Little Jimmy Shepherd

Posted on November 10, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

“The late B.C. Goodpasture used to tell of the time when James A. Harding held a meeting in Clark Co., Kentucky.  The year was 1877.  When an elder of the church was asked about it, he said it was ‘…not much of a meeting.  Oh, brother Harding did his usual powerful preaching, the attendance was fair, but the results were negligible.  Only little Jimmy Shepherd was baptized’” (History of the Restoration Movement: James Walter Shepherd 1861-1948, therestorationmovement.com; this is a reprint of Dennis Gulledge’s article: Can You Count the Apples in a Seed?). 

J.W. Shepherd (1861-1948) went on to do many good things in the Kingdom of God.  He graduated from Kentucky University’s College of Bible (1884).  He became a preacher.  He did foreign work in New Zealand (1888-1890) and Australia (1890-1892).  He served as  office editor for the Gospel Advocate (1905-1912).  He later did domestic work with churches in Detroit, Michigan, Washington D.C., Richmond, Virginia, and Birmingham, Alabama.  He wrote Handbook on Baptism.  He compiled, edited and contributed to several David Lipscomb books including: Queries and Answers; Salvation from Sin; and the Gospel Advocate Commentary series – Romans; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians and Galatians; Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians; Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus and Philemon (Information gleaned from therestorationmovement.com and Voices Crying in the Wilderness: A History of the Lord’s Church with Special Emphasis on Australia by David Roper). 

One may not know the good that he is doing when he sows the seed (Mark 4:26-28).  However, we are told that when the seed comes in contact with a good heart it grows and bears fruit (Mark 4:8).  Let us sow the seed. 

Dennis Gulledge remarked, “Someone has said that you can count the number of seeds in an apple, but you cannot count the number of apples in a seed.  When applied to the preaching of the gospel that means that you can count the number of people who respond to gospel preaching to be baptized, but you cannot count the number of good things done in the life of one person who becomes a Christian, as in the case of James W. Shepherd” (ibid).  Never underestimate the value of one soul brought to Christ.

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Strange Shifts in Language

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

There are some strange and unexpected shifts in language found in the Hebrew Bible (i.e., our Old Testament).  These shifts occur not just in one or two places.  They occur throughout the Hebrew Bible.  Let’s consider a few…

1. “Then the LORD rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah from the LORD out of the heavens?” (Genesis 19:24).

The wording is odd.  Why does it read, “from the LORD”?  Is this simply emphasizing that the LORD is doing this?  Or is something else being said?  Adam Clarke points out in his commentary that some believe two persons of the Godhead are being mentioned.  He admits that this is possible, but “does not appear to me to be plainly indicated here (Adam Clarke, Vol. 1, p. 125).

2. “God tested Abraham … then He said, ‘ Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love …and offer him as a burnt offering …’ … The Angel of the LORD… He said, ‘…now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son… from Me’” (Genesis 22:1-2, 11-12).

Why the shift from “God” (3rd person) to “Me” (1st person)?  Is this simply language of agency?  Or is more intended?  One source has remarked, “In every passage where the angel of the Lord appears, there is also an odd shift in pronouns.”  Then the source adds that this occurs “since the angel of the Lord is mysteriously identified separately from God and also as God Himself (Genesis 22:15-16; Exodus 3:2, 4, 6, 7, 11; Judges 6:11-16)” (One for Israel, The Pierced God, oneforisrael.org). 

3. “(Israel) blessed Joseph and said, ‘God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has feed me all my long life to this day, The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads…’” (Genesis 48:15-16).

The one petitioned or invoked is called two things.  He is twice called “God.”  He is also called “The Angel” (The Messenger).

The Angel of the LORD is a puzzling character to many Bible students.  He at times seems to be called God (Genesis 31:11 cf. 31:13; 49:15 cf. 49:16), and even receive worship (Joshua 5:14; Judges 6:11-12 cf. 6:19-20). However, he also seems to be distinct from the LORD (Exodus 23:20-ff; Judges 6:21-23).  [For more information see the following articles by B.H. – (1) Angels (Part 3); (2) Who Did It?].

4. “I overthrew some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a firebrand plucked from the burning; yet you have not returned to Me, says the LORD” (Amos 4:11).

