Dating Advice

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Adam did not have to go out and search for a mate.  God created Eve especially for him.  She was taken from his side, bone of his bone, flesh of his flesh.

However, things are a great deal more complicated in 21st century America.  God does not put us to sleep, and then produce “Mr.” or “Miss Right”, presenting our ideal mate to us.

In Biblical times, and still in some cases today – especially in other parts of the world, parents exerted great influence and were even active in the process of mate selection (Genesis 24: 1-4; 27:46 – 28:2; 28:8-9 cf. 26:34-35; 34:1-12; Judges 14:2-3). These were not forced arrangements (Genesis 24:5, 8; 24:57).  Moreover, this does not seem to be the only way marriages were entered into in times of old (1 Samuel 25:40).  The Bible record does not specify the method of selection.  It simply says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

In American “dating” is a common way for those interested to get to know each other better.  Dating, as we know it, is a rather recent phenomenon.  Josh Harris has written, “It is helpful to understand that the concept of ‘dating’ is a relative recent idea.  It hasn’t been around forever.  As I see it, dating is a product of our entertainment-driven, disposable everything culture” (I Kissed Dating Goodbye, p. 29).  In the early 19th and 20th centuries in this country, a guy and gal would come to know each other from every day life (day-to-day interaction, social events, church, school, adjoining farms, etc.).  Then, if impressive qualities were seen in each other, or close friendship developed, they might begin to court.  Courting was the next step in determining if marriage might be desirable.  It allowed the two to get to know each other even more.  The two would see each other in various real life settings.  They’d visit one another’s home.  They’d be with the other’s family a great deal.  They might on the front porch in a swing.  They might actually talk.  Today, things are commonly much different.  Boy sees girl.  He doesn’t know much about her, but she is attractive.  They go out on a date hardly knowing one another.  The places they go is not conducive to getting to know the real person.  They are instead, artificial atmospheres of entertainment.  The real life person is not seen.  Some places are not even conducive to meaningful talk (e.g. movies, loud concerts).  They enjoy the time together, but have not really gotten to know each other.  Dating, as we know it, really came into being with the automobile.  Courting was based upon spousal selection; Dating is entertainment oriented.

It is no secret that much is amiss in 21st century America’s ‘dating’ scene.  Many do things that they later regret.  The divorce rate is at an incredible level.

Therefore, we set forth the following suggestions:

1. Remember your purpose.  William Booth once wrote, “Don’t instill, or allow anybody else to instill into your girls the idea that marriage is the chief end of life.  If you do, don’t be surprised if they get engaged to the first empty, useless fool they come across” (ibid, p. 84).

Our purpose is to live a life which glorifies our heavenly Father (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31).  In truth one does not have to be married to fulfill this purpose (1 Corinthians 7).  “Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole (duty KJV) of man.”

2.  Be patient.  Some get to a certain age and begin to believe that they must marry now, or never.  Some feel pressure from family or friends to marry.  Still others do not make the most of their single time, but live in frustration until marriage.

Redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5; James 4:13-17).  Make the most of your time while single.  God didn’t bring you into this world in a married state.  He provided you with a season of singleness.  This is a great opportunity to grow, learn, financially save and invest.  It is a time in which you can prepare yourself for later seasons in your life (including perhaps marriage).  It is a time you can accomplish many things you may not have the time for later.  It is a time to mature.

Stats: (1) If you wait until you’re 25 years old to marry, your odds of divorcing are 24% less than someone who marries at age 18 or younger (Glenn Beck, An Inconvenient Book, p. 34).  (2) If you wait until you’ve been married at least seven months before having kids, your odds of divorce decrease 24 percent versus a couple having a child before marriage (ibid).

3.  Be selective.  You likely will spend most, if not all, the rest of your life with the one you marry.  The only things freeing you to remarry (with God’s approval) are your mate’s death, or mate’s guilt of fornication (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Romans 7:1-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39).

Questions one should ask: (1) Will this one draw me closer to God or lead me farther away?  (2) Will this one help or hinder me in getting to heaven?  (3) Will this one help or hinder any children we might have in their spiritual walk with God?

Moreover, if you marry, it will be from the pool of people you date.  Thus, we advise that one should be very selective with whom one dates.

Look for Christian.  It is beyond my understanding how anyone could think themselves seeking first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33) and yet taking a mate that is not a Christian.  Paul didn’t consider himself doing it (1 Corinthians 9:5).  Mixed marriages can destroy faith and purity (Genesis 6:1-2; Exodus 34:11-16; Deuteronomy 7:3-4; 1 Kings 11:1-ff).

Stats: (1) If you practice a faith, you’re 14% more likely to stay together than if you don’t (An Inconvenient Book, p. 34).  (2) Divorce occurs three times as often in mixed marriages as in marriages with the same religious convictions (Bruce Curd, Marry Only in the Lord, p.1).  (3) Joe Barnett concluded, “Of every 100 Christians marrying outside of the church, 20 convert their companions, 24 live in a divided church life, 56 quit the church (ibid, p. 103).

Keep in mind “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30 NKJV).

4.  Don’t Use Alcohol or Drugs.  “Alcohol is the number one reason why teens have sex.  Think about it.  Alcohol and drugs cause a person to lose self-control” (Marilyn Morris, ABC’s of Birds and Bees, p. 293).  Alcohol removes inhibition.  It causes some to lose clothing (Habakkuk 2:15 cf. country song which contains the words ‘Tequila makes her clothes fall off’).  It causes people to do things they ordinarily never would (Genesis 19:30-36).  It causes many young men to “behold strange women” (Proverbs 23:33 KJV).

If we wish to maintain purity we need to make a full effort.  1 Peter 5:8 admonishes, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

 An additional thing to consider is that alcohol and drugs also makes one vulnerable.  Date rapes are known to occur when one is inebriated to the point that resistance is impossible.

 5.  Don’t compromise.  We all want to feel special.  We all want to feel like we are loved.  However, don’t think that giving in to your date will make him or her love you.  Read 2 Samuel 13.

Moreover, if your date is pressuring you it is not about love.  True love “seeketh not her own” (1 Corinthians 13:5).  Josh Harris writes that when pressure comes what is truly being said is, “I don’t care about you, your convictions, or how this could hurt you – satisfy my desires” (I Kissed Dating Goodbye, p. 65).

