It’s The LORD’s Day!

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Gospel preacher, Steve Higginbotham wrote on the week before last Christmas an article entitled, “Do You Know What Next Sunday Is?”  In it, he said, “As you already know, next Sunday, just eight days from now will be… ‘The Lord’s Day!’  Yes, I said, ‘The Lord’s Day.’  Oh, I know that next Sunday also happens to be ‘Christmas,’ but to the followers of Jesus, that social holiday should pale in comparison to the Lord’s Day” (preachinghelp.org). 

The Lutheran magazine Gottesblog recently contained an article by Burnell Eckardt entitled, “It’s Not So Much That We Have to Go; We Get to Go!”  In it, he said, “It’s pretty common for people to think they need to attend Sunday worship at least once in a while if they’re members of the church.  But that kind of thinking is at odds with the thinking of the first witnesses of the resurrection.  They, says the very last sentence in the Gospel of Luke, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God (Luke 24:52-53).  That doesn’t sound like to me as though they worshipped out of obligation… but out of joy, the joy of knowing and being convinced that they Lord Jesus, who was given into death, had been raised from the dead…”

What is your attitude about worship?  We are to sing “with grace in (our) hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).  We are to give cheerfully (1 Corinthians  9:7).  We are to give thanks (1 Corinthians 14:15-16).  We are to remember Jesus and the price paid for our sins (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).  We are to seek to edify one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).  This does not sound like disengaged, uninterested members gathering together merely out of obligation. 

What is it that makes the first day of the week significant?  (1) It was on the first day of the week Jesus’ tomb was found empty (Matthew 28:1-2; Mark 16:1-2; Luke 24:1-2; John 20:1-2).  (2) It was on the first day of the week that Jesus appeared to his disciples, following his resurrection (Matthew 28:9-10; Mark 16:9-10; Luke 24:13-35, 36-43; John 20:11-18, 19-23).  (3) The church began on the first day of the week (Acts 2:1 cf. Leviticus 23:15-16).  (4) The church worshipped on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). 

Why do we call the first day of the week the Lord’s Day?  The words “the Lord’s Day” appear in Revelation 1:10 but are not explained.  Elsewhere, the Bible speaks of “the Lord’s Table” (1 Corinthians 10:21), and “the Lord’s Supper” (1 Corinthians 11:20).  This is partaken on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Furthermore, this language is used in history.  The Didache (80-120 A.D.): “On the Lord’s own day, when you gather together, break bread and give thanks after you have confessed your unlawful deeds, that your sacrifice may be pure” (14:1).  Ignatius of Antioch (death c. 107-110 A.D.) “…no longer observing the Sabbath but living according to the Lord’s day, in which our life arose through him…” (Everett Ferguson, Early Christians Speak, p. 67, quoting Magnesian 9).  Eusebius (4th Century A.D.).  “They (Ebionites – B.H.) also observe the Lord’s day very much like us, in the commemoration of his resurrection” (Ecclesiastical History Book 3, Chapter 27).  It is his special day. Some suggest that this designation may have been used in response to Rome. James Burton Coffman comments, “‘There is every reason to believe the church used the day in protest against Caesar-worship'(R.T. Randell) … According to Deissmann, from A.D.30 and continuing till 98-117, one day of every month was called ‘Augustus Day’ … and it certainly could have been that the Christians started referring to the first day of the week as “the Lord’s day’ in opposition to the current idolatry directed toward Roman emperors”(James Burton Coffman, Commentary on Revelation, p.29)

How do we treat the Lord’s Day?  Let us truly make it about him.  Let us keep it with joy.  Tertullian (c. 150-222 A.D.).  “It is well known that… we regard Sunday as a day of joy” (Everett Ferguson, p. 68, Quoting To the Nations I:13).

Posted in History, Old Testament/New Testament, Phrase Study, worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Who Did It?

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Many enjoy a good “whodunnit” story. Many have enjoyed Agatha Christie novels. Some grew up reading The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. When I was young, Columbo was one of my favorite television series.  Later, there was Murder, She Wrote.

Let’s ask “whodunnit” with a couple of major events in the Bible.  It is not so difficult.  However, perhaps, there is a need to examine things a bit more closely. 

1.  The Exodus

Who is it that led the children of Israel out of Egypt and to the Promised Land?  The easy answer is that God did it (Deuteronomy 4:35-38).    However, let’s look closer.  (1) The Angel of the LORD is said to have done this (Exodus 23:20-21; Judges 2:1-4).  Is this language of agency?  Or, is this Angel (messenger) actually God?  The angel seems to be called “God” and “LORD” or “Jehovah” (Exodus 3:2 cf. 3:4; Judges 6:12 cf. 6:14, 16, 20).  This Angel seems to call himself “God” (Genesis 31:11 cf. 31:13; Exodus 3:22 cf. 3:5).  This Angel is named “Wonderful” (Judges 13:16-17 cf. Isaiah 9:16-17).  The Angel seems to say that where he is present is holy ground (Exodus 3:1-5; Joshua 5:13-14).  (2) Jesus is said to have done this (Jude 5 ESV).  There is a textual variant in this verse.  Some manuscripts read “Jesus.”  Other manuscripts read “Lord.”  In context, “Lord” seems to refer to Jesus (cf. Jude 4).  The word “Lord” appears several times in the book of Jude (v. 4, 5*, 9, 14, 17, 21, 25* – * in some manuscripts).  All, but v. 5 and v. 9 are clear and undisputable references to Jesus.

