“Hunger for the Word?”

Terry Wayne Benton shared this interesting reality from an experience in China. He wrote: In China Christians have to find secret ways to meet and some travel two hours to get to a private home to meet with other Christians. One female disciple asked, “Why doesn't everybody in America go to church?” She thought everyone who has such freedom to assemble, mostly conveniently, would take advantage of such a tremendous opportunity. What she didn't realize is that Christians in America do not have the same hunger as those who hunger for the privilege in China. 

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). You have to first “taste that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:1-3). These want to keep feeding their souls with the good word of God and fellowship with others. The girl in China hungers for fellowship with other disciples. Here it is often taken for granted to the point that the hunger is gone. If you are not first driven by your own hunger, you will find other things to replace the void left in your heart. If that void is filled by Jesus, you find ways to do what you want to do, and that is by life or by death to magnify the name of Jesus (Philippians 1:20). The freedom to assemble in fellowship with the Lord’s church does not create the hunger. The hunger must first be in the heart so that you long to find ways to assemble, not find excuses not to. We are thankful for those who have the hunger here and all over the world. May their tribe increase!

THE DILEMMA OF PRESUMPTUOUS PREACHING

There are several people in the Bible who heard the gospel, yet refused to acknowledge what was preached to them about Jesus. We never read in scripture as to whether these people EVER DID acknowledge what Peter stated of Jesus in Acts 2:36. So we are left to wonder: did they ever accept Jesus as the Christ?  Let us examine some of these and learn some valuable lessons for ourselves.

#1—Felix – In Acts 24:24-27, after Paul reasoned of “righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.  At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him. While Felix heard Paul repeatedly, the subsequent meetings were NOT as the initial meeting, for Felix’s reason for continuing to meet with Paul was in hope of receiving money from Paul.  A question left unanswered: Did Felix ever obey the gospel? While it may be likely that Felix never did accept Christ, THE SCRIPTURES ARE SILENT ABOUT IT. However, the scriptures condemn the sin of presumption (Psalm 19:13; cf. Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 1:43; 17:12-13; 18:20, 22). 

#2—Those of Athens – In Acts 17:32-34, we read, “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.” So Paul went out of their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.” Three responses: some began to sneer…others said, “we shall hear you again...some…believed”.

A question left unanswered: What of those who sneered or did as Felix, “sought to find a more convenient time”...DID THEY ever obey the gospel? Scripture is silent! It is presumption to affirm either way with certainty. 

#3—King Agrippa – In Acts 26:28, we read, “Agrippa replied to Paul, In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.”

NOTE: In all 3 of these examples the issue is the same: BECOMING A CHRISTIAN! (Acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Christ is to become a follower of Christ ~ Christ-like)

#1 ~ Paul spoke to Felix “about faith in Christ Jesus”; about “righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come”. These matters pertained to Felix becoming a “CHRISTIAN”.

#2 ~ Those in Athens heard about “the resurrection of the dead”. In Acts 17:18 they heard of “Jesus and the resurrection”.  Specifically in Acts 17:30-31 they heard of their need to repent and of the Judgment Day. All of these subjects are crucial to one’s decision in becoming a CHRISTIAN”. So, Agrippa replies to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” A question is left unanswered: Did Agrippa ever become a Christian? The scriptures are silent on the matter.  I can presume, reasoning it is likely; perhaps...but the scriptures condemn presumption.

While these 3 examples may have resulted in wasted opportunities, we must never presume the conclusion. But let us notice an example of one who did NOT defer his opportunity.

The thief on the cross: In Luke 23:39-43). One of the two thieves said to Jesus, “remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” Jesus answered, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” The bible is clear as to where this thief will be in eternity; no dispute (to my knowledge) about the matter.  However, a similarity exists between THIS case, and the others.  There is a “PRESUMPTION” made in preaching from this example!  The presumption is that this thief was NOT baptized!  Preachers have been telling their audiences an answer that God did not reveal in the Bible about this thief. In their presumptions, they have caused people to do as Felix, the Athenians, and Agrippa did - - - delay their decision to become a Christian until a “convenient season”. The ‘PRESUMPTOUS’ statement they heard from their preacher, “The thief on the cross wasn’t baptized”.  How do they know? Revelation or presumption?

One might just as well make the case with Felix, those in Athens, and Agrippa, that, at some later date, all became a Christian.  I could preach that none of them ever did.  But what would it be based upon ~ DIVINE REVELATION or PRESUMPTION? Compare:

·         Baptism is not essential because the thief wasn’t baptized.

