Thursday, January 31, 2019

Getting The People To Commit


All of the elders who had refused to follow God after coming out of Egypt died in the wilderness, Joshua and Caleb were the only ones of that generation who wholly followed the Lord, and God chose Joshua to lead the next Generation into the Promised Land, easily defeating the major military forces in the land and taking possession.  Unfortunately, the people did not follow God’s command and completely drive out the groups who had occupied the land before, preferring to subjugate them instead.  God had warned them that failure to do so would lead to their turning away from God, and Joshua saw signs of this happening. 

Shortly before his death, he got the people together in an effort to ensure they would continue to follow the Lord.  In Joshua 24:1-13, He gave a brief review of their history and what God had done for Israel.  “And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.  And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.  And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.  And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.

I sent Moses also and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them: and afterward I brought you out.  And I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and ye came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red sea.  And when they cried unto the LORD, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and ye dwelt in the wilderness a long season.

And I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan; and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that ye might possess their land; and I destroyed them from before you.  Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you: But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.

And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.  And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.  And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat.”

Based on what God had done for them in the past, Joshua challenged the people to commit themselves to serving God as a sign of their appreciation, in Joshua 24:14-15.  “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” 

Because they had seen God’s power first hand, and were familiar with their past history, the people willing made such a commitment, in Joshua 24:16-18.  “And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God.”

Joshua warned them that it would be hard to stay faithful with all the temptations, and that God would not overlook their sins.  They would need to make a special effort to stay true and avoid following the religions of the people who lived among them, in Joshua 24:19-20.   “And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.  If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.”

The people indicated they were truly committed in Joshua 24:21-24.  “And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.

 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him.

And they said, We are witnesses.

Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.

And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.”

Convinced the people were sincere, Joshua got them to sign a commitment and set up a memorial to remind them of their promise. In Joshua 24:25-27.  “So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.  And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.  And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.” 

Because he had been so careful to focus the attention on God and what he had done for them, Joshua 24:31 tells us, “And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.”  Because they understood what God had done for them the people were able to commit to follow Him.  Without such awareness, they could not have made such a firm commitment.    Many Christians today are not firmly committed because they have only a limited understanding of what God has done for them, or of what he expects.  

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Going Beyond The Basics


Christ came as our high priest and offered the sacrifice for our sins so that we could be saved.  Hebrews 5:4-11 tells us, “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.  So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee.  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.  Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.”

Though he was God’s own son, Christ was also a human, with all the natural instincts and temptations of other humans.  Like us, he had to learn to let his Godly or spiritual nature have control even when he feared the physical pain.  Unlike us, he never yielded to the temptations and thus was qualified to be our savior.  However salvation is only the first step in learning to please God, somewhat like Israel leaving Egypt after Pharaoh ordered them to leave.  They still had a lot to learn about what God wanted and what he was offering in exchange.  Unfortunately many of them were not concerned with anything but ending the suffering as slaves, and didn’t listen to what God was trying to show them, and many people today are no different, interested only in relief of their immediate problems, and not concerned about the rest of what is offered.  

Some of the Israelites had followed Moses leadership and seen God’s miracles for almost forty years, and yet were nto ready to teach their own children how to follow the Lord.  Unfortunately there are people in the church who have been there for there for years and are are just as unprepared to teach others because they have never learned for themselves.  Hebrews 5:12-14 addresses this subject.  “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”  Though they have been in the church they have never grown strong enough to obey God when temptation or trials come. 

In the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commanded, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”  The book of Exodus provides an excellent illustration or allegory of what Jesus was commanding the Church.    We are to go and teach (disciple or cause to become followers of Christ) all nations, spiritually bringing them out of Egypt,  We are to baptize(immerse) them in the name of the Father, the son, and the Holy Spirit, literally immersing them in who God, Christ and The Holy Spirit are rather than simply dipping them in the water and saying “in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost,” just as Moses led the people through the Red Sea.  Finally, we are to teach them all things God has commanded, just as Moses taught the people at Mount Sinai, and for the next forty years in the wilderness. 

