Sincerity or Hypocrisy?

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

The two words in the title above have very interesting origins. We will explore these origins, and especially how they relate to love.

Our English word “sincerity” comes to us from the Latin language. In Latin “sin” means “without,” “cera” means “wax.” Thus, the meaning is “without wax.” In times of old, it was common for the statue makers to fill in the flaws of the statues with wax. It looked good, but what you were seeing really wasn’t how it was. It only appeared to be that way. Under bright light and careful examination the cover-up could be seen. The best of sculptures used no wax.

Even the Greek word “eilikrineia” translated “sincerity” carries the similar idea. The original word has to do with clearness, after being judged by sunlight to be found clear.

Our love is not to be one way in actuality, but another way on the surface. Our love is to be sincere (Philippians 1:9-10). 1 John 3:18, “…let us not love in word, or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

The word “hypocrisy” comes into English directly from the Greek language. The word was used for being an actor,  playing a part on  stage.

We, as God’s children, should not just be acting or pretending as if we care about one another. Romans 12:9a  reads, “Let love be without hypocrisy.”

God does not want His children being on the surface one thing but underneath something else. He does not want us just playing a role and repeating lines without meaning it. He wants us to genuinely care for one another. May we truely love one another. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).

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In The News: The Get Out of Jail Free Card

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Do you remember playing the board game Monopoly?  There is a “Get Out of Jail Free” card that can be drawn from the Chance or Community Chest cards.  This card can be saved and played when needed.

This is how some religious groups and religious teachers use the appeal to the Holy Spirit.  If an action or teaching cannot be supported from the Scriptures, then they appeal to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

A case in point: The Presbyterian Church (USA) and same-sex marriage.  Michael L. Brown wrote an article entitled, “It’s Time to Leave the Presbyterian Church (USA).”  This article appeared in an online magazine called OneNewsNow.com and also in gopusa.com on June 23, 2014.  He wrote, “The PCUSA had made its rejection of the Word of God official. According to the denomination’s statement, on Thursday, June 19, ‘the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) approved the recommendation from its Civil Union and Marriage Issues Committee allowing for pastoral discretion to perform ‘any such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls them to perform,’ where legal by state law.’  In other words, regardless of what scriptures plainly say, as a PCUSA minister, if you feel called to violate God’s word and perform a same-sex ‘marriage,’ follow your conscience, not the Bible.  This is… nothing less than rebellion against the authority of the Word.  The statement continues: ‘They also approved a recommendation to change language in the Book of Order to indicate that marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman.’  Not only is this completely unbiblical, since marriage in the Bible and throughout history requires a man and woman rather than ‘two people,’ it is also completely illogical, opening a Pandora’s Box of new possibilities.  After all, if marriage is not the union of a man and a woman, why does it require two people?  Why not one or three or five?  What is so special about ‘two’?” (gopusa.com).

Brethren, it is essential that we not only teach others what the Bible teaches, but that we demonstrate the completeness of revelation.  The system of faith was delivered in the first century (Jude 3).  The apostles were guided into all truth (John 14:26; 16:12-13).  The Scriptures are not only inspired of God, they also make us “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:6-17). If we win the battle with others on what the Bible teaches on this subject or that subject, but do not help people grasp the completeness of the revelation of Scripture we will lose the war in convincing them.

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How Does God Give Souls to Jesus?

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

“My Father, who has given them to Me…” (John 10:29) – several passages speak of the fact that the Father has given souls to His Son (see John 6:37-39; 10:28-29; 17:11-12; 18:9). The question is: “How does God give to His Son these souls?” The Calvinist assumes the method of giving is a direct, unconditional giving. Let us study.

John 6:37 reads, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me…” Yet, later in this same chapter we read, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him…”(John 6:44). This passage teaches that God draws men to Jesus. How does He do this? Look at the next verse, “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall be all taught of God.’ Therefore, everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me” (John 6:45). This verse gives us the “how.”