Why the shift from “I” (1st person) to “God” (3rd person) back to “Me” (1st person)?  The NIV struggled with this, rendering it “I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah…”  However, it provides this footnote “Hebrew God.”  James Burton Coffman provided this possible explanation, “Some critics make a big thing out of God being referred to in this verse (Amos 4:11) in the third person, whereas the first person is otherwise prominent throughout; but this is not due to any interpolation, and only signifies that Amos… reverted to quotations from the Pentateuch in mentioning Sodom and Gomorrah” (studylight.org).  The Pulpit Commentaries says “The substitution of the name of God for the personal pronoun, when the Lord himself is speaking, is not uncommon in Hebrew.  Here it rather takes the form of a quotation (or reference B.H.) from Genesis” (studylight.org).  This seems to be the answer in this verse (Genesis 19:25 cf. Isaiah 13:19; Jeremiah 49:17-18; 50:40)

5. “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him.  And the LORD said to Satan, the LORD rebuke you Satan!  The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you!” (Zechariah 3:1-2).    

This is odd.  Why did the LORD not simply say, “I rebuke you”?  The Angel seems to be identified with the LORD and yet distinguished from the LORD.  Coffman thought this was a witness to God’s “compound unity” which is more explicitly stated in the New Testament (studylight.org).        

6. “And I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced.  Yes, they will mourn for Him as one who mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn” (Zechariah 12:10).

The LORD is clearly the speaker in the first part of this verse, when it says, “I will pour out… the Spirit… then they will look upon Me whom they pierced” (Zechariah 12:10).  This says that the one pierced is the LORD.  When did anyone pierce the LORD?  John references this passage after Jesus was pierced with a spear (John 19:34, 36-37).  The implication is Jesus is the LORD, that is Jehovah.

In the latter part of the verse there is a shift in the language.  “They will mourn for Him… and grieve for Him” (Zechariah 12:10).  Why the shift?  Keil and Delitzsch suggested that “The transition from the first person to the third points to the fact that the person slain, although essentially one with Jehovah, is personally distinct from the Supreme God.  The lamentation for the only son (cf. Amos 8:10) and for the firstborn is the deepest and bitterest death-wail” (studylight.org).  The third person refers to the Messiah.

Conclusion

What is the point?  When you read and come across a shift in language, it is not a mistake or an accident (unless a copyist erred in transmission).  It is there for a reason.  It says slow down.  Think about the passage.  This shift might be important.  There may be something of value to learn.   

I am convinced that some of these shifts only make sense in light of the complex nature of the Godhead.  There is the unseen God.  Then, there is God interacting with man (e.g., The Angel of the LORD, Jesus, the Spirit). 

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Columbus Day

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

“Columbus Day was declared a national holiday by Franklin Delano Roosevelt (declared 1934 B.H.)  Since 1971, Columbus Day has been observed annually as a federal government holiday on the second Monday of October” (Columbus Day 2023: History, Traditions, and Changes, farmersalmanac.com).

Since the early 1990’s there has been growing resentment of this holiday.  Some wish to change it to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  Several states now recognize this day, including Texas (Texas Governor Greg Abbott Signs Indigenous People’s Day and Indigenous People’s Week Resolution, ictnews.org).  Why the opposition to Columbus Day? 

(1) It is pointed out that Columbus was not the first to discover the New World.  He was not even the first European to do so.  Columbus landed in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492.  A Viking named Gunnbjorn Ulfsson sailed near Greenland in the 10th century.  Eric the Red colonized Greenland about 980.  His son, Leif Erikson reached Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada) by about 1000 A.D..  This is almost 500 years before Columbus.  Moreover, some are not sure that these were the first Europeans.  There are legends of earlier visitors form Ireland and Wales (early exploration of the Americas, kids.britannica.com).  There is also a theory that Admiral Zheng He of China reached America over 70 years before Columbus.  However, this is greatly disputed (Who Discovered America? Zheng Who? By Joseph Kahn, January 17, 2006, nytimes.com).      

(2)  Columbus, and those who followed him, brought many evils to the people already living in the New World.  (a) Some of these were unintentional.  CNN says, “In 1492, there were an estimated 250,000 indigenous people in Hispaniola, but by 1517, only 14,000 remained, according to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.  Some historians believe that the impact of European and African settlers in the New World possibly killed as much as 90% of the native population” (Why Christopher Columbus Wasn’t The Hero We Learned About In School by Alicia Lee, cnn.com).  (b) Some were intentional.  “Columbus and his men enslaved many of these native people and treated them with extreme violence and brutality, according to history.com. Throughout his years in the Americas, Columbus forced natives to work for the sake of profits.  Later, he sent thousands of Taino ‘Indians’ to Spain to be sold, and many of them died during the journey.  The natives who weren’t forced to look for gold in mines and work on plantations” (cnn.com). 

