Luke 1:5-25
In order to accurately portray the events and teachings of Christ completely, it was necessary to show the basis for believing he is the Messiah. This necessitates the examination of prophecies concerning the birth of the Messiah, and whether they were fulfilled. Malachi 3:1 prophesied that one would come to lay the foundation before Messiah came. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.”
If Jesus Christ is the Messiah, it is essential that this prophecy be fulfilled just as every other must. Luke shows that John the Baptist fulfilled this role. He starts by explaining the situation with John’s parents when the prophecy was made.
“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.” (Luke 1:5-12)
John’s birth is to be a miraculous birth in it’s own right, since they were both beyond the normal childbearing years. The angel gave specific directions as to his raising, similar to the command given to Samson’s mother in Judges 13:7. “But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.” While we are never told that John was a Nazarite, his subsequent lifestyle would seem to indicate that he was.
“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:13-17)
The angel makes it clear that John is to be the fulfilment of the prophesies by Malachi that we already read, and the one in Isaiah 40:3. “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” He is to prepare people to receive Christ’s ministry. Like Sarah in Genesis 18:11-15, Zacharias found the prophecy of having a child at their age hard to believe. He asked for a sign to prove it.
“And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.” (Luke 1:18-20)
God expects us to verify that what we hear is the word of God. He instructed Israel to check what the prophets said in Deuteronomy 18:20-22. “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”
Samson’s parents asked for proof that the angel was from God. Believing that God would speak the truth. Zacarias, on the other hand, believed the angel was from God, but asked for proof the message was true. He was to be punished for his failure to believe God. Romans 14:23 states, “…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” The proof would be judgment on Zacarias himself.
“And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.” (Luke 1:21-22)
The prophecy was fulfilled immediately, demonstrating that the angel was speaking God’s word. That the prophecy was fulfilled got the attention of the faithful at the temple immediately, although they didn’t know what it meant at the time. They began to see the prophecy fulfilled within just a very short time, causing rejoicing on Zacarias and his wife’s part.
“And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” (Luke 1:23-25)
Monday, October 4, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
A Historical Record for Validating Religious Writings
Luke 1:1-4
Several months ago, I read an article in which the author commented that the gospels would be a lot more believable if there were not so many discrepancies between the different accounts. About the same time I watched a program about interviewing witnesses to an accident or crime to obtain evidence.
In the program, various demonstrations were made of how differently people saw a series of events. In one instance, a man in a gorilla suit walked through a group of basketball players while one team was trying to get a shot. The majority of the spectators were so focused on the game they didn’t even see him, and some of those who did didn’t register the gorilla suit.
In other demonstrations, people remembered things as being in different sequences, and gave conflicting descriptions of the events just seconds before. When they were allowed to hear another person describing a completely different events account as if it was theirs, they tended to accept that persons version, if it included some of the details they remembered. The conclusion was that people do not remember every detail, but a series of snapshots of an event. Later they organize and fill in the gaps from their logic to make sense of the snapshots.
Even the way the questions are asked can affect how people remember an event, so the interview process greatly affects the testimony of the witness. It explains why we have so many innocent people convicted of crimes, because the interviewer questions in manner that leads to a certain conclusion. Experience has shown that testimony that agrees too completely has been compromised by other opinions, and is not to be trusted.
Since only the snapshots are real, it is necessary to examine testimony for the facts that agree, and recognize that the differences indicate that the points of agreement are the facts. The points they disagree on are the results of their attempts to make sense of the snapshots.
As a result, we find that the Gospels are a series of eyewitness accounts, based on their memories. The fact of the differences indicates that they are in fact real experiences, not a result of collaboration to make a story sound more convincing. The events they describe actually took place, although perhaps in slightly different order than the witnesses remembered them.
As Apostles. Matthew and John could write most of their Gospels from their own memories. Matthew was focused on a historical record of the events, while John focused on what Christ taught. None of the disciples were present for every event. Luke was not one of the twelve, and would not have been present for a lot of the events, supplying them by interviewing the other apostles. Mark was considerably younger, and we can only assume his presence in Mark 14:51-52. As a result, his account is almost totally a compilation of interviews with others. It is one occurrence that none of the others record, and was probably noted because it happened to him or a personal friend. The very differences make it apparent that these were actual personal memories. Luke explains his purpose in writing the book.
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” (Luke 1:1-4)
Because many had written books about Jesus’ life, and some were not factual, Luke wrote the book of Luke to present the most complete and accurate record he could develop, based on both his own observation, as a participant in some of the events, and by interviewing others about the parts he did not observe himself. As a result, he wanted to provide a basis by which Theophilus could judge the claims of other writers.