·         Baptism is not essential because Agrippa wasn’t baptized.

·         Baptism is not essential because some in Athens weren’t baptized.

DOES THE BIBLE DECLARE ON ANY OF THESE? 

FINAL OBSERVATIONS: Agrippa said he was 'almost persuaded' to become a Christian. Did Agrippa believe? (see v. 27) Is one saved at the point of faith? If so, was Agrippa a ‘saved’ person? (Remember his question…) Now, for those who preach by making assumptions, here is their dilemma: Agrippa is a saved believer, who was almost persuaded to become a Christian, yet wasn’t ever baptized to show it. One would have just as strong a case by presuming that the thief WAS baptized.  However, his proof is the same as their proof: PRESUMPTION! Do you see what presumptuous preaching accomplishes? Some individuals in Athens believed. DIVINE REVELATION so declares. Were those who believed, saved? If so, they were saved believers, yet never baptized to show it That is the dilemma of presumptuous preaching.

“UNACCUSTOMED TO THE BIBLE”

 

“Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” (HEBREWS 5:8-14)

Notice from v. 12, that in stating that they HAD BECOME dull of hearing, it is necessarily implied that they were not always that way. HOW had they become "dull" in their hearing? The answer lies in what was stated in v. 14, about their “powers of discernment”. To be able to “discern”, it takes “practice”...constant practice. In all that is involved in this, the simple idea, is that of constant bible study.

When your “powers of discernment” aren't “trained”, the result is inevitable that you will BECOME “dull of hearing”; and as the writer said, when you become dull of hearing, distinguishing right from wrong is difficult.

The area most affected by “dullness” concerns the role of man’s obedience in his salvation. This significance is seen in mentioning the example of Jesus and His obedience. Re-read vss. 8-9. Obedience was “learned” through suffering, and is related to, and necessary to “perfection”

Having been “trained”, they could now understand the significance of Christ’s obedience and of how His ‘perfection’ came through His sufferings. More importantly, they could understand how obedience is connected to the sinner’s salvation from sin.

However, when one's “powers of discernment” aren’t “trained”, the connection of obedience to salvation is hard to explain. What about YOU; do you have difficulty seeing the connection of obedience to salvation?

Give prayerful thought and study to what is said in verse 9 of Jesus, “...having been made perfect, He became to all those who OBEY Him the source of eternal salvation...”. More importantly, give prayerful thought and study as to whether you have obeyed what He has commanded of you.

“DO YOU KNOW THE CONDITION OF YOUR TENT?”

 

“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. For He maketh sore, and bindeth up; He woundeth, and his hands make whole. He will deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he will redeem thee from death; and in war from the power of the sword. Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue; neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. At destruction and dearth thou shalt laugh; neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field; and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. AND THOU SHALT KNOW THAT THY TENT IS IN PEACE; and thou shalt visit thy fold, and shalt miss nothing. Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of grain cometh in in its season. Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.” (Job 5:17-27).

The words of Eliphaz, while intended to convince Job of his need to confess his own sins, were true in terms of what he said concerning Jehovah. Has God ever delivered you from trouble? Can you identify with the many situations mentioned by the Temanite? If not, then you have the answer to why happiness is not present in your life. However, if you can relate, you understand why God’s correction is a blessing (Psalm 94:12); and why it imparts wisdom (Psalm 119:71). This wisdom removes all doubt as to whether God delights in you (Proverbs 3:11-12).

“THE LIBERAL SOUL”

Would you consider yourself liberal-minded, or conservative-minded in your thinking? While the benefits and liabilities of each mindset need to be considered, by what rule or standard shall we make such a determination? Who among humanity has the wisdom to define liberal and conservative? Additionally, who has the right to say that this definition qualifies as a universal standard? Such is the problem when man assumes the role of God.

Job, in chapter 28:12, 20, & 23 both asked and answered as to the source of wisdom. He then gave his proof as to why God rather than man is the true source (vss. 24-27). Therefore, what God has stated on any matter is a fitting judgment, universal in application. God has declared that man can attain to this wisdom in only one way: “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28; cf. Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Since God has identified wisdom and understanding with departing from evil, man has two choices in how he will respond: obey or disobey. As this relates to liberal and conservative, how will you define those terms in view of what God has declared on the matter? Are you wiser than He who created and sustains life? (cf. Acts 17:28-32). We need to consider God’s definition of liberal, and then determine if being such is conducive to obedience or disobedience. There are two words which we need to consider in this study: ‘liberal’ and ‘liberality’.