Those who defend the observance of Columbus Day argue: (1) While Columbus was not the first to discover America, he was the first to truly open up the New World to the Old World.  His discovery changed the world.  (2) While it is true that Columbus was not without his sins, who is?  John Hirschauer asks, “‘Indigenous People’s Day’: Which ‘Indigenous People’ do you have in mind?  Is it the Kalinago people, who ate roasted human flesh, with particular infinity for the remains of babies and fetuses?  Is it the Aztecs, who killed an estimated 84,000 people in four days in the consecration of the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan?  Be specific, please” (A Defense of Christopher Columbus by John Hirschauer, October 14, 2019, nationalreview.com).  (3) It is not his sins that we celebrate, but his courageous exploration. (4) “The purpose of Columbus Day was to encourage Americans to be more accepting of immigrants – specifically Italian immigrants. The Italian explorer …was the symbol of the holiday, not the focus” (PragerU video: Why Immigrants Should Love Columbus Day by Alana Mastrangelo, prageru.com).

Thoughts

I do not really care if we continue to observe Columbus Day, do away with it, or change it to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  It is not important to me.

However, there are some thoughts that I want you to consider.  Must one be without fault to be remembered or honored with a national holiday, a monument, or a name on a building? 

If so, then let us never do so again.  Every man and woman who has ever lived (with but one exception) has sinned (Romans 3:23).  This is true of George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., and anyone else one may want to mention.  Granted, some men’s faults are more obvious and egregious than those of others. 

Humanity has a sin problem.  Thank God that there is remedy!  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).  “Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).

                

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Anton Lavey and The Church of Satan

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Anton Szandor Lavey (1930-1997) was the founder and High Priest (or “The Black Pope”) of The Church of Satan. It was founded on April 30, 1966, in San Francisco, California. Lavey wrote The Satanic Bible in 1969.

It turns Biblical teachings upside down. Here are a few examples: (1) “Why should I not hate mine enemies … Love your enemies and do good to them that hate and use you – is this not the despicable philosophy of the spaniel that rolls on its back when kicked? Hate your enemies with a whole heart, and if a man smite (sic) you on one cheek, smash him on the other! Smite him hip and thigh, for self-preservation is the highest law!” (2) “Say unto thine own heart, ‘I am mine own redeemer.'” (3) “Blessed are the strong, for they shall possess the earth – cursed are the weak, for they shall inherit the yoke!'” (4) “Blessed are the victorious, for victory is the basis of right – cursed are the vanquished, for they shall be vassals forever!” (Excerpts from The Book of Satan in the Satanic Bible, pp. 30-35).

However, the aim of this article is not to review the teachings of The Church of Satan (Though, I will say that the Satanic Church really seems to be more about the worship of self, than it does the worship of Satan). Instead, it is to explore why Anton Lavey so despised “Christianity.” There may be a few lessons in this for us to consider.

1. Hypocrisy of Behavior

When Lavey was young, he worked in a carnival as an assistant to a magician. We are told by Burton H. Wolfe in the introduction to The Satanic Bible, “‘On Saturday night’ Lavey recalled in one of our long talks, ‘I would see men lusting after half-naked girls dancing at the carnival, and on Sunday morning when I was playing the organ for tent evangelist at the other end of the carnival lot, I would see these same men sitting in the pews with their wives and children, asking God to forgive them and purge them of carnal desires. And the next Saturday night they’d be back at the carnival or some other place of indulgence. I knew then that the Christian church thrives on hypocrisy'” (Introduction in The Satanic Bible, p. 4).

We need to be careful how we live before others. Nathan told David, “The LORD also has put away your sin… However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme” (2 Samuel 12:14). May we be careful (cf. Romans 2:21-24; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:1-5; Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:11-12).

One additional point: God will take care of the real hypocrite who does not repent (Matthew 24:45-51, etc.). Hypocrisy does not please Him. God does not want us to be hypocrites (e.g., Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 1:7). (Note: Hypocrisy is mere pretending, acting, playing a part on stage. It should not be confused with one who is sincerely trying to live up to God’s standard but falling short at times. I point this out to say that not everyone who falls short is actually a hypocrite. A real hypocrite is not genuine or sincere.)

2. Hypocrisy of Love

“There has never been a great ‘love’ movement in the history of the world that hasn’t wound up killing countless numbers of people, we must assume, to prove how much they loved them! Every hypocrite who has ever walked the earth has had pockets bulging with love” (Love and Hate, The Satanic Bible, p. 64).

There certainly has been much blood shed in the name of Christianity, and by those who claim to be followers of Christ. However, The New Testament does not teach this. Do not blame it. The sword by which Christians are to spread and defend the Gospel is the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).

