“TO THIS END HAVE I BEEN BORN”

"To this end have I been born, and to this end am I come into the world, that I should ear witness unto the truth" (John 18:37).

Jesus’ purpose for coming into the world, was as much misunderstood in the first century as it is today. While celebrations abound, they reflect a zeal for God, yet void of the knowledge of His righteousness (Romans 10:2-3). Ignorance of God’s will is not new. Both Isaiah and Hosea attributed it to God’s people in their day (Isaiah 5:13; Hosea 4:6). Many can quote scripture from memory, yet their understanding of those passages in the context of God’s eternal purpose is still a mystery to them (Ephesians 3:3-6).

In the first century, it was believed that Jesus would set up an earthly kingdom, of the nature of David and Solomon (cf. Luke 17:20; 19:11; Acts 1:6) This, in turn, was due to a misunderstanding of the prophecies of God about ‘restoring all things’ (Acts 3:21).

Jesus plainly stated His reason for coming: to “bear witness to truth”. Yes, this involved redeeming man from His sins, for everyone had sinned (Romans 3:23). Jesus came to take away sin, yet He was equally plain in teaching that man was in sin through disobeying God’s words. We must repent of this disobedience, and Jesus taught that plainly (John 15:22-25).

Jesus also said to Pilate, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice” (John 18:37b). What did Jesus mean by these words? Jesus was speaking of obedience. Notice:

John 8:47 – “He who is of God hears the words of God”

John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

2 Thess. 2:10 – “They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth in order to be saved.”

1 John 4:6 – “he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

Why was it hard for Pilate to see the truth about Jesus? For people today, the same question is in order: ‘Why is it hard to see the truth?’ Jesus taught why there is difficulty in seeing truth in His parables. In Matthew 6:19-21, He said, “...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Truth is hard to 'see' when one’s real desire lies elsewhere. For some, truth is not their treasure; there are other things in this life that is worth more to them. Truth will reveal where a person’s ‘heart’ is. The truth about your heart’s treasure is declared when you disobey God’s word. Truth will exact a high price of you. Jesus said plainly in Luke 14:26-27 – “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” 

Truth is the most important discovery you will make in your life. For the Christian, every relationship and all future relationships will be defined by the path of truth. Consider these four things: 

1. Your associates will be determined by truth. (Psalm 1:1-4)

2. Those whom you have fellowship with on a religious basis will be determined by truth. (Ephesians 5:8-13)

3) Your relationship with God will be determined by truth. (1 Peter 3:10-12)

4) Your eternity will be determined by truth. (1 John 4:1-6)

Consider a quote from H. L. Mencken: “For the truth-teller and truth-seeker, indeed, the whole world has very little liking. He is always unpopular, and not infrequently his unpopularity is so excessive that it endangers his life. Run your eye back over the list of martyrs; nine-tenths of them stood accused of nothing worse than honest efforts to find out and announce the truth.”

What has the truth cost you? Anyone who begins the course of pursuing “UN-denominational Christianity” will quickly discover that most religious people have no interest in such a stand. When others see that you are willing to sincerely question long-held religious practices, you will become a perceived threat to them. Those who cannot defend their practices based on the truth will often “justify” themselves by a slanderous attack on you personally. 

When you make a firm commitment to seek and stand upon the truth, then you will find those difficult occasions where you must choose between relationships with men and the truth of God. You must decide to live by principle and righteousness (Joshua 24:15). If you live by what is right, God will be with you (1 Peter 3:10-12). While many people observe Christ's "birthday", few observe His precepts...for 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments. Jesus was plain as to which "observation" defines discipleship (John 14:15).

“UNDERSTANDING FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE”

A most essential need in Bible study is to distinguish between literal and figurative language.  We will begin with a brief look at metonymy. Metonymy is a figure of speech that involves the exchange of nouns or verbs, where one noun or verb is put for another related noun or verb. The word “metonymy” comes from “meta”, indicating change, and “onoma”, a name (or in grammar, a noun).

Metonymy is a common figure of speech with a wide variety of usages. “The White House said today…” is one contemporary example in which the President of the United States and his staff are represented by the building they occupy. When we say, “Give me a hand,” it is by metonymy that “hand” is put for the many useful was the hand can help.

As we will see, metonymy is integrally involved in understanding many of the verses that seem to make God the direct and active cause of negative circumstances. Metonymy has many forms, and the Biblical examples that concern us here are those related to the concepts of cause and effect, permission and prophecy. In the Old Testament, God often revealed himself as the author of both good and evil. Thus “God” is often put by metonymy as the cause of events that were actually engineered by the devil.

To get a better understanding of the complexities of cause and effect, let us consider the case of “Mr. Smith,” who gets drunk at a party one night and then heads home in his car, driving well above the posted speed limit on a two-lane highway. An oncoming car makes a left turn in front of him, but Mr. Smith’s impaired perception causes him to misjudge the distance and swerve to avoid the other car. He loses control of his car, hits a concrete bridge abutment, and is killed.