LIBERAL: In Proverbs 11:25 we read, “The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” The meaning of the first phrase, “the liberal soul shall be made fat” is repeated, yet more clearly explained by the second phrase “he that watereth shall be watered also himself”. Generosity reaps prosperity. This truth is prevalent throughout scripture. You reap what you sow, good or evil. God has said wisdom begins to be manifested when man turns from evil. The same truth is stated in Psalm 1:1-3 in greater detail as it explains how liberality, wisdom, and turning from evil are all connected: “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.”

The generosity and prosperity here are clearly spiritual in nature. This same truth is taught by the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:6-10: “But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.  And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.” This is what is meant by “the liberal soul shall be made fat”.

LIBERALITY: In Romans 12:8, Paul explains that our sharing (giving) is to be done with liberality. This points to the motive for sharing. Jesus warned in Matthew 6:1 against practicing our righteousness “before men to be seen of men”. Paul, in dealing with our ‘spiritual service’ (Romans 12:1) states that our gifts differ, “according to the grace that was given to us” (v. 6). He goes on to state, “let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.  In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another; in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord…”. Liberality in our sharing means that it is free of pretense and hypocrisy.   

The apostle Paul and his companions preached the gospel in this manner (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:12; 2:17). Their spiritual generosity resulted in spiritual prosperity for others and God was glorified. The Corinthians, although themselves impoverished, gave to other brethren in need. (2 Corinthians 8:2; 9:13). In this, we see “love of the brethren” exemplified. (cf. Romans 12:10; Hebrews 13:1; 2 Peter 1:7).

That God is glorified through our liberality is clear from 1 Peter 2:11-12. In view of what God has declared, does your life reflect liberality? Should it not? “Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22).

“THIS IS MY MEMORIAL UNTO ALL GENERATIONS”

The title contains the words spoken to Moses by Jehovah when He appeared to Moses on Horeb in a burning bush. God was fulfilling His oath to Abraham which would culminate in the creation of Christ’s church (cf. Genesis 12:1-3; Acts 3:25; Galatians 3:8).

Jehovah had told Abraham, ““and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”(Genesis 12:1-3). The blessing upon all families (Jews and Gentiles) of earth was the spiritual blessing of forgiveness of sins by the blood of Jesus. The apostle Peter told the Jews, “Ye are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. (Acts 3:25). The apostle Paul said the same thing regarding the Gentiles: “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed.” (Galatians 3:8).

The time had come for this promise concerning a nation from Abraham’s loins to be created. Jehovah told Abraham, “Know of a surety that thy seed shall be sojourners in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. But thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. And in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.” (Genesis 15:13-16).

Moses was to lead Abraham’s seed out of Egypt. Moses was apprehensive, no doubt because of his slaying of an Egyptian earlier (cf. Exodus 2:11-15). Fearing the wrath of the king of Egypt, Moses fled to the land of Midian. While there the king of Egypt died. Jehovah remembered His covenant with Abraham and appeared to Moses to inform him of His purpose (cf. Exodus 3:7-10). “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? What shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” (Exodus 3:13-14). Jehovah replied, “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, Jehovah, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” (Exodus 3:15; cf. 6:1-8).

“My memorial unto all generations”. What did Jehovah mean by this statement? It was something unique about God that He wanted all humanity to know and to remember about Him for all generations. Jehovah repeated these words later to Moses and it is from that parallel passage that we find the answer. In Exodus 6:2-5, Jehovah said, “I am Jehovah: and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, as God Almighty; but by my name Jehovah I was not known to them. And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their sojournings, wherein they sojourned. And moreover I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I HAVE REMEMBERED MY COVENANT.”   

God remembers His covenant (cf. Psalm 105: 8, 42; 106:45). Although they forgot His works (Psalm 106:13) and that God was their savior (Psalm 106:21), nevertheless, He saved them for His name’s sake (Psalm 106:8). This is God’s memorial unto all generations. God is true to His word; He is faithful to His oaths. The Hebrew writer stated, “Wherein God, being minded to show more abundantly unto the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath; that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:17-18). The apostle Paul wrote, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13).

What blessed assurance it is to have a God in whom our confidence will never be betrayed. No matter how often we have failed Him, He has given us this assurance, if we acknowledge our sins, He will forgive us. Let us remember the words of David: “Jehovah is righteous in all his ways, and gracious in all his works. Jehovah is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; He also will hear their cry and will save them. Jehovah preserveth all them that love him; but all the wicked will he destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of Jehovah; and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.” (Psalm 145:17-21).

