Peace Series: Peace Through Jesus

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).

Jesus made possible peace with God.  It is through Jesus: (1) Man can be justified.  Justification may be defined as: the state of one who has been declared to be, or counted as, just or righteous.  Man is justified by the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9).  (2) Man can enter a state of grace.  The reference is to the state of having received forgiveness of sins (cf. Ephesians 1:7).  (3) Man can have a heavenly hope.  In one sense, He is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27).  He is the basis of our hope.  Christians can joyously live anticipating “the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

Man accesses this peace conditionally.  (1) He is justified by faith (Romans 5:1). He must trust God and His plan for salvation (Romans 1:16).  Saving faith is obedient faith (Hebrews 11).  It is not a mere mental assent (James 2:24).  Obedience is required (Hebrews 5:9).   (2) He accesses grace by the faith (Romans 5:2).  The definite article is present in the original language.  The reference is to the message of the New Testament (cf. Acts 6:7; Galatians 1:23; Jude 3).  Personal faith should be based on the objective system of faith, the word of God (cf. Romans 10:17).

“He Himself is our peace, who has made both one and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity” (Ephesians 2:14-16).

He (Jesus Christ) is our (this includes Jew and Gentile) peace.  (1) He provides peace between God and man (Ephesians 2:16).  He through the cross reconciles both (Jew and Gentile) to God.  This reconciliation occurs in one body (church cf. Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4; 5:23).  The plan was not to reconcile Jew and Gentile in different bodies, but in one body.  (2) He provides peace between man and man (Ephesians 2:14-15).  He has made both (Jew and Gentile) one (cf. Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11).  He has broken down the middle wall of separation.  This is speaking of the religious distinction between Jew and Gentile.  Wayne Jackson comments, “The imagery possibly was taken from the four-and-a-half-foot wall in the temple are that separated the court of the Gentiles from the sacred area reserved for Jews.  It had death warnings posted at intervals (two of which have been found), forbidding Gentiles to pass beyond (cf. Acts 21:28-29).  The barrier was literally broken with the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70.  In principle, it was broken down with the abolition of the Mosaic system at Calvary.  Others see the symbolism as a reference to the rending of the temple veil at the time of Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51).  Whatever the background, the language symbolized the fact that the religious wall separating Jews from Gentiles was gone” (Jackson, A New Testament Commentary, pp. 389-390).  Furthermore, He has abolished the enmity.  Thayer comments “by meton(ymy) i.q. cause of enmity.”  He abolished the law of Moses (which separated Jew and Gentile) through the cross.

“And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.  For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:17-18).

Jesus preached peace.  He preached it to both those who were afar off (Gentiles cf. Ephesians 2:11-13), and those near (Jews).  Jesus earthly mission was not focused on the Gentiles (Matthew 15:24; Matthew 10:5-6).  However, He did commission the apostles to go make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:20).  It is because of this He can be said to have preached peace to both.

Both (Jew and Gentile) have access to the Father through Jesus.  This access is available by the Spirit.  What does this mean?  Compare Ephesians 2:18, 20 with Ephesians 3:3-6.  Ephesians 2:18, 20 reads, “For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father… having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.”  Ephesians 3:3-6 reads, “how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)… it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.”  The Holy Spirit revealed the saving message of the gospel of Christ.  The Holy Spirit revealed that this message is for both Jew and Gentile.  We with joy should say, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

Posted in Grace, Jesus, Old Testament/New Testament, Peace, Plan of salvation, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Peace Series: Glory, Honor, Peace

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“Who (God – B.H.) ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness – indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek for there is no partiality with God” (Romans 2:6-11).

Judgment is in view.  There is coming a day “When God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ” (Romans 2:16; John 5:22; Acts 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10).  Judgment will be fair, without partiality, according to each one’s works (Romans 2:6, 11; Acts 10:34-35; 1 Peter 1:17).