A policeman arriving at the scene might say that excessive alcohol was the cause of Mr. Smith’s death. Mr. Smith’s family might say the driver of the other car was the cause. The corner’s report would probably conclude that he died because he flew through the windshield and his head hit the concrete abutment.

In a sense, each of the statements is valid although the coroner’s report seems to most accurately reflect why Mr. Smith actually died. But did the concrete kill Mr. Smith? Not in the active sense in which one person kills another. Yet the concrete was the final cause of his death, for if he had driven into a huge pile of mattresses instead of an immovable object, he might have survived. Nevertheless, we understand that the actual cause of his death was something other than the abutment, which did not jump into his path. The actual cause was whatever made him lose control of his car, which in his case was his heavily impaired faculties and judgment.

It has been said that one cannot break God’s laws, but only breaks himself against them, because they are immovable objects. God has set up the universe to function according to many laws and principles, which He said were “very good” (Genesis 1:31). In reality, physical laws cannot be broken. A farmer who disregards the principles of soil fertility will eventually go broke. The window cleaner with a cavalier attitude toward safety, whose worn-out rope breaks while he is dangling from the roof of a high-rise office building will, because of the law of gravity, be rudely introduced to an unsuspecting pedestrian.

There are spiritual laws also. For example, you reap what you sow; evil associations corrupt good ethics; sin separates man from God. When we break these laws, whether knowingly or unknowingly, we are not actually breaking them; rather we are breaking ourselves against them. Is God to blame because he set these laws into place? No more than a state highway department is liable for fatalities caused by drunken motorists driving into concrete bridge supports.

 

In the Bible, most especially in the Old Testament in regard to the cause of evil, sin, and suffering, we find numerous records where the subject of a sentence is said to be the cause of an event, when in reality something else (another subject) is the cause. This is the figure of speech known as ‘Metonymy of the Subject’, in which one subject is put in place of another subject with which it stands in a definite relation.

A good illustration of how one subject is put for another is found in comparing the two seemingly contradictory biblical accounts of the death of King Saul. Remember that in the Old Testament, as we have noted, God was perceived as the ultimate cause of both positive and negative circumstances, and as sovereign in the sense that He controlled everything that happened. In 1 Samuel 31:4-5, the word of God states that Saul died by committing suicide, falling upon his sword. Yet, 1 Chronicles 10:14 says that “the Lord put him to death” for disobeying the word of God and for enquiring of a familiar spirit.

How do we reconcile these apparently conflicting statements? We do so by recognizing that the latter statement is the figure of speech ‘Metonymy of the Subject’. The actual subject, Saul (as stated in 1 Samuel 31) is exchanged for another subject, God, with which it stands in a definite relation. The relation between Saul and God is that it was God who gave Saul His commandments, and Saul disobeyed them. Thus God can, in one sense, be said to be the ‘cause’ of Saul’s death. By breaking God’s laws, Saul broke himself against them.

By his own choice, Saul separated himself from God and His blessings, and therefore faced the consequences of his actions without the benefit of God’s grace and mercy. Because of his own sin, Saul found himself in a hopeless predicament, and killed himself. Only in the sense that God’s Word was the “immovable object”, against which Saul rebelled, could it be said that God “put him to death”. In concluding this chapter, we will see why God used this figurative language in the Old Testament.

Just as there is a relation between Saul and God such that “Saul” can be exchanged for “God” by Metonymy of the Subject, so there is a relation between Satan and God such that they can be exchanged by Metonymy of the Subject. This relation is explained later in this chapter.

For the most part, God’s ability to alleviate for people the effects of sin is directly proportional to their obedience to Him. For instance, Romans 1:24 and 26 say that God “gave up” those who turned away from Him in the same way Jesus gave up his life, as an act of will (John 19:20). There are situations in which God reaches a point at which He knows it is fruitless to continue to attempt to convince people who are no longer willing to change their behavior. God lets them go on the road to self-destruction, to learn by experience apart from His grace and mercy, much like the father did in Jesus’ parable about the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).

Why are people “permitted” to turn away? Because God highly values man’s freedom of will. If one wills to continue in his sinful disobedience, he will suffer the consequences of his unwillingness to listen to God. God is not in the business of forcing obedience, which then becomes meaninglessly mechanical. He does, however, honestly declare the consequences that result from sin so that all people have a genuine choice. Without choice, there can be no true freedom. God’s desire is that His people be set free by knowledge, understanding, and wisdom so they can make informed choices. He is fundamentally an educator, not an autocratic puppeteer.

“HE WHOM THE LORD COMMENDS”

 

Having the ‘capability’ to perform or carry out an action does not necessarily mean that one has the legitimate right to do so. Neither does having the ‘desire’ to do it, mean you are authorized to do so. Furthermore, the authority for you to undertake a task is not based upon the ‘irresponsibility’ of someone else. Assumed responsibilities do not always equate to authorized responsibilities. Many problems have arisen because of assumed rights based upon these very reasons. Having the ‘right’ to do something depends upon authorization from the proper source.