Here are a few observations.  First, Jesus existed before his incarnation (Jude 5, cf. John 1:1-3, 14; John 8:58; Micah 5:2).  Second, Jesus was actively working in this world before his incarnation.  Third, it seems likely that the Angel of the LORD is the pre-incarnate Jesus.

2.  The Resurrection of Jesus

Christianity rests upon the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  Paul summed it up saying, “If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Who raised Jesus from the dead?  The easy answer is that God raised him from the dead.  Peter affirmed this (Acts 2:22-24; 2:32; 10:38-40).  Paul likewise affirmed this (Acts 13:29-30). 

However, let’s look closer.  (1) The Father is said to have raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 6:4; Galatians 1:1).  (2) The Spirit of God is said to have raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11 cf. 8:9).  Furthermore, (3) Jesus said that he would raise himself.  Consider: “ ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” …He was speaking of the temple of His body” (John 2:19-21).  Again, “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.  No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down, and I have power to take it again.  This command I have received from My Father” (John 10:17-18). 

Here are a few observations.  First, Jesus did not cease to exist when he died.  He could not raise himself, if he ceased to exist.  Second, Jesus has authority over death.  He later would say, “I am the first and the last.  I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.  Amen.  And I have the keys of Hades and death” (Revelation 1:17-18).  Note: The words “the first and the last” is language used of Jehovah God (cf. Isaiah 41:4; 44:6-8; 48:12-13).  Third, Jesus claim to be able to do that which only God could do.  Is this the language of agency? Or, is this the language of deity?  Language of deity is used of Jesus (Revelation 1:10; 1:17-18; 2:8; 22:12-13 cf. Isaiah 41:4; 44:6-8; 48:12-13, etc.).  Fourth, there is unity between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  While distinction in person may be made, unity is emphasized.  They worked together.  Jesus said, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30).  Jesus desires Christians to be so united (John 17:20-21).

Posted in Angels, exodus, Godhead, Holy Spirit, Jesus, resurrection, Textual varients, Unity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

I Am A Good Person

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

“You don’t have to be a member of a church to be good.  You don’t have to be a regular attender of the church assembly to be good.  There are good people and bad people everywhere.”  This is the way that some reason.  This is the way that some try to excuse themselves.

How do we respond?  First, in an absolute sense, God alone is wholly good (Mark 10:18; Ecclesiastes 7:20).  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Second, God will not judge by weighing our good deeds and bad deeds in a scale.  “Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).  It is not a matter of one’s good deeds outweighing one’s bad deeds.  “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). 

Third, none will be saved by his own goodness (Ephesians 2:8-9).  If we could be counted as righteous by our own goodness, then Christ died in vain (Galatians 2:21).

Fourth, God’s grace is found “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3, 7, 11; 2 Timothy 2:1; 1 John 5:11).  One gets into Christ by baptism (Galatians 3:26-28). 

Fifth, Christ is the Savior of the body (Ephesians 5:23).  There is one body (Ephesians 4:4).  The body is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23).  “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into the one body (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Sixth, the New Testament teaches that we are to assemble.  “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the Day approaching.  For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment…” (Hebrews 10:24-27).  The disciples came together on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7). 

Seventh, there are acts of worship which are to be done together in an assembly with other Christians.  (1) The Lord’s Supper – the disciples came together on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7).  (2) Giving – it was also to be done on the first day of the week.  It was to be done in such a way that it would not need to be collected when Paul came (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).  (3) Singing – we are to speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).  (4) Preaching and (5) prayer are to be done in such a way that others in the assembly may be able to understand and be edified (1 Corinthians 14).  Paul says, “Let all things be done for edification” (1 Corinthians 14:26b); “Let all things be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).  Implied is that the church assembled.  Moreover, some items of worship are designed to be done together (e.g. The Lord’s Supper, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs).

Let’s return to the idea of being a good person.  The Bible does speak of good people.  The word “good” is used in different ways in different contexts.  (1) It is used of being fair and kind to others (e.g. Psalm 112:5; Romans 5:7; 1 Peter 2:18).  (2) It is used of relationship with truth, and with God.  Jesus spoke of good trees (Matthew 7:17), good men (Matthew 12:35), good hearts (Luke 8:15), and good servants (Luke 19:16-17; Matthew 25:20-23).  Joseph of Arimathea is referred to as a good man (Luke 23:50-53).  Does this refer to his willingness to be identified with Jesus?  Or, does it refer to His justness and fairness?  Barnabas is referred to as a good man (Acts 11:22-24).  This seems to refer to spiritual connection with God and His word.  It is my belief that true goodness can only be found in relationship with God and His word.  Let us be truly good.

Posted in church, Grace, Judgment, Man, Sin, Word Study, worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Did the Catholic Church Give Us the Bible?