Also, consider this. What does one mean when he charges the Christian with hypocrisy? I believe that he means that the Christian is not living up to the standard which he professes. However, this does not in itself make the standard wrong. Do not blame the standard for man’s sin.

3. Hypocrisy of Doctrine and Church Practices

“Times have changed! If you want proof of this, just look at how liberal churches have become… If many religions are denying their own Scriptures because they are out of date, and are preaching philosophies of Satanism, why not call it by its rightful name – Satanism? Certainly, it would be for less hypocritical…If priest and ministers were to have used the devices to fill their churches one hundred years ago that they use today, they would have been charged with heresy… It is the ‘Devil’ who caused women to show their legs, to titillate men… which are revealed by young nuns as they walk about in their shortened habits… Many churches with some of the largest congregations have the most hand-clapping, sensual music – also Satanically inspired. After all, the Devil has always had the best tunes. Church picnics, despite all of Aunt Martha’s talk about the Lord’s Bountiful Harvest, are nothing more than a good excuse for Sunday gluttony; and everyone knows that lots more than Bible reading goes on in the bushes. The fund-raising adjunct to many church bazaars is commonly known as a carnival, which used to mean the celebration of the flesh; now a carnival is okay because the money goes to the church” (Some Evidence of a New Satanic Age, The Satanic Bible, p. 47-ff).

His point is that many churches seem to be giving the people what they want. The message and practices are crafted to fit what people want. He is correct. Many play a game called Christianity. In some cases, church is more of a social club than a church belonging to Christ. In other cases, church is a business. It is about power and money.

This should not be. We are to preach the word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:1-2). Truth should never be compromised for the sake of popularity (Galatians 1:10 cf. 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:4).

4. Lack of Relevance

“Past religions have always represented the spiritual nature of man, with little or no concern for his carnal or mundane needs” (Some Evidence of A New Satanic Age, The Satanic Bible, p. 48).

This simply is not true concerning the Bible. For example, the book of Proverbs deals with many things in life such as: Work (6:10-12; 13:4; 14:23; 21:5); Money (10:4; 13:11; 14:23 22:7; 22:26-27); Marriage (5:15-19; 12:4; 18:22; 21:19; 31:10-31); Parenting (13:24; 19:18; 20:7; 22:6). The New Testament also speaks of the things of life, such as: Marriage (Ephesians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:18-19); Parenting (Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20-21; Titus 2:4-5); Use of the tongue (James 3), etc. The truth is many reject the Bible because it does have so much to say about how we live in this life; but, it just does not say what they want it to say.

5. No Joy

“Today, as always man needs to enjoy himself here and now, instead of waiting for his reward in heaven” (The Satanic Bible, p. 54).

Some seem to think of Christianity as a life without joy. However, this is not a Biblical view. There is nothing wrong with enjoying life on earth. “God… gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). “Rejoice with the wife your youth” (Proverbs 5:18).

Moreover, the Christian can have joy and peace even when life is difficult (Philippians 4:4-7). Our joy is not wholly or necessarily dependent on earthly circumstances (John 16:33).

6. Evil World

Lavey was for time a photographer for the San Francisco Police Department. He said, “I saw the bloodiest grimiest side of human nature… people shot by nuts, knifed by their friends; little kids splattered in the gutter by hit-and-run drivers. It was disgusting and depressing. I asked myself: ‘Where is God?’ I came to detest the sanctimonious attitude of people toward violence, always saying ‘it’s God’s will.'” (Introduction in The Satanic Bible, p. 5).

The issue of evil, pain, and suffering is vexing. Few (I hope) want to see the innocent suffer.

God allows sin and suffering in this life. He has His reasons (Such is beyond this study. For more information see the following articles: Why? by B.H.; Comfort in Suffering by B.H.). Let’s remember that God allowed Jesus to suffer and die upon a cross.

Consider this: What is wrong with suffering if one follows Lavey’s standard? He said the following: (1) “Death to the weakling, wealth to the strong”; (2) “Are we not all predatory animals by instinct? If humans ceased wholly from preying upon each other, could they continue to exist?” (3) “Is not ‘lust and carnal desire’ a more truthful term to describe ‘love’ when applied to the continuance of the race” (4) “Blessed are the bold, for they shall be masters of the world – cursed are the righteously humble, for they shall be trodden under cloven hoof!” (Excerpt from the Book of Satan, The Satanic Bible, pp. 30-35). Do you think this type thinking will reduce suffering in this world?

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Busy Leaders

Posted on September 26, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Colin Powell once said, “Leadership is solving problems.  The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them.  They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care.  Either is failure of leadership” (Colin Powell, My American Journey, p. 50).

