“…Considering Yourself”

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Galatians 6:1 reads: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

Now, what do the words, “considering yourself, lest you also be tempted” mean?  Some have thought that the warning here is this: (1) When someone sins you are to approach them and try to mend them up; (2) But, when you do this make sure that their sinful ways do not tempt you too, into this life of sin(cf Jude 23).  Now, it is certainly true that people can influence us and tempt us to do sin (1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 22:24-25; Proverbs 13:20).  We must be very careful in this matter, not to be so influenced.  But, this is not what Galatians 6:1 is addressing.

What then, is the context?  In Galatians 5:26, Paul warned that they (we) were not to be striving to bring glory to self (cf. Matthew 6:1-2).  But, instead the Bible is clear, our ambition should be to bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12; etc.).  They were also told not to be envious of one another.  Instead of being concerned about one another, they should have ultimately been concerned about showing themselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15).

Then, we come to Galatians 6:1 (and remember that the chapter breaks are man-made, not God-given).  Look at the context closely.  Paul is saying: (1) Instead of gloating and saying, “I’m better than you” when your brother stumbles, (2) Use your spiritual strength to help your brother out of sin when he stumbles.

This context becomes much clearer as one continues to read, especially when one reads Galatians 6:3-5. Paul cautions them not to think themselves something, when comparing their life with the weaknesses of their brother.  One is not a spiritual giant just because his brother is weak.  “One does not become a saint by another’s sins.”  Our standard of spiritual assessment is not to be one another.  There is an objective standard we each will be measured by in the end.  Paul said, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves.  But they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise… For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.”  (2 Corinthians 10:12, 18).

Lessons to learn from the text: (1) People will stumble and be overtaken with sin from time to time.  (2) I do have a duty and responsibility to strive to help them in such times of need.  (3) When I do so, I should not gloat or think myself a better person than they.  I should, out of concern, humbly strive to help them; (4) I should not say, “I would never do what they do, and therefore, conclude – I am approved of God.”  The standard in judgment will not be me in comparison to you.  The standard in judgment will be the word of God. The real question is not how do I compare to another concerning this one sin (Galatians 6:1), but how do I compare to the totality of God’s revealed will.  Let us each look into “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25) as our measure of righteousness, and let us not look unto one another for such comparison. “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another” (Galatians 6:4).

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We’ve Been Duped!

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Valentine’s Day is near, you know that day that men (and women) are expected to show that special someone how much they love them.  Sometimes this is shown with the purchase of diamonds.

Diamonds are mentioned four times in the pages of the Bible.  (1) They adorned the priest’s garments (Exodus 28:18; 39:11).  (2) They were used for engraving (Jeremiah 17:1).  (3) They were descriptive of the wealth of the King of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:18).

However, let’s consider more recent history.   (1) Prior to the mid-nineteenth century, diamonds were rare and very expensive.  They came primarily from India.  Borneo and Brazil also eventually became major sources.  (2) Then, diamonds were discovered in South Africa in 1866.  So many were found that the value plummeted.  Cecil Rhodes of England, and his DeBeers company bought out other miners and eventually controlled the South African supply.  (3) He then convinced most countries that mined diamonds to sell exclusively to him.  In return, he would hoard the diamonds to keep prices high around the world.  DeBeers soon controlled 80% of the world’s market.  (4) Through great marketing DeBeers convinced America and the world that a diamond was “a girl’s best friend.”  Prior to this time, diamonds were for the rich and powerful.  Now they were for everyone. Demand went up and DeBeers continued to be careful with how many diamonds they released on the market.  (5) Large diamonds were especially valued.  However, Russia began to mine large supplies of small diamonds.   DeBeers fulfilling its contract with Russia bought these up as promised.  Then they marketed the idea of an ‘eternity ring’ a ring with lots of small diamonds on it.  (These basic facts are set forth in John Stossel’s book Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity, p. 150-153).  John Stossel writes, “Diamonds only mean love, and cost more than gold, because one brilliant company convinced people that diamonds were special” (ibid, p. 150).  The truth is they are greatly overpriced.  If DeBeers ever released its entire hoard at once on the market, diamonds would be worth little. It is brilliant business management, and marketing.

If you want to give her diamonds, do so.  I am sure it will be appreciated.  They are beautiful.

However, we should all strive to give our mates something even far more valuable.  Let us give them the love and respect that the Bible teaches (Proverbs 31:10-31; Song of Solomon; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19; Titus 2:4-5; 1 Peter 3:1-7, etc.).

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A Humorous Story on Infant Baptism

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

“Raccoon” John Smith lived from 1784-1868.  He was a very colorful and influential preacher in Kentucky.  Louis Cochran wrote a novel entitled “Raccoon John Smith,” which was based upon Smith’s life.  I want to give you an excerpt which provides a powerful point to be considered about infant baptism.