DOCTRINE MATTERS: "THAT FORM OF TEACHING..."

Priests, under the Law of Moses had multiple responsibilities, one of which was to TEACH the people of Israel the Law. Ezekiel stated it as follows: "Moreover, they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the profane and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” (Ezekiel 44:23). Whenever there was a dispute to be settled, the priests were to settle it according to the standard that God had authorized: the LAW of MOSES. Ezekiel made it clear, "In a dispute they shall take their stand to judge; they shall judge it according to My ordinances...." (Ezekiel 44:24). Teaching is necessary to God's people, but a STANDARD must be taught. Having a STANDARD to settle differences will promote peace and harmony, because knowledge comes through teaching. (cf. Ezra, in Nehemiah 8:8, 12 where, Ezra read from the book of the Law of God, "...translating to give the sense..." so that the people, "...understood the reading...the words which had been made known to them."). A STANDARD provides a means whereby JUSTICE can be administered, because the STANDARD provides the evidence wherein a lawbreaker may be properly charged and punished.

Likewise, the gospel serves as a STANDARD. Stating that the gospel is the STANDARD today in religion does not mean that it cannot be MIS-taught or perverted, for that very thing was done (cf. Galatians 1:6-9). To avoid this perversion, care must be taken to teach exactly what the Lord and His apostles taught. Jesus was given a STANDARD of what He was to teach:

John 8:28 ~ "I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me."

John 12:49-50 ~ "For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore, the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”

John 14:31 ~ "...but so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded Me." (Jesus gave these words to His apostles; they were the STANDARD).

John 17:8, 14 ~ the words which You gave Me I have given to them...I have given them Your word...".

The "apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42) was taught for a time, then a different doctrine began to be preached, and churches other than the church Jesus built, began to arise. This was a natural fruit of ‘another gospel’. If preachers today would preach EXACTLY what the apostles preached to sinners in the book of Acts, only a Christian would be the result, and there would be no differing denominational bodies as we know today. The STANDARD was called "sound doctrine" by Paul. Paul told Titus to honor this STANDARD:

Titus 1:9 ~ "...holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict." Paul told Timothy to, "instruct certain men to teach NO OTHER DOCTRINE...". (1 Timothy 1:3).

This is especially true when preaching to one who desires to be saved from his sins. When sinners in the bible asked, "what must I do to be saved", remember there is a STANDARD! Find out what the apostles preached as you read through the book of Acts. THAT will be God's truth, and it will be the "form of doctrine" that will result in freedom from sin. (Romans 6:17-18).

But it is often asked: what about praying for your salvation? Why is a ‘sinner’s prayer’ taught by most preachers today? In reply to this, let it also be asked: WHY ISN'T THE ANSWER THAT THE APOSTLES' GAVE, PREACHED TODAY? Somebody is preaching "another gospel" (re-read Galatians 1:6-9). Jesus was asked, "Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 'Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able'." (Luke 13:23-24). Do you understand Jesus’ answer to the question, "Lord, are there few that be saved?” Did Jesus answer few or many? Why is that? Consider as an answer, Paul’s statement in 2 Thessalonians 2:10, "…because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved."

What were you preached on how to "call upon the name of the Lord" - THE gospel, or....ANOTHER gospel? (Galatians 1:6-9). If you have been preached "another" answer (gospel); a perversion of the truth, are you not still in your sins? What needs done? Obey the correct "form of doctrine" (Romans 6:17-18). Read, beginning in Acts 2, of the sermon that Peter preached...at the conclusion of that sermon, those sinners, who had crucified Jesus asked him what they needed to do. His answer is in verse 38. Do what they did, and you will be added to the Lord's church. Believing Peter's words, they then DID as Peter commanded, repenting of their sins and was baptized, understanding that those sins were to be washed away. WERE THEY SAVED, AFTER DOING THIS? THEY DID NOT PRAY A PRAYER...WERE THEY SAVED? WHY WON'T THIS SUFFICE TODAY? If a sinner, hears today, the same message as preached by Peter, believes it, repents of his sins, and is baptized, with the understanding that his sins are washed away in baptism....IS THAT SINNER STILL LOST DUE TO THE FACT THAT HE WAS NOT TOLD TO PRAY, NOR DID HE PRAY THE SINNER'S PRAYER? IS THAT SINNER YET IN HIS SINS? It's a matter of doctrine.

"Take heed WHAT ye hear" ~ Mark 4:24

"Take heed HOW ye hear" ~ Luke 8:18