Be Objective

Posted on July 19, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Sometimes people are not close enough to a situation to make an informed decision.  A crowd in Jerusalem was stirred up by the false testimony of certain Jews from Asia against Paul (Acts 21:27-ff).  Paul was accused of bringing gentiles into the temple.  He had not.  We should be careful to gather evidence before drawing conclusions.  The book of Proverbs reminds us of this saying, “The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him” (Proverbs 18:17).    

However, sometimes people are too close to someone or something to be objective.  Malcolm Gladwell makes this point in his book Talking to Strangers.  He reasons that it was the people who spent the most time with Adolf Hitler who were the most deceived by him.  He writes, “The people who were wrong about Hitler were the ones who had talked with him for hours.  I suppose that this makes a certain sense: you need to be exposed to a fraud before you can fall for a fraud” (Malcolm Gladwell, Talking to Strangers, notes on Chapter 2, p. 351).  Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, and Joseph Stalin never met him.  The first two were not deceived by him.  Duff Cooper, one of Neville Chamberlain’s cabinet ministers, was not deceived and would resign his position in protest of Chamberlain’s approach to Hitler.  Others met with him and were greatly deceived.  Prime Minister of Canada, William Lyon Mackenzie King met with him in 1937.  He loved him and compared him to Joan of Arc. Lord Halifax, Chamberlain’s foreign secretary met with Adolf Hitler, Hermann Goring and Joseph Goebbels in the fall of 1937.  He concluded that Hitler “did not want war.”  The British diplomat who spent the most time with Hitler was the Ambassador to Germany, Nevile Henderson.  He believed that Hitler “hates war as much as anyone.”  Neville Chamberlain met three times with Hitler between September 1937 and October 1938.  Hitler told Chamberlain that he would seize the Sudetenland but wanted no more.  Chamberlain believed him.  He said, “I got the impression that here was a man who could be relied upon when he had given his word.”  Chamberlain once told his sister, “He gave me the double handshake that he reserved for especially friendly demonstrations.” (Malcomb Gladwell, Chapter 2: Getting To Know Der Fuhrer).  These men who met him were charmed by him and thus deceived. 

Some, I believe, are like this in spiritual matters.  They are not objective about what is near to them.  They are deceived by the false teacher, whom they know, with the charming personality (Jude 16).  They tolerate sin and spiritual problems in the local church reasoning, “he’s a good ol’ boy” or “that is just how she is” or “that is how it has always been done.” 

We must be spiritually alert.  We are to walk circumspect.  Let us strive to be spiritually objective.  The Bible is the standard.  All should be tested by it (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). 

                   

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Kitchens and Eating in the Building

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

In the 1960’s and 1970’s , it became common for new church buildings to include a kitchen and “multi-purpose room” or “fellowship hall” (note – I am not enthusiastic about this last designation because it tends to reduce the idea of fellowship to brethren eating together, at least in some people’s minds.  Biblical fellowship is so much more).  Before this, kitchens were rare in our church buildings.

Controversy ensued.  (1) Those who built buildings with a kitchen in it were labeled “liberals” by some.  (2) Those who opposed kitchens were labeled “antis” by others (note – I do not believe that these labels have been helpful to the discussion.  They have been used as terms of derision.  “Liberal” suggests that those who have a kitchen have gone beyond Biblical authority.  However, the assertion does not demonstrate such.  “Anti” suggests that some are opposed to something.  It might surprise some to know that “anti” was used to label those opposed to mechanical instruments of music in worship.  All are opposed to something. However, the term is frequently used to mean that one is binding something that God has not bound. The assertion does not demonstrate such).

There are two major arguments used to oppose kitchens: (1) 1 Corinthians 11; (2) authority.  I want to consider both of these arguments.

1 Corinthians 11

Paul said, “Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? (1 Corinthians 11:22a).  Again, “But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home” (1 Corinthians 11:34a).    These verses are understood by some to forbid eating in the church building.  But do they?

Let’s consider the context.  (1) The issue in context is not the building.  The building is not mentioned.  The church often met in someone’s house (cf. Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1-2).  The church could meet under some shade trees.  There is nothing sacred about the location.  (2) The issue is the perversion of the church assembly.  (a) Unity was lacking.  Brethren were being mistreated.  “For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk… do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? (1 Corinthians 11:21-22).  It seems that the Lord’s Supper was being offered in the setting of a meal.  Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper in the setting of a meal.  The historian, Everett Ferguson writes, “It seems that a meal provided the most convenient context in which the Lord’s supper was observed by early Christians.  At least this was the case at Corinth and provided the occasion for the abuses which developed there” (Everett Ferguson, Early Christians Speak, p. 131).  (b) The body of Christ was not being discerned, by some.  “For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.  For this reason, many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep” (1 Corinthians 11:29-30).