Posted on April 20, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

A common refrain by Catholics is that the Roman Catholic Church gave the canon of scripture to man.  It is reasoned that without the Roman Catholic Church the world would not even know which books to accept as scripture.  This is used to argue for the authority of the Roman Catholic Church.

Consider these statements.  “Yes, the Catholic Church did give the world the Bible.  The Catholic Church wrote the New Testament.  Then, took the Jewish scriptures and combined them with the New Testament to form the Bible” (Did the Catholic Church Give us the Bible? By De Maria, catholic365.com).  “The Old Testament books were written well before Jesus’ incarnation, and all of the New Testament books were written by roughly the end of the first century A.D.  But the Bible as a whole was not officially compiled until the late fourth century, illustrating that it was the Catholic church who determined the canon…” (Who Compiled the Bible and When? By Tom Nash, catholic.com).    

Is this true?  How do we respond to this?  Here is my brief reply.  First, there is a distinction between what God has determined and what man recognizes or declares.  Norman Geisler and William Nix have well stated, “Canonicity is determined by God.  A book is not inspired because men made it canonical; it is canonical because God inspired it… canonicity is determined or established authoritatively by God; it is merely discovered by man. The incorrect view places the church over canon whereas the proper view places the church under canon” (Norman Geisler and William E. Nix, A General Introduction to the Bible, p. 221-222).  Let me illustrate, when Paul wrote an epistle to the church, it had authority whether or not the church accepted what was written.  J.I. Packer said this, “The church no more gave us the New Testament canon than Sir Isaac Newton gave us the force of gravity.  God gave us gravity, by His work of creation, and similarly He gave us the New Testament canon, by inspiring the books that make it up” (Geisler and Nix, p. 211).

Second, the Hebrew scriptures, what we call the Old Testament, were in use long before the Roman Catholic Church came into existence.  These books were authoritative before any Roman councils occurred.  This is admitted by Roman Catholics. 

Third, New Testament writings were being circulated among local churches long before the Roman Catholic Church came into existence (e.g. Colossians 4:16; 1 Timothy 5:18 cf. Deuteronomy 25:4 and Luke 10:7; 2 Peter 3:14-16).  I realize that the Roman Catholic Church claims that it existed at this point, and was the first church.  However, there is no historical evidence that its organizational structure existed at this time (e.g. Universal Bishop, Separate Priesthood, Clergy – laity) or many of its practices (e.g. prayer to Mary, sprinkling, etc.).    

Four, there was acceptance of the New Testament books before any Roman councils declared their acceptance.  Justin Martyr (c. 100-165 A.D.).  “On the day called Sunday all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read…” (First Apology of Justin, Chapter 67).  This sounds like Ephesians 2:19-20.  Origen (c. 185-254 A.D.) compared the New Testament writers and their writings to the trumpets at Jericho.  He said, “Matthew first sounded the priestly trumpet in his Gospel; Mark also; Luke and John each played their own priestly trumpets.  Even Peter cries out with trumpets in two of his epistles; also, James and Jude.  In addition, John also sounded the trumpet through his epistles, and Luke, as he describes the Acts of the Apostles.  And now that last one comes, the one who said, ‘I think God displays us apostles last’ (1 Corinthians 4:9 B.H.), and in fourteen of his epistles, thundering with trumpets, he casts down the walls of Jericho and all the devices of idolatry and dogmas of philosophers, all the way to the foundations” (Origen, Homilies on Joshua, Homily 7 nd.edu).  Origen does acknowledge that some disputed the books of Hebrews, 2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, James and Jude (F.F. Bruce, The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable, p. 25).  Most of the books were received without dispute. They were regarded as homologoumena (acknowledged). The books which some disputed were regarded as antilegomena (disputed). Eusebius (c. 265-340 A.D.)  “mentions as generally acknowledged all the books of our New Testament except James, Jude, 2 Peter, and 2 & 3 John which were disputed by some, but recognized by the majority” (F.F. Bruce, p. 25 cf. Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History Book 3, Chapters 3, 24, 25).  Athanasius (c. 367 A.D.) listed the New Testament books as the same 27 in use today. This was before the councils of Hippo in 393 A.D. and of Carthage in 397 A.D. (Geisler and Nix, p. 293).     

Fifth, the Catholic Church has not been in sole possession of the Bible.  David J. Riggs has written, “The Catholic claim of giving the Bible to the world cannot be true because they have not been the sole possessor of the Bible at any time.  Some of the most valuable Greek Bibles and versions have been handed down to us from non-Roman Catholic sources.  A notable example of this is the Codex Sinaiticus which was found in the Monastery of St. Catherine (of the Greek Orthodox Church) at Mount Sinai in 1844 and is now found in the British Museum.  It contains all of the New Testament and all but a portion of the Old Testament.  Scholars are certain that this manuscript was made early in the fourth century, not later than 350 A.D…. this manuscript has never been in the hands of the Roman Catholic Church.  Another valuable manuscript that has never been possessed by the Roman Catholic Church is Codex Alexandrianus.  It too is now on exhibit in the manuscript room of the British Museum in London.  It was a gift from the Patriarch of Constantinople (of the Greek Orthodox Church) to Charles I in 1628… scholars are certain that this manuscript was also made in the fourth century” (David J. Riggs, Did The Catholic Church Give Us the Bible?). 

