy, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But, evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou inthings which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou has known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:12-15). Every new generation thinks that the world is only getting worse. From the stand-point of morality, maybe that is true, but the key to coping with the ascendancy of sin in the world is to build your personal faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Without a doubt, society is moving swiftly to transform what people think about sin and righteousness. Things that people once did not talk about, because they were sinful, are now graphically displayed on television and the internet. Preachers and teachers who tell people what the Bible says about sin are vilified, as hate-mongers who want to keep people from being happy. However, now is not the time to shrink from the challenge before us. We all must stand up and speak out for what is true and right, in every public forum. God has not given up on trying to save the world, and neither should we (2 Timothy 4:1-5)!
Nurture and Admonition of the Lord
Parents are responsible to teach about Biblical marriage.
Parents, have you considered the fact that it is now entirely up to you to teach your children about Biblical marriage? Once upon a time, in our society, the Biblical definition of marriage was the only one that people knew. It was what was accepted as “normal.” It was the ideal to which everyone aspired. But, that is no longer the case.
Schools, television and internet teach Biblical marriage is oppressive.
Today, our children are being incorrectly taught at school, on television, and on the Internet that the Biblical definition of marriage is wrong, oppressive, and a big part of what is wrong with our society. This idea has been presented to us in very subtle ways, for the past 50 years, but now that marriage has been successfully redefined and reinvented in our courts, there is no longer any need for subtlety. Sadly, society is not going to present a positive view of Biblical marriage anymore. This mean it is up to Christian parents to teach their children things that were once universally accepted by all.
Care about our children means we must “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”.
We must not fail to teach the truth to our children, or the definition of Biblical marriage might become something that is unknown to an entire generation. With the immoral changes that have come to pass in modern society, the world is a much more dangerous place for spiritually minded people than it ever was before. Care about our children means we must “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). We cannot take it for granted that they will learn anything correct about marriage from the world around them. We cannot even take it for granted that the teaching they receive at church will be enough.
It is our parental responsibility.
Children need their parents to direct them and show them the way that they ought to go, in life (Proverbs 22:6). It’s a topsy-turvy world. Our kids are going to live in it and they need to be armed with knowledge of God’s Word, and a good example to follow. It is our parental responsibility.
Can People Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit?
Can people be baptized in the Holy Spirit?
This question has been asked with great frequency, since I first started answering questions on the radio, twenty years ago. It seems to be of keen interest to those who are not members of the church of Christ, as it relates directly to a popular denominational doctrine. There are a great many people in the modern religious world who believe that baptism in the Holy Spirit (either in addition to, or instead of baptism in water) is what saves a person from sin. Believers in this teaching may be seen regularly on television; waving their arms in the air and calling for the Holy Spirit to be “poured out” upon them. Sometimes, you may hear people talk about the “direct operation of the Holy Spirit,” which is thought by some to be a term, which describes what the Holy Spirit does, when a believer is immersed in Him. Is this teaching Biblical? What does the Bible say about the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation?
The Bible plainly teaches that Jesus promised baptism in the Holy Spirit to a specific group of individuals and, aside from one important exception, they were the only people ever to be baptized in such a way. Just before His ascension into Heaven, Jesus gathered together His apostles, and told them to wait in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of certain promises, saying, “John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:4-5). A short time later, when the apostles were gathered together in a secluded place, the Lord’s promise was fulfilled (Acts 2:1-4). Some argue that there were more than just the twelve apostles present in the place where they received the fulfillment of the promise that Jesus had made, but a careful reading of Acts 1:26 reveals that only the twelve apostles were present. Others argue that John promised baptism in the Holy Spirit to all who heard him (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16), but this is not necessarily so. These verses reveal that John also promised a baptism in “fire” to those who heard him (indicating a great degree of suffering to be endured), yet not everyone who heard John received it. Clearly, he had in mind only those for whom it was intended. The same may be said about the promise of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
The only reasonable objection to the idea that the apostles were the only people to whom baptism in the Holy Spirit was promised is to argue that, since the Holy Spirit “fell on[Cornelius and his household] as on [the apostles] in the beginning” (Acts 11:15), in Acts 10, it must follow that the same thing can happen to believers today. However, this objection is impossible to prove. First of all, because it must be admitted that the primary reason why the Holy Spirit “fell” upon Cornelius and his household was to show the members of the ancient church that Gentiles could be Chris-tians too (Acts 10:44-48; 11:15-18). Secondly, because it must be admitted that there is no other account of anything like this happening to anyone else, in all of Scripture. Every indication is that this event was exceptional and atypical of what was happening to those who were being converted in the first century.
Every other verse in the New Testament plainly teaches that only baptism in water can remit the sins of mankind. Ephesians 4:5 indicates that that there is only one baptism, which the Lord recognizes. A host of passages in the New Testament affirm that this “one baptism” is baptism in water (John 3:23; Acts 8:36; 10:47). Passages like Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 describe baptism as “burial” in water. This is an obvious reference to immersion in water, and it shows how baptism mimics the burial of Christ, following His death on the cross. Peter preached that people are baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38), and Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). In view of these truths, it is no small wonder that the apostle Peter would eventually write, “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Peter 3:21).
The role played by the Holy Spirit in the conversion of lost souls is understandable. Ephesians 6:17 says that the “sword of the Spirit” is “the word of God,” and Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is living and active in the conversion of lost souls, whenever the Word of God is used to persuade people to be saved. It is the medium used by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the accomplishment of any aspect of the will of God, including the conversion of lost souls, (1 Corinthians 1:21; Romans 10:17). I would never presume to argue that that the Holy Spirit does not play a role in the conversion of lost souls, but I do take exception with the assertion that people must be baptized in the Holy Spirit to be saved.
What Can I Do To Make My Marriage Happy
The best advice on how to make a happy marriage is in the New Testament.
Although most people in troubled relationships look elsewhere, some of the best advice on how to have a happy marriage can be found in the New Testament. The one passage that says the most on marriage is Ephesians 5:22-33. In its entirety, the passage reads as follows:
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave him-self for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
In these verses, Paul discussed Christ’s relationship with His church, but to make his point he revealed many inspired facts about how the husband and wife relationship is sup-posed to work in marriage. He declared that the husband is to be the “head” of the wife, in the same way that Christ is the “head” of the church (Ephesians 5:23). In His role as the Head of the church, Jesus provides for its needs (Matthew 6:33), leads it in the way it ought to go (1 Peter 2:21), and strives to keep it from falling apart (John 17:20-21). These are the same responsibilities that God has placed upon husbands, in a marriage relationship. A husband must provide for the needs of his wife (2 Timothy 5:8). He must take the lead, in guiding his family down the right spiritual path (Ephesians 6:4). He must be diligent in doing all that he can do to promote unity and harmony of his home (Matthew 19:6b). Note that Bible does not indicate, in any passage, that husbands are to be the dictators of their homes, oppressing their wives and children into submission. Some have attempted to us the Bible to justify abusive behavior, but the Bible offers no such justification. The truth is that, in today’s world, many marriages fail, because of husbands who neglect their responsibilities as the “head” of the home.
Paul also stressed that husbands are to “love” their wives, in the same way that Christ “loved” the church, pointing out that He “gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). Jesus’ love for the church was pure, absolute, and unconditional. So must a husband’s love be for his wife (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Paul reminded husbands that the love they have for their wives ought to be in proportion to the love they have for themselves; indicating that the “golden rule” ought to be observed in marriage, as in life (Ephesians 5:28-29; Matthew 7:12). Love that sustains a marriage through the years is more than just a feeling. It is a commitment that creates a symbiotic bond, which makes it seem impossible for the husband to exist without the wife and vice versa.
