Feelings and Salvation

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

Let me tell you of a conversation that I once had.  I was eating with two others.  One was a member of the church.  The other was probably not.  He was questioning his baptism.  Had he been baptized for the right reasons?  Did he understand what he should have understood before baptism?  He asked me if he should be re-baptized.  Instead of giving him a “yes” or “no”, I asked him to have a Bible study with me.  I wanted him to come to his own conclusions based on scripture.  Then, he said, “I just want to feel again like I did on that day, long ago, when I was baptized.”  The church member chimed in, “You will!  God will give you that feeling again.”  I cringed.    There are a couple of things wrong with the church member’s reply.  First, if feelings are given by God when one is properly baptized, and are evidence of a relationship of fellowship with God, then the man did not need to be re-baptized.  He may have needed to confess his sins to God and to return to walking in the light (1 John 1:7-9; Acts 8:22).  However, he would not need to be re-baptized, according to the Scriptures, if he had been properly baptized.  Second, feelings can be very deceptive.  Consider: (a) The heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9).  (b) The book of Proverbs warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).  (c) Naaman’s thoughts were not in line with Elisha’s instructions (2 Kings 5:9-14).  (d) Saul thought that he was serving God when he persecuted the church (Acts 22:1-5 cf. 26:9-11).  (e) Imagine the feelings of one who thinks that his loved one was on a plane that crashed, which left no survivors.  Now, imagine that this same one later learns that his loved one was not on that plane, but had taken a different flight.  Feelings are not always based on reality.                                         

Do not misunderstand.  Feelings are not necessarily bad.  At times, they are appropriate.  Consider: (1) Jesus speaks of joy in finding hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44).  (2) Jesus speaks of there being joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7, 10).  (3) The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized and “went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39).  (4) The Philippian jailer was baptized, and we are told that he “rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household” (Acts 16:34).  (5) If one is in a right relationship with God, then, even when persecuted, one can rejoice and be exceeding glad for his reward in heaven (Matthew 5:12 cf. Hebrews 12:2).

Here are how things should be approached.  Feeling should follow facts.  Facts are not determined by feelings.  Faith should be based on God’s word (Romans 10:17; Luke 8:11-12; John 5:45-47; 17:20; 20:30-31; Acts 17:11-12; 18:8; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:10).  Faith should not be based on feelings.

Consider this poem:

THE WORD OF GOD

“For feelings come and feelings go,

And feelings are deceiving;

My warrant is the word of God

Nought else is worth believing.

I’ll trust in God’s unchanging word

Till soul and body sever;

For, though all things shall pass away,

His word shall stand forever.

           

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“And Rejoice in Hope” (Romans 5:2; 12:12)

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

What is hope?  Biblical hope is more than a mere wish or desire.  It is “favorable and confident expectation” (Vine’s).  Our hope is based on Jehovah God (Psalm 31:24; 39:7; 71:5; 1 Peter 1:21), God’s word (Psalm 119:49-50, 81-82, 114; 130:5; Romans 15:4; Titus 1:2), and Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 1:1; Titus 2:11-13; Hebrews 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:3, 15).  Think of the words of the song we sing, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness” (Song: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less by Robert Crichley). 

How important is it to have hope?  The Bible compares it to a Roman soldier’s helmet (1 Thessalonians 5:8 cf. Ephesians 6:17).  Hope helps us keep our heads and stay alive in spiritual warfare.  The Bible also compares it to an anchor (Hebrews 6:19).  It keeps us from drifting away from where we should be (cf. Hebrews 2:1; 3:6; 3:14; 4:14; 6:19-20; 13:9 – nautical references are found throughout the book of Hebrews).  “We have an anchor that keeps the soul / Steadfast and sure while the billows roll / Fastened to the rock which cannot move / Grounded frim and deep in the Savior’s love” (Song: We Have An Anchor by Priscilla J. Owens).  Hope is essential to salvation and perseverance (Romans 8:24-25). 

Consider what some have said of hope.  “There is no medicine like hope, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow” (Orison Marden).  “A man can go on without wealth, and even without purpose for a while.  But he will not go on without hope” (C. Neil Strait).  “Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only for one second without hope” (unknown).      

Hope provides courage and joy even in difficult circumstances.  Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2).  The apostles were able to rejoice when persecuted (Acts 5:42). Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God even after being beaten and jailed with their feet in stocks (Acts 16:22-25).  Paul wrote, “Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

This optimistic outlook is taught in scripture.  Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  Paul wrote, while in prison, “Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).  Let us remember that despite the hardships we may experience in this life, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).  We can “rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is (our) reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12).

