Lessons From the Moon

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

The moon provides benefits to mankind.  The Bible says, “And 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 upon the earth’; and it was so.  Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made stars also.  God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:14-18).  The moon and stars not only give us light at night, they also help us keep track of time.  It takes 29 1/2 days for the moon to complete a full lunar cycle.  The lunar phase helps us keep track of the passage of time; and by the stars, one can navigate a ship.

The moon also plays an important role in sustaining life in the oceans and seas upon earth.  Anyone who has maintained a pond or fish tank knows that keeping the water aerated is essential to the life of most aquatic plants and animals.  In comes the moon in God’s design.  The moon creates the tides.  On any given spot on the Earth’s beaches one can observe the ocean level rising for about six hours and then falls for about six hours. Then the cycle is repeated.  Tide and wind helps keep the ocean aerated.

The moon helps cleanse the oceans as well.  The area between the low and high tide line is called the intertidal zone.  Many of he organisms which live in this region feed off of things which would otherwise pollute the oceans  Thus the moon moves water around aiding in cleansing the oceans waters.

The moon also teaches us something about God’s wisdom in designing this Earth.  Water, particularly salt water, ocean currents, and convection help to prevent greater extremes of temperature on this planet.  John Hudson Tiner writes, “Vast oceans cover much of the earth’s surface. Ocean water absorbs heat in winter and releases it in summer, helping to moderate the earth’s temperature…An extreme example is the earth’s moon. The moon orbits the Earth, so it is, on average the same distance from the sun as the Earth.  The moon has no water.   For that reason, temperatures jump to more than 93 degrees C (200 degrees F) on the sunlit side.  After the sun sets, temperatures plunge to -73 degrees C (-100 degrees F)” (Tiner, The World of Chemistry,pp. 83-84).  Moreover, we all know that the moon is pockmarked by meteorites;  while, due to eath’s atmosphere most meteors (named meteoroids before entering the earth’s atmoshere, named meteors if entering earth’s atmosphere,  and named meteorites  if striking or impacting the earth or moon or some planet) burn up  in the mesosphere (a layer of the earth’s atmosphere) because of friction between the meteor and the earth’s atmosphere.  God made this Earth to be inhabited (Isaiah 45:18).

Next, we perhaps can learn something of the age of the universe from the moon. When Neil Armstrong was planning to go to the moon Bob Hope asked him what his greatest fear was.  He responded without hesitation, “moon dust.”  NASA, assuming the Earth and moon was very old, thought accumulated cosmic space dust would be 50 to 80 feet deep!  They put huge pods on the Lunar landing Eagle to prevent the craft from sinking into this cosmic space dust.  The Earth with its wind, rivers, and oceans, they thought would erode such – there would be no signs of such accumulations here.  But, on the moon it should be thick.  There would be no erosion to wash or blow it away.  It would just build deeper and deeper.  What did they find?  Paul D. Ackerman writes”There was not a billion years worth of dust, nor was there a million years worth of dust.  There was, in fact, only a few thousand years worth of dust on the moon’s surface”(Ackerman, It’s a Young World After All, p.21).

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Grace Series: Grace for Grace

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

“And of His fullness we have received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-17).

There is a contrast between what Moses brought to man and what Jesus brought to man. Curtis Cates commented, “The law of Moses pointed up sin and made sin ‘exceeding sinful,’ but it could not bring full and complete forgiveness and freedom from sin’s guilt, thus the ‘remembrance of sins year by year’ (Hebrews 10:3; Romans 7:13). It was characterized more by law than by grace; law without the shedding of Christ’s blood was inadequate. It killed, but could not give life (2 Corinthians 3:6). Only by the shedding of the blood of the precious Lamb of God (John 1:29) would full and immediate forgiveness be possible. Thus, forgiveness in the Old Testament was in promise, through offering animal sacrifices, looking to and typical of the coming Messiah (Romans 9:30-10:4). The Hebrews writer stated, ‘God having provided some better thing concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect’ (Hebrews 11:40)” (Curtis Cates, Studies in John, The 18th Annual Denton Lectures, p. 67).

What is Not Meant

This does not mean that there was no grace before Christ. “Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8). Ezra said in prayer, “grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape” (Ezra 9:8).

This does not mean that there was not (in any sense) forgiveness before Christ. God counted them as forgiven when they complied with their part of His requirements for forgiveness (cf. Leviticus 4:22-23, 25-26). However, the blood of Christ was still required (Hebrews 9:9; 9:15; 10:1-4; 10:19-22; 11:39-40; Galatians 4:4-5). Here is an illustration, though imperfect: A utility company will count your bill as paid upon receiving your check. Though, it technically is not paid until the check clears the bank. God counted those of old as forgiven (in a sense) though it would require the blood of Christ.

This does not mean that there was not any truth before Christ. The Psalmist said of the LORD, “Your law is truth” (Psalm 119:142), and “the entirety of Your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160).

This is not teaching that man today is not amenable to law. Man is today amenable to law (Galatians 6:2; James 1:25; 2:8; Hebrews 10:16 cf. Jeremiah 31:33; Isaiah 2:3; Romans 8:2; 8:6-7; 1 Corinthians 9:21). One cannot sin unless law exists (1 John 3:4; Romans 4:15; 5:13). “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:10).