He calls us through the Scriptures (cf. John 5:36-37,39). He calls us  by the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14; Romans 10:14-17). The Gospel is for all people (Mark 16:15). God provides the words and the evidence which attracts men to Jesus.

Now we ask, “Who has the Father given unto Jesus?” The answer is found in John 6:39-40. The Father has given unto His Son everyone who sees the Son (this doesn’t omit us for we can behold Him through the Scriptures – Galatians 3:1; Hebrews 2:9; John 20:30-31), and believes in Him (literally those that “keep on believing on him”).

In summation, the kind of person God gives is one that considers the evidence and puts his trust in Jesus. The method of giving is this: the Father provides the words and the evidence to draw men unto Jesus. Nothing in context suggests a direct, unconditional giving.

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In The News: A Positive Influence on Children

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

I read of a study which showed that religion has a positive influence on children (Foxnews.com: Religion is Good for Kids by Melinda Wenner, Tuesday, April 24, 2007). The study was conducted by John Bartkowski, a Mississippi State University sociologist, and colleagues.

In the study, parents and teachers of more than 16,000 children (most of them first graders) were asked to rate how much self-control they believed the kids had, how often they exhibited poor or unhappy behavior, and how well those children worked with their peers. The data was gathered.

Next, the data was compared to some questions asked of the parents. Things like: how frequently the parents said that they attended church services, and how much they said that they talked about religion with their children.

The results? Melinda Wenner reports, “The kids whose parents regularly attended religious services – especially when both parents did so frequently – and talked with their kids about religion were rated by both parents and teachers as having better self-control, social skills and approaches to learning than kids with non-religious parents” (ibid).

Bartowski lists three things that he thinks religion does to help the child. First, religious networks provide social support to parents. Children who are brought into such networks and hear parental messages reinforced by other adults may also “take more to heart the messages that they get in the home.” Secondly, the types of values and norms that circulate in religious congregations tend to be self-sacrificing and pro-family. This ‘could be very, very important in shaping how parents relate to their kids, and then how children develop in response.’ Thirdly, religious organizations imbue parenting with sacred meaning and significance (ibid).

The Bible says, “These words, which I command you today, shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). “…A child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Proverbs 29:15). “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

What if they don’t want to attend? Should I make them? We make our children attend public school. We make them eat their vegetables. Dave Miller asked, “Do you remember your mother insisting that you eat your vegetables? Her rationale was (1) They’re good for you and (2) you must learn to like them. Our culture is losing all of these sage bits of wisdom and insightful truths about life, and human existence, and moral value. Like virtually everything of value in life, one must grow, cultivate and develop one’s involvement in life’s activities” (Piloting the Strait, p. 187). Is this any less important? It is true that at first they may resist attending, but who knows if they show up, they may well receive encouragement from others and learn a great lesson and application from God’s Word.

 Remember that you are the parent. You are responsible.  God said of Abraham, “I know him,… he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice” (Genesis 18:19). But of Eli we’re told, “I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them” (1 Samuel 3:13).

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Why Did Jesus Come to Earth?

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

“Why did the Savior heaven leave, and come to earth below where men His grace would not receive? Because He loves me so/Why did the Savior mark the way, and why temptation know? Why tech and toil and plead the way? Because He loves me so/Why feel the gardens dreadful dross? Why thro’ His trials go? Why suffer death upon the cross? Because He loves me so! (song: He loves Me)

“Why did my Savior come to earth, and to the humble go? Why did He choose a lowly birth? Because He loved me so/Why did He drink the bitter cup of sorrow, pain and woe? Why on the cross be lifted up? Because He loved me so! (song: Why Did My Savior Come To Earth? By J.G. Dailey)

 1.  He came to do the Father’s will (John 6:38; 17:4; 19:30).  *Not that such was against His own will (Hebrews 9:14; 10:17-18; Matthew 26:51-53; John 10:11, 17-18).