Great leaders in the Bible were busy helping others.  Consider: (1) Moses was so busy settling problems that he needed helpers (Exodus 18:12-ff).  The man who picked up sticks on the Sabbath was brought to Moses (Numbers 15:32-36).  The daughters of Zelophehad brought their concern before Moses, Eleazar and the leaders of Israel (Numbers 27:1-8).  (2) David was asked to solve a problem for a woman of Tekoa (2 Samuel 14:1-ff).  (3) Solomon solved a maternity dispute (1 Kings 3:16-ff).  (4) Ezra was brought the issue of intermarrying (Ezra 9-10).  (5) Esther was brought an existential problem by Mordecai. Haman had conspired destroy to Jews from Persia. Esther was in a position to help save the Jews (Esther 4). (6) Nehemiah was made aware of usury and dealt with it (Nehemiah 5).  (7) Jesus was brought many questions (e.g., Luke 11:1; Matthew 13:36, 17:19; 18:1; Mark 10:10) and many requests (e.g., Matthew 14:29-30; Luke 5:12; 18:38). He once performed a miracle on the way to a miracle (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-55). He was very busy. (8) Paul received a bad report from those of Chloe’s household concerning the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).  He was asked questions by the church at Corinth and Thessalonica (1 Corinthians 7:1 c.f. 7:10; 7:12; 7:25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1-2; 16:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 5:1). There were daily concerns (2 Corinthians 11:28).

Those who would be leaders in the church should expect to be busy helping others with their problems.  Consider: (1) James 5:20, “Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil” (See article: “Pray/Sing/Call” by B.H.).  (2) 1 Corinthians 6:5, “Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?”  This was shameful.  Someone among them should be able to resolve disputes.   Leaders solve problems.  If you are dealing with people, there will be problems.

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The Linen Sash

Posted on September 14, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

“Go and get yourself a linen sash, and put it around your waist, but do not wash it in water” (Jeremiah 13:1).

These instructions were given by the LORD to Jeremiah.  Jeremiah went and did according to the word of the LORD (Jeremiah 13:2).

Why not wash it?  Wayne Jackson comments, “Its progressive dirtiness would be a visual aid to highlight the nation’s growing filth” (Wayne Jackson, The Prophets, p. 140).

“Take the sash hat you acquired, which is around your waist, and arise, go to the Euphrates, and hide it there in a hole in the rock” (Jeremiah 13:4).

This message is also from the LORD to Jeremiah.  It came sometime later.  Jeremiah again obeyed (Jeremiah 13:5).  He removed the sash and hid it in a hole in a rock on a river.    Which river?  The Hebrews seems to read the Euphrates.  It is rendered the Euphrates in many translations (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV).  It is rendered Perath (another name for the Euphrates) in the NIV.  The ESV Study Bible explains that some understand it to be referring to another place saying, “The Euphrates River lies hundreds of miles from Anathoth.  A slight change in spelling in the Hebrew text from the name Perat yields “Parah” a place less than 3 miles from Anathoth; and some interpreters think that is what was intended, with a later copyist’s error resulting in the more common perat (‘Euphrates’).”  I see no necessary reason to change it to Parah.  If Jeremiah went to the Euphrates, this was quite the undertaking (250 miles each way, a total of 1000 miles in two round trips). How far would we go to obey God?

“Arise, go to the Euphrates, and take from there the sash which I commanded you to hide there” (Jeremiah 13:6).

This message is also from the LORD to Jeremiah.  It came “after many days” (Jeremiah 13:6).  Jeremiah once more obeyed (Jeremiah 13:7).

What did he find?  He found the sash “ruined… profitable for nothing” (Jeremiah 13:7). 

What did it mean?  (1) Israel and Judah should have faithfully held fast to God.  This was their glory.  “ ‘ For as the sash clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me’ says the LORD, ‘that they may become My people for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they would not hear’” (Jermiah 13:11).  Clinging to God is connected with hearing Him.  (2) They were no longer profitable in His service.  “This evil people, who refuse to hear My words, who follow the dictates of their hearts, and walk after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be like the sash which is profitable for nothing” (Jeremiah 13:10).  They no longer represented Him well.  They did not listen to Him, but followed their own heart (cf. Jeremiah 7:24; 9:13-14; 11:6-8; 16:10-13).  (3) They would be humbled.  “This says the LORD: ‘In this manner I will ruin the pride of Judah and the pride of Jerusalem.’” (Jeremiah 13:9).  As the sash was hidden in a hole and suffered ruin, even so the LORD would ruin their pride.  Robert Taylor Jr. comments, “This would be accomplished by the lengthy Chaldean captivity of seventy years” (Robert Taylor Jr., Studies in Jeremiah, Vol. 1, p. 103).  Captivity is in the text (Jeremiah 13:15-17).  Captivity would change them (Jeremiah 13:9 cf. Leviticus 26:14-20; Jeremiah 29:12-14; Ezekiel 11:18 cf. 7:20; 16:41; 20:38; 23:27, 48). 