One of the most obvious examples of ‘assumed’ responsibility is seen from the action of King Saul in 1 Samuel 13. The prophet Samuel had earlier instructed Saul to go to Gilgal and “wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you should do.” We find in 1 Samuel 13:1-7 that the Philistines had come out against Saul and the army of Israel in great numbers. The appointed time came, yet Samuel had not arrived. The army of Israel began to scatter. Saul’s desire was to entreat the favor of Jehovah. But his motivation was fear of the Philistines, not reverence for Jehovah. So, he ‘forced himself’ to offer a burnt offering (1 Samuel 13:8-12). Finally, Samuel came and said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you…” (1 Samuel 13:13-14). Saul had been given responsibility and authority to act in the capacity of KING, not as PRIEST! Although he had the capability and desire, he did NOT have the authority to offer sacrifices. THAT authority and right belonged to the (Levitical) priests. In his desire to do Samuel’s responsibility, Saul also failed in his responsibility as king.

It is also important to recognize the relationship between authorization and responsibility. A person can be a responsible person in the sense that they are reliable and trustworthy. However, being responsible does not entitle one to self-authorization. Again, apply this to the situation of King Saul. No matter how honest and sincere, no matter how strong his desire to keep the people united was, Saul, being a Benjamite, would never be given the right and responsibility of performing that which was given to the Levites: the priesthood.

The apostle Paul dealt with those who sought to be regarded as apostles. In 2 Corinthians 10-12, Paul wrote at length in defending his apostleship against false charges. One such charge was being ‘unskilled’ or ‘rude’ in speech. (On a side-note, even if this rudeness would have disqualified Paul, it did not make someone else qualified to take his place. Such rationale has been used by those who seek to justify women to usurp authority over men in the matter of public teaching, praying, and in preaching the gospel on the basis that “men won’t”, or that there is no man available or ‘qualified’). Again, desire and capability to act, or the failure of another in being faithful to his/her responsibility, does not give permission for self-authorization. Authority simply cannot be self-imposed. Authority must come from God, in His word. (1 Timothy 2:8-15).

Another ‘disqualification’ charged to Paul was, of all things, his refusal to take support (2 Corinthians 11:7-8). Paul had the ‘right’ (authorization) from God to do so (1 Corinthians 9:14-16). He explained why he refused this in 2 Corinthians 11:12, “…so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 

The matter of self-imposed authority is the seed that will sprout the fruit of division in every facet of society. For example, in regard to a most vital God-ordained relationship – MARRIAGE, it is often entered into without any consideration of God’s word as to whether one has the ‘right’ to marry, as well as ‘who’ one has the right to marry. The decision is generally based solely upon one’s desire, or upon an assumed personal right to act as he/she chooses.

The same thing is often true in regard to becoming a parent. Becoming a parent obviously requires reproducing, and God made man capable of such. But becoming a parent without regard for WHY God made man capable of reproducing has consequences both for the parent and the child. The decision to both marry and start a family needs to be made in view of man's purpose for existence (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:13).

God gave authority and responsibility in the home, the government, and in the church. These three institutions are separate and distinct. Negligence of a spouse or a parent does not ‘authorize’ the government nor the church to take over the responsibilities God assigned to the home. Let us remember Paul’s admonition: “For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends” (2 Corinthians 10:18).

“DO GHOSTS EXIST?”

  

Is man’s belief in ghosts based upon the Bible? What factors influenced man’s concept of a ghost?  When, and how did humans come to believe that they exist? Is it all a hoax; a harmless fictional concept much like the tooth fairy and Santa? Ghosts, spooks, goblins, and other related objects of a non-physical nature that are commonly associated with Halloween; are they mentioned in the Bible? There were encounters with the dead that are recorded for us in the Bible.  What are we to make of them?

To understand this subject accurately, we must apply all language in accordance with GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE as set forth in the Bible (see 1 Peter 1:10-12; Ephesians 1:3-5; 3:7-11). Bible prophecy, and associated events that involved appearances and contact with the dead or with angels occurred in accordance with GOD accomplishing this eternal purpose; i.e., our salvation! Events that involved contact with the dead (ghosts???), were related to this eternal purpose.

Events such as the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) [where contact with the dead occurred] were NOT for free-lance interpretation; book writings; personal testimony, etc. WITH NO REGARD FOR GOD’S REVELATION: THE BIBLE! While many incidents could be given; let us focus upon one particular story that involved the dead and which would accurately portray to us what someone from the dead [ghosts] would have to say; IF THEY COULD “RISE FROM THE DEAD”.  That story is found in Luke 16:19-31.

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side.  The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— for I have five brothers —so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead’.”