Stat: It is now common for couples to live together though not married.  Marilyn Morris writes, “Sociologist at the University of  Wisconsin stated that, ‘recent national studies in Canada, Sweden, and the US found that cohabitation increased rather than decreased the risk of marital disillusion.’  They also found that ‘Cohabitation is associated with greater marital conflict and poorer communication.’  Another study documented in the Journal of Marriage and the Family stated that the divorce rate is 50% higher among those who lived together before marriage… An Australian study found that couples who cohabitated before marriage were more likely to divorce that those who did not cohabitate before marriage.  They found that couples who lived together before marriage also ‘separated more often, sought counseling more often and regarded marriage as a less important part of their lives than those who did not live together before marriage” (ABC’s of the Birds and Bees, p. 41).

Understand that you are special.  You are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), created “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27).  Moreover, you were created with purpose.

A man (or woman) worth having will not mind waiting for you (Genesis 29:18-20).  If they won’t wait they are not valuing you enough to wait.

6.  Be careful how you dress.  Mary Quant, the so-called mother of the mini skirt, has said, “Mini clothes are symbolic of those girls who do not want to wait until dark to seduce a man to bed” (McCalls, March 1970 – quoted in Biblical Ethics editor Terry Hightower, p. 520).

Even if such is not your intent, be aware that how you dress sends a message.  Marilyn Morris writes, “Boys are turned on by sight; girls are turned on by touch.  It takes very little to make a boy think you want to have sex.

When a girl walks in a room with short shorts and a tight top on, she can drive guys crazy.  This is not necessarily a compliment.  The fact is any girl can turn any guy on (or at least many – B.H.)  If you wear seductive clothing you are either teasing your boyfriend, which is very cruel, or giving him an open invitation to get physical.  Neither of these are going to help you succeed at sexual abstinence” (ABC’s, p. 294).  The Bible confirms that how we dress sends a message (Genesis 38:14-15).

As God’s people let’s be cautious in not sending the wrong signal.  May we dress as those “professing godliness” (1 Timothy 2:10).

 7.  Be careful with entertainment.  Don’t view movies, or engage in activities which tend to fuel lust which can’t be properly fulfilled.  So many television shows, and movies tend to portray as normal, or even with glory sinful behavior.  Beware – This can put impure thoughts into your date’s mind.

The Bible warns, “Keep your hearts with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).  Let us think upon that which is pure (Phil. 4:8) and “flee youthful lusts: but follow after righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Lasciviousness is sin (Galatians 5:19-21).  Thayer indicates that this word includes “filthy works, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females.”

 8.  Limit Alone Time.  Many pair off exclusively, and do so very soon.  “One-on-one dating has a tendency to move a guy and girl beyond friendship and towards romance too quickly” (I Kissed Dating Goodbye, p. 38).  It also tends to isolate them from family and friends.  It even alienates those who care the most.  This is not good.

Alone situations bring temptations.  Potiphar’s wife made her advances on Joseph when no one else was around (Genesis 39:11).  Amnon did the same to Tamar (2 Samuel 13:9).  In such alone situations reputations can be destroyed, whether anything takes place or not (cf. Joseph).  In an alone situation it is just one person’s word against another (cf. Kobe Bryant).  In alone situations there can be danger, particularly when the person is not well-known to you and much stronger than you; for example date rape (cf. Mike Tyson).

I am not saying that all alone situations can be avoided.  However, it seems wise to limit such when possible.  Let us seek to be “providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21).  Let us “flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18), and even its appearance (2 Corinthians 8:21).

9.  Remember God’s teachings.  There is much talk about safe sex.  Physically they have not come up with a protection method that will protect you from everything.

However, even if they do some day, remember in God’s sight there is only one type of spirituality safe sex (Hebrews 13:4).  Whatever others may or may not be doing, you will one day  give account for yourself (2 Corinthians 5:10).  Josh Harris writes, “Everyone around us may be doing it.  But at the end of our lives, we won’t answer to everyone.  We’ll answer to God” (I Kissed Dating Goodbye, p. 23).  I need to decide: who is it I want to please – my peers, my self, or God (cf. John 12:42-43).

10.  Look at the Parents.  Though there are exceptions, children often turn out to look and behave as their parents.  The Bible says that Jehoram was “like his father, and like his mother” (2 Kings 3:2).  Ezekiel speaks of a proverb which says “As is the mother, so is her daughter” (Ezekiel 16:44).  We’re told of Ahaziah that his mother was “his counselor to do wickedly” (2 Chronicles 22:3).

Stat: If your parents are married, you’re 14 percent more likely to stay together than if your parents have divorced (An Inconvenient Book, p. 34).

11.  Don’t Expect Change.  I don’t know how many times I’ve heard of people who enter into marriage not happy with something in the other’s life; But, expecting to change them.  News Flash: It likely will not work.

If the one you date won’t attend services before marriage, likely this won’t change afterwards.  If he/she drinks, uses drugs, or others things you do not like, such is not very likely to change after marriage.  If the one you date is unkind or abusive before marriage, such likely will continue (This is the case because they are putting their best foot forward before marriage, they are trying to win you over).  If they are lazy and will not work before marriage, this likely will not change.  Stat: If you make more than $50,000 a year, your odds of divorce are 30 percent lower than those making less than $25,000 a year (An Inconvenient Book, p. 33).

Really, it is not fair to expect them to change.  Marry them for who they are, or don’t marry them.  But, don’t enter into marriage thinking I am going to change that person.  You might just end up making you and them miserable.

12.  Pray.  The Bible says “ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2).  Always remember to cast your cares upon Him.  Go to God in prayer when looking for a mate.  Trust in His providence.

If you follow these things, you’ll be a long way in the right direction.  God bless you.

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“Such Were Some of You”

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Likely, there are many things in your life which you wish you’d never done.  But, you did do these things.   You, my friend, are not alone; The early church was filled with people just like you.

The Standard

“ Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Cor. 6:9).  The “Kingdom of God”, I believe to refer to that heavenly realm (cf. 2 Peter 1:10-11).  The unrighteous will not go to heaven.

Then, a list of the kind of people spoken of flows forth (1 Cor. 6:9-10).  This is not an all-inclusive list [There are other lists of vices found in the New Covenant (Rom. 1:19-ff; 13:13; 1 Cor. 5:9-ff; 6:9-ff; 2 Cor. 12:20-f; Gal. 5:19-ff; Eph. 5:3-ff, 18; Col. 3:5-ff; 2 Tim. 3:1-ff; James 3:14-16; Rev. 21:8, etc)].  It was a list with which they were well familiar.

1.  Fornicators.  Those who are guilty of fornication.  Fornication is defined as: “Illicit sexual intercourse” (Vine’s); “Every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse” (Arndt-Gingrich); “It includes sexual intercourse with any person of either gender, other than one’s spouse, as well as intercourse with beasts” (Earl Edwards, 17th Annual Spiritual Sword Lectureship, p. 345).   Any unauthorized sexual union (premarital, or extramarital) is properly classified as fornication.