Paul did admonish wives to “submit” to their husbands, in the same way that the church submits to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22). This does not mean that women must adopt a subservient role in their homes and marriage, having no voice in how their families are run. As a matter of fact, in situations where the husband either cannot or will not fulfill his responsibilities as “head” of the house, the wife must step up and do what needs to be done. In doing so, she fulfills her role as “keeper” of the home (Titus 2:3-5). When a husband faithfully fulfills his role as the “head” of the home, his wife must recognize that he is acting in the best interests of the family, and “submit” to his leadership. In doing so, she fulfills her role as “an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). A wife is to be supportive of her husband’s leadership in the marriage and home. This is what it means for her to “reverence” her husband. If she does not give him the support he needs, then the home may be in danger of breaking apart.
Life and Death
The Bible Sheds Light on Life and Death
Hebrews 9:27 reads, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Sooner or later, every human being experiences death. Death is the inevitable end of life. Whenever someone we love dies, we are vividly reminded of our own mortality, and of the fact that we shall die also, unless we are alive when the Lord returns to the Earth (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Life on Earth is overcast by the looming shadow of death (Psalm 23:4), and many live in abject terror of facing the end of life. We all face life and death.
What is death? It may surprise you to know that doctors, lawyers and philosophers find that a very difficult question to answer. Is death the cessation of the beating of one’s heart? Not necessarily. The definitions of life and death can be difficult. Some life-saving surgical procedures require the patient’s heart to be stopped for long periods of time. Some people’s hearts have stopped beating for several minutes at a time, only to be restarted by doctors. Is death the cessation of respiratory function? Not necessarily. The human body can survive for several minutes at a time without breathing, under certain conditions. There are many documented cases of people who were fully revived, even after their breathing had stopped for much longer than anyone had ever thought possible. Is death the cessation of brain function? Not necessarily. There are cases of people whose brain functions ceased for months, or even years at a time, and yet they were able to completely recover. Questions like these, about life and death, are debated in our courts, halls of medicine, and halls of academia, with no easy answers forthcoming.
Can the Bible shed some light on questions about the definition of death? As a matter of fact, the Bible offers us its own definition of death, in James 2:26. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Some have argued that the word, “spirit” ought to be translated, “breath,” since that is the primary meaning of the Greek word, in the text. But, the secondary meaning is “spirit,” and that is the translation that is called for, in the context (as in John 4:24). Besides, we have already pointed out that, just because someone has stopped breathing, it does not necessarily mean that they are dead.
Once the spirit leaves the body, the body begins to decay (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Only God can restore life to such a dead body (John 3:2). Only God has made something living out of something that is not living (Genesis 2:7). People who are truly dead (according to the Biblical definition) cannot be brought back to life by any natural means. This is why I am convinced that people who claim to have died and come back to life probably did not, in reality, experience the death that they claim to have experienced.
For most people, life and death are a great mystery. People speculate about life and death and whether there is any such thing as life after death. Some argue that, in death, the souls sleeps until it is awakened by resurrection. Others say that, in death, one simply ceases to exist. But, the Bible says that, while death may be the end of life on Earth, it is not the end of life, altogether. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus gives us the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, demonstrating life and death. Both of these men died, and both of them continued to live on, after physical death. The rich man experienced the best that life had to offer, in this world, but he then experienced the worst that life has to offer, in eternity. Lazarus’ experience was just the opposite of the rich man. From this parable, we learn many things; not the least of which is that, faithfulness to God, in this life, results in an eternal reward, in Heaven (Luke 16:25).
When we think of life and death, we often think of death as being final, and absolute. But, the truth of the matter is that death is not a permanent condition. Instead, death is a transition from life in this physical world to life in the spiritual world. The time is coming, when death shall no longer exist (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). When God shall destroy this world and we shall exist only the spirit world, where death has no dominion (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). At that time, death shall be destroyed, and the faithful shall live eternally – without the shadow of death looming (Revelation 20:14).
Now is the time for us to prepare ourselves for what lies beyond life in this world. We all ought to learn from death that we shall not live in this world forever (Hebrews 9:27). Here and now is the only time and place to prepare for what lies beyond (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
What About Music at Weddings?
Though weddings are civil ceremonies, they are not occasions to go beyond the limits of the Law of Christ.
While the Bible has much to say about marriage, it has very little to say about marriage ceremonies and weddings. Yet, there are questions that frequently arise about whether the Bible does or does not authorize certain practices at weddings. In answering such questions, it is important to remember that marriage ceremonies are, in essence, civil ceremonies, rather than religious services. The objective of weddings is not to worship God, but to celebrate the commitment that is being made by the bride and groom. Therefore, there are certain things that would be permissible at weddings, which would not be permissible at worship services, and vice versa.
For example, the question of whether or not it is Scriptural to use mechanical instruments of music at weddings is one that arises with great frequency. Certainly, it is a violation of the teaching of the New Testament to use mechanical instruments of music in worship. Passages like Ephesians 5:19 make it abundantly clear that worshippers are to “sing,” with the Scriptures authorizing nothing more and nothing less than that. Note the reading of the passage: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Even just this one verse makes it obvious that the Lord desires pure and unadulterated singing, as part of the worship we offer Him. The word, “speaking,” indicates that it is to be a verbal exercise. The phrase, “making melody in your heart,” indicates that whatever tune is being sung is to be kept in our bodies, and not on any kind of mechanical instrument, like an organ or a piano. When compared with other passages, like Colossians 3:16 and Hebrews 13:15, it is quite evident that God expects all of His saints to sing together, without anything to drown out the words of truth being sung, as part of the worship we present to Him (John 4:23-24).
But, as we have already pointed out, a wedding ceremony is not a worship service. The same standards do not apply in both cases. If a bride and groom wish to have music played on an instrument like an organ, or a piano, or a violin at their wedding, there is not any commandment in the Scriptures that would forbid it. There are, however, some obstacles that Christians couples may have to overcome, in order to have mechanical instruments of music at their wedding ceremony.
It may be the case that the church building in which they wish to be married has something called an “exclusion clause” in its deed. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when churches of Christ were dividing over the issue of instrumental music, some brethren had clauses written into the deeds of their church buildings, which forbade any mechanical instruments of music to be brought on the premises for any reason. It may be the case that, even if the leadership of the church agrees to allow an instrument to be brought into the church building for a wedding, it is impossible to do so for legal reasons.
Also, Christian couples must consider the example they are setting for their friends and family, who are not members of the Lord’s church. It may seem hypocritical for brethren to forbid the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship, but then allow them to be used at weddings. Since we are commanded to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22), it is wise to consider how guests at a wedding might perceive the use of such things.
I am persuaded that it is sinful for Christians to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” with the accompaniment of mechanical instruments of music, under any circumstances. The Bible is silent on the matter, so it may not be argued that there is Scriptural authority for the practice (Colossians 3:17). As it has already been observed, Christians who sing praise to God with the accompaniment of mechanical instruments of music may be seen as hypocrites by people in the denominational world. Such confusion can poison a Christian’s influence and result in turning souls away from the truth (Matthew 5:13-16).
Anyone who is planning a wedding would do well to heed the words of Paul, in Ephesians 5:15, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” Even though weddings are civil ceremonies, they are not occasions to go beyond the limits of the Law of Christ. A couple seeking to celebrate their union in holy matrimony ought to do so in accordance with their wishes, as long as they do not do so at the expense of compromising God’s will.
An Abundant Life
God’s promise of an abundant life in Jesus
Jesus provides an abundant linfe. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” The context in which this verse appears is a discussion of the Lord’s role as the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-17). In this discussion, Jesus made many important points about how He interacts with His “sheep” (you and me).
