Thoughts on Male-Female Interaction

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

 Charles  Hill  (now deceased) taught a class call “The preacher’s life and work,” at the school of preaching I attended.  He advised that  preachers should avoid being alone with a female in counseling, Bible study, or personal visits, or in any other situation when and where such can be avoided. While there may be some circumstances where alone situations are unavoidable, the general principle should be practiced.

His reasoning was quite simple.  First, it avoids the potential for jealousy and mistrust on the part of their spouse or your own.  Second, it prevents rumors and gossip from spreading.  Some people love to gossip. Third, it eliminates all opportunity for impropriety.  In counseling sessions – especially, if domestically things are not going well at home for the counselee – it is easy for the counselee, who is now receiving attention from the counselor, to develop an attraction for the counselor.  Fourth, it avoids the “Clarence Thomas Syndrome” as I would call it.  That is, it keeps you out of the situation where she (e.g. Anita Hill) is saying one thing; and you (e.g. Clarence Thomas) are saying another, and there are no witnesses to establish  the facts of what happened. Some will condemn even without adequate evidence. One’s reputation will be damaged, if not destroyed.

Many preachers who I have known could have saved themselves many problems by heeding brother Hill’s words. Someone has said that preachers need to be careful with “the money and the honey.”

 However, his advise is not just applicable to preachers. I believe this to be good healthy advice for all Christians. Let us try to avoid situations that give the appearance of impropriety (1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:16-21). Let us seek to avoid situations that provide opportunity for sin (Romans 13:14). Remember that it was when Joseph was alone that Potiphar’s wife tempted him (Genesis 39).  It was due to an alone situation that Joseph found himself falsely accused of wrong doing (Genesis 39). Yes, I do understand that his situation was unavoidable. I am not blaming him. Also, remember that it was when Tamar was alone with Amnon that he raped her (2 Samuel 13). No, I am not blaming her. I am simply saying that it is wise to avoid such situations when and where such is possible.

Posted in Dating, Marriage, Preachers, Preaching, Sex, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Written Word

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Let me give you some advice concerning edification and evangelism: Don’t forget to write.  In fact, try to write something daily.

Now, why do I say this?  (1) The written word can speak long after you cease to be on this earth.  I’ll provide an example from American history.  In my library I have a book entitled, “Our Sacred Honor” by Bill Bennett  The book is a compilation of letters and documents and speeches from the founding fathers of this country.  Some of these letters are letters between family members: husband and wife, parent and child, and extended family. Others are between friends, and colleagues. In these writings is a wealth of good advice on a variety of subjects including: education, parenting, relationships, business, ethics, etc. Today, we would not have access to that advice if they had not written it down.

Next, Let us consider some Biblical examples. In Luke 16:29 a reference is made that the living of Jesus’ day ought to hear “Moses and the prophets.”  Yet, Moses had been dead, along with the prophets, for many centuries!  But they still had the inspired writings of Moses and the prophets, just as we, today,  still have the words of the apostles and New Testament prophets.  They, being dead, still speak.  Even so, when you write-up notes for your Bible class, or articles for bulletins or brotherhood papers, or newspaper editorials, etc., you may well be saying something that could influence future generations.  Another example, in 2 Corinthians 21:12-15 Elijah preaches to Jehoram the King of Judah by a letter.  The interesting thing here is that Elijah is, it seems, dead (or 2 Kings 2 is out of chronological order).  Adam Clark commented “It is evident that Elijah had been translated in the reign of Jehoshaphat, the father of Jehoram. How then could he send a letter to the son?…It is certainly a possible case that this writing might have been a prediction of Jehoram’s impiety and miserable death, delivered in the time of the prophet, and which was now laid before this wicked king for the first time: and by it the prophet, though not among mortals, still continued to speak” (commenting on 2 Chronicles 21:12).   Even so, your encouraging or rebuking private letters may well have influence even when you’re in the grave.  I have personally ran bulletin articles by men who died many years ago in bulletins.  They’re dead, yet speak.

(2) The written word can go places that perhaps you will never go, or cannot currently go.  When Paul wrote to those at Rome, he had never been there (Romans 1:11-13; 15:22-23; Acts 19:21).  When Paul wrote to those at Colossae, he was writing to those he had never personally seen (Colossians 2:1).  I have personally written things that have been passed on to people I’ve never met, and may never personally meet.  The written word is powerful.  You might write a letter answering a Bible question for someone you know, and that may well eventually get passed to another that you’ve never seen, or even heard their name. Paul while in prision wrote five letters (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and 2 Timothy). He was restricted to movement, yet he still could write letters! (Ephesian 3:1 cf. 4:1; 6:18-20; Philippians 1:12-14, 17; 4:22; Colossians 4:2-4, 10a cf. 4:18; Philemon 1:1, 23 cf. 1 :9;  2 Timothy 1:8, 16-17 cf. 2:9).

(3) The written word can be pulled out at needed times by the reader.  I have in my personal files letters of encouragement from family members and friends.  When I need encouragement I can pull those out and they still speak.  Consider the Bible – when we need encouragement, we can turn to certain great chapters and receive that needed encouragement when ever we need it.