What about the words “Do you not have houses to eat and drink in”?  (a) This is sarcasm.  Consider this illustration: Let’s say that you had a family member who always visited your house on Thanksgiving Day, or some holiday.  This one did not seem to be interested in you, or in any others present.  He seemed to be present only for the food.  Therefore, you said to him, “Don’t you have a house you can eat in?”  You did not necessarily mean that he could never eat in your house.  You meant, “When you come over, I wish you came for the right reasons.  I wish you came to visit with me and others, and not just to feed your face.  You can do that at home.”  (b) No one, that I know, believes that one can only eat in a house, not under a tree, or as he walks a path.  This is not assigning the place to eat.  It is about perverting worship. 

Here are some other considerations.  (1) If this forbids eating in the building, does it forbid drinking water in the building?  If not, why not?  (2) If this forbids eating in the building, does it forbid a mother feeding her baby?  If not, why not?  (3) If this forbids eating in the building, does it forbid the preacher from eating or drinking in his office?  If not, why not?  (4) If the church worshipped under a tree, would that mean that no one should eat under that tree?  If not, why not?  (5) If the church met in my house, could anyone ever eat as my guest in my house?  We know that brethren ate together (e.g., Acts 2:46; 16:34; 2 Peter 2:13; Jude 12). My experience is that few actually argue that the location is the real issue.

Authority

The contribution is to be used to carry on the work of the church.  The work of the church is evangelism, edification, and benevolence.  It is argued that the spending on money on kitchen’s and “fellowship halls” in which we feed ourselves falls outside the work of the church.  Therefore, it is unauthorized. This is the real issue with many who hold this position. I appreciate very much the desire to do only what is authorized in the Bible.

Here is my response.  I do not think that these things always fall outside the work of the church.  (1) Kitchens may be used to render benevolence.  I have known churches that have housed and fed other members of the church who were refugees from natural disasters.  (2) Kitchens may be used to support evangelism.  I have known churches that have used their kitchens to feed workers in door-knocking campaigns.  (3) Kitchens may be used to preserve grape juice and prepare the Lord’s Supper.  (4) Multi-purpose rooms are just that.  They can be used for many things, including Bible classes.

While it is true that kitchens and multipurpose rooms can be helpful in carrying on the work of the church, I am not sure that this is the reason that most build these facilities.  We do need to stay focused on the work. I once knew a church member who thought that we should spend much money on the kitchen and multi-purpose room because we could make money by renting it out for weddings and special events. This is definitely a case of wrong goals, and poor understanding of the work of the church.

Final Thoughts

1.  Fellowship is precious and should be treated as such.  We are to be “endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3 cf. Colossians 3:14).  One should be very careful in binding personal scruples on others.

2.  Fellowship is precious and should be treated as such.  “Let us pursue the things which make for peace and things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19).  Before building a kitchen (or doing anything which might lead to division), we should ask if it is really worth it. This should be thoughtfully considered. Let us remember, “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

3.  Do not limit fellowship to the fellowship hall.  True fellowship is so much more.  It includes our working together in the kingdom to the glory of God. It includes our worship assemblies. Yes, it also includes our social interaction in the body. However, A friend of mine once expressed his concern to me that while “fellowship halls” may be permissible, they may have actually hindered the fellowship interactions of brethren.  He believed that we have declined in the amount of time spent in each other’s homes and have contented ourselves with eating together at the building. He believed that fellowship for some had been limited to eating together at the building on a monthly or quarterly schedule. We will never truly be a part of each other’s lives if we do not have greater interaction than this. We will never truly be the family that God desires us to be if we limit fellowship to this.

4.  Let us remember that the early church did engage in “love feasts” (Jude 12; 2 Peter 2:13).  Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215 A.D.) wrote of this: “Agape is truly heavenly food… The meal occurs because of love, not love because of the meal, which is proof of a generous and shared good will” (Everett Ferguson p. 129 quoting Clement of Alexandria, Instructor, book 2, chapter 1).  Brethren need to spend time together.