If we are to fulfill the Great Commission, we must Go beyond the basic Doctrine about what is required for salvation, as Hebrews 6:1-3 states.  “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.   And this will we do, if God permit.” 

It is pointless to keep teaching those who have understood what salvation requires how to be saved.  If they are already saved, they do not need to get saved again, and if they are not, they already know how to be.  Hebrews 6:4-8 tells us, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.  For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.” 

The Israelites who came out of Egypt that didn’t believe experienced the same miracles and blessings as those who did, and could have believed at any time.  When they finally refused to follow any farther, insisting on returning to Egypt, they died in the wilderness.  Similarly, there are those in the church who have just gone along with the rest of the church, experiencing the blessings God has given, but when they turn away and reject God’s leadership there is no longer any hope of reaching them because they have in effect said what God promised was not good enough and they want a God to them a special deal.   

We can go on to teach other things than the basics of what is needed for salvation because we believe I Peter 1:5 when it says we “…are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”  We don’t expect those who have been saved to go back into sin, as Hebrews 6:9-12 says.  “But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”  Instead of trying to keep them from sinning, we can concentrate on teaching them to follow Christ.  To please God, we must go beyond the basics.

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Salvation Is Wholly Dependent on Faith In Christ.


Because it is so easy for people to go through the motions of accepting Christ without real faith or commitment, like the Israelites who left Egypt but did not truly believe in God, The author of Hebrews has made a point of taking the trouble to make sure one is saved.    He continues with that thought in Hebrews 4:11-13.  “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

When the scriptures produce a sense of guilt about what we are doing, we need to check out why because the scriptures can make us aware of things we had never considered as wrong, distinguishing between our emotional and our spiritual state, and revealing false mindsets and sinful attitudes.  It is important to realize God knows our very thought and feelings and thus cannot be fooled.  None of us deserve to go to heaven, as Romans 3:10-18 tells us.  “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.  Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

We were born into a sinful world and involved in sin before we had any chance to avoid it.  Fortunately, God is a loving God, and made provision for us to forgiven in spite of having sinned. As Romans 3:21-26 tells us.  “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” 

Our salvation is completely dependent on God’s mercy, accepting Christ’s sacrifice for us.  Because of who offered that sacrifice, we do not have to worry that it will not be accepted if we allow him to save us.  Hebrews 4:14-5:3 tells us, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.  Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help [us] in time of need.   For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: who can bear gently with the ignorant and erring, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity; and by reason thereof is bound, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.”

Because he is the son of God and has never sinned, Christ can offer a sacrifice that will pay for all our sins, but because he is also human and has experienced every temptation humans experience, he understands how easily we fall into sin.  As a result, we can come to him without fear, knowing he will forgive if we are willing to take responsibility for the sin.  Any other priest would have been limited to just posting bond so we didn’t have to pay the penalty right now, because they would have had their own sin to pay for. 

Obtaining salvation is easy, but it does require us to depend completely upon Christ, as John 3:16-18 tells us.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”   The heart attitude is far more important than the words used. 

Monday, January 28, 2019

Faith And Obedience Go Hand In Hand


In I Corinthians 10, Paul described how all the Israelites who came out of Egypt had done the same things, yet many of them did not please God, being focused on their own desires and lusts rather than on pleasing God.  II Peter I stressed the need to make sure of our salvation by the development of spiritual attitudes.  It is very easy for people to think that because they have done all the proper things they are okay, and resist making any changes in their lifestyle.  Such an attitude may well prevent him from ever yielding themselves to God.  I Corinthians 10:12 warns, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

Hebrews 3:7-15 warns against getting the idea we are okay and refusing to let God have his way in our lives.   “Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.  Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.  So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.”

Many of Israelites who came out of Egypt were only interested in escaping their slavery.  They had no interest in serving God or being his people.  Whenever God asked them to do something they didn’t like or might be uncomfortable, they complained about things not being like they expected and refusing to follow him, choosing to back to Egypt even though God supplied all their needs and blessed them mightily.   They really didn’t believe God’s promises of a better life if they would follow him completely.  As a result all but a very few of them died in the wilderness without ever seeing the Promised Land. 