2.  He came to be man’s perfect example.

  • In love (John 13:15; 13:34; Philippians 2:4-8; 1 John 3:16-18)
  • In endurance (Hebrews 12:3-4; 1 Peter 2:21-23)
  • In forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)
  • In service (John 13:14-15; Matthew 20:25-28; Philippians 2:4-7)

3.  He came to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17; John 5:39; Luke 24:25-27; Acts 8:30-35; 17:11; 18:28; 26:22, 27-28; 28:23).

4.  He came to give us a new covenant (Hebrews 9:16-20; Luke 16:16).

5.  He came to defeat Satan for us (Hebrews 2:14-15) and save us from our sins (Luke 19:10; John 3:17; 1 Peter 2:24-25; Matthew 26:28 cf. Acts 2:38).

6.  He came to give us a better quality of life (John 10:10).

7.  He came to give us peace and joy (John 14:27; 16:33; Philippians 4:4, 7).

8.  He came to become our perfect High Priest (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17-18).

9.  He came to give us the hope of Heaven (John 14:1-3; Philippians 1:21; 1 John 5:11).

10.  He came because He loves us (John 15:13; Matthew 20:28; Hebrews 2:9; Philippians 2:4-7).  *And so does the Father (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

11.  He came to reveal the unseen God (John 1:18; 12:45; 14:8-9; Colossians 1:15; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3).

12.  He came to establish His church (Matthew 16:18).   *Even Hades itself wouldn’t prevent it (cf. Acts 2:27, 31).

The next time that we are tempted to feel sorry for ourselves, may we meditate on what He endured for us (Hebrews 12:3-4 cf. 4:15). Consider the following story….

God Leads A Pretty Sheltered Life

   (author unknown)

At the end of time, billions of people were scattered on a great plain before God’s throne. Some of the groups near the front talked heatedly, not with cringing shame, but with belligerence. “How can God judge us?” “How can He know about suffering?” snapped a joking brunette. She jerked back a sleeve to reveal a tattooed number from a Nazi concentration camp, “We endured terror, beatings, torture, death!” In another group, a black man lowered his collar. “What about this?” he demanded, showing an ugly rope burn, “Lynched for no crime but being black! We have suffocated in slave ships, been wrenched from loved ones, toiled till only death gave release.”

Far out across the plains were hundreds of such groups. Each had a complaint against God for the evil and suffering He permitted in His world. How lucky God was to live in Heaven where all was sweetness and light, where there was no weeping, no fear, no hunger, no hatred. Indeed, what did God know about what man had been forced to endure in this world? After all, God leads a pretty sheltered life,” they said. So, each group sent out a leader, chosen because he had suffered. There was a Jew, a black, an untouchable from India, an illegitimate, a person from Hiroshima, and one from a Siberian slave camp. In the center of the plain they consulted with each other. At last they were ready to present their case. It was rather simple: Before God would be qualified to be their judge, He must endure what they had endured. Their decision was that God “should be sentenced to live on earth – as a man!” But, because He was God, they set certain safeguards to be sure He could not use His divine powers to help Himself. Let Him be born a Jew. Let the legitimacy of his birth be doubted, so that none will know who really is His Father. Let Him champion a cause so just, but so radical, that it brings down upon Him the hate, condemnation, and eliminating efforts of every major traditional and established religious authority. Let Him try to describe what no man has ever seen, tasted, heard or smelled – let Him try to communicate God to man. Let Him be betrayed by His dearest friends. Let Him be indicted on false charges, tried before a prejudiced jury, and convicted by a cowardly judge. Let Him see what is to be terribly alone and completely abandoned by every living thing. Let Him be tortured and let Him die. Let Him die the most humiliating death – with common thieves! As each leader announced his portion of the sentence, loud murmurs of approval went up from the great throng of people. When the last had finished pronouncing sentence, there was a long silence. No one uttered another word. No one moved. For suddenly all knew… God had already served His sentence.

