Historical Posts
I Hear a Voice
Perhaps you have heard of people claiming that they hear voices in their heads. They do not necessarily see anyone, but somebody somewhere tells them to do (or not to do) something. There was a time when Jesus called upon God to glorify His name. In response, a voice came from heaven and said, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again (John 12:28).”
The people that were with Jesus heard it, but saw no one. Some thought it had thundered; others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” To clarify the situation, Jesus replied: “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake (John 12:29-30).” God did not speak for Jesus’ benefit; He spoke for the benefit of the people, that they would believe He is the Son of God!
We hear the voice of God today, and it can benefit us! Paul told Timothy that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16)…” The voice of God should be in our minds and hearts, guiding us in the right way. By hearing and doing it, we can live forever with Him. Read your Bible and find out what the voice of God telling you.
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Word of God is not Bound
The ball and chain pictured above is how many people view God’s Word.
Like the ball and chain, it remains near, but is not useful. They leave it on the table or on the church pew. However, this was never God’s intention!
Paul told Timothy, “…I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:9-10).” Even though Paul was often in chains, the Word of God has never been and is not chained!
As with Paul, it is our duty to spread the Word of God wherever we go.
Carry it with you! Keep it in the forefront of your mind. After all, it should be “very near you, in your mouth and in your heart (Deuteronomy 30:14)…”
Your words and actions are not chained!
Let others see the gospel of Christ in your life, and always teach the plan of salvation through the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16).
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Law of Exclusion
It has been rightly observed that the Bible reveals to humanity certain concepts, which are not expressly quantified in specific terms, but are manifestly present in the Scriptures, nonetheless. Some call these the “unwritten laws” of God.
They are no less important than any of God’s other laws, and an understanding of them is essential to living a faithful Christian life and to a sound interpretation of the Bible. Among them is what some call, “The Law of Exclusion,” to which I would like us to give some thought today.
The Law of Exclusion is a simple concept: “When God specifically commands us to do something, every other possible action is automatically excluded.”
We make use of this law in our everyday lives. For example, when a wife makes a shopping list for her husband, she simply writes down a list of items that she wants him to buy at the store. She does not have to list all of the items in the store that she does not want him to buy. It is understood that, when she lists the items she wants, every other item is automatically excluded. We all understand this concept and we make use of it every day. Is it not reasonable to conclude that God understands the same concept and makes use of it in the Bible?
There are quite a few examples of the Law of Exclusion in action, in the Scriptures.
One is seen in the account of the construction of Noah’s ark. In Genesis 6:14-16, the Lord said to Noah, “Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.”
Noah was given some very specific commands about how he was to build the ark. For instance, he was commanded to make it with “gopher wood.” No one knows exactly what kind of wood gopher wood is, but Noah knew, and the Lord did not have to tell him about the kinds of wood He did not want him to use.
Another example of the Law of Exclusion in action is seen in the account of the fatal blunder committed by Nadab and Abihu. In Leviticus 10:1-2, the text says, “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.”
These two men died because they offered incense to God, using a source of fire, “which he commanded them not.” In the Law of Moses, God had specified where He wanted the fire used to offer the incense to come from. In doing so, He automatically excluded every other source of fire – making these other sources illegal, under Old Testament law. Nadab and Abihu died, not because they did something God had commanded them not to do, but because they had done something God had not authorized them to do.
Under the Law of Christ, the Law of Exclusion still applies.
In passages like Ephesians 5:19, God has specified that Christians must sing, as a part of the worship they offer Him. Playing mechanical instruments of music is automatically excluded by the Lord, since their use is not listed in the command to sing. Yet, in most denominational churches, such instruments are used to accompany the singing that is done.
Some say, “Well, the Bible doesn’t say not to use it.” But, according to the Law of Exclusion, the Lord does not have to list all of the things He does not want us to do in our worship. He simply tells us what He wants and everything else is automatically excluded.
God’s unwritten laws exist for our benefit.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose.”
On some level, this passage bears reference to the Law of Exclusion. We may not be able to point to a book, chapter and verse where it is stated directly, but we may rest assured that it exists, and that it has a direct bearing upon how we perceive the Lord’s commandments.
Let us all learn the Law of Exclusion and make application of it when we read the Bible.
Content by Russell Kline
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Bible Study Attendance
It seems like the growing trend in today’s society is to skip Bible class and attend just the worship service.
Perhaps the kids cannot get ready in time; people have to leave early to get to work; others simply just want to sleep in a little longer. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone came together to study God’s Word?
