How Are We Tempted? (Part 1)

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

In Medicine, the more that is known about how a disease is contracted, the better prepared one is to avoid it.

In Security, the more one understands how the employees or customers steal, the more prepared the company is to prevent it.

In Military, the more one understands how his enemy will attack, the better prepared the military will be to resist such an attack.

Likewise, spiritually the more we understand how our adversary the devil tempts us, the more prepared we will be to resist sin.

Let’s look…

1.  James 1:14: “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

What leads to sin?  First, one has certain lust(s) or desire(s) within the mind [The word “lust” in the original language can be used of good and wholesome desires (Luke 22:15; Philippians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:7).  However, it is very commonly used of evil and wrongful desires.]  The means of temptation is through our desires.  Think about this: Is there anything wrong with the desire for food?  Or physical intimacy?  No!  But such must be regulated by the word of God.

Second, we are enticed.  The word “entice” in the original language means ‘to bait, to lure by bait.’  Think of a fish-hook with a juicy worm on the end wiggling around before the fish.  The devil takes our desires and dangles them before us trying to get us to satisfy these desires in a way which is contrary to God’s will.

Third, the lure draws us, as a baited hook does a fish.  Please note that to be tempted is not sin (Heb. 4:15), as we sing “yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin.”  Though, we may have certain desires, we must recognize the hook of sin and avoid grabbing hold.  In fact, we’d do well to run from it (2 Timothy 2:22; Genesis 39:12)

The points I want you to remember are: (1) Satan does not make us do something.  He lures us.  (2)  Satan can use even good and natural desires to bait us.  Many times God has made available a legitimate way for us to fulfill those desires.  Satan tries to get us to fulfill our desires in a different way, a way which is contrary to God’s will.

2.  James 1:15: “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

The imagery changes a bit from the previous verse.

This concerns conception and birth.

First, it starts with lust(s) or desire(s) becoming implanted in you.  The desire may be universally sinful, or it may be that you are not authorized to receive this desire in the way you seek it.

Second, if that lust (desire) is allowed to grow it will give birth to sin.  It is extremely important that we guard  our minds (Proverbs 4:23; Mark 12:30; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8).

Third, the end result is (spiritual) death.  Just like the fish which has been hooked!

3.  1 John 2:15-17: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

The word “world” can refer to: (1) The universe – the Kosmos, the Greeks so used.  (Roy Lanier Jr. cites John 17:24 for this usage); (2) The earth (Romans 1:8; 1 John 3:17); (3) By metonymy: The human race which inhabits this ordered sphere (1 John 2:2; Matthew 5:14); (4) The gentiles as distinguished from the Jews (Vine’s cites Romans 11:17); (5) The sum of temporal possessions (Matthew 16:26; 1 Corinthians 7:31); (6) The evil which dominates this world (John 15:18-19; Galatians 6:14; Colossians 2:8; James 1:27; James 4:4; 1 John 4:5; 1 John 5:19).  I do believe that this last usage is in usage here [though, it is possible to love this material world too much.  See 2 Timothy 3:4b; Romans 1:25; Luke 8:14; Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:2].

The “things of the world” means do not love anything that may be included in the term “world”.  It is a movement from the general to the specific.

Now, let’s consider the three areas of temptation.  First, there is the lust of the flesh (that is: fleshly needs, desires, and appetites).  Roy Deaver has written, “The natural desires of the human body are not inherently sinful.  They are God-given.  God has provided for their satisfaction.  These desires can be satisfied in the right way, or they can be satisfied in a wrong way” (Romans, p. 201).  Robert Taylor Jr. adds, “Bodily appetites are not wrong per se.  But they are to be fulfilled legitimately.  We hunger for food, air, sexual release, security, etc.  There are wrong ways to obtain such; there are right ways to obtain such” (Studies in Romans, p. 114).  Kerry Duke has also said, “Since we dwell in a physical body, we are dependent upon the world.  We must breathe, eat, and sleep to survive… even more significant is that those drives are involuntary, having been instilled by the Creator… Man’s craving for food is an inherent drive.  Wish though he may that this did not exist, man cannot escape the need for food.  But though the desire itself is not of man’s choosing, his response to it is.  In fact, how man handles physical hunger is indicative of whether he exercises a basic Christian virtue: temperance or self-control” (God at a Distance, p. 87).  Again, he writes of man’s sexual drive, “The feelings themselves may be involuntary and spontaneous, but to experience a feeling is one thing; how one responds to it is a different matter” (ibid, p. 95).  “…It is important to remember that although dealing with the intensity of the sexual drive is a major struggle of life, fulfilling this desire is not a necessity of life” (ibid, p. 98).  And to the married he said, “For the Christian, the sexual drive is not so much an enemy to be conquered as a force to be channeled” (ibid, p. 91).

Second, there is the lust of the eyes (that is: temptation comes through our senses – sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell).  The eyes are an avenue for temptation to come our way (2 Samuel 11:2; Proverbs 6:25; Proverbs 23:31).  The ears are another avenue (Proverbs 2:16; Proverbs 6:20-24; Proverbs 7:4-5).  Smell may also lead to temptation (Proverbs 7:17; possibly Genesis 25:29-30).  We need to be careful what we allow to come into our minds by these avenues (Job 31:1; Proverbs 23:31; Matthew 5:29; 2 Peter 2:14).

Third, there is the pride (vain-glory) of life.  Most of us like to be liked.  We want to have the comforts of this life.  We want to receive the praise of men.  We must decide whose praise is most important to us.  In John 12:42-43 there were some who believed in Jesus, but they would not confess Him, “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God”.  Our aim needs to be to please God (over man).  [Read 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Galatians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 5:9 NKJV].  Let us accept the truth that if we truly are what we should be, not all will speak well of us (Luke 6:26).  Some have erred from the faith for the things of life (1 Timothy 6:9-10; Luke 8:14; 2 Timothy 4:10).  False teachers some times play upon our desire to be admired (Jude 16).

Beware of how temptation comes to you.  Tempting situations you can avoid, avoid.  Those things which are unavoidable (natural, physical desires of the flesh) understand how such can be used to tempt you and be vigilant (1 Peter 5:8).

Posted in Man, Sin, Temptation, Textual study, Word Study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

An Application of Philemon for the Modern Day

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

The book of Philemon is a true story which touches the heart.  Onesimus, a runaway slave, somehow while on the lam, came in contact with the imprisoned apostle Paul.  Paul converted Onesimus (Philemon 10).  Yet, there remained a problem: Onesimus was still a fugitive slave.

Paul sent him back (Philemon 12).  This could have meant that he would face severe punishment, or worse, even death.  Adam Clark correctly penned, “The Christian religion never cancels any civil relationship” – that is, which does not violate the law of Christ (Commentary vol. 6, p. 665).  David Lipscomb similarly commented, “The Christian religion does not destroy the relations regulated by civil law.  It sanctifies, makes the Christian use them… with the fidelity he would serve God” (Gospel Advocate Commentary Series, vol. 5, p. 298).  Guy N. Woods well wrote, “Christianity does not remove moral, financial and legal obligations, it sanctifies them and establishes additional reasons why they should be honored (“Paul writes to His Friend Philemon,” Gospel Advocate, May 7, 1964, p. 298).

Paul was not heartless.  He truly cared for Onesimus.  He knew his master, Philemon.  It’s likely that he had even converted him at some point in the past (Phile. 19).  Therefore, Paul wrote to plead for mercy.  He used the following points to persuade: (1) Onesimus may have never been profitable unto you, but he will be now (Philemon 11, 15-16).  Note – the name Onesimus, itself, means profitable.  He had not lived up to his name in time past, but he would now.  (2) He has been a great help to me (v. 13).  The suggestion shows that he is capable of work and service.  (3) It may well be by God’s providence that he met up with me, and was converted (v. 15-16).  (4) He is a “brother” in Christ (v. 16).  Note – Paul earlier had referred to Philemon by the same term (v. 7).  Yes, he is a slave; But he’s more, he is a brother with whom you may have fellowship forever more.  (5) If you’ve suffered a financial loss due to him for which you demand justice, I will repay you (v. 18-19).  Remember, what you yourself owe to me (1 Corinthian 9:11; Galatians 6:6).  Do you understand the value of the Christian life?  All else pales in comparison.  (6) You doing the merciful thing would give me great joy, and I have confidence that you will go beyond what I am asking (v. 20-21).

Perhaps, Paul also showed his concern for Onesimus by having Tychicus accompany him in travel (Colossians 4:7-9).  This may have been to help keep Onesimus from falling into the hands of the slave-catchers (suggested by Coffman in his commentary, Vol. 9 on New Testament, p. 354).  It may have been to help keep Onesimus to have the courage to return.  It may have been to help with intercession for Onesimus, and smooth the reception.  Or, it may be that Tychicus was already traveling that way.

Modern Application

It is estimated that there are as many as 20 million illegal immigrants in this country.  Pat Buchanan put this number in perspective saying, “If near the mark, we have millions more illegal aliens in the United States today than the sum total of all the Germans, Italians, Irish, and Jews who ever came to America in the four hundred years of our history on this continent.” (State of Emergency, p. 10-11).  A 2004 Time Magazine article, “Who Left the Door Open?” concluded, “It’s fair to estimate… that the number of illegal aliens flooding into the U.S. this year will total 3 million – enough to fill 22,000 Boeing 737-700 aircraft, or 60 flights everyday for a year” (ibid, from Time magazine, Sept. 20, 2004).

Most of this is no doubt driven by economics.  “Between 1940 and 1970, the population of Mexico more than doubled, from 20 million to 54 million.  In those years, there was almost no migration to the United States from Mexico.  Since 1970, however, some 65 million more Mexicans have been born – and about 20 million of them have migrated northward, with most of that migration occurring after 1980… In the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s, the Mexican economy grew an average rate of almost 7 percent a year… since 1980, Mexico has averaged barely 2% growth.  The average Mexican was actually poorer in 1998 than he had been in 1981” (The Melting Pot Boils Over, p. 29 from an article by David Frum).  Mexico ranks 12th out of 212 countries in GNP; America ranks 1st (World Reference Atlas c. 1998).  Per Capita Mexico ranks 80th out of 224 countries in GNP; America ranks 6th (www.studentsoftheworld.info). Mexico’s  Per capita GDP is $5,000 compared to America’s which is more than $40,000 (Buchanan, p. 123).  The reason so many want to come to this country, even illegally, is understandable.