(4) Putting things into writing trains you to be precise in your language (because when it is written, it is written). Unlike dialogue: there is no opportunity for immediate clarification or explanation; it is much harder to bloviate and ramble on clouding the issue; it is not as easy to win one over by charming personality, or eloquent speech.  Therefore, one is prompted to think through his points, and spend much time in study.   Samuel Johnson once said, “The greatest part of a writer’s time is spent in reading, in order to write; a man will turn over a half a library to make one book.”  Again he said, “I never desire to converse with a man who has written more books than he has read.”  When one puts into writing an answer to a Bible question he tend to study and become much more precise than when he is simply causally, orally conversing with another about the same subject.  Therefore, the writing process is good for the writer as well. It challenges him to be very precise about what he believes.

Let us utilize every legitimate way to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ!

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What Do I Say?

Posted on August 8, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

You’re at home.  You hear a rap upon the door.  You look out and two young men in white shirts are standing there.  You open the door, and find that they are from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  They are Mormons.  You do not feel prepared for this. You feel that you could competently hold your own with most denominational groups, groups that at least claim to follow the same book.  But, these people are different. They have other books , unfamiliar books.  What do you do?

This study is not intended to be a thorough examination of their doctrine.  But, I do want to give you a couple of pointers that’ll perhaps help.

First,  a curious statement is found in the introduction to the Book of Mormon that ought to be brought to their attention, and pressed in any study.  The introduction reads, in the opening paragraph – “It is a record of God’s dealing with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fullness of the everlasting gospel” (emphasis mine).  Watch the fact, that it does not say that the Bible + the Book of Mormon = the fullness of the gospel.    Grammatically, this says that just as the Bible contains the term “fullness of the everlasting gospel,” so also, does the Book of Mormon.  Now, the term “fullness” means to be filled full.  If the Bible is filled full of God’s gospels, why do we need the Book of Mormon?

Do not misunderstand my point. The Book of Mormon and the Bible conflict with one another on numerous points.  I am not suggesting that they teach exactly the same message.  But, what I am saying is that by citing this introduction perhaps you should be able  persuade them to study with you out of the Bible, and avoid their “scriptures” altogether.

Second, there are failed prophesies made Joseph Smith Jr. that should be pointed out, and pressed very firmly.  For instance, consider Smith’s prophecy made on December 25, 1832. He believed that war would eventually come between the states.  Things were heating up.  Many foresaw this.  However, Smith carried it a bit farther.  He prophesied that not only would war come, but also this war would turn into a world war involving all nations (something which never happened), moreover, he prophesied that this war would cause the end of all nations (something which never happened).  These things are recorded in their scriptures Doctrine & Covenants 87:1-6.  Other examples such as this could be provided.  But, let us remember what Deuteronomy 18:22 says, “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; but the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him,” and verse 20 reads of such a one: “… that prophet shall die.”  One of their own even said, “If Joseph Smith was a deceiver, then let him be exposed.” (Doctrines of Salvation, Joseph Fielding Smith, 1954, 1:188).  Well said!

Third, let’s consider how incredible some of their writings are.  Read the words of Ether 15:31 – “And it came to pass that after he had smitten off the head of Shiz, that Shiz raised up on his hands and fell; and after that he struggled for breath, he died” (emphasis mine).   Please note, this not only mention that he raised up on his hands, but that after this he struggled for breath and then died. A body struggling for breath with no head!  Or, was it the head struggling for breath without a body?

Fourth, they placed a good deal of emphasis upon being baptized for those who are already dead.  Now, this is not taught in their scriptures.  They get this doctrine by misinterpreting 1 Corinthians 15:29.  The purpose of this article is not to deal with 1 Corinthians 15:29.  We’ll save that for another time.  But, the next time they want to discuss this with you, kindly point out that their understanding of this Bible passage contradicts their own “scripture.”  Alma 34:35 reads, “For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and the devil hath power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked.”  (emphasis mine).  There is no second chance mentioned.

 When the appear at your door. Don’t be intimidated.  Don’t say, “I’m not interested.”  Invite them into your home. You just might be able to plant seeds of doubt, or maybe even convert them.  If nothing else, at least slowed their door to door campaign in your city.you keep them from going to many other people’s home.

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Three Dispensations

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

God has had three arrangements for governing man.  Every Bible student should know this.  Failure to understand this, and to be able to distinguish between the three arrangements leads to all sorts of confusion.  Let’s review the three dispensations.

1.  Patriarchal Dispensation (Star – light Age)

Bible: Genesis 1 – Exodus 20                          Time: Approximately 2500 years

A patriarch was a male leader of a family or tribe.  God communicated with such men as: Adam (Genesis 2:16-17), Noah (Genesis 6:13-16), and Abram (Genesis 12:1-3).  There was no written law from God for man to follow.  However, God did communicate to man in various ways (Genesis 15:1; 22:11, 15; 31:11; 31:24; 46:2; Exodus 3:1-10).  This dispensation was the only arrangement in place between Genesis 1 – Exodus 20, a period of approximately 2500 years.

While it is true that we do not know everything instructed by God during this dispensation – they had no written law from God which we can read – still we know somethings: (1) Murder was forbidden (Genesis 9:6) .  (2) Fornication and adultery were forbidden (Genesis 38:24; 39:7-9).  (3) Idolatry was forbidden (Genesis 35:2-3).  (4) They were not to consume blood (Genesis 9:4).  (5) They were to work (Genesis 2:15; 3:19).  (6) They were to clothe themselves (Genesis 3:21).  (7) They appear to have been taught to abstain from: (a) things offered to idols; (b) consuming blood; (c) consuming things strangled; and (d) fornication (Acts 15:19-20; 21:25).