Sixth, even if the Roman Catholic Church could prove that they were responsible for compiling the canon of scriptures this would not prove that they are the true church.  If a cult leader hands me a Bible, would that make him a true Christian? If the town drunk gives me a Bible, does that make him a true Christian? David Riggs points out, “God has at times used evil agencies to accomplish His purpose (Jeremiah 27:6-8; 43;10; Habakkuk 1:5-11; John 11:49-52).” 

Why did it take time for an official list to come forth?  Geisler and Nix provides these thoughts: “First, communication and transportation were slow in those days. Hence, it took much longer for the believers in the West to become fully aware of the evidence for books first written and circulated in the East, and vice versa. Second, the first centuries of the church (prior to A.D. 313) were times of great persecution that did not provide the resources nor allow for research … Third, there was no widespread need to list the precise books of the canon until there was a serious challenge to the canonical books, which had already been accepted for centuries. That challenge did not become acute until Marcion published his heretical canon (with only Luke and ten of Paul’s epistles) in the middle of the second century … Along with his gnosticism there were many apocryphal gospels and epistles written in the second and third centuries … Since those books claimed divine authority, it was necessary for the universal church to define precisely the limits of the canon that had been determined by God and recognized earlier by the people of God” (Geisler and Nix, p. 231).

Posted in Apologetics, Bible History, Catholic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

When I Survey…

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Isaac Watts (1674-1748), from a young age, had a way with words.  He once frustrated his father by his continual rhyming.  When his father scolded him, he quickly replied, “Oh, father, do some pity take, and I will no more verses make” (Isaac Watts, songsandhymns.org).  When he was about twenty, he complained to his father about the songs they were singing.  His father said, “Well, then, young man, why don’t you give us something better to sing?” (ibid).  He arose to the challenge and began to compose hymns. 

He is credited with composing over 700 hymns.  Here are some which may be familiar to you: Alas and Did My Savior Bleed, At the Cross, Joy to the World, We’re Marching to Zion, I Sing the Mighty Power of God, Our God Our Help in Ages Past, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.  This last may be my favorite of all hymns.  “Charles Wesley… is reported to have said that he would have traded his own entire output if he could have written that one hymn” (Isaac Watts, encyclopedia.com). 

Let’s consider this meaningful hymn.

1.  When I survey the wondrous cross on which the prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and our contempt on all my pride.    Meditating on the cross can humble and change a person.  It has the power to change one’s priorities.  It had this effect on Paul.  He had a resume most Israelites could only dream of having.   

However, the cross changed his priorities.  He wrote, “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.  Yet, indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8).  The love of Christ changed him.  There was no place for pride.  He reasoned, “But by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10).

2.  Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my Lord; All the vain things that charmed me most I sacrifice them to His blood.

Meditating on the cross takes the focus off of self.  It has the power to remove the boasting and the trusting in other things.  It did this for Paul.  He wrote, “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain” (Galatians 2:21).  Again, “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has be crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14).  Once more, he said, “Not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, by that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith” (Philippians 3:9). 

3.  See, from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down; Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Meditating on the cross help remind us what true love is.  The cross is about love.  “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.  And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16).

4.  Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small; Love so amazing so divine, demands my soul my life, my all.

Meditating on the cross should remind us how much we owe to our God and Savior, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1-2).  “He has shown you, O man what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?  (Micah 6:8).   His people should be “zealous for Good works” (Titus 2:14). 

      

Posted in Cross, Dedication, Humility, Jesus, Love, pride, Priorities, Singing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Three Roles to Consider

Posted on April 7, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

I want to highlight three roles which are mentioned in the book of Ezekiel.  These roles are: the watchman, the hearers, and the shepherds.

1.  The Watchman (Ezekiel 3, 33).

The prophet or preacher is compared to a watchman.  It is his duty to warn.  Many ancient cities were enclosed by walls.  Watchmen were posted on the walls to look for danger and warn (cf. 2 Samuel 18:24-33; 2 Kings 9:16-20).  The preacher is to hear God’s word and warn of spiritual danger (Ezekiel 3:16-17). 

(1) If a spiritual watchman fails to give warning, the consequences are grave.  (a) The wicked will have no warning.  He will not be saved.  He will die in his inquiry (Ezekiel 3:18).  Think of the song: You Never Mentioned Him to Me by James Rowe.  “You never mentioned Him to me, You helped me not the light to see; You met me day by day and knew I was astray, Yet never mentioned Him to me.”  (b) The righteous may not continue in their righteousness (Ezekiel 3:20-21).  The message preached may motivate one to stay on the right path.  (c) The preacher will be held accountable (Ezekiel 3:18, 20).    (2) If a spiritual watchman is faithful to give warning, the results may be beautiful.  (a) People may be saved (Ezekiel 3:21; 33:5b).  God pleaded with Israel, “Turn, turn from your evil ways!  For why should you die, O house of Israel?”  (Ezekiel 33:11).  (b)  The preacher may save himself, whether or not other listen (Ezekiel 3:19, 21).  Paul exhorted Timothy, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine, continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).  He also said of his own work, “Therefore I testify that I am innocent of the blood of all men.  For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27 cf. Ezekiel 3:17-18; 33:8). 