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The Influence of One

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

The Sewell name is familiar to students of restoration history.   But, how did it all start?  How did the Sewell name become so well-known?

The Sewell’s were from eastern Tennessee.   There were thirteen children.  The family, Stephen and Annie Sewell and their children lived in a log cabin.  And understand the Sewell’s were Baptists!  All of them!

In 1840, the eldest son, William B. Sewell married.  He married a member of the church of Christ.  She urged him to attend with her. He did and was  converted.

William B. Sewell was soon brought before the Wolf River Baptist church.  A trial was to be held.  William D. Sewell, William B.’s own uncle, presided.  It is reported that, “William B. raised his New Testament in one hand and the article of faith of the Baptist church in the other, and asked to know by which he would be tried.”   Things heated and William B. was voted out of the Baptist church.  His own family was against him in this matter.

One brother, Jesse L., decided to convert William B. from the error of his ways.  William B. agreed to turn if it could be showed from the scriptures where he was in error.  Jesse searched the scriptures and in the end was himself converted.  One by one each family member was won.  Earl West writes, “Thus, William B. Sewell, although never himself a gospel preacher, influenced his family, and through them preached the ‘unsearchable riches.'”

Four of the brothers became gospel preachers: Isaac, Caleb, Jesse L., Elisha G. (E.G.).  E.G. became well-known for his work with the Gospel Advocate and David Lipscomb.  Jesse L. Sewell preached the gospel for many years in Tennessee.  He baptized about 8,000.  Under his influence twenty-six young men became preachers, four of whom were his own sons: Joseph, William A., L.R., and Caleb W.

There is a Texas connection.  Caleb W., and L.R. did work in Corpus Christi.  William A. did work in Corsicana.  Jesse P. (William A.’s son) labored in Corpus Christi, with the Pearl and Bryan church in Dallas, the church in Sherman, the church in Bonham, and the Grove Ave. church in San Antonio.  He also served as president of Abilene Christian College.

All of this started with the influence of one woman, the wife of William B. Sewell (whose name I have been unable to determine. Heaven certainly knows! ).  Then, William B., in turn,  influenced his family.

Let us labor to bring our friends and family to the Lord and into the right way (John 1:40-42; John 1:43-f).  Who knows how much influence we may be having  on future generations!

Notes

Most of he facts for this writing were gleaned from Earl West’s The Search For The Ancient Order Vol. 2 Chp. 8

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In The News: Rush Limbaugh, Bill Bennett And Mel Gibson

Posted on October 4, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Rush Limbaugh was fodder for the 24 hour news networks a few months ago due to his addiction to pain medication and the allegation of doctor shopping (note – this article was written in 2006). In more recent times, he was the subject of sensationalism due to his entrance back into the country and a controversy at customs. It was alleged that he did not have a prescription for his Viagra. When, in fact he did. But, I ask, what is a single man doing with Viagra?

Bill Bennett was also, some time back, a subject of prominence among the media pundits. In his case, it had to do with a personal gambling problem.

Mel Gibson, more recently, has been the focus of the media when it comes to “dirty laundry” (in Don Henley’s words). He was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Additionally, he allegedly made anti-semitic racial slurs to the arresting officer, this after years of denying anti-Semitism (his father, I understand denied the holocaust).

Why the frenzy by the talking-heads of the media? You might say “they need a story.” But, I ask you if Kidd Rock were addicted to pain medicine would it get the coverage? If Pamela Anderson had a gambling problem, would the press go on and on? If Mike Tyson got drunk and said certain racial slurs, would it be the talk of days and days?

