What saith the word?
The Lonely Road7/28/2016 Often times, we justify our actions based on what those around us in the world are doing. For example, wearing clothes which meet society’s definition of fashion, but which leaves nothing to the imagination of those around us. Or, maybe it is watching a movie that society says is entertaining, but is filled with things that devalue our spouse or future marriage partner, or are inappropriate for any Christian to view. Many think if the “majority” is doing or watching it, it can’t be that bad. The majority has been wrong so often, that it is hard to believe any rational thinking person would take comfort in what view the majority holds. Siding with the majority is often time just laziness. It is often easier to accept the group’s approval of what already has been decided, than to research, pray, seek wise counsel, and then make a decision based on the scriptures. Other times, siding with the majority is due to the fact that the person is ignorant to what the Bible teaches on the matter in question. Sometimes, it is simply peer pressure and not wanting to walk the lonely road.
Society has normalized inappropriate speech, and therefore many have become accustomed to using it. Examples would be euphemisms such as “darn ‘it” or “OMG”. Yet, if we don’t speak and act different than the world, how will they know we are different? Unfortunately, inappropriate speech is only one area where Christians have followed the way of the world. The majority of our society has approved of things such as abortion, fornication, divorce without Biblical reason, drunkenness and all other sorts of evil behavior, therefore many think it must be right about those things. Often, there remains an unchallenged belief that if most say it is OK, then it must be OK. An additional problem is that our Post-modernistic society discouracges condemnation of another’s behavior, no matter how bad it may be. However, the minority that often knows the truth is not the majority on these matters of “what is or is not acceptable”. We must also admit that being the minority does not make one correct. There are many groups in the minority which teach false religious doctrine or hold extreme views which contradict the scriptures. Therefore, we must not ask if the question at hand is a majority opinion or minority opinion, but rather an issue which the Bible addresses. We must have the courage to swim against the stream and uphold the truth regardless of how many support it. However, be ready, standing for the truth can be a lonely road to walk.
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Our Lord warns us of false teachers in Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." They will appear to be godly, but they are not. Satan himself can transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). The Bible makes it clear that some will teach truth while others teach error. What makes false teachers so dangerous to our souls is their appearing to be righteous. "For many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). We have many false teachers today teaching many different doctrines Any deviation from the scriptures makes a doctrine false, even when it is only a slight departure. We also read in Acts 20:30, "Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." False teachers are becoming more prevalent today with the apostasy that is now occurring. Many of these teachers focus only on love and relationship while disregarding the following of God’s will revealed through His commands (Luke 6:46). 2 Peter 2:1 says, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." Notice, often they do it secretly and people are unaware of what is happening. They are destructive because of all of the souls that will be lost.
How do false teachers spread these false doctrines? "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple" (Romans 16:18). Also "… through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." (2 Peter 2:3). What they say may sound good, and they may cause many people to follow after them. Yet, we are not to be "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" (Ephesians 4:14). We are warned, "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines" (Hebrews 13:9). Why are we warned in this manner? Because we are to "Let no man beguile you of your reward" (Col. 2:18). We can be cheated and lose our souls forever in eternal punishment if we follow any of these many false doctrines that are being promoted today. The next logical question is how should we treat those who are promoting these false teaching? 