“In passing a Methodist camp meeting one day in September he stopped to watch a young Methodist preacher baptize a howling, rebellious infant by sprinkling water on the squirming body.  When the service was concluded, he stepped to the front of the crowd and identifying himself, took the preacher firmly by the arm and attempted to lead him toward the creek a few yards away.

“‘What are you trying to do, brother Smith?’ the young preacher protested.  ‘Are you out of your mind?’

“‘What am I trying to do?’ John affected deep surprise.  ‘Why sir, I am going to baptize you by immersion into the death, resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his commandment.’

“‘But I have no desire for such baptism.  I know of you; you are called ‘The Dipper.’  But you are not going to dip me.  I am a Methodist; let me go!’

“John tightened his hold on the man’s arm while the crowd watched, some in apprehension, others in amusement.  ‘That is a scoffer’s blasphemy of the holy ordinance,’ he said sternly.  ‘Are you a believer?’

“‘ Of course I’m a believer,’ the preacher said indignantly.  ‘But I’m not willing to be immersed.  It would do no good for you to baptize me against my will.  It would be wrong!’

“‘I don’t understand,’ John said.  ‘Only a few minutes ago you baptized a helpless baby against its will, although it screamed and kicked.  Did you get its consent first?  Come, come along, sir, we will have no more of this foolishness.’

“The crowd broke into open laughter, and John gave the young preacher a quick pull toward the creek, and then suddenly released him.  He waved to the people for silence.

“‘ Brethren and friends, I shall be in the neighborhood for a little while visiting among you; let me know if this poor, misguided man ever again baptizes another without his consent.  For you have heard him say it would do no good, that it would be wrong.’

“…’Let me tell you something of the Lord’s plan of salvation’ …For almost an hour he talked, the people listened closely, only a few of them seeming to note that the young preacher had stalked toward the hitching rail and mounted his horse, riding away in a cloud of dust.  When John extended the invitation, seven young people, all from Methodist families, responded requesting baptism by immersion” (pp 324-325).

Note: The issue is not strictly one of the infant’s will.  The issue is what does the Bible teach?  Moises Pinedo has written, “Some well-meaning people who disagree with infant baptism have opposed it strictly because they see it as an imposition of one’s will on someone who is incapable of making his or her own decisions.  While making one’s own choice is critical in regard to salvation, the argument against imposing the wishes of others on someone else should not be the determining factor in whether or not infant baptism is practiced.  The only determinant should be whether God authorizes or requires it.”  (What the Bible says about the Catholic Church, p. 144).  Remember that God once instructed the descendant of Abraham to circumcise their children.

What Does The Bible Say?

1.  The need for belief.  “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).  “When they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” (Acts 8:12).

2.  Never is infant baptism mentioned in the New Testament.  It is “those who gladly received (the) word” who were baptized (Acts 2:41). “Many of the Corinthians hearing, believed and were baptized” (Acts 18:8b).

3.  Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14).  Yet, the Bible also says, “No fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 5:5).

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Give Me Something Big To Do!

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

“My Father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it?” (2 Kings 5:13).

An Observation

As a preacher, I have met those who seem to get excited about doing some “big thing.”  If the church passed out material at the Billy Graham crusade, setting forth the true plan of salvation, they would be there.  If there was some pro-life march going on in town, they would be there.  If there was a gathering of Christians in the nation’s capital holding signs which proclaimed marriage between a man and a woman, they would want to be there.

However, I have seen some of these same ones very negligent in the “little things”.  In truth, such seems to bore them.

Here is an illustration: Some are ever looking for  some exciting program to be in place to reach the lost.  Yet, they do very little to try to reach the people they know.  They travel air, land and sea to do mission work.  Yet, they never speak of Christ to their family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.  They wait for the elders to put a system into place to reach the community.  Yet, they fail to realize that God has already has a system in place.  It is each Christian being like salt and light to others around him (Matthew 5:13-16), and quietly working within his sphere of influence (Matthew 13:33; 1 Timothy 2:1-2).  Remember how Andrew brought Simon to the Lord (John 1:40-42), and Philip brought Nathaniel (John 1:43-46).

Do not get me wrong.  I am not opposed to “big things”.  I have no problem with the use of: mass media (radio, TV, internet, newspapers, billboards); city-wide campaigns (mass mailing, door-knocking); foreign mission trips; Gospel meetings, etc.

However, my personal experience is that most of my conversions in the United States have come from the “little things”.  A member of the church has a family member, friend, coworker or neighbor.  This member is concerned about that person.  The member sets up a home Bible study and asks me to teach it, or help teach it. This is not as flashy as doing “something big”.  However, it is very effective.

In some ways it may be more comfortable to do the “big things”.  Typically, such involves strangers.  While reaching out to a family member, friend, coworker, or neighbor involves someone you know and have a relationship.  However, if we love them shouldn’t we reach out to them?

Think about the following passages: “those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4); “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9); “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it give light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” [(Matthew 5:13-18) Note: John Shannon once put it this way: We are hens expected to lay eggs.  If we don’t lay, it is off the Campbell Soup factory!]; “having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles… they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” [(1 Peter 2:12) It is the “little things” being emphasized here]; “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” [(1 Corinthians 10:31) It is the “little things” that are in view here]. “…by this time you ought to be teachers…” (Hebrews 5:12)

 Let us each try to reach someone this year.  “Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). “He who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30). “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

“Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinary.” 

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The Value of a Wife and Mom

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

It is no secret. Women typically earn less income than men. “For American women twenty-five and older who hold at least a bachelor’s degree and work full-time, the national median income is about $47,000. Similar men, meanwhile, make more than $66,000, a premium of 40 percent” (Super Freakonomics, p. 21). Moreover, the income disparity seems to increase with age. “As young beginning workers, British Women’s incomes were 91 percent that of British men but, as mother, their incomes were just 67 percent of that of men who were fathers … In the United States, a study of graduates of the University of Michigan Law School found a similar pattern: The gap in pay between women and men was relatively small at the outset of their careers, but 15 years later, women graduates earned only 60 percent as much as men” (Sowell, Economic Facts and Fallacies, p. 75).

Some have thought that the disparity can be primarily attributed to employer discrimination. This does not seem a reasonable explanation. (a) Such discrimination would put an employer at a competitive disadvantage. “If employers pay a woman only three-quarters as much as they would pay a man for doing the same work with the same skill, this means that those employers who hire an all-female workforce can get four workers for what other employers are paying for three … Even if discriminatory employers do not think things through this way, the competition of the marketplace will tend to force the higher-cost producers out of business, whether they understand why or not” (Economic Facts and Fallacies, p. 73-74). (b) Gender alone does not explain the statistics. “In 1991, women without children earned 95 percent of what men earned, while women with children earned just 75 percent of what men earned. Moreover, even those women without children need not be in the same occupations as men. The very possibility of having children makes different occupations have different attractions to women, even before they become mothers” (Sowell, Basic Economics, p. 199). Moreover, “As far back as 1969, academic women who had never married earned more than academic men who had never married, while married academic women without children earned less, and married academic women with children earned still less. For women in general – that is, not just academic women —  those single women who  had worked continuously since high school were in 1971 earning slightly more than men of the same description. All of this was before affirmative action” (Facts and Fallacies, p. 77). “Among college educated, never-married individuals with no children who worked full-time and were from 40 to 64 years old – that is beyond the child-bearing years – men averaged $40,000 in income, while women averaged $47,000 (Facts and Fallacies, p. 70).

It seems that the gender wage disparity can be explained by several considerations: (1) Educational choices. Women pursue higher education in greater numbers than do men. In the U.S. there are 140 women for every 100 men enrolled in higher education (Facts and Fallacies, p. 56). The 2010 census indicates that 37 percent of employed women have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 35 percent of men (abcnews.com). However, there are significant differences in what degrees are pursued. “As of 2005, for example, women received more than 60 percent of the doctorates in education but less than 20 percent of the doctorates in engineering” (Facts and Fallacies, p. 67). (2) Career choices. (a) Women compose 74 percent of what the U.S. Census Bureau classifies as “clerical and kindred works.” They are less that 5 percent of “transportation equipment operatives” and less than 3 percent construction workers or loggers. While men are 54 percent of the labor force, they are 92 percent of the job-related deaths (Facts and Fallacies, p. 65). (b) Women tend to spend less time at work. “The average female MBA with no children works only 3 percent fewer hours than the average male MBA. But female MBAs with children work 24 percent less” (Super Freakonomics, p. 45). (c) Women tend to choose jobs which are more flexible, and allow them to spend more time with their children. (d) Pregnancy and staying at home with small children has a huge impact on income. “Interruptions of labor force participation … mean that a woman may have fewer years of job experience than a man of the same age … To drop out of some fields and the return in a few years … can mean having fallen significantly behind developments in these occupations” (Facts and Fallacies, p. 66-67).

Women make less due to their role in the home. In many ways it is the woman who helps the man bring in the income that he does. Thomas Sowell writes, “The earnings of that income can also be a joint enterprise, regardless of whose name appears on the paycheck. Time that a bachelor spends shopping, preparing meals, or going out to restaurants, taking his clothes to the laundry or dry cleaners, entertaining guests … is available to many married men to put into advancing their careers instead, because their wives relieved them of such concerns. Given these and other ways in which traditional wives have freed up the time of their husbands, it is hardly surprising that married men have usually earned higher incomes than single men of the same age and education … Another way of looking at this is that the traditional division of family responsibilities has meant that wives have sacrificed their own income-earning potential possibilities and enhanced that of their husbands, with the resultive income being jointly spent” (Facts and Fallacies, p. 72).

There may be many reasons that women do not earn as much as men. However, one of the reasons, perhaps the biggest reason, has to do with the fact that women make certain choices and sacrifices to rear their children, and for the well-being of the family.

Do you realize how much a wife and mother sacrifices of her personal income potential to contribute to the well-being of the family?

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing” (Proverbs 18:22). 

“Her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life … She rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household … She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household is clothed in scarlet … Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the lord. She makes linen garments and sells them … She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31).

 

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In The News: How Many Heard?

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

We read in the Bible of Jesus and the apostles speaking before large crowds of people.  Could so many really hear and understand what was said?  This is a question asked by critics of the Bible.  It is also joked about by some.  “In Monte Python’s film, ‘Life of Brian,’ a large crowd showed up to hear Jesus’ sermon, but by the time Jesus’ words made it to the fringes of the crowd some clarity was lost (‘Blessed are the cheese-makers’)” (Fox News, Joel N. Shurkin, How Many People Heard the Sermon on the Mount? Or the Gettysburg Address?, Dec. 10, 2013).  Even sincere Bible students wonder, “How could so many hear?”

Some have suggested that miraculous amplification may have been involved.  This is certainly possible.  [God seems to have so spoken to the children of Israel at Mount Sinai.  “(His) voice shook the earth” (Hebrews 12:6).  “(They) begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore” (Hebrews 12:18-19), “Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die” (Exodus 20:19).  Moses said that God did this, “that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin” (Exodus 20:20)].  However, there is no indication in the Biblical record that this is how Jesus or the apostles spoke to the multitudes.

Some have thought that the answer may be at least partially found in the acoustics of the chosen locations for their sermons.  This seems reasonable.  Some locations form natural amphitheaters.  The hill where Jesus supposedly preached The Sermon on the Mount is one such place.  Jesus spoke from a boat on more than one occasion (Luke 5:3; Matt. 13:2, 3).  Sound is said to travel well over calm water.  Paul once spoke on Mars Hill (or the Areopagus).

However, let’s ask how many under good circumstances could hear a man speak without aid of a public address system?  (1) Benjamin Franklin conducted an experiment.  In the year 1739, he listened to George Whitefield address an audience of 6,000 people in Philadelphia.  He then measured out an area in which one could hear with understanding, about 23,000 square meters.  He concluded that, “More than 30,000” could hear (Fox News, Joel N. Shurkin, How Many People heard the Sermon on the Mount? Or the Gettysburg Address? Dec. 10, 2013).  (2) Two researchers, Braxton Boren and Agnieszka Roginska, at the NYU’s Music and Audio Research Lab replicated the Franklin experiment.  They concluded Whitefield could be heard by 20,000 – 30,000 on a good day, a perfectly still crowd, no wind or carriage clattering” (ibid).

Let us not forget the style of the speaker.  “The style of the speaker was different in the past… the speakers stood up straight and might have raised and stretched their arms so their diaphragms were extended.  Speeches of the past also had an entirely different cadence.  Orators often spoke in bursts of four or five words with considerable emphasis instead of long phrases” (ibid).  Modern speakers have grown dependent on P.A. systems.

Joel N. Shurkin writes, “Have you ever wondered how many people in the audience actually heard the Gettysburg Address?  How about the Sermon on the Mount or Moses at Sinai?  The answer to those questions, according to New Your University researchers, is more than you think” (ibid).

Today, we have the benefits of a Public Address system.  The question is: are we listening as we should? Clearly, the audience has a responsibility to discipline themselves to carefully listen, be attentive and engaged, and not be thoughtless or lazy in their hearing. Consider: “Speak, LORD, for your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:9, 10).  “The ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law” (Nehemiah 8:3).  “All the people were very attentive to hear him” (Luke 19:18).  “The common people heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37).  “We are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God” (Acts 10:33).  “Take heed what you hear” (Mark 4:24).  “Take heed how you hear” (Luke 8:18).  “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).  “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31).  “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13).

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Document Difficulties

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

One does not need to expose the Mormon documents to refute them as being from God. All one needs to do is establish that revelation was completed with the New Covenant Canon.

 Moreover, taking the introduction of The Book of Mormon one does not seem to need latter-day revelation. It reads in its 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.” Grammatically, this does not say that The Bible plus The Book of Mormon equals the fullness of the gospel. Instead, it says that just as the Bible contains the fullness of the gospel, even so, does The Book of Mormon. This may not be what they believe, but it is what their introduction says.

However, in this writing we do want to expose some difficulties with Mormon documents.

1. The Book of Lehi

The Book of Lehi was to be a part of the original collection of books which make up The Book of Mormon. It is missing. Its loss should raise some serious doubts about the genuineness of Joseph Smith’s work as a prophet.

The story goes that in the summer of 1828, Martin Harris (an early supporter of Joseph Smith) asked permission to take the book home to show to his wife and family members, who were skeptics. The request was twice denied by Smith, after prayerful inquiry was made to the Lord. Permission was granted by the Lord on the third appeal. The book disappeared while in Martin Harris’ possession. It was suspected that Mrs. Harris had hidden the book. Her motive? It was thought that she was testing the prophet to see if he could reproduce it word for word. Moreover, it was thought that if he did produce it, she would alter the original and use it to discredit him. She may have been tired of the financial support her husband was providing Smith. Whatever the case, the missing book, 116 pages long, was never found.

Smith did not reproduce the book. In the preface to the 1830 edition of The Book of Mormon, Smith explained “The Book of Lehi…some person or persons have stolen and kept from me…and being commanded of the Lord that I should not translate the same over again, for Satan had put it into their hearts to tempt the Lord their God, by altering the words, that they did read contrary from that which I translated and caused to be written: and if I should bring forth the same words again…they would publish that which they had stolen” (recorded in Don Simpson’s The Golden Myth of Mormonism, p. 87). Doctrine and Covenant reads “Behold, they say and think in their hearts – we will see it God has given him power to translate; if so, he will also give him power again; and if God giveth him power again, or, in other words, if he bringeth forth the same words, behold, we have the same with us, and we have altered them; therefore they will not agree, and we will say that he has lied in his words, and that he has no gift, and that he has no power…Behold , I say unto you, that you shall not translate again those words” (section 10:16-18, 30).

Do you not find this strange? Smith had the opportunity to show himself capable of reproducing the same words, much as Jeremiah and Baruch did (Jeremiah 36), but he didn’t reproduce the words.

What about the possible altering of the original? Don Simpson asked “If such a publication of the altered original be printed could not the original be recalled by experts for examination…? (ibid, p. 89).

2. The Book of Abraham

The Book of Abraham is a part of a collection of books which make up the Mormon book: The Pearl of Great Price. The story of this book should raise serious doubts about the genuineness of Joseph Smith’s work as a prophet.

The story goes that on July 03, 1835, Joseph Smith bought some mummies and papyrus from Michael H. Chandler in Kirkland, Ohio for $2400. Smith, then translated one papyrus which he claimed to have been written by Abraham. At the time of Smith’s translation little was known about translation from Egyptian hieroglyphics. “It was not until 1860 that the science of Egyptology had developed to the point that it could confidently tests Smith’s translation. By this time Smith was dead (murdered in 1844), and the collection of Egyptian papyrus with his notes had been lost. Where they went to, no one seemed sure, though the Mormon church thought they had been destroyed in a fire at Chicago” (The Golden Myth of Mormonism, p. 100-f). What did exist were three facsimiles made by Smith which also contained his interpretation. These were submitted to a scholar named Deveria at the Museum of the Louvre. His interpretation did not agree with Joseph Smith’s (ibid). However, the actual papyrus was still missing. It was found in 1966, in the Metropolitan Museum in N.Y. What was found? “There was no mention of Abraham, the religion of Abraham, nor the God of Abraham…The book of Abraham is nothing more than a common burial…papyri…with the fall of the book of Abraham, Joseph Smith also falls as a translator and a prophet” (ibid, p. 114). Wikipedia even provides the true translation of the Egyptian hieroglyphics next to Smith’s interpretation.

3. The Kinderhook Plates

In 1843 Robert Wiley, Bridge Whitten, and Wilbur Fugate decided to test the prophet. They made six pieces of brass and engraved on them ancient Chinese-type characters. They used acid to give an appearance of age to the plates in and Indian burial mound near Kinderhook, Illinois. In the presence of Mormons, they dug into the mound an unearthed the plates. The plates were brought to Smith to interpret. Smith wrote “I have translated a portion of the history of the person…it was a descendant of them, through the loins of Pharaoh, King of Egypt, and that he received his kingdom from the ruler of heaven and earth” (Smith, History of the Church Vol 5, p. 372 recorded in The Truth about Mormonism: a former adherent analyzes of LDS Faith by Weldon Langfield, p. 59-f). In 1879 Wilbur Fugate told how they had forged the plates (Wikipedia). “In 1980 Professor D. Lynn Johnson of the Department of Material Science and Engineering at Northwestern University examined the remaining plate…and determined that the tolerance and composition of its metals was entirely consistent with the facilities available in a 19th century blacksmith shop, and more importantly found traces of nitrogen in what were clearly nitric-acid etched grooves” (Wikipedia)

4. Salamander Letter

The Salamander letter was created by Mark Hoffmann in the early 1980s. The letter was supposedly the work of Martin Harris and William Phelps (early Mormons). The letter supposedly told a different story of the finding of the Golden plates. Moreover, it indicates that Joseph Smith III and not Brigham Young was to be Joseph Smith’s successor (this would undermine the Salt Lake branch of the LDS). The letters were offered to the church for a price. The church, itself, did not purchase the letter. However, bishop Steven Christensen did for $40,000 and donated it to the church. The letter was later declared a forgery, and a fraud. The fraud was discovered when Utah police were investigating Hoffmann in a bombing investigation. Hoffmann is now serving a life term in Utah for murder and forgery. (Watch the Netflix docuseries Murder Among the Mormons).

The difficulty is that the L.D.S. assumed the letter to be genuine until the fraud was uncovered by Utah Police. What’s the big deal. Doctrine and Covenants indicates that the president of the Mormon Church is “A seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet having all the gifts of God” (107:91-92). One gift is the “gift of discernment”. How is it that the church could not discern the fraud?

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Justice

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1902-1932. He understood that there were limits on human judges.

He was once exhorted by Judge Learned Hand “Do justice, Sir, do justice.” Justice Holmes replied “That is not my job. It is my job to apply The Law” (Thomas Sowell, The Quest For Cosmic Justice, p. 168) What did he mean by this? He meant, that such was not the function of an earthly judge. “He was not saying that justice did not belong in the Law. He was saying that it was not a judge’s function to put it there, this was a legislative function (ibid, p. 170). Moreover, not all laws are necessarily just.

He also understood that there was a great deal of differences between the judgments of men and God’s judgment. He remarked “The Law takes no account of the infinite varieties of temperament, intellect, and education which make the internal character of a given act so difference in men. It does not attempt to see men as God sees them….If, for instance, a man is born hasty and awkward, is always having accidents and hurting himself or his neighbors, no doubt his congenital defects will be allowed for in the courts of heaven but his slips are no less troublesome to his neighbors than if they sprang from guilty neglect. His neighbors accordingly require him, at his proper peril, to come up to their standard, and the courts which they establish decline to take his personal equation into account” (Thomas Sowell, A Conflict of Visions p. 195-196). An illustration – Remember Lennie in the book “of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck.

 Application

1. The Psalmist said of God “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne” (89:14). Again “The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right rejoicing the heart; The Commandment of the Lord is pure enlightening the eyes….The judgment of the Lord are true and righteous together” (19:7-9). Not all laws of men are just. Men sometimes pass laws to defraud others and to enrich themselves and their cronies (e.g. Isaiah 10:1-2). God’s laws are not like this.

Moreover, it is evident that for a system to be just there needs to be “Rule of Law”. Such is defined as “a government of laws and not men” (The quest for cosmic justice; p. 151). That is, the law does not exempt certain favorites. Moreover “By ‘Rule of Law’ is not meant simply that edicts are enforced but that only laws set forth in advance can be used to punish” (Thomas Sowell, The Vision of the Appointed, p. 220). God does not play favorites (cf 1 Pet. 1:17; Acts 10:34-35). Furthermore, it has revealed his standard to man long before judgment.

2. God’s judgment takes into account man’s abilities (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27; Luke 12:41-48, Mark 12:41-43; 2 Corinthians 8:12). It takes into account man’s motives (Matthew 6:1, 5, 16; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). It takes into account our thoughts (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28). He knows us completely (Psalm 139:1-4)

Will you be ready for that great day?

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Miracles Of The Cross

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Jesus worked miracles. Jimmy Jividen lists 35 specific miracles performed by Jesus, not counting the miracles connected with the cross, resurrection, and ascension (Jimmy Jividen, Miracles from God or Man, p. 17-18). Halley’s Bible Handbook classifies Jesus’ miracles under the following headings: 17 Bodily cures; 9 miracles over the forces of nature, 6 cures of demonics, 3 raised from the dead (ibid, p. 16). Concerning specific miracles: 20 are recorded in Matthew (ibid, p. 26); 18 are recorded in Mark (ibid, p. 31); 21 are recorded in Luke (ibid, p. 38); and 8 are recorded in John (ibid, p. 43). Moreover, there are many general, non-specific, references to Jesus working miracles (e.g., Mark 1:32-34. For complete list see Jividen, p. 23). Furthermore, Jesus may have done other miracles which are not recorded in the New Testament (John 20:30; 21:25).

The purpose of these miracles was to demonstrate that he was (is) the Christ (John 20:20-21). The miracles showed that he was a man approved of God (Acts 2:22; John 3:1-2; John 10:25; cf. 5:36).

Our subject concerns miracles associated with the cross. While Jesus was dying, God tried to get humanity’s attention with 3 miracles.

1. The Darkness (Mark 15:31-33).

The sky was darkened from 12 noon until 3 p.m. This darkening of the sky may have been mentioned by a couple of secular historians. A Second Century A.D. historian, Phlegon, is quoted by Jerome as saying, “In the fourth year, however, of Olympiad 202, an eclipse of the sun happened, greater and more excellent than any other which happened before it; at the sixth hour, day turned into dark night, so that the stars were seen in the sky, and an earthquake in Bithynia toppled many buildings of the city of Nicea” (www.neverthirsty.org). Unfortunately, the text of Phlegon has been lost. Another historian from the same period, Thallus, is quoted by Julius Africanus (221 A.D.), “On the whole world there pressed a most fearful darkness; and the rocks were rent by an earthquake, and many places in Judea and other districts thrown down. This darkness Thallus, in the 263 third book of his history, calls … an eclipse of the sun” (Julius Africanus, Chronography, 18.1). Again, the actual text has been lost.

It is not physically possible to explain this as an eclipse of the sun, by the moon passing in front of it. Oliver Green has commented, “It has been suggested by some that this darkness was just an eclipse of the sun, but this is an impossibility. The Passover was always celebrated at the time of the full moon (Leviticus 23:5 cf. The Hebrews reckoned each month to start with the new moon), and the moon is opposite the sun, so there could be no eclipse” (The Gospel According to Matthew, Vol. 6, p. 259).

The people loved darkness (John 3:19). Now they experienced literal darkness. I wonder if they remembered the Egyptian plague of darkness (Exodus 10:21-23).

There is no light without God. God spoke light into existence (Genesis 1:3). Do we realize that nothing would exist without him?

2. The Destruction of the Veil (Mark 15:37-38).

The veil signified separation. The veil of the tabernacle was designed with cherubim woven on it (Exodus 26:31). The same is true of the veil of the temple (2 Chronicles 3:14). Cherubim signified to man that they could not enter (cf. Genesis 3:22-24). The High Priest alone could enter into the Most Holy Place, and this was allowed only once a year (Leviticus 16:1-ff; Hebrews 9:7). The Most Holy Place figuratively represented the dwelling place of God, heaven itself (Hebrews 9:24-26).

The significance? Sin separated man from God (cf. Isaiah 59:1-2). The destruction of the veil of Jesus’ flesh provided man access to the glories of heaven. “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, his flesh” (Hebrews 10:19-20).

3. The Resurrection of the dead (Matthew 27:51-53).

This account is found only in the book of Matthew. There is much I would like to know that we are not told, for instance: how long did these remain upon earth?

There are a couple of things we should observe in connection with this miracle. (1) The death of Jesus provides spiritual life for us (Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13). (2) This should also tell us that God has the power to resurrect us from the grave (John 5:28-29).

*Note: Our study has not been designed to be a presentation of proofs, or Christian evidences. Instead, this study has been designed for believers to consider some things we should learn and consider from these miracles.

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The Message for Sale: Church Merchandising

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Brethren are now doing something that they did not do in times past.  They are charging money for programs done in the name of, and as a work of the church.  I never recall brethren doing this in times past.  I recall brethren on TV and radio when offering tapes, CD’s, tracts and books telling the listeners, “This is offered complimentary and without cost to you.  It is paid for by the free-will offerings of members of the church of Christ” and even, “we are not like other religious groups, you need not make a love offering to receive this material.”  However, brethren now are charging for: (1) marriage enrichment programs done in the name of the local church; (2) Ladies days and men’s retreats; (3) and even lectureships.  Somehow I don’t think this is how Jesus, or the apostles did this.

God’s inspired word tells us where the money is to come from to conduct the work of the church.  It comes from free-will offerings (Acts 4:34-5:4; 11:29-30; Romans 15:26: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:12; 9:7).  Dave Miller once wrote, “All funds utilized in the work of the church are to be contributed by its members based upon their own inventory of personal finances.  This means that bake sales, bingo games and on-the-air pleas for viewer contributions are unauthorized, inappropriate, and unacceptable to God” (Article: The Fund Raising Furor, Firm Foundation, July 28, 1987).  Brother Miller wrote this in reaction to the practices of televangelists and denominations.  However, the truth equally applies to the current practice of some brethren.

Do we truly love souls?  Consider the example of Martin Luther.  He translated the Bible into German in 1522.  It may have been his greatest accomplishment.  Philip Schaff, the historian, wrote, “Hereafter, the Reformation depended no longer on the works of the Reformers, but on the book of God, which everybody could read for himself as his daily guide in spiritual life (History of the Christian Church, Vol. 7, p. 341).  What did he receive for his work?  “It was from beginning to end, a labor of love and enthusiasm while publishers and printers made fortunes, Luther never asked a copper for this greatest work of his life (ibid, p. 354).  Now, I am not suggesting that it would have been wrong for Martin Luther to have received income for his work.  “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10: 7; 1 Timothy 5:18 cf. 1 Corinthians 9:7-11).  However, he did what he did freely out of concern for others.  He wanted the Bible in the hands of the people.  Do we have such live?  Or are we turning the message into just another opportunity for gain?

Let us point out that there is a big difference between a laborer charging for his labor and the church charging for its services.  The church has three areas of work: evangelism, benevolence, and edification. Biblical authority comes from direct statements, accounts of action (examples), and implication.  Please tell me where in the Biblical record does the church have authority to charge for something that is within its area of work?  There are no direct statements or accounts of action which authorize such.  Is it implied?  If so, how?

Here are some common attempts to justify the practice:

1.       It is just a nominal fee to cover materials.

 If the materials are so important, can the local church not provide it?  What is the first day contribution for, if it is not to fund legitimate works of the church?

Do those attend have the option of not purchasing the material from you?  Or is this automatically a part of the cost of attending?

Bible students need Bibles.  Should the church start selling Bibles?  How would such look?  John spoke of missionaries going forth “for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles” (3 John 7).  “Gentiles” is referring to non-Christians.  This does not imply that the church can charge individual Christians for its services.

Personally, I have given away thousands of dollars of Bibles, books, CD’s and other materials over the years out of concern for others.  Can local churches not do the same?

2.  We offer scholarships.

Even so, the issue is still one of authority.  Where do you find your authority to charge for a work of the local church?

Moreover, are you really expecting one who cannot afford your nominal fee to humiliate himself by telling you that he can’t afford it?  Give me a break.

3.  We give out far more free material than the amont we charge to attend.

Can a person attend for free without taking any of your “free material”?

If you are not raising money, or selling material, what is the purpose of your fees?  Give me a break.

4.  It cost us something to rent this facility.

Okay.  It cost us something to cool and heat the building each first day of the week.  Should we charge for such?

Can a church or multiple churches not work together to cover the expenses without charging the individual?  How were things done during Hardeman’s Tabernacle Sermons at the Ryman Auditorium ( N.B. Hardeman preached in 5 such meetings: March 28 – April 16 1922, April 01- April 22 1923, March 18 – April 01 1928, October 16 – October 31 1938 and  November 01 – November 08 1942)? Was admission charged? Absolutely not. In Hardeman’s Tabernacle Sermons, Volume 1, we read: “The brethren were all agreed that if the work should be undertaken it should be done by local congregations cooperation with each other… The advertising campaign set a new precedent among the churches of Christ. …About 100,000 blotters announcing it were distributed; 65,000 personal invitation cards were sent out; large illuminated signs were erected along the car lanes; a half-page ad appeared in both daily papers on the day before the meeting opened; and also a page or two of the city telephone directory was assigned to different ladies in various churches, who called everybody in Nashville that had a telephone and gave them a personal invitation to attend the meeting… On Tuesday night, March 28 (1922), the great Ryman Auditorium seating 6,000 to 8,000 people was packed, and it is estimated that 2,000 were turned away.”  All of this was accomplished without admission fees! How? “Forty congregations in the Nashville area agreed to combine forces for this effort to ‘preach the word, to convert sinners, and to edify the saints, and to quicken the evangelistic impulse of the church'” (Earl West, The Search For The Ancient Order vol. 4, p.157) Brother C.M. Pullias was considered to be the speaker but was later asked to lead the singing for the event. He agreed saying ” I will be glad to sweep the floors or render any other service, to make possible the proposed meeting” (ibid, p.102). What a marvelous attitude!

5.  We charge a nominal fee to cover refreshment cost. 

Did Jesus or the apostles do this?  I don’t recall where they did. 

I understand that there might be some expense.  Can the local members not absorb these expenses?  Can you not provide the option of a person not eating your food?  Must it be included in the cost of attending?

6.  Charging for this course causes those who enroll to attend more regularly and take the class more seriously. 

This is probably true.  The same would be true of Bible classes.  Should we charge for Sunday morning Bible class?   How about Biblical advice on marriage?  How about Biblical information on money?

7.  Universities charge for their classes. 

True.  However, isn’t there a major difference between a private university and the work of the church?

8.  You buy books. 

True.  However, isn’t there a major difference between an individual publisher, and the work of the church?

9.  Times have changed. 

Truth doesn’t change.  Where is the authority?  We used to criticize the denominations for such practices.

10.  The economy is bad.  

This is an excuse.  If you don’t have it, you don’t have it.  Do not resort to unauthorized practices.

Can not churches work together as they once did in N. B. Hardeman’s day?

Brethren, please, let us not give the appearance that the church is just another money-making machine!

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