Why Can We Rejoice in Hope?

1.  God is trustworthy (Titus 1:1-2; Hebrews 6:19-20).

2.  No external force can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:31-39; Matthew 5:11-12; 10:28).

3.  God is in control (Daniel 4:17) and He can use even evil to accomplish good (Genesis 50:20).

4.  When properly approached even the unpleasant trials of life can be used for spiritual growth (Romans 5:2-3; James 1:2-4).

5.  The things we endure in this life are light and momentary and not comparable to our eternal weight of glory (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)  

Application to Our Day

These are trying times in our nation and around the world.  First, there is a pandemic.  Second, there has been a shut down by many governments of the world in response to this pandemic.  This has created economic hardship and uncertainty for many.  It has also resulted in families not being able to see one another (e.g. hospital visits being restricted or forbidden).  Third, there is social and racial unrest in our nation.  Cities are burning.  Police, in some large cities, are being defunded.  Fourth, this is a Presidential election year.  People seems more polarized than ever.  Neighbors and family, in some cases, are alienated by politics.      Here are somethings to remember.  (1) There is no reason for a Christian to be fearful of death (Matthew 10:28).  A Christian has hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).  Do not misunderstand me, I am not suggesting that one should not be cautious.  However, we are all going to die someday, whether it be from Coronavirus or something else (Hebrews 9:27), unless we are alive at Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).  Let us “work the works of Him… while it is day” (John 9:4).  “Let us not grow weary in doing good for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9 cf. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).  Moreover, let us remember that “to depart and be with Christ… is for better” (Philippians 1:23). 

(2) There is no reason for a Christian to be fearful of a political election.  Do not misunderstand me; I do believe that elections have consequences.  I also believe that Christian light should not be hidden under a basket but should shine in this world (Matthew 5:14-16).  However, one can be a faithful Christian even in less than ideal circumstances.  The church was established and grew even during the day, of corrupt and evil Roman rules.  Our aim should be to magnify Christ in this life regardless of what men do (Philippians 1:20).  Our ultimate hope is not in political candidates but in Christ.  Our highest ambition is not to make America great, but to magnify Christ on earth.  This is a faithful saying: For if we die with Him, we shall also live with Him.  If we endure, we shall also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will also deny us.  If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:11-13).  Additionally, let us remember that God is ultimately in control.  His will shall be done.  The Most High rules in the kingdom of man (Daniel 4:17; Acts 17:26).

                                     

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“They Were Good People”

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

I was in a conversation with a Christian, a member of the body of Christ.  The conversation turned to God’s plan of salvation.  The man said, “I do not believe that my grandparents will be lost.  They were good people.”  Note: I did not bring up his grandparents.  He did.  However, I believe that his words revealed a flaw in his thinking.

Is a person’s goodness the basis or the means of salvation?  (1) Humanity has a sin problem.  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).  (2) Salvation is by God’s grace.  It is a gift of God.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).  (3) Man does not merit salvation by his own good work.  “It is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Our salvation is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy…” (Titus 3:5).  Paul wrote, “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law (lit. law – B.H.) then Christ died in vain” (Galatians 2:21).  Again, he wrote, “not having my own righteousness, which is from the law (lit. law – B.H.), but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith” (Philippians 3:9).

God has located grace “in Christ” for man living today.  Grace is found in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1).  Eternal life is found in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11).  Every spiritual blessing, redemption, and inheritance is found in Christ (Ephesians 1:3, 7, 11).  One gets into Christ by baptism (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:26-28).  Consider Tom Wacaster’s comments on Romans 6:3, “There is a change of state, locale, or position that has taken place… If it is the case that one is baptized into Christ Jesus, what can be said of that person who has never been baptized?  Is he actually “IN” Christ…?” (Tom Wacaster, Studies in Romans, p. 226). 

It is man’s responsibility to access this grace by faith, trusting in God’s plan for righteousness.  “We have access by faith (lit. the faith – B.H.) into this grace” (Romans 5:1).  “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8).  “Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace” (Romans 4:16).  Tom Wacaster comments on this verse, “Had justification been based upon man’s success in keeping some law system then it could have in no way be ‘according to grace.’  In addition, if God has placed justification in the realm of law, no man could ever hope to be saved since no man has been able to keep any law (perfectly –B.H.) under which he lived.  This inability to keep the law properly drives one to find refuge in that system wherein justification is granted by grace” (Tom Wacaster, Studies in Romans, p. 167). 