The author of Hebrews is warning that there may be some in the church today with similar attitudes, becoming part of the church to escape some physical or emotional problem, but with no real interest in becoming what God wants them to be.  We need to encourage each other to follow the Lord completely so that we don’t get caught up in getting things such as fame or wealth, or power and begin to resent and revbel against God’s commands.  Taking part in the blessings of being his children will require submitting ourselves to him completely and depending on him to keep his promise. 

It is pretty foolish to sacrifice eternal rewards because you want a piece of candy right now, yet that is essentially what many of the Israelites did.  Each person who came out of Egypt made their own choice, as we see in Hebrews 3:16-19.  “For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.  But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?  And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?  So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”  All of them had the same opportunity, but some chose to trust God completely, and were allowed to enter the Promised Land, while others chose not to submit and trust God, and were not allowed to enter.   

Today, we have the same opportunity to choose whether to enter into God’s kingdom or seek immediate gratification.  Hebrews 4:1-3 warns, “Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it.  For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard.  For we who have believed do enter into that rest; even as he hath said, As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” 

If we begin to look back and long for the fish, cucumbers, leeks and garlic we used to have in Egypt instead of enjoying the manna God has given, like the Israelites did we may well miss out completely on eternity, because as Jesus said, in Luke 9:62, “…No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”  Philippians 3:13-14 describes the attitude we need to have.  “Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing [I do], forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”    We mustn’t focus on either the things we have given up to be a Christian, or on our past accomplishments and failures.  The only way we are going to get the maximum benefit from being a child of God is to focus on what he wants us to do today.  If we don’t believe him enough to obey, we will never see whether he keeps his promise. 

Friday, January 25, 2019

Going Through The Motions Will Not Save


People often question why Christians spend time studying the history of Israel, since they are not Jews, and are no longer under the Old Testament Law.  I Corinthians 100:11 tells us, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”  We can look back at what happened to Israel as a result of their actions and learn how to live a life that God will bless, as well as the consequences of disobedience. 

One of the biggest events in Israel’s history was the escape from slavery in Egypt.  After four hundred years of increasing abuse, the Israelites had been desperate to escape. When Moses promised fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob they, and a mixed multitude of other slaves were eager to leave Egypt.  Unfortunately, for many of them their interest only went as far as escaping the abuse, and did not extend to developing a nation of their own.  When faced with problems after their escape the repeatedly tried to go back to Egypt. 

Sadly, today, much like the Israelites many people see becoming a Christian as a way of escaping an immediate problem, such as alcohol or an unhappy home or escaping eternal judgement, with no interest in having an entire new life.  Many times our presentation of the gospel plays into that, encouraging them to make a profession of faith without real commitment, to just “try Jesus.”  Jesus described such people in Matthew 13:20-21.  “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”  Because they are only concerned about an immediate problem and have no deep commitment to Christ, when problems arise they turn away. 

Paul addresses this problem in I Corinthians 10:1-4.  “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.”  

They had all had the same teaching and the same experiences in the wilderness, with all of them following the pillar of cloud and all going through the Red Sea.  All of them had eaten the manna and drank the water from the rock at Rephidim.  They all made the same profession in Exodus 19:8.  “And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.”  In spite of having all done and experienced the same things,  I Corinthians 10:5 tells us, “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.” 

The problem was not that they had not done the right things, because they had all done the same things.  They all had the same opportunity, but some of them were more interested in their personal desires and comfort than in following the lord, as I Corinthians 10:6-10 makes clear.  “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.  Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.  Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.  Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.  Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.”  It is a serious warning to us that people can do all the right things and still not be saved because their heart attitude is wrong. 

When a person truly receives Christ the Holy Spirit comes into his life and begins to change his attitudes.  Galatians 5:22-23 tells us,  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.”  II Peter 1 talks about exercising and developing those spiritual attitudes, concluding with II Peter 1:10-11.  “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”  Those spiritual attitudes the Holy Spirit produces are the evidence of our salvation.  As Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “…by their fruits ye shall know them.”