What are some lessons for us from this narrative? IF someone COULD ‘rise from the dead’, they would: 

1) Warn the living of a terrible place! vv. 24-25, 28 ~ “in anguish”; “place of torment”

2) It would also prove that the scriptures suffice in producing godly sorrow which worketh repentance vv. 29-31

Accordingly, we read in the Bible that the gospel is God’s means of producing faith, repentance, and obedience to His will - Romans 10:17; Acts 17:30

The relevance of obedience to the gospel to man’s salvation is seen from 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 – “…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints…”.

Do you believe in ghosts? Why would anyone believe in them?  For anyone who has claimed to have seen a ghost, consider these questions: How did you come to conclude that what you saw/experienced was a ghost? From pictures…stories…folklore…or from the Bible? Why did you not conclude that the image you saw was something other than a ghost?  Why did you say that it was a ‘ghost’?  Was it based upon the testimony of another person who related a similar incident? What has shaped man’s concept of the existence of ‘ghosts’?  How are we to interpret the appearances and alleged contacts with the dead?  More importantly, are they to be the basis for formulating our convictions religiously?  How credible is our evidence?

Remember, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets (i.e., what was written), neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead’.”

“Who ya gonna’ call [upon ~ i. e. believe]?

“THE AFFLICTION OF GOD’S HABITATION”

God’s words will always prove true even when given a ‘bad’ review by man. There is power in words, whether they declare truth or error. Reports, reactive comments (more reports), and concluding comments (more reports), all prove the power of words. Man’s words reflect his faith or doubt in what God has declared. When our words agree with God’s oracles, it reflects our faith in God (1 Peter 4:11). There is an effect that will lead to eternal life for those who hear us. When we speak ‘faith-less’ and/or ‘false words’ about God’s words, it will lead to eternal damnation for the hearer. It depends, of course, upon which words the hearer accepts.

For example, God had made it clear that He was giving them the land of Canaan as a possession. God ordered the land to be spied. One of the two reports spoken to the people was evil, yet it was accepted as truth. It led to death for those who believed it (Numbers 13:31-33; 14:36-37). This report was evil because it reflected their lack of faith in God to perform His oath to Abraham (Deuteronomy 9:5). Those who believed this evil report also lacked faith in God’s power to fulfill His promises.

However, there was another story that involved a bad report made by the people of Israel in the days of Eli. The story is found in 1 Samuel 2:22-35. The circumstances were much different, yet a lack of faith in God was still the issue. Eli was the high priest at this time. His sons, although priests, were ‘worthless’. Even though they were ‘religious’, they despised the offering of Jehovah  (1 Samuel 2:17). The abuses in regard to the sacrifice, coupled with the abuses with the women who served at the tabernacle (1 Samuel 2:22) were brought to Eli. This report from the people was not good, but this time, it was the truth. However, their complaint to Eli was did not remedy the problem any more than Eli’s response did. The correct action that should have been taken is seen from the words of Jehovah to Eli: “I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons did bring a curse upon themselves, and he restrained them not.” (1 Samuel 3:13). Jehovah punished Eli’s house justly (see 1 Samuel 2:34; 4:11).

God had made an oath to which He would be faithful to carry out. This was the reason He dwelt in the midst of His people, Israel. His presence was a blessing for His people. He had already blessed them in many ways. He was an ever-present aid in their time of need (Deuteronomy 4:7; Isaiah 65:24). The Law given at Mt. Sinai was far superior to the lay of any other nation (Deuteronomy 4:8). Their very life depended upon this law (Deuteronomy 6:24-25). While this law was a blessing, it was not THE blessing God purposed for them when He made an oath to Abraham (Genesis 12:3b); no more than Eliezer was THE intended heir from his loins, though he had been born in Abraham’s house (Genesis 15:2-4). Even the blessings to Abraham about his seed becoming a great nation and their possession of Canaan were with a view to a greater, yet future blessing…Christ (Galatians 3:24). It was called a ‘latter end’ blessing by Moses (Deuteronomy 8:16b).

Israel, in failing to believe God, cast this law aside (Nehemiah 9:26). Yet, God was in their midst. Why? Because God is true to His word, fulfilling His oath to bless His people in their “latter end”. In the interim, His presence is sharper than a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Notice what Eli was told in 1 Samuel 2:32, “And thou shalt behold the affliction of My habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel”. The truth in connection with the report concerning the sinful behavior of Eli’s sons was and is true anytime God’s people sin. They will see the affliction of His dwelling while God does good for His people.

God, through His righteous deeds in the presence of His people demonstrates His faithfulness to His own words. His discipline at the present is to bless His own in their “latter end”. That was His purpose from eternity (Ephesians 1:5). The Hebrew writer wrote of this ‘latter end’ blessing as follows, “…regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art reproved of him; For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth’…for they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:5-7, 10-11).

Remember, “the Lord chasteneth His ‘children’ (i.e., those whom He loveth)…for their profit…give Him reverence…be trained by it.” You will thus, be a channel of blessing.

“WHAT IF…SUPPOSE…?” - #2

 

“What if (suppose) a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” (Acts 23:9).