Those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth will be punished.  They “shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

Those who live a life doing good and seeking the things above will be rewarded.  They will find: (1) glory (1 Corinthians 2:7; Philippians 3:20-21); (2) honor (John 12:27); (3) immortality [Roy Deaver points out – “Certainly, Paul does not say that if one seeks for one thing God will give him something else.  Rather, God will give him that for which he seeks.  Therefore, glory, honor, incorruption, and peace are constituent elements of eternal life” (Deaver, Romans: God’s Plan For Man’s Righteousness, p. 76).  The Biblical use of “eternal life” includes more than immortality.  It refers to an eternal quality of life]; (4) Peace [Man today can have peace with God through Jesus (Romans 5:1, 9; Ephesians 2:17-18)].  Notice that it is a manner of life which is being described.  It is speaking of those “who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality” (Romans 2:7).  “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

Garland Elkins summarized the impartiality of God, noting: (1) He declared all under sin (Romans 3:23).  (2) He provided a common Savior for all (John 3:16; Hebrews 2:9).  (3) The same invitation is extended to all (Matthew 11:28-30; Revelation 22:17).  (4) The same conditions of pardon are required of all (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 17:30).  (5) There is one standard of conduct for all (Acts 10:34-35).  (6) There is one common church for all (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4; 5:23); (7) In the manner of judging, He will be impartial (1 Peter 1:17).  God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35), nevertheless He is a respecter of character (1 Peter 3:12) – [ed. Dub McClish, Studies in Romans, Denton Lectures, pp. 69-70].

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans  8:5-6).

There are two types of people in view.  Some people let their fleshly, carnal appetites and desires dominate their thinking and guide their lives (cf. Ephesians 4:17, 19-20).  Other people have their minds upon spiritual things, and they allow the teachings of the Holy Spirit to guide their lives (cf. Colossians 3:1-2; Psalm 119:104-105, 128).  Roy Deaver comments, “To ‘walk after the flesh’ is to be concerned about, to be mindful of, desirous of fleshly things, temporal things – with no real concern about spiritual things, things of God.  To ‘walk after the Spirit’ is to be concerned about, to be mindful of, desirous of, spiritual things, things of God, things sacred, divine, eternal…” (Deaver, Romans: God’s Plan for Man’s Righteousness, pp. 259-260).

Do you want peace with God?  Then, set your mind of spiritual things.  Decide to live according to His will, and not your on fleshly desires.  Make Him King and not self.

“There’s a great day coming, A great day coming, There’s a great day coming by and by; When the saints and the sinners shall be parted right and left, Are you ready for that day to come?” (song: There’s a Great Day Coming by Will L. Thompson).

Posted in Judgment, Peace, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Peace Series: My Peace I Give You

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

What is “peace”?  Webster provides the following definitions: “1.  A state of tranquility or quiet: as a. freedom from civil disturbance; b. a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom; 2. freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; 3. harmony in personal relations; 4.a. a state or period of mutual concord between governments; b. a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity;  5. – used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell.” (www.marriam-webster.com).  Rush Limbaugh concisely says, “Peace is the absence of threat and the presence of justice” (www.rushlimbaugh.com/2015/03/18/what_is_your_definition_of_peace).

Most people primarily think of peace as harmony in the world.  They think of peace between men.  They think of peace between governments.

The Bible uses the word “peace” in a variety of ways.  The original word in the New Testament is, the Greek word, eirene.  It is from the root word eiro, meaning “to join.”  The word is used of: (1) harmonious relations between men – Matthew 10:34, Romans 14:19; (2) friendliness – 1 Corinthians 16:11; (3) harmonious relations between nations -Luke 14:2, Acts 12:20; (4) a state of national tranquility – Acts 24:2; (5) Freedom from molestation – Acts 9:31; (6) a sense of rest – Mark 5:34; (7) Order in the state – Acts 24:2; or in the church – 1 Corinthians 14:33; (8) harmonious relations between God and man – Acts 10:36; Ephesians 2:17; (9) the tranquil state of the soul assured of its salvation through Christ – John 16:33; (10) the blessed state of the devout and upright men after death – Romans 2:10 (see Vine’s; Thayer).