Another thing driving it is America’s inconsistent and mixed message.  The Federal Government calls it illegal (though I question their lack of aggressiveness in dealing with the situation), while some cities are ‘sanctuary cities’.   The Federal Government says it’s illegal, but American companies hunger greedily for the cheap labor.  In 1986 the Reagan administration  put in place a plan which granted amnesty to 3 million illegals.  The borders, however, were never secured.  Thus, this fueled the desires of many more to come over illegally.

  Now, let’s get some things straight.  I am not anti-immigration.  I am not suffering from Xenophobia (though some may be!!).  I am not writing this from political motivation, or nationalism (though some do).  I am not necessarily defending our immigration policies (in large measure our inconsistencies have created much of this mess).

Moreover, this is not written just about illegals from Mexico.  I have heard of illegal and fraudulent immigration by Jamaicans.  I saw a report on a television program recently about illegal immigration from India.  Many from India have been brought over as guest workers for certain skilled or high-tech jobs (under the H-1B Visa).  Many overstay their visas and do not return home.  It is true that most illegal immigration is from Mexico, however illegal immigration comes from nearly everywhere.

The reason I believe this issue needs to be addressed is biblical.  God’s people are to be subject unto the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-17).  This we are to do so long as human law does not violate God’s law (Acts 4:1-20; 5:12-32).  Consider two situations: (1) Some who illegally enter this country are converted once here.  (2) Some who illegally enter this country are church members (that is: they were even before entry).  Brother Cliff Martin, friend and Gospel Preacher in Jamaica, has told me that some Jamaican Christians would sell their soul to the devil to get to America.  He said that they have been known to marry just to get to America, divorcing soon after arrival.  One preacher married his cousin in a pre-planned scheme to gain U.S. citizenship; divorcing and going separate ways once the mission was accomplished.  Some buy and used forged and fraudulent documents in order to gain employment once here.

Another problem is not illegal immigration by man’s laws, but is a related sin problem.  It involves the breaking of promises, and the siphoning off of native preachers.  Some impoverished church in Jamaica (or some other place) scrapes their money together to send one of their own to a school of preaching in America.  The one sent promises to return home and labor in that same local church, or at least in that native land.  However, upon completion of studies, it is common for the one here legally to decide not to return and look for a way to either become a U.S. citizen or at least maintain legal immigrant status.  These are serious issues.

What should we do?  (1) Like Paul did with Onesimus, we need to teach that obedience to the Gospel does not make their illegal status go away.  (2) Like Paul, we need to encourage them to make things right.  They either need to get immediate legal standing, or they need to go home.  (3) Like Paul, we should be compassionate.  We should do what we can to help in the situation.  (4) We need to remind them that their soul is worth far more than the blessings that this country can offer (Mark 8:36-37; Hebrews 11:25; 12:14-17).  (5) We should not knowingly employee illegals.  We should not aid or abet criminal behavior.  (6) If we don’t like the law, we should peacefully seek to change it.  (7) Use this influx of illegals as an opportunity to convert souls to Christ.  The mission field is here!  Perhaps one-fifth of Mexico is here.  “Los Angeles has the second largest Hispanic population of any city in the world.  Chicago is the second largest Polish city.  New York City has the second largest Puerto Rican population in the world.  Also, more Jews are in New York City than in Tel Aviv, Israel.” (Gospel Advocate, June 1995, p. 13 – article Evangelistic Challenges in the United States by Everett Huffard).  Chinatown in San Francisco is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia (artmam.net).  There are more Jews in the United States than in all of Israel (www.simpletoremember.com).

It saddens me that so many churches seem to care more about the score board (attendance figures / contribution amount) than they do about teaching the truth on this subject.

It’s confusing to me how some would teach that adulterous unions must be severed, but they see not problem with illegals remaining illegals.

It is time that we go back and re-read this touching account of Onesimus’ situation as is told in the book of Philemon.

Something else: We should not assume that just because someone is of Mexican, or Central American origin that he’s illegal.  Assuming this is nothing short of prejudice; And, no, we should not ask to see a “Green Card” before we allow one to worship with us!

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Hidden Hunger: How’s Your Diet?

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Scurvy

In 1535, a French group of sailors, headed by Jacques Cartier wintered on the St. Lawrence River (near modern-day Montreal, Canada).  The men developed scurvy.

“The word ‘scurvy’ means ‘scaly skin.’  This disease caused its victims to lose weight and grow weak.  Gums bleed and teeth loosen.  Sores do not heal.  Connective fibers weaken that hold the body together.  Victims of scurvy die as if they have come apart.”1

The natives came to aid.  They prepared a drink made from pine needles soaked in water.  Cartier’s men were brought back to health.

Scurvy remained a most dreaded disease.  One man wrote, “In the 1700’s more sailors on British ships died of scurvy than of all other diseases, naval battles, and shipwrecks combined.”2

The problem was that ships lacked a way to keep food from spoiling in its natural form.  Some foods were dried.  Some foods were salted – salt pork, for example.  But due to preservation difficulties sailor’s diets were often lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables.   They were not receiving adequate quantities on a regular basis of vitamin C.

Dr. James Lind, a Scottish physician studied the situation.  He was convinced that it was a nutritional deficiency that was causing scurvy.  He recommended that the British sailors make landfall whenever possible for fresh food.  He recommended then to gather oranges, lemons, and limes.

The British would especially become known for their having limes on board their ships, and their drinking lime juice for they found that limes kept better than other citrus fruits.  This is why to this day British sailors are known as ‘limeys’.

Beriberi

In the 1800’s the Dutch East India Company set settlers in the orient.  These settlers often became sick.  They grew weak; paralysis set in; and finally death came (often due to heart failure).

Natives of the area called the disease beriberi.  The word means “I cannot.”

The strange thing about this disease was that it affected the European settlers.  However, the natives did not develop this disease.  This was quite puzzling, since the Europeans lived in seemingly far better conditions than did the natives.  The Europeans had better sanitary conditions than the natives.  The Europeans ate, it seemed, far better on average than did the natives.

In 1886, a medical doctor by the name of Christiaan Eijkman, a Dutchman, went to Java to look into this matter.  He discovered that the Europeans were eating only the fluffy white rice and not the common brown rice.  The natives, on the other hand, ate the “poor” brown rice.

Eijkman discovered that when chickens had their diets switched from brown rice to the expensive white rice, they too came down with beriberi.

Eijkman had solved the problem.  In 1929 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

We now know that beriberi is caused by a thiamine and vitamin B complex deficiency.

Other nutritional and vitamin deficiencies could be written of – e.g. rickets, Osteoporosis, etc..  However, the point is established: One can have a diet which consumes much quantities of food and still have an incomplete diet.

Application

We need to have a balanced diet from the word of God.  I’ve met folks who were experts on some Bible point(s) but who had glaring deficiencies in their total Bible knowledge.  Such is not good.  I’ve seen Bible readers who read only their favorite sections of scripture, or favorite verses and have no idea how the Bible fits together, nor do they understand sometimes the immediate context of the chapter, or book, nor the total context of the New Testament or the Bible as a whole.

I’ve known of churches that have no educational curriculum plan for their children’s Bible classes.  As a result the child, by the 12th grade may have heard about Noah, and Moses, and David dozens of times (as each teacher teaches only what they want) and have major portions of scripture which they have no familiarity at all with.  Then some teachers only teach topics instead of texts and as a result the children never learn the Bible as they should.  This is not good.

Some members only want to hear “positive” sermons.  They don’t want to hear the “negative” things of the Bible.  Such thinking leads to a spiritual nutritional deficiency.

Brethren, let us remember the words of Psalm 119:160, “The sum of thy Word is truth.”  Let us feed richly upon all that God has revealed to us, and apply it to our lives.  Someone  has said, “A congregation convenes as a jury, not to convict Judas, Peter, or Solomon, but to judge themselves.”

Endnotes

1.  John Hudson Tiner, Exploring the History of Medicine (MasterBooks, Green Forest, AR), c. 1999, p. 108

2. Ibid.

Posted in Bible Study, God`s word, Nature, Preaching, science | Tagged , , , | 15 Comments

Voting

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Some church members have been duped into believing that Christian principles should be checked at the door of the voting booth.  (1) Some have been told that the First Amendment requires this.  It does no such thing.  All the First Amendment does is to prevent the Federal Government from making laws respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.  In the early proposals of the wording for this amendment, George Mason proposed, “no particular sect or society of Christians ought to be favored or established by law in preference to others.”  James Madison proposed, “The civil rights of none shall be abridged on account of religious belief or worship nor shall any national religion be established.”  Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story, who was appointed by James Madison, remarked, “We are not to attribute this [first amendment] prohibition of a national religious establishment to an indifference to religion in general…”  The House Judicial Committee 1853-1854 commented, “What is an establishment of religion? … Had the people, during the Revolution had a suspicion of an attempt to war against Christianity, that Revolution would have been been strangled in its cradle.  At the time of the adoption of the Constitution and the amendments, the universal sentiment was that Christianity should be encouraged, not any one sect…”  The Senate Judiciary concurred saying, “What is meant by the expression?  It referred, without a doubt, to the establishment which existed in the mother country… endowment, at public expense, in exclusion of or in preference to any other, by giving to its members exclusive political rights, and by compelling the attendance of those who rejected its communion upon its worship or religious observances.”  Again, listen to Justice Story, “The real object of the First Amendment was not to countenance much less to advance, Mohometanism (sic), or Judaism, or infidelity by prostrating Christianity; but to exclude all rivalry among Christian sects.”  Folks, the First Amendment has to do with the Federal Government favoring of a religion, not how you vote.  (2) Others have been told that article 6 sec. 3 requires that we not use religious tests in selecting a candidate.  It reads: “No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”    The religious test had to do with the Federal Government’s rules, not the individual voters.  Moreover, many states did have requirements such as a belief in God, and a future state of reward and punishment.  Yet, some of these same states had a no religious test law also in their constitution (see Tennessee Constitution, Article 8 sec. 2 cf. Article 11 sec. 4).  A religious test under consideration is you must be (a Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic, etc.) of a certain religious group.

A true Christian should never check his Christianity at the door anywhere.  What are some of the issues a Christian should consider when voting?

Guidelines to vote by:

1.  Character matters – Exodus 18:21, “Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness [unjust gain ASV] and place such over them to be rulers…”  Such was the ruler under the Old Testament.