- The Good Shepherd is not a thief, so He enters the sheepfold through the door.
- He knows the names of His sheep and His sheep recognize His voice (John 10:1-5).
- Jesus also described Himself as the Door through which His sheep enter into His fold (the church). Everyone else who pretends to be the Messiah is a thief and a robber, who wants only to destroy the sheep (John 10:7-10).
- The Good Shepherd cares about His sheep, and would lay down his life for them. A hireling (also a Messianic pretender) will not give his life for the sheep. That is something that only the Good Shepherd will do (John 10:11-14).
However, I want to focus on Jesus’ statement in the latter part of John 10:10. What is an abundant life? What did Jesus promise, when He promised to His sheep, life more abundantly?
The English word, “abundantly” is translated from a Greek word, which means, “exceedingly; above measure.” It is used again in Ephesians 3:20, which says, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” One of the central ideas of this passage is that God is capable of doing things that we haven’t even thought of yet. Why, then, should we limit our prayers to meager requests for God’s help with this, or that? Christians ought to learn to think big, dream big of an abundant life, and make bold requests of our God, who is able to exceed our expectations and bless us even beyond our capacity to receive blessing (Malachi 3:10).
The promise of an abundant life, therefore, is the promise of a life that exceeds our expectations and surpasses what we might think of as reasonably good. As Christians, we are blessed with certain assurances, which make life on Earth a much more pleasant prospect than it might be otherwise (Ephesians 1:3). For example, the assurance of eternal salvation gives us an inner peace, which the world cannot even comprehend (Philippians 4:7). Also, the assurance of God’s providence at work in our lives comforts us, when times are tough (Matthew 6:25-34). Finally, the assurance of knowing what will happen to us when we die helps us not be afraid of death, so that we can embrace all that life has to offer us (Revelation 14:13). These concepts all contribute to living an abundant life. Christians have much to live for, in this world, and they have much to look forward to, in the next (Philippeans 1:21).
Not only does living for Jesus benefit us here, but it also benefits us in the hereafter. What faithful Christians have to look forward to in eternity is such an abundant life it defies human description. John’s vision of Heaven, in the Revelation, was something that was unlike anything he had ever seen on Earth. He used the words “like” and “as” so many times in the book of Revelation, because he was trying to describe in Earthly terms something that transcends life in this world. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John say the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4) John told us about Heaven by telling us what is not there: death, sorrow, crying, and pain. These are things which can make life on Earth miserable, therefore they do not exist in Heaven!
An abundant life is something that is promised to every Christian, so let us resolve to lay claim to our share of it. Let us rejoice in all the blessings with which the Father so abundantly blesses us (Philippeans 4:4). Let us trust in the blessed assurance of the promises that God has made to all who will yield to His will (2 Peter 3:9). Let us look forward to the prospect of an eternal home in Heaven, and allow this hope of eternal life to be the anchor, which keeps our souls steadfastly secured to our Lord and Savior (Hebrews 6:19).
May we all live an abundant life, victoriously, and triumphantly, in this present world!
A Sense of Urgency
Feel a sense of urgency when it comes to evangelism.
As we approach the start of the 19th Annual Madisonville Church of Christ Bible Lectureship, I find myself thinking more and more about the theme of this year’s program – Evangelism: Our Mission and Passion. Do Christians really understand that the evangelism of lost souls is the mission upon which the Lord has sent us in this world? In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with your always, even unto the end of the world.” In Mark 16:15-16, Jesus said: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” In Luke 24:46-47, Jesus said, “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” Do we really take the great commission personally? Do we understand that it is OUR task to evangelize the whole world? Do we realize that, if we fail to do it, there is no one else who will? If we did, then perhaps we would feel more of a sense of urgency, when it comes to evangelism.
Are we truly passionate about evangelism? Every Christian wants the church to grow, but few seem to want to do anything about it (Matthew 9:37). There seems to be no sense of urgency. The only way that the church will grow is if the members of it will actively attempt to recruit others to join the cause of Christ. Please don’t imagine that the preacher and his family are the only ones who are supposed to play and active role in the evangelism of our community. A preacher’s influence is limited to those around him. You will encounter people in the course of your daily life that your preacher might never even meet! Who is going to speak to them about Jesus, if you do not?
Those of us who have had some success in seeking and saving the lost know that there is no other feeling on Earth to compare with knowing that you have made a difference in someone’s eternal destiny. Being passionate about evangelism is not something that one can just “switch on” and “switch off.” It is something that comes with experience of seeking the lost. How many people have you led to Christ? There is still time to increase that number!
Next weekend, we will be in the midst of our Bible lectureship. We all need to hear the lectures that will be presented, and so do our friends and neighbors, who are lost in their sins. I want to challenge you to think of ten people you know, who are not Christians, whom you can invite to come to the lectureship. It doesn’t matter if you send them an invitation in the mail, or post an invitation on their Facebook page, or call them up on the telephone and invite them, or invite them in a text message, or even invite them in person. Just invite them to “come and see” what the Lord’s church has to offer. If even just one soul says “Yes” and comes to the lectureship, you will have done something wonderful for them and for yourself.
Evangelism is our mission, and it certainly ought to be our passion and be undertaken with a sense of urgency. My sincere hope and fervent prayer is that, by the end of the next weekend, all of us shall renew our commitment to tell everyone we know about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to take as many souls with us to Heaven as we possibly can.
To God, be the glory!
What is Happening to The Lord’s Church?
Declining? What is Happening to The Lord’s Church?
Lately, I’ve been reading several articles and blogs on the declining state of the churches of Christ. Certainly, there is no denying that the statistical evidence shows that the total number of members of the Lord’s church in the United States of America has been declining steadily (by about one half of one percent per year) since the 1990’s. Towns that once had thriving congregations now have no church at all. Right here, in Hopkins County, the city of Dawson Springs once had a church that was capable of supporting a preacher, but now has no church of Christ, at all. This sort of thing is happening all over the country. What’s happening to the Lord’s Church?
Based on my own observations, it seems to me that there are many factors that are contributing to the numerical decline in the ranks of the Lord’s Church. For one thing, our society, as a whole, has changed its attitude toward religion in general. More and more Americans identify themselves as atheist or agnostic. Some have been made suspicious of religion by the high-profile scandals that have come to light, in recent years. Many have become so caught-up in materialism that they simply do not care about religion, as they once did. Take for example, the horrific events of September 11, 2001. On the Sunday following that tragic Tuesday, churches all over the country were braced for a massive influx of people who had not been coming regularly, but the numbers show that, while some churches saw an increase in attendance, many did not. In contrast with previous events, like the Cuban missile crisis in the early 1960s, the “bump” in church attendance was hardly noticeable and completely unsustained.
While there are none who would deny that our culture has changed, there are many who place the blame for declining membership in the Lord’s Church rests squarely on the shoulders of the church itself. They claim that the Lord’s Church has been slow to respond to the changing times, and that we must make some substantive changes of our own to keep up. The problem is that some are proposing changes that are counter to the Biblical model, which we are supposed to defend and uphold (Jude 3).
Some are arguing that the Lord’s Church should have open fellowship with denominational churches, which the Bible warns us not to do (Ephesians 5:11). Some say that we should open up leadership roles for women in the church, which the Bible again warns us not to do (1 Timothy 2:9-15). Some recommend that we should not insist upon a capella singing in worship services of the Lord’s Church, which the Bible insists upon (Ephesians 5:19). Some assert that we should stop talking so much about the essentiality of baptism in salvation, as does the Word of God (Mark 16:16). In fact, many are insisting that we place far too much emphasis upon the Bible, and that we need to stop quoting it so much, if we are going to connect with future generations. What do you think the Bible has to say about that (Colossians 3:17)?