The Ohio State Fair is now upon us. Imagine if the whole city of Columbus attended, and every individual stopped at the church fair booth! What a wonderful crowd!
Everyone would get a tract, sign up for a Bible Correspondence Course, or want more information about the Lord’s church. My, how we will grow! There was a time this almost happened!
Paul and Barnabas were preaching to the Jews and Gentiles at Antioch of Pisidia. After much persuasion by the Gentiles to return the following Sabbath, Paul and Barnabas got a wonderful surprise! “…Almost the whole city came together to hear the Word of God (Acts 13:44).”
Upon seeing such a huge crowd, the Jews were filled with envy (Acts 13:45). Since they rejected God’s Word, it then began to spread to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).
Let’s flock to hear God’s word, and not reject it. After all, Jesus has the words of eternal life (John 6:6)!
Content by Richard Dillon
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I Heard It Through The Grapevine
A comedian once said that there are three “tell-alls” in any neighborhood:
- Telephone
- Telegraph
- Tell the town gossip!
When a message is sent through the right channel, it is quickly received. Thus, we often hear something “through the grapevine.”
There is a vine that we must be connected to, and must listen to every word that is spoken. Upon hearing these words, we must share them! Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser (John 15:1).” We must hear Him speak, and preach His message throughout the world!
Sometimes spreading a message without consent gets us into trouble. However, we have Christ’s command to share His words! After all, we are the branches that abide in Him, and we must bear fruit for Him (John 15:2ff.).
When His words are heard through the grapevine, much fruit will be produced. Thus, we as branches will be rewarded. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Moral Integrity
A. W. Tozer has written: “One of our great tasks is to demonstrate to the young people of this generation that there is nothing stupid about righteousness. To do so, we must stop negotiating with evil. We Christians must stop apologizing for our moral position and start making our voices heard, exposing sin as the enemy of the human race and setting forth righteousness and true holiness as the only worthy pursuit for moral beings. I have no doubt that historians will conclude that we of the twentieth century (should the Lord tarry) had intelligence enough to create a great civilization but not the moral wisdom to preserve it.”
There are only two approaches to ethics and morality.
Either we believe that right conduct is based on some authoritative standard, or we believe that morality is entirely relative — that there are no fixed standards of right and wrong.
If we do not accept some standard as authoritative in regard to moral and ethical issues, then we are put in the position of making those decisions for ourselves.
The Bible describes this attitude when the historian wrote concerning the period of the Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). As you might imagine, chaos was the result.
For the Christian, the Bible is our standard for right and wrong.
On its pages we discover what is authorized, approved, and desired by God in the heart and actions of His people. Some things are always right and some things are always wrong!
Right and wrong are not determined on the basis of what is easiest, brings the most pleasure, or feels best in a given situation. Proper moral and ethical conduct is prescribed on the pages of God’s word. With the Psalmist we should exclaim, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
The Bible offers the only basis upon which we may make morally and ethically sound judgments.
We would encourage you to examine it carefully, believe it fully, obey it completely, and live it daily. Your life will be richly blessed.
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Is The Bible a Lewd Book?
Some time ago the Associated Press (Brooklyn Center, Minnesota) reported that Gene Kasmar, an atheist, had filed a petition with the Brooklyn Center Independent School District in which he argued that the Bible was unfit for the eyes of children. In the petition Kasmar stated that “the lewd, indecent and violent content of that book are hardly suitable for young students.” He further charged that Bible passages “have no historical, scientific, literary, artistic or political value.”
The Bible deals with moral and ethical problems
No one who has read the Bible would deny that it deals with such topics as sex, incest, prostitution, and a host of other moral and ethical problems. However, there is a sharp contrast between what the Bible reveals on these issues and what our modern culture accepts. The Bible calls these things sin. In the values clarification culture of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s sin was erased from the English vocabulary. In a society where right and wrong no longer exist, the Bible clearly poses a threat. Thus, the real motive for attacking it.
The Bible offers a fair and accurate account of life and society
It reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of its chief characters. The story of King David is an excellent example of this. Men do bad things. The Bible does not deny this. But, in the Bible, when men do bad things, they are not called good.
Liars, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, murderers, etc. are charged with sin and urged to repent. Those who engage in sin must turn from their wicked ways. As God said to Israel through the prophet Ezekiel: “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11).
As long as the world stands there will be those who seek to destroy the influence of the Bible.
The Bible will, however, endure long after its detractors lie silent in the grave. As the Psalmist wrote: “Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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How Can We Know That the Bible is the Word of God?
The Bible claims to be the word of God.
There are literally hundreds and hundreds of references to that fact in Scripture. The apostle Paul wrote that “all scripture is given by the inspiration God” (2 Timothy 3:16). It was also Paul who commended the church at Thessalonica because they received the word of not “as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Are the claims justified? Everything we know about the Bible would indicate that they are.
First, if there is a God, and there is, then it is certainly in keeping with His character to expect Him to communicate will to His creation in some form.
He has done so through the Bible. The first occurrence of God providing written directions for His people came in the deliverance of the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 20:17). In time He revealed His complete will in what we commonly refer to as the Bible.
The Bible is exactly the kind of book we would expect from a Divine Being.
It is accurate. When it touches on the areas biology, science, history, and geography it demonstrates knowledge far beyond what was commonly known (Job 26:7; Isaiah 40:22). It is utterly impartial in the delineation of human character. It not only speaks of David as a man after God’s own heart, but also shows his human weakness in his sin with Bathsheba.
One is also struck by the unity of the Bible.
Although written over a period of some 1,600 years by at least 40 authors of various social, economic and educational backgrounds, a “golden thread” runs through the text. Jesus fills its pages (Luke 24:44). Further, prophecy offers conclusive proof of its origin. Who, but God, can declare the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10)?
There is no doubt. The Bible is God’s word.
We must study it prayerfully, believe it fully, obey it completely, and live it daily. No one will ever regret living as the Bible teaches us to live, but millions will regret not having done so (John 12:48). Are you ready to begin?
–Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The Basis for Faith
An interesting news story which stirred a great deal of excitement among many biblical archaeologists was the possible discovery of an ossuary (a burial box) which at one time, would have contained the remains of James, the brother of Jesus.
Engraved on this stone box is the inscription in Aramaic, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” According to the scholars, from all appearances, this box seems to be genuine. The greatest criticism is that “Joseph,” “James,” and “Jesus” were fairly common names in the first century like “Tom,” “Dick,” and “Harry.” However, naming the brother as well as the father on an ossuary is very unusual. In fact, there’s only one other known example of this in Aramaic. Thus, it is likely that this “Jesus” must have had some unusual role or fame for him to be included in the inscription.
Now here’s the point of this writing. Suppose it can be proved that this is indeed an ancient artifact verifying the life of Jesus, and the testimony of Scripture (Matthew 13:55). Do you think that suddenly churches will be filled to overflowing with people clamoring to surrender their lives to Jesus? Or what about the highly publicized searches for Noah’s ark? Suppose it did survive the centuries and was discovered. Would preachers’ hands be puckered from baptizing so many people? I think not.
The Bible was written to make believers (John 20:30-31). It contains sufficient evidence to convince one of the genuineness of Jesus’ claims. If God’s word can’t prick the heart and bring about conviction, an ancient relic isn’t going to do the job either. The power of conversion and the basis for faith is the Word of God, not the artifacts of the past. Keep preaching the Word, for it is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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1 Peter 02:01-02 Christians Must Desire The Word
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(Christians Must Desire the Milk of The Word to Grow)
Text: 1 Peter 2:1-2
Introduction
- Animals, plants, and humans beings, from the time they are planted or born, are expected to grow from infancy to maturity in a specified period. In order for them to grow and mature properly they must receive and digest nutrients from various sources. In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus gives the parable of the barren fig tree that produced no fruit. The vineyard owner was expecting fruit on the fig tree for 3 years and found none. As a result, he was going to cut it down, but the servant requested to work on it, and if it didn’t produce fruit afterwards then to cut it down. God is expecting us to grow as Christians. Are you like this barren fig tree? In John 15:1-2, 6, Jesus teaches, if your not bearing fruit, or growing, you will be cut off, from the vine and be burned.
- The Christian, new babe in Christ must desire and receive the sincere milk of the Word of God, along with exercising or applying what they have learn from the Word of God to grow, mature, and bear much fruit – 1 Peter 2:1-2.
God’s Word is the Necessary Food for Spiritual Growth
- In order to grow, you must have an interest and desire to go beyond the infancy stage to a mature Christian. You must cry out for the milk of the Word of God, just as a baby cries out for it’s mother for milk – John 5:39; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15. It is God’s Word that causes us to increase and grow – 2 Peter 3:18.
- Sometimes new Christians do not receive enough of the sincere milk of the Word, that they might grow. This one reason why some members of the church do not grow and mature as they should and need to be re-introduced to the milk of the Word of God that they might grow – Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3.
- It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a Christian or how mature a Christian you think you are. You always need a daily feeding of the Word of God since we can’t live without it – Matthew 4:4. The Word of God is our light in a world filled with darkness – Psalm 119:104-105.
With the Milk of the Word, Growing Christians Must Exercise Godliness
- Along with feeding on the milk of the Word, the new babe in Christ must also exercise godliness – 1 Timothy 4:7-8. New Christian’s must put into practice what they have learned from the Word of God. The new convert must learn to take time in their daily lives to be holy – 1 Peter 1:15-16.
- The challenge for new Christian’s is to not fall back into old worldly and sinful practices – 1 John 2:15-17. And to not allow worldly friendships to drown out the influence that God’s Word and fellow Christians have on them – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
- Therefore, let us feast on the Word of God and grow. The question is are you a growing branch of the vine bearing much fruit? Or are you a dead branch of the vine ready to be bundled & burned?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
My Words Shall Judge Him in the Last Day
My Words… Shall Judge Him in the Last Day – John 12:48
It is intimidating to appear in court.
Have you ever stood before a judge, in a court of law? I have, and I can tell you from my own understanding that it is an intimidating experience, even if you have not broken the law. But, as intimidating as it is to appear in an earthly court of the laws of men, think of how much more intimidating it will be to appear before the court of divine judgment.
All humanity shall be judged by the Lord.
The Bible speaks very plainly of a day in which all of humanity shall be judged by the Lord (Matthew 25:31-46). It is the same day in which Jesus shall return, all the dead shall be resurrected, and the world in which we now live shall be destroyed (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; John 5:28-29; 2 Peter 3:10). It is a day from which we shall not be able to escape, or to excuse ourselves (Romans 14:12).
God hath appointed a day when will judge the world.
This is why the imperative to repent and obey the Lord is so strong, in the Bible (Acts 17:30-31). Paul preached that “all men everywhere” ought to repent, because God “hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” In reference to the future judgment of all mankind, Paul wrote, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, we will not want to find out that we are unprepared. For those who are not ready to meet their maker, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).
We shall all be judged by His Words.
Fortunately for us, Jesus said that we shall all be judged by His Words, on the Day of Judgment. According to Revelation 20:11-15, the books of the Bible shall serve as the standard by which all humanity shall be judged. It is not the case that some will judged by one standard and some by another. God’s impartiality will not allow it (Romans 2:11). We will not be judged by the words of the Koran, or the Book of Mormon, or any of the creeds, disciplines, or confessions of faith found in the denominations. The Bible is our only standard, in religion!
We must all appear before the judgment seat.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. – 2 Corinthians 5:10
Content by Russell Kline
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Do All in the Name of the Lord
Do All in the Name of the Lord – Colossians 3:17
Authority must be granted.
Have you ever acted in someone else’s name? It is quite a common thing for people to be given the “power of attorney” over someone else, so they may act on their behalf. This kind of power may not legally be assumed by anyone, however, without authority being granted by the one in whose name the action is to be taken. In other words, before I can do anything in someone else’s name, I must have their authority to do so.
What we teach or practice in religion must have God’s authority.
This same line of thinking applies in religion. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Everything we teach or practice in religion must have God’s authority to back it up. Without divine authority, it may not be said that a particular religious teaching or practice meets with the approval of the Lord.
The Word of God, which supplies us with authority.
It is the Word of God, which supplies us with authority from God to do or say anything in His name (Acts 4:7-10). Unless there is a direct statement, necessary inference, or approved example from the Bible to authorize a particular teaching or practice, it is simply impossible to affirm that there any divine authority behind it. That is why most preachers in the churches of Christ quote the Bible so many times in their sermons.
The Lord taught that many people will be surprised to learn, on the Day of Judgment, that their souls are lost, simply because they did not “do all in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 7:22-23). Let us all resolve not to be numbered among them!
Content by Russell Kline
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Keep My Commandments
Keep My Commandments – John 14:15
We keep the commandments of Christ because we love Him.
Obedience is a crucial part of our relationship with God. Jesus has said, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Keeping the commandments of Christ is what we do because we love Him and we appreciate the wonderful things He has done for us (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3).
Keep the Lord’s commandments as they are!
It is interesting to note that the word, “keep” is translated from a Greek word, which means, “to preserve something as it is.” Not only does the Lord require our obedience; Hebrews also requires us to be careful not to change His Word, in any way. There are numerous passages in which the Bible warns us not to tamper with its contents (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19; et al). Let us heed the Bible’s warning and keep the Lord’s commandments as they are!
Content by Russell Kline
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Let No Man Deceive You By Any Means
Let No Man Deceive You By Any Means – 2 Thessalonians 2:3
How can we keep from being deceived?
In a world that is inhabited by so many competing religious institutions, how can anyone be sure that his faith is the “one faith” given by God, Himself (Ephesians 4:5)? How can we keep from being deceived by false religion and lured into a Devil’s snare (Hebrews 3:13b)?
Don’t listen to men; listen to God!
The answer is really quite simple: don’t listen to men; listen to God! Do as the Bible says, and “Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Don’t fall for a stylish show and a slick sermon.
The Word of God will not deceive you (John 17:17)!
Content by Russell Kline
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Questions and Answers 2010-06-27
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I. Question One – “Is Christianity a religion or a relationship? Or both?”
“A lot of my friends have been saying that Christianity is just a relationship with God. I understand that you need to go through the steps of salvation to be saved but they think you just need to pray, read the Bible, etc. So what I’m really asking is, “Is Christianity a religion or a relationship? Or both?”
A. First, we need to stress that everyone is in a relationship with God whether they realize it or not.
1. Matthew 12:30. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
2. One is either with God or against God. There is no middle ground.
3. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15.
4. Jesus said…
a) John 8:24. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
b) Luke 13:3. I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
c) Matthew 10:32. “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.
d) Mark 16:16. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
5. If we don’t believe or practice these things which Jesus commanded, do we love him? According to Jesus, we do not!
6. So is Christianity a relationship… I would say that it is a term that describes one’s relationship with God. If one is a Christian, then that one is in a RIGHT relationship with God.
B. Is Christianity a religion?
1. Religion – the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power.
2. In the Bible, the word for “religion” as applied to Christianity is threskeia.
a) This word focuses on the external aspect of one’s faith.
b) How one expresses his faith.
c) James 1:26-27. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
3. So, yes, Christianity is a religion.
a) It is a belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power.
b) It is an outward expression of that belief in the way we behave.
II. Question Two – “Why did God make the earth?”
A. Wow! What a question!
B. The easiest answer is that God made the earth for us to live on! But I think the one who asked the question maybe wanted to know why God made Us.
C. Why did God make us?
1. Some things we can not know for sure.
2. We do know this. God is love. 1 John 4:8. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
a) Everything that God does issues forth from His love.
b) Therefore, I believe that God loved the idea of us.
c) God loved us before He created us.
d) Much like a man and a woman love the idea of having a child.
(1) Even before that child is conceived, they love the idea of it.
(2) Therefore, they decide to bring a child into existence.
e) Remember that God is described as our Father.
III. Question Three – “Why did God give us the Bible?”
A. God gave us the Bible as a guide. Psalm 119:105.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
B. We can’t read God’s mind, so he had to give us a book to tell us what He wants us to know. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.
But as it is written: “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
C. The Bible gives us everything we need to be pleasing to God.
1. 2 Peter 1:3. As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.
2. 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, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
IV. Question Four – “What constitutes worship?”
“Do we need to include the five acts that we do on Sunday for it to be true worship?”
A. The most basic definition of the word “worship” is “to show reverence and respect toward another.”
B. As the question states, God has authorized five ways in which we are to worship Him.
1. Singing. Ephesians 5:19.
2. Praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
3. Bible Study. Acts 20:7.
4. The Lord’s Supper. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
5. Giving as we have been prospered. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
C. By example, we know that Christians gathered together on the first day of the week to worship. Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:18; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
D. However, only two of the acts of worship are LIMITED to the first day of the week.
1. Those two are giving and the Lord’s Supper.
2. We have plenty of examples of singing, praying, and Bible study being performed at other times.
a) Acts 16:25. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
b) 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Pray without ceasing.
E. No, I do not believe that all five acts of worship must be present for one to be worshiping God.
1. On Wednesday evenings when we gather together, study, sing, and pray, we are worshiping God.
2. However, on the first day of the week, we need to have all five acts of worship present to be pleasing to God.
V. Question Five – “A wife is to keep silent in church but ask her husband. If a husband understands or tells her something that is not correct is she lost because of what her husband tells her?”
A. The relevant passage is 1 Corinthians 14:26-35.
How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
1. This passage teaches that a woman is to keep completely silent in the assembly.
2. She is not to utter a sound.
3. This would mean that it would be wrong for a woman to sing.
4. Furthermore, what if a woman did not have a husband? She would have no one to ask her questions!
5. We must ask, “Does is passage apply to us today?”
B. I have never attended an assembly like the one mentioned in the above passage.
1. I have never attended an assembly when someone spoke in a language they had never studied.
2. I have never observed on in the process of receiving a revelation.
3. I have never been to a service where there had to be an interpreter present who had the gift of interpretation.
4. Three classes of people are told to keep silent in this passage:
a) One who spoke in another tongue if there was not interpreter present.
b) A prophet who is speaking must be silent when another receives a revelation.
c) Women must keep silent.
5. Silent – sigao. To keep silent. To hold one’s peace.
6. This was an assembly different from any we will come across today.
7. These women who were told to ask their husbands questions at home would have been asking prophets! There was no need for them to worry about getting bad information.
C. Today, women are not commanded to be completely silent but to learn in submission. 1 Timothy 2:11.
Let a woman learn in silence with all submission.
1. “Silence” – hesuchia. Quietness. Tranquility arising from within. Causing no disturbance to others. Meek.
2. Does not mean that they are not to utter a sound.
3. A woman is not forbidden to ask a question as long as she is not disrupting the service or taking control of the service in doing so.
4. Furthermore, a woman today has the Bible available to her. Not true for those to whom Paul was writing in 1 Corinthians 14.
VI. Question Six – “what verse specifically tells the wife to love her husband and what Greek word is used?”
“In the Father’s Day sermon you closed saying wives are to respect and love their husbands. Other than the general commands for Christians to agape one another, what verse specifically tells the wife to love her husband and what Greek word is used?”
A. The verse I was thinking of was Titus 2:3-4.
The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children…
B. The Greek word that is used is philandros.
1. Comes from the Greek word for love, phileo. Which means tender affection.
2. And from Andros which means man or husband (implied when “wife” is used in context).
VII. Question Seven – “Cursing is wrong. What about euphemisms?”
“Cursing is wrong. What about phrases that most of us use like, “Oh shoot,” “Son of a gun,” “Holy cow,” etc. How can these be ok when you are meaning the same thing just substituting another word?”
A. You have a good question.
B. These phrases are called “euphemisms.”
1. Euphemism – a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt.
2. If you look up the word “shoot” you will see that it is a euphemism for a certain four letter word that also starts with “sh.”
a) Now, the word “shoot” is not wrong when you are using it in any other way.
b) But if you are saying it as a substitute for that other “s” word, then it is wrong.
3. Look up “heck.”
4. Look up “son of a gun.”
5. “Golly”
6. “Darn”
7. “Freakin” (I won’t even say it.)
8. All of these words are merely substitutes for more harsh words.
C. As Christians, we ought to refrain from using euphemisms.
VIII. “Is it wrong for a Christian family to put up a nativity scene at Christmas?”
A. In my mind, the one thing that sets the church of Christ apart from false churches is it’s view of the authority of the Scriptures.
1. Colossians 3:17. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
2. We understand that we must have authority for those things we practice.
3. We understand that the silence of the Scriptures does not authorize.
B. The Bible nowhere authorizes Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus as a special holiday.
1. How can we claim to respect the authority of the Scriptures as a church but then promote a religious holiday that is not authorized?
2. This does not mean that we cannot celebrate Christmas as a simple national holiday.
3. But to attach religious significance to it is unauthorized.
C. Some claim to find authority in Romans 14:5-6.
One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.
1. It seems a stretch to me to apply this passage to Christmas.
2. Nevertheless, some feel that this passage authorizes them to pick a day to celebrate Jesus’ birth as long as they don’t bind it on other people.
D. Is it wrong to set up a nativity scene?
1. At the very best, I believe it is very unwise.
2. At the worst, it could be sin for promoting an unscriptural holiday.
Content by Ralph Price
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Two Kinds of Atheists
Men have forgotten God
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn made an astute observation when he wrote: “I heard a number of older people offer this explanation for the great disasters that have befallen Russia: `Men have forgotten God; that’s why all this has happened.'” He went on to say, “If I were asked today to formulate as concisely as possible the main cause of the ruinous revolution that swallowed up some 60 million of our people, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat: “Men have forgotten God.'”
Whenever men forget God disaster is inevitable.
The apostle Paul wrote of this ruinous sin in his letter to the church at Rome. He attributed the Roman decline to the fact that men “did not like to retain God in their knowledge” (Romans 1:28). Men had forgotten God.
What happens when men forget God?
They become wicked, greedy, evil, envious, murderous, malicious, gossipers, slanderers, insolent, arrogant, boastful, disobedient to parents, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful (Romans 1:29-31). It’s not a pleasant picture to contemplate, but it is clearly where atheism leads, and we are rapidly going in that direction.
George Gallup, Jr., readily recognized as one of America’s leading pollsters, has observed that “We want the fruits of religion, but not the obligations…That we revere the Bible, but don’t read it…We believe the Ten Commandments to be valid rules for living, although we can’t name them.” We may claim to believe in God and revere the Bible, but most of those who profess to be Christians don’t know who delivered the Sermon on the Mount, can’t name one Old Testament Prophet, and almost never read the Scriptures. We, too, are in danger of forgetting God. The warning of the prophet Hosea bears repeating. He wrote, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Specifically, they had forgotten God!
Almost a century and a half ago Abraham Lincoln wrote: “We have been recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have grown in number, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown; but we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand that preserves us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior virtue and wisdom of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us… it behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”
Little difference
There are two kinds of atheists in our world. The first make no pretense of believing. They foolishly say, “There is no God!” The second profess to believe, but live as though He did not exist. In reality there is little difference between the two. Both have forgotten God!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The Book
Theodore Roosevelt said: “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” For Christians the Bible must always be at the heart of our preaching, teaching, and way of living. If the Scriptures do not guide our lives, we are lost. No other book compares with THE BOOK.
Woodrow Wilson advised: “Give the Bible to the people, unadulterated, pure, unaltered, unexplained, uncheapened, and then see it work through the whole nature. It is very difficult indeed for a man or for a boy who knows the Scriptures ever to get away from it. It follows him like the memory of his mother. It haunts him like an old song. It reminds him like the word of an old and revered teacher. It forms a part of the warp and woof of his life.” He also said, “We have deprived ourselves of the best there is in the world if we deprive ourselves of a knowledge of the Bible.”
What makes the Bible so very special?
- First is its origin. It claims to come from the Creator (2 Timothy 3:16), and the evidence confirms the claim.
- Second, it definitively answers the pressing questions of life regarding origin (Genesis 1:1), purpose (Ecclesiastes 12:13), and destiny (2 Corinthians 5:1).
- Third, it speaks to the longings of the human heart providing hope, peace, comfort, and joy even when life comes crashing in around us (Philippians 4:10-13).
- Fourth, it provides a remedy for man’s greatest problem (sin) through God’s only Son (Romans 6:23).
- Fifth, it offers a road map for life enabling us to live abundantly (John 10:10).
- Sixth, it removes the sting of death, casts off fear, and fills the heart with love (1 John 4:17-18).
- Seventh, it reveals the glorious future of the redeemed (Romans 8:34-39).
The Scriptures are under constant assault
The devil will do every thing he can to undermine it’s credibility and destroy its influence. At the moment it may appear that he is achieving his goal, but he is not. He will fail, and the Bible affirms his ultimate defeat (Revelation 20:11-15). The world declares the Bible an outdated, irrelevant text of ancient legends and myths, but the world is wrong. Christians know that the Bible is the word of God. Therefore, we handle it reverently, read it prayerfully, study it carefully, obey it cheerfully, and teach it faithfully. The hope of our nation and the salvation of our souls depend upon it!
Sir Walter Scott observed: “The most learned, acute, and diligent student cannot, in the longest life, obtain an entire knowledge of the Bible. The more deeply he works the mine, the richer and more abundant he finds the ore; new light continually beams from this source of heavenly knowledge, to direct the conduct, and illustrate the work of God and the ways of men; and he will at last leave the world confessing, that the more he studied the Scriptures, the fuller conviction he had of his own ignorance, and of their inestimable value.”
We must never forget
As Christ’s church, may we never forget the place of THE BOOK in the hearts of His people, for if we do we will cease to be His church.
–Roger
NOVEMBER 13, 2011
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Sound Advice
What shall we do?
The people came to John the Baptist asking, “What shall we do then?” (Luke 3:10). He answered them, “He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise” (Luke 3:11). The publicans (tax collectors) followed suit, asking, “Master, what shall we do?” John replied, “Exact no more than that which is appointed you” (Luke 3:13). The soldiers followed with the same question, “What shall we do?” To them John said, “Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14).
Three lessons
What did John tells these folks? Three fundamental lessons on life are offered. We would do well to listen.
First, if you have wealth, share it
Paul admonished Christians to work that they might have to give to those in need (Ephesians 4:28). Wealth is not to be hoarded, but to be used. The tragic story of the rich man was told by our Lord to reinforce this lesson (Luke 12:16-21). No man is truly rich who leaves God out of his life and ignores the needs of his fellow man (1 John 3:17-18).
Second, if you are in a position of trust, honor it
Tax collectors were notorious for the abuses of their office. They were in a position of trust and service, and not one of privilege and personal gain. Many politicians and preachers need to take heed. As Christians, we have a solemn charge from God to “provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17). Positions of trust must not be misused for personal gain.
Third, if you have power, do not abuse it
Although clearly directed to the military, this principle has application in every area of life where men have authority over others. Stories of abuses of power abound in the military, law enforcement, government, and even the home. Such abuse is never justified. It is not the use of force which John prohibited, but the abuse of it which he condemned.
The same answer applies today
If we were to ask the same question today, I suspect the answer would be the same. It’s sound advice. We would be wise to listen and learn.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The Tragedy of Ignorance
You know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God
In an encounter with the Sadducees, Jesus said to them: “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). I can’t help but wonder if He would not say the same thing to many believers today!
Ignorance is a dangerous thing
There are many things we do not need to know, but when it comes to the Scriptures we cannot afford to be ignorant. Hosea wrote: Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land (Hosea 4:1). My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children (Hosea 4:6). And of Ephraim he said, I have written for him the great things of My law, but they were considered a strange thing (Hosea 8:12).
Conditions today are not that much better
Pollster George Gallup Jr. has long referred to America as a “nation of biblical illiterates.” Only four in 10 Americans know that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. A majority of citizens cannot name the four Gospels of the New Testament. Would those in the church do any better?
Which of the following is found in Scripture?
- Cleanliness is next to godliness.
- God helps those who help themselves.
- Confession is good for the soul.
- We are as prone to sin as sparks fly upward.
- Money is the root of all evil.
- Honesty is the best policy.
Many things the Bible does not say are widely embraced as Scripture
If you answered that none of them are in the Bible, you would be correct. Many things the Bible does not say are widely embraced as Scripture, while much of what it does say is denied. One survey of mainline Protestants revealed that barely half of Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians believed in the devil, but 56 percent of Lutherans and 49 percent of Methodists believed in UFOs. And, while nearly three-fourths of all Americans believe in hell, hardly any believe it to be their likely destination for eternity.
The consequences of religious ignorance are devastating
Nations crumble, lives are destroyed, and souls are lost out of ignorance of God’s word. We need to be far more conscientious in our study of the Bible, and our commitment to living up to its demands. Biblical ignorance in the world is demoralizing, but in the church it is reprehensible. His word must be a lamp to our feet and light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The Truth in Love
What do you want to hear?
When you go to the doctor for your annual checkup, don’t you want to hear that everything is just fine? But, what if it’s not? Do you still want your physician to tell you that you are fine even though all the tests say otherwise? Of course not! That would be malpractice. Why then, when it comes to our spiritual health, are we so reluctant to hear the truth?
Not just, “smile, God loves you”
Someone has observed: John the Baptist’s message from the wilderness was not, “Smile, God loves you.” It was “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come.” Jeremiah was not put into a miry pit for preaching, “I’m OK, you’re OK.” It was for crying against the adultery, idolatry and other wickedness of his nation. Noah’s message from the steps of the ark was not, “Something good is going to happen to you.” He condemned the world and was a preacher of righteousness. Jesus Christ was not crucified for saying, “Consider the lilies, how they grow,” but for saying, “Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites … children of hell … fools and blind guides … whited sepulchers … generation of vipers.”
Listen to the whole counsel of God
When Paul was about to part company with the Ephesian elders, he said to them: And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified (Acts 20:25-31).
The whole truth is the truth in love
Faithful men of God must always teach and preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. They can do no less and please God, and it is God, not men, who is to be pleased (Galatians 1:10). Of course, the truth must be presented in love (Ephesians 4:15). No faithful preacher will delight in being offensive, but truth cannot be compromised in a bid for the love and praise of men. Real love for God and for souls requires that the truth be taught in spite of any personal ramifications. That is why John was compelled to say to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have her” (Matthew 14:4). In so doing, he was preaching the truth in love.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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