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For The Team

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Jolien Boumkwo is a Belgian track and field athlete.  She competes in the shot put and the hammer throw.  She holds Belgian national records in both.She recently epitomized the idea of team spirit.  She competed in the 2023 European Athletic Team Championships, which were held in late June, in Chorzow, Poland.  After finishing in seventh place in the shot put, she ran in 100m hurdles.  She really isn’t built for this event.  (Again, she is a shot putter and hammer thrower).  However, her team needed her.  The team’s two hurdlers were unable to race due to injuries.  If Belgium did not have an athlete in the race, the team would be disqualified.  Therefore, she agreed to run.  Her time was not impressive.  It was 32.81 seconds, over 19 seconds slower than the winning time.  Her hurdles were cleared by carefully stepping over them, not by leaping over them.  Even so, she earned her team two points and prevented disqualification.  She said, “My team is the most important thing for me… I couldn’t let it happen to lose by one point” (I’ll Give it a Shot! Belgian Shot Putter Become Instant Cult Hero After Hurdles Attempt, June 25, 2023, foxsports.com). 

Application

  1.  Be willing.  If there is a need, be willing to do what you dan to help meet that need. 

The Bible has many examples of volunteers.  (1) David volunteered to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17).  (2) Isaiah volunteered to preach (Isaiah 6).  (3) Nehemiah volunteered to go rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1-2).  (4) Jesus volunteered to wash the feet of the disciples (John 13).

Excuses are abundant.  “It is not my job.”  “It is not my talent.”  “Somebody else will do it” (but nobody does).  Therefore, many churches have a shortage of people willing to clean, organize space, teach, lead singing, lead prayers, preach, evangelize, serve as elders or deacons, or in some cases – even show up.  Let’s rid ourselves of the excuses.

2.  Be committed to the team and the cause.

Jolien Boumkwo was committed to her team.  She ran in a race that she had no chance of winning or even finishing better than last place.

We need to be committed to the church and the cause of Christ.  Paul said, “every part does its share” (Ephesians 4:16).  This is how it should be.  Peter said, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).  We each need to use whatever abilities we have for the cause.  May we be like the woman who anointed Jesus.  We are told, “She has done what she could” (Mark 14:8). 

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Children’s Homes

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Homes for children (sometimes called orphans’ homes) began to appear among our brethren in the early twentieth century.  The first was Tennessee Orphan Home in Columbia, Tennessee which opened on September 5, 1910.  By 1940, there were seven such homes in operation.  By 1960, there were twenty-seven (Institutionalism and Church Supported Orphanages, bibletruths.net).  Today, there are about seventy (Children’s Homes Affiliated With Churches of Christ, church-of-christ.org). 

Controversy became heated in the mid-1950’s.  Could a church support these homes from their treasury?  Three basic positions emerged.  (1) Some argue that to do so was to support a man-made institution which was parallel to supporting a missionary society.  Brethren who supported these homes became known as “institutional brethren.”  Those who opposed such became known as “non-institutional brethren.”  (2) Others argued that it was not parallel to supporting a missionary society.  It was supporting a home which was in need, a substitute home.  (3) A few argued that these homes needed to be organized under an eldership.  If this were done, then a church could support such a home.

I hold that the second position is the correct position.  I will attempt to explain why in this article.  A work which has greatly helped me is Lectures on Church Cooperation and Orphan Homes by Thomas Warren.  These lectures were delivered at the Burbank Gardens Church of Christ in Grand Prairie, Texas in October, 1957. 

Component Parts

Let’s consider the component parts (or constituent elements).  If the parts are scriptural, then the whole must be scriptural.

1.  It is scriptural for a congregation to show benevolence.

This is taught in the New Testament (e.g. Acts 6:1-3; 11:27-29; Romans 15:25-26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8 & 9; 1 Timothy 5:3-16).  No one should object to this point.

2.  It is scriptural for a congregation to render benevolence to non-Christians.

Many object to this point.  It is believed that the church should only help Christians (and perhaps their immediate family members) from the treasury.

While I do believe that the church’s primary benevolent responsibility is toward Christians, I do not believe that it is wrong to help non-Christians (2 Corinthians 9:13; Galatians 6:10).  There is no contextual reason to limit “all” to all other Christians. 

However, let’s say that one does not believe that the church may help non-Christians out of its treasury. One cannot logically infer from this position alone whether children’s homes are scriptural or not. It simply concerns who may be helped. If the youth is a Christian, may he be helped in one of these homes? If the parents were Christians but have died, may one of these homes help their surviving child who is not yet a Christian? The “Saints Only” position alone does not really answer the children’s home question. It is about “who,” not “how.”

3.  The Bible recognizes three institutions (home, government, church) each of which has its own sphere of authority.

The home was established by God (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:20-25).  Parents have oversight and responsibility for the children in the home (Deuteronomy 6:4-ff; Ephesians 6:1-4, etc.).