2 John 10-11 commands, "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds". His point is we must never give anyone encouragement in their false teaching. If we do, we also become guilty. Yet, it does not stop there, we are to correct those who teach falsely. Titus 1:11 “Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake”. This may requires both private and public rebuke and correction (Titus 1:13, 1 Tim 5:20). So we must beware of false teachers because they are very dangerous to our souls. Like the Bereans, we must "search the scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). Be careful, it is only the scriptures "which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). An Abuse of Acts 2:216/26/2016 Acts 2:21 (KJV) And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter stated: “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). In view of this statement, some have has asked: Why do you insist that the sinner’s prayer is not scriptural when Peter plainly teaches it. First, we cannot assume that calling upon the Lord’s name, and being baptized, are mutually exclusive obligations. The two expressions complement one another, yet have nothing to do with the “sinners Prayer”. Just calling “Lord, Lord” is not enough. The scriptures make it clear that merely “calling” on the name of Christ is not sufficient to give salvation since Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 7:21 (KJV) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Clearly, therefore, “calling” on Christ involves more than a mere prayer. Calling on the Name of the Lord Includes Repentance and Baptism. In Acts 2, the same apostle who promised salvation to all who “call on the name of the Lord,” also commanded: “Repent ye, and be immersed each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ to obtain the forgiveness of your sins” (2:38). Since the “shall be saved” in Acts 2:21 is equivalent to the “forgiveness of sins” in Acts 2:38, it mandates that “calling on the name of the Lord” includes both repentance and baptism. One cannot just pick their favorite verse to support their own method of salvation. “Calling on his name” is clearly Defined. Later writings from the New Testament authors make it apparent that the person who submits to baptism in order to receive forgiveness is calling on the name of the Lord. Notice Acts 22:16. Ananias instructed Saul (Paul) as follows: “And now why do you tarry? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” We can then understand that all who wish to enjoy the remission of past sins will call on the name of the Lord by obeying the gospel plan of redemption. In no other way is one promised the forgiveness of sins. Furthermore, if calling on the name of the Lord could be the “sinner’s prayer”, why is there not one Biblical illustration of how to pray this prayer? Further support is found in the fact that every conversion account in the Scriptures includes Baptism as the final act of becoming a Christian? Paul, as a preacher and teacher, concentrated on strategic cities and looked for opportunities, and specifically cities which were chief cities of the area. This would allow him to make the biggest impact with the least amount of effort. We too as teachers and preachers of the Gospel have to look for opportunities where we can make the biggest impact, and sometimes this is teaching one soul in a living room.
Paul was a team worker and had many co-workers. We need to be team workers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) also when possible. There is strength in numbers. Remember when the Lord sent the disciples out, he sent them out in pairs (Mark 6:7). It is always best, if possible, to have more than one person present when teaching the Gospel or door knocking. This provides safety first, but also allows someone with another perspective to help the work. Paul was not arrogant, however he had confidence. Remember the confidence of Paul as he stood before King Agrippa and taught the Gospel. Paul never gave the impression of arrogance, because everything he did was in love. If we as preachers and teachers follow Paul’s example, we will be unwavering in the teaching of the faith, yet will do it in a manner which does not promote arrogance but rather love for lost souls. Paul continued contact with churches he planted and prayed for their continued faithfulness. Notice, Paul did not make all the decisions for those churches. Yet, he often left workers behind to help those congregations. Paul desired those churches to stand on their own feet. We as promoters of the Gospel must not make the same mistake as many, which is to teach and then leave. Paul did not lead them about by the hand, yet he made sure they had what was needed to continue in their growth as Christians. We must make sure that we don’t abandon new converts, and while not leading them by the hand, offering the resources for their continued growth in the faith. Paul was unbending in doctrine but flexible in opinion. He had Timothy circumcised (Acts 16:3), but refused to let Titus be circumcised (Gal 2:3). Timothy was circumcised to prevent the hindering of the Gospel to the Jews, while Titus was not in order to teach that circumcision was nothing more than an outward sign and not necessary under the new law. We as Christians must be like Paul, unbending in doctrine yet flexible in the matters of opinion. A recent study found that 39 percent of Americans stated marriage was becoming obsolete. Is Marriage Becoming Obsolete? Let’s ask a couple of questions: What is Biblical Marriage? Is marriage failing, or are people simply ignoring the timeless truths that are necessary to make a marriage work?