What is Meant

We have received “grace for grace” (John 1:16). This could be literally rendered “grace instead of grace” (The Zondervan Parallel New Testament). Whatever grace existed under the Old Testament, far superior exists under the New Testament. Sins are no longer annually remembered (Hebrews 9:12 cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 10:1-4 cf. Leviticus 16). They had forgiveness in promise (though they were counted as forgiven when they complied with their part of God’s conditions for forgiveness). We have forgiveness in reality. This grace was prophesied of by the prophets of old (1 Peter 1:10-11).

However much truth was revealed under the Old Testament, we have received far more. His eternal purpose is accomplished in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:11). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

This grace and truth is “of His fullness” (John 1:16). It could be literally rendered “out of His fullness.” He came “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 cf. 1:16; 1:17).

“Oh the depths and the riches of God’s saving grace flowing down from the cross for me! There the debt for my sins by the Savior was paid in His suffering on Calvary!” (Song: Oh the Depths and the Riches by Tillit S. Teddlie).

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Holy Spirit: Indwelling (Part 2)

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

In this part, we will begin to set forth how I understand some key wordings.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38-39).

Some brethren have thought that “the gift of the Holy Spirit” is salvation. This will not work. Baptism is “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38); Yet, Cornelius and his company received “the gift of the Holy Spirit” prior to baptism (Acts 10:44-48).

My view is that “the gift of the Holy Spirit” refers to miraculous endowment.   Consider: (1) The phrase “the gift of the Holy Spirit” only appears twice in Scripture (Acts 2:38; 10:44-46). In Acts 10, the phrase is associated with miraculous endowment. (2) There appears to be a parallel with the Great Commission.

Mark 16:16-17: belief | (repentance cf. Luke 24:46) | baptism| salvation| signs follow.

Acts 2:38: (belief cf. Acts 2:36-37) | repentance | baptism | remission of sins | the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Some believe that “the gift of the Holy Spirit” is an indwelling of the Holy Spirit, whether miraculous or not. They reason: (1) The promise was to the Jews, their children, and those afar off (gentiles) and even as many as the Lord God would call (Acts 2:39). (2) Since, it is the case that He calls us by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), and (3) since, it is the case that miracles have ceased (1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 4), then (4) this must include a non-miraculous “gift of the Holy Spirit.” However, it should be pointed out that the term “call” (proskalew) is not the word used for being called by the gospel (Kalew). The word in Acts 2:39 is used elsewhere of being called to an office, position, or work (cf. Acts 13:2; 16:10). The language of Acts 2:39 is rooted in Acts 2:16-18 (cf. Joel 2:28-29). (2) The language sounds universal. Yes it does, if taken alone. Remember that this is also true of Mark 16:17-ff. The rest of the scriptures must be considered. Other passages indicate the duration of miracles (1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 4).

Consider these words about Acts 2 – “Does it not seem unusual that every reference to the Spirit from the first verse to verse 33 speaks of the miraculous, and then Peter, without any explanation, passed to the non-miraculous in verse 38? Place yourself in the audience on that Pentecost day. You have seen the miraculous manifestation of the Spirit. You asked for an explanation of the miraculous. The preacher quotes a passage that mentions only the miraculous and then you are promised the Spirit as a non-miraculous indwelling. What would be your reaction? In the days of miraculous manifestation, for an apostle to promise the Spirit and one receive no spiritual gift would have made that person question the credibility of the apostle” (Franklin Camp, The Work of the Holy Spirit in Redemption, p. 153).

Some brethren have spent much time trying to prove that “the gift of the Holy Spirit” refers to not the Holy Spirit as a gift, but to a gift which comes from the Holy Spirit. While I do believe that this refers to a gift which comes from the Holy Spirit, and not to the Holy Spirit as a gift, I do not see how such can be established by grammar alone. Consider – “The gift of God,” in Romans 6:23, clearly refers to a gift from God, eternal life. “The gift of righteousness,” in Romans 5:17, seems to refer to righteousness (a right standing before God) as a gift. The Wise Men from the East, it could be said, brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were the gift.

These are my thoughts. Study for yourself. Draw your own conclusions.

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Two Are Better Than One

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

“There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son or brother.  Yet there is not end to all his labors, nor is his eye satisfied with riches…  Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls for he has no one to help him up.  Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?  Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.”    ~ Ecclesiastes 4:8-12

It is good to have family and friends.  Consider the following story…

The Wives of Weinsberg 

(Adapted from a retelling by Charlotte Yonge)

It happened in Germany, in the Middle Ages.  The year was 1141.  Wolf, the duke of Bavaria, sat trapped inside his castle of Weinsberg.  Outside his walls lay the army of Frederick, the duke of Swabia, and his brother the emperor Konrad.

The siege had lasted long, and the time had come when Wolf knew he must surrender.  Messengers rode back and forth, terms were proposed, conditions allowed, arrangements completed.  Sadly, Wolf and his officers prepared to give themselves to their bitter enemy.

