Historical Posts
Psalm 67 – Audio
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Psalm 67 is praise to God for:
- Who He is
- What He has done
- What He will do for all nations.
Writers of the New Testament also remind us of who He is, what He has done, and what He will do. They help us get a clearer picture of what the Psalmist wrote about.
1. God is merciful to us and will bless us (Psalm 67:1, 6-7).
a. Jesus told how the tax collector prayed, “God, be merciful to me a sinner (Luke 18:13)!” This was a prayer that could be offered by all of us, who need the mercies of God.
b. He has richly blessed us through Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
2. His way is known on earth; His salvation is available to everyone everywhere (Psalm 67:2).
a. Jesus is the Way (John 14:6).
b. Apollos was instructed in the way of the Lord, but only knew of the baptism of John at the time (Acts 18:24-25).
c. We come to God by a “new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20).”
d. Salvation is only found in Christ (Acts 4:12).
e. The gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16-17).
3. Everyone will praise God (Psalm 67:3, 5).
a. We have obtained mercy, and proclaim His praises (1 Peter 2:9).
b. We sing praises to God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
c. Everyone will submit to Christ to the glory of God (Philippians 2:9-11).
4. God will judge people righteously (Psalm 67:4).
a. The Lord is the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8).
b. The Father has committed all judgment to His Son (John 5:22).
Psalm 67 is a very comforting Psalm.
God has blessed us and saved us through Christ, and that is why we sing His praises! Have you accepted the salvation He has provided in Jesus?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Age of Tolerance
Some Behave Line There is No Other Sin but Lack of Tolerance
If I had to describe this period in our history in two or three words I would say we are living in the “Age of Tolerance.” I believe there are vast numbers of people who are convinced that the worst sin in the world is the sin of intolerance. In fact, I am convinced that there are some who believe there is no other sin but lack of tolerance!
Judge Righteous Judgment
These are the people who are always quoting the words of Jesus, “Judge not that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1), while ignoring another of His statements, “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). I hasten to point out that the two statements are not contradictory. In the first He was confronting the hypocrisy of one who condemns others while being guilty of the same or greater sins himself. In the latter, His statement was an indictment of those who were quick to condemn Him as a law breaker for healing on the Sabbath, yet found no fault with circumcising a baby on the Sabbath. The Sabbath law did not prohibit doing good on the Sabbath. Judgment should not be hypocritical.
We Must Make Judgments
There is not an area of life where we do not have to make judgments. We must make judgments in the voting booth, the grocery store, the car lot, and even the clothes closet. We understand the need to make such judgments in every area of life but religion. Here we are told by socienty that it really doesn’t matter what religion we choose, and we dare not be critical of and must be have tolerance for the choices of others. Further, it is argued that moral and ethical matters are all relative. To suggest anything else is to be labeled as lacking tolerance and being judgmental.
Jesus Warned of False Teachers
If that is the case, then Jesus was was judgmental and lacked tolerance. He warned of false teachers whom he labeled “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15). He then urged his disciple to examine their “fruit” to determine the validity of their message (Matthew 7:16-20). One cannot do that without making judgments. These judgments are not determined by our will, but by God’s word. When I say that adultery, fornication, and homosexuality are sinful, I am not judging! I am only repeating what God’s Word says (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10). Cries for tolerance (acceptance) of sin will fall on deaf ears when we are attuned to the word of God. I am certainly not advocating that sinners be abused, maligned, or discriminated against. I am simply pleading for them to abandon their sin and embrace the Savior. Call me intolerant if you like. I have no problem with that label when it comes to sin. As Christians we must hate sin while loving sinners.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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An Easy Job
Fault-Finding is an Easy Job
Someone has written: “Nothing is easier than fault-finding; no talent, no self-denial, no brains, no character are required to set up in the grumbling business.” Fault-finding is an easy job because it requires no preparation and little effort. Yet, many have made it their life’s vocation. They become so wrapped up in the faults and failings of others that they are blind to their own glaring shortcomings.
Paul admonishes Christians to be more concerned with self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). This is not an easy job, but is desirable. One who can see his own shortcomings will be far less critical of the faults of others.
There is a lot of good and a little bad in most everyone. But, we tend to focus on one or two negative things. Then, we ignore dozens of positive ones. No, I’m not suggesting that we ignore the negative. But, I’m not advocating that we highlight it either! Why do we find it so much easier to be critical than complimentary?
We have enough critics in the world.