Luke has written a frame work laying out the basic principles and doctrines that Jesus taught, as well as historical background to enable us to judge the validity of books purporting to be from God. A genuine eye witness should record mostly the same major events and teachings. The differences should be found in the details. If the differences are with major teachings or events, it implies that the author is not who he claimed to be. Even in that day spurious documents were being presented, and Paul warned the Thessalonians not to be taken in by fake letters. II Thessalonians 2:1-2 implores, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”
In Acts 1:1-2, Luke describes what he covered in the book of Luke as comprising Jesus’ ministry here on earth, from the beginning until his ascension into heaven. “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen.” As an eyewitness and participant in much of what happened, and through close association with the apostles throughout the time, Luke was singularly fitted to know and explain what actually happened.
Luke makes no pretense of revealing every thing Jesus did. As John 21:25 says, he couldn’t describe every detail. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” The other gospels contribute a lot of detail, but Luke gives a way to verify the accuracy of details. Books which don’t agree on the main events are of doubtful value.
Several months ago, I read an article in which the author commented that the gospels would be a lot more believable if there were not so many discrepancies between the different accounts. About the same time I watched a program about interviewing witnesses to an accident or crime to obtain evidence.
In the program, various demonstrations were made of how differently people saw a series of events. In one instance, a man in a gorilla suit walked through a group of basketball players while one team was trying to get a shot. The majority of the spectators were so focused on the game they didn’t even see him, and some of those who did didn’t register the gorilla suit.
In other demonstrations, people remembered things as being in different sequences, and gave conflicting descriptions of the events just seconds before. When they were allowed to hear another person describing a completely different events account as if it was theirs, they tended to accept that persons version, if it included some of the details they remembered. The conclusion was that people do not remember every detail, but a series of snapshots of an event. Later they organize and fill in the gaps from their logic to make sense of the snapshots.
Even the way the questions are asked can affect how people remember an event, so the interview process greatly affects the testimony of the witness. It explains why we have so many innocent people convicted of crimes, because the interviewer questions in manner that leads to a certain conclusion. Experience has shown that testimony that agrees too completely has been compromised by other opinions, and is not to be trusted.
Since only the snapshots are real, it is necessary to examine testimony for the facts that agree, and recognize that the differences indicate that the points of agreement are the facts. The points they disagree on are the results of their attempts to make sense of the snapshots.
As a result, we find that the Gospels are a series of eyewitness accounts, based on their memories. The fact of the differences indicates that they are in fact real experiences, not a result of collaboration to make a story sound more convincing. The events they describe actually took place, although perhaps in slightly different order than the witnesses remembered them.
As Apostles. Matthew and John could write most of their Gospels from their own memories. Matthew was focused on a historical record of the events, while John focused on what Christ taught. None of the disciples were present for every event. Luke was not one of the twelve, and would not have been present for a lot of the events, supplying them by interviewing the other apostles. Mark was considerably younger, and we can only assume his presence in Mark 14:51-52. As a result, his account is almost totally a compilation of interviews with others. It is one occurrence that none of the others record, and was probably noted because it happened to him or a personal friend. The very differences make it apparent that these were actual personal memories. Luke explains his purpose in writing the book.
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” (Luke 1:1-4)
Because many had written books about Jesus’ life, and some were not factual, Luke wrote the book of Luke to present the most complete and accurate record he could develop, based on both his own observation, as a participant in some of the events, and by interviewing others about the parts he did not observe himself. As a result, he wanted to provide a basis by which Theophilus could judge the claims of other writers.
Luke has written a frame work laying out the basic principles and doctrines that Jesus taught, as well as historical background to enable us to judge the validity of books purporting to be from God. A genuine eye witness should record mostly the same major events and teachings. The differences should be found in the details. If the differences are with major teachings or events, it implies that the author is not who he claimed to be. Even in that day spurious documents were being presented, and Paul warned the Thessalonians not to be taken in by fake letters. II Thessalonians 2:1-2 implores, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”
In Acts 1:1-2, Luke describes what he covered in the book of Luke as comprising Jesus’ ministry here on earth, from the beginning until his ascension into heaven. “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen.” As an eyewitness and participant in much of what happened, and through close association with the apostles throughout the time, Luke was singularly fitted to know and explain what actually happened.
Luke makes no pretense of revealing every thing Jesus did. As John 21:25 says, he couldn’t describe every detail. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” The other gospels contribute a lot of detail, but Luke gives a way to verify the accuracy of details. Books which don’t agree on the main events are of doubtful value.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Protecting Oneself
Jude 1:17-25
When we first moved to Navajo, New Mexico, almost every home had several dogs. In addition, there were a lot of wild dogs running in packs. Several people were bitten going up to a house and having a dog attack them from behind. I learned that being alert and having a rock in my hand or pocket gave me a sense of confidence that the dogs saw, and avoided. Drunks and strangers frequently got bit, and finally the town council got rid of most of the dogs, but I have remembered the lesson. As the old saying goes, “forewarned is forearmed.” James reminds us of the warnings by Paul, Peter and the other apostles.