Jesus did not offer His followers peace on earth.  He acknowledged “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33).

Jesus did not offer peace as the world offers it (John 14:27).  What does this mean?  It may mean that He did not offer the kind of peace to them that earthly governments provide.  He, by force, would not directly regulate man’s behavior.  Though, He does authorize government to do so (cf. Romans 13:1-ff).  Many think that this means that He did not offer them empty words.  Israelites at meetings and departures wished each other “shalom.”  Matthew Henry comments, “I do not compliment you with ‘Peace be unto you’; no, it is not a mere formality,   but a real blessing” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 904).  Adam Clarke comments, “Not as the Jews in empty wishes: not as the people of the world, in empty compliments.  Their salutations and benedictions are generally matters of custom and polite ceremony without desire or design; but I mean what I say; what I wish you, that I give you” (Clarke’s Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 625).

Jesus offers an inward peace which is not based upon external circumstances of this physical life.  Guy Woods comments, “It is significant that the Lord did not say, ‘Ye have overcome the world; therefore, peace is yours’, this blessed promise was theirs because He did it.  It is true that Christians must overcome the world in resisting its allurements and avoiding its temptations, but there must have been this initial triumph over it by our Saviour and Lord; Otherwise, salvation would not have been possible, regardless of any resistance to evil influences.  Thus, the triumph of the Lord was also that of His disciples’.  The verb ‘I have overcome the world,’ is in the perfect tense, completed action with continuing effects.  The Lord’s mission into the world was now nearly over and so certain was it of completion that He could speak of it as already having been accomplished” (Woods, A Commentary on The Gospel According to John, p. 351).  Jesus’ disciples can have an inward peace “which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), because He has overcome the world!

“Peace, perfect peace, in this dark work of sin: The blood of Jesus whispers peace within/ Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed: To do the will of Jesus – this is rest/ Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round: On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found/ Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away: In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they/ Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown: Jesus we know, and He is on the throne/ It is enough; earth’s struggles soon shall cease, and Jesus call us to heav’n’s peace. (song: Peace, Perfect Peace by Edward H. Bickersteth)

Posted in Peace, Textual study, Word Study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Circumcision’s Added Benefit

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

God told Abraham that circumcision would be “a sign of the covenant “(Genesis 17:11).  God had promised “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3), and “you shall be the father of many nations” (Genesis 17:4).  Henry Morris commented, “the emphasis of the covenant, of course, was on the promised seed, and on the abundance of progeny which would accrue to Abraham.  The male sex organ is the remarkable, divinely created vehicle for the transmission of this seed from one generation to another.  The circumcision (“cutting around”) of this channel would thus picture its complete enclosure within God’s protective and productive will” (The Genesis Record, p. 333).  Circumcision was a reminder that through Abraham and his descendants would come nations, and finally a blessing upon all nations (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14 cf. Acts 3:25-26).

When Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac a strange thing occurred.  The servant swore to do his duty by putting his hand under the thigh of Abraham (Genesis 24:9 cf. 47:29).  This seems to be a reminder of the covenant made which was to be fulfilled through the loins of Abraham.

The primary purpose of circumcision is clear. It was a sign of the covenant which was to be fulfilled through the loins of Abraham.

However, there seems to be an added benefit.  S.I. McMillan, in his book, None of These Diseases, writes of the physical value of circumcision.  (1) He cites several studies which show a much lower rate of cervical cancer among women whose mates are circumcised.  He writes of a study in India.  “Although the people there have similar racial background, eat the same types of food (there are some differences B.H.), and live in the same climate and environment, the population is divided into two religious groups (Hindu and Islam, B.H.).  Those who (follow) Mohammed… practice circumcision.  Among that group there is a much lower incident of Cervical cancer than among women of the same race who eat the same food and live in the same environment” (McMillian, None of These Diseases, p.18). He explains, “If the tight unretractable foreskin is not removed, proper cleaning cannot be readily performed (at least not easily B.H.).  As a result, many virulent bacteria, including cancer-producing smegma bacillus, can grow profusely.  During sexual intercourse these bacteria are deposited in the cervix of the uterus, if the mucous membrane of the cervix is intact, little harm results.  However, if lacerations exist, as they frequently do after childbirth, these bacteria can cause considerable irritation.  Since any part of the body which is subjected to irritation is susceptible to cancer, it is perfectly understandable why cervical cancer is likely to develop in women whose mates are not circumcised” (p. 19).  (2) He also writes of penile cancer saying, “These bacteria not only produce cancer in women, but also irritate the male organ and may cause cancer of the penis” (ibid).  He concludes, “We can say that circumcision is an almost perfect prophylaxis against this deadly cancer” (ibid).