We need not join the ranks of critics. We have enough critics in the world. Judith Crist said, “To be a critic, you have to have maybe three percent education, five percent intelligence, two percent style and ninety percent gall and egomania in equal parts.” Some of us may be overqualified for this easy job, but that’s no excuse. Any dummy can find fault!
Lest I be accused of being too critical of the critics, I do want you to know that they serve one important function. They show us exactly what a Christian should not be. Remember, “it’s better to say a good thing about a bad fellow than a bad thing about a good fellow.”
On those occasions when we do find it necessary to be critical of others, we should make sure that our criticism is constructive and helpful, not damaging and debilitating. The Golden Rule always applies, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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1 John 04:01-06 – Test the Spirits – audio
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Text: 1 John 4:1-6
Introduction
1. So far in this epistle, John has discussed what our relationship should be in regards to:
a. God – 1 John 1:5-6
b. Jesus – 1 John 2:3-4
c. The things in the world – 1 John 2:15
d. Sin – 1 John 3:4-5
e. Our brethren – 1 John 3:11
2. As chapter four begins, we find John exhorting us concerning a very real danger: false prophets! – 1 John 4:1-6
Body
I. TEST THE SPIRITS!
A. “DO NOT BELIEVE EVERY SPIRIT”
1. For example, don’t believe everything you hear, or everyone who claims to be from God
2. How foolish it would be to do so should be obvious:
a. We would be in a constant state of confusion (believing one thing one moment, and another thing the next)
b. We would be easily misled by those teaching error
B. “TEST THE SPIRITS, WHETHER THEY ARE OF GOD”
1. The word “test” (“try”, KJV) means:
a. To examine, prove scrutinize (Thayer)
b. To see whether a thing is genuine or not
2. So don’t just accept what some teacher or preacher is saying; examine what is being taught
3. Those who have this attitude are highly commended in the Scriptures:
a. The Bereans – Acts 17:11
b. The Ephesians – Revelation 2:2
C. “BECAUSE MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD”
1. This is the reason we must “test the spirits”
2. Others have also warned us of this fact
a. Jesus – Matthew 7:15
b. Peter – 2 Peter 2:1-3
c. Paul – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
3. So we must examine, prove, and scrutinize those who would teach us!
a. Even though some teachers might consider it insubordinate
b. Even though some might not like the possible controversy can cause
4. Whether one teaches in our classes, pulpits, radio, web, etc., we must “test the spirits!”
D. But HOW shall we test the spirits?
II. THE TESTS
A. DO THEY CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST HAS COME IN THE FLESH?
1. 1 John 4:2-3 are best understood in light of the Gnostic-like errors that were prevalent at that time
a. In which some denied Jesus Christ actually came in the flesh – 2 John 1:7
b. Whose doctrine was leading many astray, possibly because the false teachers claimed inspiration by the Spirit
2. But those who would teach such falsehood are not led by the Spirit of God, but possess the spirit of the Antichrist! – 2 John 1:7
B. DO THEY LISTEN TO THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST?
1. 1 John 4:6 reveals how we can distinguish between “the spirit of truth” and “the spirit of error”
a. Those who truly know God listen to the apostles
b. Those who are not of God will reject them
2. For example, does the teaching agree with what the apostles teach?
a. For Jesus taught that to receive them was to receive Him and God – John 13:20
b. Thus the early church continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine – Acts 2:42
c. For they recognized their words as the commands of the Lord – 1 Corinthians 14:37
d. And even the apostles recognized their fellow-apostles’ writings as equivalent to inspired scriptures – 2 Peter 3:15-16
e. Therefore, those who are of God will heed the apostles, and agree with their teaching!
3. This is a test that we can easily apply today on virtually every issue!
a. But it implies knowledge and understanding of the apostles’ doctrine on our part
b. Yet that should not be a problem if we follow the example of the first church in Jerusalem – Acts 2:42
C. THOUGH NOT MENTIONED BY JOHN, HERE ARE TWO MORE “TESTS”
1. The test of Deuteronomy 18:21-22
a. To be used when a person claims to be a prophet of God
b. If their prophecy fails, they are shown to be a false prophet
2. The test of Deuteronomy 13:1-4
a. To be used when wonders are performed, and prophecies seem to be fulfilled
b. If their doctrine contradicts what God has already revealed, they are to be rejected
Conclusion
1. In the midst of these warnings to “test the spirits”, John provides some comforting words in 1 John 4:4-5
a. By being of God (because they have heeded the words of His apostles)
1) They can overcome the false prophets
2) For the One in them is greater than he who is in the world
b. Don’t be surprised to see the world following after the false prophets
1) For the false prophets are of the world and speak in a way as to appeal to the world
2) Therefore don’t be deterred by the “apparent success” of the false teachers (size and numbers are not a proper measure of truth!)