God allows earthly governments to exist (Romans 13:1-ff).  Rulers have authority to make just laws and citizens are to submit (Romans 13:1-ff; Titus 3:1-ff; 1 Peter 2:13-ff). 

The church is from God.  It was purposed by Him (Ephesians 3:10-11).  It was purchased by Christ (Acts 20:28).  Elders are to shepherd the flock (Acts 20:17-34; Titus 1:5-11; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1-5).

4.  God recognizes the concept of in loco parentis (in place of parents), or substitute homes.

Here are a few examples.  (1) Samuel was reared by those other than his parents (1 Samuel 1 &2).  (2) One woman was willing to give her child to another in order to spare the child’s life (1 Kings 3:26).  (3) Jehoiada and Jehoshabeth reared Joash (2 Kings 11:1-ff; 2 Chronicles 22:10-ff).  (4) Joseph reared a child that was not biologically his (Matthew 1:20-ff cf. Luke 2:41, 48).  (5) Jesus assigned the care of Mary to John (John 19:26-27).  (6) Paul speaks of a child who is under a guardian until he comes of age (Galatians 4:1-2).

5.  A home can (and should) meet legal requirements.

Unless the state requires something which violates God’s will, then Christians should comply (Acts 4:18-20; 5:28-29).  It is not inherently sinful for the state to require certain paperwork, and safety requirements.

6.  Some family units need support, even regular support.

Consider the widows.  The early church had a daily distribution of food (Acts 6:1-4).  Paul instructed the church to care for true widows (1 Timothy 5:3-ff).

I am not suggesting that children’s homes are the only way to care for children in need.  I am not even suggesting that this is the best way to care for such children.  However, I do believe that it is a way to do so which does not violate scripture.

Common Objections

1.  It is an institution separate and apart from the church.

This is true.  The church and the home are two different institutions.  The idea of substitute homes is recognized in scripture.

2.  Those homes are not under the oversight of an eldership.

This is true.  They should not be.  Just as there should be a separation of church and state, there should also be a separation of church and home.  They are distinct institutions. It is not the elders job to function as parents. It is not the church’s job to rear children.

3.  It is a human institution.

Humans organized these homes.  This we admit.  However, let us remember that the Bible recognizes substitute homes, and legal guardianship.

4.  It is parallel to a missionary society.

No, it is not. Saying it, does not make it so. A missionary society takes over the work of the church.  A children’s home does not.  It is a home, a substitute home. Thomas Warren said “Brethren, the Missionary Society is an ecclesiasticism (or para-church organization B.H.) that assumes to itself legislative powers which belong only to the churches.” (Thomas Warren, Lectures on Church Cooperation and Orphan Homes, p. 184).

5.  If it is just a home, then would you send money to a home operated by other religious groups? 

I do not believe that this necessarily follows. Thomas Warren answered, “I never did say that a church could give to anyone or anything if such giving would enhance the spread of error” (Thomas Warren, Lectures on Church Cooperation and Orphan Homes, p. 195). Alan Highers answered Eural Bingham in the Highers-Bingham Debate held in Corinth, Mississippi on November 20-21, 23-24, 1967 at the Strickland church of Christ, “No, we could not support anything that would advance false teaching” (A Review of the Higher-Bingham Debate by Randy L. Mabe, 2006 Contending For the Faith Lectureship book, editor David Brown). 

6.  Many in orphan homes are not really orphans.   

The word orphanos means “deprived of one’s parents” (Arndt-Gingrich).  One may be deprived of parental care due to a number of circumstances.  Amram and Jochebed gave up Moses for his well-being (Exodus 2). David cared for Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, following Jonathan’s death (2 Samel 4:4 cf. 9:1-ff). He was not a child when David found him, but there appears to have been a need. A woman offered to give up her son to save him (1 Kings 3:26).  However, one became orphaned, the need for help may exists.

7.  It should be done by individuals and not the church.

Individuals can (and should) care for the weak (James 1:27).  No one denies this.

However, can the church help?  I believe that it can.  We have already pointed out that the early church supported widows (Acts 6:1-ff; 1 Timothy 5:3-ff).

For most, the issue is not can the church help.  Most agree that it can.  The real issue has been: can it do so through a man-made institution?  It seems to me that it is best to understand these institutions as substitute homes, in loco parentis.

Are there other ways to care for children who are destitute of parental care?  Certainly.  Foster homes and adoption may be an option.  Helping others who foster or adopt children may be an option.  I do believe that there are other ways, maybe better ways.  However, let us be cautious before we bind the “how” on others.