In Acts 23:1-9, we read the account of the apostle Paul before the council and the high priest, Ananias. When Paul states that he is called in question over the “hope and resurrection of the dead”, a great dissention arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees.  In v. 9 we read, “…some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ part stood up, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: and what if a spirit hath spoken to him, or an angel?”

The question was asked in an earlier article with this same title, “What if the basis of our belief IS from God?” If this were true, then our convictions would be so strong that we would defend them with our life (much as the apostles did). If our belief (i.e., conviction) is that God’s love, (demonstrated by the giving of His only begotten Son), was necessary (John 3:16; Hebrews 9:22); and if our belief that God’s raising up of Jesus was not only true, but also necessary (1 Corinthians 15:17); then our life should not cause our profession to be mere empty words in regard to these two events.

Faith in the reality of Jesus’ resurrection calls upon the believer to accept the certainty of another related event: the Judgment. We can see this as we consider WHY the resurrection took place. If the shedding of Jesus’ blood atoned for our sins (Hebrews 9:22); why was it necessary that His soul not be left “in Hades” (Acts 2:27)? The Hebrew writer mentioned that Jesus “shall appear a second time” (Hebrews 9:28). He adds that to those who ‘wait for Him’, this second appearing will be ‘unto salvation’. Luke and Paul also wrote of this second appearance of Jesus and of the need to ‘wait for’ or ‘look for’ it.  (cf. Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Titus 2:13-14).

Notice the language of the apostle Peter on this: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”(2 Peter 3:9-13). 

Peter here, explains what “wait for Him” involves. For those who believe in the certainty of the Lord’s return, their life reflects that they are living in holiness and godliness. They eagerly look for, and earnestly desire the coming of that day, because for them, it will be a day of salvation.

‘What if’ (suppose) there is a Judgment Day, as God hath declared. What manner of person ought you to be? THAT was the point made in Acts 23:9 as well as in 2 Peter 3:11. If God has spoken about it, then the same condemnation that Paul spoke of in regard to his failure to preach the gospel applies to us: “woe be unto us if we don’t…” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

Dear reader, what manner of person are you in view of your belief of the resurrection and of the Judgment? Your manner of living is the truest reflection of your attitude toward God’s love for you. Remember, you will never turn from a sin you don’t hate (James 1:14).

“WHAT IF…SUPPOSE…?”

“What if (suppose) a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” (Acts 23:9).

Often, such statements (questions) as ‘suppose’ or ‘what if’ are uttered in response to a text in the Bible. Such words are sometimes genuine inquiries about the text, while at other times, they are put forth as an ‘exception-to-the-rule’ response, suggesting that God’s commands have exceptions.

 

In Acts 23:1-9, we read the account of the apostle Paul before the council and the high priest, Ananias. When Paul states that he is called in question over the “hope and resurrection of the dead”, a great dissention arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees.  In v. 9 we read, “…some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ part stood up, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: and what if a spirit hath spoken to him, or an angel?”

 

What if…? The scribes of the Pharisees, upon hearing that Paul mentioned the ‘hope of the resurrection of the dead’, began arguing heatedly with the Sadducees for they (i.e., the Pharisees) held the same belief as Paul. Their belief in regard to the resurrection would be valid only IF it came from God. What if it did? The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the most significant event relative to man. It is the foundation of our hope; the reason for which we assemble, worship, study, refuse to be ‘of’ the world while in the world, support the preaching of the gospel, love our neighbors, and love each other as brethren. Simply put, there is meaning to our lives because of the resurrection. We don’t just imagine a fictitious thing we call heaven; we have credible proof of it - - - the resurrection!

‘What if’ the basis of our belief is from God? If so, then our convictions would be so strong that we would defend them with our life! As Jesus’ example was, so also will ours be. We will die in defense of God’s word. Our life will be a living sacrifice. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the god and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2). 

‘What if’ God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son… (John 3:16)? We should not begin with ‘do I believe this’, but first settle in our minds, IS IT FROM GOD? Is it true? Did it indeed happen? What proof do I have that this His Son WAS given in love for me? That proof is an empty grave…the resurrection from the dead! It is no surprise that efforts to deny the resurrection began immediately (Matthew 28:11-15), and denial continued thereafter (1 Corinthians 15:12). It continues to the present. The resurrection of Jesus is the proof of God’s promise to judge the world by Him (Acts 17:31).

The reason for denying Jesus’ resurrection has never changed, nor ever will. Do you know what the reason is? Think for a few moments on your answer. Are you struggling with the question? How does it make you feel as you give thought and meditation on your answer? There is a purpose for asking all these questions (it is not just to stall or frustrate you.) If you are uncomfortable with dwelling on the reality of the resurrection, it reveals that doubt and fear exists in your mind about it. You see, the resurrection compels you; obligates you; and indebts you to OBEY Christ. In order to obey Christ, you must cease your life of sin. Herein lies the struggle and the condemnation. The reality of the resurrection calls upon each of us to cease sacrificing the eternal on the altar of the immediate. Moses understood this (Hebrews 11:25).