2.  The Hearers (Ezekiel 33).

The hearers also have responsibility.  They are to adjust their lives to God’s word.  God says, “He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself.  But he who takes warning will save his life” (Ezekiel 33:5).Hearing alone is not enough.  God told Ezekiel, “So they come to you as a people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them.  For with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.  Indeed, you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.  And when this comes to pass – surely it will come – then they will know that a prophet has been among them” (Ezekiel 33:31-33).

People assemble for all kinds of reasons.  For some, it is for culture or family tradition.  For others, it is for social interaction.  For others, it is entertainment, or controversy – “Let’s see what that crazy preacher says today.”  For some, it is about worshipping God learning His word, and edifying the saints. 

What do we do with the message proclaimed?  (1) Do we test it by scripture? (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).  (2) Do we listen in order to put it into practice (James 1:22; Ezra 7:10). (3) Do we listen so that we can teach others (2 Timothy 2:2; Ezra 7:10).

3.  The Shepherds (Ezekiel 34).

The shepherds of Israel refer to the leaders of Israel (e.g. Prophets, Priests, Kings, Judges).  Israel had a failure in leadership (cf. Isaiah 9:16; 56:9-12; Micah 3:11; Jeremiah 6:13-14; 8:10-11; 23:11; Ezekiel 22:23-31).  Far from protecting and properly leading the people, they were much of the problem. 

Their sins include: (1) They did not care for the flock, but for themselves (Ezekiel 34:1-2).  (2) They did not help the weak or the sick (Ezekiel 34:4).  (3) They did not seek the lost or protect the sheep (Ezekiel 34:5-6, 8). 

Brother Franklin Camp provides these remarks on Ezekiel 34.  (1) Ezekiel 34:2, “These shepherds were abusing the privilege and the authority given to them. No elder has the right to act as though a congregation were his private property.”  (2) Ezekiel 34:3, “Elders have the responsibility of seeing that the congregation is fed the milk and the meat of the word… Many congregations are living on a starvation diet.  They are being fed entertainment and illustration, but not the word of truth.”  (3) Ezekiel 34:4, “Attention needs to be given to the spiritual condition of people.  The weak need help, and many times the weakest in a congregation receive the least attention…  The average congregation has on its roll backsliders and quitters… How often does a person quit the assembly and then it may be months before any effort is made… to bring him back into the fold?… When a Christian begins to slip, is losing interest in Bible study and Sunday night services, it is time to do something.  Delay may be fatal… When elders seek to bring back the lost, in many instances, it is too little and too late.”  (4) Ezekiel 34:4-5,  “Leadership is far more than demanding that a thing be done.”  (5) Ezekiel 34:20, “While the church is a collective unit, it is made up of individuals with all their differences and peculiarities… Elders need to keep this in mind in overseeing the flock… our personalities are different.  Our problems are different… The only way to learn people’s personalities and peculiarities is by association.”  (6) Ezekiel 34:24, “Here is a picture of safety.  A faithful shepherd guards against false teachers…”  (7)  Ezekiel 34:26, “It is the responsibility of the shepherds to lead those under their oversight in ways that cause them to be a blessing.  In the community, Christians are to let their light shine by good works.”  (8) Ezekiel 34:27, “A faithful shepherd leads the flock to be fruitful.  Elders must lead the church in developing the fruit of the spirit… Fine buildings and padded pews can never be a substitute for joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance” (9) Ezekiel 34:29, “Faithful shepherds are interested in leading the flock in spiritual growth and development so the church will be respected in the community.  How tragic for the church to be so worldly, divided, and back-biting that the world has no respect for it!”  (10) Ezekiel 34:30, “One of the great needs in the church is for the Christian to appreciate the value of being a Christian.  A faithful shepherd leads the flock to realize that the greatest privilege of life is being a Christian” (Franklin Camp, Principles and Perils of Leadership, p. 54-61). 

How are we doing?  Let us all do our part.

Posted in Church Organization, Elders and Deacons, Preachers, prophets, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Drink Ye All of It and Other Reflections

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

It has been over three years since Covid-19 was first reported in the U.S.A.  January 20, 2020 was the date of the first lab-confirmed case in the United States, according to the CDC (CDC Museum Covid-19 Timeline, cdc.gov).

Here are a few reflections on my observations as a preacher.

  1. It is easy to misuse scripture.  Care is needed.

Someone asked me to preach a lesson on “Drink ye all of it” (Matthew 26:27 KJV).  The person was concerned about germs.  A partially drank from cup could be confused for a non-drank from cup.  It then could be drank from, and germs passed.  I can appreciate the concern for safety.

However, this is a misunderstanding of the passage.  “All” does not refer to the contents of the cup, but to those addressed.  (1) In the Greek, an adjective must agree with the word that it modifies in case, number, and gender.  “All” is nominative, plural, masculine.  “It” is genitive, singular, neuter.  Consider these comments, “It (all-B.H.) does refer back to ‘drink’ because ‘drink’ … is a second person plural verb (the pronoun “ye” or “you” is inherent in the Greek verb B.H.).  In turn ‘drink’ refers back to the disciples when Jesus gave the cup to them” (“Is ‘Drink from it, all of you’ an accurate translation of Matthew 26:27? ,” lavistachurchofchrist.org).  (2) Consider how others translate the passage: “Drink from it, all of you” (NKJV, NASB, NIV).  “Drink of it, all of you” (ESV).