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Look Beyond The Surface


This morning, a talk show mentioned that there are two new movies about Ted Bundy being released.   One of the hosts said that perhaps the thing we learned most from his life is that some of the most evil people are those we would least suspect.  As she said, he was a well-educated, polite, and nice looking man, and no one suspected he was a serial killer.   Because he seemed such a nice person, most of his victims went with him willingly, with no thought of danger until he attacked them. 

Sadly, false teachers are much like Ted Bundy.  In Matthew 7:15 Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”  They go out of their way to appear as the best and most believable Christians ever.  II Corinthians 11:13-15 tells us, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

Many times they appear to be more dedicated and holy than those who are serving God, but as we see in John 10:10, their purpose is different.  “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”  Christ came to give us eternal life, and that we should be able to enjoy it abundantly.  The false teacher’s goal is to prevent people from experiencing that life or enjoying it.  Second Peter 2:18-20 warns, “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” 

They preach beautiful sounding messages with wonderful promises if their teachings are followed.  Unfortunately, many of the promises are only an illusion, but they are enough to get people following a lie rather than the truth.  When it doesn’t turn out the way they expected, some of the people reject Christianity completely, while others spend years trying to make it work, unwilling to admit they made a mistake.  In an effort to validate their choice, they try to get others to join with them, not realizing they are leading them away as well.  Ultimately they are worse off than they were when they began to listen to the false teacher, having wasted years of their life and vast amounts of money trying to obtain God’s favor.    

As II Peter 2:19 says, the false teachers themselves are slaves to corruption.  This corruption shows up in their private lives.  In Matthew 7:16-Jesus said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”  We need to look beyond that surface appearance and see what they are actually producing, because as Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”  Don’t let an illusion fool you. 

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Don’t Legitimize False Teaching


Today, educators, political figures, preachers and religious groups are encouraging us to adopt their standards rather than God’s.   We need to remember that God is the creator, and he makes the standards.  Wrong does not become right just because a certain group accepts it any more than a man becomes a woman because he decides he is a female in a man’s body.   No amount of sex change surgery and hormone therapy changes the fact that he is still genetically a man, because that is what God made him to be.    In the same way, God has declared certain things to be right and others to be wrong, and they cannot be changed no matter how hard we may try to justify a different standard. 

Different standards produce confusion and cause conflict, and as we see in I Corinthians 3:3-4 tells us, conflict is a sign of a carnal state.  “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?  For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?”  That we are focused on a man’s teachings indicates we are in a carnal state and missing the spiritual things.  The conflicts actually help us to know who is actually serving God, as I Corinthians 11:18-19 tells us.  “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.   For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.”  

Understanding this fact, in Romans 16:17-19, Pauul warns, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.” 

Though they may be very religious and consider their standards higher than those God has set in the Bible, or teach things that are more compatible with modern scientific beliefs or social mores, we need to realize they are not serving God when their teachings and practices are contrary to the scriptures.  They are out to benefit themselves, whether by appealing to a larger audience and more money, or by justifying some moral position or practice.  As Christians we need to be aware that not everyone who claims to be a Christian is following the Lord, and not be misled by their claims, but stay true to what God has commanded. 

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus warned, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”  Some of those who put on the biggest shows of being Christians are not Christians at all.  We ought not associate with those who cause divisions by insisting we follow their teachings.   If we go along with the false teachings we make them appear legitimate. 

In II Thessalonians 3:14-15, Paul commanded, “…if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.  Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”  We are not to attack them for believing or practicing something that is not right, but are to try to show them what God says, in a gentle and respectful manner.  If they refuse to listen to reason however, we are not to waste our time trying to get them to change.  Titus 3:10-11 commands, “A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”  He has made it clear he is not interested in what God says.    Fighting against them only calls attention to their false teachings and may result in people believing them.     

Friday, January 18, 2019

Don’t Try To change God’s Standards


As ministries have more competitive for the support of the churches and individuals, the focus of their teaching has changed.  Increasingly, the church’s doctrines are changed to be more appealing to the people.  As we look back at Israel’s history we find the same tendency.  After the time of Alexander the Great, one group of Jews, known as the Sadducees became very liberal, adopting Greek standards in their efforts to be accepted by the popular culture while clinging to Jewish rituals to maintain their identity. 

A second group, the Pharisees were far more conservative, clinging to the Jewish traditions and beliefs of their ancestors.  Over the next three centuries, they would hold numerous conferences to discuss how the Old Testament law was to be applied.  As a result, people concluded that only specially trained rabbis or lawyers were capable of understanding the scriptures.  Although couched in traditional Jewish terminology, the teachings changed drastically, with some of the accepted teachings in Jesus’ day being exactly the opposite of what the scriptures commanded.  Both Pharisees and Sadducees developed highly educated groups of lawyers and Rabbis, the scribes to try to promote their positions. 

Jesus frequently challenged the beliefs of both Pharisees and Sadducees, making their best educated look foolish, but the problem had not begun with these two groups.  Almost four hundred years before, Isaiah dealt with the same problems in Isaiah 5:20-24.  “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!  Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.”

Those who have substituted their own standards for God’s would face God’s judgment, whether they were conservative or liberal.    One of the problems in Isaiah’s day was the acceptance of Homosexuality, as we see in II Kings 14:24.  “And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.”  The problem was that in Leviticus 20:13, God had commanded, “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”  By ignoring the homosexual’s sin they were violating God’s command.  I Corinthians 5:11-13, Paul instructed the church, “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.  For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?  But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”  Homosexuality is one form of fornication.    

Another problem was that parents were sacrificing their babies to Molech to obtain their own goals, as we see in Jeremiah 32:35.  “And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech…”   In those days, there was no safe way of having an abortion. But a woman could have an unwanted baby sacrificed to Molech and people looked on the decision as the woman’s right.  In Leviticus 20:2-3 God had said, “Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.  And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.” 

Isaiah 5:23 describes another problem.  “Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!”  On the one hand, they were helping people get by with crimes for their own financial or political benefit, much like a lawyer trying to get a guilty client off or like a politician protecting an illegal alien to gain political support.   On the other hand they were accusing those who stood for what was right of being immoral and wiced and immoral, much like we see the political groups today accusing a person of being racist for demanding the wicked be held accountable. 

By their actions they indicate that they are smarter and mor e moral that other people and have the ritght to set their own standards.  Isaiah 5:21 warns, “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”   Their opinion will not prevent them facing God’s judgement.  In Romans 12:3 Paul advises, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”  We need to take a realistic look at ourselves, recognizing that our abilities and knowledge all comes from God, and that we are not better than other people.  Instead of being proud of who we are, II Corinthians 10:17-18 instructs, “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.  For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”  God is the judge, not us.  When we try to change his standards, we are usurping his authority. 

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Supporting Ministries


Human beings tend to be quite competitive.  Unfortunately this competitive attitude frequently carries over into the church.  It becomes a special problem when pastors or church leaders begin to insist their way is the right way.   The problem is that we begin to compare ourselves to each other, focusing on the areas where we outdo others and minimizing our weaknesses.   Paul talked about this in II Corinthians 10:12-13.  “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.  But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.” 

Competition and pride go hand in hand, and if we are not careful, we begin to try to expand our ministries to make ourselves look bigger, instead of concentrating on what God has already given us.  In order to expand our ministries we reach out to others for support, as if we had never reached anyone, instead of allowing those we have won to take responsibility for supporting our ministry.  There is a tendency to exaggerate what we are doing to encourage people to give more in the process, sometimes even to the point of taking credit for what others have done.  Paul went out of his way to avoid doing this, as we see in II Corinthians 10:14-16.  “For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.”

He wasn’t trying to make his ministry appear more than it was, but was willing to allow it to grow as the people in the church at Corinth were able to help him.  He had no regular support, as we see in Philippians 4:15-16.  “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.   For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.”  Even the church at Philippi only sent a few times.  Most churches today have a far different outlook than Paul, and as a result many ministries struggle to pay their expenses.  We are bombarded with requests to give to one ministry or another, with the result that many Christians complain that the church only cares about money.   

In I Corinthians 9, Paul had stressed that it was God’s plan that the church support those who did the ministry.   However, he was concerned that it is easy for ministers to abuse that right.  Rather than take a chance, Paul chose not to take any support from the local people for himself.  I Corinthians 9:18 explains.  “What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.”  Because he was not depending on the churches for support, th3 offering from the Philippians was especially appreciated, as Philippians 4:18 explains.  “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”

It is right for the churches to support those who are in ministry, and as Paul told the Philippians, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” in Philippians 4:19.  It is also important that those in ministry not abuse their power and privilege.  When ministries are having to beg for money something is wrong.   They have the same responsibility to live by faith as do those they minister to, and Philippians 4:19 applies to them as well.  In Psalms 37:25, David said, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”   If God is not supplying what they need, it may be because they are misusing what he has supplied.  As a ministry grows it ought to become less dependent on outside support, not more.

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Paul, The Missionary


Paul had been called as the apostle to the Gentiles, as he explains in Romans 15:15-16.  “Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.”

The Jews had had God’s law for about fifteen hundred years, since Moses’ day.  Even the Sadducees, who didn’t really believe in any kind of spiritual life and just believed the law was a myth had been taught what the law required.  The Pharisees were fanatical about obeying the law and there were other groups between the two extremes, much like there are in the modern “Christian” society.  As a result even those who were not Jewish were familiar with the teachings and had a basis for understanding the gospel.

The Gentiles had not had the same teachings or contact with what God’s Law demanded.  As an evangelist or missionary and the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul was focused on reaching people who had not had that teaching, as he describes in Romans 15:17-22.  “I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.  “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,  Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.  Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.  For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.” 

The persecution under Herod Agrippa starting with the martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 6 and 7 had resulted in the Christians being driven out into other areas where they started churches.  Paul had deliberately avoided going into those churches and communities, trying to reach areas which had no gospel teaching so that he wasn’t just taking over somebody else’s work.  Some of those Christians had settled in Rome, and because the need was so huge in other areas, and they already had teachers there, Paul had not yet made it to Rome

When Paul left Timothy to pastor the church at Ephesus, he directed him to “…do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry,” in II Timothy 4:5.  Part of the ministry is reaching out to people from other areas with the gospel.  Once churches had been established in the various countries that could continue to spread the gospel, there was no longer a need for evangelists or missionaries.  This left Paul free to visit Rome, and to go to other areas as we see in Romans 15:23-24.  “But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.” 

Before he could go to Rome. Paul needed to finish up a project for the churches in Macedonia and Achaia, as he describes in Romans 15:25-27.   “But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.  It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.”  T was important that the churches in foreign lands be recognized as full-fledged churches and not considered as missions.   They have the same responsibilities as other churches.

The growing tensions between Rome and Israel was causing inflation and economic instability in Israel, leaving many of the Christians struggling to survive, caught between the Jewish and Roman forces.  The Churches in Macedonia and Achaia had collected money for the Church at Jerusalem to help alleviate their struggles, entrusting it to Paul and his associates to see that it got to the people who needed it. 

When he finished this mission, Paul intended to go on to Spain.  On the way he intended to stop in Rome for a little while in hopes of encouraging them and getting to know them, as he describes in Romans 15:28-32.  “When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.  And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.  Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.”

Paul had two concerns about going to Jerusalem.  First, the anti-Christian faction in Israel was playing on the political unrest to gain power, and his coming might be seen as an opportunity to increase their power.  Secondly, because of the pressure, the Jewish Christians might resent his coming and not accept the gifts the Gentiles had sent.  As we see in Acts 21, both concerns were legitimate.   Paul was advised to follow Jewish customs in an attempt to placate the Jewish Christians, but was arrested anyway.  When he went to Rome, it would be as a prisoner, but he was allowed to contact the church in Rome. 




Monday, January 14, 2019

Christianity is About What Christ Has Done



In Romans 14, Paul warned about judging other Christians and trying to get them to live by our standards, reminding us they don’t answer to us, but to God.  We need to make sure we do not drive them away or distract them from serving God by imposing our own standards on them.  As he points out in the first part of Romans 15, the stronger Christians should be able to understand and overlook the mistakes of those who are less mature, and help them learn rather than getting angry with them.  Though Paul had not yet been to Rome, he believed the Christians there were mature enough to help weaker ones through the Holy Spirit’s power, as he states in Romans 15:13-16.  “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.  Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.”

Because they had not been raised in the same scriptural traditions as the Jews, many people, both Jews and Gentiles tended to think of the Gentiles as being less spiritual.  Perhaps because he had been so deeply involved with Jewish religion and tradition, Paul was more aware than most that those things had nothing to do with people’s spiritual state, as he explains in Philippians 3:3- 11.  “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.  Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.’

If anyone was qualified to think they were spiritually better because of their background, it was Paul.  He could trace his family tree back for hundreds of years, and his family had followed every tradition for years, including the circumcision and dedication ceremonies.  Paul himself had been one of the most dedicated members of the strictest religious group, even killing those who did not follow those principles exactly.  In order to be saved, Paul had had to forget about all his religious traditions and activities and trust Christ to save him, just the same as any heathen Gentile.  While his training might help him in understanding what God expects, his salvation and spiritual state was entirely dependent on what Christ had done in his life.  The Holy Spirit was able to teach any believing Gentile the things they needed to know even though they had not had the same background. 

Because of his understanding of this, Paul was especially equipped to reach out to the Gentiles.   He realized there was no point in imposing Jewish customs and traditions on Gentile Christians, and as we see in Acts 15, the other apostles agreed when it was brought to their attention.   While the Gentiles should maintain a good moral standard, they were under no obligation to keep the Old Testament Law, because as Galatians 3:13-14 tells us, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” 

Even today there are groups who believe Messianic Jews have a spiritual advantage over other Christians.  Romans 10:12-13 denies any such distinction.  “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  No church or group of Christians should feel either superior or inferior to other groups.  After all, being a Christian is about what Christ has done, not what we do. 

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Experience Produces Maturity


People who have been Christians for while often forget what it was like when they first got saved, when everything was new and exciting, but they really didn’t know what they were supposed to do.   Like a little child, their lack of coordination and experience resulted in a lot of mistakes and bad decisions, but eventually they learned what they could and couldn’t do.    While they were learning this, their parents and siblings had to learn to put up with their mistakes and try to help them learn, recognizing that if the children don’t learn they will be held responsible for what they do.

In the church, we have a similar responsibility toward those who are not as spiritually mature, as Romans 15:1-3 tells us.  “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.  For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.”  Even our perfect Lord and savior had to work with his human followers to help them learn.  If they did not learn, it would reflect poorly on him that they didn’t do what was right.   The scriptures spelled out what they should know, as Romans 15;4 tells us.  “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” 

Learning takes time and effort, and sometimes we despair of the students ever catching on.  We are not perfect, and we need God’s patience to teach others.  If we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us, he will enable us to do the job, according to Romans 15:5-7.  “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”

We have to realize that God isn’t just interested in those with a Christian background.  We have a responsibility to teach those who don’t have a solid background and teach them so they can serve God just as completely as those who have grown up in a religious background, just as Jesus reached out to both Jews and Gentiles to bring them both to the same spiritual level.  The Jews had had nearly two thousand years of teaching about God, from the time of Abraham.  Most of the Gentiles had had none, and would require more teaching than the Jews.  Romans 15:8-12 talks about how Jesus reached out to the Gentiles to bring them to the same knowledge of God.  “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.  And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.  And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.  And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.”

Romans 10:11-13 makes it very clear that salvation is the same for the Gentiles as for the Jews.  “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  Many times those with no Jewish or Christian background are left feeling inferior to those who have such a background.   Since they have the Holy spirit to teach and guide them, they are not inferior.  Romans 5:13-14 tells us, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” 

In I Corinthians 1:4-8, Paul said, “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Thanks to the Holy Spirit, No group or individual is inherently better than another.  Any differences are the result of their personal choices.   