1 Timothy 3:10 – “Let these also first be proved; then let them use the office…”  According to 1 Timothy 3:6, “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he falls into condemnation of the devil.”  Those New Testament passages are speaking of the qualifications of deacons and elders; But perhaps these principles will help.

2.  Respect for God – Leaders of a nation should fear God (Exodus 18:21).  They should understand they are accountability before the Almighty.  Exodus 23:6-7 warns, “Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.  Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.”  2 Chronicles 19:6-7 admonishes, “Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not a man, but for the Lord… wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you…”  Psalm 82 reminds judges that one day they will appear the Judge.  Yes, both the small and great are accountable (Revelation 20:12).

3.  Desire for truth/discerner of truth – A good leader will not surround himself with sycophants and “yes men” who tell him only what he wants to hear.  “Righteous lips are the delight of kinds, and they love him who speaks what is right” (Proverbs 16:13 NKJV).  “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:5).  Read also Proverbs 26:28; 29:12.

4.  Care for poor/weak of society – David desired of Solomon, “He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment… He shall judge the poor of the people; he shall save the children of the needy and break into pieces the oppressor… For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.  He shall spare the poor and the needy and save the soul of the needy” (Psalm 72:2, 4, 12, 13).  Also read Psalm 82:3-4).

5.  Judges should be fair – Psalm 82:2-4 asks, “How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked?  Defend the poor and the fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and the needy.  Deliver the poor and the needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.”  Exodus 23:6 admonishes, “Thou shalt not     wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.  Deuteronomy 16:18-19, “… they shall judge the people with just judgment.  Thou shalt nor wrest judgment; Thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.”  Proverbs 31:9 pleads, “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”  The Bible has much to say about the work of judges.

Judges are not to show respect of persons (Exodus 23:3; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 16:19; 2 Chronicles 19:6-7).  This fairness is to work both ways: Neither the rich nor the poor are to be favored (Leviticus 19:15; cf. Exodus 23:3).  Note: Some do favor the rich over the poor; and some do favor the poor over the rich.

Judges are to take no bribes or gifts (1 Samuel 8:1-3; 12:3; 2 Chronicles 9:6-7; Isaiah 5:23; 33:14-15; Amos 5:12; Proverbs 17:23).  And yes, this principle is still in place (Matt. 7:12 cf. Acts 10:34-35; 1 Peter 1:17).

6.  Law makers are to make just laws – Isaiah 10:1-2 pronounces, “Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and write grievousness which they prescribed; to turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right of the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!”  It is wrong to make laws to legally rob the weak.

Proverbs 29:4 teaches, “The King by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts [take bribes NASB; receives bribes NKJV] overthrow it.”  Lawmakers who make laws to receive gifts from special interest groups are in violation of this teaching (cf. Matthew 7:12).

7.  Punishment of the wicked – One of government’s primary duties is to protect the innocent.  Psalm 101:8; David says: “I will early [morning by morning ASV] destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city…”  Proverbs 20:26 NASB, “A wise King winnows the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them” (cf. Proverbs 20:8).  The New Testament also teaches the authority of governments to punish wrongdoing, even to the point of death (Romans 13:1-4; cf. Acts 26:11).

Governments need to punish criminals.  Ecclesiastes 8:11 reads, “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.”

8.  It’s not “the economy stupid” – Proverbs 16:8 reads, “Better is a little righteousness than great revenues without right.”  The economy boomed under Jeroboam II, yet it doesn’t appear that God was impressed (2 Kings 14:23-29).

I would remind you that Benito Mussolini made the trains run on time.  Clearly a Christian should have more under consideration than just the economy. Yes, the economy matters, but it is not the only issue, or even the most important.

Having said this, a good ruler is considerate of economic issues.  It was a burdensome tax rate that led to a revolt in the days of Rehoboam (1 Kings 12).

9.  Care of creation – Various passages indicate that man should be good stewards of the things of this earth (Deut. 20:19 – 20; 22:6-7; 23:12 – 13; 25:4; Prov. 12:10; Matt. 14:20; 15:37; Mark 6:43; 8:8; Luke 9:17; John 6:12-13).

Remember that according to the Bible: A. Land may be used to build (Jer. 29:5; Matt. 21:33), to cultivate (Genesis 2:5; 3:19; 4:2; Job 1:14; 1 Kings 19:19; Jeremiah 4:3; Hosea 10:12; Matthew 13:3ff; James 5:2), and to extract resources (Genesis 21:25ff; Job 3:21; Proverbs 2:4; John 4:6ff).  B.  Plants may be used for food (Genesis 1:29; 3:2; Deuteronomy 26; Matthew 12:1, 2; 21:19 – 20; Luke 13:6ff; 1 Corinthians 9:7), shade (1 Kings 4:25; Jon. 4:5ff; Micah 4:4), lumber (Deuteronomy 19:5; 1 Kings 5:6; Isaiah 44:14 – 15) and fire (Isaiah 44:14 – 15).  C.  Animals may be used for food (Genesis 9:3; Luke 11:11 – 12; John 21: 5-6, 9-12; Acts 10:9ff; 1 Timoth 4:1-5), clothing (Genesis 3:21; Job 31:19 – 20; Matthew 3:4), produce – such as eggs, milk and wool (Genesis 18:8; Job 6:6; Proverbs 27:23, 27; Luke 11:11 – 12) work and transportation (Deuteronomy 25:4; 1 Kings 19:19; John 12:14, 15; Acts 8:28-31).  Man is even allowed to kill animals to protect or defend property or person (Exodus 21:28; 23:29; 1 Samuel 17:34-37; Acts 28:3-5).  Numerous passages teach that man is of greater worth than animals (Matthew 6:26; 10:29 – 31; 12:11 – 12; 18:12-14; Luke 13:5 -6; 14:1-5; 15:1-7).

10.  Values the sanctity of human life – The Bible uses the same word for what is in the womb and for what is out of the womb (Luke 1:41, 44 cf. 2:12).  What is in the womb is called life (Exodus 21:22-25).  The fetus possesses all the characteristics of life.  Moreover, there is no authority for us to destroy the unborn, scripturally speaking.

This is a great issue of our day.  Since Roe v. Wade, 45 million babies have been slaughtered.  This number is roughly equivalent to the combined populations of Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming – 24 states!

11.  Values the “traditional home” – God designed the home (Genesis 1; 2; Matthew 19: Hebrews 13:4).  We should support those who what to see marriage limited to one man and one woman.

There is a vigorous push to change things.  Some desire homosexual marriages.  If this is allowed, then polygamy must also be logically allowed.   Once polygamy is allowed, why not group marriages, as well, be fully recognized and legitimized by the government.

12.  Understand that one can legislate morality – the words “You can’t legislate morality” were originally used to mean you can criminalize behavior, but you can’t make a man inwardly moral.  For instance, you can criminalize discrimination.  But you can’t legislate against a racist heart.

I do agree that man can’t legislate the inward thoughts and feelings.  John Quincy Adams, “Human legislators can undertake only to prescribe the actions of men, they acknowledge their inability to govern and direct the sentiments of the heart…  It is one of the greatest marks of Divine favor… that the Legislator gave… rules not only of action but for the government of the heart.”  Thomas Jefferson, “(Jesus) pushed his scrutinizes into the heart of man, erected his tribunal in the region of his thoughts, and purified the waters at the fountainhead.”

However, listen to Dr. Sterling Lacy, “’Morality’ is defined as the condition of conforming to right principles… to ‘legislate’ means to make laws… What law has ever been erected by any government in the history of man that has not named something wrong and its opposite right… what today’s critics are saying is ‘we don’t want God to have anything to do with today’s morality.  We want to determine what is right and wrong.  America has become the battle ground between the world’s two oldest religions.  The first worships God.  The second worships man.  It is a question of which religious guidelines will undergird the legislation.”

Now I am certainly not saying that everything that is wrong according to the Bible should be criminalized by man’s laws.  But I am saying one can legislate morality.  Murder, theft, rape, are all legislated against, and they are moral issues.

13.  Party loyalty or Christian principles – A Christian should never be so loyal to a political party that he/she votes the party line regardless of the issues.  I am convinced that if Jesus was on one ticket and the devil on the other, some would cast their vote for the devil due to party loyalty.  Don’t be like that.

14.  Remember that ultimately the best way to change society is not by the vote – it is by Christians quietly working to turn their friends, loved ones, neighbors, and even their enemies to Christ.

I’m afraid that some think that they have defended right simply by voting.  Brethren, are we out preaching the message near and far?  This needs to be done as well and more so!  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if folks were as zealous about teaching the truth, exalting Christ, and winning souls as they were about the political process?

Final Thoughts

1. “When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice: but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn.” (Proverbs 29:2)

2. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”  (Proverbs 14:34).

3.  The voting process is extremely important.  James A. Garfield, “People are responsible for the character of Congress.  If that body be ignorant reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.  If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities… if the next centennial does not find us a great nation… it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.”   Abraham Lincoln opined, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”  Thomas Jefferson mused, “Perhaps this (political) party division is necessary to induce each (party) to watch and relate to the people.”  John Jay, first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, said, “The Americans are the first people whom heaven has favored with an opportunity of deliberating upon and choosing the forms of government which they should live.”  Again, “Providence has given to our people the choice of rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”  Constitutional signer, Richard Dobbs Spaight said, “I do not suppose an infidel, or any such person, will ever be chosen to any office unless the people themselves be of the same opinion.”  James Iredell, Supreme Court justice appointed by George Washington, remarked, “But it is objected that the people of America may perhaps choose representatives who have no religion at all, and that pagans and Mahometans (sic) may be admitted into office… But it is never to be supposed that the people of America will trust their dearest rights to persons who have no religion at all, or a religion materially different from their own.”  (If they could see what we’ve done now!)

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Most of My Heroes Are Gone! (Does Anyone Want to do Right Anymore?)

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Shame!  Shock!  Sadness!  This is what I felt, when I heard reports on the national TV news of one of my former Bible instructors being accused, confessing, and eventually being arrested for molesting small children.  Such is sick.  This was a mild-mannered man who I’d never have suspected of such.  There it was, another story that makes the church a reproach before the public.

Then there was a preacher’s wife murdered her husband.  This story hasn’t gone away yet.  The church was negatively portrayed.  This is not exactly the kind of publicity we want.

 A very prominent Christian apologist among us was involved in a homosexual scandal with interns and others.  Folks, these reports are all over the internet.  How badly we look!