“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” (Jude 1:17-19)
In his letter instructing Timothy how to prepare for the ministry, Paul warned him that the day would come when most people would not want to hear God’s word, deliberately seeking out teachers and churches that would tell them what they wanted to hear instead. II Timothy 4:3-4 warns, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
Having decided not to believe God, they accept various and unsupported and often insupportable beliefs instead, no matter how off the wall and improbable. Not understanding that as Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost,” they get caught up in physical behaviors and rituals. When he began pasturing his first church, Paul warned Timothy in I Timothy 4:1-3, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”
Because they do not know the Holy Spirit, they listen to demonic spirits and are drawn away. Often even they don’t believe what they are saying, but hypocritically accept it anyway, because there is no onus on what they want to do. Performing the prescribed rituals and avoiding the prescribed taboos, they can feel good about themselves, while committing what ever sins they want to. They actively try to get their standards accepted by the church.
To protect ourselves from getting drawn away by these unbelievers, we need to focus on the basics of our Christian faith. We need to study the word of God so we can grow according to I Peter 2:2-3. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” Hebrews 5:12-14 tells us that we need to go beyond just the milk, the very basics, as described in Hebrews 6:1-2 to the point of perfection, as in being complete and mature. Continuing to preach the milk to those who have rejected Christ does not reach them, but it hampers the growth of those who do believe. The focus must be on building up our own relationship to Christ, and that of the other believers. It is literally fulfilling the last part of the Great Commission of Matthew 28;19-20, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:”. Those who have rejected Christ will not be drawn by more teaching of the basics according to Hebrews 6:4-6, and we should not waste the time.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.“ (Jude 1:20-21)
Some of those who do not believe have just been led away, and have not rejected Christ. Some of them can be reached by our demonstrations of love for each other and for them. Others will be convinced only by understanding of God’s judgment on sin, like those in Acts 5, who were afraid after seeing what happened to Ananias and Sapphira. The focus must not be on the sin itself, but on the rescue offered. As Ephesians 5:12 says, “For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” It is easy to become so involved in preaching against sin that we excite curiosity. We ought to hate it so much we don’t even want to talk about it and avoid going into detail.
“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 1:22-23)
Victory over sin is the result of the Holy Spirit working in our lives, setting us free from sin according to Romans 6. As a result, all the glory for our continuing in the faith belongs to him. It is not the result of our efforts, but of his. We are kept by his power, and no one can take us out of his hand.
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)
When we first moved to Navajo, New Mexico, almost every home had several dogs. In addition, there were a lot of wild dogs running in packs. Several people were bitten going up to a house and having a dog attack them from behind. I learned that being alert and having a rock in my hand or pocket gave me a sense of confidence that the dogs saw, and avoided. Drunks and strangers frequently got bit, and finally the town council got rid of most of the dogs, but I have remembered the lesson. As the old saying goes, “forewarned is forearmed.” James reminds us of the warnings by Paul, Peter and the other apostles.
“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” (Jude 1:17-19)
In his letter instructing Timothy how to prepare for the ministry, Paul warned him that the day would come when most people would not want to hear God’s word, deliberately seeking out teachers and churches that would tell them what they wanted to hear instead. II Timothy 4:3-4 warns, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
Having decided not to believe God, they accept various and unsupported and often insupportable beliefs instead, no matter how off the wall and improbable. Not understanding that as Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost,” they get caught up in physical behaviors and rituals. When he began pasturing his first church, Paul warned Timothy in I Timothy 4:1-3, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”
Because they do not know the Holy Spirit, they listen to demonic spirits and are drawn away. Often even they don’t believe what they are saying, but hypocritically accept it anyway, because there is no onus on what they want to do. Performing the prescribed rituals and avoiding the prescribed taboos, they can feel good about themselves, while committing what ever sins they want to. They actively try to get their standards accepted by the church.
To protect ourselves from getting drawn away by these unbelievers, we need to focus on the basics of our Christian faith. We need to study the word of God so we can grow according to I Peter 2:2-3. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” Hebrews 5:12-14 tells us that we need to go beyond just the milk, the very basics, as described in Hebrews 6:1-2 to the point of perfection, as in being complete and mature. Continuing to preach the milk to those who have rejected Christ does not reach them, but it hampers the growth of those who do believe. The focus must be on building up our own relationship to Christ, and that of the other believers. It is literally fulfilling the last part of the Great Commission of Matthew 28;19-20, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:”. Those who have rejected Christ will not be drawn by more teaching of the basics according to Hebrews 6:4-6, and we should not waste the time.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.“ (Jude 1:20-21)
Some of those who do not believe have just been led away, and have not rejected Christ. Some of them can be reached by our demonstrations of love for each other and for them. Others will be convinced only by understanding of God’s judgment on sin, like those in Acts 5, who were afraid after seeing what happened to Ananias and Sapphira. The focus must not be on the sin itself, but on the rescue offered. As Ephesians 5:12 says, “For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” It is easy to become so involved in preaching against sin that we excite curiosity. We ought to hate it so much we don’t even want to talk about it and avoid going into detail.
“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 1:22-23)
Victory over sin is the result of the Holy Spirit working in our lives, setting us free from sin according to Romans 6. As a result, all the glory for our continuing in the faith belongs to him. It is not the result of our efforts, but of his. We are kept by his power, and no one can take us out of his hand.
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Spots
Jude 1:12-16
When we first got married, we lived in a tiny(by today’s standards) one bedroom house. A friend lent us their camp trailer, a tent on a trailer when my folks came to visit. Since they had no place to park it at their house they asked if we could store it for them when we finished using it. After we were finished, we folded it up and put the cover back on it. A few days later, I noticed black spots on the cover, apparently from sap dripping from a nearby oak tree, so I moved it to a place where it wouldn’t be under the tree. When they came to get their trailer, we were horrified to find that the spots were now holes. The sap was acidic enough to eat through the canvas. We had to have a new cover made,
In a healthy church, new people visit regularly, and some want to become part of the church when they see what God does for the Christians. Some actually want to be Christians, but many just want the physical benefits, with no real interest in God. These are normal and are not much of a problem unless they become entrenched and considered church members. Because they have no commitment to the Lord, they follow whoever seems to offer what best suits them at the moment. James is especially concerned with the third group who want to manipulate and use the church to accomplish their own goals.
While a great many things would have made spots on the canvas cover, making it not look good, the oak sap did actual damage, and made it unusable. Jude compares those unbelieving church members to those spots. Some are just unsightly, making the church look bad while others do serious damage.
“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.” (Jude 1:12-13)
Our society seems to have a fixation on the idea that bigger is better, and it has slopped over into churches. As a result, some churches will do almost anything to get people to come. Speaking of one of the largest churches in Farmington, one lady said anyone can feel at home in our church, no matter what they believe. Since the church was originally a Baptist church, people can still join as Baptists, by a statement of faith and evidence of scriptural baptism, but if they want to join as something else, the church will accept that group’s standards instead.
James says these are like stains on a piece of fabric, taking part in every thing the fabric does as if they belonged. They come and fellowship, taking part with no concern over the doctrine or respect toward God, as Romans 3:18 says. “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Their only constraint is their own imagination.
Last summer, I planted some cucumber plants. They came up and spread vigorously, blooming all over the place, even smothering some of my other plants, but never produced a single cucumber, despite my work. I even tried manually pollinating the female flowers, thinking perhaps the bees were not doing it. I wasted a lot of time and energy, because they appeared to offer so much.
These unbelieving church members produce nothing of real value, but sap the church of spiritual vigor, depriving real Christians of essential nourishment, sometimes choking them out and killing them, while trying to pass themselves off as better than others.
“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” (Jude 1:14-15)
Acts 5:1-14 tells of Ananias and Sapphira, who tried use the church to promote themselves, and God’s judgment for their actions. As a result, unbelievers were afraid to join the church. The church was strengthened and grew, because those who joined were committed to God. The others looked for a place where God’s power was not a threat.
Like the mixed multitude who came out of Egypt, complaining about the food God provided, Unbelievers in the church complain about the teaching of the word, finding it unpalatable and desiting solemnizing more exciting. They gripe about how the church works, constantly demanding change, seeking what appeals to them.
“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.” (James 1:16)
These unbelievers have huge public appeal, drawing huge crowds and attracting lots of followers. They put a lot of stress on famous and popular leaders, using the associations and cooperation to further their own aims. How many times have people skipped their own church, driving sometimes hundreds of miles to hear a famous speaker such as Billy Graham, because of their admiration for the man. This attitude is seriously hurting the church today.
When we first got married, we lived in a tiny(by today’s standards) one bedroom house. A friend lent us their camp trailer, a tent on a trailer when my folks came to visit. Since they had no place to park it at their house they asked if we could store it for them when we finished using it. After we were finished, we folded it up and put the cover back on it. A few days later, I noticed black spots on the cover, apparently from sap dripping from a nearby oak tree, so I moved it to a place where it wouldn’t be under the tree. When they came to get their trailer, we were horrified to find that the spots were now holes. The sap was acidic enough to eat through the canvas. We had to have a new cover made,
In a healthy church, new people visit regularly, and some want to become part of the church when they see what God does for the Christians. Some actually want to be Christians, but many just want the physical benefits, with no real interest in God. These are normal and are not much of a problem unless they become entrenched and considered church members. Because they have no commitment to the Lord, they follow whoever seems to offer what best suits them at the moment. James is especially concerned with the third group who want to manipulate and use the church to accomplish their own goals.
While a great many things would have made spots on the canvas cover, making it not look good, the oak sap did actual damage, and made it unusable. Jude compares those unbelieving church members to those spots. Some are just unsightly, making the church look bad while others do serious damage.
“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.” (Jude 1:12-13)
Our society seems to have a fixation on the idea that bigger is better, and it has slopped over into churches. As a result, some churches will do almost anything to get people to come. Speaking of one of the largest churches in Farmington, one lady said anyone can feel at home in our church, no matter what they believe. Since the church was originally a Baptist church, people can still join as Baptists, by a statement of faith and evidence of scriptural baptism, but if they want to join as something else, the church will accept that group’s standards instead.