2. In view of the proliferation of religions and various doctrines bombarding us today, all in the name of Christ and the Spirit of God, the exhortation of John is very relevant and important for us: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God”
3. Are you continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine so you can properly apply the test?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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An Accurate Picture of Jesus
According to the thinking of some religious people, Jesus found fault with very little in society. He only found fault with the fault finder. He only criticized the critical. He had intolerance only for the intolerant. As a result, we are lead to believe that those who follow Him must be open and accepting to all kinds of sin and perversion. After all, Jesus said, “Thou shalt not judge!”
Such a view of Jesus could not be further from the truth. Yes, He came as the champion of the downtrodden. He associated with sinners. And, He was criticized for it. But it should not be inferred from His association with them, that He approved of them.
On one occasion Jesus dined with a large number of tax collectors and sinners in Matthew’s house. When the scribes and Pharisees saw that He ate with such a crowd, they were very critical. It was then that Jesus said: “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mark 2:17). From that statement, and others like it, the conclusion is drawn that the church is a place for sinners to gather in a non-judgmental setting. Jesus, it is argued, was accepting, not condemning.
How is it possible to read passages like the one just noted and arrive at such a conclusion? Why did Jesus associate with such people? Because He loved them (John 3:16, 17). Because He loved them, what did He do? He called them to repentance! He did not accept sinners unconditionally. He challenged them to change. That is what repentance is all about.
The church must carry on the work of Jesus in this world. We must reach out to sinners like He did. Our message, like His, must be a call to repentance not acceptance.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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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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One is One Too Many!
A preacher went out to talk to a farmer about his soul, but the farmer wasn’t receptive. “There are just too many hypocrites in the church,” he said. “You know Mr. Smith, and I’m just as good as he is. And there’s Mr. Jones, a member of your church, and I saw him downtown drinking last night. No sir, preacher, there are just too many hypocrites in the church to suit me!”
A few days later the preacher came back to the farmer to buy a pig. The preacher picked out the runt of the litter. “That’s the one I want,” said the preacher. But the farmer protested, “You don’t want that one! I have much better pigs than him!” The preacher assured him that he had made his choice. They agreed on a price and as the preacher was loading the little pig into his car, he turned to the farmer and said, “Now I’m going all over the county and show people the kind of pigs you raise.” The farmer protested. “You can’t do that. I have much better pigs than that one. You can’t judge the whole litter by that runt.” “That’s exactly my point,” said the farmer, as he drove away.
You can’t judge the whole litter by the runt
It’s sad, but there are a lot of people like that farmer. They judge the whole church by one or two runts. I readily admit that there are too many hypocrites in the church. One is one too many! But, we must not judge the whole church by them. And, we certainly should not let them keep us from doing what is right. Jesus condemned those who pretended to be something which they were not (Matthew 23:1-39). Those who are only “acting” at religion today stand condemned as well. We can’t use them as an excuse for our failure to honor God.
- It’s a very serious mistake to compare ourselves with others (2 Corinthians 10:12).
- Jesus is the perfect standard.
- His word is the final authority.
- Let us conform to it, even if others do not!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Put Down Your Beer and Open Up Your Bible
It is time to set the record straight.
On our way back from Polishing the Pulpit, my wife and I spent several hours listening to the radio, as we drove. It’s always fun to sing along with the songs we know, as we reminisce about old times and come to appreciate new music, too. We were almost home, when we heard a new country song that we hadn’t heard before. It’s called, “If I Could Have a Beer With Jesus”— that’s right, “If I Could Have a Beer With Jesus”—and it was written by Thomas Rhett Akins. At first, I laughed out loud at the very notion of a song about a good ole boy sitting down in a honky tonk to share a pitcher of brew with the Son of God. But, as the words of the song came pouring out of my radio speakers, my amusement turned into outrage. Songs like this one,—and there are many others—perpetuate a misrepresentation about our Lord that vexes the souls of faithful Christians everywhere. Once again, it is time to set the record straight.
Jesus would even join them in doing the same?