2.  Idolaters.   Those who are guilty of idolatry.  When one thinks of idolatry, likely, he pictures one bowing down in some pagan temple to worship at some carved image.  This is idolatry.  However, even “covetousness” can be classified as idolatry (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5).  He, and He alone must be Lord of our lives (Matt. 6:24; 10:37; Ex. 20:3).

3.  Adulterers.  Those guilty of adultery.  Adultery is defined as: “To have unlawful intercourse with another’s wife” (Thayer); “Unlawful intercourse with the spouse of another” (Vine’s); “In scripture… sexual intercourse of a man, whether married or unmarried, with a married woman” (ISBE); “Adultery involves sexual activity is apparent from far too many passages, both Biblical, and non-Biblical alike” (Personal letter to me from Professor Ed Miller of the University of Colorado at Boulder); “Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his/her spouse” (Personal letter to me from William L. Peterson of Penn State).  We might view it this way, “All adultery is fornication, but not all fornication is adultery.”

4.  Homosexual (effeminate KJV), and Sodomites (abusers of themselves with mankind KJV).  The ESV joins these two items together by simply using the wording “men who practice homosexuality”, and then foot-noting: “The two Greek terms translated by this phrase refer to the passive and active partners in consensual homosexual acts.”  The word “effeminate” is defined as “soft… in a bad sense of a catamite, a male who submits his body to unnatural lewdness” (Thayer); “Soft… esp. of catamites, men and boys who allow themselves to be misused homosexually” (Arndt-Gingrich); The wording “abusers of themselves with mankind” is defined as: Lit. “a male, a bed”; “one who lies with a man as with a female, a sodomite” (Thayer); “a male who practices, homosexuality, pederast, sodomite” (Arndt-Gingrich).

5.  Thieves.  Those guilty of theft.  This word has been defined as: “One who steals, whether directly, or through some fraudulent method” (Bill Jackson, Commentary on First Corinthians, p. 52); “a thief… an embezzler, pilferer” (Thayer).

6.  Covetous.  Those guilty of coveting.  This word has been defined as: “lit. (eager) to have more… i.e. to have what belongs to others” (Vine’s); “One eager to have more, esp. what belongs to others… ‘greedy of gain” (Thayer); “one who has unlawful desire for more, and it is especially fitting here, considering the motivation in some causing them to take their brethren to law” (Bill Jackson).

7.  Drunkards.  Those guilty of intoxication.  This word has been defined as: “drunken, intoxicated” (Thayer).

8.  Revilers.  Those guilty of reviling.  This word is defined as: “abusive, railing, reviling” (Vine’s); “to reproach, rail at, revile, heap abuse upon” (Thayer).  We are speaking of those who abuse others esp. verbally.

 9.  Extortioners.  Those who are guilty of extorting.  This word is defined as: “A swindler” (Arndt-Gingrich); The ESV renders it “swindlers”; “A robber, an extortion” (Thayer).  Webster’s says of the term “Extort”: “The wrestling anything from  a person by force…. In law the offense of claiming or taking as a fee under the pretense of authority.”  Bill Jackson remarks, “One who by greedy design Snatches, grabs, carries away that which is  another’s.  It goes beyond just the behavior that is ‘exhortion’ in the legal sense; used also of the robber.  It fits the case of any who takes from others through ungodly means” (Bill Jackson, p.53).

 The Past

“And such were some of you” (1 Cor. 6:11).  The early church was composed of those with all sorts of sinful pasts.  Some had been engaged in sexual sins (fornicators, adulterers, effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind).  Others had problems with money and property (thieves, covetous, extortioners).  Still others struggled with other things (idolaters, drunkards, revilers).

 The Present

“But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified…” (1 Cor. 6:11).  **Note: The KJV uses the present tense “are washed..are santified..are justified, while the NKJV, NASB, and the ESV all use in verse 11 the past tense “were washed… were sanctified… were justified.” These later versions more accurately reeflect the original.

They stood in a state of having had their sins washed away (Acts 22:16; Eph. 5:26; Titus 3:5; Heb. 10:22; Rev. 1:5; 7:13-14).  They were sanctified; That is: They had been made holy unto God.  They stood justified receiving acquittal from God, or as preachers of yesterday used to say “Just-As-If-I’d never sinned”.

What encouragement!  We can be accepted again by God.  No matter what terrible sin is in your past.  You can be washed, sanctified, and justified.

Notice: It says such were some of you.  Paul did not still count them as thieves, fornicators, or homosexuals so far as their guilty before God was concerned.

 The Future

It is my belief that Paul brings up this context to warn them not to return to unrighteousness again.  Some were defrauding their own brethren (1 Cor. 6:8).  Doesn’t this fall within the list of vices mentioned (thieves, covetous, extortioners)?  At least one had been involved in fornication (1 Cor. 5:1).  Doesn’t this fall in the list (fornicators)?  Moreover compare the words of 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 with 6:9-10 (6 of the 9 items enumerated in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 are found in 1 Cor. 5:9-11).  The words of 1 John 3:7-8 tie in nicely here: “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.  He who sins is of the devil.”  Also, 1 John 1:6, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not practice the truth.”

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Life In A Fish Bowl

Posted on June 20, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Like it or not, you and I are being watched nearly all the time when in public, and perhaps even when we think we’re in private.  Welcome to life in the 21st century, life in a fish bowl.

The surveillance may come from the business world.  We go into banks, there are video cameras.  At the mall and in the stores which we shop, more than likely we are on camera.  At the work place, your employer may be monitoring how you’re using your time on the computer, and what sites you’re visiting on the web.  They’re possibly even monitoring what phone calls you’re making on company time.  They may also have your cash register, work space in the factory, or job site under surveillance by camera.  Truck drivers are monitored in some companies by GPS.  Smart cars can now monitor speed before a collision and other things.