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Personal Responsibility

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

On an evangelistic trip to Jamaica some years ago, I heard a song which has stuck with me.  I do not remember all the words.  However, the song said, “If I should die and be lost in the end, it is nobody’s fault but mine.”  This is so true.  Let’s consider Ezekiel 18. 

“Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4).

God is sovereign.  He had determined who will be punished.  It is those who are guilty of sin.  He references the law (Deuteronomy 24:16; 2 Chronicles 25:1-4). 

1.  The Righteous Man

“But if a man is just and does what is lawful and right… If he has walked in My statutes and kept My judgments faithfully – he is just; he shall surely live!” (Ezekiel 18:5-9).

God does not punish the righteous.  He is not that way in dealing with man.

A clarification should be made between consequences of others sins (e.g. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah went into Babylonian captivity due to Judah’s national sins).  However, God does not hold the righteous as guilty.

2.  The Wicked Son

“If he begets a son who is a robber, or a shedder of blood… If he has oppressed the poor and the needy… If he has done any of these abominations, he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him” (Ezekiel 18:10-13).

Righteousness is not inherited.  A righteous man may have a wicked son (2 Chronicles 29:1-2 cf. 33:1-3).

Moreover, a wicked son is not exempt from punishment simply because he had a righteous mother or father.  Each is responsible for himself.

3.  The Righteous Son

“If, however, he begets a son who sees all the sins which his father has done, and considers but does not do likewise… But has executed My judgements and walked in My statutes – he shall not die for the iniquity of his father; he shall live!  As for his father… behold he shall die in his iniquity” (Ezekiel 18:14-18).

Guilt is not inherited.  A wicked man can have a righteous son (2 Chronicles 28:1-3 cf. 29:1-2; 2 Chronicles 33:21-23 cf. 34:1-2).  Each is responsible for himself.

Moreover, righteousness is not credited from the son to the father.  One is not counted as righteous because of the character of one’s children.

4.  The Repentant One

“But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.  None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him” (Ezekiel 18:21-22).

God is a God of second (and third, and fourth…) chances.  He does not want us to be lost.  “‘Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?’ says the Lord God, ‘and not that he should turn from his ways and live?’” (Ezekiel 18:23).

5.  The Apostate One

“But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live?  All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered… he shall die” (Ezekiel 18:24).  

Being righteous once upon a time is not enough.  He wants us to live a faithful life.  It is possible to go back into a sinful lifestyle.  “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:22-23).

“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:8).

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Father and Son’s Fishing Trip

Posted on June 20, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Charles Francis Adams Sr. (1807-1886) was an important man.  He was a politician like his father, John Quincy Adams, and his grandfather, John Adams.  He served in the Massachusetts legislature, then, in the U.S. Congress, and finally as the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain during the U.S. Civil War.

Henry Brooks Adams (1838-1918) was the fourth of seven children born to Charles Francis and Abigail Brooks.  As a young man Henry Brooks would serve as secretary to his father, while his father was a congressman and ambassador.  Later, Henry Brooks would become a historian and writer. 

Our story is about a father and son fishing trip which occurred when Henry Brooks was eight years old.  Charles Francis wrote in his diary, “went fishing with my son, a day wasted.”  The reason for this evaluation was not stated.  Maybe, it means that they caught no fish.  Maybe, it means that it was a day of leisure and not work.  The son entered this into his diary, “Went fishing with my father today, the most glorious day of my life.”  What a different perspective.

The Wheeling Intelligencer contained an article on June 15, 2014 which retold this story.  The article was titled: A Day Spent With Your Child Is Far From A Wasted Day.”  This is so true.

Our children need us.  They need our time.  Consider – “These words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and talk of them when you sit in your house, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).  “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).  They need our hearts.  John the baptizer was to turn “the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6 cf. Luke 1:17). 

Edgar Guest penned a long poem titled, “A Boy and His Dad.”  Especially consider the last stanza.

A Boy and His Dad

by Edgar Guest  1881 –1959

A boy and his dad on a fishing-trip—

There is a glorious fellowship!

Father and son and the open sky

And the white clouds lazily drifting by,

And the laughing stream as it runs along

With the clicking reel like a martial song,

And the father teaching the youngster gay

How to land a fish in the sportsman’s way.

I fancy I hear them talking there

In an open boat, and the speech is fair.

And the boy is learning the ways of men

From the finest man in his youthful ken.

Kings, to the youngster, cannot compare

With the gentle father who’s with him there.

And the greatest mind of the human race

Not for one minute could take his place.

Which is happier, man or boy?

The soul of the father is steeped in joy,

For he’s finding out, to his heart’s delight,

That his son is fit for the future fight.