But the wives of Weinsberg were not ready to lose all.  They send a message to Konrad, asking the emperor to promise safe conduct for all the women in the garrison, that they might come out with as many of their valuables as they could carry.

The request was freely granted, and soon the castle gates opened.  Out came the ladies – but in startling fashion.  They carried not gold or jewels.  Each one was bending under the weight of her husband, whom she hoped to save from the vengeance of the victorious host.

Konrad, who was really a generous and merciful man, is said to have been brought to tears by the extraordinary performance.  He hastened to assure the women of their husbands’ perfect safety and freedom.  Then he invited them all to a banquet and made peace with the duke of Bavaria on term much more favorable than expected.

The castle mount was afterwards known as the Hill of Weibertreue, or woman’s fidelity.

(Bill Bennett, The Moral Compass, page 510)

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Holy Spirit: Indwelling (Part 1)

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

I know of no one (who believes the Bible) who denies the fact of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Bible speaks of an indwelling of God, the Father (John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 John 4:12-15; 2 John 9), an indwelling of the Christ (John 14:23; Romans 8:10; Ephesians 3:17; 2 John 9), and an indwelling of the Spirit (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).

While the fact of the Spirit’s indwelling is not a point of controversy, the manner of the Spirit’s indwelling has been passionately discussed and debated through the years.

In this writing, we will set forth the common views held by brethren. There are three major views.

 1.   Literal Indwelling

This is without question the most popular view. Many good brethren have held this position (e.g. Gus Nichols, Hugo McCord, Roy Lanier Sr., Johnny Ramsey).

Brethren who hold this position, typically believe that at baptism the Holy Spirit literally takes up residence within the believer. Several passages are used in support of this: (1) Those baptized were promised, “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). (2) The Holy Spirit was given to who obey God (Acts 5:23). (3) Various passages mention the Spirit dwelling in Christians (e.g. Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:14).

Many who hold this position grant that there is a miraculous component to some of these passages. However, they believe that the Holy Spirit still literally indwells, though non-miraculously. For example – “the gift of the Holy Spirit” includes the miraculous (Acts 2:38 cf. 10:44-48). However, it is reasoned that a non-miraculous measure must continue, since those on Pentecost were told, “the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39).

A word of caution to those who do not hold the position of a literal indwelling: Not all who believe in a literal indwelling are Calvinistic or Pentecostal in their thinking. Most, among us, do not believe in continuous revelation. Though, I have met a few who do, following their subjective feelings and thoughts thinking that such is guidance from the Holy Spirit.

2.  Figurative Indwelling

This is also a quite popular view. Many good brethren have held this position (e.g. Alexander Campbell, H. Leo Boles, Foy Wallace Jr., Guy Woods, Perry Cotham).

Brethren, who hold to this position, typically believe that when a believer allows God’s word to live within him, it can be said that the Spirit dwells in him. Consider these illustrations: (1) If I said, “I see your father in you,” I would be speaking figuratively. I would mean that you have certain characteristics and mannerisms which identify you with your father. (2) “Robert Browning said, ‘Open my heart and you will see graven on it Italy.’ Does anyone think that the word ‘Italy’ or the boot shaped outline of Italy is literally tattooed on Browning’s heart?” (Ron Crosby, Indwelling of Deity, Hammer and Tongs, March – April 1995). (3) Here is an illustration from Reader’s Digest (April 1979, p.61), “A young lady writing on the positive influence of her deceased parents said, ‘Both my parents will remain in my nerves and muscles and mind until the day I die'” (Crosby, ibid). No one would deny that figurative language is being used. Even so, many brethren believe that such is the case with the indwelling of the Spirit.

Here are a few passages which are sued to support such: (1) Ephesians 5:18-20 and Colossians 3:16-17 are parallel passages. Ephesians 5:18 instructs “be filled with the Spirit.” Colossians 3:16 instructs “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”   (2) The indwelling of Christ seems figurative. (a) Paul said that it was no longer he who lived but Christ lived in him (Galatians 2:20). This is obviously figurative language. It is a contrast of rulers, Paul’s rule v. Christ’s rule. (b) He wrote to the Galatians, “I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you” (Galatians 4:19). He obviously has in mind the same type of indwelling he had (cf. Galatians 2:20). (c) Paul prayed for the Ephesians that “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Ephesians 3:17). This prayer was for those who already had faith (cf. Ephesians 1:15). (4) Satan dwelt in Pergamos (Revelation 2:13). No one takes this literally. This simply means that Satan’s influence was especially strong there.

Those who hold this view do not believe “the gift of the Holy Spirit” has anything to do with a non-miraculous indwelling. Some believe that this refers to salvation (Galatians 3:26-29 cf. Genesis 12:1-3 cf. Acts 3:24-26). Others believe that this refers to miraculous endowment (cf. Acts 10:44-48).