Care is needed. Before we apply a scripture to a situation, we should be careful to make sure that we understand the passage. We are told “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV). Consider some other translations: “handling accurately the word of truth” (NASB); “rightly handling the word of truth” (ESV); “correctly handles the word of truth” (NIV).

2.  It is easy to misunderstand others.  Patience and love are needed.

Someone intentionally avoids getting too close and shaking hands with people with health issues.  There is concern over making the person ill.  However, this can easily be misunderstood as lack of concern.  He is aloof and unfriendly.  He did not shake my hand.

Love is needed.  Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).  We need to be “bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:2-3).

3.  It is easy to forget why we come together.  Focus is needed.

I have heard the stories more than once.  Someone, while making announcements, leading singing, or preaching gives some unsolicited medical advice, or opinion on Covid.  This offends a visitor or member who leaves angry.

We all have opinions on many things.  We have political opinions, financial opinions, investment opinions, medical opinions, sports opinions, fashion opinions, entertainment opinions, ad nauseum.  Someone has said, “Opinions are like elbows, most people have a couple of them.” 

It is important for us to stay focused.  When we come together, it is to worship God (Ephesians 5:17-20 cf. John 4:24), remember Jesus’ death (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 20:7), and edifying one another (1 Corinthians 14, especially verse 26; Hebrews 10:24-25).  Let us not get distracted from what should be our focus.

It is also important that we be longsuffering with one another (1 Corinthians 13:4). Love and patience are needed in order to keep the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace.

4.  It is easy to let weeds grow.  Weeding is necessary.

Attendance patterns have changed in many churches.  Involvement has also changed in many churches.  It seems that some are now content to do little more than attend on Sunday morning during the worship service (no Bible class, no fellowship outside the assembly). Most are still busy. However, priorities seem to have changed.

Jesus said, “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.  But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience” (Luke 8:14-15).  Let’s be the good ground.

Posted in Fellowship, Lord's Supper, Love, Priorities, Textual study, worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UFOs/UAPs and LGM/ETs

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

The first two terms are used as synonyms.  UFO means, “Unidentified Flying Object.”  The term was coined by USAF in 1952.  It was initially used to describe objects which remained unidentified after investigation.  It is now colloquially used of unidentified objects whether investigated or not.  UAP means “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena.”  NASA uses this term.  Until December 2022 the meaning was Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.”  Either way, it refers to “observations of the sky that cannot be identified as aircraft or known natural phenomena” (UFOs and UAPs Explained: This is How NASA Classifies Unidentified Aerial Objects by Clare Mulroy, February 16, 2023, usatoday.com). 

The second two terms are also used as synonyms.  LGM means, “little green men.”  This term has been used since 1955, after a reported encounter in Kelly, Kentucky (Legend of ‘Little Green Men’ Invading Kelly, Kentucky, Continues by Liz Carey, October 22, 2021, dailyyonder.com).  E.T. means “extra-terrestrial.”  There was a popular movie released by this name in 1982.  The movie was produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.  Both of these terms refer to life from beyond earth. 

What are Bible-believers to think about such things?  Is it possible that there is life out there?

Origin

If there life out there, from whence did it come?  Did it evolve by chance?  Or, was it created? 

Atheistic evolutionists believe that life happened by random chance.  If such could happen on earth, then it is reasoned that it must have happened elsewhere in the universe.  This belief drives much of modern space exploration.  NASA says, “Are we alone in the universe?  So far, the only life we know of is right here on our own planet Earth.  But we’re looking” (The Search for Life, exoplanet.nasa.gov).  A Harvard website says, “The universe is massive, with an estimated 70 quintillion planets – that is 70 followed by an additional 18 zeros.  In the Milky Way, alone, where we reside, there are billions of planets.  With these huge numbers, Earth seems very insignificant in the grand scheme of things.  This raises the question: are we truly alone in this vast space of the universe?  Surely, there must be another planet out there with life, right?  This is the question that organizations such as… NASA have been trying to answer for decades… Even as we continue on our quest to find other planets with life, we need to recognize that Earth may be more unique and precious than we think” (Finding Life in Space: Why are We So Special? By Wei Li, Harvard.edu).

Bible believing theists believe that life was created by intelligence, by God (Genesis 1).  Life did not come forth by random chance.  It was brought into existence by the will of God.  If there is extra-terrestrial life (I am not saying that there is, but hypothetically) then it must be by creation that such exists.  There is no evidence that non-living matter can turn into life.

Richard Dawkins speculated in an interview with Ben Stein that life on earth may have been seeded on earth by extra-terrestrials.  He admits that there may be intelligent design,  but reasons that it could have come from beings from another place in the universe (2008 film, Expelled).  However, this does not solve the problem of the origin of life in the universe.  It simply transfers the problem to a different place in the universe.