James says these are like stains on a piece of fabric, taking part in every thing the fabric does as if they belonged. They come and fellowship, taking part with no concern over the doctrine or respect toward God, as Romans 3:18 says. “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Their only constraint is their own imagination.
Last summer, I planted some cucumber plants. They came up and spread vigorously, blooming all over the place, even smothering some of my other plants, but never produced a single cucumber, despite my work. I even tried manually pollinating the female flowers, thinking perhaps the bees were not doing it. I wasted a lot of time and energy, because they appeared to offer so much.
These unbelieving church members produce nothing of real value, but sap the church of spiritual vigor, depriving real Christians of essential nourishment, sometimes choking them out and killing them, while trying to pass themselves off as better than others.
“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” (Jude 1:14-15)
Acts 5:1-14 tells of Ananias and Sapphira, who tried use the church to promote themselves, and God’s judgment for their actions. As a result, unbelievers were afraid to join the church. The church was strengthened and grew, because those who joined were committed to God. The others looked for a place where God’s power was not a threat.
Like the mixed multitude who came out of Egypt, complaining about the food God provided, Unbelievers in the church complain about the teaching of the word, finding it unpalatable and desiting solemnizing more exciting. They gripe about how the church works, constantly demanding change, seeking what appeals to them.
“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.” (James 1:16)
These unbelievers have huge public appeal, drawing huge crowds and attracting lots of followers. They put a lot of stress on famous and popular leaders, using the associations and cooperation to further their own aims. How many times have people skipped their own church, driving sometimes hundreds of miles to hear a famous speaker such as Billy Graham, because of their admiration for the man. This attitude is seriously hurting the church today.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Attitudes of The Ungodly in the Church
Jude 1:8-11
Today there are a lot of people claiming to be Christians who participate in Gay Rights activities to show their tolerance, viewing those who oppose such activities as being unchristian. After all, God said we’re not to judge, and he loves Gays too. They have either not read or ignored Genesis 19, Jude 1:7, and many other passages. Lest there be any doubt about what God thinks of homosexuality, Leviticus 20:13 is very clear. “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.” Literally they are responsible for their own deaths because of their actions.
Many of these who claim to be Christians will admit that they know the Bible forbid it, but after all, we’re supposed to love people if we’re Christians, and it’s not really their fault after all, God made them that way and they can’t help it. This same idea is used to justify many other kinds of sin as well, because God just didn’t understand what we know today. They imagine that God will overlook the sin as a result.
“Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.” (Jude 1:8)
These unsaved people in the church engage in activities clearly forbidden by God. Many drink, are addicted to drugs, engage in extramarital affairs or indulge in pornography. Several serial murderers have been considered good Christians by their fellow church members, and many of the Ku Klux Klan members were active in churches.
They become especially upset at the idea that what they are doing is wrong, and often attack those who oppose them. Their opponents are depicted as evil, sometimes accused of doing the same thing, set up to appear to be doing wrong, or filing lawsuits and accusing of hate crimes. Vandalism and physical violence are sometimes used, because they do not want any restrictions on their behavior. Even Jesus is accused of improper relationships with Mary Magdalene, and Judas is typical of these unbelievers in his betrayal because of unbelief.
“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” (Jude 1:9)
These ungodly people do not hesitate to bring such false charges against those who oppose them, yet the highest angel didn’t dare make such ringing charges against even the devil himself. As II Peter 2:10-12 says, these have no such hesitation. “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;”
Even though Michael knew how utterly wicked the Devil is, and Michael is so very powerful, he left the final judgment to God, yet these people are judging from their own ignorance, even ignoring their own natural animal instincts. For example, homosexual behavior is only found among animals forced into unnatural situations. In the book Animals In Translation, Dr. Temple Grandin describes several instances of wrong behavior by animals which disappears when natural conditions are restored. Humans, on the other hand, can consciously choose to go against their innate standards, deliberately and voluntarily doing what they know is wrong.
“But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” (Jude 1:10-11)
Cain was angry that his brother was rewarded for dong what was right and he didn’t get a reward for doing what he wanted to do so he killed him rather than doing what he was told. Some of these wicked men are the same way, trying to destroy those who do right, rather than doing it themselves. They are like the delinquent who beats up the good kids at school.
Others are like Balaam, wanting to do what is right, but picking and choosing what of God’s commands will best accomplish their purpose and ignoring the rest, assuming it won’t really matter. Still others want to make their own rules, like Korah, in Numbers 16. He decided to set himself up as the priest because it wasn’t fair that God had only chosen Aaron. In his opinion, Aaron was just promoting himself.
Today there are a lot of people claiming to be Christians who participate in Gay Rights activities to show their tolerance, viewing those who oppose such activities as being unchristian. After all, God said we’re not to judge, and he loves Gays too. They have either not read or ignored Genesis 19, Jude 1:7, and many other passages. Lest there be any doubt about what God thinks of homosexuality, Leviticus 20:13 is very clear. “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.” Literally they are responsible for their own deaths because of their actions.
Many of these who claim to be Christians will admit that they know the Bible forbid it, but after all, we’re supposed to love people if we’re Christians, and it’s not really their fault after all, God made them that way and they can’t help it. This same idea is used to justify many other kinds of sin as well, because God just didn’t understand what we know today. They imagine that God will overlook the sin as a result.
“Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.” (Jude 1:8)
These unsaved people in the church engage in activities clearly forbidden by God. Many drink, are addicted to drugs, engage in extramarital affairs or indulge in pornography. Several serial murderers have been considered good Christians by their fellow church members, and many of the Ku Klux Klan members were active in churches.
They become especially upset at the idea that what they are doing is wrong, and often attack those who oppose them. Their opponents are depicted as evil, sometimes accused of doing the same thing, set up to appear to be doing wrong, or filing lawsuits and accusing of hate crimes. Vandalism and physical violence are sometimes used, because they do not want any restrictions on their behavior. Even Jesus is accused of improper relationships with Mary Magdalene, and Judas is typical of these unbelievers in his betrayal because of unbelief.
“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” (Jude 1:9)
These ungodly people do not hesitate to bring such false charges against those who oppose them, yet the highest angel didn’t dare make such ringing charges against even the devil himself. As II Peter 2:10-12 says, these have no such hesitation. “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;”
Even though Michael knew how utterly wicked the Devil is, and Michael is so very powerful, he left the final judgment to God, yet these people are judging from their own ignorance, even ignoring their own natural animal instincts. For example, homosexual behavior is only found among animals forced into unnatural situations. In the book Animals In Translation, Dr. Temple Grandin describes several instances of wrong behavior by animals which disappears when natural conditions are restored. Humans, on the other hand, can consciously choose to go against their innate standards, deliberately and voluntarily doing what they know is wrong.
“But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” (Jude 1:10-11)
Cain was angry that his brother was rewarded for dong what was right and he didn’t get a reward for doing what he wanted to do so he killed him rather than doing what he was told. Some of these wicked men are the same way, trying to destroy those who do right, rather than doing it themselves. They are like the delinquent who beats up the good kids at school.
Others are like Balaam, wanting to do what is right, but picking and choosing what of God’s commands will best accomplish their purpose and ignoring the rest, assuming it won’t really matter. Still others want to make their own rules, like Korah, in Numbers 16. He decided to set himself up as the priest because it wasn’t fair that God had only chosen Aaron. In his opinion, Aaron was just promoting himself.
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Consequences of Unbelief
Jude 1:4-7
The Pentateuch describes Israel’s time in Egypt and her deliverance. Exodus 12:37-38 gives us an idea of what was involved. “And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.”
Under the Egyptian system, not only were the Hebrews slaves, but almost everyone but the ruling class, the priests and members of Pharaoh’s own ethnic group. All the slaves were abused to some degree, but because of their numbers, the Hebrews were the most feared. When the Jews escaped, a lot of other slaves took advantage of the opportunity to escape as well. Having no place to go, they went with Israel.
Repeatedly Israel rebelled against God’s leadership in the wilderness, and sometimes the rebellion started with griping by these non Jews. Numbers 11:4-6 describes one such instance. “And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.” Jews who were not committed to trusting God were easily drawn into the complaining.
It is easy to forget that people who are not Christians may align themselves with a church for many reasons other than a love for God. Some come for political advantage, believing that membership in a particular church will help their chances of being elected. Some join because of tradition. Some come because it gives them a ready source of business contacts. Some come for entertainment, or for some social program to fight drugs or keep teens out of trouble. They may well turn more people from following God than even the false leaders, undermining the faith of others by secretly practicing things God has forbidden, and insisting it really doesn’t matter. Jude’s focus in not just on the false teachers, but on all those who do not believe. The focus is much like that in the book of Hebrews.
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4)
Both I Corinthians 10 and Hebrews 3-4 describe how that every one who came out of Egypt had the same experiences, being delivered from slavery, passing through the Red Sea, and partaking of the manna and water from the rock freely. Most of them died in the wilderness, however, because of unbelief, as Hebrews 4:2 states. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Jude reminds us of this.
“I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.” (Jude 1:5)
After walking out of Egypt, passing through the Red Sea, seeing their enemies destroyed, and observing God’s provision of food and water for such a huge group, they still did not trust God to know what was best. They complained and disobeyed repeatedly, and finally he destroyed them.
The angels were created to be with God daily, enjoying his presence and seeing his power. Nevertheless, some rebelled, determined to have their own way. Satan is the King or Prince of this world, and it is as such God addresses himself in Ezekiel 28:14-17. “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.”
Because they chose to follow Satan, rather than God, a large number of angels were cast out of heaven. Ultimately they will all be cast into hell, the place prepared especially for them as Jesus stated in Matthew 25:41. “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Satan and his followers will not be the keepers, but prisoners, unable to escape.
“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” (Jude 1:6)
Sodom and Gomorrah were noted for their sexual promiscuity, contrary to any standard of normalcy. After being there a while, even Lot’s standards became so skewed that he could accept the gang rape of his own daughters, although he still opposed homosexuality. The men of the city would not settle for even that flawed moral standard, threatening him for judging them. (Sounds kind of familiar, doesn’t it?) As a result of the determined disobedience, God destroyed the city in Genesis 19.
“Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 1:7)
God has not changed, and can be expected to react the same way to those who deliberately choose to disobey and refuse to believe. Sadly, some in the church have chosen not to believe, while others have chosen deliberately to disobey. They are dreaming if they think that God will ignore their behavior, when he punished these others, yet many do.
“Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.” (Jude 1:8)
The Pentateuch describes Israel’s time in Egypt and her deliverance. Exodus 12:37-38 gives us an idea of what was involved. “And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.”
Under the Egyptian system, not only were the Hebrews slaves, but almost everyone but the ruling class, the priests and members of Pharaoh’s own ethnic group. All the slaves were abused to some degree, but because of their numbers, the Hebrews were the most feared. When the Jews escaped, a lot of other slaves took advantage of the opportunity to escape as well. Having no place to go, they went with Israel.
Repeatedly Israel rebelled against God’s leadership in the wilderness, and sometimes the rebellion started with griping by these non Jews. Numbers 11:4-6 describes one such instance. “And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.” Jews who were not committed to trusting God were easily drawn into the complaining.
It is easy to forget that people who are not Christians may align themselves with a church for many reasons other than a love for God. Some come for political advantage, believing that membership in a particular church will help their chances of being elected. Some join because of tradition. Some come because it gives them a ready source of business contacts. Some come for entertainment, or for some social program to fight drugs or keep teens out of trouble. They may well turn more people from following God than even the false leaders, undermining the faith of others by secretly practicing things God has forbidden, and insisting it really doesn’t matter. Jude’s focus in not just on the false teachers, but on all those who do not believe. The focus is much like that in the book of Hebrews.
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4)
Both I Corinthians 10 and Hebrews 3-4 describe how that every one who came out of Egypt had the same experiences, being delivered from slavery, passing through the Red Sea, and partaking of the manna and water from the rock freely. Most of them died in the wilderness, however, because of unbelief, as Hebrews 4:2 states. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Jude reminds us of this.
“I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.” (Jude 1:5)
After walking out of Egypt, passing through the Red Sea, seeing their enemies destroyed, and observing God’s provision of food and water for such a huge group, they still did not trust God to know what was best. They complained and disobeyed repeatedly, and finally he destroyed them.
The angels were created to be with God daily, enjoying his presence and seeing his power. Nevertheless, some rebelled, determined to have their own way. Satan is the King or Prince of this world, and it is as such God addresses himself in Ezekiel 28:14-17. “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.”
Because they chose to follow Satan, rather than God, a large number of angels were cast out of heaven. Ultimately they will all be cast into hell, the place prepared especially for them as Jesus stated in Matthew 25:41. “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Satan and his followers will not be the keepers, but prisoners, unable to escape.
“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” (Jude 1:6)
Sodom and Gomorrah were noted for their sexual promiscuity, contrary to any standard of normalcy. After being there a while, even Lot’s standards became so skewed that he could accept the gang rape of his own daughters, although he still opposed homosexuality. The men of the city would not settle for even that flawed moral standard, threatening him for judging them. (Sounds kind of familiar, doesn’t it?) As a result of the determined disobedience, God destroyed the city in Genesis 19.
“Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 1:7)
God has not changed, and can be expected to react the same way to those who deliberately choose to disobey and refuse to believe. Sadly, some in the church have chosen not to believe, while others have chosen deliberately to disobey. They are dreaming if they think that God will ignore their behavior, when he punished these others, yet many do.
“Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.” (Jude 1:8)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Ungodly Men, Crept In Unawares
Jude 1:1-4
The book of Jude was written by the apostle Jude or Judas listed in Luke 6:16. It is written to people who have been saved and set apart by God, who are preserved or kept in Jesus Christ, and called.
“Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace and love, be multiplied.” (Jude 1:1-2)
Like Peter, Paul, James, and John, Jude is concerned with unbelievers in the church leading people away from the truth. The best way to stop the influence of unbelievers is by sound doctrine. Paul stressed the need for pastors or elders who were sound in their belief of the scriptures, who could convince the false teachers by sound teaching in Titus 1:9. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” In depth study and total commitment to the scripture is required to convince those who are seeking another way.
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3)
Several years ago, a man attended a church Dad pastored. He was quite well educated and seemed to be very interested in what was taught. He came fairly frequently for a while and seemed to be really concerned, but never committed himself. One day, my dad was talking to him and he asked if Dad really believed what he taught. When Dad told him he did, the man stated that his father had been a pastor of a large church. One day the son had gotten concerned about his own soul and gone to his father for help. His father told him not to worry about it as there was nothing to it. He just told the people what they wanted to hear because it was his job.