What is the application for us?  Our fruitfulness and fellowship with God is still linked to our obedience to His word (e.g. John 14:23-24; 15:1-8; 1 John 1:6-7; 2 John 9).  How are we doing?  Are we faithfully holding fast to God and His word?  Or are we following our own hearts?

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Choosing to be a Leader

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them” (William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night Acts 2 Scene 5).  The meaning?  (1) Some men are born great.  They do not have to work for it.  The inherit their position in life (e.g. born into royalty).  (2) Some men become great through hard work.  They are known for what they accomplished (e.g. entrepreneur who successfully build a brand).  (3) Some become great due to circumstances.  They rise to the occasion.  They seize the moment (e.g. a heroic act which saves lives).  Even here, hard work may have prepared them for the occasion. 

Unless one is born into greatness, desire plays a role.  One must be willing to put in the hard work.  One must be willing to act on the occasion.

The church needs leaders.  It needs teachers and preachers.  It needs elders and deacons.  It needs song leaders and prayer warriors.  No one is born into these roles.  Desire is needed.  Paul wrote, “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1).  What would cause a man to desire to serve?  (1) Ego.  Some may want to serve due to pride.  This is not a proper reason.  Paul wrote of those who “preach Christ from selfish ambition (Philippians 1:15-16).  (2) Compulsion.  Some serve only because they feel forced by others to do so.  This is not a proper reason. Peter wrote that an elder should serve “not by compulsion but willingly” (1 Peter 5:2 NKJV); not under compulsion, but voluntarily” (NASB).  (3) Money.  Some serve only for the pay.  This is not a proper reason.  Peter wrote that an elder should serve “not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind” (1 Peter 5:2 NKJV); “not for dishonest gain but eagerly” (NKJV); “not greedy for money, but eager to serve” (NIV).  (4) Love.  Some serve out of their love for God and their love and concern for men.  This is the proper reason for service.  Paul wrote to the brethren at Corinth, “For the love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14).  Again, “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Corinthians 12:15).  It is about being Christ-like.  Jesus was a servant (Matthew 20:28; John 13:14-15, 34-35).  J.J. Turner remarked, “I believe that the desire to be an elder-shepherd comes from being so intimately connected with the Chief Shepherd that one will want to be like Him” (J.J. Turner, Shepherds, Wake Up!  P. 49).  This is true for not only serving as a shepherd, but for all forms of service in the kingdom.

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Where Are You Leading? (Part 2)

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

2.  Examples of Negative Leadership.

a.  Adam.  “Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin…” (Romans 5:12).  This man in context is Adam (Romans 5:14).  Furthermore we are told, “Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression” (1 Timothy 2:14).  Adam was not deceived by the serpent.  However, there is no record of him speaking up to try to help Eve not be deceived.  In fact, he followed her into sin (Genesis 3:4-6).  He was with her.  He knew better.  Yet, he did not try to prevent sin. 

Are we speaking up?  Are we trying to prevent sin in our homes?  Are we holding fast to God’s word regardless of what others, even in our own homes, do?

b.  Jezebel.  Ahab “took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, King of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshiped him.  The he set up an altar for Baal, which he had built in Samaria” (1 Kings 16:31-32).  Again, “But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up” (1 Kings 21:25).  She led him into Baal worship.  She stirred him up to do wickedness. 

How are we motivating and influencing others in our homes?  Are we stirring up love and good works? (Hebrews 10:24).  Are we stirring up wickedness? (1 Kings 21:25).

c.  Athaliah.  “Ahaziah was forty-two years old when he became King… His mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri.  He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother advised him to do wickedly.  Therefore, he did evil in the sight of the LORD, like the house of Ahab; for they were his counselors after the death of his father, to his destruction (2 Chronicles 22:2-4).  This is the daughter of Ahab (2 Chronicles 21:5-6).  Like Jezebel, she had a bad influence in her home.  She advised her son to do wickedly!