The surveillance may additionally be coming from “Big Brother.”  Many municipalities are turning more and more to video surveillance.  Downtown areas, public areas, freeways and major roads are monitored.  In order to increase revenue many have turned to traffic enforcement cameras at major intersections.  If they catch your car committing a red-light infraction on camera, a traffic ticket is mailed to you. Judge Andrew Napolitano expressed his concern over the practice saying, “Numerous studies have shown that the most effective way to  reduce red light violations – and traffic accidents – is to increase the yellow light interval.  When one San Diego intersection’s yellow light interval was increased from 3.0 seconds to 4.7 seconds, the number of monthly red light violations dropped from 2,265 to 205… When the yellow light interval becomes so small that it is inevitable that you will run a red light, a was the case in some San Diego intersections, the government is entrapping you: it is facilitating and inducing you to break the law if the government caused the duration of the yellow light to become one second or less it would be forcing you to commit a crime” (Constitutional Chaos, p. 42-43).  Why would they do such?  For each traffic ticket San Diego receives $271, of which Lockheed Martin gets $70 – this was the agreement – Lockheed Martin manufactured, placed, and operated the system of  cameras; one camera alone generated $6.8 million  in eighteen months (ibid).  Like it or not we are being watched.  Also, we may be subject to audio surveillance.  Place a long distance phone call to a certain  foreign country and the government may want to know with whom you are talking and what you’re saying.  Travel out of the country using your passport and the government can keep record of your travel.

Add to this personal surveillance.  Caller ID has made prank calls no longer always anonymous, and other such calls as well that many think are anonymous may not truly be.  Cell phones now have cameras and audio recording capabilities.  Spy equipment, such as cameras hidden in smoke detectors, teddy bears, pencil sharpeners, phone jacks and other items now permit parents to spy on their children, or spouses on one another.  We would be wise to assume that our words and actions are being digitally recorded, or in some way stored.

Then, there is personal revealing.  Many young people are shocked to discover that what they had posted on MySpace or other such sites has found its way into the viewing eyes of one’s parents, or potential employer, or countless others.  Also, it is alarming to some to find out that the activities on one’s computer can be followed or retrieved by parents, law enforcement, etc…

Many may say “all of this is fine with me, I have nothing to hide,” while others may be shaken and troubled, or alarmed.

But, here is the point to remember: If no one else knows what we do or say, God always does.

1.  Proverbs 15:3, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good.”

2.  Psalm 139:2, “Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understand my thoughts afar off.”

3.  Ecclesiastes 12:14, “God shall bring every good work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.”

4.  Matthew 12:36, “…Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”

5.  Romans 2:16, “…God shall judge the secrets of men…”

6.  Hebrews 4:13, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

7.  Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19, 3:1, 8, 15, “I know thy works…”

Let us live our lives as if we are always being listened to and watched… For we are!

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Unique Families

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Unique family arrangements are nothing new.  (1) Following the death of Haran, Abram seems to have taken Lot into his home (Gen. 11:27-28, 31; 12:1, 4).  Josephus wrote, “Abraham married Sarah, and since he had no children, he adopted his nephew Lot as his son.” (Josephus: The Essential Writings, p. 25).  (2)   The rearing and home life of Moses was unique (Ex. 2:1-10).  (3) Samuel’s home environment was unique (1 Sam. 1:27-2:11, 26).  (4) Naomi, mother-in-law, and Ruth, daughter-in-law, lived together following the death of their husbands (Ruth 1:16-17; 2:2; 17-18).  (5)  David took care of Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth.  Mephibosheth was lame in the feet and David cared for him (2 Sam. 9).  (6)  Jehosheba and Jehoiada took their nephew Joash, and cared for him following his father’s death (2 Kings 11:1-3; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12).  Jehoiada, and no doubt, Jehosheba, had a tremendous influence on Joash for good (2 Kings 12:1-2; 2 Chronicles 24:1-2).  (7) Peter’s house included Andrew, James, and John and perhaps mother-in-law as well (Matt. 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-30; Luke 4:38-39).

 In this day and age many unique family arrangements exist.  (1)  Some due to death or other circumstances find themselves caring for grandchildren or other relatives.  Advice, keep in mind the tremendous influence for good you have (2 Kings 12:1-2; 2 Chronicles 24:1-2).  Also think on 1 Timothy 5:8.  (2) Some find themselves taking care of elderly parents.  Read 1 Timothy 5:8;  Proverbs 23:22b.  They cared for you when you couldn’t take care of yourself.  Now, it is your turn.  Read 1 Corinthians 13.  (3) Some are left in a less than ideal situation having but only one parent in the home to rear the children.  Advice – It’s important that your children have a role model from the opposite gender in their lives.  Develop close relationships with your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Such relationships may well provide mentors and role models for your children (Mark 10:29-30; 1 Tim. 5:1-2).

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The Weather: Everyone’s Talking About It!

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

People in every age, I suppose, have been interested in weather.  Mark Twain once observed, “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.”  Donald DeYoung has written, “People talk about the weather more than any other topic, including sports and politics.  It is one of the first things we wonder about when a new day begins” (Weather and the Bible, page 13).

Weather extremes also fascinate us: (1) The hottest temperature ever recorded in the shade on earth was 136.4°F  at Azizia, Libya (Sept. 13, 1922).  Greenland Ranch, Death Valley, California comes in second, it reached 134°F (1913).  Dallol, Ethiopia has the highest annual mean temperature at 93.3°F.  Marble Bar, Western Australia had 160 consecutive days with 100°F or higher (Oct. 31, 1923 – April 7, 1924).  (2) The coldest temperature on earth ever recorded is -129°F at Vostok, Antarctica (July 21, 1983).  The coldest permanently inhabited place is Oymyakon, Siberia, Russia -90°F (1933).  Langdon, North Dakota had 41 days below 0° (Nov. 11, 1935 – Feb. 20, 1936).  International Falls, Minnesota has an annual mean temperature of 36.5°F.  (3) The fastest known change in temperature was on January 22, 1943 in Spearfish, South Dakota.  The temperature rose 49°F in  just two minutes (-4°F to 45°F). Browning, Montana had a 100° change in one day (44°F to -56°F), in the year 1916.  The greatest range is in Verknoyansk, Siberia, Russia, with 188°F (-90°F to 98°F).  (4) The highest recorded wind speed was in a tornado in Wichita Falls, Texas (April 2, 1958) the speed was 280 mph.  Mount Washington in New Hampshire had a wind gust of 231 mph.  (5) The driest place on earth is found in northern Chile.  Coloma, Chile didn’t have a drop of rain from 1570 to 1971.  (6) The wettest place on earth is in Cherrapunji, India, it rained 366.14 inches in a month (July) and an incredible 905.12 inches total that same year (1861)!  Mt. Waialeale, Kukui, Maui, Hawaii averages 460 inches of rain each year (739 inches fell from Dec. 1981 to Dec. 1982).   Mawsynram, India averages 467.5 inches per year, world’s greatest mean.  Central Uganda averages 242 thunderstorm days per year.  The largest rainfall in one day (24 hours) was 73.62 inches at Cilaas, La Reunion (Indian Ocean); In the United States is was 43 inches in Alvin, Texas (July 25-26, 1979).  The largest rainfall in one hour is 12 inches in Holt, Missouri and at Kilauea Sugar Plantation, Hawaii.  The most intense rainfall was 1.5 inches in one minute in Basse – terre, Guadelope, French West Indies (Nov. 20, 1976).   Most rain days per year is 350 days at Mt. Waialeale, Hawaii.  (7) The most sunshine is in Yuma, Arizona averaging 91% sunshine.  St. Petersburg, Florida recorded 768 consecutive sunny days (Feb. 9, 1967 – Mar. 17, 1969).  (8) The deepest snow: in 1971 – 1972 season in Mt. Ranier, Washington received 1,122 inches (93.5 feet). In 1921 6.3 feet fell at Silver Lake, Colorado in just 24 hours.  (9) The strangest, on June 16, 1939 in Trowbridge, England it actually rained frogs.  Strong winds had lifted the creatures aloft.  In 1984 live six-inch flounders fell on a London neighborhood.  A waterspout had lifted them from the Thames river.  With all this said:

1.  In Matthew 16:1-ff, Jesus scolds those who discern such physical matters, but are not spiritually discerning.  He said, “When it is evening ye say it will be fair weather: for the sky is red.  And in the morning, it will be foul weather today for the sky is red and lowering…”  Others have said, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.”  “A red sunset results when the western sky is especially clear.  The color occurs because the sun is low in the sky and its light passes through additional atmosphere.  The condition is enhanced if a stable high pressure region is present.  This high pressure suppresses cloud formations and also hold air contaminants near the earth.  These in turn ’scatter’ the colors of sunlight and cause the reddening effect in the west.  In the mid-latitudes of the northern hemisphere weather patterns usually approach from the west.  Since ‘highs’ bring good weather, red skies in the evening indicate that fair weather is probably approaching from the west.  On the other hand, if the red appears in the eastern morning sky, then the high pressure region has already passed through.  Sometimes, evening redness (in the east, B.H.) is due to sunlight reflecting off a retreating cloud layer in the east.  Likewise, morning redness in the west may be due to an advancing cloud layer” (Weather and the Bible, p. 24).

Why is it that some pay attention to physical things so closely, but neglect what is spiritually important?

2.  On another occasion in Luke (12:54-55) Jesus also expressed His displeasure over the same.  They could discern that if a cloud arose in the west (off the Mediterranean Sea) they likely would receive rain.  They also understood that if the south wind (off the desert) blew they likely would receive scorching heat.  But they did not understand the signs which Jesus did.

3.  About what do we talk to our friends?  The book Coping: A Biblical Approach by Stephen Lloyd contain these statistics by Flavil Yeakley: (1) 30% have friends in the church but do not visit them. (2) 50% have friends in the church and visit them but there is no spiritual dimension to the visit (p. 147).  Let us move beyond talking about the weather, sports and politics.  Let us be as “iron sharpeneth iron” (Prov. 27:17).

 Fascinating books on weather for Bible students:

1.  Weather and the Bible by Donald B. Young.

2.  The Weather Book by Michael Oard

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The Work of the Church

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

If a church loses its focus, then nearly anything can be imagined as the work of the church. Some churches are extremely busy.  They have this activity and that activity.  They have numerous programs and works that they do.  Their calendars are overflowing with meetings, events, socials and the like.  Any perceived good that can be done is made the work of the church, without Bible authority – while the real legitimate work gets lost in all the busy activity.  Some operate under the philosophy that if they can keep the members excited about some project or activity – whatever it is, then something wonderful has been accomplished and the church therein is carrying out its function.

What is  not the work of the church:

1.  It is not the work of the church to direct the affairs of civil government or to become a political entity.

As citizens, we might be interested in roads being built, economic policies, trade regulations, immigration policies, health care issues, foreign policies, and the like.  But, this is not the work of the church.

At times moral issues and political issues intersect (example: abortion, alcoholic beverage sales, creation – evolution controversy, gambling, homosexuality, etc.).  The church should set forth the truth about these matters.  But, the church should never go into the politics business.

A word of caution; Even as individuals we should be cautious in the area of politics.  Some so push their political party allegiance and talk so so openly and forcefully about politics that they risk alienating half the population from themselves – and thus close doors to Bible studies.

 2.  It is not the work of the church to run schools of secular education.

Individual Christians might get together to open and operate a school.  Consider the following scenario.  A group of educators, all Christians, fed up with some things being taught in the public school system decide to open and operate a private school where a secular-progressive agenda is not being promoted, but Biblical morality.  Such is wonderful.  There is no problem with this.

However, it is not the work of the church to finance, open or operate a school of secular education.  To those who object we ask for Biblical authority.

3.  It is not the work of the church to provide for the entertainment, recreational and social life of its members.

Clearly, individual Christians can have, and should have such contact,  one with another (Mark 6:31-32; Luke 14:12-14; 15:22-25; Acts 2:46; 16:15; 1 Peter 4:9).  There is no problem with this, providing the activity is morally acceptable.

However, it is not the work of the church to provide such.  It is not the function of the eldership to plan an outing of golf, or a hunting trip.  It is not the proper use of the Lord’s money to take from the contributions, money for the youth to go watch a movie or go bowling.  Individuals can do these things – individuals may financially contribute to such; But this is not the work of the church.

4.  It is not the work of the church to manage a home.

In times past, some brethren have suggested that orphan’s homes should be under the oversight of an eldership.  Thomas B. Warren wrote upon this subject saying, “In both the home and the church there is an oversight – subjection relationship.  In the church elders are in oversight (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1-2), and this is the only institution  over which elders are to function as elders.  There is also an oversight – subjection relationship in the home: parents (natural or legal) are in oversight of the children.  Ephesians 6:1 orders children to obey parents, and it doesn’t matter whether the parents are natural or legal (cf. ‘guardian,’ Galatians 4:1, 2).  Jesus was subject to his ‘parents’ (Luke 2:41, 51); one of those parents was natural and one was legal.  In Ephesians 5:22, 23, a clear distinction between the home and the church is set forth.  A man may be both an elder and a father (natural or legal)… he is an elder in the church and a father in the home.  He is neither ‘an elder in the home’ nor a ‘father in the church’” (Orphan Homes are Scriptural, Gospel Advocate, August 17, 1961).  Guy Woods compared churches that would assume the role of the home with church that would assume the role of the government.  He said, “It is just as sinful for the church to attempt to assume… the function of the home, as it is for the church to seek … the function of the state.” (Question and Answers, Volume 1, p. 308).

5.  It is not the work of the church to go into the money-making or money-saving business.

The church is not authorized, for example, to generate purchase property and rent it out in order to generate a profit.  It is wrong for a church to get a loan for a family on a house (so that they will have a place to stay); let them make the payments; but in the end the property belongs to the church – increasing their assets.  It is wrong for churches to loan money out in order to generate profit.

