“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