“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