Also, it is worth noting that the church isn’t in the money saving business.  James W. Boyd has written, “Some church hold huge savings accounts, drawing interests and hoarding funds, while people all over the world are dying lost without the gospel.  Good stewardship of funds is one thing.  Greedy and grasping brethren who just hold on to money with the work languishes is something else.  I would fear to be an elder of a church presiding over large savings while the Gospel is not being preached.” (S.T.O.P., November 1997).

6.  It is not the work of the church to simply build buildings, cathedrals, and the like.

It is absolutely correct to say that we need a place to meet.  This I don’t deny.

Once more I ask you to consider James Boyd’s words, “For too long many have depended upon glamorous buildings to be the attraction of the church.  Disproportionate amounts of money have been spent building and maintaining elaborate buildings.  But the church grew more rapidly, physically and spiritually, when our buildings were more on the other side of the tracks.’” (S.T.O.P., November 1997).

7.  The church is not simply to make people feel good and draw big crowds.

It is possible to fill a building up, make everyone feel good and still help save no one.  Sad it is, but true.

Jesus, nor His disciples tickled the ear (John 6:66-67; Matt. 15:12-14; 2 Tim. 4:1-4).  Nothing that is profitable should be kept back (Acts 20:20, 26).

What is the purpose of the church?

The church has but one ultimate purpose.  This purpose is to glorify God.  Ephesians 3:21 reads, “unto Him be glory in the church…”  1 Peter 4:11 adds, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified…”  This is our purpose.

How does the church glorify, upon this earth, the great Jehovah? The answer is that we do this by fulfilling certain areas of responsibility given to us.

What is the work of the church:

1.  Evangelism: The term simply refers to the proclamation of the good news.  The early church financially supported, and was encouraged to do so, the preaching of the gospel (Phil. 4:15-16; 1 Cor. 9:14; 2 Cor. 11:8; Romans 15:24; [cf. 3 John 7-8; Titus 3:13; Acts 21:5]).  The church is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).  Just as Jesus came ” to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10), Even so, we have a responsibility to be about the same business.

2.  Edification: The term has reference to building up, strengthening, fortifying.  As a church, we are to be helping one another on toward heaven.  Concerning our assemblies the Scriptures teach “Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Corinthians 14:26).  We are to “provoke (one another) unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24-25).  1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Comfort yourselves together and edify one another.”

It is worth pointing out that edification is connected with preaching (Acts 14:22; 16:4-5; 16:32; 20:32; 1 Cor. 14:3-5) and example (1 cor. 10:23); It is not justification for bowling allies financed by the church and the like.

3.  Benevolence:  The term refers to what is commonly called charity today.  The church is to (according to its ability) help those in need.  It especially has this duty toward those of the household of faith (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 5:3-4, 16) but also unto others (2 Cor. 9:13 cf. Gal. 6:10).  (Note: for a study of the “saints only” position see article “Saints Only Benevolence” by B.H. which appeared in the bulletin Jan. 23, 2005).

4.  Worship: This point is somewhat distinct from the other three.  The previous three were works which glorify God, but are primarily done toward others.  This is a work primarily done toward God,  though there is a benefit to others (cf. Col. 3:16)

Our worship is to be “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).  To worship in spirit means that we worship Him sincerely, pouring out our being unto Him (Josh. 24:14 cf. John 4:24).  To worship Him in truth means that we do so based upon His word (John 4:24 cf. John 17:17).  God has specified five distinct acts of worship for the church: (1) Lord’s Supper – Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; (2) Giving – 1 Cor. 16:1-2; (3) Singing – Ephesians 5:19; Col. 3:16; (4) Prayer – Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 14:14-16; (5) Preaching – Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 14:27-31.

Let us never lose sight of why the church exists and what it is to be doing.

Note: I am deeply indebted to James Boyd’s article, “Things the church is not to Do” which appeared in the November 1997 Seek The Old Paths for many of my thoughts.

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The Work Week

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

God outlined the work week for Israel.  He said, “Six days shalt thou labour, But the seventh day thou shalt not do any work” (Exodus 20:9-10; Deuteronomy 5:13-14).  At least, three important points are taught here: (1) God expected them to work and be productive.  He has always expected such from man (Genesis 2:15).  He still expects such from us today (Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8).  (2)  Man needs rest.  A lack of it is harmful both physically and psychologically.  Even Jesus, and His disciples needed such (cf. Mark 6:31).  No wonder the Bible says, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” ( Mark 2:27).  We should never get so busy that we fail to rest, relax, “recharge our battery,” and spend time with family and friends.  On the other hand, too much rest is not good either (Proverbs 6:9-11; 19:15; 20:13; 23:33-34; 26:14).  (3) Man should never get so busy that he fails to take time to worship.  On the Sabbath there was to be a holy convocation (sacred assembly, Leviticus 23:3 NIV).  The Sabbath was to be observed even in their busiest farming seasons cf. Exodus 34:21.  We too should take the time to worship (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2;  Acts 2:42).

It is the first two points that I wish to contemplate at this time.  That is, wisdom of God’s work week.

The French Revolution was very atheistic in nature.  This is due mainly to the fact that: The First Estate (the Catholic clergy) and The Second Estate (the nobility) only made up 3% of the population but they had financially and politically dominated The Third Estate (everyone else).  “Churches were closed or turned into “temples of reason.”  (The Human Experience: a World History by Farah, Berens, and Kortepater).  Orders were given to post at graveyards a sign reading, “Death is an eternal sleep” (Brittanica, vol. 7, p. 654 c. 1979).  In time, this de-Christianization policy would end due to fears of alienating other nations.

During this anti-Christian fever a new calendar was developed known as The French Republic Calendar.  It was adopted on October 24, 1793.  Napoleon abolished the calendar effective January 1, 1806.  The calendar eliminated the mention of Catholic holidays.  It did away with the seven-day week and even the name “Sunday” (though such is not of Biblical origin).

The year was divided into twelve months.  The months were divided into three decades, or ‘weeks’ of ten days each.  The five or six extra days needed to complete the year were added at the end of each year, after twelve months.

The days were divided into ten hours, each having 100 decimal minutes and each minute having 100 decimal seconds.  Thus an hour was over twice as long as a conventional hour, a minute slightly longer than a conventional minute, a second slightly shorter than a conventional second.

The months were named: Vintage (starting late September), Mist (starting late October),  Frost (starting late November), Snowy (starting late December), Rainy (starting late January), Windy (starting late February), Buds (starting late March),  Flower (starting late April), Meadow (starting late May), Harvest (starting late June), Hot (Starting late July), and Fruits (starting late August).

The days were named by their number (first day, second day, third day,… tenth day).

The years were written in Roman numerals.  The count beginning from September 22, 1792 (the day the French First Republic was proclaimed).

The work week provided one day off out of each ten.  Wikipedia cites one of the reasons that the calendar was abolished as being “because having a ten-day work week gave workers less rest (one day off every ten days instead of one day off every seven).”  David Barton writes, “Following the French Revolution (1789), France made a calendar change so that workers were allowed one day rest in ten rather than the traditional religiously based one in seven… Apparently, the result on the workers’ health and morale was so detrimental that one day rest in seven was reinstituted” (Original Intent, p. 67 footnote).

It seems to me that the wisdom of God is seen in even His instructions He gave to Israel concerning the work week.  He knows what is best.  let us trust Him in all things.  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

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A Shaking of Faith

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Jesse Babcock Ferguson is an example of how the sins of one can spiritually injure multitudes.  This example should caution us to beware: (1) Men may disappoint; (2) Our actions may affect others.

Ferguson was born in Philadelphia, Pa. but moved over time to various  places in Virginia, Ohio, and eventually Kentucky.  In Kentucky, Ferguson began to preach and his talents and abilities were soon obvious.

In the early 1840’s, while living in Kentucky, he held a couple of meetings in Nashville, Tennessee.  They were so impressed that they tried to persuade him to move to the city and work with them.  At first, he declined, but in the spring of 1846, at the age of 27, he accepted and moved to Nashville (approximate population 40,000).

Never had a preacher in Nashville so captivated the city; And he did it so quickly!  Rapidly the church grew from maybe 300 to 600.  A new building was constructed which would seat 1200.  Ferguson was popular with Nashville’s leading citizens (examples: U.S. Senator John Bell, Governor of the State W.B. Campbell; the city’s mayor; and the city’s leading doctor, W.K. Bowling).  Also, a young David Lipscomb admired him (he was 15 years of age when Ferguson moved to Nashville).  Tolbert Fanning made Ferguson the editor of his paper, The Christian Review (later changed the name to Christian Magazine.)

Ferguson’s ego became enormous while in Nashville.  He boasted that he had calls to preach in Memphis, New York City and in the state of Ohio but Nashville “needed constant teaching and oversight.”  Tolbert Fanning, looking back on things said later that Ferguson, “Flattered all, and was flattered by all in return.”  These things (flattery, ego) seem not to have been seen so clearly at the time.

Unsoundness began to be a concern of some by 1852, and increased through 1856.  Ferguson taught/practiced: (1) A view of 1 Peter 3:18-20 that had many believing he was teaching that a second chance existed on the other side; (2) Many, in time, thought he had adopted universalism; (3) In time, he rejected very clearly the concept of a future punishment of  the dead;(4) Open membership was practiced – anyone who wished to be considered a member there was accepted as such without question; (5) The last straw for many was when he proclaimed that one could communicate with the dead – and that he had so done himself.

Initially, most defended him saying, “He surely wasn’t saying such” …“He’s being misunderstood”…  But in time, the truth was undeniable.

The church split into many parts.  Only 15-25 were left in a building which seated 1,200.  In 1857 the building burned.

Ferguson left the city and is reported to have gone into denominationalism.  He seems to have disappeared from history.  H. Leo Boles wrote, “Like a meteor which flashes across the horizon, making a trail of glorious light behind it, and then suddenly disappearing and leaving nothing but darkness in its wake, so Jesse B. Ferguson… perhaps no preacher of the gospel ever stood so high in the estimation of the people and received the plaudits of the populace and then dropped so low as did this man.”

The effect was disheartening on many.  Lipscomb later wrote, “When the Ferguson defection hung heavily upon the churches, when many older brethren of promise and prominence throughout the country were discouraged, disheartened and many turned away from the truth – some to other churches, others to sin and infidelity, we too felt discouraged and disheartened.”

THINGS TO REMEMBER

1.  Men may disappoint.  Our faith should not stand in excellency of speech or the wisdom of man but in the God above (1 Cor. 2:1-5).  We should follow a man only so far as they are following Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).  Keep your eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:1-ff).

2.  Our actions may affect others.  The man or woman who commits adultery or enters into some shocking behavior, might harm not just themselves, but also others.  The man or woman who stops attending church services affects potentially numerous others, especially their close friends and family members.  The hypocrite, when discovered to be such, causes potentially many not to want to be a Christian (Rom. 2:23-24; 2 Sam. 12:14).  Take very seriously your influence on others! (Read Matthew 18:6-7).

 Resources for Bio.

1.  Crying in the Wilderness: A Biography of David Lipscomb by Robert E. Hooper, page 47-50.

2.  The Search for Ancient Order, (Vol. 1) by Earl Irvin West, page 261-265.

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Keeping Unity

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

The church is composed of those of different geographical origins, cultures, ethnicities, educational achievements, occupations, and even hobbies.  How can true lasting unity be maintained?

I would suggest that it is possible for true Biblical unity to be maintained, if we hold to two things:  (1) The right attitude; (2) The right standard and focus.  These two things are essential for “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

 Attitude (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Verse one begins with “Therefore.”  This points back to a previous point (Ephesians 2:15b-22; 3:6, 17-19, 21).  God wants us to live harmoniously together in one body, bringing honor and glory to Him.  The wording “walk worthy” means to live a life pleasing unto Him (cf. Colossians 1:10), a life which becometh the Gospel (cf. Philippians 1:27).  He wants us to “walk in love” (Ephesians 5:2) and “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

Verse two mentions the attitude we need if we are going to so dwell together:

1.  Lowliness – (humility NASB; completely humble NIV).  Self exaltation was common then, and it is common now.  When men are self exalters and self promoters, difficulties are bound to happen.

The Bible warns one, “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think” (Romans 12:3).  We would do well to have Paul’s attitude.  He said, “But by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10) and “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).  Man has much to be humble about  (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Remember, “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

 2.  Meekness – (gentleness NKJV).  Cruden’s says this word means “gentle, kind, not easily provoked, ready to yield rather than cause trouble.”  We should ‘bend over backwards’ if necessary in order to keep peace.  “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated…” (James 3:17).  Paul instructed “as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).

3.  Longsuffering – (patience NASB).  Someone has said that “patience is the ability to idle the motor when you feel like stripping the gears.”  We should be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).  But, being longsuffering involves more than this.  It includes the idea of patiently enduring to help save a soul (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2).