First of all, there is the notion that Jesus approves of our sinful behavior, and the assumption that He would gladly join us in it. Miranda Lambert sings a song about drinking wine with the Lord, called “A Heart Like Mine.” The chorus says, “I heard Jesus; He drank wine. And I bet we’d get along just fine. He could calm the storm and heal the bind. And I bet He’d understand a heart like mine.” Many people live their lives by the assumption that sinners are just misunderstood and that, as long as they don’t commit any of the “really big” sins, God understands, and forgives, and would even join them in doing the same. Back in the 1960’s and 70’s, this was the mantra of the “hippie generation.” Men grew out their hair, fornicated and abused drugs; arguing all the while that Jesus did the same things. It is infuriating to me to hear such vile slander leveled against the Lord of humanity! Jesus did not drink alcohol, He did not commit fornication, and He did not have long hair (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 11:14)!
Learn to be ashamed and put down the burden of sin.
It’s about time that people learned to be ashamed of their sinful behavior and did something about their spiritual weakness, besides using it as an excuse (2 Peter 3:18). Like the people of Jeremiah’s day, we no longer blush, when sin is brought to light (Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12). When is somebody going to write a song about smoking a joint with Jesus, or going to the casino with Jesus, or going to a strip club with Jesus? When that day comes, will people think it is sentimental and cute, or will people be outraged by the idea that the Lord would ever engage in such behavior? Jesus wants us to put down the burden of sin, and not drag it around with us for the rest of our lives (Matthew 11:28-30).
Pick up your Bible to find the answers.
Another thing about the lyrics to “If I Could Have a Beer With Jesus” that I find astonishing is the quandary that Mr. Akins seems to be in over such questions as, “Do you hear the prayers I send? What happens when life ends? When you think you’re comin’ back again?” It seems to me that, if this guy would just put down his beer and pick up his Bible, he would be able to find the answers he seeks. The Word of God tells us all that we need to know about prayer, in passages like Matthew 6:5-15, among many others. The Bible tells us about what happens when life ends, in passages like Luke 16:19-31. As to the question of when Jesus will come back again, all that one needs to do is read Matthew 24:36.
Don’t delude yourself into thinking the Word of God is too hard to understand.
People like to think that spiritual questions like this are deep and the answers to them are elusive. But, the truth of the matter is that these questions are simple and the answers we seek may be found in the Bible. If you want to know about Jesus, just “Search the Scriptures” (John 5:39). You may not like what you find there, and maybe that’s why some people do not open their Bibles to begin with, but don’t delude yourself into thinking that the Word of God is just too hard for the common man to understand (Mark 12:37b).
We will be judged by the standard that Jesus set.
When I researched the lyrics of this song on the Internet, I was surprised to see so many comments about it that lauded it with praise. Some said that it was such a good song that it made them cry. I makes me cry to think of all the poor souls who are convinced that they don’t need to change their lives to be pleasing to the Lord. Let us never forget that we will be judged by the standard that He set, and not the standard that the world sets for us (John 12:48).
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed…” – Romans 12:2
Content by Russell Kline
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What Did He Mean?
Treat others the way we want to be treated
Jesus said: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets ” (Matthew 7:12 ESV). I doubt that Jesus said anything in the course of His ministry that is more readily recognized, or more universally accepted. But, what did He mean? The intent is clear. We should treat others the way we want to be treated! It’s called the Golden Rule.
Love is the badge of discipleship
I can assure you that come Judgment Day Jesus will not be asking, “And how were you treated?” However, He will, among other things, take careful note of how we treated others. As Christians, there is never a time when it is right to be rude, unkind, mean-spirited, or hateful. Love should motivate our every word and deed. Love is the badge of discipleship. Jesus also said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 ESV).
Loving sinners does not mean that we should ignore sin
Some interpret what Jesus said regarding love as proof that Christians should never disagree, never speak out against anything or anyone, and certainly should never suggest that someone else may be wrong about something. We must be tolerant. Any criticism, any disagreement, any suggestion that someone might be engaging in sinful conduct is to be rejected. It’s argued that these kinds of things are incompatible with the principles espoused by Jesus. If that is the case, please answer the following questions.
Did Jesus violate His own principles when He repeatedly called the Pharisees hypocrites (Matthew 23)? Was He wrong when He overturned the tables of the money changers and drove them from the temple (John 2)? Was He being unloving when He commanded the adulterous woman to leave her life of sin (John 8:11)? Is there a note of intolerance in His words when He said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3)? Was He being judgmental when He referred to his own generation as a “brood of vipers” (Matthew 12)?
The Golden Rule does not demand that we acknowledge every lifestyle as acceptable. Loving sinners does not mean that we should ignore sin. The words of Jesus don’t prohibit us from speaking out about sin. In fact, His words demand that we speak out, but that we do it lovingly and kindly!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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