Readiness (01)
The family was gathered about the room as they looked upon the worn and weary body of their beloved patriarch. He was a man who had seen and done many things. In his life he had experienced many changes. He was born on the heels of what was suppose to be "The War to End All Wars," "The Great War": World War I. As a young man, his attitude toward wastefulness was developed during America’s Great Depression. Ultimately he was called upon to fight for his country in World War II. What he endured would rest upon his mind for the rest of his life. When he returned to his family, for months on end, during his free time he would sit and stare out the window at the world before him. It is said that time heals. And, so he began to build. He reared his family. He diligently committed himself to an employer by night, and by day, labored in the soil of his homestead. Life was prosperous. The years passed, he endured the passing of his wife as well as his eldest son. He had planted, and plucked up that which was planted; killed and healed; broke down and built up; weeped and laughed; mourned and danced; cast away stones and gathered up stones; embraced and refrained from embracing; sought and loosed; kept and cast away; rent and sewed; kept silent and spoke; loved and hated; went to war and loved peace. And now, his time to be born was approaching his time to die. His time had come to an end. Or had it? It was for this time he had come, a time to embark upon the journey of all journeys. As Stephen of old (Acts 7:59), it was time to yield his spirit to a faithful Creator. Was he ready?
A state of readiness is a theme that echoes throughout the scriptures. The Lord Jesus Christ, said to his disciples, "Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning; and be ye yourselves like unto men looking for their lord, when he shall return from the marriage feast; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may straightway open unto him. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through. Be ye also ready: for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Luke 12:35-40). "Be ye also ready"! Are we "ready" for the coming of the Son of man?
Being ready for the coming of the Son of man requires preparation. If we do not prepare to be ready, then we do in essence prepare to not be ready. Who is it that takes a journey and does not prepare for it? Who fails to prepare, then does not get far until they remember what they failed to bring? Readiness is not a matter of wishful thinking, but one of a determined effort. Readiness is not defined by our own personal desires and wishes but by God’s standard, His righteousness. The scriptures identify what preparations must be made to be ready. They also tell us who isn’t ready. The apostle Paul, as he was directed by the Holy Spirit, said, the Lord Jesus would come "rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus" (2 Thessalonians 1:8). The scriptures are cut and dried in that evaluation. If we fail to obey "the gospel of our Lord Jesus" then we are not ready to meet our Maker when "the spirit returneth unto God who gave it" (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Obeying the "gospel", the "good news," has a necessary inference that there is a message that defines obedience. "It is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23) and, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12). It matters not how much preparation an individual may make. It matters not how zealous an individual may be. If the preparations are not according to God’s righteousness, then they will not suffice to successfully complete the journey: "For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:2-3). Mankind was created to glorify God. Therefore, "whether…ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). But, "all have sinned, and (consequently, ret) fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Consequently "because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience" (Ephesians 5:6). "But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:18). Many have been brought, through the gospel, ("the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" - Romans 1:16), to the question, "What shall we do"? (Acts 2:37). The same answer, issued to the Jews, nineteen hundred and seventy years ago, still applies today: "Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins" (Acts 2:38). Are you ready?
Being A Christian (02)
Have you ever questioned your relationship with God? Have you ever just sat down and asked the question, "Will I be found acceptable to God after I pass from this life to the next?" To some the question is absurd! "Why," they say, "Of course I’m going to be found acceptable to God! I’m a good person. I don’t lie, cheat, or steal. I help my fellow man, and God is a God of love and will not reject anyone." The truth is, religions have provisions built into their doctrines that provide "acceptance" for all people. The individual’s actual condition may not be the highest level he/she could have obtained if they had been true believers, or the individual may have to endure a certain amount of torment before they are allowed admittance before God, but they would nonetheless receive a crown. The question we must ask is, "Is it so?" Just because a person is taught something by a religious leader, or believes something is spiritual, does not make it so. There are many things people believe in life that just aren’t so. The sons of Jacob sold their younger brother Joseph into Egyptian bondage. Jacob’s sons didn’t come right out and tell their father that Joseph was dead, but what they did was take Joseph’s coat and kill a he-goat, "and dipped the coat in the blood; and they sent the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, This have we found: know now whether it is thy son’s coat or not. And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces. And Jacob rent his garments, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days" (Genesis 37:31-34). Jacob believed his son was dead, though he was very much alive. In the writing of First Kings, a young prophet had been sent to Bethel to cry against the altar that Jeroboam had raised that caused Israel to sin. God told the young prophet, "Thou shalt eat no bread, nor drink water, neither return by the way that thou camest" (13:9). After refusing Jeroboam’s request to "come home with me and refresh thyself" (13:7), the scriptures tell us "there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and one of his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them also they told unto their father. And their father said unto them, What way went he? Now his sons had seen what way the man of God went, that came from Judah. And he said unto his sons, Saddle me the ass. So they saddled him the ass; and he rode thereon. And he went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak; and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am. Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread. And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee; neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place: for it was said to me by the word of Jehovah, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest. And he said unto him, I also am a prophet as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of Jehovah, saying, Bring him back with thee into thy house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. So he went back with him and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.
And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of Jehovah came unto the prophet that brought him back; and he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith Jehovah, Forasmuch as thou hast been disobedient unto the mouth of Jehovah, and hast not kept the commandment which Jehovah thy God commanded thee, but camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which he said to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy body shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers. And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back. And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his body was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it; the lion also stood by the body" (13:11-24).
No matter how sincere the young prophet was in his actions, he had believed a lie and it cost him his life because he had been "disobedient unto the mouth of Jehovah." Many people have fallen to similar false prophets. They have been told "an angel spake unto me by the word of Jehovah, saying…" Time and again Jehovah warns us about such men. The scriptures say, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1). They tell us, "But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their lacivious doings" (2 Peter 2:1). And, the apostle Paul sealed the warning, when he said, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema" (Galatians 1:8).
False teachers attempt to side-step these warnings by insisting Bible translations have been corrupted and are unreliable. So, they have their own "true word" that is the "only pure word of God." And by such, many have followed their lascivious doings.
Following the teaching of the Lord’s apostles will make you a Christian. If you take the Bible, and some writing of man, you become something other than a Christian, something other than a child of God. In so doing, you will not be "found acceptable to God after you pass from this life." "And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). What name do you wear?
Politics and Religion (03)
Politics and/or religion, sometimes hard to separate, constitute a powder keg of debate. No one likes to be in error. We believe our politics are in accordance with whatever religious principles we hold. If our religion is wrong then our politics will likely be in error as well. Politics are based upon principles we adhere to. Politics is simply "the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy" (Merriam-Webster). Policy is "prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs" (Ibid.). Most everyone believes their politics, as well as their religion, is righteous. Those with a liberal view of religion usually have a liberal view in politics, and vice versa. There is no organization, religious or civil that doesn’t deal with politics. I can recall a time when my sons were in Boy Scouts. The "politics" and games that people played in "guiding or influencing governmental policy" were amazing. In some cases it was righteous: it was for the benefit of the program. In other cases, it was a power struggle between parents. The same is true within religion. The maxim is, "you don’t discuss politics or religion." The fact is politics and religion are at the center of our lives. They deal with the heart as well as the mind. The mingling of politics and religion was especially true during the time of Jesus.
The Pharisees were "one of the chief Jewish religious parties which existed prior to and during the time of Christ. The Pharisees existed alongside the two other religious groups, the Sadducees and Essenes. The term ‘Pharisee’ means the ‘separated one’... During the period of Hellenization, the Jews who resisted the adoption of Greek customs separated themselves from their society and adhered very rigidly to the Mosaic law…The Pharisee had little or no interest in politics so long as he was permitted to worship as he desired" (Smith’s Bible Dictionary). Though such was the case, the scriptures indicate that they used politics in an effort to undermine the teaching of Christ. The scriptures set forth a confrontation the Pharisees had with Jesus: "Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk. And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, (The Herodians were "a Jewish party in the Lord’s time, favorable to the Herod family, who held hope of preserving national existence in the face of Roman ambition, despite the fact that they were Idumaean and not Jewish. Logically they were in direct antagonism to the Pharisees, with whom however there was common cause against foreign rule, the two being united also in opposition to the Lord, Ibid. ret) saying, Teacher, we know that thou are true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?" (Matthew 22:15-17). These two parties, who cared not for one another, joined against what they perceived to be a common enemy and brought into the arena a political question. (For the Jews to pay tribute to Cæsar received the same response as would the citizens of the United States of America if required to pay taxes to a foreign nation.) Julius Cæsar had appointed Herod to power. The Pharisees and Herodians stood opposite of each other politically. For Jesus to say "it is lawful to give tribute to Cæsar" would put him in opposition to the Pharisees. To say "it is not lawful to give tribute to Cæsar" would put him in opposition to the Herodians and Cæsar.
