Nativity Questions

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

This time of year many think about the birth of Jesus. We’ll take this writing to address a few questions.

1. Was Jesus born on December 25th?

It seems unlikely. Shepherds did not have their sheep in the fields in the winter months, especially at night (cf. Luke 2:8-9). Adam Clark commented, “on this very ground the nativity in December should be given up” (Vol. 5, p. 370).

“No one is certain why December 25 was chosen. There is nothing in the New Testament to indicate that this is the date of the Nativity. It is believed that the efforts of early Christians in Rome to change pagan customs into Christian rites led, in the 4th century A.D., to the adoption of December 25th… This date was probably chosen because, according to the calendar then in use, December 25 was the winter solstice… the sun-worshipping pagans had celebrated this day…” (The New Book of Knowledge. Vol. 3, p. 290).

God has not specified the date of Jesus birth. He has not told us to keep such a day.

We are, however, to remember Jesus’ death by observing the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week (Acts 20:7 cf. 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 1 Cor. 11:23-26). We should be content to worship in an authorized manner.

2. What is the significance of the virgin birth?

The Bible affirms the virgin birth (Luke 1:26-35; Matt. 1:18-23, cf. Isa. 7:14).

The Messiah was to have a two-fold nature. (1) He was to be of the seed of woman (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; cf. Gal. 4:4). He’s called “man” (1 Tim. 2:5). (2) He was to be called Emmanuel (Isa. 7:14) “Which being interpreted is ‘God with us'” [(Matt. 1:23). [Note: The reference to Emmanuel does not mean this would be what he was primarily called. A similar situation is found in Solomon who was to be called Jedidiah, meaning ‘beloved of the Lord’ (2 Sam. 12:24-25)]. His goings forth were “from old, from everlasting” (Mic. 5:2). God became flesh (John 1:1, 14; 1 Tim. 3:16 KJV). A body had been prepared for atonement (Heb. 10:5-7 cf. Psalm 40:6-8 LXX).

3. What was the star of Bethlehem ?

I’ve heard, through the years, many theories. Some have suggested a unique alignment of planets (Note: The Hebrews did not distinguish between stars and planets). Others have postulated that it was a comet.

I have difficulties with such explanations. J.W. McGarvey has written, “When the magi left Jerusalem the star ‘went before them, and came and stood over where the young child was.’ This could not be true of a real star, because a real star cannot move on before men, and stand over a particular house so as to distinguish it from other houses. A child, looking at a star near the horizon, may imagine that it hangs over a certain house; but when (he) walks up to the house (he) finds that the star is as far off as before and is hanging over another house” (Matthew and Mark, p. 26). The star seems to have appeared and disappeared to the magi (Matt. 2:1-2, 9-10). Herod and his men seem not to have noticed this unusual star. Moreover, if the star was visible and obviously hanging over one house, then why didn’t his men simply go there upon the news of the magi (Matt. 2:1-10)? This seems to have been a supernatural occurrence visible only to the wise men, or at least close enough to guide them. It may have been somewhat similar to the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire (Ex 13:21-22; 14:19,24; 33:9-10; Num 12:5,10; 14:14; Deut 31:15; Neh 9:13,19; Ps 78:14; 99:7; 105:39).

4. Were the shepherds and the wise men present near the same time?

I do not believe that they were. The shepherds went to Jesus the night he was born, and found him lying in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes (Luke 2:7-17). The wise men found Jesus in a house (Matt. 2:11). It seems possible that Joseph and Mary had relocated to Judea from Nazareth (Notice Joseph seems to have wanted to return from Egypt into Judea . It took God’s instructions to get him to settle in Galilee Matt. 2:19-23).

5.  How many wise men were there?

The Bible doesn’t say. Some have inferred that there were three from the mentioning of three gifts (Matt. 2:11). However, such is an unwarranted assumption, and is not implied.

What was the significance of these three gifts? Much speculation has occurred. Many believe that the gold may have been used to support the family in their flight to Egypt (Matt. 2:13-15). Such is speculation, though possible.

6. Were Joseph and Mary poor?

They absolutely were. This is evident from the record (Lk. 2:22-24 cf. Lev. 12:1-8).

However, notice what qualities they did have. (1) She was pure (Lk. 1:34). (2) She was worshipful of God (Lk. 1:46-ff). (3) He was just (Matt. 2:19). (4) He listened to God ( Mt. 1:20-25; 2:13-15; 2:19-23). (5) They followed the law of God (Lk. 2:21-24; Luke 2:41) and man (Lk. 2:1-5). (6) They proved to be good parents (Lk. 2:52). (7) Joseph worked for a living (Mt. 13:53).

Perhaps, we emphasize the wrong qualities. When God sent His son into the world, He chose qualities for the guardians of His son which many overlook. These are qualities we should each strive to possess.

7. Who is Santa Claus?

“Santa Claus” is an Americanized term for “Saint Nicholas.” He was a real man who lived in Myra , Asia Minor ( Turkey ), during the 4th century A.D. The story goes that he learned of a poor man, who had three daughters unable to marry due to lack of dowry. Nicholas on three successive evenings supposedly slipped bags of gold through their window (one of which fell into a stocking which had been hung up to dry). Giving is honorable (Acts 20:35).

A word of caution: Parents be careful how you handle the Santa Claus thing. Many parents tell their children that Santa Claus is real. They assign God-like qualities to him. He knows when the children have been naughty. He knows when they’ve been nice. He rewards accordingly. However, the children grow up and learn that the whole thing was a make-believe fairy tale, even a hoax. Yet, these same parents say very similar things about God. He sees all (Prov. 15:3). He rewards accordingly to deeds (Matt. 16:22; 1 Cor. 3:8; 2 Tim. 4:14; 1 Pet. 1:17). Some may come away saying, “this is just another fairy-tale”. Saturate your children with proofs of God’s existence so that they may build a “rock solid faith”, and not regard such as just another fairy-tale.

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What to do With the Word

Posted on December 8, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

“All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable …”

(2 Tim. 3:16).

     Two things are affirmed: (1) Inspiration. The word translated “inspiration” (theopneustos) literally means, “God breathed”. Geisler and Nix explained, “It does not mean, as the English word ‘inspire’ might imply, that God breathed in the word but rather that the very words were breathed out” [A General Introduction to the Bible, p. 35 (cf. Mt. 4:4)]. The word translated “scripture” (graphe) appears 52 times in the New Testament, and without exception, it refers to the writings of the Bible. It is used in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Notice: 1 Tim 5:18 quotes Deut. 25:4 and Lk. 10:7 and refers to them as scripture. Notice: It is used of the writings of Paul, 2 Pet. 3:15-16). The word “scripture” in the New Testament functions as a technical term for the writings of the Bible. (2) Profitability. There are some things unprofitable spiritually speaking (see 2 Tim. 2:14 cf. 1 Tim 1:4; 4:7; 6:20; Tit. 1:14). However, the words inspired of God are profitable.

Profitable for what?

(2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Therefore …

(2 Tim. 4:2)
  1. Doctrine/teaching            1. Preach the word
   2. Reproof            2. Convince/reprove
    3. Correction           3. Rebuke
    4. Instruction/training       in righteousness           4. Exhort
5. Equipping for every good work           5. Maintain good works Note: This is not taught in 2 Tim. 4:2, but is taught throughout 1, 2 Timothy and Titus. See: Tit. 3:8; 3:14; cf. 1 Tim. 2:10; 3:1; 5:10; 5:25; 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:21; 4:5; Tit. 1:16; 2:7

   Definitions

1. Doctrine. Vine’s “either (a) that which is taught …, or (b) the act of teaching, instruction.”

2. Reproof. Arndt-Gingrich, “bring to light, expose, set forth … convict or convince someone of something, point something out to someone.” Thayer, “A proof that by which a thing is proved or tested … (or) of an inward result of proving viz. a conviction.”

3. Correction. The term was used of restoration of a building or rebuilding a city. Vine’s, “Lit. a restoration to an upright or right state.”

4. Instruction/training. Thayer, “training and education of children.” Arndt-Gingrich, “upbringing, training, instruction … in our lit. chiefly as it is attained by discipline, correction.”

5. Preach. Vine’s, “Be a herald.” TDNT, “It is important that heralds deliver news or pass on messages strictly as they are given to them.” A good preacher does not create a message but acts as a messenger. The message does not belong to him. Note: The terms teaching and preaching are paralleled. The modern differential usage is not made here.

6. Reprove. See reproof above.

7. Rebuke. Thayer, “To tax with fault.” Denny Petrillo, “to warn … it implies a sharp, severe rebuke” (Commentary on 1, 2 Timothy and Titus, p. 146). Wayne Jackson, “to express strong disapproval” (Before I Die, p. 277).

8. Exhort. The word literally means “to call to the side.” It can refer to calling one aside to encourage, or to teach, or to admonish. Notice in context it is paralleled with instruction or training.

How are you using God’s word?

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Why?

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

An elderly couple returning from visiting family are killed in a car crash. A young family is killed when a tornado rips through their house. A young mother is swept away by a tsunami. A young father is killed in a terrorist attack. A young woman is raped and murdered. A young man is killed in a random act of violence. A child is killed in a dog attack. Toby Keith sings, “Well a man comes on the 6 o’clock news said ‘somebody’s been shot, somebody’s been abused, somebody blew up a building, somebody stole a car…’” Tragedy strikes in many different forms, but whatever the form, it is common for man to cry out, “Why?”

Why would a good God allow such evil, pain, and suffering to exist on earth? Epicurus struggled with this saying, “God either wishes to take away evils and is unable; or He is neither willing nor able; or He is both willing and able. If He is willing and unable, he is feeble, which is not in accordance with the character if God; if He is able and unwilling, He is envious, which is equally at variance with God; If He is neither willing or able, He is both envious and feeble, and therefore not God; If he is both willing and able, which alone is suitable to God, from what source then are evils? Or why does He not remove them?” (Thomas Warren, Have Atheists Proved There Is No God? p. 4).

Why Do We Suffer?

There is not one, but many earthly causes fort man’s suffering. Let’s notice several:

1. Many suffer due to their own personal choice(s) in life.

Consider: (a) The murderer, thief, evildoer, or busybody may reap the consequences of actions in this life (1 Peter 4:15). (b) The drunk or drug addict may bring many woes upon himself (cf. Proverbs 23:29-ff). (c) Those who choose to smoke may suffer respiratory problems. (d) The promiscuous may develop an S.T.D. or unwanted pregnancy. (e) Those who build their houses without good foundations may suffer loss (Matthew 7:24-27). (f) Those who build below sea level or in a flood plain may suffer disaster.

2. One may suffer due to the choice(s) of another (or others).

Consider: (a) One can be murdered, as Stephen was by the mob (Acts 7:57-60). (b) One can be raped, as Tamar was by Amnon (2 Samuel 13). (c) Wives are battered and children are abused through no fault of their own. (d) Drunk drivers kill.

3. One may suffer due to the choice(s) of a previous generation.

Consider: (a) God told the Israelites “your carcasses shall fall in the wilderness. And your sons shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years, and bear the brunt of your infidelity, until your carcasses are consumed in the wilderness” (Numbers 14:33, cf. Exodus 20:4-6). (b) Later, Israelites would say, “our fathers sinned and are no more, but we bear their iniquities. Servants rule over us” (Lamentations 5:7-8). While they did not bear the guilt of their parents sins (Ezekiel 18:20), they did bear the consequences. (c) Children are born with problems due to prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol.  (d) Children are born with HIV infection. (e) All of humanity suffers due to the effects of the global flood and the reshaping of the earth’s topography (cf. Psalm 104:5-9 NASB). Wayne Jackson has written, “Had it not been for man’s evil, the flood would never have come; the features of the earth would not have been so altered; and man would not be suffering the consequences thereof today!” (The Book of Job, p. 118).

4. One may suffer as a result of living in a physical world which is operating according to physical laws.

Consider: (a) Gravity is a part of this world. Gravity allows us to dwell upon this earth. Gravity can also cause objects to fall and such may result in death (Like 13:4). (b) Fire can be used to cook and warm the bones. Fire can also kill (Job 1:16). (c) Water can be used to sustain life. Water can also drown (Exodus 15:4). (d) Stones can be used to build a house. Stones can be used to stone a man to death (Acts 7). (e) Food can be used to sustain life. Food can be misused resulting in obesity and heart disease.

5. Some suffering comes as a direct result of living a godly life.

Consider: (a) “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). (b) “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God ” (Acts 14:23, cf. 2 Timothy 4:18; 2 Peter 1:10-11). (c) “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Peter 4:12).

6. Some suffering may by due to Satan’s attacks (Job 1:9-22; 2:1-10). Satan attacked Job’s family, wealth, and health in an effort to get him to turn against God.

Why Does God Allow Such?

Some make the assumption that if God is omnipotent (all-powerful), then He should immediately eliminate all evil, pain, and suffering upon this earth. However, could there be reasons that God allows evil, pain, and suffering to continue in this world?

1. Pain plays a role in physical preservation.

Pain is the body’s warning that something is wrong. It prompts one to remove his hand from a hot stove top. It informs the body that food and water is needed. It informs us that a body part has been injured and needs attention.

2. Pain and suffering can be used (if properly viewed) to spiritually mature us.

When tragedy strikes, man is reminded of the brevity and uncertainty of life. James writes, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” ( James 4:14).  This should prompt man to wisely use time (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5). We should not “let the sun go down on (our) wrath” (Ephesians 4:26).

Tragedy also reminds us that we should live out our lives prepared for eternity, because we know not how long we each will have on this earth. “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Suffering helps us to understand how God views sin. Think of the suffering of Jesus upon the cross who “bore our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). I could never grasp how terrible sin is to God without the suffering of Christ.

Suffering can be used to develop certain spiritual characteristics. Patience can be developed through suffering ( James 1:2-3; Romans 5:3-4). Arrogance and pride can be quenched through suffering (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Prayer and humility before God sometimes is a result of suffering (2 Chronicles 33:9-13; Jonah 2:1-2; Psalm 119:67-71). Seeing the sinful suffer may prevent me from following the same course.

Suffering in others can prompt us to be benevolent and compassionate beings (Luke 10:30-37; Romans 12:15). It can help us to not be wholly self-absorbed.

Kerry Duke has written, “God has provided man with an environment capable of building in him qualities suitable for another realm” (God At a Distance, p. 12).

3. Suffering may fit within God’s plan of volitional balance.

Kerry Duke explains, “It was not enough for God merely to create man as a free moral agent. To exercise his will in the truest sense, he must have an environment perfectly suited for this purpose” (ibid, p. 13).  Again, “just as the earth is neither too close to nor too far away from the sun, man in a spiritual sense is neither too close to God nor too far removed from Him” (ibid. p. vii). “To preserve freedom, God does not overwhelm man with a direct manifestation of Himself. Just as a piece of metal that is too close to a magnet cannot resist being drawn to it, man could not avoid believing in God if he were to experience the unveiled essence of deity. On the other hand, if man had no revelation from the Creator, he would be incapable of finding and serving Him” (ibid, p. 43). God  could have created an environment with trials so severe that our souls would be so crushed or preoccupied that obedience to His will would have been virtually impossible. But God designed the physical environment after neither of these extremes” (ibid, p. 143).

Some have wondered why God allows the righteous to suffer. However, if God removed all suffering from the righteous, would there really be volitional balance?

4. Life is best viewed as a test.

“Just as men test silver and gold for their genuineness, the Lord tests the genuineness of the heart (Zechariah 13:9; Psalm 66:10). Tribulation is pictured by Peter as a trial of fire that is for mote important than the testing of gold (1 Peter 1:7). …  We are compelled in the face of trials to declare the heart’s true desires. Tribulation quickly unmasks us of any pretense. Of course, God knows our hearts before we respond to the trial (Note: the trial itself may mature us. See point 2 above. B.H.). But when we react to a trying situation, we declare unequivocally to the world and to ourselves who we really are. Trials bring to the surface the good or bad qualities that lie undetected deep inside the soul” (Duke, p. 142).

5. God provides man with opportunity to repent.

Some wonder why does not God simply eliminate the sinful. If God eliminated each and every person the minute he sinned, no adult reading this now would be alive. God has provided man with the opportunity to repent (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). Some will. Others will not.

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Why I Believe – The Bible (Part 2)

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

If the Bible is from God, then one should be able to find unity and accuracy in the message. This is exactly what one does find. The unity and accuracy of the Bible is amazing.

Unity

“The Bible was written by more than forty different men from practically every walk of life. Nehemiah was a royal cupbearer. Peter was a fisherman. Luke was a physician. Matthew was a tax collector. Solomon was a king. Moses was a shepherd. Paul was a tent maker….They wrote in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), from at least two continents (Europe and Asia), over a period of time that spanned approximately sixteen centuries (1500 B.C. to A.D. 100). And they covered topics as diverse as eschatology, soteriology, theology, psychology, geography, history, medicine, and many others. All of this being true, one might expect that so diverse a group of men, writing on so varied a group of subjects, over such a lengthy span of time would have produced a book that would be a tangled mishmash of subject more often than not marred by an incredible number of inconsistencies, errors, and incongruities. Yet, this hardly is the case. In fact, quite the opposite is true” (Bert Thompson, in defense of the Bible’s inspiration, pp. 26-27)

1. There is unity in the core message. “The book of Genesis tells of man’s fall into a sinful state. In Exodus through Deuteronomy, by the giving of the law, sin is defined and vividly characterized. The historical books of the Old Testament portray man’s inability to justify himself on the basis of law-keeping, hence they underscore the need of a justifier. The Prophets herald the coming of that illustrious justifier…The Gospel writers inform us that Christ has come bringing justification. The Book of Acts demonstrates how first-century men and women appropriated Jehovah’s justifying grace unto themselves through loving obedience. The various Epistles to churches and individuals instruct saints how to grow toward spiritual maturity, and finally, the Revelation pictures the ultimate and complete triumph of our great God over all his enemies.” (Wayne Jackson, Fortify Your Faith, pp. 58-59).

2. There is unity in incidentals.

A. The eighth plague on Egypt destroyed the barley, which was “in head” and the flax, which was “in bud” (Exodus 9:31). Forty years later, when the Israelites entered Canaan it was harvest time (Joshua 2:6; 3:15; 4:19 cf Exodus 12:1-3). A large amount of charred grain was found by Bryant Wood in Jericho (see Joshua 2:6, 3:15; 5:10 cf 6:24)

B. Mark speaks of “green grass” in recording the feeding of the five-thousand (Mark 6:39). John indicates that it was near the Passover feast, which is in the spring, that this feeding occurred (John 6:4).

The Bible is consistent even in incidental details.

Accuracy

1. The Hittites: The Bible mentions the Hittites over forty times. Yet, critics said that there was no evidence of these people. A. H. Sayce and Hugo Winckler confirmed the Hittites existence. Archaeology has now found the Hittites Capital in Turkey.

2. David: He is mentioned over a thousand times in the Bible. Yet, where was the tangible proof of his historicity? A Syrian record of David was found in 1993 by Avraham Biran.

3. Jehu: He was found in an Assyrian inscription by the archaeologist Henry Layard. A black limestone block pictures a man bowing before the Assyrian King. The inscription reads “Tribute of Jehu Son of Omri.”

4. Hezekiah: British Colonel R. Taylor discovered the Sennacherib annals. In this the Assyrian king boasts conquering forty-six Judean cities and having Hezekiah “Shut up in Jerusalem…like a bird in a cage.” However, he never speaks of actually conquering Jerusalem. I wonder why not? (cf. 2 Kings 19; 2 Chr. 32).

5. Jehoiachin: King Nebuchadnezzar took him captive to Babylon (2 Kings 24:8-16). A Babylonian record of food rations was found and translated by Robert Koldeway and Ernest Weidner. Jehciachin, King of Judah, is mentioned.

6. Proconsul (Acts 13:4-7): Some critics said that the proper title was Propraetor. “Augustus Ceaser had divided the Roman provinces into two great classes – Senatorial and Imperial. The Senatorial provinces were governed by Proconsuls and the Imperial provinces were governed by Propraetors or consular legates. The claim was thus made that Cyprus was Imperial, so Luke had mistakenly employed the wrong title. It is now known…that whereas Cyprus was made and Imperial province in 27 B.C., five years later Augustus gave it to the Senate, in exchange for Dalmatia…from that date it was…governed by Proconsul…A coin from Cyprus mentions Proculus the successor of Sergius Paulus, and calls him Proconsul of Cyprians” (Wayne Jackson, Biblical studies in Light of Archaeology, pp. 46-47).

7. Politarchs (Acts 17:4-6): This is the original term which is typically rendered “Rulers of the City”. The Thompson Chain Reference Bible said “For many years modern critical scholars pointed out that this term or title was not found in all Greek literature, and therefore Luke had made a mistake…Later, however the title was found inscribed on various ruins in Thessalonica.” Thessalonica was a free city. It called its city-board members “Politarchs”. Luke was correct.

8. Proconsul (Acts 18:12): Luke, once more, is accurate. “Early, under Tiberias, Achaia had been on Imperial province (Tacitus 1. 76), administered by a ‘legate,’ but in A.D. 44, Claudius conferred ‘senate’ status upon the province (Suetonius, Claudius 23), and these were governed by ‘Proconsuls’” (Wayne Jackson, The Acts of The Apostles). F.F. Bruce points out “Luke…one of the most remarkable tokens of his accuracy is his sure familiarity with proper titles…This was by no means such an easy feat in his days as it is in ours, when it is so simply to consult convenient backs of reference (or internet B.H.) The accuracy of Luke’s use of the various titles in the Roman Empire has been compared to the easy and confident way in which an Oxford man in ordinary conversation will refer to the heads of Oxford colleges by their proper title – the Provost of Oriel, the Master of Balliol the Rector of Exeter, the President of Magdalen, and so on. A non-oxonian…never feels quite at home with the multiplicity of these offered titles. But Luke had a further difficulty in that the titles sometimes did not remain the same for any great length of time; a province might pass from Senatorial government to administration by a direct representative of the emperor” (The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable, p.82).

Comparison to Others

1. The accuracy of the Bible is amazing. Nelson Glueck “No archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference” (Randall Price, The Stones Cry Out, p. 323). William Albright – “Discovery after discovery has established the accuracy of innumerable details, and has brought about increased recognition of the Bible as a source of history” (ibid, p. 325).

2. Adam Clark speculated that the moon was inhabited by intelligent beings (Commentary on Gen. 1:16).

3. Samuel Johnson in his Grammar of the English Tongue Said “ ‘H’ seldom, perhaps never, begins any but the first syllable.” (Wayne Jackson, Fortifying Your Faith, p. 62).

4. Tacitus in his History and Description of Germany “Made so many errors concerning the geography of Germany that modern scholars are shocked” (ibid).

5. Encyclopedia Britannica when first published “Contained so many mistakes regarding places in America, that the publishers of the New American Cyclopedia issued a special booklet listing the blunders” (ibid).

6. Herodotus is considered an important ancient source. Yet, relying on second-hand information he wrote of ants as large as foxes that bring up gold in India (3:102), and sheep, in Arabia, whose tails were so large that shepherds made wooden carts for them lest they drag the ground (3:113).

7. Archaeology has not in any way verified things found in The Book of Mormon. In truth, the Smithsonian Institute issued a statement saying “The Smithsonian Institute has never used The Book of Mormon as a scientific guide. Smithsonian archeologist see no direct connection between archeology of the New World and the subject matter in the book” (godscience.org)

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Why I Believe –The Bible (Part 1)

Posted on December 1, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

The Bible claims to be inspired of God. Over 2700 times the Bible says, “Thus says the Lord” or “The Lord said” or “The word of the Lord” or the same similar claim to the message being from God.

God Says                   Scripture Says

 Genesis 12:3                           Galatians 3:8

    Exodus 9:16                         Romans 9:17

 Scripture Says                  God Says

       Genesis 2:24                       Matthew 19:4-5

         Psalm 2:1                          Acts 4:24-25

      Psalm 95:7-8                          Hebrews 3:7-8

God Spoke                        Moses Said

 Exodus 20:1, 12                            Mark 7:10

 Leviticus 20:8-9                             Mark 7:10

  (Exodus 21:17)

 Deuteronomy 17:2, 3, 6                       Hebrews 10:28

However, not all claims are true. So why should I believe that the Bible is from God?

Prophecy

A study of Biblical prophecies can be a faith building exercise. There are numerous prophecies, for instance, about the Christ.

1. In his death, “he was numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). Jesus was crucified with two robbers (Matthew 27:38).

2. His hands and his feet were to be pierced (Psalm 22:16). Such in context occurs before death. The Jews executed by (a) stoning (Exodus 17:4; Deuteronomy 13:10; (b) burning (Leviticus 20:14; 21:9); and (c) sword (Exodus 32:27). They did not crucify. The Encyclopedia Americana records “The history of crucifixion as a mode of punishment for crime must be studied as a part of the Roman system of jurisprudence… The Hebrews, for example, adopted or accepted it only under Roman compulsion; under their own system, before Palestine became Roman territory, they inflicted the death penalty by stoning” (8/253 quoted by Josh McDowell, Evident That Demands A Verdict, vol. 1, pp. 161-162). Josh McDowell writes, “Thus, the type of death pictured in Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 did not come into practice under the Jewish system until hundreds of years after the account was written” (ibid).

Note: It is true that the Jews hanged criminals on trees. However, such was not done to execute. This was done following death to warn others (Deuteronomy 21:22-26 cf. Genesis 40:19; Joshua 10:26).

3. He was buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:8). Jesus was (Matthew 27:57-60). This is remarkable. A condemned man allowed an honorable burial. Michael Wilkins and J. P. Moreland write, “If the burial of Jesus in the tomb by Joseph of Arimathea is legendary, then it is strange that conflicting traditions nowhere appear, even in Jewish Polemic” (Jesus Under Fire, p. 149).

4. There was to be a missing body (Psalm 16:10 cf. Acts 2:25-34; 13:33-37). Even hostile sources admit that the body was missing. A Jewish source—Toledoth Yeshu says, “A diligent search was made and he was not found in the grave where he had been buried” (recorded by Kyle Butt and Eric Lyons in Behold! The Lamb of God, p. 140).

Many, many prophecies such as these exist in the Bible. Try to find anyone who fulfills each of the prophecies about the Christ. You’ll only find one. Only Jesus fulfills all of the prophecies.

Objection—Maybe these “prophecies” were written after the time of Jesus. Such will not work. Josh McDowell has answered, “If you are not satisfied with 450 B.C., as the historical date for the completion of the Old Testament, then take into consideration the following: The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, were initiated in the reign of Ptolemy Philadelphus (285-246 B.C.). It is rather obvious that if you have a Greek translation in 250 B.C., then you had to have a Hebrew text from which it was written. This will suffice to indicate that there was at least a 250 year gap between the prophecies being written down and their fulfillment in the person of Christ” (ibid., p. 144).

Objection—Maybe Jesus deliberately tried to fulfill these prophecies. Josh McDowell answered, “The above objection might seem plausible until we realize that many of the prophecies concerning the messiah were totally beyond the human control of Jesus, such as—place of birth (Micah 5:2); time of birth (Daniel 9:25; Genesis 49:10);betrayal; manner of death (Psalm 22:16); people’s reaction (mocking, spitting, etc.); burial” (ibid., p. 166).

Scientific Accuracy and Foreknowledge

When one reads from the ancient world, one finds that superstitions and scientific inaccuracies abounded. The Papyrus Ebers, an Egyptian medical book from 1552 B.C., advises that “to prevent the hair from turning gray, anoint it with the blood of a black calf which has been boiled in oil, or with the fat of a rattlesnake” (S. L. McMillen, None of These Diseases, p. 9). The Bible does not contain such nonsense.

1. Genesis 1:9—“Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together in one place, and let dry land appear.”

Today, we know that the oceans are not really separate bodies of water, but join together. How did Moses know this without advanced cartography or satellite technology?

2. Isaiah 40:22—“It is He (God) who sits above the circle of the earth.”

The word “circle” could be rendered “sphere”. How did Isaiah know the earth was a sphere? Some of the ancient world believed the earth to be flat.

3. Psalm 8:8—“… paths of the sea.”

Matthew Fontain Maury (1806-1873) was motivated by this verse to search for and find the Gulf Stream flow. There is a monument in Richmond, erected by the state of Virginia, to this man. The base of the monument is inscribed with Psalms 8:8.

4. Leviticus 12:3 (cf. Genesis 17:12; 21:4)—Israelite parents were to circumcise their male children on the eighth day of life.

Why not the sixth or the tenth? Was this day arbitrarily picked?

Today, we know that vitamin K and prothrombin are essential to efficient blood clotting. It is on the fifth through the seventh day of a male-child’s life that vitamin K begins to be produced at normal levels. It is only on the eighth day that prothrombin climbs above normal levels. In times before modern medicine, this would be the optimal time for surgery.

Lucky guess?

5. Genesis 3:15; 38:8-9—Both male and female are said to have “seed”.

Today, we know that in ordinary reproduction a child inherits chromosomes from both genders.

However, this was not always known. In ancient Greece, Democritus and others believed women to be mere incubators, and that only men possessed the seed of life.

Examples like these could be multiplied many times over.

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How Fortunate We Are

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Do we realize how fortunate we are to have such easy access to the Bible? Studies indicate that over 90% of Americans possess a Bible.

The cost of the Bible in the middle Ages was very high. Philip Schaff has written, “One of the chief causes of the prevailing ignorance was the scarcity of books. The old libraries were destroyed by ruthless barbarians and the ravages of war. After the conquest of Alexandria by the Saracens, the cultivation and exportation of parchment or velum, which took its place, was so expensive that complex copies of the Bible cost as much as a palace or a farm. King Alfred paid eight acres of land for one volume of a cosmography. Hence the custom of chaining valuable books, which continued to the sixteenth century” (History of the Christian Church, vol. 4, p. 603).

The cost, at times, was not just in money. It was a hardship and life. Many paid dearly to have the Bible in their own tongue.

John Wycliffe (1320-1384) wanted the common man in England to be able to read the Bible in his own language. The Catholic Church’s Bible was in Latin. Wycliffe wanted the people to look to the Bible for authority, and not to the church. He declared, “If there were one hundred popes and all the friars were turned into cardinals their opinion ought not to be acceded to in matters of faith except so far as they are based on scripture” (Matthew, The Eternal Kingdom, p. 225). Wycliffe translated the Latin Vulgate into English. “He knew no Hebrew and probably no Greek. His version, which was made from the Latin Vulgate, was the outgrowth of his burning desire to make his English countrymen more religious and more Christian (Schaff, vol. 6, p. 342). “The New Testament was first finished, about the year 1380; and in 1382, or soon afterwards, the version of the entire Bible was completed (Kenyon, Our Bible and The Ancient Manuscripts, p. 200). In 1385, he was excommunicated by the Catholic Church (Gerald Pinson, The Book, p. 70). The hatred continued even years after his death. “Thirty-one years after his death the Council of Constance condemned him as a heretic and ordered his bones removed from their tomb, burned, and the ashes thrown in the Severn River” (Mattox, p. 225). “The Constitution of Oxford in 1408 forbade the reading of any Bible in the vernacular, or common language (Pinson, p. 721). “Those who possessed any of his writings (were) made subject to punishment by death” (Mattox, p. 225).

William Tyndale (1495-1536) had a desire “to give the English people a translation of the Bible based not on Latin but upon the original Greek and Hebrew (Neil Lightfoot, How We Got the Bible, p. 77). Once a religious leader opined, “we would be better off without God’s law than without the Pope’s law” (Pinson, pp. 86-87). Tyndale responded, “I defy the pope and all his laws. If God spares my life, ere many years, I will cause a boy that driveth a plow to know more of scripture than the great body of the clergy now know” (ibid). Tyndale had difficulty accomplishing his translation work in England. A warrant for his arrest was issued in 1524. Thus he fled to Germany (Pinson, p. 90).  “Tyndale completed his New Testament translation in 1526, with portions of the Old Testament to follow … copies of Tyndale’s work were smuggled into England…. Tyndale was betrayed by one thought to be a friend, kidnapped, imprisoned, strangled, and burned at the stake on October 6, 1536. His final words were, “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes” (Terry Hightower, A Handbook on Bible Translations, p. 158).

We are truly fortunate to have such easy access to the Bible. But, do we read it?

A story is told of a devout father whose son was studying for the ministry. The son decided to go to Europe for an advanced degree and the father worried that his simple faith would be spoiled by sophisticated, unbelieving professors. “Don’t let them take Jonah away from you,” he admonished, figuring the swallowed-by-a-great-fish story might be the first part of the Bible to go. Two years later when the son returned, the father asked, “Do you still have Jonah in your Bible!” The son laughed, “Jonah! That story isn’t even in your Bible!” The father replied, “It certainly is! What do you mean?” Again the son laughed and insisted, “It’s not in your Bible. Go ahead, show it to me.” The old man fumbled through his Bible, looking for the Book of Jonah, but he couldn’t find it. At last he checked the table of contents for the proper page. When he turned there, he discovered the three pages comprising Jonah had been carefully cut from his Bible. “I did it before I went away,” said the son. “What’s the difference whether I lost the book of Jonah through studying under non-believers or you lost it through neglect?”

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Why I Believe – In God

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Does God exist, or not? Were we intentionally created by intelligent design, or are we here by molecular chance? No greater issue exists than the issue of creation. If there is a God, and if the Bible is the word of God, then man is eternally accountable to a creator. However, if God does not exist, then man has no higher authority than man (either man the individual, or man collectively as a society). Moreover, there certainly is no eternal accountability.

Think of the implications. More than one philosopher has been credited with saying, “If God does not exist, then everything is permitted” (Fyodor Dostoyevsky in the novel The Brothers Karamazov, Jean Paul Sartre). Aldus Huxley admitted “I had motives for not wanting the world to have meaning; consequently I assumed it had none . . . the philosophy of meaninglessness was essentially an instrument of liberation . . . liberation form a certain system of morality. We objected to the morality because it interfered with our sexual freedom” (Bert Thompson, Rock-Solid Faith: How To Build It, pp 81-82, quoting Confessions of a Professed Atheist, Report: Perspective on the News, 3:15, June).

Think of the implications historically. (a) Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany (1933-1945) – It is estimated that 11 million people were murdered in the Holocaust, including 6 million Jews (two-thirds of Europe ’s Jewish population). This does not count the tens-of-millions who dies in the war. What law did the Nazi’s violate? Their own? No. British/American law? No. They were never under such. International tolerance? Okay, but understand that all such is, is the collective will of the international communities. What if the international communities one day tolerated such behavior? Would such then be morally acceptable behavior? (b) The Tuskegee Experiments (1932-1972) – 399 poor black men from Macon County , Alabama had a test performed on them. They had syphilis, but were not told of such. They were denied available antibiotics to treat such. They were told that they had “bad blood”. They were treated as guinea pigs in a government experiment. They were promised free medical care, meals, and burial insurance. Is there anything inherently morally wrong with such? If each man is his own moral standard, then no. Richard Dawkins acknowledged, “My own feeling is that a human society based simply on the gene’s law of the universal ruthlessness would be a very nasty society in which to live. But unfortunately, however much we may deplore something; it does not stop it being true” (Bert Thompson, Rock-Solid Faith: How To Build It, p 165, quoting from The Selfish Gene, pp. 2-3).

Richard Dawkins was correct in his last sentence. So, why should I believe?

The Cosmological Argument

This argument starts with the existence of the cosmos (from the Greek “Kosmos” meaning order, i.e. the material universe). It reasons that for every material effect, there must be an adequate cause.

There are only three possible options for the origin of the cosmos: (1) It is eternal. (2) It sprang from nothing. (3) It was created.

(1) Is it eternal? No. Robert Jastrow admitted, “modern science denies an eternal existence to the universe, either in the past or in the future” (Bert Thompson and Wayne Jackson, the Case for the Existence of God, pp. 6-7, quoting from Until the Sun Dies, pp. 19, 30 by Jastrow). The First Law of Thermodynamics indicates that the total of all energy and matter in the universe is fixed. While matter may be converted to energy and energy to matter – either matter or energy is being created or destroyed. The Second Law of Thermodynamics indicates that the universe is running down. “The universe as a whole is steadily moving toward a state of randomness” (Britannica 1979 Vol. 10, p. 894). Energy is becoming less available for use. It is as if this cosmos was wound up like a clock, but is now running down. These two laws (the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics) suggest a beginning.

(2) Did it spring from nothing? It should be considered self-evident that something cannot come from nothing. Dr. George E. Davis, a physicist has said, “No material thing can create itself” (Bert Thompson and Wayne Jackson, A Study Course in Christian Evidences, p. 19). Hebrews 3:4 reads, “Every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.”

There is an issue beyond the origin of matter, and that issue is the origin of life. There are only three options: (a) Life is eternal. No scientist, to my knowledge, holds this position. (b) Life arose from non-living matter. The idea of “Spontaneous Generation” has no support. Many used to believe in “spontaneous generation”. However, this thinking was defeated centuries ago. Francesco Redi (1626-1697), an Italian physician did an experiment. He took three jars and placed meat and fish in them. One jar he left open. One jar he covered with a mesh net. One jar he sealed. Only the open jar developed maggots (Andrew Dickson White, History of the Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom, p. 42). This and other such experiments thwarted man’s belief in “spontaneous generation”. Those who choose to believe in such do so without any evidence. Martin Moe in Science Digest, December 1981, wrote “A century of sensational discoveries in the biological sciences has taught us that life arises only from life” (Bert Thompson, the Scientific Case for Creation, p. 77). (c) It was created. This seems the only option left.

(3) Was it created? This seems the only option left.

The Teleological Argument

This argument is of design (from Greek “telos” meaning end, purpose, design). If there is design, then there must have been a designer.

Let us notice a few things from the human body which cry out design.

(1) The eye cries out design. Robert Jastrow has written, “the eye appears to have been designed; no designer of telescopes could have done better” (Wayne Jackson, Human Body: Accident or Design? P. 56 quoting The Enchanted Loom: Mind in the Universe pp. 96-97). In truth, man in all his intelligence has not matched the abilities of the human eye. Charles Darwin admitted, “To suppose that the eye with its inimitable (uncompared B.H.) contrivances (planning B.H.) for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could be formed by natural selection, seems I freely confess, absurd in the highest degree . . . it is scarcely possible to avoid comparing the eye with a telescope. We know that this instrument has been perfected by long-continued efforts of the highest human intellects . . .” (The Origin of Species, pp. 227, 231).

(2) The brain cries out design. Isaac Asimov called the brain “the most complex and orderly arrangement of matter in the universe” (Wayne Jackson, Human Body, p. 50 quoting the Smithsonian Institute Journal, June 1970, p. 10). Carl Sagan said of the information content of the human brain, “if written out in English . . . that information would fill twenty million volumes, as many as the world’s largest libraries” (ibid, quoting Broca’s Brain by Sagan, p. 275). If a computer was created by intelligence, how could we believe that the brain simply happened?

(3) The nervous system cries out design. Britannica says “transmission of information within the nervous system is more complex than the largest telephone exchanges” (1989 Vol. 2, p. 226).

(4) The kidneys cry out design. Some people require dialysis to survive. This requires time, hours each week. This requires money, tens of thousands of dollars each year. Ask these folks if they would trade working kidneys for a dialysis machine.

(5) Man’s intellect is able to design certain replacement body parts. There are replacement knees, prosthetic hands, feet and limbs. There are hearing aids which enhance a damaged ear’s ability to hear. However, which of these can perform all the functions of the original?

The human body originating by chance has been compared to a tornado sweeping through a junk yard and the result being a fully functional 747 jet. It has also been compared to an explosion at a print shop which results in an unabridged dictionary. The human body cries out design.

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Different Types of Sin

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

“Sin is sin,” we are sometimes told. Thus, it is concluded that all sins should be dealt with the same way.

But is this true? I think not. Let’s notice:

1. Personal, Private Matters between Two Brethren (Matthew 18:15-17).

Step one – Go reason with your brother. Communication with him, not gossip to others, is what is needed. The motive in approaching him should not be to “let him have it,” but “gain your brother”.

Step two – Visit with one or two others. This accomplishes a few things: it (a) demonstrates to the offender the seriousness of the situation; (b) provides witnesses to what is said; (c) provides ideally impartial arbitrators; (d) helps establish the facts; and (e) provides another opportunity for reconciliation.

Step three – The matter is set forth before the church, if, and only if, sin has been determined and the offender does not confess his wrongs and repent. The church should now involve itself in reasoning with the brother.

Step four – Christian fellowship ceases until repentance occurs. Many souls could be saved if we did things God’s way.

2. General Disorderliness (2 Thessalonians 3).

Step one – They had received initial teaching on the matter (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Step two – Some time later, they were again instructed on the matter (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

Step three – The brethren were urged to get involved in this warning (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

Step four – Fellowship is withdrawn (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 10, 12).

Note: This did not drag on for years and years.

3. A Divisive Person (Titus 3:10).

Step one – warn.

Step two – warn.

Step three – reject.

Note: This is dealt with in fewer steps. Anyone dividing brethren unnecessarily, and sowing discord needs swift action. Delay could destroy the local church.

4. Shocking/Egregious Sin (1 Corinthians 5).

One step – “deliver such a one to Satan…. I have written to you not to keep company” (1 Corinthians 5:5, 11). This does not involve multiple steps. Immediate action was needed. Even the non-Christian did not commonly so behave (1 Corinthians 5:1-2). This situation could (a) bring reproach upon the whole church; (b) corrupt the church (1 Corinthians 5:6-7).

5. False Teachers (Romans 16:17; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 John 9-11).

One step – “note and avoid” (Romans 16:17), “from such withdraw” (1 Timothy 6:5); “do not receive him into your house nor greet him” (2 John 10). There are not multiple steps. Immediate action is needed. False teachers should not be tolerated, or in any way encouraged.

I conclude, from these different passages, that while all sin is serious, not all sin is to be handled in the same manner. May God give us wisdom in this area.

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Thanksgiving

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

A true Christian should not need the government to set aside one day per year as “Thanksgiving Day” to remember to be thankful.  In fact, our lives should exude thankfulness and should be characterized by thanksgiving.  1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God…”  Colossians 3:15 instructs “…be ye thankful.”

What are some things for which a Christian should be thankful?

  1. We should be thankful for the food we eat (1 Timothy 4:4-5).
  2. We should be thankful for faithful brethren (Eph. 1:15-16; Phil. 1:3-8; Col. 1:3-4; 3:12-   15; 1  Thes. 1:2- 3; 2 Thes. 1:3-4; Rom. 1:8; 16:3-4; 2 Tim. 1:3-5).
  3. We should be thankful for our families (Psalm 127:3; Prov. 17:7; 18:22).
  4. We should be thankful for the pattern that God has given us to live within, and by which to conduct our lives (Col. 2:6-7).  This pattern, if followed, will make us better husbands, wives, sons, daughters, neighbors, friends, employers, and employees.
  5. We should be thankful that God has saved us.  1 Cor. 15:57 reads, “thanks unto the Father which giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Col. 1:12-14 “… thanks  unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath
    delivered us from  the power of darkness, and hath translated us  into the kingdom of his dear Son: “In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
  6. We should be thankful for what Jesus has allowed us to become (cf. 1 Tim. 1:12).  He took four fishermen, Peter, James, John and Andrew and made them “fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19).  He took Paul, the chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15), and transformed him into an apostle.  He is not ashamed to call us brethren (Heb. 2:11)!

Who should be thanked?

The answer is God.  Consider:  1. It is noteworthy that when Paul considered the good done by brethren, he thanked God (Phil. 1:3-5; 2:13-14; Col. 1:3-4; 1 Thes. 1:2-3; 2:13; 2 Cor. 9:10-15).  This is the case for it is God that motivates man to do the good he does (Phil. 2:13 cf. 1 Thes. 2:13; 2 Cor. 8:16).  2.  It is God that should be thanked for our physical blessing, such as our food (1 Tim. 4:4-5; Matt. 15:36 cf. Mark 8:6; Matt. 14:19 cf. Mark 6:41). In fact, we owe Him thanks for our very existence. The Psalmist instructs, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture” (Ps. 100:1-3). In truth, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (Jam.1:17).  3. Clearly, it is He from whom all spiritual blessings flow. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1Pet. 1:3-4). Conclusion: It is God, Who should be thanked.

May we always be thankful.  As for me and my house, we cease not to be thankful for you!

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Careful With The Lines

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Must you and I see each and every Bible passage exactly alike for us to fellowship one another?  It has been my experience, that some are ready to contend over the smallest, most trivial of things.  They are ready to draw lines of fellowship over anything that anyone differs with them over.

I have been disturbed over two extremes among us.  One extreme is the congregation or brother that will not recognize what God says, and will fellowship those who by God’s standard we should not.  This is a most common problem in the church today.  The other extreme is the congregation or brother who is ready to draw lines very quickly and sharply over things God hasn’t.

Let us examine some commonly used, but faulty standards of judgment, and find some general guidelines, from the Bible itself to help us determine when to draw lines of fellowship.  Also, let us consider some things that both the Bible, and common sense tells us that we can differ over without division.

 Faulty Standards

Public Opinion:  We hear much said today about public opinion polls in politics.  We live in a Constitutional Republic that some therefore, seem to think, that whatever the majority wants is what should happen.  But, let me remind you that approximately 1,970 years ago, the public opinion poll called for the release of Barabas and the execution of Jesus (Luke 23:18).  Now, who could possibly say that public opinion is an adequate standard of judgment?

Feelings:  For some, the answer to right or wrong, or to which course of action to take is solely dependent upon their feelings.  Need we be reminded, that Saul “thought… that (he-B.H.) ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9).  Clearly, such is an inadequate standard to determine fellowship.

Traditions: Read Matthew 12:1-2.  Brethren understand that in essence what they were calling Jesus and His disciples was a “liberal.”  The accused His disciples of violating the law.  But, they did no such thing.  They were not in violation of the Sabbath law (Exodus 12:16).  Nor, were they in violation of the owner’s property (Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22; Deuteronomy 23:34; 24:19-21).  They had not violated God’s law.  The had only violated these Pharisee’s tradition, which they had added to God’s law.  Let us be careful to make sure that we only bind what God has already bound.

Hearsay:  Some draw lines of fellowship over the most flimsy of evidence.  In private matters, they rely upon “he said, she said.”  How easy it is for accusations to be hurled at those in leadership capacities in the Lord’s church.  Often these accusations are accepted as “Gospel truth” without any substantial proof.  The Bible demands more.  We are instructed to “Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).  In private matters there must be more than one witness to the facts before it becomes a church fellowship matter (Matthew 18:15-17).  Knowing that leaders are such an easy target, and knowing that there are always some seeking to discredit them, the Holy Spirit warned, “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses… lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins” (2 Timothy 5:19, 21).

Association:  I understand that one can tell a lot about a man by looking to see whom his close friends are.  I also understand that who we keep friends with can influence our behavior (Proverbs 22:24-25; 27:17; 1 Corinthians 15:33, etc.).  Moreover, I understand that we should not be fellowshipping those whom God doesn’t (1 Corinthians 5:11; Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10; 2 John 9-11).  However, there are some that are ready to write another off as apostate just because he was seen with someone of questionable (or worse) character.  Read Luke 15:1-7 and Matthew 9:9-12.  Now, it should be understood that Jesus wasn’t here fellowshipping error, or encouraging, or following after sin, nor was He supporting false teaching (Ephesians 5:11).  He was with them to teach them.  We must be very careful with this “guilt by association” attitude.  Let us be sure we know what is going on before we condemn by association.

Imputing Motives:  The truth is, though we may suspect, it is most difficult – if not impossible, to truly know motives, sincerity, and the intent of another’s heart (1 Corinthians 2:11).  Could those at Corinth really judge Paul’s motives (1 Corinthians 9:16-18)?  Of course not.  But, Paul did say the Lord “will make manifest the counsels of the heart…”  When the Day of Judgment comes (1 Corinthians 4:5).  When dealing with others, let us stay with the facts of action; let us not assign wrongful motives, or a lack of sincerity, unless they choose to tell us directly of their motives, intent or sincerity.

The Party Spirit:  I’ve met folks over time who when asked about a doctrinal issue say: “What does brother so-and-so say?” and then they say, after you’ve told them brother so-and-so’s position, “Well, if he holds that position, I guess I do as well.”  Brethren, any of us can err!  Even Peter did, and led away others with him (Galatians 2:11-14).  Let us remember, “when truth is in question, respect of persons is inadmissible.”  Let us, as those noble Bereans, determine right from wrong by “searching the Scriptures” (Acts 17:11).

General Guidelines

General Rule #1:  When one puts into practice that which is contrary to doctrinal truth it becomes a fellowship matter.  Brethren, there are a lot of things that a person might privately hold and not practice.  For instance, a person might hold that it is theoretically permissible to drink beer, smoke pot,  have an abortion, and worship with mechanical instruments and a host of other things, that, of course, the Bible condemns.  Should his personal, privately held views (which he does not practice, or teach to others) divide us?  I do not, in the Scriptures, find fellowship being severed for personal private belief.  But, I do find it being severed over sinful, unrepented of, practices.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 commands that fellowship be severed from “every brother that walketh disorderly…”  The term “walketh” signifies not personal views, but wrongful actions in practice.  2 Thessalonians 3:14 says, “If any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him.”  Again, the words “obey not” clearly signifies that it is the wrongful practice that here-in breaks precious fellowship.  This is not to say that thoughts are not important, for they are.  But, as a general rule something becomes a fellowship matter when put into practice. Note: Different types of sins are to be handled with different steps, e.g. private matters between brethren(Mt 18), public egregious sins(1 Cor 5), general disorderliness(1,2 Thes), heretics(Tit 3), false teachers(Rom 16; 2 Jn). These things we will deal with in a separate writing.

However, there are exceptions.  There are some things, which simply must be believed for us to be one, and for fellowship to be maintained.  Concerning God, we are told that we, “must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).  Without such faith, “it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6).  Jesus said in John 8:24, “If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins.”  Yes, it matters what we believe about some things.  In fact, Jesus built His church upon certain truths that must be accepted (Matthew. 16:15-18; cf. Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37).  If one privately and quietly believed not and such came to my attention, yes, such would become a fellowship matter.

But my point is this: though there are exceptions pointed out by the Bible itself, as a general rule a belief becomes fellowship issue when put into action.

General Rule #2:  When one begins to teach that which is contrary to sound doctrine, that is, when one begins to teach (publicly or privately) that which could cost another his soul, it becomes a matter of fellowship.  The Bible instructs that we are to “speak” the things which become sound doctrine (Titus 2:1; cf. 1 Timothy 1:10;  2 Timothy 1:13-14).  Paul called the names of men who preached contrary things (2 Timothy 2:16-18).  Romans 16:17 says, “mark them, which causes divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine, which ye have learned; and avoid them.”  Galatians 1:9 says, “if any man preach any other gospel unto you… let him be accursed.”  2 John 10-11 reads, “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”  From these passages, understand that though it may be possible to quietly and privately hold certain beliefs, when one starts teaching or proclaiming those beliefs which are contrary to sound doctrine, then such does become a fellowship matter.

James 3:1 warns in the NKJV: “Let not many of you become teachers knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”  These word are set forth to warn us of the seriousness of the role of a Bible teacher.  A teacher’s word can subvert whole houses (Titus 1:9-11).  Moreover, Matthew 18:6 (NKJV) warns, “whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depths of the sea.”  Bible class teachers, before we present something as serious as God’s truth, we had better make sure that it is His truth and not our opinion.  This is serious, serious business.  Souls are at stake, including our own.

Generic Commands & Expedience

Brother Perry Cotham has well said, “under generic commands man has liberty and there may be diversity in practice.”  What is a generic command?  A generic command would be, for instance, Mark 16:15.  Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world…”  Watch the fact that he did not tell man how to go.  He left the mode of travel up to man.  For this reason, Paul did not do anything wrong when he went by ship upon the water (Acts 16:11-12; 20:1-3).  Nor did he sin by walking (Acts 20:13).  Neither did Philip sin when he rode in the chariot (Acts 8).  They were well within their rights in these matters.  Another example is where God commands that a collection be taken up each “first day of the week” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).  Notice that He has given us liberty as to what to put the collection in.  If, therefore, congregation “A” decides to use a silver tray, and congregation “B” chooses to use a brown paper bag, both are still obedient to God and able to maintain fellowship.  When God has not specified “how” or “when” something is to be done, there is room for opinion.

We may disagree as to what is the most expedient course.  We may have a very strong opinion as to what would be best, but these are not what should divide us.  By the way, if your opinion in these areas of expediency differs with your overseers – yield yourself to their decisions.

Differing over the Exact Meaning of a Passage

What if you and I don’t see eye to eye on a certain passage of Scripture?  For example, in 1 Thessalonians 4:4 the term “vessel” is used.  Some teach that this word “vessel” is being used to refer to a wife.  That is, much like 1 Corinthians 7:2 where it is said that Paul is saying that in order to avoid fornication each should have his own wife.  I disagree with this interpretation.  I believe for reasons I’ll not go into at this time,  that what Paul is saying is that we each should maintain control over our own body (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:9).  I believe that the term “vessel” is being used for one’s own physical body.  But, the question remains – would I withdraw myself  from a brother who taught differently?  Would I brand him a false teacher because he said the term “vessel” referred to the wife and not to one’s own body?  The answer is – I would not.

Remember the general rules?  Though I may reason with the teacher, and though I may reject his view, I would not withdraw myself, because what he teaches is taught elsewhere in Scripture.  Furthermore, one would not be practicing anything wrong, or failing to practice what he should, by following his teaching.  Another example of varying opinions is: what does the term “body” signify in 1 Corinthians 6:18?  Brethren, we can and should press our points in Bible study.  But unless someone is teaching something, if followed, would jeopardize the soul, then let us not divide.

Akin to the above are those items which actually do not apply to us today.  I have heard of brethren nearly dividing over whether those under John’s baptism had to be rebaptized.  I have a definitive view on this, however, which of us ever lived under John’s baptism?  Why then should this divide us?  I have heard of brethren dividing over what law people were under between Christ’s death and Pentecost.  Again, which of us lived during this period of time?  Why then should we divide over it?

This article is simply intended to calmly consider the fact that every difference is NOT a fellowship issue.  It is intended to caution us not to be too hasty in jumping the gun without closely examining some basic Bible teaching in the area of fellowship first.

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