Theoretically, there are two ways by which a man may be justified.  (1) He may perfectly, flawlessly keep the standards of God (law), and thereby be regarded as justified.  He would need no grace (Romans 4:4).  However, there has only been one such perfect man (Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22).  This is not how we are justified.  “Therefore by the deeds of the law (lit. law – B.H.) no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law (lit. law – B.H.) is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20).  Neither Abraham (under Patriarchal law), nor David (under Mosaic law) were justified by flawless law keeping (Romans 4:1-8).  (2) He may be justified by faith.  That is, he may be saved by accepting God’s gracious plan for man’s justification.

This requires humility.  One must be humble enough to admit that he is in need of salvation, and a Savior.  Moreover, one must be humble enough to submit to God’s conditions for the grace that is offered.  Naaman had to dip seven times in the Jordan to be cured of leprosy (2 Kings 5:10-14).  A blind man had to wash in the pool of Siloam to receive sight (John 9:1-7).  Today, man needs to accept God’s instructions for the remission of sins (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-38), and continued fellowship with Him (1 John 1:7-10; Acts 8:22). 

Man will not be saved by his own goodness.  Any who are saved will be saved by the grace of God. 

God has offered His grace on conditions set forth in His word.  Let all humbly accept His conditions for pardon.  Some believe that God may extend grace to some beyond this.  However, such is not revealed in His word, and goes beyond what is written.

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Impaled on a Torture Stake or Crucified on a Cross?

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe that Jesus was crucified on a cross.  They believe that it is more accurate to say that he was impaled on a torture stake.  (1) The New World Translation translates the noun (stauros) “torture stake.”  For example, Philippians 2:8 reads, “he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake.”  (2) The New World Translation translates the verb (stauroo) “impale.” For example, Mark 15:20 reads, “And they led him out to impale him.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses sometimes use this difference to create doubt in a Bible student’s mind about things one thought that he knew.  If one is wrong on this point, what else could one be wrong about?

On what instrument was Jesus executed?  Let’s examine the Biblical words.  (1) Jesus died on a “xulon” (Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24).  This is commonly translated “tree.”  The NWT translated it “stake.”  Here are some definitions: “1. Wood… that which is made of wood… 2. A tree” (Thayer); “Wood, a piece of wood, anything made of wood” (Vine’s).  “1. Wood… 2. Object made of wood” (BAG).  (2) Jesus died on a “stauros” (Matt. 27:32, 40, 42; Mark 15:21, 30, 32; Luke 23:26; John 19:17, 19, 25, 31; 1 Cor. 1:17, 18; Gal. 6:14; Eph. 2:16; Phil. 2:8; Col. 1:20; 2:14; Heb. 12:2).  This is commonly translated “cross.” The NWT translated it “torture stake.”  Here are some definitions: “1… an upright stake… 2. A cross” (Thayer). It refers to “a stake sunk into the earth in an upright position; a cross-piece was often attached to its upper part” (BAG).  “1. An upright stake… 2. An instrument of torture for serious offenses.  It may be a vertical pointed stake, an upright with a crossbeam above it, or a post with an intersecting beam of equal length” (Kittle’s TDNT Abridged).  These definitions seem to allow for a cross beam.

However, Vine’s does not.  It says, “denotes, primarily, an upright pale or stake… Both the noun and the verb stauroo… are originally to be distinguished from the ecclesiastical form of a two beam cross.  The shape of the latter had its origin in ancient Chaldea, and was used as a symbol of the god Tammuz.”  This is sometimes cited by Jehovah’s Witnesses to not only deny the cross, but to associate it with idolatry.

What is the evidence for the traditional idea of a cross?  (1) certain ancient sources refer to the instruments of Jesus’ death being in the shape of the Greek letter tau.  These include: The epistle of Barnabas 9:8 cf. 12:22 (c. 150 – c. 215 A.D.), The Stromata book 6, chp. 11; Tertullian (c. 155 – c. 240 A.D.), Adversus Marcionem liber 3, chp. 22.  (2) Thomas wanted the see the print of the nails (plural) in Jesus’ hands (John 20:25).  This is consistent with the use of the cross.  However, it does not rule out a stake.  One nail could be used for hands stretched above the head attached to an upright stake, though multiple nails could be used.  (3) The charges are said to have been placed above Jesus’ head (Matthew 27:37).  It does not say that they were placed above his upwardly stretched hands.  The language is consistent with the use of a cross.  However, admittedly, this language does not rule out an upright pole or stake.