In dealing with the question, the Lord said, "Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites? Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a denarius. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s" (Matthew 22:18-21). In so doing, neither party could say that Jesus spoke against the Pharisees nor the Herodians and Cæsar.
Our society is faced with war. People will be at odds politically and spiritually as to the actions taken by the government officials. Individuals are rising up against the government in opposition to their policies, concerning this matter. Others support the government. What is right, religiously and politically? The apostle Paul lived during the reign of the Cæsar’s: an ungodly period of history and rulers. Yet, Paul’s admonition to the Christians who lived in the city of Rome was "Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: for he is a minister of God to thee for good…Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing" (Romans 13:1-6).
The decisions and actions we take politically will effect us spiritually. Paul’s admonition to Christians is, "that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour" (1 Timothy 2:1-3). The decisions our rulers make may not always be right, but they have the God given right to make them. And we have a God given responsibility to be subject to them. The end.
Creating Our Own Confusion (04)
Many gods under one name: They say a rose called by any other name is still a rose. So also is anything else. It matters little what you call something, it is what it is. When the Apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul of Tarsus, was approaching the city of Athens, "his spirit was provoked within him as he beheld the city full of idols" (Acts 17:16). The city of Athens was noted for its idols. Some have reported that idols exceeded the number of people: "This was a city that was entirely different from any that Paul had ever visited or was to visit. It is often described as a university town that was similar to those cities of our day that have great universities located in their midst; but this conception is misleading in more ways than one. It was the world center of art, but an art that was devoted chiefly to the idolatries of Greek mythology. Its great attraction today is the ruined Parthenon with the Erechteion on the far left and two amphitheaters far below on the right. Sculpture, Greek architecture, Greek theaters, schools of philosophies, literates of all kinds, all steeped in Greek paganism — this was Athens as Paul saw it in A. D. 52. This is what the pagan Lucian has in mind, ‘When I first came to Athens I was astonished and delighted to see all the glory of the city.’ Pagan writers remark regarding the plethora of temples and statues. Petronius satirically remarks that in Athens it was easier to find a god than a man. In his fine description Pausanias states that Athens had more images than all Greece put together. Xenophon calls Athens ‘one great altar, one great offering to the gods.’ Livy writes, ‘In Athens are to be seen images of gods and men of all descriptions and made of all materials.’ In the Agora every god of the Olympus found a place. Every public building was at the same time a sanctuary that was dedicated to one or more gods. Besides the ordinary gods there were deifications of Fame, Modesty, Energy, Persuasion, etc." (Acts of the Apostle, R. C. H. Lenski). It appears that the city of Athens housed every idol imaginable to the mind of man. Even to the point of erecting an "altar with this inscription, To An Unknown God" (Acts 17:23). If we were to take a moment to consider the condition of the city, we should not be astonished at the findings. When we look at religion in our own society, we see the same to be true. In many instances, they all profess to follow the same God, yet, by virtue of doctrine and practice, a person is able to see that our society serves many gods, under the guise of the one true God.
Christianity is a common enough phrase in our society. Many organizations claim to be "Christian" in doctrine and practice. The question is, "Are they?" Could they not just as well be serving some man made god under the guise of Christianity? What makes doctrine and practice "Christian"? Is it not "following Christ"? Is it not simple enough to determine what allegiance is being paid by a comparison of doctrine and practice, as is set forth in the Bible? The apostle Paul once instructed the Corinthian Christians that they should "learn not to go beyond the things which are written" (1 Corinthians 4:6). The danger of apostasy is not only possible but also probable. Paul told the young evangelist Timothy, "But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth" (1 Timothy 4:1-3). In like manner he told Timothy, "For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
When we look at the religious society within which we live, what do we see? Do we not see many different doctrines and practices? The apostle Paul affirmed that "God is not a God of confusion, but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:32). Yet, that’s what the religious world would have us believe. James affirmed, "For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed" (James 3:16). Confusion is, "instability, a state of disorder, disturbance, confusion" (Thayer’s Greek Definitions). If all the religions of our society that claim to be following Christ were doing so, would there be so much confusion? Confusion is not a product of God’s teaching but that of man’s. Paul once spoke of his countrymen who "being ignorant of God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:3). The same is true today. People have a zeal for God, but they have been misled by the religious leaders who "with feigned words make merchandise" (2 Peter 2:3) of them.
What is the basis of your faith? Do you "know" what the will of God is, or do you put your trust in those that lead you? Two words of warning are worthy of attention: "It is better to take refuge in Jehovah, Than to put confidence in man" (Psalms 118:8) and "…let God be found true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4).
Do you serve the God of heaven, the Creator of the heavens and earth, or some man-made god in disguise? "And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light. It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
Living In Fear Of Death (05)
Jesus of Nazareth is a man of history. The historian Josephus wrote, "Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, —a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew many to him, both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day" (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Chapter 3, Paragraph 3). There are some today that deny Jesus of Nazareth ever existed. But the cry of their denial is drowned out by resounding historical authenticity, both sacred and secular.
Being a historical character reported to have died and risen from the dead, mankind is behooved to ask the question, "What did Jesus Do for Mankind"? As Josephus wrote, Jesus was "a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure." And it was substantiated by the Apostle John, as he recorded the life of Christ, when Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). The scriptures record that Jesus of Nazareth was, "a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you" (Acts 2:22). But approved to do what?
When God created the heavens and the earth, and all that in them is, "God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). The serpent (also called, "the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, Revelation 20:2), beguiled Eve and then Eve gave the fruit unto Adam, who ate, (Genesis 3:1-8) and as a result "God sent him forth from the garden of Eden" (Genesis 3:22-24). "Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned" (Romans 5:12). Sin is the problem which man has. When man sinned, it severed the fellowship he had with God. "Behold Jehovah’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, so that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2). Law is for the benefit of the society. Moses told Israel, "Jehovah commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Jehovah our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as at this day" (Deuteronomy 6:24). Law was given to preserve. "The fear of Jehovah (which is manifested by obedience to His will, ret) prolongeth days" (Proverbs 10:27). When man sins (and "all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23), the consequence is death, "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), or separation from God. Once the transgression had taken place, man’s only hope was that God would intervene. As we understand in our society that it is not those who violate the law that set the conditions of reconciliation, so it is with God. Mankind does not have the option of telling God what the conditions are regarding salvation. "But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). It is "through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God set forth to be a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God; for the showing, I say, of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus" (Romans 3:24-26), that God was able to redeem mankind and yet remain just in regard to the just recompense necessary for man’s violation of law. God could not forgive the sins of the world, and remain just, without requiring that payment be made.
What Jesus did for man was to divest himself of his heavenly position, in that "existing in the form of God, counted not being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men…he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:5-8). Through this means, God determined that "he should taste of death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings" (Hebrews 2:9-10).
What Jesus of Nazareth did was to provide, through his death, the means by which mankind could be reconciled to God. Some may deny the need of reconciliation, but it does not eliminate the reality of such. God affirmed that Jesus is not only "a way" but "the only way" to be reconciled: "And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
If your conscience is burdened with the guilt of sin (Romans 2:15) and you are living your life in "fear of death" (Hebrews 2:14-15), you are encouraged to turn to God and have faith in "the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God" that you may "cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God" (Hebrews 9:14). Let us know if we may assist you, at no charge to you, in understanding "what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).