There is a common thread in the three persons mentioned in the title of this article, and the media’s interest. All three presented before the world a message of morality, and an image of righteousness or self-righteousness. Yet, the media discovered glaring contradictions. Here is the point I want you to consider: How do our lives, as Christians, measure up to the message we proclaim? The world is looking for an excuse to reject Christianity. Let’s make sure that we don’t give it to them. We are an epistle known and read of men (2 Corinthians 3:2). We should have our “conduct honorable among the Gentiles (non-Christians), that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works which they observe (we’re being watched and scrutinized), glorify God in the day of visitation (out of your good works which they see, they’re converted and are with you glorifying God on the day He comes for us cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:10),” these are the words of 1 Peter 2:12.

Let’s remember that our behavior can lead others to Christ (1 Peter 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:12). But, let’s understand also that our actions can cause others to reject God and Christianity (2 Samuel 12:14; Romans 2:23-24; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Corinthians 5:1 cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:1,6; 1 Corinthians 14:23). We need to be doers of the word and not hears only (James 1:22), or worse – preachers only (Romans 2).  Jesus instructs “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father  in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). May we walk worthy of the calling  (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). Let us represent well Christ.  We are His body on earth.  Let us not deny Him by our works (Titus 1:16), or suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).

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I Have A Dream

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

The Church of My Dream (author unknown)

               It is a church with a warm heart, an open mind and an adventurous spirit.    

                      It is a church that cares, that heals hurt lives and helps old people.

It is a church that challenges youth to serve God,

knows no division of culture or class and has no frontiers,

Geographical or social.

It is a church that inquires as well as answers, that looks forward as well as backward.

It is a church of the Master and of the people, high as the ideals of Jesus, low as the humblest human.

It is a working church, a worshipping church, a winsome church.

It is a church that interprets the truth in terms of Jesus.

It is a church that inspires courage for this life and hope for the life to come.

It is a church of good people, the church of the living God.

 

This is an exciting time for the church at Youngsport. We have the opportunity and the ability to create a very special environment, and to grow the church to the glory of our God, Lord and Savior.

What will it take?

1.   Total Commitment to Christ

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

“Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

2. Value the Truth

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

“More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:10)

“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

3. Pursue Peace and Holiness

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18)

“Be holy, for I am holy” ( 1 Peter 1:16)

4. Active Faith

“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

“The people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6)

5. Love

“By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8)

6. Concern For One Another

“Warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

“If a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” (Galatians 6:1)

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

“Whoever has this world`s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does God`s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17)

7. Liberal Giving

“He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

“Imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints… they first gave themselves to the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 8:4-5)

8. Prayer

“My house shall be called a house of prayer.” (Matthew 21:13)

“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

“they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42)

9. Can-do attitude

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will be moved; and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20)

10. Enduring Spirit

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)

“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10)

May we work together to His glory!

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The Tabernacle, Temple, and Church

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

There are several points of comparison to be made between the tabernacle and temple of old and the church.  Let’s notice…

The Expense

The expense that went into constructing the tabernacle and temple of old was very great.  The lampstand was crafted from a talent of pure gold (Exodus 25:37-39), modern price was approximately $1.2 million (figure based on $1,000 an ounce).  David gathered approximately $120 billion of gold and $18 billion of silver to go into the temple [1 Chronicles 22:14 (figure based on $1000 an ounce for gold and $15 an ounce for silver)].  A total workforce of 183,000 worked seven years on the first temple (1 Kings 5:13-16; 6:38).  It must have been an awesome structure.

The church is described as the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17); Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5).  It did not come about without great cost.  The cost was the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28 cf. 1 Peter 1:18-19).

The Pattern

The structure of old (tabernacle, temple) were built according to a God-given pattern.  The tabernacle was to be built according to a pattern (Exodus 25:9, 40).  This pattern was followed (e.g., Exodus 25:10-ff cf. 37:1-ff; 25:21 cf. 40:20).  Moses did as the Lord commanded (Exodus 40:16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 29, 32).  Solomon likewise was provided a pattern or “blueprint” for construction of the temple (1 Chronicles 28:11-19).