Of course, the Lord’s Church can and should make changes that will help in the accomplishment of its mission. We need to learn how to use new technology to advance the cause of Christ. We need to avail ourselves of every opportunity we have to share the gospel with lost souls. We need to be more active in advocating what is right and opposing what is wrong. There are certain things that we, as the Lord’s Church, do have the liberty to change. But there are some things that we cannot and must not change. It is important for us to know the difference (Romans 14:23).
It seems to me that one of the biggest contributing factors to the decline in membership in the churches of Christ, the Lord’s Church, is that the church is no longer on the offensive when it comes to evangelism. When every member of the Lord’s Church learns to take the initiative, invite people to come to worship and study with them, talk to them about the fundamentals of faith, and show them the way that leads from Earth to Heaven, then our numbers may increase. For too long, we have focused our attention upon how to keep ourselves entertained, rather than how we may save lost souls. Salvation is the issue. If we will keep ourselves focused on lost souls, then we will spend more time in the Word of God, and we will remember and not forget the fundamentals of faith, because we will be teaching them to others.
What is happening to the Lord’s Church is nothing new (John 6:66-68). What we do about it may well determine what will become of the church in the future.
Who is The Holy Spirit?
What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit?
Who is The Holy Spirit? While no one has ever actually asked me a question which was worded in exactly that fashion, I have been asked about the essence of this question on more than one occasion. Also, it should be noted that, in undertaking a study of the Holy Spirit, it is absolutely essential that this question be asked and answered, in order to lay a proper foundation upon which full understanding of the subject may be built. In answering this question, it is not my intention to engage in idle speculation about the nature of the Holy Spirit, nor is it my intention to advance unsubstantiated theories about the Holy Spirit, but simply to document what the Bible says about the subject.
It is important to understand that the Holy Spirit is a living being. While the Spirit of God is without gender, it can hardly be said that He is merely an “it,” with no personification (Romans 8:26-27). It is true that the Greek word which is translated “Spirit” in English versions of the New Testament literally means “a current of air, such as a breath, blast, breeze, etc.,” but this does not mean that the Holy Spirit is just a wil-o-wisp, with no sentient qualities. According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit has a mind (Romans 8:27), He has a will (Acts 16:7; 21:11-14), He has knowledge (1 Corinthians 2:1-13), He can speak (1 Timothy 4:1), He can teach (Nehemiah 9:20), He searches (1 Corinthians 2:10), He helps (Romans 8:26), He strives (Genesis 6:3), He loves (Romans 15:30), He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), He can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4), He can lead, or forbid (Acts 16:6-7) and He can command, call, or send (Acts 13:2-4). It is difficult for the human mind to conceive of the “form of God,” because God is a spirit (John 4:24), and is not composed of flesh and bone (Luke 24:39). However, it should be noted that, while the Bible does not say exactly what the Holy Spirit looks like, there is plenty of reason to believe that His “form” is very much like that of the other members of the Godhead (Philippians 2:6).
It is important to understand that the Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead. In the simplest of terms, “Godhead” is synonymous with “Godhood,” and may be described as the state, or office, or quality of being God. The most common Hebrew word for God is a plural term, and the second most common Hebrew word for God is considered to be the Jewish name for God (Psalms 83:18). Both of these terms appear in Deuteronomy 6:4, which reads, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:” This passage sets forth the idea that, although the Godhead is composed of three persons, there is only one God. As 1 John 5:7 affirms, “there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
The Holy Spirit is usually referred to as the “Third Person” of the Godhead. This does not mean that He is of lesser importance and power than the Father and the Son. According to Hebrews 9;14, the Holy Spirit is eternal, just like the Father and the Son. According to Micah 3:8, He is omnipotent, just like the Father and the Son. According to 1 Corinthians 2:10, He is omniscient, just like the Father and the Son. According to Psalm 139:7, He is omnipresent, just like the Father and the Son.
The role of the Holy Spirit within the context of the Godhead has been described as that of “organizer,” with the Father being the “planner,” and the Son being the “executor.” One of the best examples of this arrangement is seen in the creation of the universe, in which the Father commanded (Genesis 1:1), the Son created (John 1:3), and the Holy Spirit brooded (Genesis 1:2). In addition to this, the Holy Spirit is responsible for inspiring the writers of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:12-21), and for the miraculous conception of Jesus (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35), among other things.
The Bible reveals much about the nature and work of the Holy Spirit. While there are many misconceptions about who the Holy Spirit is, and what He does, the Word of God makes it possible for us to know the truth about the Spirit of God. In the final analysis, we must not trust the teaching of men on this issue, but rather we must place our truth in the Word of our Heavenly Father, which will not lead us astray.
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what to pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” – Romans 8:26
50 Shades of Facebook
You may have missed this in the news cycle, but the social-media giant, Facebook, made an interesting announcement last week. In the midst of so much controversy about granting special rights and privileges to homosexuals in America, Facebook has added a new feature to the “about” section of everyone’s personal profiles. In addition to the gender distinctions “male” and “female,” it is now possible to list oneself as any one of fifty other possible choices. Options like “transgender,” “cisgender,” “gender fluid,” “intersex” and “neither” are now available to users in the United States. As CNN put it in an article on their web site, “You don’t have to be a man or a woman on Facebook anymore.”
In an explanation posted on Facebook’s “Diversity” page, a spokesperson said, “When you came to Facebook to connect with other people, causes, and organizations you care about, we want you to feel comfortable being your true, authentic self.” The post then added, “An important part of this is the expression of gender, especially when it extends beyond the definitions of just ‘male’ or ‘female,’… So today, we’re proud to offer a new custom gender option to help you express your own identity on Facebook.” Facebook says that it worked with a group of leading advocacy organizations to come up with the new gender categories. According to Allison Palmer, a former GLAAD vice president, who worked on the project, “Facebook users from across the country have been asking for the ability to reflect their gender accurately, and today Facebook showed they have been listening.”
In light of the moral confusion reigning in today’s society, it is not altogether shocking than an influential web site like Facebook would submit to pressure from militant homosexual advocacy groups. As a part of their ongoing struggle against reality, many such groups have sought to redefine universally recognized terms in order to skew the discussion in their favor. The promotion of gender confusion is a tactic that has served them well. It does not win them many battles in the present, but will assure victory for them in the future. By confusing children about the issue of gender, the homosexual movement in America hopes to recruit more of the next generation to its cause.
Recently, there have been numerous reports of parents demanding access for their elementary school age boys to the girls restrooms and vice versa, because they assert that their children are “confused” about their gender. In middle school and high school, gender confusion has led some boys to be granted special permission to compete in girls sports and vice versa. Some parents have even sought to have their children surgically altered, because of gender confusion. At a time when children are vulnerable and need their parents to guide them, some parents are being influenced by homosexual propaganda to feed their children’s insecurities, rather than to help them understand and interact with society at large. We are becoming a nation of “enablers,” as we celebrate and encourage homosexual behavior, instead of trying to correct it.
I know that this is a controversial thing to say, but homosexuality is condemned in the Bible – just as fornication, adultery, incest and transexuality are condemned as sin. “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (Romans 1:26-27; NKJV). Notice that Paul described homosexual behavior as “shameful.” Today, it is precisely the opposite of that. “Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The terms, “homosexuals” and “sodomites” are translated from a Greek term, which mean “submissive” and “dominant” homosexuals, respectively. Paul was anything but ambiguous in his condemnation of homosexual behavior.