The Resurrection of Jesus (06)
If someone were to come back from the dead, how would you respond? The claim of the resurrection is the foundation upon which the gospel rests. The truth of this is evident from the internal evidence of the scriptures. The apostle Paul said, "Now if Christ is preached that he hath been raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised: and if Christ hath not been raised, then is our preaching vain, your faith also is vain. Yea, we are found false witnesses of God; because we witnessed of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead are not raised: and if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished" (1 Corinthians 15:12-18). The entire hope of man to obtain the forgiveness of sins and to attain to the resurrection is based upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul also said, "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son, whom was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 1:1-4).
The doctrine concerning the resurrection of the dead has received acceptance and denial throughout the generations. Two Jewish sects during the time of Christ, and the apostle Paul, held opposite doctrines concerning the resurrection. When Paul was brought before the Jewish council, the scriptures say, "But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees: touching the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both" (Acts 23:6-8). When Paul preached in the city of Athens, "when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but other said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again" (Acts 17:33). To find mocking and criticism in our own day for belief in the resurrection should be of no concern. Any opposition to the resurrection can be dismissed by Paul’s question to Herod, "Why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead?" (Acts 26:8). It would do mankind well to appreciate the confidence expressed by the prophet Jeremiah, when he said, "Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thine outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for thee" (Jeremiah 32:17). "Why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead?"
The resurrection of Jesus Christ has been substantiated by many: Mary Magdalene and another Mary saw him on the day of his resurrection, Matthew 28:1-10; He also appeared to Simon, Luke 24:34; to ten of the apostles and then later to Thomas, John 20:19-28; to James, 1 Corinthians 15:7; to Saul of Tarsus, Acts 22:6-9; and to above five hundred at once, 1 Corinthians 15:6. Some may object to the evidence by stating that these were followers of Jesus and their testimony was flawed by the promises of advantage. As to what their testimony promised: The apostle James, the brother of John was killed with the sword, Acts 12:2. The apostles were imprisoned, threatened and beaten, Acts 5:17-41. The apostle Paul was imprisoned and ultimately put to death for the testimony of the Lord, 2 Timothy 1:8; 4:6-7. As to the evidence of the resurrection being flawed by some personal advantage, even secular history records the resurrection of Jesus from the dead: "Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, —a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew many to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day" (Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Chapter 3, Paragraph 3).
This evidence should satisfy the most difficult skeptic. The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope. It proves that his testimonies were true. It proves that he was the Son of God with power. It proves that "Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:54). It proves that "if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Romans 8:11). It proves that God "giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57). And by this evidence mankind is motivated to "confess with the mouth Jesus as Lord, and…believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead" (Romans 10:9), and be saved.
Day Of Worship (07)
Many have made inquiry as to the Sabbath day and Sunday. Some "Christian" religions observe the first day of the week as a day of worship and some the seventh day. Much debate has been held on the issue. It has been said, "There was and is a commandment to keep holy the Sabbath day, but that Sabbath day was not Sunday…It will be said, however, and with some show of triumph, that the sabbath was transferred from the seventh to the first day of the week…Where can the record be found? Not in the New Testament — absolutely not. There is no scriptural evidence of the change of the sabbath institution from the seventh to the first day of the week" (Dr. Edward T. Hiscox). This statement is indeed true. The "Sabbath" never was "transferred from the seventh to the first day of the week." The sabbath will always be the seventh day. The first day of the week is not the Christian sabbath. It is simply the first day of the week. The question is, does the New Testament bind sabbath keeping on the Christian?
In an effort to bind the Sabbath day, some religionists hold a position that there are two laws in the Old Testament: the moral law and the ceremonial law. The Ten Commandments being the moral law and the Law of Moses the ceremonial laws. By so doing they can observe the seventh day and disregard all the other laws they do not want to obey. Many passages could be utilized to address the issue of Sabbath day keeping, but one will suffice for our consideration.
In Romans 7:1-7, the apostle Paul, as he is led by the Holy Spirit, said, "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ." If a person is "dead to" something, it no longer controls their life. That’s the point Paul was making by alluding to the marriage relationship, "For the woman that hath a husband is bound by law to the husband while he liveth; but if the husband die, she is discharged from the law of the husband." As we consider the statement of Paul, we need but ask the question, "To what law does he refer?" Paul says, "I had not known sin, except through the law: for I had not known coveting, except the law had said, ‘Thou shalt not covet’: but sin, finding occasion, wrought in me through the commandment all manner of coveting: for apart from the law sin is dead." The "law" to which Paul refers, "Thou shalt not covet," is one of the Ten Commandments.
It is sometimes affirmed that we are to follow the example of Christ and that Christ and his apostles went to Jewish assemblies on the Sabbath day. This is true, yet, we must also remember that "God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law" (Galatians 4:4). And the apostles were also Jewish and bound by law to keep the law until it came to a full end. Justification under the law ceased when Christ died, "For where a testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him that made it. For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth" (Hebrews 9:16-17). The apostle Paul said, "Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace" (Galatians 5:4). Yet, we find that as Jews, James and all the elders, said to Paul, "We have four men that have a vow on them; these take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges for them, that they may shave their heads; and all shall know that there is no truth in the things whereof they have been informed concerning thee; but that thou thyself also walketh orderly, keeping the law" (Acts 21:23-24). The "law" to which they refer is what some classify as the ceremonial law. If man is to follow the examples of the apostles, without consideration to the time, circumstance and people to whom it was written, then this example would bind the Christian to the keeping of the "ceremonial law." However, when we understand that Paul was a Jew, and bound by the law as a Jew until it came to its full end, which it did at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A. D. when the Roman general Titus destroyed the nation and thereby nullified the law, then we have a better understanding of what it was that Paul did and why.
Though Sunday is not the "Christian Sabbath," it is, nonetheless, the day established by the apostle of Jesus Christ for the follower of Christ to assemble for worship: "And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them…" (Acts 20:7). This breaking of bread is not a common meal as we see Paul verified the authority for saints to assemble to eat the "Lord’s supper" (1 Corinthians 11:17-32), but denied them the authority "to come together in the church" to eat a common meal: "If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment" (1 Corinthians 11:34). The scriptures also verify the authority for the saints to assemble on the first day of the week, when Paul said, "Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper…" (1 Corinthians 16:2).
When Paul said, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day…" (Colossians 2:16), that’s what he meant. And this admonition covers the moral and ceremonial Law of Moses.
The Bible (08)
Do you have questions about the Bible? Are the stories really true or are they myths? Does the Bible contain errors? Did Jesus of Nazareth really live? Does the Bible contradict science? An individual once asked, "Did the Ark of the Covenant really exist"? Having seen a rendition of it in a movie, he thought it was just a myth. But, though the movies sensationalize certain aspects concerning the Ark of the Covenant, it is reported to have been a real object. The book of Genesis records its construction and laws that accompanied its use. Now, the original Ark of the Covenant has not been seen for centuries, but that it existed is purported to be true. The absence of it does not prove that it didn’t exist. There have been whole nations of people that have passed from the face of the earth, but records indicate that they did indeed exist. Mankind should not think it strange that an artifact becomes non-existent. In the same manner, some have questioned the existence of Jesus of Nazareth. They say that there is no evidence, apart from the "Bible" that he did exist. Therefore, they concluded that he did not. The assumption, however, is without support. The historian, Flavius Josephus, wrote, "Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works,—a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named for him, are not extinct at this day" (Antiquities of the Jews, Book XVIII, Chapter III). Josephus was born in the first year of the reign of Caius (Caligula, ret) Cæsar. Caligula reigned from 37-41 A. D. Concerning the reliability of Josephus, it has been said, "Josephus is the most diligent and the greatest lover of truth of all writers; nor are we afraid to affirm of him, that it is more safe to believe him, not only as to the affairs of the Jews, but also as to those that are foreign to them, than all the Greek and Latin writers, and this, because his fidelity and his compass of learning are everywhere conspicuous" (Joseph Sealiger). In addition to the testimony of Josephus, Tacit, about 110 A. D., said, "Nero, in order to stifle the rumour [as if he had himself set Rome on fire], ascribed it to those people who were hated for their wicked practices, and called by the vulgar Christians: these he punished exquisitely. The author of this name was Christ, who, in the reign of Tiberius, was brought to punishment by Pontius Pilate the procurator." The evidence supports the position that Jesus did indeed exist and was raised from the dead, on the third day. The scriptures, as well as reason, substantiate that he "was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord." For centuries the word and work of God has come under fire in man’s feeble attempt to undermine the truth of the sacred writing. When individuals reject Jesus as the Christ, and reject the Bible as the word of God they do so in spite of the evidence, not because of it.