I reminisce about the shameful things I have heard of in my years of preaching (over the greater part of the last two decades).  I have heard of preachers (some of them friends) committing adultery, and even leaving their families for a new life and a new wife.  I have heard of preacher’s wives committing adultery, and leaving their husbands for a new life.  In one case this woman had been married for over 40 plus years, but ran off with another man.  I have heard of preachers being charged with possession and even trafficking illegal drugs.  Numerous money fraud and embezzlement scandals have come to my ears.  I’ve even heard of a preacher and an elder’s wife running off together.  Many of these men and women I knew at least on some level.  Some were friends.  Some were heroes.

These shocking scandals are becoming all too common, but it is not just the modern-day scandals.  I remember reading a letter from a preacher of a generation ago, a hero of many and a familiar name to nearly all church members.  However, he wrote extremely racist, and hateful remarks. I do not believe that he made it to heaven, unless he repented, truly changing his heart.

Such behavior disappoints, weakens, and even destroys the faith of some.  Proverbs 25:19 says, “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.”  One man wrote, “such hypocrisy and misconduct are hard pills to swallow even for fellow believers.  But put yourself in the place of the person who already is struggling with doubts not only about the system of belief, but about the God behind the system.  From their vantage point, when the system ‘fails’ (i.e. when its adherents are unable to conform to it successfully in their own lives), what, then, shall be said about the God behind the system?” (The Many Faces, and Causes of Unbelief by Bert Thompson, p. 102-103).  James Bales has written, “The corruption, or short comings, or the hypocrisy in the lives of some believers have been used to justify the rejection of Christianity.  They are viewed as adequate samples of the faith, and since the samples are not good, the faith is viewed as bad “(How Can We Believe? By J.D. Bales, p. 49).

So what do we do when we see or hear of such things?  What lessons can we learn to help us in this matter?  What should we know to help us stay on track?

1.  Preachers are just humans like all others.  There is only one perfect example that ever existed. Jesus said, “He that followed me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).  The best Paul could say is that men could follow him as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).  Neither the local preacher, nor the elders, but Christ alone is the perfect example.

2.  True faith should not be built upon an attraction to some mere  mortal.  Some people are attracted to the church due to a closeness to a friend, or a loved one, and if that friend or loved one, or preacher disappoints faith is shattered.  But such is not true faith.  The Bible says, “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).  When studying with people, let us be sure to help the student develop true faith and not just an attraction to us as good, loving and kind people.  Faith in God and His word is what they need.

3.  Guard your influence.  Whether you know it or not, your behavior has influence.  One’s behavior can cause others to glorify God (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12), or blaspheme His Holy name (Romans 2:23-24; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:3-5).  Truth can be suppressed due to unrighteousness (Romans 1:18 NASB).  Our influence can lead others to Christ (1 Peter 3:1-6).  Someone has written:

“I am my neighbor’s Bible; He reads me when we meet.

Today he read me in my home; Tomorrow in the street.

He may be relative or friend; Or slight acquaintance be.

He may not even know my name, Yet, he is reading me.

Dear Christian friends and brothers, If we could only know,

How faithful the world records, just what we say and do.

Oh, how we would make Our record plain,

And labor hard to see, Our worldly neighbors

Won to Christ, While reading you and me.”

Another has said, “We are the only Bible this careless world may ever read, what if the lines are crooked, what if the type is blurred.”  Even our appearance we need to guard; we don’t want to send the wrong message (2 Corinthians 8:21).  To cause a person to stumble and be lost is a terrible thing.  Read carefully Matthew 18:6.  Let us never seek to do anything which would bring reproach and despite unto Christ and His church.

4.  We need to have determination.  Joshua 24:15 reads, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Jehovah – ASV).”  This is the type determination needed.  In the song: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, these words appear, “Tho none go with me, I still will follow; Tho none go with me, I still will follow; Tho none go with me, I still will follow; No turning back, no turning back”

5.  Keep in mind that the pleasures of sin do not last.  The pleasures of sin are but for a season (Hebrews 11:25; Proverbs 20:17).  The things which are seen are temporary; the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1).  Don’t trade your soul for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34).

6.  Folks, in many of these cases, I am not speaking of good men and women who were striving to live the Christian life, but had a momentary stumble, or lapse in judgment.  Such describes the best of men.  (It has been said that, “He is a poor preacher who cannot preach better than he practices; But he is a poorer preacher who does not strive hard to live up to what he preaches).  Instead, I am in many cases talking about a lifestyle of egregious sin which becomes discovered.  Many are skilled in hiding who they truly are.  Let us remember, “God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be bad” (Ecclesiates 12:14).  Paul speaks of a day “when God shall judge the secrets of men” (Romans 2:16).  Even if we could hide all from our fellow-man we can’t hide it from God (Proverbs 15:3; 1 Timothy 5:24-25).  He knows what we do when no one else is around.  He knows even our thoughts (Psalm 139).

7.  In most cases, no doubt those mentioned were at one time sincerely trying to live righteously.  However, over time things changed within; their focus was lost.  This should warn each of us to “take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).  Hebrews 2:1 says, “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.”

8.  Hypocrisy is not really justification for unbelief.  One writer explains, “It has been said that ‘hypocrisy is the tribute that vice pays to virtue.’  Put another way, it is contradictory for an unbeliever to attempt to justify his unbelief by pointing out hypocrisy in someone else.  The very fact that the unbeliever is willing to label the believer a ‘hypocrite’ proves that he is aware of the fact that the believer is not measuring up to the high standards of the system he professes to follow.  By suggesting that a believer is a hypocrite, the unbeliever implies that there is a system of belief that, when properly adhered to, would legitimize the conduct of the believer” (The Faces of Unbelief, p. 104).  James Bales put it this way, “When an individual accuses another of being a hypocrite, he is appealing to a standard of integrity.  He is saying that it is wrong to be hypocrite… Those who hold to a world view which justifies the acceptance of moral law can consistently oppose hypocrisy.  Those whose world view rules out moral law cannot be consistent and accept a standard which says hypocrisy is wrong” (ibid).

9.  I believe what we are seeing is symptomatic of the cultural corruption we have experienced as a nation over the last several decades.  We live in a sin-sick world.  What evils are in the world are also having an influence upon church members.  We live in a sex-saturated, money mad, self-obsessed, narcissistic society.  We may live in this world; but may we ever be cautious not to be of this world (John 8:23-24; 15:18-19; 17:15-16).

10.  In many funerals the preacher “preaches the departed into heaven”.  Folks, I may have confidence that a person had the hope of heaven based upon observation of the person.  However, in reality only God knows all that’s gone on with that person (some things are hidden) and whether the person has truly repented.  Read 1 Timothy 5:24-25.

Conclusion:  I want to go to heaven.  I hope that you do too.  Pledge with me that “I will strive hard to never do anything which brings reproach or causes the church to be despised and disgraced in the eyes of this community (and beyond).  I will not trade my soul for a bowl of stew.  I will guard my influence and strive to help, not hinder people in the Christian life.”

Posted in Christian Influence, Dedication, Faith, Sin | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Was Jesus Really Raised?

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

The whole of Christianity rests upon the resurrection of Jesus.  If he was not raised, Paul admits, “then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14 cf. v. 17).  He went on to say, “But now is Christ risen from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20).  He affirmed that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God… by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4).

Have you ever noticed how many times the New Covenant affirms Jesus’ resurrection?  The following is a list, that I’ve compiled, in which Jesus’ resurrection is affirmed: Matthew 28:6, 7; Mark 16:6, 9, 14; Luke 24:6, 34; John 2:22; 21:14; Acts 1:22; 2:31, 32; 3:15, 26; 4:2, 10, 33; 5:30; 10:40; 13:30, 33, 34, 37; 17:18, 31, 32; 23:6; 24:21; Romans 1:4; 4:24, 25; 6:4, 5, 9; 7:4; 8:11; 10:9; 14:9; 15:12; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:4, 12, 15, 20; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:20; Philippians 3:10; Colossians 2:12; 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Peter 1:3, 21; 3:21.  Clearly, the resurrection is a central message in early preaching, and in the New Covenant.

Moreover, Jesus prophesied that He would be raised (Matthew 12:39-40; 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34; Luke 9:22; 18:31-33; 24:6-8; John 2:19-22).  Even His opponents understood what He meant (Matthew 27:62-66).  Jesus’ own credibility rests upon His resurrection (cf. Deuteronomy 18:22).  Two things did the early Christians and non-Christians agree upon mutually.  (1) The both agreed that he died.  The apostles preached such (Acts 2:36; 3:15; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 23; 2:2).  The Roman historian Tacitus (A.D. 112) said that Christ, “…was put to death by Pontius Pilate, Procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberias” (Annals, 15:44).  The Talmud speaks of Jesus of Nazareth as “a transgressor in Israel, who practiced magic, scorned the words of the wise, led people astray… He was hanged on Passover Eve for heresy, and misleading the people” (F.F. Bruce, The New Testament Documents: Are they reliable? p. 101).  (2) The both agree that the body of Jesus was missing.  It did not stay in the tomb.  The Bible makes clear that His enemies knew this (Matthew 28:11-15).  Justin Martyr wrote in his Dialogue with Trypho (A.D. 165) of a letter that the Jewish community had circulated concerning the empty tomb.  The letter said of Jesus, “A godless and lawless heresy had sprung from one Jesus, a Galilaean deceiver, whom we crucified, but his disciples stole him by night from the tomb where he was laid when unfastened from the cross, and now deceive men by asserting that he has risen from the dead and ascended to heaven” (chapter 108 quoted by Kyle Butt and Eric Lyon in Behold! The Lamb of God, p. 139-140).  Another Jewish writing, Toledoth Yeshu (6th century A.D.) written to discredit Jesus say, “A diligent search was made and he (Jesus – B.H.) was not found in the grave where he had been buried.  A gardener had taken him from the grave… (ibid, p. 140).

What happened to the body?  Was Jesus raised from the dead?

Explanation #1:

He really wasn’t resurrected; The disciples just imagined, or hallucinated it.

This does not seem to be an adequate explanation.   Jesus was seen by a multitude of people [1. Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9; John 20:14-18); 2. Other women (Matthew 28:9-10); 3. Two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-32); 4. Simon (Luke 24:33-35; 1 Corinthians 15:5); 5. Ten disciples, without Thomas (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19, 25); 6. Eleven disciples, with Thomas (Mark 16:14; John 20:26-29); 7. Seven disciples at the Sea Tiberius (John 21:1-24); 8. Eleven disciples on mount in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20); 9. Over five hundred brethren at once (1 Corinthians 15:6); 10. James, thought to be Jesus’ half-brother (1 Corinthians 15:7); 11. The disciples at ascension (Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:3-11)].  Some of these who saw Him, knew Him well (1 John 1:1; 2 Peter 1:16).  These appearances occurred at different times, and places, to different people, over a period of forty days (Acts 1:3).

Gary Habermas has written, “Hallucinations are comparably rare.  They’re usually caused by drugs or bodily deprivation.  Chances are, you don’t know anybody who’s ever had a hallucination not caused by one of these two things.  Yet, we’re supposed to believe that over the course of many weeks, people from all sorts of backgrounds, all kinds of temperments, in various places, all experienced hallucinations” (quoted by Lee Strobel in The Case for Christ, p. 239).

Moreover, imagination or hallucination would not explain the missing body.  Remember, on this point of the body being missing there was agreement.

Explanation #2:

Perhaps, the disciples fabricated the story.  That is: they simply made up the story of the resurrection.

Why would they do so?  (1) Financial gain?  This does not seem likely.  Paul was educated at the feet of Gamaliel, the greatest legal scholar in Israel of that day (Acts 22:3).   He had contact with the highest officials in his nation (Acts 9:1-2; 22:5; 26:10).  He said, “I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation” (Galatians 1:14 NKJV).  His record was well-known to all Jews (Acts 26:4).  He may have been a Judge (Acts 26:10 – The words “I gave my voice” are literally, “I cast down my pebble.”  In court a white pebble was cast down for acquittal, a black pebble for condemnation.  The NASB and the question a rising star in Israel (Acts 22:3-5; 26:3-4; Gal. 1:13-14; Phil. 3:4-8). Yet, Paul gave all of this up by becoming a Christian.  He wrote, “What things were gain to me, those I count loss for Christ.  Yea, doubtless, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8). As a preacher, Paul often times had to support himself with his hands (Acts 18:3; 20:33-35; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8).  He told the elders from Ephesus, “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me” (Acts 20:33-34). Paul wasn’t even supported by those at Corinth (1 Corinthians 9; 2 Corinthians 11).  (2) Physical comfort?  Certainly not! Paul was stoned at Lystra and left for dead (Acts 14:19).  He caused a riot at Ephesus (Acts 19).  He described his hardships – “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.  Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and day I have been in the deep.  In journeying often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.  In weariness, and painfulness, in watching often, in hunger and thirst,  in fasting often, in cold and nakedness” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). ).  Think of others: Stephen was stoned to death (Acts 7:59-8:2); James was killed with the sword (Acts 12:2).  Extra-Biblical writings indicate that of the twelve, only John did not suffer martyrdom.  Yet, he did not have it easy.  He was exiled to the isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:9).  (3) Popularity?  I don’t think so!  Paul, upon conversion was alienated from Israel’s elite.  Three years after his conversion, some in the church still did not trust him (Acts 9:26 cf. Galatians 1:18).  His preaching did not always please his own brethren (Galatians 4:16).  The message was not always popular (Luke 6:26; Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4).

Moreover, if the story was fabricated – why would they be willing to die for a lie?  Many people will die for their religious beliefs if they sincerely believe them true.  But not if they know that it is a made up lie.  Pamela Binning Ewen, “Whether or not we believe that the events reported by the authors of the four Gospels are true, it is clear from their own conduct by the fact that they were willing to suffer the rest of their lives and even die for the right to teach that these events occurred, that they were truthful in their testimony at least insofar as they believed it to be so.  People do not (ordinarily anyway – B.H.) die for what they know to be untrue – for a lie” (Faith on Trial, p.90).

Further, there is still one other problem.  What happened to the body?

Explanation #3:

Maybe, the disciples did steal the body.  This is what was reported (Matthew 28:11-15).

How would they have done this?  The tomb was guarded by a “watch” or “guard” of soldiers (Matthew 27:65; 28:11).  Evidently, several were on duty at any given time (Matthew 28: 4, 11).  The tomb was sealed with a massive stone (Mark 16:3-4).  Stones weighing several tons are known to have been used to seal some tombs.  How would they have moved the massive stone without gaining the attention of the soldiers?

The guards explanation is suspicious (Matthew 28:13).  All would have had to be asleep at the same time.  If asleep, how did they know the disciples stole the body?  If they woke up in time to see, they certainly could have given chase.  How quickly could they have moved carrying the body?

Further, how does one explain the grave-clothes?  The custom of that day was for the body to be wrapped in clothing (bandages) and sticky spices (John 11:44; The Resurrection of Jesus Christ Historical… or Mythological by Edward Wharton, p. 15-16; Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary,  ‘Grave Clothing’, p. 323).  It was according to this custom that Jesus was buried (John 19:38-40).  However in the empty tomb we find the grave-clothes left behind.  “William Barclay, professor of New Testament at Glasgow University, and renowned as a scholar of the New Testament Greek, insists that the clothes were lying in their folds.’  That is, they were in a cocoon type shell as if Jesus had simply passed through them without disturbance!”  (Ed Wharton, p. 15).  The handkerchief that had been around his head had been folded up (John 20:4-7).  Why would thieves do such?  Wouldn’t it be faster, and easier just to take the body, clothing and all?  Ed Wharton writes, “The question which must be answered is this.  Who unwrapped Jesus, in unhurried manner rolled up the face napkin, then painstakingly, and with the skill of an artist, rewrapped those sticky grave-clothes back into their original shape so perfectly that they appeared as if they had not been tampered with?  And all of this went unobserved… who can believe it?  (ibid, p. 16).

Next, and most importantly – how do you explain the disciples change in courage?  Prior to the resurrection, the disciples were a frightened, discouraged, dispirited bunch (Matt. 26:56).  Peter denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75).  The met behind closed doors due to fear (John 20:19).  After the resurrection, they were emboldened to give witness, suffer imprisonment, and even death for the cause of Christ.  Notice the change (Mark 14:50, 70-71; cf. Acts 4:17-21; 5:27-29).

Explanation #4: Maybe, they bribed the guards.

Such will not work!  Guards of that day knew that to have missing, what you were posted to guard, ordinarily meant great punishment, even death (see Acts 12:19; 16:26-27; 27:42).

Moreover, this wouldn’t explain the fact that the disciples were willing to die for this.  Rational people do not die for what they know to be a hoax.

Explanation #5:

Perhaps Jesus wasn’t really dead.  He suffered on the cross, but was taken down before death.  He was placed in the tomb, and three days later he was recovered enough from his injuries to leave under his own strength.

Remember, the soldiers declared him dead (John 19:31-34).  They even thrust a spear into his side, which likely was in effort to verify his death; And, from his side flowed water and blood.  “Most medical experts agree that this is an accurate description of what would have been observed, since water would have come from the pericardium surrounding the heart, and the blood from  the right side of the heart.  Some medical experts have observed that the water could also have been fluid accumulated in the lungs as a result of the beatings that Jesus suffered.  All agree that this is strong proof of death” (Faith on Trial, by Pamela Ewen, p. 131).  Who can believe this recovery story?  “It is ludicrous to suppose that after suffering a night of anxiety so extreme as to cause sweat of blood, no sleep, a lack of food or water, beatings, a scourging, the labor of carrying his own cross to Golgotha, a crucifixion during which he was nailed to a cross for hours and then pierced with a lance, and thereafter being wrapped in one hundred pounds of spices, and placed in a cold tomb for the night, that Jesus could have lived.  Scourging alone was almost a sentence of death” (ibid, p. 164).  Further, he would have had to move the massive stone and sneak away unspotted, never to be apprehended again.

[Note: Some have wondered just how large this stone really was which would have had to be moved.  Brad Bromling has written, “Someone might contend that the stone could not have been too heavy since Joseph rolled it in place by himself (Matthew 27:60).  But this is only partially correct.  The stones used for this purpose were often set in a sloping groove with the low point in front of the tombs opening.  While it may have taken many men to move and scotch the stone up and away from the doorway prior to burial, one man easily could have removed the block and allowed gravity to draw the stone down the slope into its proper resting position.  Also, it is possible that the stone was set in place by a number of men under the direction of Joseph.  After all, when we say that Alexander conquered the world, we do not mean that he did so without the aid of an army… while we may never know (how large the stone was – B.H.), it is safe to assume that four women could move a fairly large stone without help; yet, apparently the force needed to move this stone exceeded (they supposed – B.H.) their combined strength (Mark 16:3) “(Brad Bromling, What Happened to the Body, Reason and Revelation, vol. 13, no. 5)].

This ‘swoon theory’ is a late comer to the alternative explanations.  It seems to have been first advanced in 1768 (by Peter Annet).  One can assert many things, but where is the sustaining evidence?  One could just as easily assert that space aliens took the body of Jesus.  But to assert is not to prove.

Explanation #6:

Maybe the Romans, or the Jews removed the body for security purposes.

This seems a very weak argument.  If such is the explanation, then why did they not ever produce it to end the controversy.  It would have been in their interest to silence the Christians.

Explanation #7:

Maybe the woman went to the wrong tomb.

The women had witnessed where his body was laid (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47; Luke 23:55).  But, it certainly is possible for human beings to make mistakes.  Note: This would not be one individual going mistakenly to the wrong tomb, but a minimum of four individuals who were mistaken (Luke 24:10).

If they did make a mistake, then why didn’t Joseph point it out (it was his tomb – Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:43, 15:43-46; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-42)?  Why didn’t the Romans, or the Jews expose the error?

Moreover, this would not explain the appearances of Jesus claimed by the people.  Simon Greenleaf, “They had every possible motive to review carefully the grounds of their faith, and the evidences of the great facts and truths which they asserted and these motives were pressed upon their attention with the most melancholy and terrific frequency” (The Testimony of the Evangelists, p. 32).  They truly must have been convinced.

Explanation # 8:

Maybe they crucified the wrong man.

The one arrested claimed to be the Christ (Mark 14:61-62).  He spoke with Mary, the mother of Jesus, from the cross (John 19:26).  The Romans and the Jews were certain that they had the correct one.

Further, if they had the wrong man, you would have to believe that Jesus appeared to them for forty days (Acts 1:3), and then disappeared from their sight and earthly history.  He was again never spotted.

Also, it would not explain what the disciples felt in examining Jesus (Read John 20:24-28).  They were so convinced that they went from skeptics to ready and willing to die for the cause.  This includes not just Thomas, and the apostles (who were slow to believe – Mark 16:9-11, 14; Luke 24:9-11; John 20:25); But, also, James – the half-brother of Jesus (John 7:5 cf. Acts 1:14; 12:17a; 15:13; 21:18; Galatians 1:19; 2:9; James 1:1; Jude 1).  Josephus mentions James’ martyrdom.  Also, Paul went from an enemy of Christianity (Acts 9:1-ff; 22:4-ff; 26:9-ff; Galatians 1:13, 23; Philippians 3:5) to a Gospel preacher.

Moreover, you still have to explain the missing body, whose ever body it was which had been in the tomb.

Explanation #9:

Maybe an animal, such as a dog or jackal, removed the corpse from the tomb.  This has actually been suggested! (by Dominic Crossan).

God’s providence removes this as a reasonable possibility.  The tomb was not dug into earth’s soil.  It was hewn in stone (Matthew 27:60; Mark 15:46; Luke 23:53).  If Jesus had received the common criminal burial, he might have been thrown into a shallow common grave in the dirt.  Instead, Joseph of Arimathea provided a sepulchre out of rock.

This also saves us from another difficulty (cf. 2 Kings 13:21).  This tomb had never been used (Luke 23:53).

Explanation #10:

Perhaps the gardener did steal the body.

One can assert many things.  But where’s the evidence?  Was this gardener ever tried or convicted for grave robbery?

Further, what about the alleged appearances.  Did the disciples lie?  What of their zeal?  They were ready to die for the proclamation of the resurrection.  They must have believed.

Conclusion: We’ve examined all of the common alternative explanations.  They are lacking credibility.

Only one option seems reasonable.  He is risen.

Do you believe?  If you do it will radically change your life, even as it did those in the early church.

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The Passing of Time

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Do we appreciate, as we should, how rapidly time passes?  When I was in Panama, on a past trip in the year 2000, a couple of things brought me face to face with the sobering truth that time really “flies.”

The first attention grabber came from Chico.  My father had converted Chico in the early 1970’s.  I was reunited with Chico on this most recent trip on a Saturday afternoon.  He was cleaning the church building.  Upon seeing me, he dropped everything.  He hugged me.  Then, he reached into his wallet and pulled out a photo of my parents and me.  The photo was dated 1975.  As I stared into the picture, I reflected and calculated that I now was the same age as my father was then.

While there, I also called Alberto and Olga Maugh.  This Chinese family were our neighbors when we lived there from 1971 – 1973.  Olga told me all about their family.  She had a son who now worked for NASA, near my parents home in the Houston area.  She told me that Alberto was now 80!  He couldn’t be, could he?  I mean, I used to play with his children.  How sobering!

Life is brief.  It passes quickly.  Have you prepared to meet your God?  The Bible says, “For what is your life?  It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little while, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14).  The Psalmist wrote, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).   The New Testament instructs that we are to be “redeeming the time.” (Colossians 4:5).  That is, we are to regard time as something precious, every moment.  We should make the most of each day (Matthew 6:34).  We should not squander precious time.  Time should be appreciated and used for all it is worth.  Each day we should begin by declaring in our minds, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

Life is so brief.  Before you know it, your kids and grandkids will be grown.  You’ll be old, then life will be over.  Appreciate every moment of every day.  Ask yourself if you are spending your time on what really matters.

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Making Ethical Decisions

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Many things are not explicitly dealt with in the scriptures.  Things like: “Should I go to this party?” “Should I attend this concert?”  “Should I watch this movie?”  “Should I go to this event?

How do we make ethical decisions in these and other such cases?

Principles

1.  Does it bring glory to God?

We should engage in behavior that honors and glorifies our God.  Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  1 Corinthians 6:20, “ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”  1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether… ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

We should seek to avoid things which dishonor Him.  Let us not give occasion for folks to blaspheme His holy name [2 Samuel 12:14; Romans 2:24; (cf. Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:20, 23; Ezekiel 16:51-59); Titus 2:3-5].  Our actions should magnify Him (Philippians 1:20); Let us not “suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18 NASB).

2.  What will others think?

We are not to be a people who live for only self (Philippians 2:1-5).  Paul lived, “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21).  He did not want folks to get the wrong idea of how be handled money contributed by brethren for the poor.

He even was willing to forego his rights if such hindered the spiritual walk of another. He said, “Wherefore, if meat make my brother  to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend” (1 Corinthians 8:13).  He instructed, “Give none offense neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God (1 Corinthians 10:32).

Peter was likewise concerned about influence.  He said that proper behavior includes, “having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles (non-Christians – B.H.) that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).

3.  Is it authorized?

A Christian should seek authority for what he does.  We’re taught, “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”  (Colossians 3:17).

The Bible authorizes in three ways: (1) Direct Statement (or explicit statement); (2) Account of Action; (3) Implication.

All that we do should be checked with the Bible.  In an interview with Don Ruhl he illustrated this point.  He said that when men say that the eating of meat or eggs, or the drinking of milk is not healthy – while the Bible paints a different picture – we can rest assured that such things are not harmful for most people (though some should avoid due to allergies, or health problems).  The Bible is the standard.

4.  Is it expedient?  Does it edify?

Just because something may be authorized, does not mean that it ought to be done in every instance, or circumstance.  Paul said, “All things are lawful (should be limited to ‘All things’ under consideration in context – B.H. cf. 1 Corinthians 8:4), for me, but all things are not expedient (helpful in achieving an objective.  Note: expedient actions are limited to lawful actions – B.H.): All things are lawful for me, but all things edify (build upon) not” (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Paul said, “Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Corinthians 14:26b).  Again, “Let us… follow after (pursue-NKJV) the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” (Romans 14:19).  We each should ask if a given action is helpful in building up others spiritually.

5.  Does it control me?

Does it occupy too much of my time or resources?  Does it distract me from what is truly important?

Paul was determined.  He said, “All things are lawful ( 1 Corinthians 8:4 cf 1 Corinthians 6:13 – B.H.) for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

I should never allow the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life to distract me from my Christian duties (Luke 8:14).  I should determine that God will be my master (Luke 16:13).

Hobbies such as golf, fishing, horse riding, etc. may be good moral activities; However it is possible to let such things to become the obsession of life.  Such is wrong.

6.  Is it kind?

Jesus said, “Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12).  This is called by some, “The Golden Rule.”

The flip-side is found in these words, “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work” (Proverbs 24:29).  This is called by some, “The Silver Rule.”

Read and reread 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.  Love should be something we “pursue” (1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV).

7.  What is my motive?

It is possible to do the right thing and yet be wrong, because we did it out of the wrong motives.  This is taught in several passages (Matthew 6:1-2, 5, 16; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:7).  The Bible beseeches, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory” (Philippians 2:3).

8.  Is it respectful of authority?

God has ordained a system of order and authority.  Children are to obey their parents, and honor them (Ephesians 6:1-ff; Colossians 3:20).  Wives are to place themselves under the authority of their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1-ff).  Citizens are to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-ff; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Matthew 22:21).  The church is to submit to the elders (Hebrews 13:7, 17).

It should be understood that the above submission to authority is to be limited to authority that is not demanding something which is in violation with God’s will (see Acts 4:19; 5:29).

9.  Does it violate priorities?

God has set certain priorities.  God must be first in our lives (Matthew 10:37-39; cf. Luke 14:26-27; Acts 4:19; cf. Acts 5:29).

However, with in the framework of God’s code of ethics He has set forth these points: (1) Mercy comes even before worship (Hosea 6:6; Matt. 12:7 cf. Luke 14:1-6).  (2) Domestic responsibilities are not to be neglected due to ecclesiastical pursuits (Mark 7:9-13; Matthew 15:3-6).  (3) Obedience is more important than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:14-16; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:23-26; 1 Timothy 2:8; 1 Peter 3:7).

10.  What kind of custom is it?

Is the custom evil?  Then it is to be avoided.  I’ve heard of cultures that have customs that are in clear violation of the Scriptures.

Is the custom good?  There are customs in some cultures that are good.  Such as showing respect to the aged (Proverbs 16:31; 1 Timothy 5:1).  These customs should be kept.

Is the custom neutral?  Neutral customs are neutral.  In general they should be kept so as to avoid offense.  Marion Fox has written, “Morally neutral customs are to be examined to see if their effects either hinder or aid the cause of the Gospel.  A morally neutral custom is to be followed if it aids the cause of the Gospel (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, B.H.).  No morally neutral customs are to be followed if they hinder the cause of the Gospel” (cf. John 4:9, 27; Acts 10:27-28, B.H.).

Customs which are tied to things contrary to God and His truth should be avoided (see Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 19:27-28.  These things were tied to idolatrous practices).

11.  Is this action something I wouldn’t mind others knowing (wife, brethren, children, parents)?

We should always remember that God sees all (Proverbs 15:13; Psalm 139; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Romans 2:16; 1 Timothy 5:24-25).

12.  Will this activity/decision tempt me to do evil?

The Bible admonishes, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

13.  Does it violate my conscience?

God has given us a sense of oughtness within we call the conscience.  It is not a safe guide in and of itself (Proverbs 16:2, 25; Acts 26:9).  This is the case because one’s conscience is only as good as what man and his upbringing has placed within it.

However, as we try to follow God’s will and are not convinced of the rightness of some practice, we should restrain from doing the thing in question until convinced (Romans 14:23).  A “clear conscience” is never justification to loose what God has bound; A “troubled conscience” is reason to restrain from an optional activity that one is uncertain concerning before God.  When in doubt go with the stricter standard.

14.  Will this activity or decision draw me closer to God? Or farther away?

Conclusion

Meditating on these points should help in making ethical decisions.  Maturity comes by spending time with God’s word.  Hebrews 5:14, “Strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those when by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

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Noticing the Names of God

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

In times past, a name carried much  significance.  It might signify occupation (Baker, Carpenter, Cartwright, Gardner, Farmer, Mason, Miller, Shepherd, Smith, Taylor, Weaver).  It might signify residency, or family origin (Britton, Brooke, Forest, Hill, Lock, London, Meadows, Woods).  It could signify relationship (Bar Jonah, Fitzpatrick, Johnson, McDonald, O’Brien, Wilson).  It could signify position (Duke, Earl, Noble), or that you owned land (Von Eric, Van Deaver).  It might indicate physical appearance (Edom – red, Esau – hairy, Little, Longfellow).

Today, in our society name usually carry less significance.  It is true that some parents name a child after someone (a Biblical character, national hero, or respective relative).  However, many times a name is chosen based upon lesser things.  A parent may choose a name based upon liking the sound, or based upon the name being trendy.

The names that God is called by in the Bible is significant and telling.  They tell us much of Him, and His nature.

1.  Adonai (Lord).

This word occurs over 300 times in the Hebrew Bible.  It means “Master” or “Lord”.  Example: “Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord God” (Exodus 23:17).  It is a reference to authority.

This word is used at times of men.  In Genesis 18:12, Sarah called Abraham “Lord”.  The term is also used of Joseph’s authority (Genesis 45:8; 42:30).

 2.  El (God).

This is a very common name for Deity.  It occurs in some form, usually as a compound word, over 2,800 times in the Hebrew Bible.  It means “might one,” “strong one”.  Example: “Who is a God like unto Thee.” (Micah 7:18).  This word refers to His “strength,” “might,” “power,” “rank,” or “authority”.

This word often occurs in compound.  El-Olam (the mighty God of eternity); El-Shaddai (the mighty God who is able to supply or satisfy our needs); El-roi (the mighty God who sees); El-elyon (the mighty Supreme or Most High God); Elohim (the Mighty God who makes or keeps a covenant).

This word is not used exclusively of Deity.  It is used of powerful people, people of great authority (Exodus 7:1-2; Psalm 82; Ezekiel 31:11).  It is also used of false powers, idols (Isaiah 44:10, 15, 17; 46:6).

 3. YHWH (LORD/Jehovah).

The ASV renders this “Jehovah”.  The KJV usually renders this “LORD” in all capital letters.  Four times it uses “Jehovah” and three additional times a compound of Jehovah.  This name occurs 6,823 times in the Hebrew Bible.  Example: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).  This word is used of the one true God, and no other.

What does this word mean?  Zondervan’s Pictoral Dictionary says, “The sacred name is derived from the verb ‘to be,’ and so implies that God is eternal… and that He is the Absolute, i.e. the uncaused one.”  Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gensenius in their Hebrew and English Lexicon say “Many recent scholars explain (Jehovah B.H.) as… the one bringing into being, lifegiver… giver of existence, creator… But most take it as… the one who is: i.e. the absolute and unchanging one… the existing, ever-living…”  J.J. Turner in the book Doctrine of the Godhead uses words like “The self-existant one”, “the self-sufficient one”, “The Immutable one”.

It is common for this word to appear in compound Jehovah-jireh (Jehovah will provide); Jehovah-tsidkenu (Jehovah our righteousness); Jehovah – M. Kaddesh (Jehovah who sanctifies); Jehovah – shalom (Jehovah is our peace); Jehovah – rohi (Jehovah is my shepherd); Jehovah – shammah (Jehovah is there); Jehovah – nissi (Jehovah is my banner); Jehovah – rophe (Jehovah heals); Jehovah – kanna (Jehovah is jealous); Jehovah – sabaoth (Jehovah of host).  Even the name Joshua or Jesus means “Jehovah is salvation.”  Other names of interest: Joel (Jehovah is God); Elijah (My God is Jehovah); Elisha (my God is Savior).

A passage worth considering when studying this name is Exodus 6:2-3, “And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.”  The difficult is that this name was certainly known from the earliest of times (Genesis 2:4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22; 3:1, 8, 9, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23; 4:1; 9:26; 15:7; 22:14, 26:2; 27:20).  It will not do to say that this is mere prolepsis.  It is not.   Eve used the sacred name (Genesis 4:1), as did Noah (Genesis 9:26).  God used this name to Abraham (Genesis 15:7), and Abraham, himself, used this name (Genesis 27:20).  Moses’ parents were named Amram and Jochebed (Exodus 6:20); Moses’ mother’s name Jochebed means “Jehovah is glory”.  So, what is the solution?  Coffman writes, “The words should be read interrogatively, for the negative participle (not) often has this power in the Hebrew.  Clark’s rendition of the whole sentence is “And by my name Jehovah was I not also made known unto them?’  Regarding the conjunction here (‘but’ ASV, ‘and’ KJV) it is not in the Hebrew at all… and is merely supplied by the translator.”  Jameson-Fausset-Brown writes, “rather, interrogatively, by my name Jehovah was I not known to them?  Am I not the Almighty God, who pledged My honor for the fulfillment of the covenant, also the self-existent God who lives to accomplish it?  Rest assured therefore, that I shall bring it to pass.”

4.  Theos (God).

This word appears over 1,200 times in the New Covenant.  This word is the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew “El”.     It is not used exclusively of the true God.  It is used of men of authority (John 10:34).  It is also used of Greek/Roman pagan gods (Acts 14:11; 19:26; 28:6; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; Gal. 4:8).

There is a man in the New Covenant named Theophilus (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1).  His name means “lover of God”.  We each should be genuine lovers of God.

5.  Kurios (Lord/Master).

This word appears over 670 times in the New Covenant.  It means “having power or authority” (Vine’s); “having power or authority… he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord, owner… a title of honor, expressive of respect and reverence…” (Thayer).  The word seems to have been used in two senses; (1) of one with power or authority; (2) an address of respect, much as we use the term “sir”.  This word is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “Adonai”.  It is also used for the sacred name YHWH.

This word is not used exclusively of Deity.  It is used of people of authority (Ephesians 6:5; Luke 19:33; Matthew 20:8; Acts 25:26).  It is used of idols (1 Corinthians 8:4-6).

Do we treat Jesus as if He is our Lord?  Jesus asked, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).  He also stated, “Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).  He wants more than mere lip service to His being Lord.  He wants to truly be Lord of our lives.

6.  Tsur (Rock/God).

This is another Hebrew word.  It means “rock”.  In Isaiah 44:8, God says, “Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God…”  The second term rendered “God” literally means “rock”.  The NKJV renders it “Is there a God besides Me?  Indeed there is not other Rock.”  David said, “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer… who is God save the LORD? And who is a rock save our God?  The Lord liveth; and blessed by my rock; and exalted be the rock of my salvation.”  (2 Samuel 22:2, 3, 32, 47 cf. Psalm 18:2, 31, 46).

 7.  Pater (Father)

This word is translated “Father”, as in “our Father which art in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9).  The Greek term means “a nourisher, protector, upholder” (Vine’s).

This idea of viewing God as Father is not new.  It is seen even in the Old Covenant (Deuteronomy 14:1; 32:5-6; 1 Chron. 29:10; Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 1:2; 63:16; Mal. 2:10).  However, it is especially seen under the New Covenant (Matt. 5:45; 6:4, 6, 8, 9; 7:11;10:20, 29; 18:14; Mark 13:32; Luke 11:13; John 1:18; 4:23; 20:17; Romans 1:7; 8:15; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 8:6; 15:24; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 1:1, 3, 4; 3:26-28; 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; 6:23; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 2:2; 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 3; 3:11, 13; 2 Thessalonians 1:1, 2; 2:16; James 1:27; 3:9; 1 Peter 1:2, 17; 1 John 3:1; 2 John 3; Jude 1.  He cares for us the way a father does his children (Matthew 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13).

Summing It Up

The names of God teach us many things: (1) His eternal nature – YHWH, Lord, Jehovah; (2) His might and power – El, Theos, God; (3) His authority – Adonai, Kurios, Lord, Master.  (4)  His care – El-shaddai (shaddai is derrived from the term ‘breast’.  Thus, the mighty God which is able to nourish, satisfy)/ Jehovah-rohi (Jehovah is my shepherd)/ Pater (Father); (5) His being a rock of safety and security – Tsur/Rock cf. Psalm 94:22.

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The Six Necessary Steps

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Though men may ridicule, there are six necessary steps that a man or woman must take to make it to heaven in the end.

Let us notice:

1.  Hear

In order to even begin in the right direction, one must hear what God has to say.  The Bible says, “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” [(Romans 10:17) see also – Luke 8:11-12; John 5:45-47; 17:20; 20:30-31; Acts 17:11-12; 18:8; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:10].  Moreover, we’re told that “without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6).

            One should be careful how he hears (Luke 8:18a).  One should not listen just to pass time, or for entertainment (Ezekiel 33:30-33).  He shouldn’t listen just out of habit.  He shouldn’t listen merely to criticize such things as: the preacher’s grammar, how he pronounced a word, the number of times he said “a” or “and” and the like.  He should not listen (or read) merely to justify a particular activity or doctrine he wishes to defend (1 Kings 22; 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12; 2 Peter 3:16).  One should listen desiring to know the truth of God’s will.  One should listen to apply the word first and foremost to himself.

One should be careful what he hears (Mark 4:23-24a).  He needs a discerning ear.  What he hears from man should be compared to the scriptures (Acts 17:11).  He’s to “prove all things; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thes.5:21).  The Bible warns, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).  If the message is proved to be God’s word, then it should be received as such (1 Thessalonians 2:13).  “The simple believe every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going” (Proverbs 14:15).

Hearing is essential to salvation (1 Timothy 4:16); However, this is not to say that it is the only thing essential to salvation.  The instruction is given, “be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).  Jesus said, “Whosoever heareth these saying of mine and doeth the, I will liken unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock…” (Matthew 7:24-27).

We cry out as Jeremiah, “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord” (Jeremiah 22:29).

2.  Believe

One needs to believe in God (Hebrews 11:6 cf. Psalm 14:1; 53:1).

Without such faith, it is “impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

One needs to believe in Jesus.  Jesus said, “Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.  I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:23-24).  Belief in Jesus is essential to salvation (John 3:16; 20:31).  Failure to honor the Son is failure to honor the Father (John 5:23).

One should believe the things Jesus taught.  It is by His words that man shall be judged (John 12:48).  How can one truly say that he believes in Jesus, yet not accept what He says (Acts 8:5, 12 cf. Mark 16:15-16; Rom. 2:16 cf. John 16:13 cf. 2 Peter 3:15 cf. Galatians 2:9)?

Will mental belief alone save one?  Consider the following points: (1) God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).  The rest of the chapter tells what it means to diligently seek Him.  The chapter does not contain one example of faith only.  (2) The wording “faith only” appears just once in all of the New Testament.  Man is justified “not by faith only” (James 2:24).  (3) John 12:42-43 reads, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”  They believed but wouldn’t confess due to cowardice, the desire to be popular, peer pressure.  Question: Can one continue to be lacking in confession and be saved?  Read Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:10.

Isn’t it true that there are passages which say that if one believes he’ll be saved?  Yes, it is true (e.g. Acts 16:31).   However, I could also show the same concerning hearing (1 Timothy 4:16), repentance (Acts 11:18), and baptism (1 Peter 3:21).  Are all of the passages contradictory?  No.  All of these are examples of a figure of speech known as synecdoche.  Sometimes the part is put for the whole.  Hearing can be put for properly hearing, that is hearing, receiving, and doing what is instructed.  Repentance can be put for the whole as well for if one truly changes his mind he will do all that he’s to do.  Baptism is also put for the whole for it is the culminating point in which God washes away man’s sins; it follows hearing, believing and repentance.  Even so, belief is put for the whole at times for one who truly believes will also repent and be baptized.

Do you believe Him enough to do what He says?  Do you really believe in Him?

3.  Repent

Many regard repentance as “God’s hardest command.”  Such is my opinion, as well.

“Repent” means “to change one’s mind or purpose” (Vine’s).  T.W. Brents has written, “When used in the New Testament as a command to the alien in order to the remission of sins, it always indicates such as a change of mind as produces a change or reformation of life under circumstances warranting the conclusion that sorrow for the past would or had preceded it.  When so used it is invariably a translation of the Greek word metanoio; and when used to indicate sorrow or regret it is always from metamelomai – a different word, though improperly rendered the same in English… regret is a much more fitting representation of metaelomai… (The Gospel Plan of Salvation, p. 188-189).

Genuine repentance is absolutely essential to salvation (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 8:22; 11:18, etc.).  Changing one’s mind and purpose is difficult.  It involves…

(1) Recognition of sin (Acts 2:36-38; 3:14-15, 19).  Prior to Biblical repentance, the sinner had his sin(s) pointed out to him.  A person cannot Biblically repent if he doesn’t understand that what he has done is wrong.  One may change behavior for many reasons.  However, Biblical repentance is preceded by a recognition of sin.

(2)  Regret of remorse.  “They were pricked in their heart” (Acts 2:37-38).  “Godly sorrow worketh repentance” (2 Corinthians 7:10).  People can change for many reasons; However, Biblical repentance involves a change from the conviction of sin, a broken and contrite spirit.   It is not planned.  Imagine a man who says, “I’ll rob 3 more banks.  Then I’ll have enough.  Then I will repent” (meaning stop).  Repentance is not planned ahead like this.  It flows from a broken heart.

(3)  Resolve to change.  This resolve is seen in the prodigal son (Luke 15:18).  This resolve is seen in the king of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-9 cf. Matthew 12:41).

(4)  Reformation of behavior.  Biblical repentance isn’t just sorrowing over sin, or resolving to do better.  Biblical repentance involves a change of behavior (Matt. 21:28-30; Jonah 3:10 cf. Matthew 12:41).  Repentance is a change of mind which leads to a change of behavior.

(5)  Restitution when possible.  Zacchaeus understood this (Luke 19).  “The Golden Rule” demands it (Matthew 7:12).  We should try to make things right so far as we possibly can.

4.  Confess 

The word ‘confess’ means “lit., to speak the same thing… to assent, accord, agree with… to confess, declare, admit” (Vine’s).  When one confesses he admit’s the truth.

There is a confession that each needs to make.  We are to confess “Jesus as Lord” (Romans 10:9 NASB), that He is “Christ… the Son of God” (Acts 8:37 cf. Matthew 16:16).  It is to be verbally proclaimed out of genuine belief in the heart (Romans 10:9-10).  It is to be proclaimed before witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12; Acts 8:36).  “Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).

Some courageously confessed.  (1) An Ethiopian did so before Philip (Acts 8:26-27).  (2) Jesus courageously did so (a) before the Jews (Matthew 26:63-65; Mark 14:61-62).  (b) before Pilate (1 Timothy 6:13 cf. John 18:37; Matthew 27:11).  (3) Peter did so (Matt. 16:13-18).

Others lack the courage to do so (John 9:19-22; 12:42-43).  Peter in a night of darkness denied Him thrice (Matthew 26:69-ff; Mark 14:66-ff; Luke 22:54-ff).

We need to remember: (1) If we deny Him, He will deny us (Matthew 10:32-33).  (2) One day all will confess (Romans  14:11-12).  It will be too late.  (3) More than mere verbal confession is needed (Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46-49).  He wants more than mere lip service (cf. Matt. 21:28-30; 1 John 3:18; Hebrews 5:9).

5.  Baptism 

What does the word baptism mean?  Baptism consists of “the process of immersion, submersion, and emergence” (Vine’s).  Caution: modern English dictionaries have the duty of defining words according to modern usage.  Thus, they might include sprinkling and pouring as definitions of baptism.  A good dictionary will give word origin.  My Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary indicates that the word is from the Greek meaning “to dip.”

The Biblical description also helps us to understand.  It is described as a burial and a resurrection (Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:3-4).  There was a going down into the water, and a coming up out of water (Acts 8:38-39 cf. Mark 1:10; Matthew 3:16).  Such would seem unnecessary if baptism were sprinkling or pouring.

The Greek translation of the Old Testament (LXX) uses the word pour (cheo), sprinkle (rhantizo), and dip (bapto) in one passage (Leviticus 14:15-16).  They are three distinct actions.

What is the element of baptism?  Some have suggested the Holy Ghost.  However, Holy Ghost baptism was a promise (Luke 23:49; Acts 1:4-5), water baptism is a command [Acts 10:6 (11:14); 10:47-48].  Great commission baptism isn’t Holy Ghost baptism.  This is evident by the principle of consistency of language (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5-6; All lit. read “Into the name”).  Man is sanctified and cleansed “with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26).  Baptism is essential to salvation, and is connected with water by Peter (1 Peter 3:20-21).

Who is the proper subject of baptism?  Before one is baptized he should: (1) hear.  Before Philip baptized in the city of Samaria he taught then (a) “the things concerning the Kingdom of God”, that is the church, (b) “the name of Jesus Christ”, that is the authority of Christ (Acts 8:12).  Too often folks are simply taught the necessity of baptism.  This should not be.  Moreover, one should understand the purpose of baptism prior to baptism (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 22:19).  One needs to be baptized for the right reasons.  (2) believe (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:35-38).          Never does one see infants or little children being baptized in the New Testament.  (3) repent.  (Acts 2:38 cf. Matthew 3:7-8).  New Testament preachers pointed out sins and called upon people to repent (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 3:14-15, 19).  Only those with a mind truly ready to change should respond.  (4) confess.  One should be willing to make known his faith prior to baptism (Acts 8:35-38).

When should one be baptized?  The answer is straightway or immediately (Acts 2:37-38, 41; 8:12; 8:27-39; 10:34-48; 16:19-34; 22:16).  One has no assurance of tomorrow.  He could die (Luke 12:19-20; James 4:13-14).  The Lord could return (Matthew 24:36-39; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2).  Psalm 119:60 reads, “I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.”

Why would such be required?  The real issue is that God has required it.  But, here are a few possible reasons: (1) It is a test of our faith cf. Naaman 2 Kings 5:10-14.  We need to trust God and do what He says even when we have a hard time understanding.  (2) It is symbolic of the flood.  The waters of the flood removed external wickedness, “the filth of the flesh” from Noah (1 Peter 3:20-21 cf. Genesis 6:3, 12-13).  The waters of baptism wash away internal wickedness, sin, and gives us a good conscience (Acts 2:38, 3:19; 22:16 cf. 1 Peter 3:20-21).  (3) It is symbolic of the exodus.  Moses, and the children of Israel were saved out of Egypt when they crossed the sea (Exodus 14:13-ff).  This is called baptism (1 Corinthians 10:1-2).  Just as they were saved by crossing the sea, we’re saved in baptism.  (4) It is symbolic of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).  We must die to the love and life of sin, be buried in baptism, and be raised to walk in newness of life.

It is God who saves us through Jesus.  He washes away our sins in the blood of Christ (Revelation 1:5; 7:13-14).  This is possible by the resurrection of Christ (1 Peter 3:21).  He washes away our sins in baptism (Acts 22:16).  When we are baptized we’re baptized into His death (Romans 6:3-4).  It is at that point God applies the blood to our lives.  We do not meritoriously earn salvation.  It is a gift of God, given when we comply with His conditions.

6.  Faithfulness

One’s sins are washed away in baptism; However, this is not an end, but a beginning.  Just as the children of Israel were freed from Egypt by crossing the sea, but were not yet in the promised land (and many wouldn’t make it); Even so, we are freed from past sins at the point of baptism, but are not yet in the promised land (Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; book of Hebrews).

It is important that a new convert grow, and that all Christians continue to grow through the years (just as a mighty oak continues to grow).  The Bible instructs “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).  We need to: (1) Continue to feed upon God’s word.  The Bible says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye  may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:1-2).  We should check everything by God’s word (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).  We should want to grow so that we might discern right from wrong, good from evil (Heb. 5:14).  We should want to grow so that we can teach others (Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 2:9; Jude 3).  We should want to study so that we’ll remain strong in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13 cf. Romans 10:17).  (2) Continue in prayer (Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 18:1).  “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).  He invites us to cast all our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7).  (3) Faithfully assemble with the saints (Hebrews 10:24-25).  Strive to be there every time the doors open.  (4) Be careful of who influences you.  Try to avoid evil influences (1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 13:20).  Surround yourselves with good influences (Proverbs 27:17; Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 11:1; 3 John 9-12).  (5) Seek to live a life which honors and glorifies Jehovah (Matthew 5:12-16; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Philippians 2:15-16).

What should we do when we sin?  We as Christians should strive to be different from the world, holy before God.  We should seek to keep ourselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).  We should seek to avoid persistence in sin.  We should seek to avoid willful, high-minded (presumptuous) sin.  However, when we do sin God has provided a remedy through the blood of Christ (1 John 2:1-2).  Here’s what we’re to do: (1) We are to repent of our sins (Acts 8:4-22; Rev. 2:5 cf. Prov. 28:13).  Remember this refers to a sincere, genuine change of mind which leads to a change of behavior.  (2) We are to confess (acknowledge) our sins (1 John 1:8-9; cf. Proverbs 28:13).  (a) Sin should be admitted before God (Psalm 51:1-3 Luke 15:17-21 cf. 1 John  1:8-9).  Remember all sin is ultimately against Him.  (b) Sin should be admitted before those we’ve wronged (Luke 17:3-4; James 5:16).  A good way to look at it is that our sins should be confessed as public as the transgression is (Matt. 18:15-17).

Think of these passages:

1.  “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord… your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

2.  “Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).

3.  “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2).

4.  “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shown toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Heb. 6:10).

5.  “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).

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