I still have a profile on Facebook and I hope that I can use it to accomplish some good. The Internet, like other forms of media, can be used either to promote good or evil. It is up to us to decide which.
Maybe They Are Born That Way?
Sin results from life choices, not because people are born that way.
Much has been reported lately about an effort that is being put forth to allow “transgender” students at Madisonville North Hopkins High School to use the restroom of the opposite sex, if they choose to do so. Furthermore, these students want their teachers to refer to them using the personal pronouns of their choosing. By “transgender,” I mean students who are convinced that they are actually not the gender with which they were born. They say that they are “a man trapped in a woman’s body,” or “a woman trapped in a man’s body”, that they are born that way. They suffer from what was once considered a psychological disorder, but instead of seeking treatment, they are trying to convince everyone else to support them in their delusion. In their effort to do so, they “crossdress” (girls dress as boys and boys dress as girls), “roleplay” (girls behave as boys and boys behave as girls), and attempt to gain legal standing from the authorities, as well as sympathy from the general public. This is what is taking place in our community, at our local high school.
The primary claim of those who suffer from transgender disorder is that they are born that way and cannot help being who they are. Like homosexuals, they claim that they are the way that they are as a result of some kind of genetic, or birth defect. For many years, the “LGBT” (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender) community, as they have styled themselves, has argued that there must be a “gay gene,” which is responsible for their sexual orientation. But, in the course of mapping the human genome, a “gay gene” has never been found. Of course, if one was ever found, that would mean that parents, through genetic engineering, could ensure that their children would not be born that way, and the population of the LGBT community could be wiped out in a generation. Other theories have suggested that one becomes a homosexual through some abnormality that takes place during gestation, or even childbirth. It has been postulated that some boys are so bombarded by female hormones in their mother’s womb that they become “feminized” prior to birth. Of course, there is no actual science to back up this theory, but even if it were true, that would still make homosexuality an abnormality that can be prevented, and this theory does not account for women who are attracted to women.
The greatest problem with the so-called “science” of homosexuality is that the LGBT community uses it to try to explain why they are the way that they are, while at the same time trying to convince everyone that there is nothing wrong with them, and that they should be accepted as a normal part of society. In their failed attempts to explain homosexuality as natural and normal, they are forced to concede that it is both unnatural and abnormal. The truth of the matter is that people who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender are what they are because of the choices they have made in their lives, not because they are born that way. Like fornicators, adulterers, pedophiles and other sexual miscreants, their consciences have been seared to such a degree that they are convinced of their incapacity to change. This amplified degree of self-denial is what keeps them trapped in a lifestyle that is self-destructive for their bodies and for their souls.
Homosexuality is a sin. Both lesbians and gays are condemned, in the Scriptures, as sinners (Romans 1:26-27). Bi-sexuality is a sin. It is condemned by the same passages that condemn homosexuality. Being transgender is a sin. The Scriptures teach that men must dress and act like men, and that women must dress and act like women. Those men who are “effeminate” and “abusers of themselves with mankind” are classified as “unrighteous” in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). These behaviors have always been sinful, according to the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:22-23; 20:13; Deuteronomy 23:17). Even in nature, it must be admitted that homosexual behavior is not normal behavior (1 Corinthians 11:14).
One fact in this debate, which is often overlooked is that it is possible for people in the LGBT community to get out, and to live a life that is free from sexual sin. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul wrote, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” On the heels of a condemnation of homosexuality, Paul declared that he knew people who had been in that lifestyle, but had changed their lives for the better. There are cases in the modern world of such successes. Members of the LGBT community have no excuse for failing to repent!
Lord, Teach Us to Pray
Many today do not properly understand what prayer is and how they ought to pray. Answers can be found in the words of our Lord.
Jesus taught His disciples how to pray on at least two occasions. These are recorded in Matthew 6 and Luke 11. Prayer is an important part of maintaining a good relationship with God. Just as God communicates with us through the teachings of His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2), we communicate with Him through our prayers (Philippeans 4:6). Yet, there are many today who do not properly understand what prayer is and how they ought to pray, so they do not pray as they ought (James 4:3). These people have questions, which deserve answers – and these answers can be found in the words of our Lord.
First, there is the question, “To whom should our prayers be addressed?” Some people pray to God, others to Jesus, others to Mary, or some other dead “saint,” while others pray to the spirits of departed loved ones. Are all of these Scriptural addressees of our prayers? What did Jesus say about this matter?
In Matthew 6:9, Jesus said, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven…” In Luke 11:2, Jesus said, “When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven…” The Lord taught His disciples to pray to God, the Father. Our prayers should not be directed to anyone else. This, however, does not mean that Christ and the Holy Spirit have nothing to do with our prayers. Jesus instructed His disciples to pray to the Father, in His name (John 16:23). The Holy Spirit plays a role in our prayers, in that He “helpeth our infirmities” (Romans 8:26). Also, it must be noted that Jesus taught His disciples to keep the Father’s name “hallowed,” or “sacred” (Matthew 6:9). One way that we might do that today is to address God using the pronouns, “thee, thou, thine, etc.,” which are reserved in our language for references to deity.
Next, there is the question, “What should I include in my prayers?” In His “model prayers,” Jesus taught His disciples to include praise for God in their prayers (Matthew 6; Luke 11). He taught them to be submissive to God’s will, in their prayers, and to ask God for daily blessings. He taught them to pray, not only for themselves, but especially for others. Throughout the New Testament, Christians are encouraged to pray for all kinds of people: for enemies (Matthew 5:44), for friends (James 5:16), for the sick (James 5;14), for the authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2), etc. Jesus taught His disciples to include the giving of thanks in their prayers. In fact, the concepts of prayer and thanksgiving are mentioned together many times, in the New Testament (Philippeans 4:6; Colossians 4:2). He taught them, most importantly, to pray for forgiveness for their sins and for the sins of others, as well. Christ warned His disciples that, if they refused to extend forgiveness to others, they would not be forgiven for their own sins (Matthew 6:14-15). All of these things ought to be found commonly in our daily prayers – although it is not necessary that every one of these be included in every one of our prayers.
Then, there is question, “How often should I pray?” The Bible does not specify a precise number of times per day that a Christian should pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reads, “Pray without ceasing.” In essence, it means that every Christian should pray to God as often as he can. Many Christians pray every morning, as they are preparing to take on a new day. Most Christians pray before every meal, to thank God for His providence. Most Christians pray when they go to bed at night, as they reflect upon the events of the waning day. In between these occasions, there are countless opportunities for Christians to speak to their Father, in prayer. God wants us to make good use of every one of them. How many times per day to you pray? Did you know that the typical Muslim prays five times every single day? As Christians, we serve a God who is much more deserving of our time and attention.
Once, I was asked this question: “Why does God want us to pray to Him? Doesn’t He know what we need without our having to ask Him?” Of course, God knows us better than we know ourselves (Luke 12:7). It is His love for us, which prompts Him to solicit our prayers (John 3:16). Just as a parent longs to hear the voices of his children, God longs to hear from us. He may not need us in the same way that we need Him, but He wants our love and our fellowship – given of our own free will (Romans 6:16-18). He is our Father and we are His children. It really is just as simple as that!
It is my sincere hope and fervent prayer that no Christian will ever let the blessed rite of prayer go unused. It is truly a shame when Christians neglect to pray. James 5:16 points out that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Prayer can make a big difference in the lives of individuals and in the world at large. Make a difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).
Does the Bible Contradict Science?
Does the Bible contradict science, or is the Bible confirmed by science? It depends what you accept as science.