This dispensation is sometimes called the Star – light age.  It is so-called because details about God’s redemptive plan through Christ seem only dimly revealed.

2.  Mosaic Dispensation  (Moon – light Age)

Bible: Exodus 20 – Acts 2                                   Time: Approximately 1500 years

Israel’s descendants received a new dispensation at Sinai (Exodus 20).  This was a written system of laws (Exodus 24:4-7; 31:18; 32:15-16; 34:1; Deuteronomy 9:10-11; 31:24-26; Joshua 8:34-35; 24:26-27; 1 Kings 2:1-3; Acts 15:21; etc.).  It contained a total of 613 commandments.  It also contained written prophesies concerning a coming Messiah (Luke 24:44; John 5:39; Acts 8:30, 35; 17:11; 18:28; 26:22, 27-28; 28:23).  This dispensation was given to Israel alone (Exodus 20:1-2; 31:16-17a; Deuteronomy 5:2-6 cf. 4:37; 5:15; Nehemiah 9:13-14).

The rest of humanity continued under the Patriarchal Dispensation {Romans 2:11-12 [Those without the law = Gentiles without the law of Moses.  Those in the law = Israelites with the law of Moses.  Clearly, the gentile world was not without any law, because without accountability to law they could not sin (Romans 4:15; 1 John 3:4)]; Acts 15:1-21; 21:18-25 [The distinction between gentile and Israelite is still evident in this transitional period of time ]}.

The Biblical record focuses in on Israel at this point.  However, we should not take this to mean that there were no God-fearing gentiles.  Prior to the giving of the Mosaic law, we read of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20), Job (The book of Job), and Jethro (Exodus 18:12, 17-24).  After the giving of the law, Jesus spoke of other sheep (John 10:16), and we read of Cornelius (Acts 10:16).

Why was the Mosaic Dispensation given?  (a)  It was given to provide civil laws for Israel to live by as a nation (Deuteronomy 22:8; Exodus 21:28-29).  (b) It was given to Israel as a tutor or a schoolmaster (Galatians 3:24).  “Lit. ‘child-leader’ …a slave, to whom in wealthy families the general oversight of a boy was committed.  It was his duty to accompany the charge to and from school, and never to lose sight of him in public, to prevent association with objectionable companions, to inoculate moral lessons at every opportunity, etc” (I.S.B.E., Vol. 4, p. 2702).

The tutor separated and protected the child from bad influences.  Even so, the Mosaic law separated Israel and made her a distinct people with a recognizable distinct seed-line by which a Savior would appear.  This dispensation is sometimes called the Moon-light Age.  God’s redemptive plan through Christ begins to shine a bit brighter.

The tutor helped the child learn lessons.  Even so, the Mosaic law provided continuous lessons on man’s sin problem (Romans 7:7; Galatians 3:21b-22; Hebrews 10:1-4).  It also taught by written prophecy of a coming Savior (Romans 3:1-2; Luke 24:44; John 5:39; Acts 8:30, 35; 17:11; 18:28; 26:22, 27-28; 28:23).  The Mosaic system, itself, foretold of a coming new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; cf. Hebrews 8:7-13; 10:15-18).  There would be differences.  (1) The Israelites of old became Israelites (God’s chosen people) by physical birth.  They had to later be taught of God.  However, under the New Covenant one must first be taught (John 6:45 cf. Isaiah 54:13; Acts 18:8 cf. Galatians 3:26-28).  (2) Sin under the Mosaic system was remembered every year on the Day of Atonement (Hebrews 10:1-4 cf. Leviticus 16:11-15).  The New Covenant makes it possible for sin to be remembered no more (Hebrews 10:17-18).

3.  Christian Dispensation (Sun-light or Son-light Age)

Bible: Acts 2 – Revelation 22                            Time: Approximately 2000 years and counting

This dispensation is for all humanity (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47).  Christ reconciled them both (Jew and Gentile, B.H.) to God in one body (church of Ephesians 1:22-23) through the cross” (Ephesians 2:16).  The gospel is God’s power to save both Jew and Greek (Romans 1:16).  “There is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord overall is rich to all who call upon Him” (Romans 10:12).  “There is neither Jew nor Greek… all are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

The foundation of this dispensation is the teaching of Jesus and His apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20).  (1) Just as Moses first declared the law and then ratified it with blood (Exodus 24), Even so, Jesus did (Hebrews 9:16-19).  Jesus taught new covenant legislation (Luke 16:16; Matthew 18:15-17).  His blood ratified the covenant (Matthew 26:28).  (2) The Holy Spirit provided the apostles with perfect remembrance of what Christ taught, and guided them into revealing all truth God wanted us to have (John 14:25-26; 15:26-27; 16:12-14).  We will be judged by these words (John 12:48; Romans 2:16).

This dispensation is sometimes called the Sun-light Age.  It is so-called because it is during this dispensation that God’s redemptive man through Christ is finally brightly seen.  It is sometimes called the Son-light Age because this brightness shines through the Son.

Our relationship to the Old Testament: (1) We are not under the specifics of the old law [Romans 7:4 cf. 7:7 (Exodus 20:17)].  (2) Yet, there are great principles that we should learn from the Old Testament record (Romans 15:4a; 1 Corinthians 10:11).  It teaches us of: (a) man’s origin; (b) the origin of the home; (c) how man is tempted; (d) how God views sin; (e) the behavior of Biblical faith (Hebrews 11); (f) the patience of Job (James 5:11); (g) don’t fall short of the promised land (1 Corinthians 10; Hebrews; Jude 5).  (h) Type-antetype pictures may help us to understand the New Testament principles better (Hebrews 10:1; 1 Peter 3:21; 1 Peter 2:5, 9, etc.).  (i) Old Testament prophesies help build faith and identify the Christ; (j) There are 373 direct quotations from the Old Testament contained in the pages of the New Testament.  Plus, there are many, many more indirect quotations and allusions.  It would be very difficult (if not impossible) to understand some New Testament passages without a working knowledge of the Old Testament.

Proofs that we are not under the Mosaic Dispensation: (1) Most of humanity never was under the Mosaic Dispensation (Exodus 20:1-2; 31:16-17a; Deuteronomy 5:2-6 cf. 4:37; 5:15; Nehemiah 9:13-14).  (2) If  Jesus is our High Priest, then we must be under a different dispensation (Hebrews 7:12-14).

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Observations Aloft Mt. Carmel

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

As we consider Elijah and his courageous stand atop Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18), I believe there to be several observations which needs to be made by modern man.  After all, these things of old were recorded for our learning (Romans 15:4) and admonition (1 Corinthians 10:11).

First Observation – Ahab, and not Elijah, was the troublemaker.  The wicked King Ahab tried to implicate Elijah as the cause of Israel’s plight when he said unto Elijah, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” (1 Kings 18:17).  However, this dearth had come not because of Elijah, but because of Ahab`s rebellion against God. Notice the response by Elijah – “I have not troubled Israel, but you, and your father’s house, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed the Baals.” (1 Kings 18:18).

Modern Application – Like Elijah, many faithful brethren are being labeled “troublemakers.”  They are being blamed for causing unrest in the body of Christ.  However, brethren, the real troublemakers are not those who expose the error, but those who practice error, forsaking the commandments of the Lord (1 Kings 18:18).  I am reminded of the words of Marshall Keeble, who put it this way, “I’m serving a warrant on you, trying to get you to yield to the Great Judge before it’s too late.  Don’t get mad at the man who serves the warrant – he’s just trying to do his job.  He is simply telling you that you’re in trouble.”  The Apostle Paul once asked, “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16). May we recognize that the true troublemaker is the one that walks contrary to the doctrine of Christ, and the true friend is the one who attempts to turn such a one from his error, (Galatians 6:1; James 5:20).

Second Observation – While Elijah was in conflict with 450 false prophets of Baal, the people remained silent, not even being willing to state whose side they were on (1 Kings 18:20).  Many, no doubt, were silent and did not answer, because they had not yet decided the matter in their own minds.  But, I just wonder if there were not at least some who knew what was right and true, yet were too cowardly and spineless to speak. This has been the  situation on other occasions (John 12:42-43).

Modern Application – Today, as many preachers and elders are upon the proverbial Mount Carmel facing a salvo of false doctrine and opposition,  how many knowledgeable members of the Lord’s church sit in silence?  When their support is so needed, they will not take a stand.  Brethren, how things could be different, how much good could be done, if  all who believe the truth  would stand united for truth.

Third Observation – Debate is not contrary to the will of God.  This was a debate, a great debate.  The propositions become clear by reading verse 21.  Elijah was affirming Jehovah to be the one true God.  He was denying the deity of Baal.  He was confronting error and defending the truth.

Modern Application – Even today truth is to be defended and error exposed.  In Philippians 1:17, Paul said that he was “appointed for the defense of the gospel.”  Paul encouraged Timothy to “convince, rebuke, (and) exhort” (2 Timothy 4:2).  Ephesians 5:11 says, “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose  them.”  We are instructed in Jude 3 to “contend earnestly for the faith.”  Brother Guy N. Woods says in regard to Jude 3, “To ‘contend earnestly’ (epagonizesthai) is literally ‘to wrestle,’ and as here figuratively used denotes the extreme efforts which are to characterize the faithful in their defense of the Truth, however, formidable and numerous its enemies may be” (Commentary on Jude).  In Acts 9:29, we are told that Saul (Paul) “spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Hellenists.”  The point is that it is not wrong to expose error for what it is – error; and, it is right to defend the Truth.  In fact, we are supposed to do so.

Fourth Observation – Evidence was provided to substantiate Truth.  In this case, “the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones, and the dust and it licked up the water that was in the trench” (1 Kings 18:38).  Notice, Elijah did not offer as evidence subjective feelings, or a testimonial saying, “I know that Jehovah is God for I just feel Him in my bones.”  No, he didn’t do such.  Instead, he offered evidence, true evidence, objective evidence to believe.

Modern Application – Though, we live outside the era of the miraculous, still we should provide in our preaching compelling objective evidence for belief. The people deserve such (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Fifth Observation – Elijah was right with God.  Really this is all that matters, isn’t it?  Even though multitudes refused to stand with Elijah (1 Kings 18:22). Elijah was ultimately received up  (2 Kings 2:1-12).  He was accepted by God. He appeared with Jesus during the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3; Mark 9:2-4; Luke 9:29-31) John the baptizer was said to have come in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17).  A huge, but wrongful, compliment is given him in Matthew 16:14, when we are told that some thought Jesus to be Elijah.  Who was Elijah?  It is easy to think of men like Elijah as Supermen, or some how different than we are. However, he was a man with a nature like ours (James 5:17). He was a righteous man (James 5:16-17). He chose to be such.

Modern Application – While today’s society exalts entertainers who can sing or act and ball players who can play ball, Elijah should stand out as a true hero.  Every parent should help their children recognize a true hero.  A true hero is a man, or woman, with the conviction and courage to stand up for what is right, and with the determination to be upon God’s side regardless of what the rest of society does.  Moreover, they should teach them that such a one will also be received up in eternal glory one day.

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Hebrew/Israelite/Jew

Posted on August 2, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

The usage of these three terms at times confuse the Bible reader.  Do these words in their strict sense refer to exactly the same thing (or people)?  Perhaps, this brief writing will help a bit.

Hebrew

The word is thought to derive from a word meaning “to transverse, or pass over.” This word would include Abraham and those that crossed over from Mesopotamia with him.  This word would also include all who came through Abraham such as Ishmael and his offspring, and Isaac and his descendants.  All Israelites are Hebrews, but not all Hebrews are Israelites.  By the way, circumcision was not just for the Israelites, but for all Hebrews (Genesis 17:23).

Israelite

The word “Israelite” refers to those that descended from Israel (literally one who has power with God), who is also known as Jacob (cf. Genesis 32:28).  Remember, it was from Israel, that the twelve tribes sprang, that inherited the promised land.  All twelve tribes were Israelites. Israelites came through the seedline of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

In about 975 B.C. Jeroboam led a revolt.  The kingdom  of twelve tribes was split.  The northern kingdom of tribes at this point is referred to as “Israel.”  The southern kingdom becomes known as “Judah,” named after its chiefest tribe, Judah.

After the period of Babylon captivity, which ended in 536 B.C., God’s people are reunited into one kingdom again.  Such was foretold of (Ezekiel 37).  [Note – There were not 10 missing tribes – Isaiah 10:22; Jeremiah 23:3; 2 Chronicles 11:16; 30:1,6,18; Ezra 6:17; 8:35;  Ezekiel 37:16-17; Luke 2:36; Acts 4:36; 26:7 etc.].  The term ‘Israel’ is again primarily used for all the descendants of Israel (Jacob).

Jew

The word “Jew” does not appear in the Bible before the divided kingdom.  The word denotes someone from the tribe of Judah, or the southern kingdom.  Judah (which consisted mainly of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin though others also joined them – 1 Kings 12:21; 2 Chronicles 11:13-17, 23;  2 Chronicles 15:9).  In the strict sense all Jews are Israelites, but not all Israelites are Jews.

After captivity the term frequently is used interchangeably with the term “Israelite” to refer to all of the twelve tribes.

Final Thoughts

Perhaps this short lesson will help.  However, let us remember that the terms “Jew” and “Israel” are sometimes in the New Testament used to designate God’s chosen people today – the church (Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 6:16 cf 1 Peter 2:9 cf Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; 26:18-19; Exodus 19:5-6).  Earthly lineage is not what counts. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek…for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ`s, then you are Abraham`s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29). “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh” (2 Corinthians 5:16).

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Are You A Disciple?

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

“Go… make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).

“The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).

The word “disciple” appears in some form 255 times in the KJV New Testament. What does the term mean? Here are some definitions: (1) Vine’s – “lit. a learner… one who follows one’s teaching… A ‘disciple’ was not only a pupil, but an adherent; hence they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher.” (2) Thayer – “a learner, pupil… one who follows one’s teaching.” (3) B-A-G – “Pupil, apprentice… adherent.” (4) Theological Dictionary of the New Testament – Commenting on the word’s usage in the Greek world said, “It may thus be used in various ways, e.g., for the apprentice to a weaver, a student physician, or the disciple of a philosophical school.” The word could be used of a student or learner.   It could also be used of one who not only learns, but also practices what he has been taught – that is, a true follower.

What type of disciple does Jesus demand? Is learning what He teaches enough? Or, does He require more? Let us notice that His disciples are to…

1. Favor Him

Jesus proclaimed, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). The word “hate” is sometimes used in the Bible as a hyperbole of comparison (e.g. Genesis 29:30-31). Vine’s says that the word is sometimes used of “relative preference of one thing over another.” This is how the word is being used here. This is clear from the parallel passage – “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37).

He must be first in our lives. While, it is true that we are to love our families (Ephesians 5:25; Titus 2:3-4), and to be without love of family is sin [Romans 1:31-32 (astorgos, without family love); 2 Timothy 3:1-3 (astorgos, without family love)]- true disciples love Him even more.

This has many implications. If I love Him more than others, then I will not compromise His will for anyone. If I love Him more than others, then I will not forsake the assembly of the church to spend time with family. If I love Him more than others, then I will not fellowship sin even if it is in my family.

2. Follow Him

Jesus declared, “Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27). Jesus earlier said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).

Following Him means cross-bearing. James Burton Coffman has written, “Cross-bearing is widely misunderstood. It is not old age, poverty, taxes, illness, or bad weather, or any other discomfiture of life that comes unavoidably into the lives of men. It is the acceptance, for the sake of the will of God, of some burden or burdens, otherwise avoidable, but which are undertaken out of a pure desire to fulfill the Master’s purpose” (Commentary on Matthew 16:24). Again, he has written, “Jesus plainly meant that to be His disciple one who have to hate his own like to the extent of willingness to accept crucifixion at the hands of Romans for the sake of fidelity to Christ” (Commentary on Luke 14:27). Christ must be followed and imitated even if it means suffering, even if it means death.

Following Him means denying self and living for Him. Paul admonished, “Those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15). He said of himself, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Jesus had the attitude before the Father – “not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus’ true disciples have this same attitude toward Him.

3. Forsake all for Him

Jesus stated, “Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33).

There must be nothing that we would not be willing to give up, if needed, to follow Him. “All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.” (Song: All to Jesus I Surrender by Judson W. Van DeVenter). Just think, this means time, money, things. If Jesus is not Lord of all in our lives, then He is not Lord at all in our lives.

I once heard a young man jokingly say that the best reason not to be a Jew was bacon. However, let me say that if my attitude is what it should be, I should be ready to give up anything if such is required to follow the Master’s daily will, including bacon. Don’t worry, He has not banned bacon (1 Timothy 4:1-5). Is there anything which you would not give up, if required, to serve Him? A true disciple is not only baptized, but is also taught, “to observe all things… commanded” by the Master (Matthew 28:19-20).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Watch The Attitude

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Sometimes, it appears to me, that we are so zealous in stressing the proper form (action) in worship, that we neglect to teach upon the proper attitude.  However, both the proper action, and the proper attitude are necessary to be approved and pleasing to God.

Consider from scripture, for example, the following:

1.  We are to fear and love God (attitude), walk in all His ways and serve Him (action) – Deuteronomy 10:12-13.

2.  We are to serve Him in sincerity (attitude, heart), and truth (action) – Joshua 24:14.

3.  God has always expected His people to fear Him (attitude), and keep His commandments (action) – Ecclesiastes 12:13.

4.  Whoever fears Him (attitude), and works righteousness (action) is acceptable by Him – Acts 10:35.

5.  We, as Paul, should serve God with our spirit (attitude), in the Gospel (action) – Romans 1:9.

6.  True worshippers must worship God in spirit (attitude, engaged mind) and in truth (action) – John 4:24.

7.  We are to give (action) cheerfully (attitude) – 2 Corinthians 9:7.

8.  We are to partake of the Lord’s Supper (action) in remembrance of Him (attitude, engaged mind) – 1 Corinthians 11:24.

9.  We are to draw near unto Him not only with our mouths and lips (action), but also with our hearts (attitude) – Matthew 15:8.

Brethren, mediate upon these passages.  When we approach God, let us never be guilty of merely going through the motions, but let us sincerely, with our whole being, approach Him according to His revealed will (John 4:24 cf. ‘spirit’ – Joshua 24:15 and ‘truth’ – John 17:17)!

 

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Baptism and 1 Corinthians 1:17

Posted on July 27, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

1 Corinthians 1:17 is a key passage that some have used to deny the necessity of baptism in connection with salvation.  It is claimed that if such was essential for salvation, then this passage would say that Christ sent Paul to baptize.  But, instead it says, “For Christ did not send  me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…”

In response, let me suggest that this may be a “relative negation.” In a relative negation the  “Not… but…” construction is used to demonstrate a contrast in priority, with the more valuable priority or emphasis being upon the second clause, but not implying that the first clause is sinful, or intending to totally negate it. The Bible contains many relative negations. For instance: (1) John 6:27 reads, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life…”  Question,  is it sinful to labor for the physical needs such as meat?  Absolutely not! (cf. Genesis 3:19; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10, etc.).  The point is that there is something far more important than physical needs (Matthew 4:4; Mark 8:36-37; Luke 12:18-21).  (2) Matthew 6:19-20 says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  Question, is this forbidding every type of laying up of physical things?  Answer – Absolutely not (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 12:14).  Question, is this forbidding us to prepare ourselves for the future physical needs of ourselves and our families?  Certainly not!  Consider the instructions of 1 Timothy 5:8, 16 which says that we are to “provide” for our own.  The term translated “provide” means to literally, according to Thayer, “to perceive before, foresee.”  There is not one thing wrong with preparing for the future ( Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4-5; 19:14; 20:4; John 12:6; John 13:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 5:8; James 5:7; etc.).  The emphasis is upon what is lasting; what is eternal. This is what should be treasured.  (3) 1 Peter 3:3-4, “Do not let your adorning be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing of gold, or  putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”  Note the term “fine” is not in the original text. If the first clause be taken literal then this teaches that wives should never wear clothing on their bodies!  Absurd!  No, this passage is setting forth where one`s emphasis needs to be.  It needs to be upon the inner man and not upon outward appearance.  People need to see the Christ-like spirit within us, more than they need to see the latest fashion upon our bodies.

Further, let me also suggested that this may be an elliptical statement and that the meaning is “For Christ did not sent me to baptize (only), but (also) to preach the gospel.” This is also a possibility. There are other examples of the ellipses in the Bible. (1) Genesis 45:8, “So now it was not you (alone) who sent me here, but (also) God…” (2) Mark 9:37, “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me (only), but (also) Him who sent Me.” In reality, there is little difference between an ellipses and a relative negation. A relative negation may be viewed as a type of ellipses.

1 Corinthians 1:17 must be either a relative negation, or an ellipses. Consider: (1) If this teaches that baptism is non-essential to salvation, then it conflicts with many others passages ( Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21 etc.). Such cannot be (Galatians 1:6-9). (2) If Paul was not to baptize at all, why did he do such? He baptized Crispus and Gaius (1 Corinthians 1:15-17). Did he dare do that for which he had no authority?

Let’s consider the text.  Jealous and prideful divisions were occurring in the church at Corinth over who was baptized by whom (1 Corinthians 1:11-15; 3:3-6).  They were exalting men.  Paul’s point was this – let me paraphrase – “I was sent not just to baptize you in water, but I was sent to preach the Gospel, revealing the truth about Christ, and the cross, and the power of God.” (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:17-31).  “I was sent not just to teach you about water, but primarily to teach you about Christ.”  If all they learned was about water they missed the main point.  Look at Romans 6:1-4.  Baptism symbolized something (the death, burial, and resurrection).  Look at 1 Corinthians 1:13- “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” The original wording is “into (eis) the name of Paul.”  Proper baptism makes one a Christian. {Brother Ed Wharton says, “eis to onoma, ‘in the name of,’ or more correctly ‘into the name of’ does not mean that we are to be baptized ‘at the command of’ or ‘on the authority of’ [as in Acts 2:38 where the phrase is different, (epi to onomati)]…’into the name’  was a common phrase for transference of ownership… They were Christ’s  possession, not Paul’s… Paul is saying that they do not belong to him” (The church of Christ, pp.46-47). Note: Matthew 28:19; Acts 19:5-6 and 1 Corinthians 1:13 are similar in wording. Arndt-Gingrich “through baptism…the one baptized becomes the possession of and comes under the protection of the one whose name he bears” (p. 572)} Paul’s point seems to be that he was sent to teach them, so that they might be converted and truly belong to Christ.  He was not sent just to baptize. He was sent to preach. The message was much bigger and more important than the act of baptism. It definitely was more important than who administered baptism. The message, if properly heard, pointed people to Christ and not Paul ( 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Ephesians 3:8; Colossians 1:27-28).

Another point for considering – some today seem to believe that one of the primary duty of the preacher is baptize.  Paul’s primary duty was to reveal God’s truth, especially unto the Gentile people (cf. Acts 22:21; Romans 11:13; Ephesians 3:1-8; 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11).  Furthermore, I do not read anywhere in scripture that the preacher’s primary task is to baptize. However I do read that he is to proclaim God’s will (2 Timothy 4:1-2; Titus 2:15),  and reveal the good news (Romans 1:14-16; 9:16).  If he does such, those with good and honest hearts will respond (Luke 8:15). Let us preach the word. God will give the increase.

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Wisdom for Worry/ Answers for Anxiety

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

The word “anxiety” word is from a Latin word meaning “to strangle.” The word “worry” is from an old English word meaning “to strangle.” Adam Clark indicates that the Biblical word, merimnao, can be used of “dividing or distracting the mind” (Commentary on Matthew – Acts, p. 91). This clearly is the context of Matthew 6:25-ff cf. 6:24 and Luke 12:22-ff cf. 12:21. Some people are strangling their happiness, health, energy, and productivity by useless worry.

  1. Determine your master

“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and Mammon” (Matthew 6:24). The decision to allow God alone to be your Master will lessen stress. Some strive for riches but are never satisfied (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Some fall into temptation and pierce themselves through with many sorrows because they are obsessed with material things (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Some are not productive Christians because they try to serve both God and Mammon (Luke 8:14). Let us be clear in our minds about who is master.

2. Focus on the important

“Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25). “Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing” (Luke 12:22). Staying focused on what is important will lessen stress. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or, what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:17). “We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Let us stay focused on that which is eternally important. The state of “The Rich Man” and Lazarus was very different in the after-life, than it was in this life (Luke 16:19-ff).

3. Trust in God’s general providence

“Look at the birds… your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26; Luke 12:24). “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow …Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you…?” (Matthew 6:28-30; Luke 12:27-28). The very reason that life exists is because of Him. He has set His general providence on humanity. “He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). He created plants and animals for mankind’s benefit (Genesis 1:28-30; 9:1-3; Psalm 8:4-9). He provides for them. His general providence is upon us as well. Let us not forget this. A point to ponder – while God does provide for the birds, He does not drop food into their mouths. “The early bird gets the worm.”

4. The promise of special providence

“Therefore, do not worry saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33; Luke 12:29-31). While God’s providence is upon all of humanity, He has promised those truly living for Him special providence. Let us pursue righteousness and put the kingdom first in this life.

5. Accept things you can’t change

“Which of you by worry can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27; Luke 12:25). Some translations take this as a reference to height (KJV, NKJV). Others take this as a reference to length of life (ASV, NASB, ESV). The point is the same, either way. There are some things we cannot change. “God give me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” (Reinhold Niebuhr). Let us realize that worry itself will change nothing.

6. Live in the present

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34).  This is not suggesting that it is wrong to plan for the future (Genesis 41:33-51; Proverbs 6:6-8; 1 Timothy 5:8). However, some people are so overly concerned about the future that they fail to live in the present. They make themselves and others miserable. Let us live in the present. “I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day-to-day; I don’t borrow from its sunshine, for its skies may turn to gray. I don’t worry o’er the future, for I know what Jesus said; and today I’ll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead. Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand” (Song: I know who holds tomorrow by Ira Stanphill).

While some are overly concerned about the future, others won’t get beyond the past. Their past mistakes, and sins haunt them, and even paralyze them in the present. Paul once persecuted the church. Yet, while he never forgot what he had done, he did not allow such to hinder his productivity in the present. He wrote, “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Let us repent of the things we need to repent, and let us live to the glory of God in the present, and let us reach for the prize.

7. Caution about fear-mongers

The world is filled with fear-mongering. Their sensational words grab headlines and air-time. Their words raise money. Their words can also create needless worry, discourage, and even paralyze productivity.

Consider some stories from the past: (1) The headline of April 28, 1975 Newsweek was, “The Coming Ice Age.” In it, Peter Gwynne wrote an article entitled, “The Cooling World.” It reported that the temperature in the Northern Hemisphere had dropped ½ a degree F between 1945 and 1968, and that growing seasons had been shortened by 2 weeks since 1950 (Sweetness – light/archive/Newsweek-1975). I was taught in school that an Ice Age was coming. Now they speak of global warming. (2) The January 1970 issue of Life said, “In a decade, urban dwellers will have to wear gas masks to survive air pollution… by 1985 air pollution will have reduced the amount of sunlight reaching the earth by one half” (Sweetness-light.com/archive/13worstpredictions-from-earth-day-april22-1970). (3) Paul Ehrlich said in 1970, “In 10 years, all important animal life in the sea will be extinct. Large areas of coastline will have to be evacuated because of the stench of dead fish” (Covnews.com/archive/41466). (4) He also predicted that “In the 1970s and 1980s hundreds of millions will starve to death” (Sowell, The Vision of the Anointed, p. 67). The concern was over-population. Thomas Sowell writes, “Now that the 1970s and 1980s have come and gone, it is clear that nothing faintly resembling Ehrlich’s prediction has come to pass. Moreover, such local famines as struck sporadically had nothing to do with overpopulation and everything to do with this disruption of local food distribution systems, due to war or other man-made disasters” (ibid). Many believed that India would surely face starvation. It has not happened. Yield per acre has greatly increased. India is currently a net exporter of grain. (5) In 1972 The Club of Rome warned that the world would run out of gold by 1981, mercury and silver by 1985, tin by 1987, and petroleum, copper lead and natural gas by 1992 (creators.com/opinion/walter-williams/environmentalists-wild-predictions). (6) I have heard of those years ago who predicted that with machines taking over more and more work man would not have much to do. He would need to fill his time with some hobby like water-color painting or macramé. I don’t that such has happened. (7) “Remember back in the early 1990s when one of the biggest stories in the news for several weeks was a rash of tourist murders in Florida? Several million potential visitors changed their vacation plans and went elsewhere. They did so without ever doing the make to make an informed decision because the media focused only on twenty-two murders. The reporters didn`t point out that Florida had forty million tourists that year, and if you figure they each stayed an average of one week, the murder rate was only one-third that of the average American city” (Ben Carson, Take The risk:learning to identify, choose, and live with acceptable risk, p. 57). (8) “Since any commercial plane crash anywhere in the world makes CNN, the Fox News Channel, the network evening news, plus all the local evening news roundups, we forget that the chances of being killed driving to the airport is far greater than the odds you will die in a life-time of flying” ( ibid).  (9) ” How many Americans go to the beach every year more concerned about and alerted of a deadly shark attack (which may occur only a time or two or three – if at all – this year on US beaches) than the likelihood of someone in their party drowning (which happens thousands of times every year, year after year)?” (ibid, p.58)

Mark Twain once said “I’ve seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it never came to pass.”

8. Even bad circumstances can be survived.

In battle of Gettysburg there were 70,000 Confederate troops and 94,000 Union troops. The Confederate troop losses: 4,400 dead, 12,950 wounded, 5,350 missing. The Union troops losses: 3,150 dead, 14,506 wounded, 5,165 missing. (Stats from gettysburgstonesential.com). If I told you that tomorrow you would be a soldier at Gettysburg, you might say “I am a dead man.” Yet 47,300 confederate troops and 71,185 Union troops were neither dead, wounded, or missing.

In the Vietnam War, 58,202 U.S. personnel lost their lives. Yet, there were 2,594,000 who served within the borders of Vietnam between January 1, 1965 and March 28, 1973 and an additional 50,000 who served between 1960-1964 (stats from veteranshour.com/Vietnam-war-statistics). In 1968 alone 563,000 military personnel were present in Vietnam. My point is not minimize the lives lost. But, I do want you to understand that most survived.

Dale Carnegie wrote, “The United States Navy used statistics of the law of averages to buck up the moral of their men. One sailor told me that he and his shipmates were assigned to high-octane tankers, they were worried stiff. The all believed that if a tanker loaded with high-octane gasoline was hit by a torpedo it would blow everyone to bits. But the U.S. Navy knew otherwise, so the Navy issued exact figures showing that out of one hundred tankers hit by torpedoes, sixty stayed afloat; and of the forty that did sink, only five sank in less than ten minutes. That meant time to get off the ship – it also meant casualties were exceedingly small. Did this help moral? ‘This knowledge of the law of averages wiped out my jitters,’ said Clyde W. Mass of St. Paul, Minnesota” ( How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, pp. 81-82).

The point is this: Things usually are not as bad as you think. Don’t let worry of tomorrow cause you to cease living today, and doing what you should.

9. Faithful have no reason to fear death. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). “To depart and be with Christ is far better” (Philippians 1:23).

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