Below are some verses which describe what marriage should be, as opposed to what the world thinks marriage should be. 1. The man gives happiness to his wife: Deut. 24:5 - This is accomplished in a number of ways. A husband must know what his wife needs both physically and spiritually and help her to be fulfilled in those areas. 2. The man lives joyfully with his wife all his days: Ecclesiastes 9:9 - This can be difficult due to the differences in preferences, desires, and thoughts. Yet, a husband and wife must strive to make their spouse feel joyful in the marriage bond.. 3. The man is intoxicated with his wife: Proverbs 5:19 - The husband must rejoice in his wife and the physical closeness which can only be enjoyed between them as husband and wife. He must ward off all temptations which compete for her affection. 4. The man rejoices always in this relationship: Proverbs 5:18 - We are heirs together of the grace of life (1 Pet. 3:7) and must live as a team trying not only to get to heaven ourself, but also to help our spouse get to heaven. 5. The man is willing to sacrifice himself for her: Ephesians 5:25 - The husband has a supreme dedication to the protection of his bride and puts her needs, safety, and security above his own. 6. The man nourishes and cherishes his wife: Ephesians 5:29 - The husband is required to love his wife, and she should be confident of that love. Many marriages today are nothing more than two roommates living together. A cherish and nourished wife will help will support her husband and help to build a secure marriage which can endure the tempations and trials of this world. 7. The man dwells with her according to knowledge: 1 Pet 3:7 - Peter’s point is the husband is to become an expert on bringing out the best in his wife. He should know her so well that he can anticipate all of her needs and desires so that he can fulfill them and encourage her in those areas where she needs affirmation. 8. The man treats his wife with honor: 1 Peter 3:7 - The wife is placed above everyone else, including the children. The husband is not to use words (especially to others) which degrade or hinder the honor his wife is due. 9. The woman supports her husband: Genesis 2:18 – The husbands “help-meet” is to support him in his roles as the husband and to encourage him to be the spiritual leader. 10. She does her husband good all the days of his life: Proverbs 31:12 - Just as a husband does the best to provide for her needs and desires, she does the same for her husband. 11. She respects him: Ephesians 5:33 - The husband should be respected and honored as the spiritual leader and provider of the home. 12. The man and the wife are to become so close they are described as being one flesh: Ephesians 5:31 - This closeness is both physical and emotional and is fulfilled in different manners for the husband and wife. It is the responsibility of each to find out what their spouse needs, and then to provide in alignment with the above verses. When I look at the above description of marriage, how could such a beautiful institution become obsolete if one obeyed the scriptures. If two people are sacrificing for each other, dwelling in mutual love, supporting, communicating, honoring, nurturing, and nourishing each other forever, then nothing could destroy that relationship! Genesis 1:7 (KJV) And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
Have you ever wondered about the firmament in Genesis 1:7. Does science actually confirm the Bible as accurate? This firmament had waters below and above. A valid question is why is it gone now? Another valid question is how did it allow the people to live so long? The “water” was able to stay in the air above the firmament, and this would necessitate that the water was in the form of a vapor. Therefore there was a water vapor canopy above and surrounding the earth. Scientists suggest this canopy would have been approximately 10,000-20,000 feet above the surface of the earth. Today, many modern day scientist suggest this is not possible. However, Venus has a canopy around it like the one the Bible discusses in Gen 1:7, so why couldn’t the earth at the time of creation? Today, our atmosphere only holds about two inches of water around the face of the earth. This vapor today gives some protection from the damaging rays of the sun and helps hold in heat. This massive canopy which existed at the time of creation and prior to the flood would have made the earth a greenhouse or tropical paradise, and would provide the main source for the waters of the flood. This greenhouse effect would have also made the North and South Poles virtually the same temperature. This is called the “Taylor vortex” and has been tested and verified. This is the exact same case as Venus which has a canopy around it. All four sides of Venus are virtually identical in atmosphere including the equator. With a tropical paradise there would be no seasons because of the canopy holding in the heat. The “seasons” in Genesis 1 are not climactic seasons but instead are seasons for the marking of time (Gen 1:14). Obviously without protection from the ultra violet light we would not live very long. The current ozone layer protects us from these lights, but not near as well as the canopy that existed prior to the flood. Now for the question why did the longevity of life decline after the flood? The reason the average life expectancy began to decline was the lack of protection from the ultraviolet light when the canopy was lost during the flood. The atmospheric pressure would have been significantly increased prior to the flood because of the canopy. This increase in atmospheric pressure would have significantly increased the amount of available oxygen for breathing. Interestingly, this explains how some winged dinosaurs, such as the Pteranodon and Pterosaur were able to fly due to this increased atmospheric pressure. Additionally, the lung capacities of many dinosaurs have been noticed to have been too small to supply sufficient oxygen to their bodies. This increased atmospheric pressure prior to the flood (approx. 