He is learning the glorious depths of him,

And the thoughts he thinks and his every whim;

And he shall discover, when night comes on,

How close he has grown to his little son.

A boy and his dad on a fishing-trip—

Builders of life’s companionship!

Oh, I envy them, as I see them there

Under the sky in the open air,

For out of the old, old long-ago

Come the summer days that I used to know,

When I learned life’s truths from my father’s lips

As I shared the joy of his fishing-trips.

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Glory in This

Posted on June 6, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

In what do you glory?  So much of that in which we glory does not last.  In 1985, Bruce Springsteen released, “Glory Days.”  (Wow!  It has been 38 years!).  The song is about the passing of time.  He sings, “I had a friend (who) was a big baseball player back in high school.  He could throw that speedball by you; make you look like a fool.  Saw him just the other night… all he kept talking about was glory days\ Well there’s a girl that lives up the block, back in school she could turn all the boy’s heads.  Sometimes on a Friday I’ll stop by… we just sit around and talking about the old times… she starts laughing thinking about glory days\ Glory days they’ll pass you by, glory days in the wink of a young girl’s eye, glory days” (Bruce Springsteen, Glory Days).

Wrong Things

1.  Wisdom.  “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom” (Jeremiah 9:23a).

The “wise man” may refer to one who thinks that he is wise, but is not in agreement with God (cf. Jeremiah 8:8-9; 18:18).  Many are like this.  Solomon warns, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7). 

Another possibility is that the “wise man” may refer to one who is wise in earthly things (cf. Jeremiah 49:7; 50:35; 51:57). This seems to fit.  Some are wise in business and money.  Some are wise in politics and government.  There is nothing necessarily wrong with earthly wisdom.

However, here are some things to keep in mind.  (1) The wisdom of man is nothing compared to the wisdom of God.  “There is none like You, O LORD… For among all the wise men of the nations… there is none like You” (Jeremiah 10:6-7).  “He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens at His discretion” (Jeremiah 10:12 cf. 51:15).  (2) Man’s cognitive abilities may diminish over time.  Age can do this.  (3) Technology and current understanding can pass by one.  This is especially true once one is out of the workforce.  (4) Even the wisest of men die.

2.  Might.  “Let not the mighty man glory in his might” (Jeremiah 9:23b).

The “mighty man” refers to the strong warrior, or powerful military man (cf. Jeremiah 5:16; 14:9; 26:21; 41:16; 46:9; 48:14; 51:30, 56-57, etc.).  Some are warriors.  Some are physically strong.

However, here are some things to keep in mind.  (1) The might of man is nothing compared to the might of God.  “Ah, Lord GOD!  Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.  There is nothing to hard for You… the Great, the Might God” (Jeremiah 32:17-18).  God, not man, should be feared (Matthew 10:28).  (2) Man’s physical abilities usually diminish over time.  (3) Others may come who are bigger, stronger, or faster.  (4) Even the mightiest of men die.

3.  Riches.  “Nor let the rich man glory in his riches” (Jeremiah 9:23c).

Riches are mentioned several times in the book of Jeremiah.  Many times it is in the context of ill-gotten gain (Jeremiah 5:26-27; 17:11) and covetousness (Jeremiah 6:13; 8:10; 51:13).  However, possessions and riches are not wrong in and of themselves (Jer. 32; 1 Tim. 6:17-19).

Here are some things to keep in mind.  (1) Lasting riches are in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).  (2) Earthly riches can disappear (Jeremiah 48:36; Proverbs 23:4-5).  (3) Earthly riches cannot save (Proverbs 11:4; Mark 8:36-37).  (4) The richest of men die (Luke 12:13-21; 16:19-31).  (5) When one dies, he cannot take his earthly riches with him to the other side (Ecclesiastes 2:20-21; Luke 12:20; 1 Timothy 6:6-7).

Right Thing

“ ‘But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.  For in these I delight,’ says the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:24).

Wayne Jackson comments, “Neither scholarship, military strength, nor wealth would be able to deliver Judah in the day of her calamity.  The only source of true confidence was understanding and knowing the true God and his attributes, e.g., his kindness (on those who serve him), his justice (in dealing fairly with all), and his righteousness (his demand regarding human conduct).  In these things, Jehovah delights.  Paul cites this passage in 1 Corinthians 1:31 (and) 2 Corinthians 10:17” (Wayne Jackson, The Prophets, p. 134).

Do you know God?  If God exists (and He does) then nothing could possibly be more important.

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Hezekiah and Prayer

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

“Thus says the LORD: ‘set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live’” (2 Kings 20:1; Isaiah 38:1).