At the time the son dropped his inquiry, but years later, after graduating from college and getting married, the son was still attracted to the gospel, Because of his father’s statements, however, he was hesitant to commit himself to Christ. Several months later he was transferred, without committing. Sadly, there are many men like the father, whose interest in ministry is not in the gospel. Some are like the missionary who told us, If I could make as much money at any other job, I’d quit the ministry, because I hate it.”
Others use the ministry to gain a following and establish themselves. A large proportion of country singing stars got their start by singing in churches to gain a following and get a recording made, because it was an easier market to get into. Political activists often use a religious group to build themselves a base of followers, and an established church is a ready made organization. Many cults started with an existing church that they could infiltrate and take over. A weak doctrinal stance makes the church more readily accessible.
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4)
Men like the man’s father do not believe at all and destroy the faith of many. Looking only for the money, they devote their efforts to please people, rather than to teaching the truth. Cult leaders and many political and religious activists deliberately infiltrate churches to promote their own agenda, with no concern for God.
In the process they ignore open sin, often implying that it is acceptable since God is a forgiving God. Paul addresses the issue in Romans 6:1-2. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” While we have liberty in Christ, we ought not use it as an excuse for sin. Galatians 5:13 instructs, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
It is shocking to realize how many of the “theologians” or “biblical scholars” of today do not believe in God at all. For many years, some of the best known have actively sought to destroy faith in God in the guise of biblical criticism. In the guise of revealing the truth about Jesus, they deny the virgin birth, his literal death and resurrection, and his being God in the flesh. Some have sought to disprove the very existence of God.
Because of their conformity with the world’s desire, they are usually a lot more popular than those who teach the truth. As I John 4:5 says, “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” The church at Pergamos and the church at Thyatira had already been infiltrated in Revelation 2, leading to the warnings they received. The church at Sardis in Revelation 3, had apparently succumbed to the attacks, with only a few still clinging to the truth.
The book of Jude was written by the apostle Jude or Judas listed in Luke 6:16. It is written to people who have been saved and set apart by God, who are preserved or kept in Jesus Christ, and called.
“Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace and love, be multiplied.” (Jude 1:1-2)
Like Peter, Paul, James, and John, Jude is concerned with unbelievers in the church leading people away from the truth. The best way to stop the influence of unbelievers is by sound doctrine. Paul stressed the need for pastors or elders who were sound in their belief of the scriptures, who could convince the false teachers by sound teaching in Titus 1:9. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” In depth study and total commitment to the scripture is required to convince those who are seeking another way.
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3)
Several years ago, a man attended a church Dad pastored. He was quite well educated and seemed to be very interested in what was taught. He came fairly frequently for a while and seemed to be really concerned, but never committed himself. One day, my dad was talking to him and he asked if Dad really believed what he taught. When Dad told him he did, the man stated that his father had been a pastor of a large church. One day the son had gotten concerned about his own soul and gone to his father for help. His father told him not to worry about it as there was nothing to it. He just told the people what they wanted to hear because it was his job.
At the time the son dropped his inquiry, but years later, after graduating from college and getting married, the son was still attracted to the gospel, Because of his father’s statements, however, he was hesitant to commit himself to Christ. Several months later he was transferred, without committing. Sadly, there are many men like the father, whose interest in ministry is not in the gospel. Some are like the missionary who told us, If I could make as much money at any other job, I’d quit the ministry, because I hate it.”
Others use the ministry to gain a following and establish themselves. A large proportion of country singing stars got their start by singing in churches to gain a following and get a recording made, because it was an easier market to get into. Political activists often use a religious group to build themselves a base of followers, and an established church is a ready made organization. Many cults started with an existing church that they could infiltrate and take over. A weak doctrinal stance makes the church more readily accessible.
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4)
Men like the man’s father do not believe at all and destroy the faith of many. Looking only for the money, they devote their efforts to please people, rather than to teaching the truth. Cult leaders and many political and religious activists deliberately infiltrate churches to promote their own agenda, with no concern for God.
In the process they ignore open sin, often implying that it is acceptable since God is a forgiving God. Paul addresses the issue in Romans 6:1-2. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” While we have liberty in Christ, we ought not use it as an excuse for sin. Galatians 5:13 instructs, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
It is shocking to realize how many of the “theologians” or “biblical scholars” of today do not believe in God at all. For many years, some of the best known have actively sought to destroy faith in God in the guise of biblical criticism. In the guise of revealing the truth about Jesus, they deny the virgin birth, his literal death and resurrection, and his being God in the flesh. Some have sought to disprove the very existence of God.
Because of their conformity with the world’s desire, they are usually a lot more popular than those who teach the truth. As I John 4:5 says, “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” The church at Pergamos and the church at Thyatira had already been infiltrated in Revelation 2, leading to the warnings they received. The church at Sardis in Revelation 3, had apparently succumbed to the attacks, with only a few still clinging to the truth.
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