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Respect The Standards Of Others


In Romans 14:13, Paul warned, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.”  When we begin to set our own standards, we often forget one can go too far in either direction.  We can be too strict, or too liberal.  In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Solomon stated, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” 

Life is easy when we don’t have to think about things to make decisions about what is right.  It seems pretty straight forward, when Exodus 20:13 commands, “Thou shalt not kill,” but few things in life are that simple.   As Solomon says, there is a time to kill.  Genesis 9:6 states, “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”  Numbers 35:15-31 give specific instructions about how to determine whether a person was to be put to death or not.  Clearly there are times when it is right to kill people, even though most of the time it is wrong. 

The same is true in other areas of life, and many times we are not in position to know the circumstances and make a valid judgment.  With that in mind, Paul wrote Romans 14:14.  “I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.”  The action may or may not be right, but if a person feels it is wrong, he ought not do it even if others insist it is okay.  We are not to impose our standards on other Christians.. 

We are to respect their standards, as Romans 14:15-20 tells us.  “But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.  Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.  For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.  Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.  And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”  
When we impose our standards on others, we risk driving them away  by being too strict, or encouraging them to violate their own moral standards, leaving them with a guilty conscience that will interfere with their serving God.  We ought to be more concerned with helping them gro spiritually than with making them like us, as Paul explains in Romans 15:1-6.  “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.  For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.  Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”

We are not to allow our own standards to cause conflict with other Christians.  As Romans 14:1 says, “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.”  If the scriptures are not clear about a certain thing, we must not insist they follow our opinions, but to be considerate of their spiritual state.  If the action is truly wrong, we can trust God to show them what is right when they are ready to receive it.  If God does not make it clear they are wrong, they have the liberty to do it if they choose.   They must answer to God, not to us. 

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Let God Lead


A major problem in the United States today is that people are determined everything has to be their way.    People insist they have a right to express their opinion, but you do not have the right to even have a different opinion, much less express it.  Sadly that same attitude is making its way into the church.  If things are not done exactly like someone else does them we are wrong.  

Paul addressed this attitude in I Corinthians 12:27-30.  “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”   Jesus only chose twelve apostles, so obviously not everyone was called to be an apostle.  Only a few people received special messages from God, so obviously not everyone was called to be a prophet.  Not everyone was able to perform miracles or to heal people.  Not everyone was able to speak various languages or interpret so others could understand. 

I Corinthians 12:7-11 explains why.  “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”  The Holy Spirit gives different people different gifts so that the needs of the church can be met.  Not everyone has the same gifts because they have different jobs to do as Paul explains in Romans 12:4-5.  “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”   

Instead of trying to be like someone else, we need to focus on doing the Job God has given us.  Romans 12:6-8 instructs, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”  If God has given you a talent or gift for prophesying, we need to make sure we are using it properly as God gives us special messages.  If we feel we have to express a prophecy every time we meet people we begin to make things up and may direct them in the wrong way.  If he hasn’t given us a special message, we can trust him that one isn’t needed.

If he has given us a job ministering to people’s needs, we need to make sure we are doing it God’s way, not just following the world’s philosophy.  For example, God has given specific directions about charitable activities.  Ignoring those directions may well result in us enabling people to go on in their sin without experiencing the consequences of it.  If one is given the job of teaching he should take the trouble to study and plan his own lessons, not just use someone else’s lesson or sermon.  If he is counseling and encouraging others, he needs to make sure he is following God’s standards, and not substituting psychological principles or trying to manipulate the people. 

If a person is giving to the church, it should be a simple gift, not an attempt to get God to give him something in return or to get some special benefit such as a tax write off.  If a person is an administrator for the church or in position of leadership, he needs to do his job diligently, not taking advantage of his position.  If he is in a position to administer discipline, he needs to be willing to forgive fully, without reservations, if the person is repentant. 

Quite simply, serving the Lord is about doing what he wants rather than about what we want.  As Romans 14:13 says, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.”  When we begin to impose our ideas and standards on others, we may well cause them to stumble or even to turn away from the gospel.   II Corinthians 3:17 tells us, “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”  When we begin to insist people follow our standards, we are not walking in the Spirit of God.    God’s stasndard is perfect, and any deviation is less than perfect, whether more or less strict.  Our standards are not higher than God’s, despite what we may think.