What advice are we providing to our children?  Are we advising them to walk in the way of the LORD?  Are we advising things which are contrary to God’s will?  What influence are we having on our children? 

d.  The Rich Man.  “I beg you therefore, father, that you send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them lest they also come to this place of torment” (Luke 16:27-28).  He wanted Lazarus sent back to warn his brothers.  Could it be that the Rich Man was concerned for his brothers because they were walking in his steps, following his example?  The text does not say this.  However, many siblings have influence on one another.

What influence are we having on our siblings?  If they follow us, where would they end up? 

e.  Ananias and Sapphira.  “Then Peter said to her, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?’” (Acts 5:9).  They agreed together to lie.

Are we helping or hindering our families in their spiritual walk?  This is a sobering question.  Consider how many of these examples from the family relationships.

f.  Peter.  “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, we would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.  And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy” (Galatian 2:11-12).  Peter, on this occasion, set a bad example that influence others.  Peter was not anti-Gentile (Acts 10-11; 15:6-11).  He had eaten with them, before others came to Antioch (Acts 11:1-3; Galatians 2:12-13).  He gave into peer pressure.  To his credit, he evidently took Paul’s correction well, later referring to Paul as “our beloved Paul” (2 Peter 3:15).

What example are we setting to others in the church?  Do we courageously do the right thing?  Do we succumb to peer pressure? 

g.  Diotrophes.  John writing to Gaius said, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.  He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11).  These words occur within a context which contrasts two men.  (1) Diotrophes “loves to have the pre-eminence” in the church (3 John 9).  He is also a church bully (3 John 9-10).  (2) Demetrius is of different character.  John said of him, “Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself.  And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true” (3 John 12).  It is in this context John said, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good” (3 John 11).  We can learn from this that there may be in the church, even in a local church, both good and bad examples.  The wise are discerning.  They are not intimidated.  They imitate what is good.

What about us?  Are we good examples?  Are we bad examples?

Which are we following?  Are we following good examples?  Are we following bad examples?  Do we know the difference?  Do we allow God’s truth to determine which is which? 

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Where Are You Leading? (Part 1)

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

What is a leader?  Here are a couple of definitions.  (1) “Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, toward the achievement of a goal” (Kevin Kruse, Forbes Magazine, April 09, 2013).  There is in this case a conscious effort to move people to achieve a goal.  This definition fits the kind of leadership which is seen in team sports, and in business.  (2) “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader” (John Quincy Adams).  In this case there may not be a specific goal in mind.  This is speaking of influence, positive influence; there is also negative influence (e.g. Matthew 15:14).  What kind of influence are you having with others?

1.  Examples of Positive Leadership.    

a.  Abraham.  The LORD said of him, “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him” (Genesis 18:19).  God had revealed Himself to Abraham.  It was Abraham’s responsibility to lead his family in the way of righteousness.  William W. Grasham comments, “The final clause of God’s statement clearly indicates that Yahweh’s promises to Abraham were conditional, contrary to what some assume. They were fulfilled because of the patriarch’s obedient faith.  Abraham kept ‘the way of the LORD’ (see 22:15-19; 26:5; Romans 4:16).  Such a response was essential so that the LORD (could) bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him” (Truth for Today Commentary, Genesis Vol. 1, p. 507). 

Are we spiritually leading our families in the way of righteousness? 

b.  Joshua.  He said to the people, “Chose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).  We are told, “Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had know all the works of the LORD which He had done for Israel” (Joshua 24:31).  The LORD’s works affected them.  Joshua’s influence also may have played a part.

What kind of lasting influence will we have?

c.  Lois and Eunice.  Paul wrote to Timothy, and spoke of “the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice” (2 Timothy 1:5).  Again, he wrote, “from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation…” (2 Timothy 3:15).  What an influence these women had on Timothy!

Are we having a positive influence on our children and grandchildren?

d.  Paul.  He wrote, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).  What a bold statement!  Paul not only preached truth, he lived it.  He tried to be an example of true Christian living.  Of course, there is only one flawless one, and that is Christ.  He is the ultimate example.  However, Paul said, “you would do well to imitate me.”

Can we say this?  Would people be better Christians and more Christ-like by following us? 

e.  Timothy.  Paul told Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).  Some young people do things that cause others to look down on young people, or not take them serious.  However, Timothy was to live as an example to believers in the church.  Young people can be great positive examples in the church.  I have heard some say things like, “Young people are the future of the church.”  I understand what some are trying to express.  However, the truth is a young person, who is in Christ, is not just the future of the church; he is a part of the current church. 

Are you a good example to others in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity?

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Great Leadership

Posted on August 29, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

What are some qualities of great leadership?  Here are some things that the Bible says.

1.   Serve.  Great leaders serve.  Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.  And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-28).  Great leaders do not simply give orders.  They serve.