Many people today hold to the misapprehension that the Bible contradicts scientific fact. The truth is that the Bible does not contradict true scientific fact. The Bible does contradict many unproven scientific theories (such as, the “Big Bang Theory” and the “Theory of Evolution”), but it does not contradict any proven, scientific facts. Does the Bible contradict science? No. As a matter of fact, the Bible offers some startling insights into science, which go well beyond what the ancients are known to have achieved.
In Isaiah 40:22, the text says, “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the Earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.” Written some 600 years before Christ, these words seem to suggest that, at a time when the rest of the world believed that the Earth was a flat, disc-shaped object, the Lord revealed to Isaiah that it is, in fact, a round, spherical object. About 100 years after Isaiah, Greek philosophers were the first to propose that the Earth is round, but it would not be until the Middle Ages that the idea would widely be accepted. Does the Bible contradict science? No. In fact, the Bible was ahead of time.
In Jeremiah 33:22, the text says, “As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister to me.” This reference is just one of many, which document the innumerability of the stars in the night sky (cf. Genesis 15:5; 22:17; 26:4). Ancient astronomers did try to count the stars, and they made some amazing astronomical observations with only their unaided eyes. Such accountings of the stars typically numbered a few thousand, but when the telescope was invented, in the 1600’s, scientists realized that the actual number of stars was far greater than that. To this day, it is not known exactly how many stars there are in our own galaxy, but estimates range from 200 to 400 billion. Furthermore, it is estimated that there are over 170 billion galaxies in the known universe, making the total number of stars in the sky impossible to accurately calculate. Does the Bible contradict science? No. Once again the Bible was ahead of its time.
In Job 28:25, the text says, “To make the weight of the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.” Today, it is known that the air in our atmosphere weighs 0.0807 pounds per cubic foot. That means, that in 13 cubic feet of space, there is about one pound of air. These scientific facts were not discovered until the 1500’s. Before that discovery was made, everyone thought that air had no weight at all. Does the Bible contradict science? No. God revealed that scientific fact to Job long before anyone else thought of it. Once again, the Bible was ahead of its time.
In Job 26:7, the text says, “He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the Earth upon nothing.” Today, it is known that the Earth orbits the sun, in a roughly circular fashion that takes one year to complete one circuit. But, the ancients did not know that. Some imagined that the Earth was carried on the backs of gigantic animals, or that a giant man carried it on his shoulders. While some Greek philosophers theorized that Earth orbits the sun, it was Copernicus who first proved it, in the early 1500’s. But, God revealed this scientific fact to Job long before the Greeks came up with the idea. Does the Bible contradict science? No. the was still Bible was ahead of its time.
In Leviticus 17:11, the text says, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” This passage demonstrates the scientific principle that blood is essential to life and good health. But, as recently as the 1800’s doctors would routinely bleed patients, thinking that they were removing toxins from the body. It was not until science proved the worthlessness of bloodletting that procedures changed. Once again, the Bible was ahead of its time. Once again, does the Bible contradict science? No.
Finally, in Job 38:16, the text says, “Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? Or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?” Here, the Lord revealed to Job the presence of freshwater springs in the world’s oceans. It seems that no one even thought that such things might exist, until they were discovered in the early years of submarine travel. Freshwater springs on the ocean floor can cause submarines to lose their buoyancy and sink. Within the last decade, vast reserves of fresh water have been discovered beneath the ocean floor and some scientists think that they might one day be used as sources of drinking water for humanity. Does the Bible contradict science? No. Again and again, the Bible is shown to be ahead of its time and confirmed by true science.
These examples are some of the best evidence that there is to show that the Bible is precisely what it claims to be. If anything, the Bible is confirmed by true science. The only question that remains is, will you do what the Bible says you must do to be saved?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Don’t Worry
Christians don’t worry the way the world does, even though God has not promised to shield us
As citizens of the United States of America, we are blessed beyond our capacity to appreciate it. We live in a time and place where life is easier and more convenient than it has ever been before. We get more done in less time than ever before, and we have much more time for leisurely pursuits. Yet, we also seem to be under much more stress than those who have come before us. Even the poorest Americans have a better quality of life than a tremendous percentage of the rest of the world, and we all worry about losing the things we have. Whether we are rich, poor, or somewhere in between, we all have to cope with the challenges that life presents us.
Christians have a tremendous advantage over those who are not Christians, we don’t worry when it comes to taking on the challenges of life. We don’t worry about things the way the world does, even though God has not promised to shield us from the problems that are common to all humanity. As Matthew 5:45 reminds us, “he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Still, God has equipped Christians with some outstanding mechanisms for dealing with life’s difficulties (John 9:31). However, many Christians fail to take advantage of the advantages that God provides. Of all people we ought to know how to manage the stresses of life on Earth so that we don’t worry!
The Lord has taught His children not to worry about things that are out of our control. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus posed this question: “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” In essence, He is saying don’t worry. The words, “taking thought” translate a Greek term, which literally means to “be anxious,”or “to worry.” The point is that, just as we cannot make ourselves grow taller simply by worrying about our height, we also cannot deal with issues that are out of our control simply by worrying about them. That is why, in Philippians 4:6, Paul wrote: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing…let your requests be made known unto God.” The word “careful” translates another Greek term, which refers to the concept of worry. The implication of this teaching is that it is a sin to worry about things we can do nothing about. That is what Jesus was getting at in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:25-34, He used the phrase, “take no thought” three times and alluded to it in questions two other times. Clearly, the Lord wants us not to worry so much about things that are beyond our control. Don’t worry and trust that God is in control.
Still, it is natural for human beings to worry about all kinds of things. People worry about the economy, the environment, terrorism, and a host of other issues that are simply beyond the control of a single person. The Bible teaches us to take the worries and fears we do have and cast them upon God’s shoulders. In 1 Peter 5:7, it is written, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” God will listen to His people; even at times when it seems like no one else will (Psalms 142:1-7). The thing is that, in order for our prayers to be most effective, we must listen to our Father’s counsel, which is found in His holy Word (Psalms 119:49-50). Remember that 1 Peter 5:7 teaches that we should cast our “care” (“worry”) upon God, because He “careth” (“worries”) about us. Some Christians have got the idea that their problems are too small and insignificant to be worthy of God’s attention. But, the Bible reminds us that our Heavenly Father loves each one of us, and He cares about the things we care about. That is why the Lord calls out to us from His Word to obey the gospel plan of salvation and become members of His church. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). It ought to be reassuring to us, to know that God worries about us, just as we worry about our own children.
Coping with the challenges of life is difficult, to be sure, but it ought to be much easier for faithful members of the Lord’s church than it is for those who have no relationship with God. That is why the rest of the world will always marvel at the serenity of the Lord’s people and how we don’t worry. The “peace of God, which passeth all understanding” comes only from the knowledge that God cares about us. We don’t worry because we know that He can help us face the challenges of life in this world (Philippians 4:7). If you are searching for peace on Earth, you need not look any further than the Bible. Turn to God and don’t worry anymore. In the pages of God’s Word, you may find the counsel you need to stop worrying about all the world’s problems and to start looking forward to what lies beyond this life!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
All Lives Matter!
The message that “All Lives Matter” is a Biblical message.
The latter half of 2014 was marred by violence in different parts of our country, as protests erupted over allegations of racism within certain law enforcement organizations. It was alleged that, in the minds of some police officers, the lives of black people do not matter as much as the lives of other people. This has prompted some protesters to don t-shirts and carry signs that say, “Black Lives Matter!” Lately, I have seen some who have moved on from that message to one that says, “All Lives Matter!” Whether people realize it, or not, the message that “All Lives Matter” is a Biblical message, which says much more than those who chant it may intend to say.