While today circumcision is of no religious value (Galatians 5:6; 6:15; Romans 2:28-29; 1 Corinthians 7:18-19; Colossians 3:11), there is still a point to be made.  The point is this: when one follows God’s teachings, there is often an added benefit.  Even though the Israelites may never have understood it at the time, there was an added benefit to circumcision.  God’s commandments are for our good (cf. Deuteronomy 6:24; 10:23; 1 John 5:3).  Often, this good is not just spiritual in nature, but also physical.  For example – when we get rid of envy and hatred we not only are doing what is spiritually right, we may be saving ourselves from potential harm.  “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” (Proverbs 14:30).

Posted in science | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Peace Series: Peace or Sword?

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“Do not think that I came to bring peace but a sword.  For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household‘” (Matthew 10:34-35).

“Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?  I tell you not at all, but rather division.  For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three.  Father will be against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law” (Luke 12:51-53).

How can this be?  The Messiah was to be the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7).  Angels announced Jesus’ birth by saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14).

Jesus’ message, if followed, leads to peace: Peace with God (Romans 5:1), and peace between men (Ephesians 2:14-18).  Christians are taught to be a peaceful people: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18); “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14); “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2); “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9); “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

However, not all follow Jesus’ message.  John W. Haley comments, “A religion of inherent, radical purity could not be propagated in the world without awaking the fierce antagonism of everything impure and evil.  Hence would arise strife and division, bitter conflicts…” (Haley, Alleged Discrepancies, p. 119).  Oliver Greene comments, “When Jesus spoke of sending a sword to divide even the nearest relatives, we understand that He came for the purpose of teaching doctrine which would inevitably lead to this division to which He referred.  These evils were not what Jesus wished for, but they occur because men love darkness rather than light” (Greene, The Gospel According to Matthew, Vol. 2, p. 467).

Why does Jesus say this?  First, He wants us to know that there will be opposition.  Things will not always be easy. Opposition may come even from one’s own family. Second, He is challenging our committment and loyalty. It is in this context that He says – “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:37-39). While we love our families, our loyalty to Him must surpass our devotion to them, and our desire for peace in our homes.

Posted in Family, Peace, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Have You Been Circumcised?

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through Faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (Colossians 2:11-12).

Judaizing teachers, for years, tried to bind physical circumcision on gentile converts to Christianity (cf. Acts 15:1, 5; Galatians 2:1-4; 5:1-4; 6:15; 1 Corinthians 7:18-19; Colossians 2:11-12; 3:10-11).  They were wrong in this (Acts 15:23-29).  “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing,  but the keeping of the commandments of God is what matters” (1 Corinthians 7:19).  Physical circumcision is not a part of the New Covenant.

However, there is a circumcision which is needed, spiritual circumcision.  This circumcision is performed without hands; meaning – this is something that God does and not man (cf. Daniel 2:34, 45; 8:25; Colossians 2:11-12).

There is a similarity between physical circumcision and spiritual circumcision.  The word “circumcision” literally means to “cut around.”  It refers to an operation to remove something.   The priests of old performed circumcision removing the foreskin of the male organ.  God performs circumcision removing sin.  He performs this operation when one is buried with Christ in baptism.  The same power which raised Jesus from physical death, removes one’s sins and raises one from spiritual death to walk in newness of life (Colossians 2:11-12 cf. 3:1-2; Ephesians 1:20 cf. 2:5-6; Romans 6:4).

Some have appealed to this circumcision illustration to try to defend infant baptism.  Therefore it is worth pointing out some dissimilarities between physical circumcision and spiritual circumcision.  (1) Physical circumcision was performed on Israelite males eight days old (Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:3).  The New Testament teaches that baptism is for those who believe (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:35-39; Acts 18:8).  (2) Physical circumcision was performed only on males (Genesis 17:14; Exodus 12:48).  Baptism is for both men and women (Acts 8:12; Galatians 3:26-28).  (3) Physical circumcision did not make one a Hebrew or an Israelite.  One was born such (Leviticus 23:42 k.j.v.; Romans 11:1).  Though, the uncircumcised were to be cut off (Genesis 17:14; Exodus 4:24-26).  Baptism places one in the Kingdom (John 3:5) and makes one a child of God (Galatians 3:26-28).  There are differences between physical circumcision and spiritual circumcision.

Additionally, let us point out that there is a circumcision we are to do.  God instructed Israel to circumcise their heart (Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4).  One is not humble but stiff-necked and rebellious, if he is uncircumcised of heart and ears (cf. Leviticus 26:41; Jeremiah 6:10; Acts 7:51).  God desires us to be circumcised in the heart (Romans 2:26).  May we remove pride and rebellion and make our hearts and ears tender and receptive to His will. It takes a circumcised heart to receive circumcision from sin.

Posted in baptism, Sin, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Observing The Wind

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap” (Ecclesiastes 11:4).

The meaning?  John Waddey comments, “His illustration is that of a farmer who is so concerned about having perfect conditions for sowing or reaping that he never gets his crop planted; or if he does, he fails to get it harvested” (Waddey, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon, A Exposition, p. 64).  Matthew Henry comments, “If the husbandman should decline, or leave off, sowing for the sake of every flying cloud, and reaping for the sake of every blast of wind, he would make an ill account of husbandry at the year’s end” (Henry’s Commentary, Vol. 3, p. 859).  Adam Clark comments, “If a man neither plough nor sow till the weather is entirely to his mind, the season will in all probability pass before he will have done anything” (Clark’s Commentary, Vol. 3, p. 834).

Too many excuse their inactivity by claiming that “It is not the right time.”  They claim that they are looking for the ideal circumstance.  However, such never seems to come.

There is much that needs to be done.  Life is short.  If we wait until all difficulties are removed, likely what needs to be done, will never be done.  Think on this.  Then, get to work!

“To the work!  To the work!  We are servants of God, Let us follow the path that our Master has trod; with the balm of His counsel our strength to renew, let us do with our might what our hands find to do” (Song: To The Work by Fanny Crosby).

“I want to be a worker for the Lord.  I want to love and trust His holy word; I want to sing and pray and be busy ev’ry day, in the vineyard of the Lord\I want to be a worker ev’ry day; I want to lead the erring in the way that leads to heav’n above Where all is peace and love, in the kingdom of the Lord\I want to be a worker strong and brave; I want to trust in Jesus pow’r to save; all who will truly come shall find a happy home in the kingdom of the Lord” (Song: I Want to be a Worker by I. Baltzell).

Posted in Ecclesiastes, Soul Winning, Textual study, Time | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Holding Down The Truth

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18, KJV).

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18, NKJV).

The original word Katecho comes from Kata, which means “down,” and echo which means “hold,”  It is used in this passage of “unrighteous man who restrain the spread of the truth by their unrighteousness” (Vine’s).

God’s people are to shine as lights in this world.  Jesus said, “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).  Paul wanted the Philippian brethren to be “children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,” adding, “among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).  Peter wrote, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles…” (1 Peter 2:11-12).

When we are not what we should be, our behavior can hinder others from receiving the truth.  Consider: “You therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?  You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?  You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit adultery?  You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?  You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?  For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,’  as it is written” (Romans 2:21-24).  Let us be careful that we do not become a hindrances to the truth.

Posted in Christian Influence, Soul Winning, Textual study, Word Study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Lesson on Borrowing

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

The Bible is clear that we should be willing to lend and share, if we are able, with those in need.  “A good man deals graciously and lends” (Psalm 112:5).  “Give to  him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away” (Matthew 5:42).  “(Those who are rich) Let them do good, that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share… that they may lay hold on eternal life” (2 Timothy 6:18-19).  There are qualifications to these work.  One has a duty to first provide for his own family (Matthew 15:3-6; 1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16).  Next, one is to give priority to helping Christian brethren who are in need (Galatians 6:10).  Then, others should be helped as we have opportunity (and ability).  Moreover, one should not enable bad behavior (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

But, what about the borrower?  Does he have a responsibility?  I do believe that he does, and such is the focus of this writing.

Have you ever loaned something to someone, only to be disappointed at the condition of the item when it was returned?  Have you ever borrowed something from someone, and had it break or be damaged, while it was in your possession?  What does the Bible say about this?  Consider from the Old Testament: (1) “The wicked borrows and does not repay” (Psalm 37:21).  We should return what we borrow.  (2) “If a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it becomes injured or dies, the owner of it not being with it, he shall surely make it good” (Exodus 22:14).  One should try to replace, repair, or pay damage to the lender.  (3) “When they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.  But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, ‘Alas, Master!  For it was borrowed.”  (2 Kings 6:4-5).  This is what one of the “sons of the prophets” said to Elisha.  He was greatly concerned, not simply for the loss of the ax head, but because it was borrowed.  Elisha miraculous caused the iron to float, and it was retrieved (2 Kings 6:6-7).  The righteous take their responsibility to care for borrowed items seriously.  True, these are Old Testament passages, but does God expect less care for others property today?

Consider the word of John and the New Testament: (1) “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).  (2) “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).  (3) “Love does no harm to a neighbor, therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).  (4) “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4).  True, these passages are not specifically addressing the borrowing issue, but is there not an application?

I have seen many problems develop between brethren over borrowed items.  I have seen friendships damaged over such.  Many problems could be avoided if the above passages were considered.

Posted in Ethics, prophets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Value of Asking Questions

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Bryan Hodge

“Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out” (Proverbs 20:5).

Here is what some have said of this passage:

(1)  Adam Clark – “Men of the deepest and most comprehensive minds are rarely apt, unsolicited, to join in any discourse in which they might appear even to the greatest advantage; but a man of understanding will elicit this, by questions framed for the purpose, and this pump up the salubrious waters from the deep and capacious well.”

(2)  Matthew Henry – “A man’s wisdom is here said to be of use to him for the pumping of other people… to get knowledge of them… some are very able and fit to give counsel… but they are modest, and reserved, and not communicative; they have a good deal in them, but it is loth to come out.  In such a case a man of understanding will draw it out… we lose the benefit we might have by the conversion of wise men for want of the art of being inquisitive.”

(3)  Albert Barnes – “Every question is, as it were, a turning of the windlass.”

Will Rogers once said, “Everyone is ignorant (of something).  We are just ignorant of different things.”  The most knowledgeable of humans, no doubt, know only a small fraction of the sum total of human knowledge.  The point is: There is a vast wealth of wisdom and knowledge in the people around us.  A wise person asks questions.  He seeks to learn.

The disciples and others asked Jesus many spiritual questions (e.g. Mark 4:10; 7:17; 10:10; 10:17; 12:28; 13:3-4).  The apostles were asked spiritual questions (e.g. Acts 2:37; 16:30; 1 Corinthians 7:1a).  Do you care enough about spiritual matters to ask questions?

My advice is two-fold:  First, never stop asking questions.  Ask questions to self as you read.  Ask questions to others.  An inquisitive mind is a helpful thing in preventing stagnation in Biblical knowledge.  Second, test all answers with God’s word (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).  Remember that, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).  Scripture and doctrine must harmonize.  Thomas Warren points out – “Any doctrine which implies a fake doctrine is itself a false doctrine” (Warren, Logic and the Bible, p. 68).

Posted in Proverbs, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment