The Holy Kiss

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

The instruction for brethren to greet one another with a kiss appears five times in The New Testament (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14). How should we understand this?

Kissing was a common cultural form of greeting. The kiss was generally given on the cheek, forehead, or beard (Zondervan’s Pictorial Dictionary). Such occurred between females (Ruth 1:9), between males (Genesis 27:26-27; 33:4; 45:15; 48:10; 50:1; Exodus 4:27; 18:7; 1 Samuel 20:41; 2 Samuel 14:33; 1 Kings 19:20; Luke 7:45; 15:20; Matthew 26:49), and such occurred between genders (1 Kings 19:20; Lk 7:38). It occurred between relatives (Genesis 27:26-27; 33:4; 45:15), friends (1 Samuel 20:41; 2 Samuel 19:39), and church members (Acts 20:37).

Even today, kissing is a common form of greeting in some countries. Such is very common in southern Europe, eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Latin America.

There is reason to conclude that this is cultural. The New Testament does not originate the practice. Instead, it appeals to a common existing practice, a common form of greeting.

However, there is a principle that transcends culture. We are to be friendly. Else where, we are told “Greet the friends by name” (3 John 14). Our greetings should be out of genuine love. Peter speaks of “A kiss of love” (1 Peter 5:14). We are to “In sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22) “Let love be without hypocrisy” (Romans 12:9).

Moreover, I believe that The New Testament is cautioning the readers concerning their interaction. It seems to be regulating an existing practice. Robin Haley “Paul did not invent the kiss, but tried to regulate the customary use of it as a greeting to keep it from coming carnal” (A commentary on The Book of Romans, p. 271). Dave Miller, “Paul’s purpose was to regulate the well established custom…Paul attempted to create within early Christians a consciousness of the inherent danger of this social greeting form: lust…Any cultural practice that calls for bodily contact carries this built-in hazard. Christians must be privy to that fact” (Article; Kissing and Culture, Firm Foundation, Sept. 1988)

Some seem to have indeed abused the kiss. Clement of Alexandria wrote in the second century, “Love is not proved by a kiss, but by kindly feeling. But there are those that….make churches resound with a kiss, not having love within…for this very thing, the shameless use of a kiss…occasions foul suspicions and evil reports” (Paedagogus, Book 3, chapter 11). Moreover, consider the worlds of Athenagoras in the second century, “If any one kiss a second time because it gives him pleasure [he sins]…Therefore this kiss, or rather the salvation, should be given the greatest care, since, if there be mixed with it the least defilement of thought, it excludes us from eternal life” (Intercession in behalf of Christians).

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Better To Dwell In The Wilderness

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

Numerous are the passages which exalt marriage.  Proverbs 18:22a, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing.”  Genesis 2:18, “It is not good that a man should be alone…”  Proverbs 3:10, “Who can find a virtuous woman?  For her price is far above the rubies.”  Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage is honourable in all.”  Proverbs 5:18b, “Rejoice with the wife of thy youth.”

A good marriage can be a wonderful blessing.  In a good marriage the husband and wife help and complement one another.  In a good marriage the husband and wife help one another walk the Christian life and encourage and edify one another toward Heaven.

But not all marriages are like this.  The Bible so warns.  Proverbs 21:9, “It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.”  Proverbs 21:19, “It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and an angry woman.”  Proverbs 25:24, “It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than with a brawling woman in a wide house.”  Proverbs 19:13b, “The contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.”  Proverbs 27:15: “A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.”

Consider the marriage between Walter Scott and Eliza Sandidge.  This was Walter’s third marriage.  He was married first to Sarah Whitsette from 1823 to 1849, when she died.  He then married Nannie Allen.  This marriage lasted from 1850 to 1854 when she too passed on.  In 1855 he married a widow, Eliza Sandidge.  He would be married to her until his death in 1861.  This was a most unhappy marriage by all accounts.

Before we look at the marriage, understand that Walter Scott was a great preacher, and an important preacher during restoration days.  One man, Darby Phillips, wrote, “Alexander Campbell provided the intellectual direction of the Restoration, but it was Walter Scott who provided the evangelistic fervor.”  Robert Richardson, Campbell’s own biographer wrote, “Among the helpers and fellow laborers of Alexander Campbell the first place must be awarded to Walter Scott.”  William Baxter, Scott’s biographer, wrote comparing Walter Scott and Alexander Campbell, “Campbell never fell below the expectations of the hearers, Scott frequently did; but there were times when he rose to a height of eloquence which the former never equaled.”  Walter Scott probably baptized more souls into Christ than any one of the Restoration pioneers.  In the year 1827 he baptized over 1000 people – in one year alone!  Alexander Campbell wrote following Walter’s death, “Next to my father, he was my most indefatigable fellow laborer… I knew him well… I knew him long… I loved him much.”

In 1855 at the age of 59, Walter married Eliza.  Walter’s new wife was wealthy, but tight with money.  Walter was tender-hearted and often gave away nearly everything he made.  On one occasion, he went to the store for groceries and ended up giving all away before he got back home.  Once, he gave a neighbor one of his cows since he had two and his neighbor had none.  Once, Alexander Campbell gave him a $5 gold coin following a sermon.  That same day, Walter and Alexander met a beggar, and Walter reached into his pocket and gave the man a gold coin.

Needless to say, the way Walter handled money and his wife’s view of money soon brought about much conflict.  Walter and Eliza fought.  “Scott’s third wife… would storm at him and run him out of the house.  Often he spent the night sitting on the doorstep of a neighbor.  Once she ran him off from home.  Several days later he was found walking the streets of Cincinnati in a daze”  (The Search for Ancient Order, vol. 1, page 86).  Walter was very often sad and melancholy.

Maybe the fault was not all her’s.  Maybe he should have been more careful in handling the family’s money.  But how miserable he was.  How miserable the marriage.

Be very choosy in selecting a mate.  Marry someone who will help you to be more spiritually minded, more Christ like, more productive.  Marry someone who will help you get to heaven.

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Aren’t You Special?

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

Have you ever noticed how some political, and even religious leaders have two sets of rules? One set of rules they have for the masses and another set for themselves.

Politics

James Madison wrote in the Federalist Papers that Congress should be under the laws which it makes. He wrote that Congress should “make no laws which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as the great mass of society.”

However, our Congressional leaders have routinely exempted themselves from the laws they make, and are imposed on everyone else. In time past they have exempted themselves from the Equal Employment and Opportunities Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, national labor laws (particularly concerning overtime pay for employees), There was even a bill introduced which would have exempted Congressional members from Hillary Clinton’s national health care plan (should it have been enacted all those years ago).

Religion: Muhammad

The Qur’an limit’s the number of wives one may have to a maximum of four at any one time. It says, “Marry such women as seems good to you, two, three, four; but if you fear you will not be equitable, then only one” (4:3 from the A.J. Arberry Translation). Muslims admit that this restricts the number of wives to a maximum of four. It is also generally admitted that Muhammad exceeded this number. Robert Morey provides a list, from Muslim scholar Ali Dashti, of the women in Muhammad’s life. The number is twenty-two (16 wives; 2 slaves or concubines; 4 devout Muslim women who ‘gave’ themselves to satisfy the Prophet’s sexual desire – see The Islamic Invasion, p. 85-86). It is estimated that he had as many as nine wives simultaneously (Dave Miller, The Quran Unveiled, p. 53).

The Qur’an prohibits the marriages between certain near-kin, and close relations. It reads, “You shall not marry the women that your fathers married… Forbidden to you are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your paternal and maternal aunts, the daughters of your brothers and sisters, your foster-mothers, your foster-sisters, the mothers of your wives, your step-daughters who are in your charge, born of the wives with whom you have lain… the wives of your own begotten sons. You are forbidden to take in marriage two sisters at one and the same time” (4:20-ff from N.J. Dawood Translation). Yet, special rules existed for the Prophet. “Prophet, we have made lawful to you… the daughters of your paternal and maternal uncles and of your paternal and maternal aunts… any believing woman who gives herself to the Prophet and who the Prophet wishes to take in marriage. This privilege is yours alone, being granted to no other believer” (33:50 from Dawood).

There were other special rules. There were rules about what you spoke to the Prophet about, “Do not engage in familiar talk, for this will annoy the Prophet (33:53-f, Dawood), and how you spoke to the Prophet “do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet… speak softly in the presences of God’s apostle (49:1-ff, Dawood). There were rules about how one relates to the Prophet’s wives. It states, “If you ask his wives for anything, speak to them from behind a curtain… nor shall you ever wed his wives after him, this would be a grave offense in the sight of God (33:53-ff, Dawood).

One of the biggest scandals of Muhammad’s life concerned his adopted son’s wife. Zaid (his adopted son) had married a beautiful young woman named Zaynab of Jahsh. Muhammad desired her, and asked his adopted son to divorce her, and give her to him. The couple refused. Eventually, Zaid and Zaynab were convinced that this was God’s will. The Prophet even had a revelation to justify such, and also to answer any question some might have had over the relationship issue (33:36-38, Dawood).

Another scandal worth mentioning, there was strife within Muhammad’s house between the women. Some of the wives were jealous of a Coptic slave named Mariyah. Muhammad promised to separate from her. Yet, he was later seen by one of his wives, Hafsah, with this woman again. A revelation from God came forth, “Prophet, why do you prohibit that which God has made lawful to you, in seeking to please your wives? God is forgiving and merciful. God has given you absolution from such oaths” (66:1-ff, Dawood). Two of Muhammad’s wives, Hafsah and A’ishah, who had complained are urged to repent (66:4-ff). If they refused, “It may well be that, if he divorce you, his Lord will give him in your place better wives than yourselves” (66:4-ff, Dawood).

Moreover, all wives were to be good wives. But, this is especially true of the wives of the Prophet. It reads of them, “wives of the Prophet! Those of you who commit a proven sin shall be doubly punished… But those of you who obey God and His apostle and do good works shall be doubly rewarded” (33:29-ff, Dawood).

Religion: Joseph Smith

Originally the Mormons rejected polygamy. The Book of Mormon forbade it saying, “there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none” (Jacob 2:27). “Behold David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord (Jacob 2:24). “Riplakish did not do that which was right in the sight of the Lord, for he did have many wives and concubines…” (Ether 10:5). This Book of Mormon was printed in the year 1830. Early on, the Doctrine and Covenants seemed to teach the same, saying in the year 1835, “we believe that one man should have one wife; and one woman but one husband, except in the case of death, when either is at liberty to remarry again” (101:4).

The teaching changed. In 1843 added to the Doctrine and Covenants was these words, “God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to wife. And why did she do it? Because this was the law…” (132:34). In fact, all of Doctrine and Covenants 132 is in defense of Polygamy. In the year 1876 the Doctrine and Covenants had removed from it 101:4 mentioned in the previous paragraph.

When polygamy began to be practiced by Joseph Smith is a matter of uncertainty. We know that there were accusations that Joseph Smith loved one Fannie Alger (a neighbor’s daughter that lived with the Smith’s for a while), and even accusations of adultery between them as early as 1837. Benjamin F. Johnson (a friend of Smith’s) said, “Without doubt in my mind, Fannie Alger was, at Kirkland (Ohio – B.H.), the prophet’s first plural wife, in which by the right of his calling, he was justified of the Lord” (Quoted in the 2001 Spring Bible Institute Lectureship, p. 384; original quote from Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Mormonism – Shadow or Reality, p. 202). Whatever the uncertainty of time, it is certain that polygamy was being practiced by 1843 when Doctrine and Covenants section 132 was added, just a year before Smith’s death.

It is also clear why it was added. Smith’s first wife, Emma, was unconvinced by her husband that polygamy was okay. Smith’s ‘revelation’ was to persuade Emma. It said, “Let mine handmaid, Emma Smith, receive all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph” (132:52). Note it did not work both ways “I command mine handmaid Emma Smith, to abide and cleave unto my servant Joseph and to none else” (132:54).

It is true that Smith’s new ‘revelation’ wasn’t just for himself, but for all. But, the revelation did come at a very convenient time, didn’t it? Note: It is thought that Joseph Smith had at least 44 wives and that Brigham Young had at least 17 (Spring Bible lectures, p. 525, 556).

Another situation arose on August 8, 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois. Sidney Rigdon (apostate member of the church of Christ, and helper in starting the L.D.S. church and later the Church of Jesus Christ – “Bickertonites”, a splinter group located mostly in Pennsylvania that rejected Brigham Young’s leadership and polygamy) had a daughter Nancy Rigdon. Smith called for her and took her in a room and locked the door. He supposedly stated that he had affections for her for some years. He made advances on her and told her that it was okay for he had received a revelation on the subject. He then supposedly told her that if she had scruples of conscience that he would marry her privately and secretly. She threatened to raise the neighbors if he did not unlock the door and let her out. Sidney Rigdon then supposedly confronted Smith who responded that he did what he did to “ascertain whether she was virtuous or not” Sidney Rigdon never trusted him again. (SBL p. 545-546, referencing F. Mark McKeirnan, Sidney Rigdon The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness, p. 116). I cannot say with certainty if this is accurate or not. All we have is Nancy and Sidney’s testimony.

A Comparison

Do you ever find Moses, Jesus, Peter or Paul ever making special rules and exemptions for themselves? I don’t.

Do you ever find Moses, Jesus, Peter, or Paul receiving convenient revelation to defend something they want to practice? I don’t.

I do find God requiring Moses live by the circumcision law (Exodus 4:24-26). Moses clearly was not exempted from anything. The rules for all was also the rules for him.

Jesus lived under the law (Galatians 4:4). He never expected any to do what He, Himself, was unwilling to do (Read Matthew 17:24-27; 20:25-28; John 13:14-15, 34-35; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Phil. 2:1-8; Colossians 3:13; Hebrews 12:2-4; 1 Peter 2:18-25; 3:14-18; 4:12-16; 1 John 3:16-18;1 John 4:11; 1 John 4:19).

This lack of double-standards speaks to the integrity of the Bible.

A Challenge

May we always keep before our minds the fact that: what I preach and teach to others (children, church, world) equally applies to me. There are no special rules of exemptions. Romans 2:21 asks, “Thou therefore which teaches another, teachest thou not thyself…”

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Soul Mates

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

You’ve heard the term “soul mates.” What is the meaning of this term? Many people use this term to refer to a couple intended by God to be together, created one for another. The idea is that there is only one person out there with whom you were designed to be.

Is this thinking Biblical? I do read that Eve was made for Adam (Genesis 2:18-ff). This is the only example of a man and woman created one for another, that I read of in the Bible. I don’t deny that God’s providence can bring certain ones together. However, the general teachings of the Bible present a different view when compared with this “soul mate” concept. The unmarried daughters of Zelophehad were at liberty to “marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father…” (Numbers 36:6). Widows are told that, “She is at liberty to marry to whom she will; only in the Lord” (1 Corinth 7:39). Then, Paul goes on to say, “But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment…” (1 Corinth 7:40), that is if she chooses to remain unmarried such is fine, and in fact, may be better due to the present distress (1 Corinth 7:26). I do read that man and woman have a choice to marry or not to marry, and even have choice in the selection of a mate. But I do not read about this concept of “soul mates.”

Is there danger in this thinking? Yes, I do believe so. Consider this scenario: Peter and Wendy are married. They have been married a few years. The marriage doesn’t seem to have the romantic spark it once had. The marriage also has certain struggles and difficulties (which all marriages have from time to time).

Wendy believes in this “soul mate” concept. She begins to think this could not possibly be my soul mate. This is work and not always roses and fun. Thus she leaves Peter in search of that one person that was created for her. She thinks she finds him. His name is Tom. She marries him. Friends warned her what the Bible teaches about marriage, divorce, and remarriage. She didn’t listen because in her mind she never was intended to be married to Peter. He was not her intended mate. She had married Peter, but in God’s plans she really should have married Tom. Wendy, in her mind, is now simply doing what God has always desired.

A few months go by. Marriage with Tom is more difficult than she thought. Bills must be paid. The house needs cleaning. Food must be prepared. This is not how she thought it would be. Maybe Tom isn’t her “soul mate.” But he is out there somewhere. Wendy is going to keep looking.

Folks, marriages don’t just work. They must be worked on, effort is required. All is not romance, dining, vacations, and going out. There is also rearing of children, going to work to earn a paycheck, housework, dealing with differences, working through arguments, sickness, and disease, and life’s struggles in general. Many marriages fail due to unrealistic expectations.

Be selective in choosing a mate. However, God never designed one person for you, so that if you find him/her there will be no problems. Even Adam and Eve had difficulties in their life together. Work at your marriage. It is worth the investment!

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The Seven “I Am’s”: The Vine

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

“I am the vine, my Father is the Vinedresser… I am the vine, you are the branches” (Jn. 15:1-5).

The words were said on the night Jesus would be arrested.  Judas already had left, having found opportunity for Jesus’ arrest absent of crowds (John 13:21-30 cf. Luke 22:3-6).  “It was night” (John 13:30b) in more than one way.

Jesus’ words were designed to fortify the disciples.  He instructed: (1) Abide in Me (John 15:4-7).  The means by which a disciple continues to abide in him is by obedience (John 15:9-10; 1 John 3:24a).  The words “abide in my love” (John 15:9-10) refers to fellowship love relations (John 14:21-23).  It is up to us to keep ourselves in this love (Jude 21).  (2) Let Me abide in you (John 15:4).  This means that the word of Christ should find a home in our hearts (John 15:7 cf. Colossians 3:16; Psalm 119:11).  We’re to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).  He is to dwell in us by faith (Ephesians 3:17a).  It is to be, “no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).  (3) Bear fruit unto the glory of the Father (John 15:1-2, 8).  We’re to be “fruitful in every good work” (Colossians 1:10).  (4) You cannot bear fruit unto the glory of the Father, unless you abide in Me (John 15:4-6).  (5) If you don’t bear fruit, you’ll be pruned away, and burned in the fire (John 15:2, 6).

The imagery is of a vine.  Jesus is “the true vine”.  What is the significance of the term “true”?  Possibility #1: This does not mean true as opposed to false.  It means true in the sense of superior, or substantial [cf. He is the true light (John 1:8-9); He is the true bread (John 6:31-35); heaven is the true holy place (Hebrews 9:24)].  It’s possible they were looking at a vine plant when this was said.  Possibility #2: Israel , at times, is spoke of as a vine (Psalm 80:8-14; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 2:21; Hosea 10:1, etc.).  Some came to believe that physical birth into Israel was sufficient to salvation.  Jesus may be saying, “I am the true vine in which one must be.”

The branches are individual disciples, and not denominations as claimed by some.  Denominations aren’t even under consideration.  The context is obvious: (1) verse five reads, “ye are the branches.”  Jesus is addressing his disciples, individual men, not denominations.  (2) Verse six reads, “If a man abides not in Me…” Notice, men not denominations are in view.

Who can bear fruit unto God?  Jesus said, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; For without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).  Just as a branch can do nothing without being sustained by the vine, even so, the ones bearing fruit unto God must abide in Jesus.

Does this mean that the non-Christian can’t do any good thing?  “Sinners can read the New Testament and learn of and practice any and all of the ethical traits taught therein… However, sinners, not being in Christ, will never be able to acceptably glorify God by their good behavior (John 15:8; Ephesians 3:21), nor will reproduction of those Biblical ethical traits bring them into Christ where salvation is found exclusively… We must thus understand the Lord’s statement to be elliptical: Apart from me ye can do nothing [that will glorify my Father unto your salvation, that will enable you to be saved]” (Dub McClish, The Eighteenth Annual Denton Lectures, p. 392).

Let’s summarize the series: He is, (1) The Bread of Life.  He is our spiritual sustenance.  (2) The Light of the World.  He is our guide, illuminating the way to the Promised Land.  (3) The Door.  He is our access to good things.  (4) The Good Shepherd.  He cares about us.  (5)  The Resurrection and Life.  He is our hope, and comfort in death.  (6) The Way, The Truth, and The Life.  He is the road, standard, and life that leads to the Father, and eternal life.  (7) The Vine.  He is the sustainer of spiritual life, and the means by which we have the ability to bear acceptable fruit unto God.

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The Seven “I Am’s”: The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

 John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  These words were spoken by Jesus.  They were uttered the night of his arrest, the night before his death.

The words of John 13:31-16:33 form a contextual unit.  Jesus’ words, in this section, were designed to comfort, strengthen, and prepare the disciples for the tragic events which were to soon come.  Amazing: He was the one who was about to die a horrible death; yet, he was preparing others during his final night on earth!

Here is a sampling of what he said: (1) I am going away (John 13:33; John 13:36; 14:2-4; 14:28).  You will not follow me, right now (John 13:36).  When I go, you will neither see me (John 16:10, 16), nor speak with me (John 16:23).  (2) It is for your benefit that I go away (John 14:2; 16:7-15).  (3) I will not leave you helpless (John 14:16-18; 14:26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15; 16:26-27).  (4) One day, we may again be together (John 13:36; 14:3; 14:28).  (5) Remember to love (John 13:34-35; 14:21, 23-24; 15:9-10, 12-13, 17).  (6) Remember to obey (John 14:15; 14:23-24; 15:10; 15:14).  (7) You have a job to do (John 15:27; 16:7-15 cf. 17:20 cf. Acts 1:8).  (8) There will be persecution (John 15:18-21; 16:1-4).  (9) Don’t stumble (John 16:1).  (10) “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1; 14: 27 cf. 16:33).  Literally, stop letting your heart be troubled.  (11) “Believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1 ASV).  The wording is the same in both clauses.  Either both are indicative and should be rendered, “You believe in God, You believe also in Me”, or, both should be considered imperative and should be rendered, “Believe in God, believe also in Me.”  However, it should not read, “You believe in God, believe also in Me” (viz. KJV, NKJV).  The thought seems to be, “Instead of having a troubled heart, remember to trust in God, remember to trust in Me.”

The disciples had a difficult time understanding.  Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”  (John 13:36).  Thomas asked, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5).

Jesus replied: (1) I am going to My Father (John 14:2-3; 14:28).  (2) “In My Father’s house are many mansions (lit. dwelling places) if it were not so, I would have told you” (John 14:2).  Meaning: There is plenty of room for you there.  J.W. McGarvey remarked on the words, “if it were not so, I would have told you” saying, “That is to say, if heaven had been such limited capacity that there was little or no hope that you could follow me, I should have dealt plainly with you, and should have disabused your mind of all vain hopes” (The Fourfold Gospel, p. 660).  (3) As to how to get there: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  (a) The Way, This is language of a road or a path to be traveled.  Watch the fact that he didn’t say “a way” but “the way”. He is not just one of many paths for man to follow to heaven. One can’t come to the Father except by Him.  Few people travel this path (Matt. 7:13-14; Prov. 14:12; 2 Peter 2:15, 21).  True Christians are of the way (Acts 9:2; 16:17; 18:25; 18:26; 19:9; 19:23; 22:4; 24:14; 24:22). (b) The Truth, It is through Jesus that spiritual truth necessary for salvation comes (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-15).  The truth of Jesus’ words sets man free (John 8:31-32).  God’s truth sanctifies (John 17:17).  While one may find some truth in various philosophies and religions of the world, the truth, the complete truth, which leads to salvation, is from Jesus.  (c) The Life, Salvation and Eternal Life are found in no other (Acts 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 John 5:11); as he said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

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The Seven “I Am’s”: The Resurrection and the Life

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

 Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).

One of the most fundamental desires of man is to continue to live.  Some have sought to do so through diet.  They have taken vitamins, minerals, herbs, and elixirs of every imaginable concoction seeking to extend life.  Some have turned to exercise.  They have run, biked, swum, and perspired profusely in effort to prolong life.  Some have turned to cryogenics.  Ted Williams, the Boston Red Sox slugger, died in 2002 at the age of 83.  His head is frozen in hopes that one-day science will be able to heal him and bring him back to life.

However, it is not just extended life for which man is longing.  Man desires not just quantity of life, but quality of life.  Jesus addressed this fundamental longing of man in John 11:25-26.

The context concerns the death of one of Jesus’ friends, Lazarus (John 11:1-ff).  Jesus had been in their home (Luke 10:38-ff).  Jesus loved this family [(John 11:3, 5, 36) Note:  v. 3 and v. 36 indicate phileo love].  He resided in their home, it seems, just prior to the cross (Mark 11:11; 12-14, 19-20).

News was sent that Lazarus was sick (John 11:1).  Jesus, upon hearing the news, delayed travel for two days (John 11:6).  Why did he delay?  (1) Some have suggested that the delay was to give time for Lazarus to die.  Such doesn’t fit: (a) The messengers would travel on one day; (b) Jesus would delay two days; (c) Jesus then on the next day would travel (1 + 2 + 1 = 4); (d) Lazarus was dead and buried four days when Jesus arrived (John 11:17, 39); (e) Thus, it seems likely that Lazarus died shortly after the messengers were sent to Jesus.  (2) The length of time strengthened the witness of this sign.  “Rabbinical writings indicate a common superstition among the Jews, that the soul of a deceased hovered around the body for three days in hopes of a reunion with the body, but took its final departure when decomposition began the third or fourth day.”  (Gary Fallis, Brown Trail class notes on John).  Jesus had raised others (Luke 7:14-16; Luke 8:52-56); However, in this he demonstrated his power even after decomposition had begun (John 11:39). It brought glory to God, and His son (Jn 11:4).

“Jesus wept” (John 11:35).  [Note: It has been said that because “Jesus wept,” we can “rejoice evermore” (1 Thes. 5:16).  Such is a play on the two shortest verses in the New Testament.  John 11:35 is 9 English letters, or 16 Greek letters.  1 Thessalonians 5:16 is 15 English letters, or 14 Greek letters.  Each consists of just two words.].  Jesus ordered, “Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43) and he did.

It is in this context, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).  This is a metonymy.  The effect is put for the cause of that effect (that is Jesus).  E.W. Bullinger explains the meaning to be that Jesus is “the worker of resurrection and the giver of resurrected life” (Figures of Speech used in the Bible, p. 562).

Jesus added, “He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25b).  Meaning: though one may die (physically), yet through belief he may live in glory (cf. John 5:28-29; Rom. 2:7-11; Col. 3:4).

Furthermore, He said, “And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:26a).  Meaning: Possibility #1: This refers to those who are alive at Jesus’ return (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52).  Possibility #2: Whoever lives (spiritually) shall never see death (ref. to the second death – Revelation 2:11; 20:6; 20:14; 21:8).  This seems to be the best explanation, harmonizing with John 8:51.

Note: The term “believe” (John 11:25, 26) is not a one time action but represents a continuous state of affairs (present active part).  This is not a one-time thing.  It is a way of life.

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The Seven “I Am’s”: The Good Shepherd

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

The idea of shepherding sheep was familiar to first century Israel.  It was a time-consuming, sometimes labor-intensive, sometimes hazardous, serving work.  Sheep had to be led (and sometimes carried when injured or too young to keep up), watched (for straying, disease, predators), defended (lion, bear, wolf, jackal, even an eagle could be a threat to the young) watered and fed (sometimes shepherds dug wells, dammed up streams, provided buckets of water and grain), doctored and nursed (disease, wounds, cuts and scrapes).  Shepherding, if done right, was demanding work.

However, as with any occupation (doctor, lawyer, nurse, politician, preacher, teacher, coach, accountant, plumber, carpenter, janitor, grocer, babysitter, etc.)  there are those who care, and those who don’t.  There are those who do their best, and those who simply fill a position.

Jesus wants us to know how much he cares for us.  He says, “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep… I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:11, 15).  The idea is of a shepherd who hazards his life caring for the sheep.  Matthew Henry commented, “It is the property of every good shepherd to hazard and expose his life for the sheep” (Vol. 5, p. 832).  Jacob did (Genesis 31:40).  David did (1 Samuel 17:34-35).  Jesus is of like spirit.  He cares for us, laying down his life for us.

In counter-distinction, not all religious leaders were (are) of the same character.  Jesus speaks of hirelings.  He says, “A hireling … sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.  The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep” (John 10:12-13).  Dub McClish has wisely remarked, “Not all hired men are hirelings.  Some have genuine concern for others and for doing their work well.  However, the hireling’s motive is wholly selfish and mercenary, having no genuine care for the sheep” (The Eighteenth Annual Denton Lectures, p. 377).  This is true.  Jacob was hired (Genesis 29:15; 31:7, 41).  Yet, he cared for the sheep.  The sheep did not belong to David, but his father (1 Samuel 17:34-ff).  Yet, David cared.  It is true that the church doesn’t belong to the elders (1 Peter 5:1-4), and it is true that some elders are paid (1 Timothy 5:17-18).  However, such does not make them hirelings. Some genuinely care. Rick Brumback has remarked, “Preachers who fill ‘position’ simply for pay or prestige, or who will not represent the entirety of Heaven’s truth for fear of recrimination (vv. 26-27), are also ‘hirelings’ .  Such are likely to flee at the first sign of danger or controversy, unwilling to stand and face the threat in protection of the flock.  The hirelings do not have the welfare of the sheep as their ultimate concern.  How different is Jesus as the good shepherd…” (ibid, p. 204).

Furthermore, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep, and am known by My own” (John 10:14).  He knows us.  He is aware of even the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30; Luke 12:7).  This is another indication of his love and care for us.

Jesus mentions “other sheep” (John 10:16).  While he was on earth, he and his disciples labored with “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6; 15:24).  These are distinguished from the Samaritans and the gentiles (Matthew 10:5-6).  However, Jesus’ care is for all of humanity (Matt. 28:18-ff; Mark 16:15-ff).  He calls all into one flock (John 10:16; cf. Ephesians 2:16-17; Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11).  Are you following the voice of The Good Shepherd?

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The Seven “I Am’s”: The Door

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

 “I am the door” (John 10:7, 9).  This is figurative language.  It attracts attention, and beckons one to look closer in order to understand the point of comparison.

The language is of a sheepfold (John 10:1-10 cf. Numbers 32:16; Judges 5:16; 2 Chronicles 32:28; Psalm 78:70; Zephaniah 2:6).  A sheepfold (sometimes called a sheepcote) is an enclosure in which sheep were kept for protection.  At night, shepherds would take their sheep to a sheepfold.  The folds were typically a stonewalled, unroofed enclosure, which was often hedged around in thorny hedge to deter predators.  Many were large enough to hold several herds at once (Confusion did not exist because each herd knew the voice of its shepherd, and each shepherd knew his sheep).  A porter [(KJV), gatekeeper (ESV), doorkeeper (NKJV, NASB)] was stationed to guard the one door leading in and out of the sheepfold.  It was his responsibility to restrict who came and went to only authorized shepherds. Shepherds commonly were provided a ‘bunk house’ in which to rest, while the porter kept watch.

Sometimes thieves and robbers stole sheep.  They did not typically do so by the door (John 10:1).  Instead, “the current criminal practice was to climb over the wall, slaughter as many sheep as possible before detection, and throw them to accomplices outside…” (Ralph Gower, The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times, p. 133-140.  Quoted in the Eighteenth Annual Denton Lectureship Book, p. 202).

Jesus used the picture of the ancient sheepfold to make three points: (1) He is the door that leads to good things.  He said, “I am the door.  If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture…  I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:9-10).  Sheep in times of old passed through the door of the sheepfold.  They entered for physical safety, and generally found it (though, there were bad men who would occasionally enter unlawfully and kill the sheep).  They exited to find pasture, that is, physical sustenance.  The point is, Jesus is the one we go through to receive spiritual safety and sustenance.  He provides abundant life.  He provides everlasting life (John 3:16; John 10:28; 12:25; 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:11-13).

(2) He reminds them that not all religious leaders lead to good things.  He said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10).  Sheep thieves did not come with the best interest of the sheep’s well-being.  They were plunderers, interested in self.  Even so, many religious leaders are not interested in the people’s spiritual well-being; they are motivated by other things, purely selfish things (Rom. 16:18; 1 Tim. 6:5; Tit. 1:11; 2 Pet. 2:3).  He indicated that such had been the nature of many even prior to His coming (John 10:8).  There had been false messiahs.  However, now that He has come, all religious leaders should lead the people through Him. He is the door through which the sheep are to pass.

(3) Faithful sheep are discerning.  They don’t follow any and every voice (John 10:3-5; 8b).  We need to investigate matters (Acts 17:11; 1 Thes. 5:21).  We need to prove preachers (1 John 4:1).  We need to know the difference between the doctrine of Christ and the commandments of men (Matt. 15:9). How well do you know the voice of the Shepherd?

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The Seven “I Am’s”: The Light of the World

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Bryan Hodge

It is helpful, to fully appreciate this metaphor, to understand the timing of Jesus’ words.　 The Feast of the Tabernacles had just occurred (John 7:2, 14, 37 cf. 8:2).　 Zondervan’s Pictorial Dictionary describes this feast saying, “It… historically commemorated the wanderings in the wilderness.　 During this feast people lived in booths and tents in Jerusalem to remind themselves of how their forefathers wandered in the wilderness, and lived in booths” (p. 280). The description is accurate (see Leviticus 23:33-44; Nehemiah 8:13-18). This feast had to do with remembering the journey to the Promised Land. Remember, they were guided to the Promised Land by a “pillar of cloud” in the day, and a “pillar of fire” in the night (Exodus 13:21-22; Numbers 14:14; Nehemiah 9:12, 14; Psalm 78:14; Psalm 105:39).　 The commentator Hendriksen indicates that during this feast, “There was the illumination of the inner court of the temple, where the light of the grand candelabra reminded one of the pillar of fire by night, which served as a guide through the desert (Numbers 14:14)”　 (William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary: Exposition of the Gospel According to John.　 This is quoted by Dub McClish in the Eighteenth Annual Denton Lectureship book, p. 372).

There was another Jewish custom of which you should be made aware.　 The Jews added a custom following the last day of the Feast of the Tabernacles.　 They lit lamps and placed them where the sacred books were ordinarily kept in allusion to passages like: (1) Proverbs 6:23, “The commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life”, and (2) Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (This custom is explained by Adam Clark Vol., 5, p. 577).　 They evidently understood that God’s Word was to　guide the feet through life and into that ultimate Promised Land.

Back to Jesus’ words: “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).　 His words are bold. He is declaring that he is our guide to the Promised Land.　 He is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14; Revelation 19:13) lighting the way to the Promised Land.

Let us soberly ask the question: “Are we humbly following his lead?”　 He promised, “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Another point to consider is this: “Are we a light that others can follow to the Promised Land?”　 Paul said, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV).　 Can we say such to others in good confidence, and with a clear conscience?　 Jesus wanted us to be a light for others in this world of spiritual darkness.　　He said, “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16).　 Paul urged brethren, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights, holding fast (forth KJV) the word of life…” (Philippians 2:14-16).　 The world needs to see: (1) The light of Christ (John 8:12); (2) The light of the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:10; 2 Corinthians 4:4); (3) The light from our lives in both word and deed (Philippians 2:14-16; Matthew 5:14-16).　 Ponder the words of Tillit S. Teddlie’s song, “Into our hands the Gospel is given, Into our hands is given the light; Haste let us carry God’s precious message, Guiding the erring back to the right.”

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