If there are any in our society who sincerely believe that life (anyone’s life) is cheap and disposable, it is because that is the concept that society has been feeding itself for more than a generation. Since the 1970’s, proponents of abortion on demand have been arguing that the lives of unborn children do not matter and are subject to being snuffed out at any time prior to birth. Since the 1980’s, proponents of euthanasia on demand have argued that the sick and the elderly are a drain on society’s resources and that humanity would be better served if all of them were just brushed aside and terminated. For a much longer time than these, proponents of eugenics have argued that “inferior” forms of human life must be weeded out of our gene pool, so that only the strongest; most viable; “perfect” specimens shall prevail on Earth. Adolph Hitler is one of the most famous proponents of eugenics in history. With all of the disregard for life in our world, is it any wonder that humanity is becoming more violent?
The Bible teaches us that life is a precious gift, which must not be wasted, or thrown away (Ephesians 5:15-16). One’s ethnic, or national background is irrelevent – All Lives Matter. If one is in need, then we all have a responsibility to help and not to turn away (Luke 10:30-37). The path of mercy is always preferable to the path of violence (Matthew 5:7). Every soul is precious beyond all the wealth of this world (Mark 8:36-37). Every life is sacred, and must never be regarded with contempt (Proverbs 6:16-17).
The Bible does teach that Christians may defend themselves against the violence of others (Luke 22:35-38). The Bible also teaches that those who uphold the law may use force to stop those who break the law (Romans 13:4), and that those who take the lives of innocent people may be punished by a sentence of death (Genesis 9:6). But these things, in no way, suggest that people are permitted by the Lord to regard some lives as being more or less important than others. All lives matter!
I am afraid that, as we push God further and further away from our society, we will be inviting the cold embrace of fear, paranoia, and hatred, which will only lead us to increasingly more violence in all lives. Only when we learn and obey the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ will we have peace, harmony and love prevailing in our world. For too long we have tolerated the devaluation of the lives of unborn children. For too long we have entertained the arguments of those who would seek to rid our world of the sick, the infirmed, and the imperfect. Right now, there are two competing views of life in our world: that of the Bible and that of evil. As Christians, we must stand up for the Word of God (Colossians 3:17).
As far as the protests and counterprotests in our land around “All Lives Matter” go, I cannot say who is right and who is wrong, because I do not know. One thing I do know, however, is that injustice is not an excuse for further violence.
- “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
- “Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
- “Recompense to no man evil for evil” (Romans 12:17).
- “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:39).
When we are outraged by the violence and oppression in the world around us, more violence is not the answer. People like Ghandi, King, and Mandella opposed injustice in their homelands, but they did so without resorting to violence. My prayer for the current generation is that people will learn from the Bible and from history to love God, and to love their fellow man (Matthew 22:35-40).
- “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the Devil” (Ephesians 4:26,27).
- “Whosoever hatheth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15).
All lives matter and all souls matter. Show the love of God to all. Preach the Gospel to all and save them eternally.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
An Army of One
Even when Christians just act on their own, being an army of one, they can accomplish great things.
In the New Testament, the Lord’s church is said to be many things. In the book of Ephesians alone, it is called, the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:23), the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), the family of God (Ephesians 3:15), the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10), and the army of God (Ephesians 6:12). The concept of the Lord’s church as a spiritual army is found throughout the New Testament (2 Timothy 2:3). While we may not fight literal battles, with physical weapons, we are fighting in a spiritual struggle every day of our lives (2 Corinthians 10:4). What is at stake in this struggle is our immortal souls, and the souls of everyone else around us (Mark 8:36-37). Our enemy is powerful, and vastly outnumbers us (Ephesians 6:12). This may cause some to wonder, “What can one Christian do, against an enemy so powerful and so numerous?” How strong is an army of one?
Frankly, there is a great deal that one Christian can do to make a big difference in the spiritual war that rages all around us. The Devil wants us to think that the situation is hopeless, and that we can‘t possibly prevail against his forces, but that is a lie! The Scriptures assure us that, if we will persevere in faithfulness to God, we are “more then conquerors,” in the good fight of faith (Romans 8:37). Don’t let the Devil scare you into thinking that you are powerless and incapable of making a difference. A Christian is never truly an army of one because God is with us.
Take up the 52-week challenge. It’s not too late to start. Resolve now to invite at least one soul to come to church with you in every week of this year. You don’t have to be particularly smart, or savvy or persuasive to take up this challenge, but you just might make a huge difference in someone’s life. Chances are that you will come into contact with people that other Christians won’t. Those folks need you to make the effort to invite them to “come and see” what the church of Christ is all about. Sure, most of the people you talk to won’t come to church, but if one does, then you will have accomplished something truly great for the cause of Christ (Mark 8:36-37), just by acting as an army of one.
Go on a one-Christian door-to-door campaign. Act as an army of one for God. Take home about 25 or so gospel tracts. Take home an equal number of copies of The Paper Pulpit. Go for a walk in your neighborhood on a sunny afternoon and knock on our neighbor’s doors. If they are not at home, leave them a copy of the literature you brought with you. If they are at home, invite them to come to church with you and leave them a copy of the literature you brought with you. It’s just that simple! Before you know it, you will have completed a one-Christian door-to-door campaign, once again acting as an army of one. If you are feeling particularly daring, you might even ask your neighbor to study the Bible with you!
Go on a $25.00 shopping spree. This challenge is very simple. First, identify someone you know – maybe a member of the church; maybe not – who is struggling, financially. Take $25.00 of your own money, and go shopping for groceries for them. Just buy things like milk, bread, eggs, meat, etc. and then deliver them. You may deliver them in person, or you may remain anonymous, but be sure to give the glory to God (Matthew 6:1-4), acting as an army of one on His behalf. In today’s economy, $25.00 is not really very much money, but it can make a world of difference to someone in need.
These are all things that I have done at various times in my life. I can readily say that they are both simple and gratifying. Knowing that, because of you, someone’s soul has been saved, or someone’s life has been made just a little better, is the most amazing feeling in the whole world! When just one Christian makes the time and effort necessary to have an impact on someone else’s life, the potential for the accomplishment of something good is astounding. You can make all the difference in the eternal destiny of a lost soul – and you don’t have to make any grand gestures or monumental efforts. The main thing is that you just have to get out there into the world and do something!
When Christians act on their own, just being an army of one, they can accomplish great things. But, when Christians act together, they can accomplish even more! What if every member of the church invited someone to come to church with them, every week? What if every Christian was willing to go door-to-door for Christ? What if all of us did something to help our neighbors in need?
Giving of our Time
“See then that ye walk circumspectly , not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
How much of your time do you give to God? Sure, you may give a generous amount of your money to the Lord, but money is not the only thing with which God blesses us. Time is a much more precious commodity, and all of the time we have is a gift from our Heavenly Father.
In Ephesians 5:15-16, it is written: “See than that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” As is typically the case, in New Testament epistles, “walk” is a figurative term used in reference to living used in reference to living one’s life. To “walk circumspectly” is to live cautiously. Christians are commanded to live cautiously, “redeeming the time.” To redeem something is literally to “rescue [it] from loss.” Therefore, Christians are commanded to live cautiously, so that their time is not wasted. After all, time is something that we all are running out of, and no one is capable of substantially increasing their supply.
The world teaches us to spend our time making money and enjoying leisure activities, but the Lord wants us to spend our time in pursuit of spiritual goals, as well. How much time do you spend:
- Worshipping God?
- Studying the Bible?
- Being of service to your fellow men?