The word “impale” certainly sets forth a different image in my mind.  The Jehovah’s Witnesses admit that Jesus was impaled with nails.  Though, they do believe that it is possible that he was impaled on the stake itself (Watchtower, October 15, 1969, wol.jw.org).  There is no Biblical evidence for this.

This, in my opinion is much ado about nothing.  Christianity does not stake (pardon the pun) its faith in the shape of the instrument used.  The Bible does not describe the shape.

What is important?  “Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  “He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

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A Clean Trough (Life is Sometimes Messy)

Posted on September 2, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

“Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox.” Proverbs 14:4.

If a farmer wants a clean barn, a barn from which he’ll never again have to shovel dung, all that he has to do is have no oxen, or other animals. He would cease having a mess, if his oxen were stolen, got lost, or died. He could avoid mess, if he never again purchased any oxen or other animals. However, think how much poorer a farmer would be without his oxen (especially in years past when such were used for work).  He would not have the oxen to pull the plow, turn the millstone, pull the cart or wagon, or even produce the dung that he uses to fertilize his plants.

Thoughts for families: If you were the only one in the house, no doubt all would be neat, and well arranged, just the way you want it.  If there were no children in the house, things would often be much easier.  However, think how much poorer your life would be in so many areas.  (No, I am not calling your children “oxen.”  Don’t press the illustration too far!!!). Thank God for children.

Thoughts for the church: If the church were composed of only mature Christians, no babes in Christ, many difficulties and challenges would be eliminated. Many things would be easier. However, we would be much poorer; it is true. Furthermore, if there were no young children in services, crying would not be heard, fingerprints on glass would not be seen.  Many messes would not exist. However, we would be much poorer. There would be little hope for the future of the local church. Life is sometimes messy, but not all messes and challenges are bad. Let’s be thankful for new converts, and children.

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The Little Maid (Young Israelite Girl Saves Syrian Commander)

Posted on August 18, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

She is called “a little maid” (KJV) or “a young girl” (NKJV).  She had been torn from her home, a young Israelite girl, taken captive by the Syrians.  She was placed in the service of Naaman’s wife (2 Kings 5:1-2).

Naaman was “Commander of the army of the King of Syria.  It was “by him the LORD had given victory to Syria.”  He is described as “a mighty man of valor, but a leper” (2 Kings 5:2).  [Note: Josephus identifies Naaman as the one who had killed Ahab, King of Israel, some years earlier (Antiquities 8:414 cf. 1 Kings 22:34)].

Imagine that you were in her position.  Would you be bitter?  Would you be filled with hatred?  Would you want revenge?  Would you be angry with God or lose faith in Him? [Note: God wasn’t to blame.  Israel’s defeat was due to the national sins (2 Kings 5:1 cf. 1 Kings 21:17-29; 22:51-53; 2 Kings 3:1-3)].

These things (bitterness, hatred, etc.) do not seem to have characterized her.  What we are told of her, we would do well to emulate.  Consider…

1.  She had no joy in her master’s disease, but she sought to help him (2 Kings 5:1-3).

We can learn from this.  We should not hate our enemies (Matthew 5:43-44).  We should not rejoice in our enemies calamity (Proverbs 24:16-18).

2.  She did not seek revenge, but was kind (2 Kings 5:1-3).

We can learn from this.  Her efforts helped change him.  We should seek to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).

3.  She did not forget God (2 Kings 5:1-3).

She knew that there was a prophet in Israel, who could help.  She told Naaman of this (2 Kings 5:1-3).

Sometimes, when people are removed from family and friends, they also move away from God.  However, this young girl evidently remained a believer, and not only a believer, but she was even a proclaimer of a message of hope to others.

This may have provided a lesson from which later exiles could learn.  One writer said, “Despite her captivity, she is not bitter or unhelpful.  Rather, she shares what she knows about the Lord and the prophet out of concern for Naaman and her mistress and desire to see God’s glory magnified. In this way she acts like Daniel, Mordecai, Ezra, Nehemiah, and other exiles who care for the spiritual and physical well-being of their conquerors”(Paul House, 1&2 Kings, p.272 quoted by Michael Whitworth in How to Lose a Kingdom in 400 Years, p.278 in a footnote).

Here is some words of exhortation for us. Let us shine as lights in this world, wherever we may be, and in whatever situation we may find ourselves (Matthew 5:14-16). Let us not be overcome by evil, but seek to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Let us learn from this young Israelite girl.

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The Battle of Monongahela: God’s Providence?

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

The date was July 9th, 1755.  The war was the French and Indian War with the British.  Both Franklin and Washington had warned British General Braddock of a possible ambush.  Braddock, without concern marched his men in a line stretching four miles long on a narrow, twisting forest path, near modern day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Braddock was skilled in open field, European style warfare, and not what was to occur that day in the woods of Pennsylvania.  To Braddock, to hide behind trees was cowardice.

A force of 72 French regulars, 146 Canadian militiamen, and 637 Indians (combined force of 855) ambushed the 1,300 English in the woods.  The battle was very one-sided: 714 British soldiers were killed or wounded, of the 86 British officers 63 were killed or wounded – Braddock himself was mortally wounded; The French side lost about 30 men and three officers.

Washington, at 23 years of age, was a part of this great battle.  His coat was ripped four times by musket balls.  Two horses were shot out from under him.  A gold seal which hung around his neck bearing his initials was shot off him (this was found some 80 years later).  Yet, Washington was unharmed.

Chief Red Hawk told of shooting eleven times at Washington without killing him.  At that point, because his gun never had such trouble hitting its mark, he ceased firing at him, convinced the “Great Spirit” protected him.  Washington met an Indian chief, 15 years after the battle, near what is now the border of Ohio and West Virginia.  He said, “Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss –t’was all in vain; a power mightier far than we shielded you.     Seeing you were under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased firing at you.”  Another Indian is said to have said, “Washington was never born to be killed by a bullet!  I had 17 fair fires at him with my rifle, and after all could not bring him to the ground!” (The Bulletproof George Washington by David Barton).

George Washington believed that he had been protected by the providence of God. He wrote to his brother John on July 18, 1755: “But by the All-powerful Dispensation of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although Death was leveling my companions on every side of me!” (encyclopediavirginia.org).

Due to the nature of providence there is not a way to say with 100% certainty that this was due to God’s providence.  (See Esther 4:14; Philemon 15).  However, we do know that God is ultimately in control (Acts 17:26). It is so even today.

Furthermore, we know that we are to be good citizens.  We are to obey the laws of the land (Matthew 17:24-27; 22:17-21; Romans 13:1-2; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14).  We are taught to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2; cf. Jeremiah 29:7).

Clearly, this is a country with great prosperity and freedom.  In the scriptures, it is taught that we are to be good stewards of what we have (1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25:14-ff; Luke 19:11-ff; Luke 12:48b).  No other people in the history of the world has been so free and prosperous.  How are we using our blessings? Are we using our freedom and prosperity to spread the Good News?

 No, I cannot say with 100% certainty that Colonel Washington was protected by God’s overpowering providence.  Though it does make one wonder.

Here are a few thought on life in this(or any country). These are some things that I know. I do know that God wants us to obey this nation’s laws (with but one exception Daniel 3; 6; Acts 4:18-20; 5:29).  I do know that we should pray for the leaders of this country, whomever they may be,  that we may live a quiet, peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:1-2).  I know that we are blessed to live here and with the great opportunities we have comes responsibilities. I do know that we are to live as lights in this world (Matthew 5:16). Furthermore, may we always remember that this world is not our home.

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Pharoah’s Offers of Compromise

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

Is compromise good or bad?  It depends on what is being compromised.  Compromise can be a good thing.  It may make the difference in whether or not a house sells, or a business transaction takes place.  It may make the difference in getting a piece of a pie, or none of the pie.  It can also be a very bad thing.  We should never compromise on what God says.

Moses and Aaron told Pharaoh, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness” (Exodus 5:1).  At first, Pharaoh totally denied the request saying, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go?  I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go” (Exodus 5:2).

In time, Pharaoh would witness the power of the LORD in the form of plagues upon Egypt.  Pharaoh would offer Moses and Aaron compromise offers.  However, they would have none of it.  Let’s notice –

1.  “Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, ‘Go, sacrifice to your God in the land’” (Exodus 8:25).

He is saying, in effect, “I will let you make your sacrifices to your God.  But, you do not have to leave this land to do so.”  He reasons, if they do not leave, then I can maintain some control of them.

Moses replies: (a) If we offer sacrifices here, then the Egyptians will want to stone us (Exodus 8:26).  There would be no peace in this land (See: Sacrificing The Abomination by B.H.).  (b) No, we will do what He told us to do.  “We will go three days’ journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD our God as He commanded us” (Exodus 8:27).

In application, some have accepted this compromise.  (a) Some try to serve God, without being a member of the church.  It will not work.  (b) Some worship God.  But, they do so as the world suggests that they should.  They compromise on the role of women in the church.  The compromise on LGBTQ issues, and what constitutes a God approved marriage. They let the world dictate the terms of acceptable Christianity. (c) Some worship God.  But, they never leave the world. There is peace between them and the world.  This is because their lives are not clearly distinguishable from the world (cf. John 15:19).

While we live in the world, we are not to be of it (John 17:16; Romans 12:1-2).  We are to be a separate people (2 Corinthians 7:14-18).

2.  “So Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you shall not go very far away” (Exodus 8:28).

He is saying, in effect, “OK, I will let you leave the land to worship, but you do not need to go so far out of the land to do it.  Stay close to Egypt.”  He reasons, if he can keep them near, then he can get them back.

Moses replies: “Let Pharaoh not deal deceitfully anymore in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD” (Exodus 8:29).  Moses does not directly respond to the “go not far away” offer.  He has already stated, “We will go three days journey into the wilderness” (Exodus 8:27).  He tells Pharaoh not to be deceitful.  Pharaoh had already broken his word (cf. Exodus 8:8, 15).  He was about to do so again (Exodus 8:28, 32).  Moses seems to sense that this is more deceitful talk.

In application, some have accepted this compromise.  (a) Some are willing to serve God.  But, they don’t go very far to do so.  James Burton Coffman comments, “Don’t be a fanatic.  Don’t go very far!  This is the motto of all lukewarm, indifferent Christians” (Coffman, Exodus, pp. 103-104).  (b) Some will attend if the church meets nearby. However, they will not go far to attend a sound church.  Moreover, they certainly would not think of organizing a church which belongs to Christ in their community if one does not exist.  (c) Some are willing to give, but not very much.  After all, there are the cares, and riches, and pleasures of life (Luke 8:14).  (d) Some are willing to attend on Sunday morning, but don’t ask them to do much more than this.   They don’t want to go very far. They do not want to teach. They do not want to promote the Gospel meeting. The do not want to attend Bible class, Sunday evening worship, mid-week Bible study, the Gospel meeting, or anything extra, just the minimum.   There is an old preachers’ joke.  A congregation was searching for a preacher.  They selected a man, telling him, “We like a little preaching, and you are as close to a little preaching as we were able to find.”

Full devotion is needed.  We are to be “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).  We are to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).  We are to love the LORD with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Luke 10:27).

3.  “So Moses and Aaron were brought again to Pharaoh, and he said to them, ‘Go, serve the LORD your God. Who are the ones that are going?’” (Exodus 10:8).

It is not apparent to this point why Pharaoh asks this question.  Let’s read on.

Moses answers, “We will go with our young and our old; with our sons and our daughters, with our flocks and our herds we will go, for we must hold a feast to the LORD” (Exodus 10:9).

Pharaoh replies, “The LORD had better be with you, when I let your little ones go!  Beware for evil is ahead of you.  Not so!  Go now, you who are men, and serve the LORD for that is what you desired” (Exodus 10:10-11).

Pharaoh is saying in effect, “The men can go worship.  However, they cannot take their families.  I am warning you, if you leave with the children, then there will be trouble.” He knows that if he keeps the children in Egypt, then the fathers will return to Egypt.

In application, some have accepted this compromise.  (a) Some are willing to serve God alone.  They do not try to take others with them: family, friends, neighbors, fellow students or co-workers.  James Burton Coffman comments, “If you must be a Christian, do not attempt to take others with you.  Keep your religion to yourself!” (ibid). When it come to your children, do not “train up a child in the way he should go.”  Let him seek his own path, and direct his own steps.  (b) Some are willing to worship, and even attend Bible class, but are content to leave their children at home.  After all, they are only young once.  There are sports, and other extra-curricular activities.  There is school work to do.  There are birthday parties and sleep-overs.

However, the Bible teaches that we have a responsibility.  We are to bring our children up “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).  The soul winner is wise (Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3).  James wrote, “he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

Church attendance can leave valuable lessons in the mind of our children.  A well-known Gospel preacher, Robert Taylor Jr., has written, “I heard great preaching as I grew up.  I am glad I got to attend area gospel meetings as a boy and that I was not placed with a baby sitter when our family went far and near to such.  I well remember the very first time I heard N.B. Hardeman.  It was at Trenton, Tennessee… I well remember the first time I heard Guy N. Woods preach.  His sermon was, ‘Where are the Dead?’  it was delivered at a meeting in Humbolt, Tennessee.  I still preach sermons from notes I took while yet a youngster” (Robert Taylor Jr., The Bible Doctrine of Christian Fellowship, p. 84).

4.  “Then, Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, “Go, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be kept back. Let your little ones also go with you” (Exodus 10:24).

He is saying, in effect, “OK, the children can go, but not your possessions.”  He knows that if they would agree to leave their material interests in Egypt, then they very likely would return.

Moses replies, “You must also give us sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.  Our livestock also shall go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind.  For we must take some of them to serve the LORD our God, and even we do not know with what we must serve the LORD until we arrive there” (Exodus 10:25-26).

In application, some have accepted this compromise.  (a) Some worship God, but do not surrender all to Him.  James Burton Coffman comments, “If you must be a Christian, go ahead; but don’t invest any money in it.  Use your wealth for yourself.  Of this class of Christians are these whose pocketbooks were never baptized!” (ibid). They live in expensive homes, drive expensive automobiles, have expensive toys, and take expensive vacations, but give little to support the Lord’s church. (b) Some compartmentalize their lives. Christianity is Christianity. Business is business. The two shall never meet.  I am a Christian on Sunday.  I am a business man (or woman) the rest of the week, and my Christianity does not affect how I do business.

A true Christian is a Christian always, not just on Sundays.  Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:27).  Christianity is to be lived on a daily basis (e.g. Hebrews 3:12-13; 2 Corinthians 11:28; Ephesians 5:1; James 2:15-16; 4:13-17).

What motivates us to give?  (a) Remember that all things belong to Him (cf. Psalms 24:1).  (b) Remember what Christ did for us (2 Corinthians 8:8-9). (c) The key to liberal giving is to first give ourselves to the Lord (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

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The Excuses of Moses

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

Moses is one of the greats in Biblical history.  He is by name more than 800 times in the Bible (only Jesus and David are mentioned more).  He is included among the heroes of faith (Hebrews 11).

 However, when God initially appeared to Moses saying, “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10), Moses was reluctant.  He made excuses.  Let’s notice…

 1.  “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)

“Why me?”  (a) Perhaps, this excuse came from not wanting to get involved.  He had had, very likely, a quiet, peaceful life for the last 40 years (Exodus 7:7 cf. Acts 2:23).  He had a wife and children (Exodus 2:21-22; 18:2-4).  He had a job, keeping the flock of his father-in-law (Exodus 3:1).  (b) Perhaps, this excuse came from self-doubt.  He had fled Egypt, 40 years earlier, in fear (Exodus 2:11-15).

God did not accept Moses’ excuse.  He reassured Moses, “I will certainly be with you” (Exodus 3:11).

He is with us today when we do His will.  Let us boldly say, “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6 cf. Luke 12:4).

We can do what He has asked us to do.  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

2. “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me ‘what is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” (Exodus 3:13).

“I do not know what to say.”  (a) Perhaps, this excuse came from a sense of inadequacy.  “I don’t know enough.”  (b) Perhaps, this excuse came from authority.  “From where do I get my authority to speak?  How do I answer?”

God provided an answer.  Tell them “I AM WHO I AM… I AM has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:14).

What do we say today?  We need to proclaim His Word.  “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).  “Preach the word!  Be ready in season and out of season.  Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).

We need to develop ourselves into teachers.  We should not remain unlearned.  Let us “proclaim the praises of Him who called (us) out of darkness and into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).  We are commanded to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).  The writer of Hebrews rebuked some saying, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food” (Hebrews 5:12).

3.  “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you’” (Exodus 4:1).

God took away this objection.  He provided miraculous evidence, “that they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you” (Exodus 4:5).

He has provided us with wonderful evidence as well (e.g. Isaiah 53 cf. Acts 8:26-ff; Luke 24:26-27; Acts 17:1-3; 18:4; 19:8; 28:23).

Not everyone is going to receive the message.  Pharaoh didn’t.  Jesus told a parable of four soils, in which only one received the word, as it should be received (Luke 8:4-8, 11-15).  Not everyone received the word when it was preached in the book of Acts (e.g. Acts 13:48-50, 17:1-5; 17:11-13; 17:32-34; 18:4-8; 19:5-10; 28:24).  However, it is our duty to preach (cf. Hebrews 5:12; 2 Timothy 4:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9).

4.  “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue” (Exodus 4:10).

“I am not good with words.  I am not good at delivering speeches.”  (a) Perhaps, this was merely an excuse.  The New Testament has the Spirit-filled Stephen declaring, “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds” (Acts 7:22).  (b) Perhaps, there was, in Moses’ mind, some truth to these words.  He had not been in a position of speaking in such a grand setting in 40 years.  He may have been “out of practice.”

God rejected this excuse.  First, He reminded Moses that He created man.  He knows what a man is capable of doing (Exodus 4:11).  Second, He promised to be with Moses, saying, “Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say” (Exodus 4:12).

Let us remember that God has provided to us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).  He has, through His word, “thoroughly equipped us for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  It is not eloquence that is essential, but a heart that cares enough to present God’s word.  It is the gospel message which is “the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16).  “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

5.  “O My Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send” (Exodus 4:13). 

“Won’t You send someone, anyone else, other than me?”  This is the meaning.

God replied, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother?  I know that he can speak well.  And look, he is also coming out to meet you.  When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.  Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth.  And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do.  So he shall be your spokesman to the people.  And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God” (Exodus 4:14-16).  Moses had exhausted God’s patience.  He was angry with Moses.  He wanted no more excuses.  He wanted action.

Sometimes we wait for someone else to act.  There is a story entitled, “Whose Job is it, Anyway?”  It involves four bodies: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.  There is a job to be done.  Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.  Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.  Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job.  Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.  In the end, Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could do.”  If there is a cause, let’s get to doing it.  If we don’t do it, then who will?

If you feel inadequate to do the task alone, then get someone to help you.  But get the task done.  Moses had Aaron.  Jesus sent the twelve out in pairs on the limited commission (Mark 6:7).  He did the same with the seventy (Luke 10:1).  In India, some of the song leaders in the church seem nervous about trying to lead a song by themselves. Therefore, I have seen them recruit another member to stand with them and help them lead singing.  One does not have to do everything alone.  But let’s do what needs to be done, and not make excuses.

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Practical Atheism

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

Let’s define what is meant.  Practical atheism is “holding an intellectual belief in God but thinking, feeling, and behaving as if there were no God” (Rubel Shelly, Atheists on the Church Rolls, quoted by Dick Sztanyo in Practical Atheism and Practical Theism, warrenapologetics.org).  “Practical atheism is found in the lives of many people who believe in God but who live as if He does not exist” (Dick Sztanyo, ibid).

The Bible mentions such people.  Jesus spoke of those who receive the word, but live unfruitful lives (Luke 8:14).  Paul wrote of those who “profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abomination, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work” (Titus 1:16).

Here is an example of modern day practical atheism.  One professes to believe in God, and professes to believe that the Bible is God’s word, yet he does not study the Bible, and it is certainly not the standard by which he looks to conduct his life.

Burt Jones has written an article entitled, “What’s The Difference? He asks –

  1. “I am bewildered by the atheist who would not dream of financially supporting the church, and by the Christian who will not financially support the Lord’s church, and I ask – what’s the difference?”
  2. “I am perplexed at the skeptic who does not believe in the Bible, and the negligent Christian who never reads it, and I ask – what’s the difference?”
  3. “I am confused by those who do not believe in Bible classes, and the Christian (who does – B.H.) who chooses never to attend a class, and I ask – what’s the difference?”
  4. “I am troubled by the man of the world, and the Christian who lives like a man of the world, and I ask – what’s the difference?”
  5. “I am astonished at the atheist who does nothing to build up the Lord’s church, and the Christian who finds fault with others, but does nothing himself, and I ask – what’s the difference?” (Brad Harrub and Burt Jones, Diamonds in the Rough, pp. 15-16).

May we not live as practical atheists.  Let us strive hard to live consistently with what we believe.  “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).  “Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).  Remember what Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

 

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