Just as the evidence concerning Jesus of Nazareth is valid, so also is the evidence concerning the inspiration of the scriptures. The scriptures affirm that they are the word of God. The Apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul, said. "…let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37). The prophet Jeremiah said, "Then Jehovah put forth his hand, and touched my mouth; and Jehovah said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth" (Jeremiah 1:9). The prophet Isaiah said, "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for Jehovah hath spoken…" (Isaiah 1:2). The Apostle of Jesus Christ, Peter, affirmed that the prophets of old "spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). And Jesus assured his apostle that "when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare it unto you. All things whatsoever the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he taketh of mine, and shall declare it unto you" (John 16:13-15). For thousands of years certain men have attempted to undermine the word of God. Many of them have passed this life to stand before their Maker, yet "his words shall not pass away" (Luke 21:33). "As for God, his way is perfect: The word of Jehovah is tried; He is a shield unto all them that take refuge in him. For who is God, save Jehovah? And who is a rock, save our God? God is my strong fortress; and he guideth the perfect in his way" (2 Samuel 22:31-33). Thus being the case let us follow the example of the Psalmist, as he said, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." (Psalms 119:18). The word of God has been tried and has revealed many wondrous things. It is commendable for an individual to have questions, yet it is also commendable when they respond to the answers they receive. If you have questions regarding your spiritual obligations, you are encouraged to seek them out and find and obey the answers.
How Do You Know When You’re Saved (09)
How does a person know when they are saved? Years ago, a survey was conducted dealing with concepts of salvation. I do not recall all the particulars of the survey but one prominent aspect of it stood out. The individuals surveyed were asked a number of questions. Two of them related to the positive aspects of their condition before God. One question involved belief in heaven and hell. Of those surveyed, 90 % believed there was a place called heaven where the saved would go and there was a place called hell where the lost would go. Of the 90% who believed in heaven and hell, 95% believed they were going to heaven. I cannot recall how many times I’ve heard the phrase, "If anybody is going to heaven, such and such is." It appears that mankind has a natural inclination to hope for the best. But, then again, mankind usually sees adversity as something that involves someone else, somewhere else. It doesn’t seem to make a difference what religious belief, or lack thereof, is observed, the individual has confidence they are in a right relationship with God or their view of God. The question is, does it make it so? How can we "know" if we’re in a proper relationship with God? In the writings of the Psalms a statement is made that describes the condition of the wicked when God said, "What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, And that thou hast taken my covenant in thy mouth, Seeing thou hatest instruction, And castest my words behind thee? When thou sawest a thief, thou consentedst with him, And hast been partaker with adulterers. Thou givest thy mouth to evil, And thy tongue frameth deceit. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; Thou slanderest thine own mother’s son. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself: But I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes" (50:16-21). Mankind has continually made the mistake of believing that God thinks like they do. This type of an attitude or belief system is basic to idolatry: where the idol or the god it represents has the weaknesses of man. They believe God can be humored by isolated acts of good works or that God doesn’t really mean what He says about eternal punishment (without realizing that if God cannot be trusted to do what He says concerning eternal punishment, what of eternal life?). When dealing with the wrongs committed against God, individuals will conclude they have made themselves right with God, either through some form of repentance or good work. They fall into the same error that Israel fell into "being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:3). When mankind views God and His righteousness to be like their own, they are set for destruction. In some cases, individuals will conclude they are in a proper relationship with God because they "feel" it. They look at the good they’ve done and conclude that it outweighs the bad. But, who sets the terms of reconciliation, does man or God? When we observe our society, we see that it is not the offender that sets the terms of pardon. Who sets the terms of pardon or punishment in the society, is it not a court of law? How foolish would our judicial system be if the criminal set the terms of reconciliation? Salvation is not a matter of what man wants. It’s a result of what God has done. Many can quote the passage, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). God gave his Son "that the world should be saved through him" (3:17). When Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, preached the gospel to the Gentiles, those who contended with him where eventually brought to the understanding that "to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18). These passages reveal that salvation is neither possible nor obtainable, simply because we wish it, but because God has granted it. If God did not grant it then mankind would still be dead, spiritually. Now, concerning this salvation, the scriptures reveal, "Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). I don’t know how many "few" are in relation to humanity, but in relation to Noah and his day "wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water" (1 Peter 3:20), it is evident that man’s concept of salvation and the truth of the matter is as far apart as the earth from the heavens. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, revealed the attitude each individual must maintain to obtain salvation, when he said, "Know ye not, that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain" (1 Corinthians 9:24). Jehovah did not provide a myriad number of ways to obtain salvation. He provided "one": "And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). So, in answer to the question, "How does a person know when they are saved?" is it not evident that it must come from a knowledge of God’s revealed word? Can you answer the question in a positive manner that you "know" you are saved because what you believe and what God revealed is in harmony? Or will you seek to establish your own conditions of salvation and refuse to subject yourself to the righteousness of God?
Life Expectancy (10)
Another year! My time in the flesh has amounted to fifty-one years, today. To some it is young, to others it is old; to those of my own age it is perhaps middle age. It’s difficult to figure out exactly what middle age is. If an individual is middle age at fifty, shouldn’t they live to be a hundred? Determining life expectancy has been a matter of public record over the years. According to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, life expectancy in 1900 was 48.2 for a male and 51.1 for a female. That number gradually climbed over the years and by 1960 it reached a whooping 66.6 and 71.1, respectfully. Then, by 1996 the number had grown to 73.0 and 79.0. By 2000 the numbers had risen to 74.1 for males and 79.5 for females. 286,196,812 individuals lived in the U.S. according to the 2000 census. Will we make the average?
Whether it is the U. S. Census, or the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, keeping a close eye on life expectancy, we can see that, though it has fluctuated from time to time, it hasn’t changed much for thousands of years. In the book of Psalms (90:10), a psalm attributed to "Moses the man of God", says, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten, or even by reason of strength fourscore years." A score is 20 years, thus the days of our years are sixty years and ten, or even by reason of strength eighty years. Hasn’t changed much, has it?
All that being said, it is evident that life is short. Whether we live eighty years or eighty seconds, the same comes to us all, "And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). David, King of Israel, petitioned Jehovah, and said, "Jehovah, make me know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; let me know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as handbreadths; and my life-time is as nothing before thee: surely every man at his best estate is altogether vanity" (Psalms 39:4-5). We all live with knowledge that we will one day die, yet we all live with the hope that we have one more day. The day of death is a day over which no man has power. Neither wealth, fame, power nor ingenuity will be able to overcome the day of death. Solomon, King of Israel, said, "There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit: neither hath he power over the day of death…" (Ecclesiastes 8:8). The truth of that statement is reiterated on a daily basis.
There are only two approaches we can have to life: we either view our existence as purely mortal, or we view our existence as being physical and spiritual. If you choose the mortal option, one, you better be right then, as the apostle Paul said, "If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." (1 Corinthians 15:32). If, on the other hand, you choose the dual nature of man, then the words of Job ring loud, when he said, "And after my skin, even this body, is destroyed, then without my flesh shall I see God" (Job 19:26). Choosing the latter should bring us to the point of asking ourselves, "Where will I be in relation to my condition before God?" Job was confident that he would be well received, for he said, "Whom I, even I, shall see, on my side, and mine eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger" (Ibid., vs. 27). On the other hand, Jesus revealed that "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 who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). The basic criteria is pretty simple, "And Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:34-35). Righteousness is a standard by which an individual lives. But it is not just any standard. As the apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul identified the condition of his countrymen when, he said, "For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:2-3). If we are ignorant of God’s righteousness, we will not be able to affirm the position that we are acceptable to Him. Jesus "said to those Jews that had believed him, If you abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). There is no freedom without truth. Truth is found in Jesus and accomplishes its work when we abide in it. In addition, the apostle Peter said, "And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Jehovah has warned us that the earth has "been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men" and that day "will come as a thief" (2 Peter 3:7, 10). Even if we beat the average, we will one day die. So, what do we do? That question is also answered in the scriptures: "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). That gift is salvation. Those therefore, who have "turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivereth us from the wrath to come" (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10), will be found acceptable to God. What provisions have you made for life and eternity?
Nothing New (11)
Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, says, "That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us." The principle of the statement is forever showing itself to be true. No matter how "new" something may be to the "modern man" it is just due to a lack of knowledge or misapplication of the principle. An individual may reason that automobiles are new and didn’t exist when the writer penned the letter. Though the specific mode is different transportation is not "new." But it is not the trifles of life that the writer shines light on. The specifics of this truth resides in the passages before it: "What profit hath man of all his labor wherein he laboreth under the sun? One generation goeth, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to its place where it ariseth. The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it turneth about continually in its course, and the wind returneth again to its circuits. All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; unto the place whither the rivers go, thither they go again. All things are full of weariness; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us" (vs. 3-10). Within the text the writer identifies one principle worthy of contemplation. He wrote, "that which hath been done is that which shall be done" (vs. 9).
Being reared in an atmosphere where an individuals responsibility was equal to that of Ezra’s, "For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Jehovah, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances" (Ezra 7:10), it generates a sense of wonder when information about how "religious services" are conducted today. Time and again statements are made that indicate that "some," not to indict the whole, have very little if any of God’s word being proclaimed. Though the situation may gender wonderment it is by no means new. The circumstances, which generate such, may be twofold in nature. It may come from the speaker or from the people. A few years before the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, God revealed through the prophet Jeremiah, "Then Jehovah said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name; I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake I unto them: they prophesy unto you a lying vision, and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their own heart" (Jeremiah 14:14). And again, "I have heard what the prophets have said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart? that think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbor, as their fathers forgat my name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the straw to the wheat? saith Jehovah. Is not my word like fire? saith Jehovah; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith Jehovah, that steal my words every one from his neighbor. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith Jehovah, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy lying dreams, saith Jehovah, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting: yet I sent them not, nor commanded them; neither do they profit this people at all, saith Jehovah" (Jeremiah 23:25-32). The difference between the words of Jehovah and the words of men is compared to straw and wheat. Men will often attempt to dazzle in an effort to "draw away the disciples after them" (Acts 20:30). This type of preaching is called making merchandise of the unsuspecting: "And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you"(2 Peter 2:3), or making "spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit" (Colossians 2:8). However, in many cases the fault lies with the people. Paul warned, the young preacher Timothy, "preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:2-4). This also, was not new. During the period of Israel’s history, when Ahab was king of the northern tribes and Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Jehoshaphat requested inquiry be made of Micah, a prophet of God. To this request, Ahab said, "I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil" (1 Kings 22:8).
In today’s religious community, when the sermon is over and the handshakes and howdys are made, does the praise go to man for his eloquence? When the preaching is over, is the preacher regarded as a masterful speaker, or is the word of God seen as "living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12)?
Jesus (12)
Jesus of Nazareth was a master at what he did. He was a master teacher. He was a master at getting people to make self-evaluation. He was a master at exposing faulty reasoning and thinking. He had the ability to correct error, always with compassion, though stern. Jesus was also a master at dealing with temptation. James defines temptation as a process of a man being "drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then the lust, when it has conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is full-grown, bringeth forth death" (James 1:13-15). Everyone deals with the temptations. They may be different in form, but they all come from the basic source of "the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life" (1 John 2:16). The scriptures reveal that Jesus was "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Thus, seeing that "he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted" (Hebrews 2:18). Having been tempted, Jesus is our example as to how to overcome the wiles of the devil. He was a master at resisting temptation. With the example of Jesus and the knowledge that "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13), we understand that we can overcome.
The example Jesus gives us came about after his baptism. He was "led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And Jesus had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered" (Matthew 4:1-2). The devil utilized three scenarios in the temptations. In each temptation the devil challenges the deity of Jesus. In each, the devil says, "If thou art the Son of God." It’s a challenge wherein many fail. Children are often drawn into a devastating situation because peer pressure places upon them the "proving" mentality. Jesus did not fall for such. In dealing with the temptation Jesus simply said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). What Jesus appeals to is the principle of waiting for God. God can sustain life beyond the basics of the natural inclinations to eat. Isaac, of old, had two sons: Esau and Jacob. Esau had been hunting and failed to show any fruits for his labors. As he returns from his pursuits, he said to his brother Jacob, "Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint…and Jacob said, ‘Sell me first thy birthright.’ And Esau said, ‘Behold, I am about to die: and what profit shall the birthright do to me?’ …and he sold his birthright unto Jacob…so Esau despised his birthright" (Genesis 25:27-34). Esau will be remembered as a "profane person…who for one mess of meat sold his own birthright" (Hebrews 12:16). Esau looked at his physical circumstance and failed to trust in God’s ability to sustain him.
The second temptation by Satan questioned the promises of God: "If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, on their hands they shall bear thee up, lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone" (Matthew 4:6). For Christ to do so would challenge the love of God. It would put His promises to the test. Once again, the Lord says, "It is written, Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God" (Vs. 7). Jesus referred to Deuteronomy 6:16, which says, "Ye shall not tempt Jehovah your God, as ye tempted him in Massah." At Massah the children of Israel made trial of the Lord, when they said, "Give us water that we may drink…Is Jehovah among us, or not?" (Exodus 17:1-7).
In the third temptation, the devil offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world. From the standpoint of humanity, it had its temptation. Jesus had nothing, regarding the flesh. When Jesus was tempted he was "tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). In response to the devil’s offer, Jesus said, "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve" (Matthew 4:10). The temptations were compete, for a season, and following Satan’s departure "angels came and ministered unto him" (Vs. 11); which ministering justified the statement of Jesus that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
Jesus kept his focus on the spiritual. He did not allow the flesh to rule his life. Jesus, as the master teacher, shows us how to overcome the wiles of the devil. The devices of men will not win the battles. Jeremiah once wrote, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in Jehovah, and whose trust Jehovah is" (17:7). It’s no different in our own times. Man must trust in Jehovah and then depend on Him to bear us up in doing it.
Making The Right Decision (13)
The life of Jesus of Nazareth has attracted the attention of both atheist and theist. For centuries individuals have arisen that provided the people of their times with some religious hope. Many of these individuals, to their own dismay, were elevated to a position of reverence that belongs only to God. Multitudes have put their faith, hope and trust in the teachings of these individuals.
We all, though wrong they are, make decisions contrary to our well being. Everyday, we are called upon to make decisions. Some of those decisions are mundane and inconsequential. Others have the potential of both physical and spiritual ruin. There is no greater decision a person will be called upon to make that supercedes the one they make regarding their spiritual well being. Religious decisions are difficult because they require great determination. The apostle Paul said, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2).
Paul’s statement, as he revealed God’s will concerning obedience, says that it requires becoming a sacrifice: a sacrifice that presents the body in a holy and acceptable service. The term "sacrifice" is defined as a "victim" (Thayer’s Greek Definitions). Merriam Webster defines sacrifice as "an act of offering to a deity something precious; especially : the killing of a victim on an altar." Paul was well aware of the requirements of obedience. He stated, concerning his life, "for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die" (Acts 21:13). And ultimately paid the price, as he wrote, "For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-7). The term, "being offered" is defined as, "to pour out as a libation, that is, (figuratively) to devote (one’s life or blood, as a sacrifice)" (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Definitions), or "fig. used of one whose blood is poured out in a violent death for the cause of God" (Thayer’s Greek Definitions). Paul offered himself in the figurative as well as literal sense, of the word.
Making the right decision about one’s spiritual well being requires courage. Throughout the scriptures, individuals have been called upon to put their lives on the line for their faith: "And what shall I more say? for the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens. Women received their dead by a resurrection: and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth. And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise, God having provided some better thing concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:32-40).
As a Christian, an individual must be willing to do the same today. Jesus said, "And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). Exercising courage is of such great importance that God said, "But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8). Listed among those who commit the most hideous crimes is the fearful.
When considering one’s condition before God, one must decide to exercise courage and "obey God, rather than men" (Acts 5:29) and "press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). What decision have you made in regard to your spiritual service?
The Basis of Belief (14)
There are no greater questions to consider than those that affect the spirit. Jehovah revealed, through the writer of the Hebrew letter, "And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Men and women for generations have been called to face the fact that all die. We are told, by divine revelation, that a judgment is to follow. In reference to the judgment, Jehovah said, "he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead" (Acts 17:31). And, that man was Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9). Two points are evident: Jesus Christ will judge the world; and he will do so in righteousness. Righteousness is a standard. In the same way that the laws of our land set a standard of what is right and wrong, so God’s righteousness is the standard of right. In that regard, Jesus said, "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48). Such being the case, it would do us well to know what the words of Jesus are and how we measure up to the commandments of God. Many today will attempt to convince others that all they have to do is believe in Jesus and they will be saved. Before adopting that doctrine in your life, remember what the scriptures teach: "Thou believeth that God is one; thou doest well, the demons also believe, and shudder. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren" (James 2:19-20). With this in mind let us consider what the scriptures reveal concerning salvation and how we can know if we have it.
Different individuals have different reasons for believing why they are saved. The question is, are they valid? Some say they "feel" they are saved. Yet, the scriptures indicate that "feelings" are not a safe guide. Saul of Tarsus once said, "I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth" (Acts 26:9). Yet, what he "thought" was right was contrary to the will of God. Many "assume" they are saved. They haven’t given it much thought, just believe they are. Once again, the scriptures say, "There is a way which seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 16:25). Some put their confidence in a preacher or a priest, yet the scriptures teach, "there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema" (Galatians 1:7-8). Others put their confidence in the "family religion," i. e., "it was good enough for my parents" or "my family have been ‘such and such’ for generations." Yet, to individuals that professed to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Jesus said, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do…But because I say the truth, ye believe me not" (John 8:44-45). While still yet others will appeal to the majority and say "that many people cannot be wrong" while the scriptures warn, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil" (Exodus 23:2). When we consider our relationship with God, we cannot base it upon the approval of man: "How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not?"
Since mankind cannot rely upon feelings, assumptions, preacher, priests, parents or the majority in determining if salvation is granted, to whom do we turn? The apostle John wrote, "These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:13). In like manner, concerning characteristics the child of God must possess, the apostle Peter said, "Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble: for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:10-11). So also, the apostle Paul said, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you" (Philippians 4:8-9). Jesus put into place a system by which mankind could obtain salvation through him. Jesus, "who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in the fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:6-8). Christ "suffered for sin once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18). Having provided the sacrifice, Christ also established the manner in which the message and requirements of salvation were to be delivered. Jesus said, concerning the message of salvation he gave to the apostles, "Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word" (John 17:20).
The words of the apostles are the words of Christ. They were ambassadors "on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20).
These words are simply intended to cause someone to give serious thought to the basis of their belief that they are saved. As I, or anyone else, reflect upon my personal salvation, what is the basis of my belief? If you do not know by the word of God that your spiritual salvation is secure, you are encouraged to "make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10), by searching the scriptures and then doing that which you find that God requires.
Duties In Life (15)
Every morning, or evening as the case may be, individuals rise from their slumber to begin their day. Thoughts go to the duties set before each and every one. Most adults go into the work force, children to school, and the rest to their various and sundry duties. It’s called the way of life. Day in and day out, we have our routines: some we like, some we do not, but such is our way of life. What we do is determined by our belief system. The atheist, for example, will approach life from a strictly material perspective. The theist often approaches life in the same manner, but has some concept of spiritual duties that will regulate their conduct. Morals and ethics are governed by one’s approach to life. The atheist is his/her own standard, the theist is governed by a set of religious rules or revelation. Even then, the standard that supports their faith, and the writings that distinguish their religion from another, regulate the religious practitioner. The considerations of this article are limited to those who believe that the "Bible" is the revelation from God to man in reference to salvation provided through Jesus of Nazareth. If your hope is in Jesus Christ, the following passages should help in determining your day and duties.
A primary doctrine that separates a follower of Christ from the rest of the populace is one’s source of authority. Authority is basically a right to act. A follower of Christ is governed by a definite source of authority: "And whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17). Another aspect of a disciple of Christ is an appropriate attitude toward the goal set before them. When one’s attitude is focused on the material, they encounter a number of frustrations and difficulties. A couple of basic comments in the scriptures reveal that a follower of Christ should not seek the material in order to satisfy life. Jesus said, "for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15). Such being the case, the follower of Christ will "look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18). And will not, therefore, "have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17). Thus, the goal set before a follower of Christ is, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). If the follower of Christ truly desires to bring glory to God then they will, "seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God." They will set their "mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth" (Colossians 3:2). Such an attitude will bring about a change in life. The apostle John once wrote, "Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:2-3). Such an endeavor requires a determined focus. The apostle Paul said, "I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). He had a goal and knew the obtaining of that goal required focus and sacrifice. When Paul wrote to the disciples in Rome, he said, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2).
Every day, the disciples of Christ must set their determination on the fulfilling of those duties, to focus on "the way" or the path before them. If the disciple of Christ does not plan to succeed everyday, then they plan to fail. How did you start your day? Did you begin it with a determination to succeed? Did you begin it with a determination to glorify God in all that you put your hand to do? Or, did you fail to plan?
Try Your Own Selves (16)
When Paul wrote the Christians in Corinth, a city in Greece located near the south end of the isthmus which joins the Peloponnesus to the mainland of Greece, he told them, "Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Corinthians 13:5). Throughout the scriptures Jehovah has emphasized the necessity of doing a self-evaluation of one’s condition in doctrine and practice. In the Philippian epistle, Paul said, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (2:13).
Many times individuals go through life with the assumption that their relationship with God is a good one. They assume, because of their own standard, that God will accept them "as they are." This assumption is extremely dangerous because it’s just not true. Paul said, concerning his brethren according to the flesh, "For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteous of God" (Romans 10:2-3). Righteousness is a standard of right. The term originally comes from the concept of right-wiseness. The writer of Proverbs reveals that "There is a way which seemeth right unto man; but the end thereof are the ways of death" (14:12). These passages alone are sufficient to teach us that self-righteousness will not reconcile anyone. Therefore, it is necessary that each person make a self-evaluation based upon the righteousness of God. Remember the divine warning of God: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7). With this in mind, consider the following questions in light of God’s revelation and apply them to your life and make a personal evaluation.
Do you believe there is a God? The scriptures reveal a very basic truth: "For every house is builded by some one" (Hebrews 3:4). The position is axiomatic: Individuals would deem you foolish if you attempted to convince them that your car, your house, your watch…or any other possession you have was a result of chance. The atheist would have us believe that the universe is the result of a "Big Bang" theory. Such a "theory" is as likely as a theory that your house is the result of the local lumberyard exploding and the foundation, walls, plumbing and fixtures fell into place. The scriptures affirm that "the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse" (Romans 1:20). What is seen in creation is evidence to the things, which cannot be seen, i.e., God. Genesis 1:1 affirms that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Do you believe there is a God? □ Yes or □ No? If not, why not? What evidence do you have that would nullify God’s evidence that "every house is builded by someone; but he that built all things is God" (Hebrews 3:4)?
Do you believe the Bible is the word of God? The apostle Peter affirmed that believers in God should be able to "give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). The scriptures affirm that God revealed truth through earthen vessels. The law and the prophets affirm that they are the word of God: "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for Jehovah hath spoken" (Isaiah 1:2). Jesus also said, concerning the work of the apostles, "Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word" (John 17:20). The apostle Paul affirmed "the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37). Do you believe the Bible is the word of God? □ Yes or □ No? If not, why not? What evidence do you have that would nullify God’s evidence that he revealed himself through the written word?