The LORD was not pleased with the shepherds of Israel in Ezekiel’s day.  He rebuked them saying, “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves!  Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?  You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock” (Ezekiel 34:2-3).  Franklin Camp commented, “These shepherds were abusing the privilege and the authority given unto them.  They were more concerned about their own personal interest than they were about the place and the work of watching over the flock… The church was bought by  Christ, Acts 20:28, and belongs to him.  No elder has the right to act as though a congregation were his private property.  Where there are such men, the woe of God’s word cries out against them” (Franklin Camp, Principles and Perils of Leadership, p. 54). 

2.  Example.  Great leaders set a good example.  Peter instructed elders, shepherds of the church, that they were to do their job  “(not) being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:1-4).  The flock is not to be driven.  It is to be led.  Dwight D. Eisenhower is credited as saying, “You don’t lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.”  Great leaders lead.  They don’t just bark orders.

3.  Delegate.  Great leaders get others involved in the work.  They do not try to do it all themselves.

Moses needed help.  Early in the journey to the Promised Land, Moses tried to personally judge every case which came up among his people.  Jethro told him, “The thing that you do is not good.  Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out.  For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself.”  (Exodus 18:18).  Rulers were placed over thousands, over hundreds, over fifties, and over tens (Exodus 18:21, 24-26). 

The apostles needed help.  Their primary work was in the word.  However, there were also physical needs.  There were widows who needed a daily distribution of food.  The twelve told the disciples, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.  Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:2-4). 

The church is described as a body composed of many members (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-30; Ephesians 4:11-16).  Each member of the body has a role and should be contributing to the well-being of the body (1 Corinthians 12:15-19; Ephesians 4:15-16; 1 Peter 4:10).  Roy Lanier Sr. suggested that elders should help find jobs for all members.  All need something to do.  He wrote, “Create jobs for many.  This is one of the biggest headaches of the conscientious elder.  Many people are willing to do something for the Lord if they know what and how to do.  Some preachers ridicule this idea, accusing people of thinking there is nothing to do except preach, pray, lead singing, or serve at the Lord’s table, when there are dozens of other things to do.  There are other things, but the babe in Christ is honest when he says he does not know what they are or how to do them. The elder who snaps at the babe in Christ, telling him to find something to do and get busy is not a wise or gentle shepherd of the flock of God entrusted to his care.  It takes imagination to provide work for all.  It requires a knowledge of the individuals that make up the membership, who they are, what they are capable of doing, and what they are fit to do.  It is such a big job that most elders do not undertake it” (Roy Lanier, Sr., 20 Years of the Problem Page, Vol. 1, pp. 156-157).     There are benefits to getting many involved in the work.  First, more can be accomplished.  One personal cannot do it all.  Moreover, if one person tries to do it all, he may burn-out.  Second, it is my experience that involved members are generally more content, grumble less, and are more loyal to the local church and its work.  They are invested.  They have skin in the game.  

4.  Train.  Great leaders train others to do the work.  Paul told Timothy, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).  Paul taught Timothy.  Timothy was to teach others.  These others would be able to teach others.

I once knew of a church where one man did everything.  He trained no one to do the work.  He delegated no part of the work to anyone.  When he died, that church died with him.  Such is not good!

5.  Prepare.  Great leaders prepare for the future.  The LORD told Moses, “Take Joshua the son on Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and inaugurate him in their sight.  And you shall give some of your authority to him…” (Numbers 27:18-20).  Moses is told to command, encourage and strengthen Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 1:38; 3:28).  Moses did this (Deuteronomy 31:7, 23; 34:9).  Moses prepared Joshua to lead.  Israel needed a leader. Moses was about to die. 

I have known of many congregations that once had an eldership, but no longer do.  In some cases, this is unavoidable due to the composition of the local membership.  In other cases, it may have been avoidable.  Good leaders know that they will not always be around.  Therefore, they seek to prepare for the future and to develop future leaders. 

6.  Clear Priorities.   Great leadership has clear priorities.  Paul did.  He said, “Do I seek to please men?  For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10 cf. 4:16).  Again, “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God…” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).  Once more, “We make it our aim… to be well pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9).  He told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God…” (2 Timothy 2:15 cf. 2:4). 

One is not going to always please everyone in this life.  This is especially true if one is a Christian (cf. Luke 6:26).  Great leadership had clear priorities and sticks to them, whether popular or not.  The Christian’s first priority should be to please God (2 Corinthians  5:9).  He should want to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31).  Additionally, he should want to help get others to heaven (Galatians 6:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14; Hebrews 10:24; James 5:20).

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