2.18 ATM) would have been sufficient to supply the needed oxygen to these dinosaurs. This higher atmospheric pressure would also increase the healing capacity for humans, as well as slow the aging process. Hopefully, this explains why the canopy is no longer present as described in the Bible (due to floodwaters), and also helps to explain why people lived so long prior to the flood. Will I Know & Remember in Heaven?5/26/2016 This is a question that has been asked by many people for thousands of years. There is not one specific passage of Scripture that answers it directly. However, there are many passages that help us to understand and infer the answer. For instance: The rich man in the account Jesus told in Luke 16, knew Lazarus after his death, and he knew Abraham -- even though he had never met him during his life. The Rich man also remembered that he had brothers while alive. Maybe that is the key to understanding this matter. I just cannot conceive of people in heaven going around introducing themselves to each other. We obviously will know Jesus, and we can infer that we will also know Moses, Peter, Paul, and the rest of the faithful in heaven
Jesus was asked a question by those who did not believe in a resurrection (Sadducees). They proposed to him the case of a woman whose husband had died, she married his next oldest brother, and he died. She continued to marry the brothers for a total of seven. They then asked Jesus, "Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her (Matt 22:28)”? Like today, many men think they can outthink God. They were trying to trap Jesus in the same manner seen in Matt 22:15. They must have thought Jesus would be confused due to her being married to all seven brothers. Jesus replied to their question by saying: "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, not the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven" (Matthew 22:29-30). Jesus made it clear, without physical bodies, why one would need the bounds of a physical matrimonial relationship in heaven. Therefore, as the angels, we will be concerned with spiritual things and worshipping God, not physical things and physical relationships. I don’t struggle with the concern that my wife and I will not have a continued marriage relationship in heaven, I just want my spouse to be there. We will not have physical bodies in heaven as Paul shows: "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So also it is written, 'The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving spirit. Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual'" (I Corinthians 15:42-46). It is clear that the "natural body" in this passage is talking about the physical body. But if we don't have physical bodies, then how will we recognize one another? I don't know the answer to that one either, but I know I will know the faithful in heaven. I am convinced that we will recognize each other, including people who we never knew in this life. What Are The Last Days?5/17/2016 The apostle Peter tells the listening Jews on Pentecost, Acts 2:16-17 (KJV) 16 “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” What was occurring in Acts chapter 2 was the beginning of the last days. We read in Hebrews 1:1-2 (KJV) 1 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;” The point is this: We are living in the last days or the last dispensation of time. The phrase “last days does not refer to the time of a “1,000 year physical kingdom” as taught by some today.
The first dispensation was the "Patriarchal" dispensation, which was from Adam to Moses’ generation, and lasted about 3500 years. The second dispensation of time was the "Mosaical" dispensation, which began when Moses was given the Law. The Mosaical dispensation lasted until the death of Christ, and lasted about 1500 years. We are now living in the last dispensation “(the last days”) or the "Christian" dispensation, which started on the day of Pentecost and will last until the end of time. The "Christian" dispensation has lasted about 2,000 years. There will be no more dispensations. No one knows how long the "Christian" dispensation will last. It could end today or it could last for another few thousand years. Man does not know when the end will come, but only God knows that day. Jesus says in Mark 13:31-32 (KJV) 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. When this dispensation does end, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 (KJV) 7 “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” At the end of the last days the Judgment will occur when Christ appears(2 Timothy 4:1). No one knows when the Lord will come back because he will come as a thief in the night (1 Thes 5:2). Yet, we do know that when he comes back the earth will be burned up and there will not be a literal kingdom set up as taught by many religious groups today (2 Peter 3:10-12). The Example of Mary5/11/2016 The Gospel writer, Luke, tells us that the mother of Jesus, Mary “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Following her search for Him, when Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem, Luke states Jesus’ mother “kept all these sayings in her heart” (v. 51). We have two inspired accounts of Jesus’ birth, one in Matthew and the other in Luke. The other two gospel writers do not tell us about the birth of our Savior. John touches on it in one verse, when he continues his argument that Jesus was God, and was from the beginning. This is seen when he stated, “And the Word became flesh” (John. 1:14). Mary played a role in His life until His death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection and ascension. Mary is mentioned by all four of the gospel writers and the writer of Acts.
As we consider what “things” Mary pondered, there were many due to the dramatic changes within the first two years. She would have additional things to ponder over the next 30 years or so as well. Luke tells the story of Mary’s inward and personal experiences as she learned of her pregnancy, how she felt about it, her fears, and ultimate submission and joy in understanding what was happening to her body and that she was to deliver the Savior into the world. Matthew tells us of the outward and more public display of humiliation she at first experienced regarding being pregnant. However, the shame and suspicion which filled her thoughts and life were followed by her ultimate vindication. Her life was much like a roller coaster, with “ups and downs”, but isn’t our life similar in some aspects as we often deal with life’s struggles? Mary is seen in other events in the life of her Son. She found Jesus in the temple after the family’s trip following a Jerusalem festival. Jesus was both asking and answering questions from the religious leaders (Luke 2:42-52). Mary had an important role in the first public miracle of Jesus at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee (Jn. 2:1-11). She was seen with Jesus’ brothers during His three-year ministry (Matt. 12:46; Mark 3:31-35) as he disputed with the scribes and Pharisees. Mary was also seen at the foot of the cross on which her Son hung. As it seems all of His disciples, with the exception of John and His other friends, had deserted Him. Mary was at the foot of the cross. The last inspired reported incident of Mary is after Jesus had ascended praying with the apostles, Jesus’ brothers, and some women. It is apparent from before the birth of Jesus and the establishment of His church, that Mary played an active role in His life. She recognized the importance of her role in the life of her son, the Savior, and fulfilled that role in a way pleasing to God. If you are a mother, know how important your influence and support are upon your children (whether still young or fully grown). If you are a father, acknowledge the mother’s importance in the role of your children, support her influence, and encourage her in her Biblical example for your child. The claim has been made that God was very direct in communicating to us His will, and therefore inference is not needed. This promotes the idea that if God did not say “don’t do it” then it is o.k. Let’s consider a few things which show this is not the case and that inference is needed, especially in the case of the silence of the scriptures on certain subjects. Notice, Deuteronomy 1:5 (KJV) On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying,
In Deuteronomy 1:5 we find Moses declaring the Law to the Israelites. The Hebrew word which is translated as “declare” means to “explain”. When you explain the Law, you are explaining the meaning and how it applies. But, you cannot explain how it applies without using reason, inference, and connecting the words to a correct application. That simply cannot be done without using common sense, utilizing other verses to stop contradictions, and then drawing a necessary inference. An application is always an inference that helps us determine how we are to perform and apply those words to ourselves. The teaching of inference is not limited to the Old Testament, and is also found in our new Testament. An example can be found in Acts 18:26 (KJV) And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. The word “expounded” means to “expose or declare” something. Clearly, this was done due to a lack of understanding. Declaring and expounding means to draw the inference of both meaning of words and proper application of words. There is never an escape from having to reason through the process of understanding and proper application. To some the term "inference" sounds rather complicated. Some visualize a dark and complicated reasoning method when they hear the phrase “inference” or "necessary inference." Inference is a reasoning process that is necessary for all in studying the Bible. In studying the cases of conversion in the book of Acts we find the apostles commanding the people to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38). Additionally, we find that every account of conversion involved baptism. It is a necessary inference that we, today, are likewise commanded to do the same as part of our conversion process. Inference helps us to understand that baptism was not only for 1st century Christians. Don't let anyone fool you about the common sense of reasoning through commands and examples for any Biblical topic. To suggest inference of the scriptures is not necessary is to claim that God does not require reasoning upon His words to properly apply the commands requiring obedience. These are provided for your personal study and growth.Archives
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