The church is likened to the temple of old (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5).  Question: If the temple of old was to be built according to a pattern, could it be that the church, likewise is to be built according to a divine pattern?  God has specified such things as the entrance into the church; the organization of the church; the work of the church; the worship of the church; and the fellowship of the church.  Yes, there is a pattern.

The Furnishings

1.  The golden lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40; 2 Chronicles 4:7) was within the tabernacle and temple.  It was to continuously burn through the darkness (Leviticus 24:1-4; Exodus 27:20).

We are to be a light in this dark world (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16).  The world needs to see the Gospel both preached and practiced.

2.  Opposite the lampstand stood the table of showbread (lit. “bread of presence”) within the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 25:23-30; 2 Chronicles 4:19).  This bread was to be consumed by the priests only, and such was to be done each Sabbath day (Leviticus 24:5-9), as a memorial to god (Leviticus 24:9).

We too are to partake of bread on a certain day of the week, the first day (Acts 20:7).  It is to be done in remembrance of the death of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:24-26).  It is for the disciples alone (Acts 20:7 aka priests cf. 1 Peter 2:5, 9).  When we partake, Christ is present (Matthew 26:29).

3.  The next piece of furniture is the altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-10; 40:5; 2 Chronicles 4:19).  The Jews considered the incense as symbolically transporting their prayers into heaven (Psalm 141; 2; Luke 1:9-10).  Note: Not all incense was acceptable (Exodus 30:9).

Even so, today our prayers are pictured as incense coming up before the Lord (Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4).  Note: not all prayers are acceptable to God (James 4:2-3; 1 John 5:14).

4.  The mercy-seat was also a part of the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 25:10-22; 2 Chronicles 5:2-9).  Mercy, atonement was connected with the tabernacle and temple of old (Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 16:11-ff).

Mercy is available today as well.  It is connected with the church (Ephesians 5:23 cf. 1:21-23).

Service

Prior to entry into the tabernacle of old, there was a washing (Exodus 29:4-5; 30:17-21; 40:12).  It was at this point, and not before, the priestly garments were donned (Exodus 29:5; 40:13).  The priests were to remain holy (Leviticus 21:6), without physical blemish (Leviticus 21:16-23), and clean (Leviticus 22:5-6).

Think about us.  We are to be washed (Acts 22:16; Ephesians 5:26; Revelation 1:5; 7:13-14).  We are to remain holy (1 Peter 1:16) and faithful (Revelation 2:10).

May we be holy priests, serving in the church, offering up spiritual sacrifices to God by Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Peter 2:5).

Meditating on the imagery ought to cause us to think very deeply about our duty.  We are both His tabernacle/temple today, and His priests in service to Him.

Posted in Chruch, Example, Lord's Supper, Plan of salvation, Prayer, Soul Winning, Type/Antitype, worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“The Ark Of The Covenant”

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

What happened to the Ark?  Zondervan’s Pictorial Dictionary says, “After the destruction of the first temple (Solomon’s temple- B.H.), there is no evidence as to what happened to the ark, but only highly speculative tradition and conjecture” (p. 71).

Jewish tradition is that it was hid in a cave on Mt. Pisgah before Jerusalem fell to Babylon in 586 B.C. (2 Maccabees 2:4-8).  Some have a theory that it is in Ethiopia.  Still others claim the Vatican or the Freemasons possess it.

However, I want to tell you about the true Ark, not the shadow but the substance, not the type but the antetype.

Information About the Ark

The word “ark” refers to a container.  Its dimensions: 45″ long x 27″ wide x 27″ high (Exodus 25:10-11).  The ark was constructed at God’s instructions (Exodus 25:8-ff) by Bezaleel (Exodus 37:1) while the children of Israel were encamped at Sinai.

It is referred to as: (1) “the ark of the covenant” (Numbers 10:33, etc.) it contains the Ten Commandments representing God’s covenant with Israel.  (2) “the ark of the testimony” (Exodus 30:6, etc.).  It contained the testimony, or words of God (Exodus 16: 34; 25:16; 31:18).  It testified against and condemned sinful men (Deuteronomy 31:26-27).  (3) “ark of the LORD/Jehovah” (Joshua 4:11, etc.) and the “ark of God” (1 Samuel 3:3, etc.).  It represented God’s presence.  [Study the following passages: Numbers 10:33, 35-36; Joshua 6:6-8; 7:6-7; 1 Samuel 4:3, 7, 6:19-20; 1 Chronicles 16:4, 37].  (4) “The ark of Your strength” (Psalm 132:8).  It represented the power or might of God.

The perimeter of the top of the ark was crowned with gold.  This crown helps keep the lid of the ark, the mercy-seat, in place (Exodus 25:10-11).  The original word  for “mercy-seat” refers to a covering, a propitiation.  Sacrificed blood on the Day of Atonement was sprinkled by the High Priest on the mercy-seat thereby making atonement (Leviticus 16:14).

I do not know where this ark is, or if it exists.  It does not matter.  We’re told that upon Israel’s return from captivity the ark would not be important, nor would they have it (Jeremiah 3:13-14, 16-17a).

True Ark

Jesus is the “propitiation” for our sins (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).  This same word is rendered “mercy-seat” (Hebrews 9:5).  Jesus is pictured as the sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27), the High Priest (Hebrews 7:27; 9:24-ff) and the mercy-seat (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).

  1. The ark of the Old Testament contained the Ten Commandments (Exodus 25:16, 21; Deuteronomy 10:4-5; Hebrews 9:4).  Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14).  Jesus is the incarnate word.  He not only told us how to live, He showed us.  Moreover, it is by His words we’ll be judged (John 12:48).
  2. The ark of the Old Testament contained a pot of manna (Exodus 16:32-34; Hebrews 9:4).  Manna was sent down from above to meet the temporary physical needs of the children of Israel in the wilderness.  Jesus came down from above to provide eternal sustenance (John 6:48-51, 58, 63).  We need to consume this word (Job 23:12; Psalm 19:10-11; Matthew 4:4; John 6:27 cf. 63, 68).
  3. The ark of the Old Testament contained Aaron’s rod that budded (Numbers 17:10; Hebrews 9:4).  God took a dead rod and returned it to life to testify of Aaron’s priesthood.  Even so, God’s ultimate verification of Jesus was the resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4).
  4. The ark of the Old Testament opened up the promised land to the children of Israel (Joshua 3:9-ff; 4:10, 17-18).  Jesus opened up the access to the true promised land (John 14:1-6).
  5. The ark of the Old Testament helped them conquer Jericho (Joshua 6:6-8, 11).  Even so, we today can do “all things through Christ” (Philippians 4:13).  God has not given us a task too hard to accomplish through Jesus.
  6. The ark of the Old Testament was at times treated as a magic box (1 Samuel 3:11-13 – cf. 4:1ff).  They lived sinfully and expected the ark to deliver them.  Man today, think they can live like the devil and still be blessed and delivered from destruction.  It won’t work.
  7. The ark of the Old Testament had the false god “Dagon” fall before it (1 Samuel 5:1-ff).  One day all will bow before Him (Romans 14:11-12).  False religion will be destroyed (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
  8. The ark of the Old Testament was not to be taken lightly (1 Samuel 6:19-20; 2 Samuel 6:7).  Jesus is not to be taken lightly.  Things are to be done in an unauthorized way (Colossians 3:17).
  9. The ark of the Old Testament had a crown and a mercy-seat (Exodus 25:10-11; 17).  Jesus is king (1 Timothy 6:15).  He has all authority (Matthew 28:18-20; John 12:48).  Yet, through Him is an opportunity for mercy (Acts 2:36-38, Acts 8:13; cf. 18-22).  Won’t you accept His terms for mercy today!
Posted in Jesus, Mercy, Type/Antitype | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment