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.

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“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!
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What Did You Say? C’mon Man! (Part 1)

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

“C’mon man” (come on man) is a phrase used on Monday Night Football to describe shockingly stupid decisions, or decisions completely inappropriate, or bloopers in execution.

I have heard, through the years, brethren say things which completely shock me.  These things make me want to say, “C’mon man!” or “C’mon brother!”  Let me provide a few examples.

1.  “I’ve never been to his house.  Can you show me where he lives?”

The man who said this was an elder.  The man’s house under consideration was a member’s house. He had just died.  The wife needed a visit.  However, this is not the worst of it.  The man’s house was next to his son-in-law’s house.  The son-in-law was also a member.  In fact, the son-in-law had until recently served as an elder.  The man who said this shocking statement had also never been to the house of the son-in-law, with whom he had served in the eldership several years.   “C’mon brother!”

Consider the following passages: “Now all who believed were together… breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart” (Acts 2:44-46).  “And in every house they did not cease teaching and preaching” (Acts 5:42).  “I… taught you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).  “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you” (1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28).  “Visit orphans and widows in their trouble” (James 1:27 cf. Matthew 25:34-46).  “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love… distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:10-13).  “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9).  “Exhort one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).  “Warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).  We are to be involved in one another’s lives, and not just upon the first day of the week.  The world should see our closeness.  Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). One man suggested to me that elders should be in members’ homes, at birthday parties and family events, at school activities of members’ children, etc. (when possible). I believe that his advice to be good advice. Some might think he has unrealistic expectations. However, clearly, shepherds need to spend time with the sheep.

2.  “How many people does it take to baptize someone?”

I had concluded a Bible study.  A husband and wife had expressed their desire to be baptized into Christ.  I called various members to come witness their confessions and baptisms.  There was one man who grumbled these words.  I believe that he was envious.  He was a very zealous soul-winner who doted over those he converted, but seemed to have no time for those converted by others.  “C’mon brother!”

Consider the following passages: “Neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7).  “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some from goodwill… what then?  Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice” (Philippians 1:15-18).  “Are you zealous for my sake?  Oh, that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put His spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29).  “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14).  “For when one says, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal?” (1 Corinthians 3:4).  We need to be on the same team, working for the same cause, and rejoicing together, welcoming new brethren to the family.

3.  “There is a black church nearby, they like attending with their own.”

Several black youth had been taught and converted.  One lady did not like their presence, and thus said this.  She was recommending that these young men attend a Pentecostal church, instead of with us!  Her bigotry was evident.  “C’mon sister!”

Consider the following passages, “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).  “There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian… Christ is all and in all” (Colossians 3:11).  “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh…” (2 Corinthians 5:16).  “He Himself is our peace… so  as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace… that He might reconcile both the God in one body through the cross…” (Ephesians 2:14-16).  The body is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23).  Race should not divide us.  The cross should unite us.

4.  “Can’t her grandchildren chip the ice?”

It was an icy Sunday morning.  A woman, a non-member, who had just lost her husband, showed up in a wheelchair.  Her son, who was on crutches, and her grandchildren had brought her.  The deacon in charge of such things had not removed the ice from the wheelchair ramp. The ice was so thick that the door at the end of the wheel chair ramp would not fully open.  One of the members went to work chipping the ice.  Later, I expressed my embarrassment over the situation to an elder, and stated that this should not have happened and should never happen again.  His response was, “Can’t her grandchildren chip the ice?”  “C’mon brother!”

Consider these passages: “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me” (Matthew 25:45).  “I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame.  I was a father to the poor, and I searched out the case I did not know” (Job 29:16).  “Love… is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4).  Shouldn’t we be servants one to another? (John 13:14).

5.  “Can the church reimburse me?”

The greeters in a local church were asked to make sure that each visitor got invited to lunch by one of the members.  It did not have to be by the greeters themselves.  One greeter asked, “If I invite them to lunch, will the church reimburse me?”  “C’mon sister!” Moreover, I have heard of others who want to be reimbursed for picking up visitors.  I have heard of those who want reimbursed for the refreshments which they served at their house when they had the youth over.  “C’mon brethren!”

Consider the following passages: “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9).  “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love… distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:10-13).  They “sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need” (Acts 2:45).  The Good Samaritan to the inn keeper – “Take care of him; and whatever you spend, when I come I will repay you” (Luke 10:35).  Do we not have a personal responsibility to be hospitable?  Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).  Notice, it does not say, “Where your heart is, there your treasure will be.”  It says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  How much are we personally investing in the cause of Christ?  Too many want to invest nothing.  They want someone else to bear the cost; many times this is the church. The result may be a lack of commitment in the heart to the work.

6. One member told me about a “c’mon brother” moment. A church member on a bicycle was hit by a car. The preacher passed by in his car, without stopping. He did not want to be inconvenienced. He was on his way to dinner. “C’mon brother!”

Consider these passages: ” ‘So which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among thieves?’ And he said ‘ He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise'” (Luke 10:36-37). “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out…?” (Luke 14:5).

7.  “I would take it and throw it away and get a real Bible.”

A young man who has recently started to attend with us shows up with a new Bible under his arm. He shows me and an elder what he has purchased. The elder coldly made the above statement with no explanation, upon seeing that it was an NIV. This may have been the first words that the elder had ever uttered to this young man. The young man was crushed. “C’mon brother!” While I do not recommend the NIV, this was not the way to approach the issue. The young man did not know this was not the best version of the Bible. He had not studied the versions. Moreover, the elder seemed to want him to do what he said without an explanation.  A much better approach would have been “I am pleased that you value God’s word enough to purchase a version of the Bible. Why did you select this version? Most of the members here do not use the NIV. Bryan does not preach from the NIV.  I am sure that you want an accurate version.  Not all versions are equal. Can we study some of the reasons we do not recommend the NIV?”

Consider these passages: Let us “speaking the truth in love”(Ephesians 4:15).  “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We should not expect anyone to accept what we say without information which allows them to test the matter.

8. “It means different things to different people.”

I was sitting in a teen Bible class. The teacher was asked this question by a student, “I know B.C. means ‘before Christ’ and A.D. means ‘after death,’ so what do we call the period of time when Jesus was on earth?” The teacher said, “I am not sure. But, you are correct about the meaning of B.C. and A.D.” I spoke up and explained that A.D. was actually from the Latin “Anno Domini” meaning “year of our Lord.” The teacher decided to try to save face before the students by saying “It means different things to different people.” I could not believe my ears. “C’mon brother!” A Bible class teacher should admit his mistake when a mistake has been made. If he does not know the answer to something, he should say “I am not sure about this. However, I will research this and I will try to find the answer by our next class.” Never bluff it. We should be seeking the truth, and not seeking to save face.

Consider this passage: Teachers should use “sound speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:8). Let us always remember the seriousness of teaching “we shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1).

We all have made mistakes and have said and done things we shouldn’t.  May God forgive us. May we seek to be better.  “C’mon brethren,” let us take our Christian duties seriously, and give our best.

Do you have any “C’mon brother” moments that you wish to share? No real names or places please.

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Attracting A Crowd

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

A couple of writings have caught my attention recently. Both concerned preachers and gathering a crowd. The Bible says, “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). These words well describe what I read in these two writings.

Wow and Entertain Us

In the religion section of the Marshall News Messenger, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005 – there appeared a story entitled, “Falling by the Wayside?” It was written by AP religion writer Rachel Zoll. This story was about how increasingly difficult it has become to draw a crowd to a religious event in this day and age. Traditional approaches do no longer seem to be working.

However, the story went on to spotlight some things which appeared to be working. It mentioned a Luis Palau of Portland, Oregon. He has seen an increase in attendance at his festivals.  What has he done? He’s “brought in Christian rock bands and extreme sports like skateboarding and BMX riding, and put up a food court in the middle of all the activity.”   T.D. Jakes, the head of the Potter’s House, a 30,000 member church in Dallas, Texas was also spotlighted. The story said, “Each year, Jakes holds Megafest, a four-day gathering that regularly draws more than 100,000 people, that has included a comedy jam, a fashion show, exercise and sports programs and other family entertainment.”

What these men are wittingly or unwittingly saying is that the Gospel is not enough. We should lure people to us with a carnival, X-games, or State Fair-type atmosphere and then preach to them a little.

Question: When did Jesus or the Apostles ever use such bait and switch tactics? Did Jesus ever draw the people by holding a boat-rowing contest on Galilee, or a fishing seminar by Peter, James, John and Andrew?

There is no authority for such tactics. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Paul told Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).   Paul himself said, “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). We are to sow the seed. When the pure seed falls on a good and honest heart, it will produce a Christian. This is where the power is and there is no authority to attract anyone by any other means.

Make Us Feel Good

In the August, 2005 issue of Texas Monthly, William Martin had a feature on Joel Osteen, in fact it was the cover story. The story was entitled “And on the Eighth Day God Created Joel Osteen” or “Prime Minister.” Osteen preaches in Houston at the Lakewood Church, a church of 30,000 members and a 60 million dollar contribution per year.

What is his appeal? Why can he attract so many to church services? He makes people feel good about themselves.

(1) They tell folks that God wants to enrich them. Joel’s wife, Victoria, said in the interview, “If you look through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, every person who served Him faithfully, God blessed financially.” The writer goes on to say, “When I asked her about… Jeremiah who spent his time at the bottom of a well and died in captivity and Stephen who was martyred and Paul who made tents to support his missionary activities, she backed up a bit, noting that she had been thinking mainly about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

Folks, if the Gospel of health and wealth is true – then, why does one read of the poor widow casting in all the had? – And, shouldn’t Jesus and the Apostles have been extremely wealthy men, the wealthiest the world has ever known?

(2) He preaches a message which does not produce guilty feelings. Joel says, “When I talk about sin, I may call it ‘making bad choices.’ People get so used to being beat over the head. I don’t come from that side. I come from the encouraging side.”

Consider how Peter preached: “God hath made this same Jesus whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). It is at this point they cried out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). In his next recorded sermon he told the audience, “Ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of Life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses” (Acts 3:14-15).

Jesus and John preached the same: John said, “the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matthew 3:10). He told them, “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Jesus said, “Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites” (Matthew 23).

We are to proclaim both the goodness and severity of God (Romans 11:22). One wonders how many people attend church services but, never realize that they are in a lost condition or, what to do about this fact – due to preachers who don’t want to offend. They are sending them to hell blissfully ignorant of their true state before God!

(3) He is extremely non-judgmental. When he appeared on Larry King Live in late June, King asked him about the fate of Jews and Muslims, who “don’t accept Christ at all.” Joel replied, “I’m very careful about saying who would and wouldn’t go to heaven. I don’t know… I just think only God will judge a person’s heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don’t know all their religion. But I know they love God… I’ve seen their sincerity. So I don’t know.” (Note: He’s since back-tracked to say, “Jesus is the only way to Heaven.” They posted this on their website after numerous complaints came into their office. Okay Joel, but does this mean that those who do not accept Jesus to be the Christ, confessing this fact and obeying Him, are lost?)

(4) He takes no position on controversial ethical subjects (such as abortion and homosexuality). He says, “I don’t know the answers, even on abortion. Somebody asked me what I think of stem-cell research. I had to say, “I don’t know.” I’ve heard people talk about it both ways. I don’t think a homosexual lifestyle is God’s best way, but I’m not going to tell [homosexuals] they can’t come to our church. I’m going to be wide open for them.”

Joel, I too welcome the homosexual to attend with us, but, I will teach him the truth about his lifestyle, will you? I’ll do it in love, but I’ll do it. I will not play the role of a politician avoiding taking a controversial position, I’ll keep back nothing profitable (Acts 20:20, 27). By the way, homosexuality isn’t God’s way at all.

Easy on the Scriptures please, Something New

The same writer, William Martin, had much to say about the content of Osteen’s sermons.

(1) His sermons are more positive thinking than an actual study of a Bible text or a Bible look at a given subject. Several times the writer pointed out how little scripture was used. For instance, “Joel readily acknowledges that he is not an exegetical preacher who begins with a passage of Scripture and expounds upon its meaning for his congregation.”  He mentions a 1999 Easter sermon where Joel “told a series of amusing stories about his family, even admitting that they had little to do with the drama of resurrection.” The writer says Joel’s sermon titles are, “Tony Robbins-style titles such as ‘Developing Your Potential,’ ‘Persistence and Determination,’ ‘Your Life Follows Your Thoughts,’ and ‘Enlarge Your Vision.” Then consider these words, “When Joel occasionally quotes a Bible verse during a sermon, a banner at the bottom of the television screen identifies it and displays the critical part of the text. Much more frequently, that space advertises future tour stops or reminds people that Your Best Life Now and its companion text, Your Best Life Now Journal, are now on sale.” Moreover, the writer seemed to see the context being abused when he wrote, “Joel illustrated his points with simple stories of people he had known or read about, and occasionally he cited a scripture whose words seem to fit whether or not the author had that application in mind.”

Folks, why is it that so many are bored with the plain message of the Gospel? They want to hear interesting stories. I had one man tell me my sermons were too filled with Bible, and not enough me! I heard a story of a man who watched folks nearly go to sleep as he preached from the scriptures. But, when he told a story about his dog – everyone took interest.

A Gospel preacher’s responsibility is not to be an entertainer, but to preach the Word.   His duty is to explain what the original intent of the passage meant for those to whom it was written, and then to show how to apply the teaching to our lives today. His job is to tell man what they need to hear to be saved and grow in the Christian walk.

(2) Joel de-emphasizes doctrine. He said, “I know doctrine is good. We need doctrine, but I think the average person is not looking for doctrine.”

Good people, to preach doctrine is the same as preaching the word (2 Timothy 4:2-3). Jesus taught doctrine (Matthew 7:28; Matthew 22:33). Jesus warned about false doctrine (Matt. 15:9; Matt. 16:12). Paul told Titus, “Speak thou the things which becometh sound doctrine (Titus 2:1).

(3) Joel justifies his scant use of scripture by appealing to how Jesus taught in parables. Jesus, in the parables, made moral points without referring to scripture thus, he can do the same.

We should understand, first, that the typical New Testament sermon was saturated with references to scripture. Read Acts 2, 7 or 13 and take note how many Old Testament quotations and references there are. Read the books of Romans, Hebrews, or Revelation and notice how filled full they are with Old Testament references and quotations.

But, what about Jesus? Jesus continually made reference to scripture saying “it is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; 26:24,31), “have ye not read” (Matthew 13:3,5; 19:4; 22:31), “ye do err not knowing the scriptures” (Matthew 22:29). It has been calculated that nearly 10% of His words recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are references or quotations of scripture. What about the parables? It should be understood that Jesus was speaking scripture. He was inspired (the same would hold true of Paul on Mars Hill, etc). All that He said in His teachings was from God (John 7:16; 14:10,24. Such is not the case with preachers today. So, while we may expound and illustrate to clarify, our teachings must come from the written word. It is to be grounded there. Paul said, “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2).

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The Five Rs Of Repentance

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

God demands that sinful man repent. John preached repentance (Luke 3:7-ff). Jesus preached repentance (Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3). The apostles preached repentance under The Limited Commission (Mark 6:12). Jesus told the apostles that repentance was to be preached to all nation under The Great Commission (Luke 24:46-53). Repentance was commanded to all men everywhere (Acts 17:30-31).  Clearly, repentance is needed for salvation (Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 8:22; Acts 11:18). But what is it?

Perhaps it is the most difficult step in the Gospel plan of salvation. Brother J.W. McGarvey once wrote: “The greatest obstacle to the salvation of men is the salvation is the obstinacy of the human will. It is not very difficult… to induce men to believe the Gospel… Neither is it very difficult to persuade men to be baptized, when they become penitent believers. I have never yet met with a person, who was a genuine believer and sincerely penitent, that raised any question about being baptized. They are ready to go where they are led. The difficulty is to induce them to repent. I have often, in my preaching experienced, studied and prayed and reflected and read, to find some way by which I could have more power in inducing people to repent. I would rather have that power than all the other powers and gifts that could be bestowed upon men as a preacher. But we modern preachers need not be discouraged, I think, on account of our weakness here, because we find, on reading the Gospels, that our Savior experienced the same difficulty” (McGarvey`s Sermons). He felt that the difficulty was not in getting them to believe, or to accept baptism, rather “the difficulty is to induce them to repent.” Some have called repentance “God’s hardest command.” Repentance defined: Vine’s – “Signifies to change one’s mind or purpose.” Gospel preacher T.W. Brents has written, “When used in the New Testament as a command to the alien in order to the remission of sins, it always indicates such a change of mind as produces a change or reformation of life under circumstances warranting the conclusion that sorrow for the past would or had preceded it. When so used it is invariably a translation of the Greek word metanoio; and when used to indicate sorrow or regret it is always from metamelomai – a different word, though improperly rendered the same in English” (The Gospel Plan Of Salvation, 188-189).

Repentance Involves…

(1) Biblical repentance always involves a recognition of sin. Read Acts 2:36-38 and Acts 3:14-15, 19. Prior to Biblical repentance, the people had pointed out to them their guilt of sin. A person will not seek salvation, if he does not know that he is in need of salvation. A person cannot Biblically repent, if he does not understand what he has done wrong. Recognition of sin is not repentance itself. However, one cannot repent without recognizing his sin. Good preaching helps men see their sinfulness, their need for salvation, and the response needed for salvation.

(2) Biblical repentance always involves a deep sense of regret or remorse. “They were cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37-38), when their sin was pointed out to them. They understood their guilt, and it pained them. Paul said, “godly sorrow produces repentance” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Sorrow itself is not Biblical repentance (One could have sorrow over sinful behavior but have no real will or determination to change. Such is not Biblical repentance.  Example – One could sorrowfully regret that he made a certain sinful choice in life –  but lack the will to change). Though, sorrow does accompany, and motivate Biblical repentance. Regret or remorse is not Biblical repentance itself (One could regret being caught in a sin, simply because he was caught. Example – One caught cheating on his wife may experience the sorrow of the world and say, “honey, I am so sorry!” when what the sorrow is over is being caught. Such is not Biblical repentance). However, regret or remorse does accompany Biblical repentance.

(3) Biblical repentance always involve a resolve to change. Examples of such resolve: Luke 15:18; Jonah 3:5-9; cf. Matthew 12:41. The literal definition of the original term translated repentance is “change mind.” However, Biblical repentance is not just any changing of the mind about a behavior (People can change their mind about a behavior for many reasons. Example – A bank robber might stop robbing banks, because the police are getting too close to catching him, or because he has taken more than enough money for his needs and wants, or for other reasons unrelated to his relationship with God. Such is not Biblical repentance). Biblical repentance always involves the sinner being convicted of sin, resulting in a broken and contrite spirit, and leading to a change in behavior. It is a change of mind and behavior due to submission to God.

(4) Ultimately, Biblical repentance involves a reformation of behavior. Jonah 3:10 says, “God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way…”  Matthew 12:41 calls such repentance.  True repentance does not stop with just sorrowing. John demanded “bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Luke 3:7-9). True repentance changes one’s behavior. It amends where needed. However, it is not just a change of behavior (Example and true story – I and two elders once confronted two church members living together without marriage. They were unwilling to change their behavior. The elders informed them that they would be forced to withdraw fellowship. They said that they understood. They were waiting for some legal matters to be settled in the near future. Then, once such occurred they said that they would repent and marry. They may have confused confession of public sins and repentance. One cannot schedule repentance) It is  change of  behavior which starts with a change of mind (how do you pre-plan  such?). Johnny Ramsey used to say that in his opinion the single greatest passage on repentance was Matthew 21:28-29 – “A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it (repented KJV) and went.” While the original word here is best translated “regretted” and not “repented,” the ideal of Biblical repentance is expressed in these words.

(5) It involves restitution when possible. The Old Testament demanded such (Exodus 22:1,4,5,6,7-9,10-12; Leviticus 6:1-5; 2 Samuel 12:6; Proverbs 6:30-31).  Zacchaeus understood this (Luke 19:8-9). Does not “The Golden Rule” demands it (Matthew 7:12)?  (Example – If I took your watch, and you saw me and confronted me about it, and I said, “I’m sorry, I’ll never do it again,” but decided to keep your watch, have I really repented? Do you think that I would be following “the Golden Rule?” Surely not!) A truly changed heart will want to try to make things right , so far as he possibly can.

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