A distinction is made between receiving the word (Acts 2:41) and letting the word dwell richly within a believer (Colossians 3:16). Consider this: it is possible in some sense to receive Christ before baptism (John 1:12 cf. Galatians 3:26-28), and yet this is certainly not the same as Christ formed in a believer (Galatians 4:19 cf. 2:20). Receiving the word refers to a willingness to listen (cf. Acts 17:11). It, at times, is used of favorably receiving the word or for obeying the gospel (Acts 8:12 cf. 8:14; 10:48 cf. 11:1). Letting the word dwell richly in one’s life refers to a Christian whose life is ordered by the Word. Colossians 3:15a reads, “let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” [the peace of God refers to the Gospel of peace (Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15)]. Colossians 3:16a. reads, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” These thoughts seem parallel.

A word of caution to those who do not hold the position of a figurative indwelling: Not all who believe in a figurative indwelling are Deists, nor do they believe that the Spirit is the word. All, whom I know, believe that God providentially works in this world. None known to me thinks that the Spirit is the word. Example – A man may split wood with an axe. It may be said that the man split the wood. It may be said that the axe split the wood.  However, such does not make the man an axe. The Holy Spirit gave man the inspired word. It is by means of that word man is converted and sanctified. However, the Holy Spirit is not the word.

3.  Miraculous Indwelling

This is a less widely held view than the other two. It really is not a totally distinct viewpoint, but may be considered a sub-point to the previous position. There are good brethren who have held this position (e.g. Franklin Camp, Guy Woods, Stephen Wiggins).

Brethren, who hold this position, believe that many or even most of the Holy Spirit passages have to do with miraculous endowment and gifts, and have nothing to do with a non-miraculous indwelling. The following points are typically made: (1) The term “gift of the Holy Spirit” occurs but twice in scripture (Acts 2:38; 10:44-48). Acts 10 clearly refers to miraculous endowment. (2) The “giving” and “receiving” of the Spirit is often connected with miraculous endowment (Acts 8:14-18; 10:44-47; 11:17; 19:1-6; Galatians 3:2, 5; Ephesians 3:7; 4:7-13). (3) The term “filled” with the Spirit is often connected with inspiration and miracles (Luke 1:15 cf. 1:76; Luke 1:41 cf. 1:42-45; Luke 1:67; cf. 1:67-79). (4) The context of Acts 5:32 is miraculous (cf. Acts 3:1-7; 4:1-10, 15-19; Acts 5:17-32). (5) The church at Corinth is referred to as “the Temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19). God did not literally dwell in the Tabernacle and Temple of old (1 Kings 8:27; 2 Chronicles 2:6; 6:18; Acts 7:47-50; 17:24-25). However, He did manifest Himself in the Temple (2 Chronicles 7:1-2). The Tabernacle/Temple represented His presence (Exodus 25:8; 29:45-46). Sometimes, there was even a visible manifestation (Exodus 40:34-38; Leviticus 16:1-2; Deuteronomy 31:15; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3). Likewise, the church represents Him, and at Corinth there was at this time a visible manifestation of His presence (1 Corinthians 12-14).

Those who hold this position do not believe that the promise of Acts 2:39 refers to a non-miraculous indwelling. Some think the reference is to salvation. Others believe the reference is to miraculous endowment (cf. Acts 2:16-18). The word “call” (proskalew) is not the word used for being called by the gospel (kalew). This word is used of being called to an office, position, or work (cf. Acts 13:2; 16:10).

A word of caution to those who do not hold the position of miraculous indwelling: Not all who hold this position are Pentecostals, and not all are Deists. All known to me believe in prayer and providence.

While it is true that brethren differ over this matter, this should not be viewed as a matter of fellowship. So long as one’s position does not change what man must do to be saved, how man is to worship, and how he is to morally live, and other essentials, there is no reason to divide.

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Basics From The Beginning

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

The world is in a state of confusion. It has left the moorings of the basics as taught in the early chapters of Genesis. It is now tossed upon the ever changing sea of individual subjective thought. It needs to be reminded…

1.  There is a God and He created this material universe. 

“In the beginning (time) God (force) created (action) the heavens (space) and the earth (matter)” (Genesis 1:1).

He created plants (Genesis 1:11-12), sun, moon and stars (Genesis 1:16-18), aquatic animals and birds (Genesis 1:20-21), land animals (Genesis 1:24-25), and man (Genesis 1:26-27). Moses wrote, “In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and the sea, and all that is in them” (Exodus 20:11). The writer of Hebrews declared, “Every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4).

2.  God created man in His image.

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make men in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be Fruitful and multiply; fill the earth, and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea; over the birds of the air; and over every living thing that moves on the earth’” (Genesis 1:26-28).

Man did not arrive on earth by chance. God made man.

Man is not a newcomer to earth. He did not evolve from simpler life form. Man has been observing creation “since the creation of the world” (Romans 1:20). That is, since the sum total of creation (cf. Genesis 2:1; Exodus 20:11). The creation of man is near enough to the beginning that Jesus said, “From the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female’” (Mark 10:6).

Mankind (male and female) was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). The language has to do with authority (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:7-9, where the male, and not the female, is in the image of God). God gave man dominion over the rest of creation. Robert Morey commented, “Image of God simply meant that man was created to be and do on a finite level what God was and did on an infinite level. Man was created to reflect God in the created order” (Bert Thompson, Rock Solid Faith, Vol. 2, p. 110). Just as God has dominion over man (and all of creation), God has given man dominion over the rest of creation (Genesis 1:26-27 cf. Psalm 8:3-8).