What about you? How does the resurrection affect you? Does it give you joy or anxiety? Do you look forward to Jesus’ return? What if there is a day of Judgment? Is it from God? What effect do the following words of Peter have on your heart: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” (2 Peter 3:10-12)? Your attitude toward the return of Jesus speaks volumes. Remember, you will never turn from a sin you don’t hate (James 1:14).

 

“INVIGORATED”

The word ‘invigorated’ literally translated, means “to put life or energy into”. That which makes the difference between being spiritually ‘dead’ and spiritually ‘alive’ is God’s word. We know this from Jesus’ teachings. After Jesus had been working some great miracles, we find that many followed Him because of the miracles (John 6:2). Later, Jesus challenged them because it was apparent they were there only for physical food (vv. 24-33). He challenged them to seek the spiritual food He offered, but many would turn away later when this spiritual food could not be ‘swallowed’ (vv. 41-66). In their rejection of this spiritual food, they forfeited eternal life.

After these had turned away, Jesus said to those remaining, “It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life” (v. 63). The source of spiritual invigoration – life and energy – came from the Spirit and the words of Jesus Christ! When Jesus then asked His closest disciples if they, too, would turn away (v. 67), Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (v. 68). The twelve understood that Jesus’ words were the source of their spiritual life.

Those words spoken by Jesus, as well as the words taught by the Holy Spirit, (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 3:3-6), are the ONLY source of spiritual life. Cornelius feared God and prayed always. God answered his prayer with a vision, telling him to send for Simon, who would speak “words, whereby thou shalt be saved, thou and all thy house” (Acts 11:14). Those words were by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Cornelius, although devout (Acts 10:2), was still spiritually dead in his sins until he exercised his faith in those words. His obedience of faith resulted in spiritual life from spiritual death for him and his household. That is what spiritual invigoration is…life from death.

We must all recognize that, outside of Christ, we are spiritually dead (cf. Ephesians 2:1). Our spiritual life comes from Christ through His teachings. The gospel message declares God’s righteousness, which is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16-17). God has revealed the process of justification in the gospel. Man was not responsible for it, nor did it originate with man, for man could not have provided it. It was God’s plan for making men righteous. Paul refers to it as the ‘LAW OF FAITH’ (Romans 3:27). Paul also called it the ‘law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus’ (Romans 8:2). James referred to it as the ‘law of liberty’ (James 1:25; 2:12). It is simply referring to the provisions God has put in place whereby man may be reconciled to Him.

But what about after our spiritual birth? Despite the fact that some teach a ‘once saved, always saved’ plan of salvation, that is not God’s ‘law of faith’. Faith must be nurtured; else it will die. Just as we need to continually eat physical food to remain alive physically, we must also continually feed on spiritual food to remain alive spiritually. Peter’s admonition to newborn disciples was that they, “…desire the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation” (1 Peter 2:2 - ASV). This emphasizes the need for PROPER diet. We recognize this in the physical realm. Proper diet and proper exercise are essentials to physical wellness. Both must continue. No one can eat just once and expect that to last 60 or 70 years. Why would anyone think he can grow without spiritual nourishment? The same physical problems which would arise from physical malnutrition will also arise from spiritual malnutrition.

To be spiritually strong, we must continually feed on God’s word and then continually exercise our faith in obedience to those words (cf. Romans 1:5; 16:26). When we continue to ignore our spiritual hunger, we become weak. As our spiritual strength weakens, our resistance to fleshly lusts is unable to resist the urge to satisfy those lusts. It is inevitable that we will sin. “…each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14-15).

We must exercise ourselves for the purpose of becoming godly, not ungodly (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Spiritual malnutrition is an inevitable result from any doctrine that does not agree with the words of Jesus (1 Timothy 6:3-6). The reason given by Paul was that one’s godliness will become discontented from feeding on a diet of ‘un-sound’ doctrine. Those who are not content with living godly, view the keeping of God’s words as a weariness (Isaiah 43:22; Micah 6:3 Malachi 1:13; 3:14). 

Remember, only Jesus’ words can provide you  with life abundantly (John 10:10).  

“JESUS AND AUTHORITY”

 

EVEN JESUS DID NOT PRESUME TO ACT WITHOUT AUTHORITY

How important is the subject of AUTHORITY in the realm of religion? We can see its importance from the consequences associated with acting without God’s authority. “A man that hath set at nought Moses’ law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:28-31).

The rulers among the Jews understood that one may not act without authority. “And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one question, which if ye tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We know not. He also said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”(Matthew 21:23-27).

Inasmuch as He was “born of a woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4), not even Jesus was exempt from the necessity of having authority for what He did. Jesus used three methods to establish authority for His teaching and practice.

First, He taught what His Father had commanded Him to teach. “And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one question, which if ye tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven or from men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We know not. He also said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.” (John 12:48-50).

Second, He did what He had seen His Father do. “But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work. For this cause therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only brake the sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God. Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner.” (John 5:17-19).