Hezekiah was about 39 years old (2 Kings 20:6 cf. 2 Kings 18:1-2).  He had accomplished many good things in his 14 years as King of Judah.  He had cleansed the temple, restored worship, and removed idols and idolatrous worship sites from the land (2 Kings 18; 2 Chronicles 29-31).  He trusted in the LORD when threatened by Assyria (2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32). 

Hezekiah was sick and near death.  Isaiah, the prophet delivered the news from the LORD.  “Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.”

“Then he turned his face toward the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, ‘Remember now, O LORD I prayer, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.’  And Hezekiah wept bitterly” (2 Kings 20:2; Isaiah 38:2).

Hezekiah prayed.  This is not Hezekiah’s only recorded prayer.  There are three [(1) 2 Kings 19:14-19; 2 Chronicles 32:20; Isaiah 37:14-20; (2) 2 Kings 20:1-2; 2 Chronicles 32:24; Isaiah 38:1-2; (3) Isaiah 38:9-20].  

“Thus says the LORD, the God of David your Father: ‘I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you… And I will add to your days fifteen years” (2 Kings 20:4-6; Isaiah 38:4-8).

Hezekiah’s prayer resulted in 15 years being added to his life.  Isaiah delivered the news.  Here is something that will puzzle the mind.  Manasseh had not yet been born (2 Kings 18:1-2 cf. 20:6 cf. 20:21-21:1).  The seed-line had to continue (2 Samuel 7:12-16; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14).  Jesus’ genealogy includes Hezekiah and Manasseh (Matthew 1:10).

Consider these questions: (1) Did God lie when he said that Hezekiah would die?  Certainly not (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18).  (2) Did Hezekiah’s prayer make a difference?  The record indicates that it did (2 Kings 20:4-6; Isaiah 38:4-5).  (3) How can this be when Manasseh had not yet been born?  It must be that God already knew that Hezekiah would pray (cf. Isaiah 46:10). 

The fact that God knows what we will do does not mean that we do not need to do it.  Just because God knew that Hezekiah would pray does not mean that Hezekiah did not need to pray.  Martin Luther made this remark, “And here you must repel such thoughts as: What does my prayer matter?  This is just the same as if a son were to say to his father: What does it matter whether I am obedient or not?” (Martin Luther, On Prayer, Sermons on the Catechism, 1528). Consider this: Does obedience matter to God? If He knows whether I will obey, does this mean that I need not obey? It does not.

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In The News: Dennis Prager

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Dennis Prager is a wise man.  I enjoy his weekly Fireside Chats.  Rarely do I miss viewing this weekly program.  His Rational Bible Commentary series on the Torah contains some good thoughts.

However, no one should be blindly followed.  All teaching should be tested by God’s word (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Dennis Prager has raised quite a bit of controversy in recent weeks.  In a panel discussion hosted by Jordan Peterson, Prager said, “looking with lust is not a sin in Judaism.”  When asked about pornography he said, “if pornography is a substitute for one’s wife, it is awful.  If it is a substitute for adultery, it is not awful.” 

Is it true that the Tanakh (or Hebrew Bible) only addresses behavior and not thought?  It is not true.  The Ten Commandments read, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s” (Exodus 20:17).  Job said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman” (Job 31:1).  In Proverbs we are warned, “Keep your heart with all diligence for out of it springs the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).    Jesus is more explicit.  He says, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28).  Again, “You had heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’  But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” (Matthew 5:21-22 cf. 1 John 3:15).  He desires that the inside of man be clean (Matthew 23:26).  He teaches, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

In a PragerU video entitled Judaism v. Christianity, Dennis Prager says, “Judaism holds that God judges people by their behavior, not by their theology, their beliefs, their faith.” 

Is it true that in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) God is unconcerned about theology, belief, or faith?  It is not true.  He cares about theology.  The Ten Commandments read, “You shall have no other gods before Me.  You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” (Exodus 20:3-4).  The Shema says, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one; You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4).  Belief (or faith) matter.  Of Abraham, we are told, “he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15: 6).  The book of Habakkuk declares “the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

The New Testament is more explicit.  Theology matters.  Paul declares, “We ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising” (Acts 17:29).  Belief matters.  Jesus said, “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).  The writer of Hebrews says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). 

There are others who go to another extreme.  They believe that God is only concerned with our faith, not with our actions.  This is also wrong.  John says, “He wo says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4 cf. 1 John 1:6).  Again, “Little children, let no one deceive you.  He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous” (1 John 3:7).

Our entire being should be dedicated to God.  “May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). James Burton Coffman suggests that this means intellect, spiritual nature, and physical being. Albert Barnes suggest that this means immortal spirit, affections or emotions, and material body. It could also mean inward man, life, and outward man. Leon Crouch comments, “It is sufficient here to say that the use of the three nouns, spirit, soul and body is to give more emphasis to the completeness of the sanctification for which the writer prays. The statement means something like: ‘may every part of your being be kept entirely without fault'” (Leon Crouch, Commentary on 1&2 Thessalonians, p.95). This refers to complete sanctification.

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What Would That Look Like?

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

I once had a conversation with a member about her commitment to Christ and her involvement in the local church.  I was asked: What would proper involvement look like?

This is an excellent question to ask.  Let’s try to answer this.  First, true Christianity involves discipleship.  Christianity is more than being baptized.  Jesus did not say “Go baptize” but “Go make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).  What is a disciple?  W.E. Vine says, “lit. a learner… A ‘disciple’ was not only a pupil, but an adherent; hence they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher; cf. John 8:31; 15:8.”  Joseph Henry Thayer says, “a learner, pupil, disciple… one who follows one’s teaching.”  Clearly, discipleship involves more than intellectual learning.  It involves following Christ (e.g. Luke 14;25-33; Luke 9:57-62).

Second, true Christianity involves becoming Christlike.  Paul writes, “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you (Galatians 4:19 cf. 2:20).  We are to imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).  Thayer indicates that the name Christian means “a follower of Christ.”  C.S. Lewis famously writes, “Every Christian is to become a little Christ” (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Good Infection, p. 177).  Again, “Men are to be mirrors or carriers of Christ to other men” (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Let’s Pretend, p. 190).  

Third, true Christianity bears fruit with patience (Luke 8:8, 15).  Some hearts are hard; the word of God never finds a place in their hearts (Luke 8:5, 12).  Some are shallow; they have no depth of commitment (Luke 8:6, 13).  Some are of divided interest; they produce little or no fruit (Luke 8:7, 14).  Those with good hearts are productive fruit bearers.  Moreover, they are enduring in this characteristic (Luke 8:8, 15).   

Fourth, true Christianity requires the proper priorities.  Consider: (1) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6).  (2) “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).  (3) “He who loves father and mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37).  (4) “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).  (5) “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).

Fifth, true Christianity involves genuine love.  Consider: (1) “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).  (2) Without love, we profit nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).  (3) “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). 

The above may be considered some general principles of Christianity.  These are broad strokes.

However, the person, with whom I spoke, seemed to be wanting specific details.  Let’s now paint with a finer brush.  First, the true Christian wants to assemble with other Christians (Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7; Hebrews 10:24-25).  They not only assemble, but they worship with joy and thanksgiving (cf. Philippians 4:4; Colossians 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:7).  Moreover, they assemble not simply to benefit themselves, but with the aim of edifying other (Hebrews 10:24-25).  Some ask, “do I have to be there every time the church meets?  To ask this question may reveal a heart issue.  Does a husband ask, “Do I have to come home every night to my wife?”  Does a wife ask, “How much time do I have to spend with my husband?  What is the minimum I can get away with?”  We should want to be together.  It is encouraging to many for you to be present.  Your absence also says something.  Marshall Keeble used to say that your automobile could preach.  Its presence tells others of your interest.  Its absence also tells the world something.  Imagine a visitor showing up because of you, but you are not there.  Imagine a visitor showing up with children, but no children are present.  They all had more important things to do.  What would the visitor think?

Second, the true Christian genuinely cares about other members.  It is not just a once-a-week relationship.  We are to “exhort one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).  We are to “warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

Third, the true Christian is a serious Bible student.  We are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).  We are to become knowledgeable enough to teach others (Hebrews 5:12).  I am afraid that many Christians never develop the knowledge and skills necessary to adequately defend what they believe.  I am referring to things like: inspiration of scriptures; the completeness of scripture (sola scriptura); the doctrine of the Godhead; the deity of Christ; the one church; who a Christian is; the plan of salvation; why we worship the way we do.  The typical Muslim and Jehovah Witness, I suspect, could embarrass some of us in a one-on-one discussion.

Fourth, a true Christian is a busy B.E.E.  (1) Benevolence.  “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).  “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble…” (James 1:27).  (2) Evangelism.  “Therefore those who were scattered with everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).  “By this time you ought to be teachers” (Hebrews 5:12).  “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).  (3) Edification.  “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).  “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  “Warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).  We should actively be doing these things.  We are to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).  We are to be “careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8).  We are to “learn to maintain good works to meet urgent needs… not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14). 

This is what true Christianity looks like!

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