Could God have created life elsewhere in the universe if He wished?  Certainly.  God could do this if He wanted to do so.  No one could argue against this. 

Bible   

The Bible seems to describe the earth as unique.  “The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s; But the earth He has given to the children of men” (Psalm 115:16).  In creation, God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth” (Genesis 1:14-15).  The whole perspective concerns earth, and life on earth.  The Bible is silent on life existing on other planets (No, Ezekiel did not see a UFO. See article Ezekiel’s Vision by B.H.).  Admittedly, this alone does not rule out that possibility (Deuteronomy 29:29). However, it does seem a bit odd that God would tell us of seraphim, cherubim, angels, the devil, and demons and not tell us of extra-terrestrial life.

It is to this earth that Jesus, came, lived and died (John 1:1, 14, 29; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 2:9).  Jesus’ death is described as a once-for-all event (Romans 6:10; Hebrews 7:26-27; 9:28; 10:14).  Does once-for-all only apply to earth?  Or, if there are extra-terrestrials, did He need to go to them also, and die for them?  Bert Thompson remarked, “Since Christ died only once (Hebrews 7:27), it is a seeming violation of scripture to suggest that Christ somehow must go ‘planet hopping’ to die again and again as the propitiation for infractions of God’s plan made by creatures (possessing freedom of choice) in other parts of our vast universe” (Bert Thompson, Tract: Is There Intelligent Life in Outer Space?). 

The Great Commission seems to refer to earth.  Consider: “Go… and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19); “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).  “And you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).  If there is extra-terrestrial life, are we to preach to them the message of the Gospel?

Explanation

How does one explain sightings of UFOs by some who seem to be credible witnesses?  NASA has five categories: (1) Airborne clutter; (2) Natural atmospheric phenomena; (3) USG or U.S. industry development programs; (4) foreign adversary systems; (5) other (usatoday.com). Notice the last category.  I admit that some things are not so easy to explain.  Some have speculated that these could be angelic or demonic activities.  I see no reason to infer this.

We do not have all of the answers.  We do not need to have all of the answers. We do not have to be able to explain everything. He has given to us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).  We need to trust God.  “And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” (1 John 5:4).  We need to obey Him.  “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Posted in Apologetics, Creation, Faith, life, Nature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Here are some questions.  Who was this Patrick?  What is the origin of this day?  What should Christians think about this day?

Who was this Patrick?  He lived in the fourth and fifth centuries.  He was born either in Romano-Britain, Wales, or Scotland.  His birth name was Maelwyn.  He was kidnapped at the age of 16 and sold as a slave in Ireland, where he worked as a shepherd.  After 6 years, he escaped and eventually made his way home.  He returned to Ireland 20 years later as an evangelist, and using the name Patricius (the name change may have occurred in a monastery in Britain).  He labored in Ireland for about 30 years, dying on March 17, 461 A.D.  He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.  Though, he was not the first to have tried (These are generally accepted facts.  See – Who is St. Patrick?, history.com; Saint Patrick by Joshua J. Mark, worldhistory.org; St. Patrick: The Man, The Myth by Lisa Bitel, thedailybeast.com; 8 St. Patrick Day Facts You Never Knew Before by Diane J. Cho, people.com). 

There are many later legends.  It is difficult to separate the truth from fiction.        What about driving the snakes out of Ireland?  There is no evidence that Ireland ever had snakes.  Many believe that this is symbolic.  “The legend of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland has to do with the Christian triumph over pagan beliefs, not literal snakes” (worldhistory.org; Also, 10 Things to Know About the Real St. Patrick, snopes.com).            

What Patrick a Roman Catholic?  This is claimed by the Roman Catholic church.  Others do not agree.  Keith Sisman writes, “The Celtic Church that Patrick evangelized for… would be taken over and forced into submission to Rome over many decades… Ireland did not become truly Roman Catholic until in the reign of Henry the Second, who was crowned King of England in 1154.  Shortly after his coronation, Henry sent an embassy to the newly elected Pope Adrian IV.  Led by Bishop Arnold of Lisieux, the group of clerics requested authorization for Henry to invade Ireland.  After the invasion the Irish Church finally came under the control of the Pope, nearly seven hundred years after the death of ‘Saint’ Patrick” (Keith Sisman, Traces of the Kingdom, p. 82).  Philip Schaff writes, “The Roman tradition that St. Patrick was sent by Pope Caelestine (Celestine I, B.H.) is too late to have any claim upon our acceptance, and is set aside of St. Patrick himself in his genuine works” (Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. 4, p. 45).  His doctrine seems to differ from what Roman Catholics today teach.  Gerald Foster writes, “Patrick believed in teaching before baptism, ‘for it cannot be that the body should receive the sacrament of baptism before the soul receives the verity of faith’” (Gerald Foster, Following the Denomination Called Baptist, p. 130 quoting Patrick’s Government Tripartite Life).  Keith Sisman writes, “Patrick… baptized believers by immersion… denied purgatory and taught the Lord’s supper as a memorial” (Traces of the Kingdom, p. 82).  Philip Schaff writes, “The Christianity of Patrick was substantially that of Gaul and old Britain i.e. catholic, orthodox, monastic, ascetic, but independent of the Pope, and differing from Rome in the age of Gregory I in minor matters of polity and ritual.  In his confession he never mentions Rome or the Pope; he never appeals to tradition, and seems to recognize the scriptures… as the only authority in matters of faith” (History of the Christian Church, Vol. 4, p. 47).  It is not certain that St. Patrick should be considered a Roman Catholic.  I believe that Roman Catholicism developed later.