- Talking to others about Jesus, and encouraging them to follow in His footsteps?
- Visiting those who are spiritually and physically sick?
All of these are perfectly good ways for us to spend our time wisely; and give back a portion of what God has blessed us with, in our lives.
An Atheist’s Dream House
Last week, I was privileged to preach in a Gospel Meeting at the Minksville Church of Christ, in Harrison County, Ohio. You won’t find Minksville on a map of Ohio, because it is not even an unincorporated town. It is a point where two county roads cross. There is a cemetery, a church building and two cow pastures there. Nothing else. As the brethren are fond of saying, “It’s not in the middle of nowhere, but you can see it from here.”
I think that the brethren considered the meeting a big success. The average attendance at the Sunday morning worship services of the Minksville Church of Christ is about 40 souls. On the Sunday morning of the Gospel Meeting, there were 73 souls in attendance, with 125 present for the afternoon singing and 112 present for the evening worship service. More than 70 souls came for the Monday and Tuesday evening meetings and there were more than 50 souls present on Wednesday evening. It was my pleasure to preach the gospel in the presence of my mom and stepdad, as well as my mother-in-law, my uncle Dail, my aunt Marcia, and a dear old friend from my childhood, Greg. There were visitors from almost a dozen other churches of Christ, and about a half a dozen denominations. People came to the meeting from Florida, Tennessee and West Virginia. One visitor, who was going to go back home on Wednesday, decided to stay an extra day, just so he could be at the last service. I got a chance to visit with brethren and old friends I had not seen in many years, and I got to make some new friendships that I will treasure for the rest of my life. The brethren at Minksville worked very hard to make this meeting a success, and God blessed their efforts abundantly!
On Monday night, of the Gospel Meeting, I think I made a lasting impression on those who were there. The sermon that night was called, “Is Faith Rational?” and it was about some of the arguments atheists use to try to prove that God does not exist. In an effort to demonstrate the foolishness of the atheist’s argument that the “Big Bang” theory for the creation of the cosmos is more reasonable than the Biblical model of creation, I told the story of my plan to build a dream house using the “Big Bang” method of construction.
I told them that, even though Tracy didn’t know it, I had been saving money for the last 25 years and that I finally had enough to build our dream house. I announced that I was going to buy a parcel of land and that I would have enough left over to purchase all of the materials I would need to build the house. To save money on the cost of labor, I was going to put all of the lumber, nails, screws, decking (it was going to have a big deck out back), shingles, carpet, tile, etc. in a big pile in the middle of the property. Once I had it all tightly packed together (that’s the secret), I was going to slip a few sticks of dynamite underneath it – and blow it up! Of course, as the atheists say, you have to give it enough time, but I was confident that, before too long, Tracy and I would have a beautiful, move-in ready dream house. After all, if you can make a universe with a cataclysmic explosion, you could surely build a dream house the same way. Right?
I got a big reaction from that illustration – especially from Tracy, who, for a few glorious seconds, thought that I was serious about having secretly squirreled away money for 25 years. I wish I had, but, alas, I did not. I also don’t expect to use the “Big Bang” method of house building, with any success. We all know that destructive forces do not yield constructive results. Dynamite is good for knocking buildings down, but it is not much good for putting them up. Yet, atheists want humanity to believe that the universe was born from an explosion?!
Anyway, the Gospel Meeting that I preached last week was inspired by my late father-in-law, Ed Rose. He did not live long enough to see it come to pass, but I remember how excited he was, when he told me about the plans for it, last December. He was a man who loved the Lord. He loved the Lord’s church. He loved lost souls. He spent a great deal of time, while he lived in this world, thinking of ways that he could help lead others to Jesus. He was a source of inspiration to me and to everyone else who knew him.
If human beings are just hairless apes with large brains, why do we aspire? Why do we have consciences? Why do we recognize a difference between good and evil? Why aren’t we like the animals? Could it be because we are more than just the sum of our chemical parts? Could it be because God designed and built us for a purpose? Open your mind to the possibilities (Genesis 2:7)!
Is God’s Grace Limited to the Churches of Christ?
In the March, 2014 issue of The Christian Chronicle (an international newspaper for the churches of Christ; published by Oklahoma Christian University) an article appears on page three, which is titled, “Muscle, a shovel and thousands of baptisms” (sic.). As you may have guessed already, it is about the phenomenal success of Muscle and a Shovel, a self-published book written by Michael Shank. Described as “a 46-year-old former electrician from Metropolis, Illinois,” bro. Shank credits his wife of 29 years, Jonetta, for convincing him to write the story of his conversion to New Testament Christianity. So far, the book has sold 67,000 copies and is in its fifth printing. Based on the feedback he has received, bro. Shank estimates that as many as 6,000 people have been baptized because they read his story and were convinced, just as he was.
As you might expect, the Christian Chronicle also reported that there has been some negative feedback from some readers. One Baptist preacher said that it’s “one of those rare books that will raise you blood pressure.” He went on to say, “You’ll either give it to everyone you know or put it into a shredder. There’s no middle ground.” Of course, that is just the kind of review one might expect from a denominational preacher. What was truly surprising—even shocking—to me was the criticism that came from an elder at the University Church of Christ, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Jay Guinn, who is also a featured writer for New Wineskins magazine, said that Muscle and a Shovel teaches “a false gospel.” The Christian Chronicle reports that Guin is concerned that “Shank has limited God’s grace to members of the churches of Christ.” He reportedly argues that, “for those with genuine faith in Jesus, grace covers ‘both our moral errors and our doctrinal errors.’” I know that Guin is not the first member of the Lord’s church to become a champion of denominational doctrine, but that does not make his statements any less discomforting.
The simple fact of the matter is that there are now many in the churches of Christ who believe that one does not have to be a member of the one and only church described in the New Testament, in order to be saved. These erring brethren echo the teachings of many denominations by arguing that baptism is not essential to our salvation, and that it does not matter how we worship God, as long as we are sincere in doing so, and that once a soul is saved, it will always be saved. That Guin takes offense to what is written in Muscle and a Shovel is not really surprising, but what I really don’t understand is why he remains a member of the church of Christ.
From the beginning of the movement to restore New Testament Christianity, members of the churches of Christ in the United States have been resolved to “speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent.”
- We teach that the New Testament describes only one church and that all others are counterfeit, because that is what the New Testament teaches (Mat. 16:18).
- We teach that people cannot be saved without being properly baptized, because that is what the New Testament teaches (Mark 16:16).
- We teach that how one worships God is equally as important as the attitude with which one worships, because that is what the New Testament teaches (John 4:24).
- We teach that it is possible for Christians to fall from the grace of God, because that is what the New Testament teaches (Gal. 5:4).
If Mr. Guin believes that what the New Testament teaches constitutes a “false gospel,” then I would humbly suggest that he might find more people who agree with his way of thinking among one of the many denominations.
The New Testament teaches that the grace of God is what makes the way of salvation possible (Eph. 2:8). It does not “cover” any of our errors. In order to obtain forgiveness for our sins, we must admit that we are sinners (1 John 1:9), we must repent of our sins (2 Cor. 7:10), we must confess our faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10), and we must come into contact with the blood of Christ through baptism (Acts 2:38; Rev. 1:5). If we have already been baptized, then we may have access to the cleansing blood of Jesus, whenever we ask for it (1 John 1:7). But, make no mistake about it: the Lord will not forgive us for our sins, if we will not repent of them, and if we will not ask for forgiveness (Heb. 10:26). Muscle and a Shovel is an outstanding, first person account of one man’s conversion to New Testament Christianity. Whether you are a Christian, or not, you need to read it!