Do you believe God? Not simply that there is a God, but do you believe God will do what He says He will do? James showed the invalid nature of believing in God, but not obeying Him, when he said, "Thou believeth that God is one; thou doeth well, the demons also believe, and shudder" (2:19). Just believing there is a God will not suffice for obedience. Paul said, "For Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness" (Romans 4:3). Why? Because, "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance" (Hebrews 11:8). Just as Abraham believed God concerning the promises He gave, so also must we believe God will do what He says he will do. God says, "So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:12). God says, "For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (1 Corinthians 5:10). God said, concerning the righteous and the wicked, "And these (wicked, emph. mine, ret) shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life" (Matthew 25:46). Do you believe God? □ Yes or □ No? If not, why not? What evidence do you have that would nullify God’s promises: the blessing as well as the curse.
Are you working "out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:13)? However you answered the questions above, one factor is most essential: you’d better be right!
Being Prepared (17)
Are you prepared to meet your God? When Jehovah spoke through the prophet Amos, he said to Israel, "I…have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered. So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel" (Amos 4:6-12).
Preparing for future events is a part of life. Society recognizes the need for preparation by requiring children to obtain an education during their youth. Jehovah revealed, through the prophet Jeremiah, that "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth" (Lamentation 3:27). Throughout the world, people prepare themselves through education, apprenticeships or on-the-job training, all in an effort to provide the necessities of life, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Being prepared "to meet thy God" is the greatest of all pursuits. Being prepared to meet God has temporal as well as eternal consequences. This life will end. The body "returneth to the earth as it was" (Ecclesiastes 12:7), but "the spirit returneth to God who gave it" (Ibid.). Being prepared for that day is of great importance.
In preparing for the circumstances of life, the individual must first determine what it is that needs to be accomplished, then follow a course of life that will allow them to achieve what they seek. The same is true spiritually. A person cannot achieve a goal they do not have, nor can they accomplish their goal without preparation. The same is true spiritually.
Spiritual preparations require going to the source of spiritual blessings. If you want to be a journalist, you go to the teachers of journalism. If you want to be a medical doctor, you go to the teachers of medicine. So also, if you want to be spiritually prosperous, you must go to the source of spiritual knowledge. That source is God. To say that a person can follow their conscience and become spiritually prosperous is foolish, indeed. How can a person understand what they do not know? How can a person know what they haven’t been taught? How can a person be taught without a teacher? How can a person teach without first being guided? Jesus affirmed that he would send spiritual teachers into the world (John 17:18). Jesus affirmed that those he sent into the world would have a guide and be taught all things that pertained to life and godliness (John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:3). The Spirit of God would himself guide the apostles "into all truth" (John 16:13). In order to come to the source of spiritual blessings a person must be "taught of God" (John 6:44-46).
Truth is not subjective, it must come from the source, and the source of all truth is God (John 17:17). In order to be "approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed" (2 Timothy 2:15), an individual must be diligent in their handling of the word of truth. Each individual must "give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot, and blameless in his sight" (2 Peter 3:14).
Preparing to meet God requires "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21). It requires that repentance be followed by "works worthy of repentance" (Acts 26:20). It requires an individual to "confess with the mouth Jesus as Lord" (Romans 10:9). It requires that the individual "be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name" (Acts 22:16). And, it requires that the individual be "faithful unto death" (Revelation 2:10).
It is Jehovah that has been sinned against. It is only Jehovah that can set the conditions of pardon and reconciliation. Being prepared to meet God requires that mankind accept the terms of pardon. Are you "prepared to meet thy God"?
What the Bible Says About: Creation (18)
From where did we come? When did it all begin? These are questions that have entered the hearts of men for centuries. It’s difficult for beings of a finite existence to grasp the beginning and the end of the matter. Science (falsely so called) has attempted to explain the origin of all things through theories and suppositions, taking what is and applying it to what was is unreliable, at best. Beyond all the suppositions lies the fact that no human being was present at the moment of creation to reveal the process. What anyone believes concerning the origin of all things is based entirely upon faith. Many debates have been conducted on the subject and it is not the intention of the writer to enter such an arena. The purpose of this article is to set forth what the Bible has to say about the creation. The Bible does not argue the existence of God. It simply begins with "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). The term "beginning" refers to the beginning of the heavens and the earth, not the beginning of God. The Psalmist said of Jehovah, "Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (90:2). God is described as having no beginning and no end. In verse one we have the beginning of time, the operation of energy (God), the action of creating and the beginning of space, i.e. the heavens, and matter, i.e. the earth. Thus, "By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear" (Hebrews 11:3). The scriptures reveal that "God said, Let there be light: and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). The scriptures also reveal that "in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day" (Exodus 20:11).
The term day is defined within the text of Genesis 1: "And there was evening and there was morning, one day" (vs. 5). The sequence of event is described as having taken place in the following order: on the first day God created Light, day and night; the second: the firmament, waters were divided; the third: land and water were divided and vegetation; the fourth: sun, moon and stars; the fifth: animal life, fish and birds and the sixth: beasts, creeping things and man.
Man was unique from all the creation, in that "God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27).
Whereas chapter one follows an order of time, chapter two follows an order of thought. Though the two chapters reveal the "who, what, when and where" of the creation, the writing was penned by Moses when the children of Israel were at mount Sinai. By writing as he does, Moses calls attention to the fact that in all the created world, woman is the only suitable answer to man’s needs. The focus is not on the order of the creation, but the relationship between man and woman.
Following the creation of man, and before God created the woman "God formed every beast of the field, and every bird of the heavens; and brought them unto the man to see what he would call them: and whatsoever the man called every living creature, that was the name thereof" (Genesis 2:19). After the woman was created and brought to the man, Moses reveals that God established at that time that man shall "leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This identifies the marriage relationship. It was the first "institution" to be established by God.
When God first created man he was placed in a "garden eastward, in Eden. Though the exact location is unidentifiable, the scriptures tell us that "a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became four heads. The name of the first (river) is Pishon, the second river is Gihon, the third river is Hiddekel and the fourth is the Euphrates" (Genesis 2:11-14).
That gives us a brief glimpse of the creation and how the universe came to be. Concerning the purpose of creation, God said, "every one that is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yea, whom I have made" (Isaiah 43:7). "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
What the Bible says about: The Fall of Man (19)
As we look at the conditions that prevail in the world within which we live, we become aware of the results of sin: sickness, suicide, parents without natural affection, covetousness, murder, deceit, covenant-breakers and a myriad of other activities that result in heartache and death. Just as violations of civil law leave in its path a score of victims, so it is when man violates the laws of God. But it hasn’t always been that way.
The Bible reveals a time when man was in a garden east of Eden. It was a time when man enjoyed fellowship with his Creator. A time when there were no victims, no heartache, no sorrow and no death. And man had access to the tree of life (Genesis 2:1-16). Being a creature of free will, God established laws to regulate the conduct of His creation. The scriptures may, or may not, reveal all of the laws first given to man, but they do tell us of one: "of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:17). The law of God, concerning the eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, is the one Adam and Eve violated and is thus the one essential to the text and the explanation of why mankind suffers so many ills.
Genesis chapter three begins with the introduction of "the serpent." Centuries later the serpent is described as "the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan" (Revelation 20:2). The serpent is described as having "beguiled Eve in his craftiness" (2 Corinthians 11:3). The first introduction describes the serpent as "more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made" (Genesis 3:1). It is not possible to describe what it was like in the first days after creation. What we do have are the particulars describing why things are as they are today.
The serpent said unto the woman, "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of any tree of the garden?" In answer, the woman said, "Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die" (Genesis 3:2-3). To the woman’s response, the serpent said, "Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil" (vs. 4-5). The serpent did two things when he beguiled Eve. First of all, he changed what God had said: God said, "thou shalt surely die" and the serpent said, "Ye shall not surely die." Secondly, the serpent implies that God’s restrictions were to keep the man and the woman from being as God, "knowing good and evil." Children often believe their parents are trying to keep them from having fun when they restrict the activities of the child. After Satan placed the doubt in Eve, she "saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and she gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat" (Genesis 3:6). The serpent appealed to the "lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life" (1 John 2:16). The woman "saw that the tree was good for food," she saw "that it was a delight to the eyes" and she saw "that the tree was to be desired to make one wise." These are the same tactics utilized by Satan today: an appeal to the gratification of the flesh in what it wants to make it feel good, what it sees and wants to possess, and the glory of having or achieving something that will make the individual feel important or powerful.
As a result of the man and the woman transgressing the law of God a curse came upon them. To the serpent, God said, "Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Unto the woman, God said, "I will greatly multiply thy pain and thy conception; in pain thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." And, unto the man, God said, "Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in toil shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
Often times, individuals will say that it’s their life and what they do doesn’t hurt anyone but themselves. Just remember, with Adam and Eve, there wasn’t anyone else yet, and what they chose placed a curse on all that would come through them.
What the Bible says about: The First Recorded Murder (20)
Two of the sons of Adam and Eve were named Cain and Abel. "Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground" (Genesis 4:2). The events that surround Cain’s provocation involved worship to God: "And in the process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto Jehovah" (Genesis 4:3). To offer the fruit of the ground, at least under the law of Moses, was an acceptable sacrifice: "And it shall be, when thou art come in unto the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein, that thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which thou shalt bring in from thy land that Jehovah thy God giveth thee; and thou shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there. And thou shalt come unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this day unto Jehovah thy God, that I am come unto the land which Jehovah sware unto our fathers to give us. And the priest shall take the basket out of thy hand, and set it down before the altar of Jehovah thy God" (Deuteronomy 26:1-4). Abel’s sacrifice of the "firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof" was also acceptable: "All that openeth the womb is mine; and all thy cattle that is male, the firstlings of cow and sheep" (Exodus 34:19). But, of these two offerings, it is recorded, "And Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect" (vs. 4-5). Why did God have respect unto Abel’s sacrifice? "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh" (Hebrews 11:4). Faith is defined as "assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). This is seen in action when an individual believes that God "is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (vs. 6). When an individual believes that God is, whom he has not seen, and believes that God will reward those who seek after him, that is an expression of faith. Faith "cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Belief that God is and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him comes from a belief in the word of God and from the evidence provided in and by the word of God. Righteousness is a term denoting right-wiseness. Righteous is a standard of right. It is said of the Jewish nation, "For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:3). Righteousness is a standard to which individuals subject themselves. Abel, having subjected himself to the righteousness of God, preformed that which God had commanded and thus "Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering" (Genesis 4:4). Cain, on the other hand, did not.
As a result, Cain was wroth. It angered him that Jehovah had not respect unto him or his sacrifice. The scriptures tell us that his "countenance fell." His "countenance" was his "face." Have you ever seen anyone that was angry or disappointed about a matter and their attitude was so affected that their facial expression changed? That same attitude is exhibited even today when individuals present an offering unto God and when they find out it was not of faith, that it was not according to the righteous standard of God, they get angry and lash out against those who do present an offering unto which Jehovah will have respect.
Cain’s circumstance could have been turned if he would have turned. Jehovah said unto him, "Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? And if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee shall be its desire; but do thou rule over it" (Genesis 4:6-7). Cain had control over the situation if he would simply heed the word of God and thereby present an offering for which Jehovah could have respect. But he did not: "And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him" (Genesis 4:8). As the first sin brought a curse, so also did the sin of Cain: Jehovah said unto Cain, "cursed art thou from the ground, which hath opened its mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; when thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee its strength; a fugitive and a wanderer shalt thou be in the earth" (Genesis 4:11-12).
How do we live our lives? Do we live them according to the righteous standard of God and live by faith, or do we go "in the way of Cain" (Jude 11) and have no regard for the commands of God or the life of others?
Cain’s circumstance could have been turned if he would have turned. Jehovah said unto him, "Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? And if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee shall be its desire; but do thou rule over it" (Genesis 4:6-7). Cain had control over the situation if he would simply heed the word of God and thereby present an offering for which Jehovah could have respect. But he did not: "And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him" (Genesis 4:8). As the first sin brought a curse, so also did the sin of Cain: Jehovah said unto Cain, "cursed art thou from the ground, which hath opened its mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; when thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee its strength; a fugitive and a wanderer shalt thou be in the earth" (Genesis 4:11-12).
How do we live our lives? Do we live them according to the righteous standard of God and live by faith, or do we go "in the way of Cain" (Jude 11) and have no regard for the commands of God or the life of others?
What the Bible says about: The progress of mankind toward evil. (21)
Following the death of Abel, and Cain’s subsequent punishment, the sacred record reveals a brief explanation of the genealogy of Cain. Then, the scriptures turn the readers attention to the generations of Adam through his son Seth, who was born after the death of Abel. The record follows the generations of Adam through Seth unto Noah. One of the striking facts of the record is the length of life possessed by the early inhabitants of the earth. Men lived eight and nine hundred years. One striking exception is the case of Enoch: "all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: and Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" (Genesis 5:23-24). In the New Testament, the scriptures tell us, "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God:" (Hebrews 11:5). Some doctrines teach that if Eve, and subsequently Adam, had not sinned, they would still be on the earth. The translation of Enoch shines some light on Jehovah’s desire to have mankind "change sides" (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries). Methuselah, Enoch’s son, lived "nine hundred sixty and nine years" (Genesis 5:27, and is the oldest recorded life cycle. He passed from this life to the next the same year the flood waters came upon the earth. Methuselah was the father of Lamech, the father of Noah. Very little is said about the first sixteen hundred years of man’s existence. The genealogy of Adam is given to direct the reader to Noah. As the narrative unfolds it brings the reader to the time when Noah was five hundred years old and begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Genesis 5:32). In a brief description, the reader is told how the sons of God (those who served God) saw the daughters of men (those who did not serve God) and took them wives of all that they chose (Genesis 6:2). The record says "the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thought of the heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). The condition of man had degenerated in such a fashion that Jehovah said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the ground; both man, and beast, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; for it repenteth me that I have made them" (Genesis 6:5-7). Considering Jehovah’s dealings with the nations of the world, it is evident that Jehovah gave pre-flood humanity every opportunity to repent. When Jehovah promised Abram the land of Canaan, he said, "Know of a surety that thy seed shall be sojourners in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. But thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. And in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full" (Genesis 15:13-16). When Jehovah destroyed the nations that possessed Canaan, it was due to their sins. Jehovah told Israel, "Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out from before you; and the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land vomiteth out her inhabitants" (Leviticus 18:24-25). Even today, when a person degenerates into a condition of no return and becomes a danger to society, they are put away, either by death or confinement for life. The wrath of God has been "revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men" (Romans 1:18) time and again. So it was with those of the pre-flood days whose wickedness was great in the earth, "and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." The Apostle Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, said, concerning the days of the flood, that Noah was "a preacher of righteousness" (2 Peter 2:5) and that through him, Christ in the spirit preached unto those "that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing" (1 Peter 3:19-20).
Jesus once said concerning those who are spiritually prosperous: "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men" (Matthew 5:13). Noah was that salt, in his day. Thus, God "preserved Noah with seven others" (2 Peter 2:5). "By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (Hebrews 11:7).
For sixteen hundred years, mankind drew closer and closer, day by day unto destruction because the "imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." So it is today. Jehovah said, "the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men" (2 Peter 3:7). Will we heed the warning, or be like those of old who failed to recognize God’s right to rule in their life?
What the Bible says about: Handling Aright the Word of Truth. (22)
Bible History can be divided up into time periods: (1)Antediluvian period recorded in Genesis 1 through 6 and (2)Postdiluvian period chapters 7-11; The (3)Patriarchal period Genesis chapter 12 through 50. The book of Exodus covers the (4)Egyptian Bondage, chapter 1 through 13 and then (5)Israel at mount Sinai in chapters 14 through Numbers chapter 9. Numbers chapter 9 through Joshua chapter 3 relate to Israel’s (6)40 years of wilderness wandering. Joshua chapter 4 through Judges 2 relate the (7)Conquest of Canaan. Judges chapter 3 through First Samuel 7 address the period of the (8)Judges. First Samuel 8 through 1 Kings 11 (with First Chronicles 10 through Second Chronicles 10) cover a period known as the (9)United Kingdom, beginning with the reign of Saul the son of Kish and coming to a close at the end of the reign of Solomon, the son of David and the beginning of the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and