What is the origin of St. Patrick’s Day?  “The March 17 celebration started in 1631 when the church established a Feast Day honoring St. Patrick” (The True History Behind St. Patrick’s Day, time.com).  “Until the 1700’s, St. Patrick’s Day was a Roman Catholic feast only observed in Ireland and without the raucous revelry of today’s celebrations.  Instead, the faithful spent the relatively somber occasion in quiet prayer at church or at home.  That started to change when Irish immigrants living in the United States began organizing parades and other events on March 17 as a show of pride.  For many people around the world, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a secular ode to Irish culture… characterized by parties, music and iconic food” (St. Patrick’s Day Legends and Myths Debunked by Jennie Cohen, history.com).  The day seems to have become an excuse for a party. 

What should Christians think about this day?  (1) While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a culture’s food and music, we are to avoid drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).  (2) We should focus on Christ and not men, religiously speaking.  “Who then is Paul and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed…?” (1 Corinthians 3:5).

Posted in culture, History, holiday | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stand In the Gap

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

The city of Constantinople (modern Istanbul) was well protected.  It was positioned on a horn or peninsula that was surrounded by water.  It could be reached from the Black Sea, in the north, by the Bosporus strait.  It could be reached from the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, in the south, by the Dardanelles strait and the Sea of Marmara.  These narrow straits made it easy to defend from naval attack.

It was fortified on land by walls.  Constantine the Great surrounded his new capital with walls in the 4th century.  Theodosius II further fortified the city in the 5th century.  Triple walls were built.  “Attackers first faced a 20-meter wide and 7-meter-deep ditch which could be flooded with water fed from pipes when required.  The water, once in, was retained by a series of dams.  Behind that was an outer wall which had a patrol track to oversee the moat.  Behind this was a second wall which had regular towers and an interior terrace so as to provide a firing platform to shoot down an enemies’ attacking the moat and first wall.  Then, behind this was a third, much more massive inner wall.  This final defense was almost 5 meters thick, 12 meters high, and presented to the enemy 96 projecting towers.  Each tower was placed around 70 meters distant from another and reach a height of 20 meters.  The towers, either square or octagon in form, could hold up to three artillery machines.  The inner wall was constructed using bricks and limestone blocks while the outer two were built from mixed rubble and brick courses with limestone facing” (Theodosian Walls, worldhistory.com).

In the mid-5th century, the walls of the city were severely damaged by a series of earthquakes.  The city was under danger from Attila and the Huns.  Something needed to be done quickly.  However, it had taken years to build these defenses.  “Theodosius II ordered the praetorian perfect, Constantine Flavius quickly repaired the walls… Constantine Flavius reached out to the factions of the chariot teams for aid, gathering a work force of some 16,000 supporters.  Each faction was tasked with a stretch of wall, working in competition to complete their section before the other, winning the honor of victory for their team…  In just sixty days, the great walls of Constantinople were restored, and the defensive moat was cleaned of debris… Hearing of the completion of the walls, the Huns abandoned their plans for conquest” (How Chariot Racing Teams Saved Constantine from The Huns, heritagedaily.com; also See Fall of Civilization: Byzantium, YouTube).  What a brilliant plan.  A competition between the Blues and the Greens was much like calling on Dallas Cowboy fans and Houston Texan fans, or Texas Ranger fans and Houston Astro fans to compete for team pride (Except, a far more intense rivalry existed. There was class difference. The Blues fans came from the richer part of society. The Greens fans came from the more common part of society. Each team was also tied to a political party). 

City walls were important.  With this in mind, let’s consider a passage from the book of Ezekiel.

“So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one” (Ezekiel 22:30).

The faithful are to a land like a wall against the wrath of God.  Wayne Jackson comments, “Using speech common to mankind, Jehovah said He had searched for some valid reason for not destroying this population, but none was to be found (v. 30)!” (Wayne Jackson, The Prophets, p. 285).  Jim McGuiggan comments, “There is a breach in the wall of Jerusalem and God is headed for it, to enter the city and utterly destroy it.  As he approaches it he is hoping that someone will stand in the breach… But no one cared enough… It isn’t literally true that there wasn’t a single righteous man in the nation at the time… There was Jeremiah, Baruch and others who came to Jeremiah’s aid.  This is simply a powerful way of saying that righteousness had died in the nation” (Jim McGuiggan, The Book of Ezekiel, p. 242).  The righteous may have a preserving effect on a land (cf. Genesis 18:16-32; 39:5; 2 Kings 3:14; Acts 27:21-26, 42-43). 

What are we doing to help save others from the wrath of God?  Are we seeking to live holy lives?  Are we seeking to warn others?  Do we care?  Will we stand in the gap? Will we build the wall of protection?

Posted in Christian Influence, prophets, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment