This Coming School Year

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

Did you know that the term “school,” as used for a place of learning, is derived from the Greek “schole,” which means “leisure”? It seems that the Greek mind so closely connected the concept of leisure with the pursuit of learning, and self-improvement, that they could hardly think of one without the other. Note: “School” as we are using it does not come from the same source as “school” of fish. This “school” is derived from the Old English “scolu,” which means “multitude”. So much for our trivia lesson.

It will not be long until the start of yet another school year. Perhaps, you have already stocked-up on your supplies, purchased required material, and bought new school clothes.

Here are some things to remember this school year –

  1. Begin each day with prayer and Bible reading (Psalm 119:147-148; Mark 1:35).
  2. Be an example to others “in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
  3. Test all that you are taught with the word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Psalm 119:99).
  4. Be selective with your friendship. Choose those with good character for your friends (Psalm 119:63; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 27:17). Avoid those of bad influence (Psalm 119:115; Proverbs 1:10-15; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 22:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:33).
  5. You will not always be popular, if you are truly a Christian ( Luke 6:26; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Pet.er 4:4).
  6. Flee tempting situations (2 Timothy 2:22).
  7. Obey your parents (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20). Some young people think that their parents are just old and out of touch, and perhaps, other’s parents are not so strict and demanding. Still, obey your parents. Respect their restrictions and requirements.
  8. Live a life dedicated to God (Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20). Remember that He sees all (Psalm 139; Proverbs 15:3; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Mark 12:36-17; Romans 2:16, etc.).
  9. Be kind (Colossians 4:6).

a.  Words are Wonderful Things

– Mrs. E. R. Miller

“Keep a watch on your words, my darling,
For words are wonderful things;

They are sweet like the bees’ fresh honey,
Like the bees they have terrible stings;

They can bless like the warm, glad sunshine,
And brighten a lonely life;

They can cut, in the strife of anger,
Like an open, two-edged knife.”

b.      Rules of Behavior

– unknown

“Hearts, like doors, will open with ease
To very, very little keys
And don’t forget that two of these
Are ‘Thank you sir,’ and ‘If you please’ ”

10.  Learn all that you can. It may help you be a better employee or employer, spouse, parent, and even a better servant of God in the future.

Going to School

– John Martin

“Dear God, a school day comes again,

With many things for me to do.

Please bless my heart and guide my brain

And make me thoughtful, strong, and true.

My lessons may seem dull to me,

And study hours long and dry,

But if you help me, then I’ll see

How fast those useful hours fly.

O God, go forth with me today,

And help my head and guide my hand,

For You are wise and know the way

To make me learn and understand

Open my heart and eyes to see

How kind is every study hour;

For each one offers gifts to me

Like wisdom, patience, love, and power.

                                                Amen”

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In The News: China’s New Parental Law

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

USA Today reported on December 28, 2012 of a new law in China, saying, “Beijing – visit your parents.  That’s an order.  So says China, whose national legislature on Friday amended its laws on the elderly to require that adult children visit their aging parents ‘often’ – or risk being sued by them.  The amendment does not specify how frequently such visits should occur… The move comes as reports abound of elderly parents being abandoned or ignored by their children… Three decades of market changes have accelerated the breakup of the traditional extended family in China.”

CNN reported on July 2, 2013, “On Tuesday Xinhua reported that a 77-year-old woman from Jiangsu City of Wuxi sued her daughter for neglecting her.  In the first case after the new law came into effect, the local court ruled that her daughter must visit twice a month and provide financial support.”

The rationale for the law is that about 25% of China’s elderly live in poverty (asiahealthcareblog).  It is thought that adult children should be helping their parents.

Regardless of what you think of China’s new law, shouldn’t children care for their parents?  Consider –

Proverbs 23:22, “Do not despise your mother when she is old.”

Matthew 15:5-6, “Whoever says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God’ – Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.”

Ephesians 6:2, “Honor your father and mother.”

1 Timothy 5:4, “If any widow has children or grandchildren, let them show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God.”

1 Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

1 Timothy 5:16, “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.”

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Ceasing Our Work to Fight

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

In Nehemiah 4:17 we read, “They which builded on the wall, and they that bear burdens, with those that laden, everyone with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand-held a weapon.”

I have met some brethren, that are great and zealous fighters of error and defenders of truth.  Men, who get excited and passionate in this endeavor.  Men, who will speak out boldly against “liberalism” and “anti-ism.”  Men, who are ready to share with you, every time  you speak with them, the latest false doctrine that “brother heretic” is now propagating.  Furthermore, as they’re telling you these things, you can almost see the gleam in their eyes.

Yet, some of those same men I’ve met, never have the same zeal and passion about soul-winning.  Rarely do they teach the lost.  They do not conduct personal Bible studies.  They knock no doors.  They send out no Bible correspondence courses.  They may have a computer, but never use it to reach the non-Christian.  They make no phone calls to invite and urge others to attend.  They are inwardly focused.  In fact, so much so, they cannot see the fields that are “white already to harvest” (John 4:35).  They are so consumed with what they are against, it is most difficult to determine what they are actually for.

But, from looking at Nehemiah 4:17, it becomes clear that those of old weren’t so consumed with being warriors that they ceased to be builders.  Neither, should we be, for if we are, the opposition and the devil wins (cf. Nehemiah 4:11).  There are too many that need to hear the truth, for us to spend all our time upon error.

Do we need to expose error?  Yes! (Ephesians 5:11; 2 Timothy 2:17-18, etc.).  Should we spend all our time on it?  Absolutely not!  Consider Jesus.  Did He expose the errors of the religious leaders of His day?  Yes.  But, is that all that He did?  No.  He came to “seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).  Isn’t that our mission as well? (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 2:9, 12).  Let us warn brethren; But, let us not spend all our limited time on these “change agents.”

Let us remember that we, as Christians, are to positively stand for The Good News, and not just against the bad.

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Why Don’t We Show Appreciation Here and Now?

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

When did Israel express appreciation for Moses?  When he died (Deuteronomy 34:7-8).  Not much appreciation was expressed before then, and when they did recognize how great a man he was, it was bit too late to do him any good.

Next, think of Absalom. I realize that Absalom was in many ways a wicked man, but let’s ask the question, when did David show his love and concern for Absalom?  Wasn’t it when he died (2 Samuel 18:32-33) and not while he lived (2 Samuel 14:24, 28). How sad!

Think of the many great men and women of the Faith.  The faithful member is often taken for granted until gone.  The faithful preacher, teacher, or elder may never receive accolades until gone, and then he is spoken of with fondness.

Even our family members at times, we do not thank for the various things they do until gone – and then we eulogize them.  And we think of what we should have said while they were living, how we should have told them that we appreciate them.

Brethren, let us realize that we each may not be with each other tomorrow (James 4:14).  Let us show our appreciation and love toward another in this life (Philippians 2:29-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:13; 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Peter 2:17).  Let us take nothing for granted, but let us show our appreciation, and thankfulness (Luke 17:17).  Such could be a great encouragement for them to keep on!

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For Husbands and Wives to Consider

Posted on July 21, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

In reading Ruth 3:1-3, something interesting can be observed in how men and women treat one another before marriage.  Naomi is trying to get Ruth a husband.  Boaz is the man in the sights.  Therefore, Naomi gives counsel how Ruth might win the heart of this man, Boaz.  Her advice is this: “Wash thyself (that is, take a bath, clean yourself up – B.H.)… anoint thee (that is, put on some perfume, try to smell your best – B.H.)… put thy raiment upon thee (that is, dress nice, dress to impress, put on your best dress – B.H.)… make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking (the way unto a man’s heart is through is stomach, make sure he eats before you approach him, he’ll be more receptive – B.H.).

Didn’t we do similarly when dating our prospective mates?  Didn’t we try to look nice?  Didn’t we dine our dates and feed them well?  Didn’t we, men, open the door of the car?  Didn’t we do all that we could to win them over?

What happened?  Women, who would once never want their prospective husbands to see them without their hair being done, now go around the house not dressed well.  Men, who once kept themselves fit, now allow themselves to become unhealthy looking and overweight.  Women, who once cooked their best for their man, now habitually serve fast food and TV dinners, if they cook at all.  Men, who used to say, “I love you,” or “You look beautiful,” now haven’t a kind word to say and are never complimentary of their wife.  Men, who used to take their prospective wife out on a date, now haven’t the time or the gumption to do so. They just want to stay home and watch ESPN… and we wonder why love dies.

Brethren, a good rule of thumb is: however much effort it took to make him or her happy before marriage, it will likely take the same after marriage.  Women (and men) should strive to dress attractively (Proverbs 31:22).  They should speak words of kindness to one another (Proverbs 31:26, 28; Proverbs 18:24a).  Instead of wanting to be served, we should serve one another (Matthew 7:12; 23:11; Ephesians 5:25ff).  We should talk and especially listen one to another (James 1:19).  Remember how you used to hang on his or her every word, listening intently (cf.Song of Solomon 4:11).  We should complement one another (Proverbs 31:28).  We should remember that God has given us a wonderful body (Psalm 139:14), and we should take care of it (Ephesians 5:28-29; Proverbs 25:16).  God didn’t say that bodily exercise profited nothing (1 Timothy 4:8).  Women should work in the home (Titus 2:5), striving to make the home an attractive place to be.

My friends, if we would show our spouses the respect we did prior to marriage – if we would strive to win each other again, serving one another, instead of seeking to be served – then much marital difficulty could be undone, and perhaps avoided!

ENDNOTE: The thoughts for this article were prompted by some good words that brother Wayne Cox said during the 13th Annual “Seek the Old Paths” lectureship while commenting on Ruth 3.

Posted in Dating, Marriage, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Take the Lead

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

“Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10, KJV).

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (NKJV).

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; giving preference to one another in honor” (NASB).

“Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor” (ESV). 

It is not uncommon for this to be misunderstood.  Some have understood it to mean that Christians should prefer other Christians as friends (cf. Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33).  Some have taken this to mean that Christians should do business with other Christians when possible (cf. Galatians 6:10).  The word “preferring” or “preference” is what gives so many difficulty.

The original word means “‘To go before and lead’ used in Romans 12:10 in the sense of taking the lead in showing deference one to another” (Vine’s); “To go before and show the way, to go before and lead, to go before as a leader… one going before another as an example” (Thayer); “to go before and show the way” (B-A-G).

Here is what some commentators have said: Foy E. Wallace Jr., “…’preferring’ here it means leading one another on in honorable things.  Inducing – promoting – exemplifying honor” (Wallace, Commentary on Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, p. 58).  J.W. Shepherd, “Instead of waiting around for others to honor us, we should lead them in the manifestation of esteem and respect” (Libscomb and Shepherd, A Commentary on Romans, p. 226).    J.W. McGarvey, “In matters of giving respect and causing people to be held in high public estimation, Christians are to strive to outdo each other.  The idea is that each should be more eager to confer honors than to obtain them” (McGarvey, Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, p. 498).  Roy Deaver, “The point is, in having an attitude of love and respect and high esteem for others, Christians ought to be examples to each other” (Deaver, Romans: God’s Plan For Man’s Righteousness, p.476).

Sometimes, we are prone to say, “I’ll treat him kindly, when he shows me some kindness.”  Thus, we wait for the other to make the first move.

Romans 12:10 is teaching that we should be setting the example.  Instead, of waiting around for others to show kindness, love, or honor – we should take initiative to demonstrate such.  We should seek to set the spiritual pace.

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Blessed are the Peacemakers

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

Are you acquainted with the name Benjamin Rush?  If so, you are an exception to the rule.  He is not so well-known today.  But, Benjamin Rush was a great man in many respects.  In fact, Encyclopedia Britannica says of him, “after the death of his friend Benjamin Franklin (he) was recognized as the leading citizen of Philadelphia.”

He was born January 4, 1746 in the area of Philadelphia.  He graduated from the college of New Jersey (Princeton) in 1760.  He spent the next six years in medical apprenticeship.  Then, he received a medical degree in 1768 from the University of Edinburgh.

His career was well colored.  In 1769 he was appointed professor of Chemistry in the College of Philadelphia Medical School.  In April 1777, he was appointed Surgeon General and in July 1777 he was made Physician General of the Continental Army.  He wrote 65 books on medicine and numerous articles.  He was a pioneer in the study of mental illness.  He was among the first to recognize mental illness as a disease which was in some cases treatable.  He taught over 3,000 medical students.  He wrote much against tobacco and alcohol use.

Politically, he was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence He was a member of the Pennsylvania state convention which ratified the Constitution.  He spoke out against slavery.  He was the treasurer of the U.S. Mint from 1797 until his death on April 19. 1813.

But one of this man’s greatest accomplishments was that of a peacemaker.  Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were the best of friends until the two became political opponents for the office of the Presidency.  During that time some words and actions occurred that caused a rift between these two friends.  The damage was great, for eleven years the two did not speak to one another or exchange any correspondence.  Benjamin Rush was mutual friends to both.  And so from 1809 to 1812 (over two years!) Rush corresponded with the two and urged reconciliation.  Eventually such did occur in the year 1812. Jefferson and Adams would remain friends until both died on July 4, 1826 (the 50th anniversary of the nation). It may be that such would not have occurred without Benjamin Rush.

Are you a peacemaker?  We, as Christians, should be striving to bring about peace between man and man, and most of all we should seek to help bring man back to God, thereby bringing true peace. Matthew 5:9 says “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

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Our Sacred Honor

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

When the 56 founding fathers signed their name to the Declaration of Independence, they were basically signing their own death warrants.  John Hancock reportedly said, “There must be no pulling of different ways… we must hang together.”  Ben Franklin reportedly replied, “Yes, we must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”  These men made no small decision.  A dozen, at least, would have their homes burned, looted, or seized.  Five were captured by the British.  Richard Stockton never recovered from being tortured.  He died in 1781.  Thomas McKean described he and his family as, “hunted like a fox.”  Thomas Nelson was financially ruined.

I want to consider their words, the words of The Declaration of Independence.  I want to do this, not as a civics exercise, but to consider some spiritual matters and make certain applications from these words.

1.  All men are created equal.  The word ‘created’ implies a Creator.  There are four references to God in this document.  Paragraph one mentions, “The Laws of Nature and… Nature’s God”.   Paragraph two mentions, “they are endowed by their Creator”.  The last paragraph reads, “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World,” and again, “with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence.”

“Created equal,” in what respect?  Not all are born with the same physical, intellectual, or even spiritual potential.  The answer to this is in respect to the rule of law, and value of personhood.

True, they were not always consistent in practice with these word.  However, such is the meaning.  Martin Luther King, Jr., “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of The Constitution and The Declaration of Independence – They were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.”

Application – (1) God’s judgment is without partiality (1 Peter 1:17; Acts 10:34-35).  (2) Equality of spiritual value exists in Christ (Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 3:11).  (3) Christians are warned not to hold the faith with partiality (James 2:1).

2.  They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Notice the wording.  ‘Inalienable’ would mean rights which are not capable of being surrendered.  ‘Unalienable’ means rights which are incapable of being sold or transferred to another.

God has endowed us with Life.  It is up to us how we use it.  Robert Orben said, “Time flies.  It is up to you to be the navigator.”  How are you using your life?  Are you redeeming the time (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5)?  Remember, life is but a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).

God has endowed us with liberty, freedom to choose our own course.  What choices are you making?  He stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20).  He will not break the door down and force Himself into your heart.  He pleads, “come unto me” (Matthew 11:28).  He calls, but does not force.  Joshua said, “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

Next, is mentioned the pursuit of Happiness.  John Locke spoke of Life, Liberty and Estate (property rights).  The Virginia Declaration of Rights (adopted June 12, 1776) spoke of “Life, Liberty, and the means of acquiring and possessing  property and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.”  “Happiness” may be a figure of speech for wealth and property. Ben Franklin remarked, “The American people have the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself.”

Application – You have the right to pursue eternal happiness.  Are you?  Are you seeking things above (Colossians 3:1-2)?  Are you hungering and thirsting after righteousness (Matthew 5:6)?

 3.  We… with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor.

 They were committed to, and invested in the cause.  Abraham Clark had his two sons captured and confined to a prison ship.  The British offered to free them if he would renounce the cause.  He refused.  Robert Morris lost 150 of his own ships.  Thomas Nelson Jr. lost over two million dollars of property he used as collateral for the cause.  He even ordered a cannon to fire upon Cornwallis who had taken over his own house.  John Hancock contributed over $100,000 of his own money.

  Application – what about us?  How committed are we to the cause of Christ and the work of the church?  (1) Our lives should be dedicated (Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:1).  Not even family should come before Christ (Luke 14:26).  Paul said to his brethren, “I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Corinthians 12:15).  (2) Our fortunes should be used for the cause.  This naturally flows from giving yourself to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).  (3) Our sacred honor should be in it.  We need to conduct ourselves with honor before God (2 Corinthians 5:9) and man (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12).  Moreover, we should render honor to those who should be honored (Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17).

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Pray, Sing, Call

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray” (James 5:13a).

The term suffer could literally be rendered “to suffer evil.” “It is . . . sufficiently comprehensive to embrace every type of affliction, whether of outward bodily character or of inward mental anguish” (Guy Woods, A Commentary on The Epistle of James, p. 295 ). There certainly are external trials which bring suffering in this life (James 2:18-23; 3:13-18; 4:1-2; 4:12-16, 19; 5:1, 10 cf. 1:2-3). However, since the term is set in contrast with being “cheerful,” especially in view may be one’s inward anguish.

Let him pray. The literal language is “let him keep on praying” (Present middle imperative). Prayer is mentioned five times in this book (James 1:1-7; 4:1-3; 5:13; 5:14-15; 5:17-18). God’s people are to be people of prayer (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). When one is facing trials, and is having trouble seeing how any good can come from such, such is especially a time that one should pray (James 1:2-5).

“Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” (James 5:13b).

The term “cheerful” could literally be rendered “well (or good) passion (or spirit).” It refers to one in “good mood”.

Let him sing psalms. The literal language is “let him keep on singing” (present active imperative). Just as one can and should pray outside the church assembly (Matthew 6:6; Acts 10:9; 16:25, etc.), even so, one can and should sing outside of the assembly (Acts 16:25). It is good to express praise and adoration to God by song.

Brother Guy Woods set forth the following suggestion. “It is not improbable that the ‘suffering’ one and the ‘cheerful’ one of this passage are the same person. That is, he who is suffering is to pray to the Father to lift his burden; and when it is gone, to be cheerful, and to express such in praise and worship” (ibid, p. 297).

 “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven (James 5:14-15).

The word sick means “to be weak, feeble” (Vine’s). The most literal meaning is “without strength” (“a” = negative; “sthenos” = strength).

First issue: How is the term “sick” being used? Does it refer to physical sickness? (See – Mattew 10:8; Mark 6:56; Luke 4:40; 7:10; John 7:7; Acts 9:37; 19:12; Philippians 2:26-27). Or, does it refer to spiritual sickness? (See – Mark 2:17; Romans 5:6). It seems most natural to understand this as physical sickness, because: (a) This is the primary or general usage of the term, and words should be thus understood unless there is evidence that such is not how the word is being used; (b) There is nothing in the context which will not allow the primary meaning.

Second Issue: What role does the oil play? Here are some common views.

(1) Some have suggested that the oil has reference to a substance used in miraculous healings. (a) Oil was used by the twelve in miraculous healings (Mark 3:13-15 cf. Mark 6:7, 12-13). (b) Other materials were also used [spit (Mark 8:23), clay/water (John 9:6-7), water (2 Kings 5; John 9)]. Brother Guy Woods, “Evidently, for a limited time, and for special purposes, God ordained that the foregoing instructions should be followed, and in every case the promise was realized. That it was not widely followed, or intended to be a universal practice during the apostolic age, follows from the fact that not infrequently saints were sick and often died (Acts 9:32-43; Philippians 2:19-30; 1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Timothy 4:1-8) … It seems quite clear … that the elders contemplated here were miraculously endowed … and were thus able to participate in miraculous acts of healing in the manner described” (ibid).

(2) Others have suggested that the anointing was done to refresh the ill. Brother Marion Fox, “The Jews would refrain from anointing themselves when they mourned or were fasting (2 Samuel 12:20; Matthew 6:16-17). This is probably the reason for the anointing in Jam. 5:14” (Fox, The Work of the Holy Spirit, vol. 1, p. 280). This view holds that the healing, whether miraculous or providential, came by prayer. The anointing was for refreshing (cf. Lk. 7:44-46). Note: “The phrase ‘anointing him’ is past tense, and stresses the fact that prayer follows anointing” (J.J. turner, The Book of James, p. 159).

(3) Oil was at times used as a common “home remedy” or medicine (Luke 10:34; Isaiah 1:6; Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11). Brother Goebel Music writes, “prayers of righteous men with the anointing with medical purpose . . . The medical properties of oil are extolled by Philo, Pliny, the great ancient natural historian, and Galen, one of the great ancient physicians. This word represents, as A.T. Robertson says in his word pictures, simply God and medicine” (Goebel Music, Book of James, Class Study Notes 1984). What about the universal sounding language? Brother Music replies, “As brother Lipscomb says on this, ‘I think he only meant to say that if the sick would send for the elders, and they would pray for them and anoint them with oil, those who could be cured at all would be cured in this way.’ Not all will be cured regardless of prayer or medical treatment. Yet prayer plus medical treatment may cure many as then” (ibid). Rubel Shelly writes, “Is this passage applicable today? Certainly. Elders in the Lord’s church are to pray over (I.E. in behalf of) the sick and do what they can in administering to the patient’s needs” (Shelly, What Christian Living is All About: Studies in James, p. 114).  This view understands the anointing to refer to medicine or physical care, and the prayer to refer to providential reliance on God. I, personally, lean toward this view.

Looking again at verse 15b. Not all sickness is a result of personal sins. However, if there be sin in one’s life this is a great time to deal with such. One brother wrote, “In times of sickness one may be led to reflect on the fact that he has rejected God in his healthier times, and cause him to confess those sins and seek forgiveness” (Rubel Shelly, What Christian Living is All About: Studies in James, p. 114).

Application

In life we should not forget to —

1. Pray to God.

2. Sing to God.

3. Let your brethren know you need help.

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The Providence Of God

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

The Providence of God refers to God’s working in this world through natural laws. It should be viewed as distinct from a miracle which is God’s super-natural working.

Here are some examples of the difference: (1) Mary’s virgin conception (Matthew 1:23-25) and Sarah’s conceiving post-menopause (cf. Genesis 18:11) are examples of miracles. Hannah’s conception is an example of God’s providence (1 Samuel 1:19-20). (2) Jesus’ feeding the 5000 with five barley loaves and two small fish is an example of a miracle (Jn. 6). Praying for food (Matthew 6:11) and working (2 Thessalonians 3:10) would be trusting in God’s providence. (3) The ram in the thicket (Genesis 22:13-14) is an example of God’s providence. If God had made such appear out of the dust of the ground such would have been a miracle.

 God’s providence may be divided into two categories. (1) God’s general providence for all of humanity (Matthew 5:45; Colossians 1:17). (2) God’s special providence in caring for His people (Matthew 6:31, 33) and answering prayer (James 5:17-18; 3 John 2).

There is a difficulty in identifying God’s providence. Providence is of such a nature that all one can say is “perhaps”, or “who knows” (Philemon 15-16; Esther 4:14). One can never know for sure, unless God has revealed such.

Fortunately, God has revealed in scripture some of His providential involvement in the affairs of men. Let us notice ….

Some Examples

1. Joseph.

 The record should be familiar to Bible students. Joseph saved the Israelites during a great famine (Genesis 37-50).

How is it that Joseph was able to do this? (1) Joseph was able to do this because of his high position in Egypt. (a) How did he come to this high position? Pharaoh appointed him. (b) Why did Pharaoh appoint him? He was appointed because in him was the spirit of God. (c) How did Pharaoh know the spirit of God was in him? Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream. (d) How did Pharaoh know of Joseph? Joseph had met the Pharaoh’s butler in prison. The butler was released. The butler told Pharaoh that Joseph could interpret dreams. (e) How did Joseph meet the butler? Both were in prison. Joseph was in prison due to a false charge of attempted rape of Potiphar’s wife (Potiphar was Joseph’s master). Moreover, Joseph was a trustee in the prison. (f) How did Joseph come to be owned by Potiphar? Potiphar bought Joseph from some Ishmaelite traders. Thus Joseph came to Egypt. (2) Joseph was able to save his brethren, because he was in Egypt. (a) Why was he in Egypt? Some Ishmaelite traders took him to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar. (b) How did the Ishmaelite traders come to possess him? Joseph’s own brothers sold him to them. (b) Why did they do this? They were jealous of him. Moreover, there were those dreams he had.

Make no mistake, God was providentially at work. Joseph credited God saying to his brothers “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order … to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).

Brother Roy Deaver correctly said, “Only twice in the entire story was there direct, miraculous involvement of God: (1) When God gave Joseph power to interpret the dreams of the butler and the baker, and (2) When God gave Joseph power to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh” (Power Lectures: The Providence of God, p. 123).

2. Feast Days.

“Three times in the year all your men shall appear before the Lord, The Lord God of Israel. For I will cast out the nations before you … neither will any man covet your land when you go up to appear before the Lord your God three times in a year” (Exodus 34:23-24).

This would be the perfect occasion for an enemy nation to invade, when all the men are removed from the land on a religious pilgrimage to Jerusalem. However, consider the words of Thomas H. Horne—“It is a well-known fact, that the Jews constantly attended these ceremonies without any fear of danger, and their most vigilant enemies never invaded them during the sacred season” (Wayne Jackson, A Study of the Providences of God, p. 10). Adam Clark wrote, “What a manifest proof of the power and particular providence of God. How easy would it have been for the surrounding nations to have taken possession of the whole Israelitish land, … when there was none to protect them but women and children! (ibid).

3. Paul.

Paul desired and prayed to be able to go to Rome (Romans 1:9-10). He did make it to Rome, years later (Acts 28:16).

What a journey he had! (1) He was taken into custody for his own good (Acts 21). (2) A plot to kill him failed (Acts 23). (3) He could have been released but, Felix’s greed and politics (Acts 24), and Festus’ naivety caused him to appeal to Caesar (Acts 26). He was preserved through a fierce storm (Acts 27).

God’s providence was what brought him to Rome (Acts 23:11; 27:23-25). Paul was not alone in all of this. God was with him.

4. Us.

It is important for us to remember that God is in control. He has promised us His providence in meeting our earthly needs (Mt. 6:31, 33). He has assured us His providence in the spiritual realm (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Though, we cannot always see the bigger picture, we should trust in him. His providence extends even to the nations (Acts 17:24-26; Daniel 4:17).

Furthermore, even seemingly bad experiences in life, He could be using for good. (1) Joseph’s brothers meant evil, but God used their deeds to accomplish good (Genesis 50:20). (2) God used the injustice against Paul to bring him to Rome and provide opportunity to influence many (Philippians 1:13; 4:22). He was set in place to defend the gospel (Philippians 1:17).

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