There is a difference between man and animal. Animals can be eaten (Genesis 9:3), but man is not to shed man’s blood “for in the image of God He made man” (Genesis 9:6). Man is treated with dignity for this same reason (James 3:9-10).

When God said, “Let Us make man in Our image,” we get a hint of the complex nature of the Godhead. The Father was involved in creation (1 Corinthians 8:6). The Son was involved in creation (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:1-2). The Holy Spirit was involved in creation (Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; 33:4; Psalm 104:30a).

3.  God created marriage.

“And the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him… Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to man’” (Genesis 2:18, 22).

The animals had mates. However, Adam had not yet been given a mate. He was alone. There was nothing comparable to him. It seems that God wanted Adam to grasp this point.

Then, God made woman. He created marriage. He did not create Adam and Steve or Eve and Edith. He created Adam and Eve. He joined one man and one woman. The institute of marriage  is based on this (Genesis 2:24). This union of husband and wife is to be more permanent than even parent and child (Genesis 2:24). Jesus taught – “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said ‘for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:4-6).

4.  Man and woman have different roles in the home.

“And the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him’” (Genesis 2:18).

Eve was created to be Adam’s helper. Adam was first formed and then Eve. Paul wrote, “Man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man” (1 Corinthians 11:8-9). Eve was plainly told, after eating the forbidden fruit, that her husband was to rule over her (Genesis 3:16).

Paul grounded the woman’s role in creation (1 Corinthians 11:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:13-14). In God’s plan man is to be the leader in the home (Ephesians 5:22-24; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:3-5), and in the church (1 Timothy 2:8-15; 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9).

God spoke to Eve about childbirth (Genesis 3:16), and to Adam about farming (Genesis 3:17-19). This seems to indicate a different focus. The wife is to be a homemaker (cf. Titus 2:5). The husband is to be a breadwinner. Yes, a woman can help bring in income (cf. Proverbs 31:16, 24). Yes, a man can help in domestic work (cf. Genesis 18:1-8). However, there is a different focus or emphasis. There is a division of responsibilities.

5.  Work is not a curse.

“Then the LORD took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it” (Genesis 2:15 cf. 2:18).

Work became more difficult as a result of Adam and Eve’s sin (Genesis 3:17-19, 23). However, it is a mistake to think that work itself is a curse. Man was designed to work (Genesis 2:15, 18).

God has always expected man to work. He did in the patriarchal system (Genesis 3:17-19, 23; 4:2). He did in the Mosaic system (Exodus 20:9-11; Deuteronomy 5:13-14). He still does (Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-15). Work allows man to sustain life on earth, without someone working no one could live.

God designed the work week around the creation week (Exodus 20:9-10; Deuteronomy 5:13-14). Man needs rest. God set that at one day out of seven. Men have tempered with this, but it still works best. David Barton has written, “Following the French Revolution (1789), France made a calendar change so that workers were allowed one day rest in ten rather than the traditional religiously based one in seven… Apparently, the result on the workers’ health and morale was so detrimental that one day rest in seven was reinstituted” (Barton, Original Intent, p. 67, footnote).

6.  Man is accountable to God.

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day you eat of it you shall die’” (Genesis 2:16-17).

They ate and there were consequences. They were cast out of the garden. They were cut off from the tree of life, and thus, began to physically die. They lost their close relationship with God, and thus, spiritually died.

What did God mean, when He warned that they would die the day in which they ate? They did not immediately, physically die (Genesis 4:1-5:5). Here are some possibilities: (1) It is possible that this means that their physical death would become certain on that day. Eric Lyon has written, “The available evidence shows… that the Hebrew idiom (‘in that day’) refers to the certainty of death, not the immediacy of it. For example, King Solomon once warned a subversive Shimei: ‘For it shall be, on the day (some original wording – B.H.) you go out and cross the Brook Kidron, know for certain you shall die…” (1 Kings 2:37). As the next few verses indicate, Shemei could not have been executed on the exact day he crossed the Brook Kidron. Solomon did not call for him until after Shimei had saddled his donkey, went to King Achish at Gath, sought and retrieved slaves, and returned home (approximately 50-60 miles round trip). It is logical to conclude that this would have taken more than just one day (especially considering a donkey’s average was only 20 miles a day…). It was only after Shimei’s return from Gath that King Solomon reminded him of his promise saying, ‘Did I not make you swear by the Lord, and warn you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you do out and travel anywhere, you shall die?’ (1 Kings 2:42).  As Hebrew scholar Victor Hamilton noted, this phrase (in Genesis 2:17; 1 Kings 2:37, 42 and Exodus 10:28-ff) is underscoring the certainty of death, not its chronology (Lyons, The Anvil Rings, Vol. 1, p. 32). (2) Some have suggested that an immediate physical death is warned of, but God substituted animal sacrifice. Garry Brantley commented, “God did not require them to pay the full penalty for their transgression, but set in motion a redemptive plan in which He accepted a substitutionary sacrifice for sin. This is reflected in the animal sacrifices of the Mosaic economy, and ultimately in the physical death of Christ. In Adam and Eve’s case, it might be that the animals from which God made the skins to clothe their naked bodies represented the first sin offering” (Brantley, Questions and Answers, Reason & Revelation, Vol. 15, No. 3, 1995). This is an interesting theory. However, nothing indicates that the clothes of skin were from a substitute sacrifice which spared their lives. Though, it is possible. (3) Some have suggested that this refers to spiritual death. They lost their close fellowship with God. God become distant. They died spiritually. However, the language, “you shall surely die,” at least usually, refers to physical death (Genesis 2:16-17; cf. Genesis 20:7; 1 Samuel 14:44; 1 Kings 2:37,40; 2 Kings 1:4, 6, 16; Jeremiah 26:8. Exceptions –  Ezekiel 3:18; 33:8; 33:14). It seems to me that the first explanation is the best. Though, the second is an interesting theory.

Some might wonder: “What’s the big deal? Why would God so react to the eating of this fruit?” The answer to this is that God placed a choice before them. The choice was not so much about the fruit. It was about whether they would follow God’s will or their own will. They had rejected the rule of God for the rule of self. The big issue in every age is who will be God – God or self?

God is gracious and merciful. He pre-planned a way for man’s redemption. Victory over Satan would come through the seed of women (Genesis 3:15 cf. Galatians 4:4). This plan was in place before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:18-20). Redemption can be found “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:7 cf. Galatians 3:26-27).

 

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One Life Can Affect Another

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

I came across the following touching story many years ago –

Jean Thompson stood in front of her fifth grade class on the very first day of school in the fall and told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her pupils and said that she loved them all the same, that she would treat them all alike. And that was impossible because there in front of her, slumped in his seat on the third row, was a boy named Teddy Stoddard. Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed he didn’t play well with the other children, that his clothes were unkept and that he constantly needed a bath.

And Teddy was unpleasant. It got to the point during the first few months that she would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X’s and then marking the F at the top of the paper biggest of all. Because Teddy was a sullen little boy, no one else seemed to enjoy him either.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child’s records and put Teddy’s off until last. When she opened his file, she was in for a surprise. His first-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is a bright, inquisitive child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and had good manners… he is a joy to be around.”

His second-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is an excellent student, well-like by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be struggle.”

His third-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy continues to work hard but his mother’s death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn’t show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren’t taken.”

Teddy’s fourth-grade teacher write, “Teddy is withdrawn and doesn’t show much interest in school. He doesn’t have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class. He is tardy and could become a problem.”

By now Mrs. Thompson realized the problem but Christmas was coming fast. It was all she could do, with the school play and all, until the day before the holidays began and she was suddenly forced to focus on Teddy Stoddard. Her children brought her presents, all in gay ribbon and bright paper, except for Teddy’s, which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper of a scissored grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of cologne. She stifled the children’s laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume behind the other wrist.

Teddy Stoddard stayed behind just long enough to say, “Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my mom used to.” After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, and writing and speaking. Instead, she began to teach children. Jean Thompson paid particular attention to one they all called “Teddy.” As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. On days there would be an important test, Mrs. Thompson would remember that cologne. By the end of the year he had become one of the smartest children in the class and… well, he had also become the “pet” of the teacher who had once vowed to love all her children exactly the same.

A year later she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that of all the teachers he’d had in elementary school, she was his favorite. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still his favorite teacher of all time. Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he’d stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson she was still his favorite teacher.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he had got his bachelor’s degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still his favorite teacher but that now his name was a little longer. The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D..

The story doesn’t end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he’d met this girl and was to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and was wondering… well, if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the pew usually reserved for the mother of the groom. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether or not she word that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. But, I bet on that special day, Jean Thompson smelled just like… well, just like she smelled many years before, on that last day of school, before the Christmas holiday began.

You never can tell what type of impact you may make on another’s life by your actions or lack of action. Sometimes just a smile on the street to a passing stranger can make a difference we could never imagine. Would it be nice if we all could have this impact on people?

I love this story. It reminds us that we should try to get to know each other. It is easy to misjudge a situation. It reminds us of how one life can affect another life. It reminds us that a teacher who shows care and concern can have a positive effect.

If one fact-checks this story, one finds that the story is a work of fiction. It was penned by Elizabeth Ballard in 1974. It was printed in HomeLife Magazine (a Baptist publication) in 1974, and again in 1976. Radio giant Paul Harvey read this story on his radio broadcast April 4, 1998. Many have mistakenly believed it to be non-fiction.

Still, one life can affect another. This is why Paul instructed Timothy, “Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).  This is why Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Let’s notice: (1) Bears all things. The original word (stego) means “to cover, to keep confidential” (B.A.G.); “to cover, to protect by covering” (Thayer). “Instead of trying to broadcast all the dirt and filth we know about other people through gossip, let us speak of others the best we can. Let us quietly work to help others correct their faults” (Williams, The More Excellent Way, pp. 37-28). (2) Believes all things. “Love looks for the best in others and gives the benefit of the doubt” (Dodson, Brown Trail class notes). (3) Hopes all things. “Love worketh for all, even the worst, hoping they will repent” (Lipscomb, Gospel Advocate Commentary on 1 Corinthians, p. 199). Love sees potential and tries to bring out the best in others. (4) Endures all things. The original word (hupomeno) means, “to remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee” (Thayer). Love is not flighty. It is not fair-weathered. Progress sometimes takes time. Let us lovingly try to help other (Luke 10:36-37; Galatians 6:1-2; James 2:15-16; 5:19-20).

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Bermuda or St. Augustine?

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

There are eight common turf grasses in Texas: Common Bermuda, Hybrid Bermuda, St. Augustine, Centipede, Zoysia, Buffalo, Tall Fescue, and Rye (for over-seeding in the fall). The two most common turf grasses in Texas are common Bermuda and St. Augustine.

Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Howard Garrett summarized things saying, “Grasses should be selected on horticultural requirements. For example, large sunny areas that will have active use should be planted in common Bermuda grass or Buffalo grass. Shade, less used areas should be planted with St. Augustine. Buffalo grass should be chosen for areas that will not get much water. They Hybrid (Bermuda) Tiff grass should be used in areas that need a smooth highly refined surface. Rye grass and other winter grasses can be used to provide winter color and to eliminate early spring weed problems. Winter grass used for over-seeding can also help speed soil improvement (Garrett’s Plants for Texas, p. 4).

Narrowing the comparison down to common Bermuda and St. Augustine, here is how they compare: 1.) Best adaptive: Common Bermuda – almost all regions. St Augustine – where temperatures do not fall below 15 degrees. 2.) Shade tolerance: Common Bermuda – Low, must have 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day. St. Augustine – Good, but grows best in full sun. Requires at least 4 hours direct sunlight daily to hold its own, more to cover bare areas. 3.) Traffic tolerance: Bermuda – High. St. Augustine – Fair. 4.) Drought tolerance: Bermuda – Survives drought well, but must have adequate water to maintain color. St. Augustine – Fair (Neil Sperry’s Complete Guide to Texas Gardening, Second Edition, pp. 184-185). Neil Sperry writes of Common Bermuda – “Most widely grown lawn grass in Texas. Aggressive, can be invasive in flower, shrub and ground cover beds… more likely to cause allergy problems (from molds) than most other turf grasses. Among our most tolerant grasses to a variety of weed-killers” (ibid). He writes of St. Augustine – “very popular in South Texas… Able to crowd out Bermuda and other turf grasses when given good care” (ibid). It is also able to crowd out most weeds because its runners are above ground and grow like a vine on the ground surface and its height and large leaves tend to shade out other grasses.

Which is better? Overall, Bermuda is probably the hardiest if the area is not too shaded. However, they each have their strength and weaknesses. Some of the best lawns are actually a blend. This allows the strengths of each to offset the weaknesses of the other.

While visiting relatives, I listened to two men discussing the qualities of these two grasses, and which was better. I immediately thought about a spiritual application. Many argue over which preacher or church member is the best. The truth is: we each have different talents. One may be better at one task, and another better at a different task. In the church we should all use our talents and blend them together for the common cause, and the glory of God. Consider: “We have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us, let us use them: if prophesy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:4-8). “The body is not one member but many… and if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you’” (1 Corinthians 12:14, 19-21). “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ…” (1 Peter 4:10-11).

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Holy Spirit: Bears Witness

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16).

These Romans, to whom Paul wrote, were children of God. Such had nothing to do with race, ethnicity, or nationality (cf. Romans 1:16; Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 3:11).

There were two witnesses to this. The Holy Spirit testified to this and so did their own spirit.

How did the Holy Spirit testify to their being the children of God? Did the Spirit give them a warm fuzzy feeling within their hearts? Did the Spirit whisper in their ears? I find no evidence of such confirmation in the New Testament. Moreover, I have never experienced such, and I have been baptized into Christ, and am therefore, a child of God” (Galatians 3:26-28).

God did bear witness to the message of salvation with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:1-4). Paul used both word and deed to convert the gentiles (Romans 15:18). The “deed” in context refers to mighty signs and wonders, which were done by the power of the Spirit of God (Romans 15:19 cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:5).

The Holy Spirit is said to be a witness (Acts 5:32). The context is speaking of miraculous evidence which came from the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:32 cf. 3:1-10; 4:8-10; 4:15-16; 4:33; 5:12; 5:15-16). The apostles were in court. They were setting forth the reason that they continue to preach in the name of Christ. They answered that they were doing so because it was God’s will (Acts 5:29). How did they know that it was God’s will? They answered that they witnessed the resurrection (Acts 5:30-32). Did they have anything to collaborate their testimony? Yes. The Holy Spirit also testified of the resurrection (Acts 5:30-32). Miracles have been worked in context and this was known by the court (Acts 4:15-16). Franklin Camp commented, “The miraculous manifestation of the Spirit, through the apostles were proof that they were obedient to God, for God would not give a miraculous manifestation to a false teacher” (Camp, The Work of The Holy Spirit in Redemption, p. 155). A non-miraculous indwelling of the Holy Spirit would have provided no additional evidence to the court.

“Abba, Father!” These words appear in the context of the text we are studying (Romans 8:15). These words also appear in Galatians (Galatians 4:6). Paul, in Galatians, defended his apostleship and the message he preached. He did so by appealing to miraculous evidence. Franklin Camp commented, “The statement in Galatians 4:6 is the answer to the questions that Paul had raised in Galatians 3:2. The statement in 4:6 is a further argument that develops from the previous chapter. Let us trace the argument backward instead of forward:

  1. The Galatians are son.
  2. The Judaizing teachers were denying that the Galatians were sons of God.
  3. Proof that they are sons of God: The Galatians had received miraculous gifts.
  4. From whom did the Galatians receive miraculous gifts? Answer: Paul (Galatians 3:5).
  5. Since the Galatians had received the Spirit from Paul, Paul was an apostle of Christ as he claimed in Galatians 1:1.
  6. Since Paul had proved his apostleship, the gospel he preached to the Galatians was a genuine gospel (Galatians 1:13).
  7. The Gospel of the Judaizing teachers was another gospel, which was not the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6… the statements about the spirit in 3:2, 3:5, and 4:6 are in support of Paul apostleship and the gospel he preached, this showing that the Galatians were sons of God and heirs of the promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:26-29). The miraculous operation of the Spirit in an apostle, and the imparting of spiritual gifts, are the very foundation of establishing apostleship” (Camp, The work of the Holy Spirit in redemption, p. 145).

The Holy Spirit also revealed a message. Marion Fox commented, “The Holy Spirit testifies how one becomes a son of God… The human spirit then testifies that it has obeyed God” (Fox, The Work of the Holy Spirit, Vol. 1, page 118). Robert Taylor Jr. commented, “In the gospel the Spirit has revealed how to become a child of God and how to remain one. The human spirit… determines whether one has done that which made him initially God’s child and whether he is continuing to do that which allows him to remain God’s child in an approved fashion” (Taylor, Studies in Romans, p.141). This is true (cf. Romans 2:15; Acts 2:37; 2 Corinthians 13:5). Similarly, Roy Deaver commented “The Holy Spirit does not bear witness to our spirit, but with our spirit. Regarding our sonship we have two witnesses (double testimony): the Holy Spirit and our spirit both bear testimony that we are sons of God. The Holy Spirit tells us what we must do and be in order to be children of God. Thus those led by the Spirit of God have the testimony of the Spirit that they are children of God. Our spirits (the attitude of serving as God’s children) bears testimony that we are God’s children. Hence, we have double testimony regarding sonship” (Deaver, Romans, God’s Plan For Man’s Righteousness, p.276). [Note: the word “our” is plural and the word “spirit” is singular.  Thus, the word “spirit” is being used of the collective of disposition of sonship which existed among the brethren and which is mentioned in the previous verse. They were of one spirit.]

What about man today?  Man can still know that he is a child of God.  He has the word which was revealed and confirmed by the Spirit.  In this way, the Spirit still testifies.  Bill Lockwood has written, “Once the will of the Father was completed and all truth was revealed, the miraculous was withdrawn from the world.  Today, the miraculous continues to sustain the truthfulness of Christianity, but it comes to us only by means of the historical record, the word of God” (Lockwood, Mistakes Regarding the Holy Spirit, Hammer and Tongs, March-April 1996).  Moreover, the fact that these miracles are recorded builds confidence.  Bill Lockwood again has written, “We have great assurance that the teaching of the New Testament is truly inspired of God… to know that in practically every single epistle the penmen reminded the recipients of their miraculous abilities gives us double assurance that they actually were so endowed” (Lockwood, The Holy Spirit in 1 John, Hammer and Tongs, March – April 1999).  Remember that the New Testament record was not written in a vacuum.  The epistles are written to real places and real people lived there.

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Self Acceptance

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Bryan Hodge

“A man can stand a lot as long as he can stand himself” (Axel Munthe).   Oh, how true this is.

The society in which we live seems to be filled with people both young and old, who are displeased with themselves.  They gaze into a mirror and the image reflected is not what they wish it to be.  They are too thick or too thin, too short or too tall, have gray hair or no hair at all.  Some immerse ourselves into fad diets and various exercise programs. Sometimes, even after, losing body fat, and gaining lean muscle mass and tone,  some are still unhappy with themselves. They do not look like the images presented in the magazines of how beautiful men and women look. Aren’t all men to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Blake Shelton, Christian Bale, or Brad Pitt? Aren’t all women to look like Christie Brinkley,Tyra Banks, Beyoncé, or Angelina Jolie?

How does one overcome these deep felt feelings of displeasure with self?

  1. Know that God loves you (John 3:16).
  2. Remember that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
  3. Improve yourself, if you can. However, remember some things about a person cannot be changed (Matthew 6:27).
  4. Remember that the Bible teaches that different people have different abilities and characteristics (Matthew 25:14-30).
  5. Remember that God looks upon the heart and not the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).
  6. Remember you should not feel guilty about loving self (Matthew 22:39). It is impossible to truly love others as one should until one learn to love ourselves.
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