Third, He taught what was implied, though not explicitly stated, in the Law. “On that day there came to him Sadducees, they that say that there is no resurrection: and they asked him, saying, Teacher, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first married and deceased, and having no seed left his wife unto his brother; in like manner the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And after them all, the woman died. In the resurrection therefore whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. But Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And when the multitudes heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.” (Matthew 22:23-33).

Let us remember the words of He who possesses all authority: “Can the blind guide the blind? shall they not both fall into a pit? The disciple is not above his teacher: but every one when he is perfected shall be as his teacher.” (Luke 6:39-40).

9/9/22

“The ‘CHRISTIAN PROBLEM’ In The World”

 

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Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus, (aka Pliny the Younger), was a Roman author and administrator who left a collection of private letters that intimately illustrated public and private life in the Roman Empire. As the Roman governor of what is now modern Turkey, Pliny wrote a letter to Emperor Trajan around 112 A.D. and asked for the Emperor’s counsel regarding how to deal with Christians.   Pliny saved his letters as well as Trajan’s replies, and these are the earliest surviving Roman documents to refer to early Christians.

In the letter, (Epistulae X.96), Pliny asked for procedures in dealing with the large number of Christians who were being brought before him daily on charges of:

a) refusing military service

b) refusing the do obeisance to the Emperor’s Statue (about the equivalent of saluting the American flag or refusing to sign a Loyalty Oath in the 1950’s), and

c) having a strange new and secret religion which although harmless, seemed dangerous to the established Roman way of life.

The letter stated: “In the meantime, the method I have observed towards those who have been denounced to me as Christians is this: I interrogated them whether they were in fact Christians; if they confessed it, I repeated the question twice, adding the threat of capital punishment; if they still persevered, I ordered them to be executed...they affirmed, however, that the whole of their guilt, or their error, was that they were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to perform any wicked deed, never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to make it good; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food – but food of an ordinary and innocent kind.”

Yet, these Christians were deemed ‘problems’ to Roman society. Jesus was deemed a ‘problem’ (Luke 23:5). Paul, Silas, and their companions were viewed as a ‘problem’ (Acts 17:6). This was not new. In the Old Testament, God’s people were frequently singled out as ‘problems’ to society. In the days of Elijah, there was a three-year drought in Samaria which resulted in a severe famine (1 Kings 18:1). Jehovah told Elijah to go to Ahab and tell him that Jehovah was going to send rain. We read: “And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Is it thou, thou troubler of Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of Jehovah, and thou hast followed the Baalim” (1 Kings 18:17-18). Both accused each other of being the ‘troubler’. The real ‘problem’ of course was with the one who had forsaken the commands of Jehovah. Prior to this, in Joshua’s day, Achan was a ‘problem’ in the society of Israel (1 Chronicles 2:7). The reason was because Achan transgressed the command of Jehovah. From this we see that there are two ways in which God’s people can be ‘problems’ to society.

1] When they only outwardly appear to follow God. Only people without ‘eyes to see’  and ‘ears to hear’ are fooled. However, when inwardly, Christians are immoral in thought, compromising in convictions, selfish, and unloving, they will be a hindrance to those outside of Christ as well as a discouragement to those who are in Christ. Because of their hypocrisy, God will be cursed rather than blessed (cf. Romans 2:24; 2 Peter 2:2).

2] When they expose sin. When this happens, those without ‘eyes to see’  and ‘ears to hear’ will view them as Ahab viewed Elijah. However, Jehovah will be honored, and eternal life will be their reward. When Jesus appeared to Saul of Tarsus, He told him that he was to open the eyes of the Gentiles that they may receive forgiveness so as to inherit eternal life (Acts 26:15-18; cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:20).

Such allegations and any ensuing persecutions toward Christians, demands of them a faith that will not be moved from staying the course of obedience (cf. Romans 8:35-39; Revelation 2:10b). Their faith must overcome fear of what may be done physically to them, even to the point of physical death. Their faith must look beyond the temporal to see the eternal. They must have ‘eyes to see’ in the sense that Jesus meant: to perceive temptation and avoid it (Proverbs 5:3-8); and to discern good from evil (Isaiah 5:20).

Being a problem to society is, in reality, a blessing from God, when it accords with the purpose for which Jesus was sent. Peter described that purpose in the following manner: “God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” (Acts 3:26).

8/28/22

COMPARE AND $AVE

When Jesus had taught in the temple, the Jews were astonished at how He could teach, not having been “trained”; i.e., “uneducated”; “not knowing letters”. (John 7:14-15).

When they heard Peter and John teach, they were astonished at the confidence with which they taught, being “unlearned and ignorant men”. “And then they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13).

Are there any similarities in the teaching of Jesus with the teaching of Peter and John? What else would have made the Jews connect Peter and John as having “been with Jesus”?

What about the present? Is it not still true, that teaching can identify/connect one as having “been with Jesus”? Certainly so! It can also be proof that teaching is in error. If not, why not?

The teachings of the Jews could NOT identify them with Moses because they did not teach what Moses taught. They taught “traditions” (Matthew 15:1-9).

The apostle Paul gave a command to the church of Christ in Thessalonica to, “… stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Paul once taught things, that he later recognized as being in error (Galatians 1:14). But, when he began preaching “the faith which once he destroyed”, he was connected as having “been with Jesus”, for his teaching was similar to what Jesus taught (1 Corinthians 14:37).

So also today, teaching will either cause the preacher to be connected with Jesus’ teachings, or prove him a preacher of another gospel.

The responsibility is upon each person to compare what is taught today, with what was taught by Jesus and the apostles. Let us remember the words of the apostle John, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1).

8/24/22

“WHAT SAYS OUR SIGN?”

A sign in the store window said, “Pants Pressed Here”. A man went in and put a pair of trousers on the counter. “I saw your sign, and I’d like these pressed, please,” he said. The clerk responded, “Oh, we don't press pants here. We just paint signs. ” Our sign says CHURCH OF CHRIST. Are we what our sign says we are?

Are we seeking and saving the lost?
Are we compassionate toward the poor and downtrodden?
Do we worship in spirit and truth?
Do we love one another?
Are we born of the water and the Spirit?
Are we denying ungodliness and worldly lusts?
Do we have forgiving spirits?
Do we seek to put the kingdom first in our lives?
Do we show brotherly love to those who enter our building?
Do we seek to be lights in the community, for those who are walking in darkness?
Are we truly sowing the seed of the kingdom?
Can they see Christ living in us?

Are we truly ‘of Christ’, or do we just paint signs?

8/19/22

CONFESSING JESUS: MORE THAN A VERBAL UTTERANCE!

JESUS SAID:  

“Upon this rock I will build My church…”

Matthew 16:18

The statement above was made at the end of a conversation between Jesus and his disciples. It was preceded by Jesus asking them these words: “Who do men say that the Son of man is? And they said, Some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.  He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16). Peter’s words ‘Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God’ were what Jesus was referring to as the ‘ROCK’ upon which His church is founded. Let us consider the significance of this as it relates to the church.

Peter’s words are a confession, but more so they are an acknowledgement of something about Jesus that must exist in the understanding of one who would become a disciple. Peter would later state to those present on the Day of Pentecost that “God hath made him (Jesus) both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

Jesus’ position as Lord and Christ relates to His authority. His position of authority is reflected by being referred to as the HEAD to His church and the church being referred to as His body. “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body” (Ephesians 5:23). The significance of being ‘head’ is that He, and He alone has the right to rule. His word is the truth; the standard for all that is to be preached on any subject (Colossians 2:10).

As the body is subject to the head, the church is subject to Jesus’ teachings. Subjection is obedience. It is only when we are obedient that Jesus’ position as Lord and Christ is honored and respected. This is a continual action, not just a one-time confession. While our confession relative to the new birth is essential, recognition of His authority is the foundation of discipleship.

Christians are to be reminded of the relationship between honoring Jesus and obedience to His teachings through preaching. Paul wrote, “For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 14:5). Our obedience can deteriorate into a repetitious series of acts if preaching does not “stir up our minds by remembrance” (2 Peter 1:5-13).

Peter pointed out to Cornelius that this was ordained of Jesus: “And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42).

The resurrection reflects that Jesus’ position as Lord of heaven and earth was God’s intention. “For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Romans 14:9). Jesus stated this clearly to the apostles following His resurrection, saying “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). In connection with this, Jesus had earlier said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, no that those who see may become blind” (John 9:39). The significance of this is seen in that  Jesus’ teaching was the means which eyes (i.e., minds/hearts) would be revealed. By the acceptance of His teaching, His authority would be honored. Obedience, prompted by this recognition, would follow and God’s blessing of pardon would be granted.

James used the phrase, “a man may say…” he has faith (James 2:18). However, in the absence of expressing that faith as Jesus taught, such faith is worthless. He is condemned. Similarly, John used the same phrase in regard to loving God (1 John 4:20). However, if we hate our brother, we are liars. As a bystander once said to Peter, ‘Thy speech betrayeth thee’ (Matthew 26:73). We stand condemned when we fail to respect God’s will. No greater deception exists than that of self-deception.

We are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). There is an innate desire to express our feelings toward God. We want to love and to be loved. We want to think of ourselves as actually loving and respecting God with our lives. We must judge ourselves by God’s standard. Love your brother; your neighbor…conquer that first. Make peace with your adversary. It will lift your spirits, restore joy and peace to your life, and return self-respect to your life. This will, in turn, enable you to go to God in prayer without shame and condemnation. Is this not your desire? Honor Jesus; He died so that you might have life…abundantly (John 10:10). Trust Him enough to obey; there’s no other way. Then, you will truly know you are a member of His body, the church, and can say, as Thomas, ‘My Lord and my God’ (John 20:28)!

8/7/22