4.  Forbearing… in love.  Vine’s says the word carries the thought of “to hold up, to bear with, endure.”   We should not walk around with a ‘chip on our shoulder.’  We should overlook each others quirks, and even when we have been sinned against ‘forbearing’ would include the idea of standing ready to forgive (Colossians 3:13).

Verse three does not tell us to create unity but to be “endeavoring to keep…”   When we were converted we became a part of one family.  God unified us into one body.  However, we must make effort to keep such oneness, unity, and peace.

 Standard/Focus (Ephesians 4:4-6)

True Biblical unity can only exist when we have the same correct standard and focus religiously speaking.

 1.  One body.  The body is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4; 5:23).  We are added to this body upon proper baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13 cf. Galatians 3:26-28).  There is not one body for Jews and one body for gentiles; such is not how God designed things.  Neither should we be divided after men (1 Corinthians 1:12-13; 3:4-7).  The body belongs to Christ (Ephesians 4:12).  He is the head (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23; Colossians 1:18).

2.  One spirit.  This one spirit has delivered one message (Ephesians 2:18, 20 cf. 3:5-6).  The consequent is stated in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

Moreover, this one spirit had given them different gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-ff).  Instead of being divided over these gifts they should be laboring together as one body.  It is not as if different gods had given them different competing gifts.

 3.  One hope.  The ultimate hope for each Christian is eternal life in glory (Titus 1:2; 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:8).  This hope helps us to have endurance in this life (Romans 8:24-25; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:2).

Now here’s the thing: we’re all striving for the same place, as Christians.  If we can’t get along here, what’ll we do there?

 4.  One Lord.  In the words of Peter, “God hath made… Jesus… both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).  The book of Romans says, “there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him” (Romans 10:12).  He is Lord over both Jew and Greek.

The language “Lord” is language of authority (Luke 6:46).  He has authority over “all flesh” (John 17:2).  He has been given “all authority… in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18).  It is by His words we’ll be judged (John 12:48; cf. 2 Corinthins 5:10).

 5.  One faith.  If this is speaking of personal faith, then it simply makes the point that both Jew and gentile christians believe the same message.  Remember, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17 cf. 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).

It is possible that this is speaking of the source of personal faith, that is the objective standard of faith (cf. Acts 6:7; 14:22; 15:9; Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 1:23; 3:23; 3:25; Philippians 1:27; 1 Timothy 3:9; 4:1; 4:6; 5:8; Jude 3).  It is true the definite article is not present, but neither is it in passages like Romans 1:5; 1:17; 16:26, etc.

Either way, the message is similar.  Whether it is personal faith (which they held alike, and which came by the same objective standard) or whether it is the system of faith which is being spoken of in this passage, the message is they did have the same standard and the same trust.

6.  One baptism.   Various baptisms are mentioned in the pages of the Bible: (1) The baptism in the sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-2 cf. Exodus 14); (2) The baptism of John (John 1:26; 3:23; Matthew 21:25); (3) baptism of suffering (Luke 12:50; Matthew 20:22-23 cf. 26:39 and Hebrews 2:9; 1 Corinthians 15:29); (4) baptism with Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16; Acts 1:4-5 cf. Acts 2); (5) baptism with fire (Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16-17); (6) Great commission baptism (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 8:12-16; 10:47-48; 19:5, etc.).

Which is the one baptism?  (1) The baptism in the sea was a one time thing.  Moreover, it was not something which Jewish and gentile christians had in common.  (2) The baptism of John anticipated a coming Messiah (Acts 19:4).  It is spoken of in the past tense even in Jesus’ lifetime on earth (Matthew 21:25).  It clearly is not the one baptism (Acts 18:24-19:7).  (3) The baptism of suffering?  It is true that we are all called upon to suffer when necessary for the cause of Christ (2 Timothy 3:12).  It is also true that both Jew and gentile experienced this (1 Thessalonians 2:14).  However, this is figurative language, and water is mentioned later in this same book (Ephesians 5:25-27).  (4) The baptism of the Holy Ghost?  It is interesting that Holy Ghost baptism (a promise, not a command – Luke 23:49; Acts 1:4-5 cf. Acts 10:6, 47-48; 11:14) occurred in Acts 2 (cf. Acts 1:4-5); Many believe that it also occurred in Acts 10-11; However it is never spoken of again as occurring after Acts 10-11.  (5) The baptism of fire?  I don’t think we want this one (Matthew 3:10-12; Luke 3:16-17).

This leaves (6) The baptism of the Great Commission.  It is necessary for salvation (Mark 16:15-16 cf. Acts 2:38).  Water is connected with the baptism that saves (1 Peter 3:20-21).  Water baptism is a command to be obeyed (Acts 10:48).  One must obey the Gospel to be saved (2 Thes. 1:6-ff).  The Gospel at its core is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor. 15:1-4).  We obey this in our dying to the love and practice of sin, being buried in water, and raised to walk in the newness of life (Rom. 6:1-ff).   The baptism of the Great commission clearly is not Holy Ghost baptism [watch the consistency of the original language: Matthew 28:18-f; Acts 8:6; 19:5, lit. “Into the name…”].  The “washing of water” is mentioned in this very book (Ephesians 5:25-27 cf. Acts 22:16).  It thus stands to reason that water immersion of the Great commission is the one baptism.

It is after this one baptism that one is added to the church (Acts 2:38, 41, 47).  Thus both Jew and gentile christians would have gone through this same entrance (Read Galatians 3:26-28).

7.  One God and Father.  There is not multiple competing gods as the heathens thought.  there is not one God (Jehovah) for the Jews, and another (Diana) for the gentiles.  “He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth” (Acts 17:25-26).

 Spiritually, He can be the Father of us all (Galatians 3:26-28). In Ephesians 2:16, 18 we read, “That he (Jesus – B.H.) might reconcile both (Jew and gentile – B.H.) unto God in one body (church – B.H.) …For through Him (Jesus – B.H.) we both (Jew and gentile – B.H.) have access by one Spirit (because he revealed the truth Ephesians 2:18, 20 cf. Ephesians 3:4-5 – B.H.) unto the Father.”

 Meditating on these things should help in our maintaining the unity we should have.

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Franklin’s Faith

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706.  He was the 15th of 17 children.  His father was not wealthy, but a poor candle maker.  His education was scant, just two years of formal education.  Yet, his accomplishments and contributions to society are legendary.

His interests and thirst for learning seem almost insatiable.  He was a writer, publisher, inventor, scientist, statesman, politician, and great contributor to society, even a man interested in languages and spelling.

He was a writer and publisher.  Some of his “proverbial sentences,” as he called them, still survive to this day, such as: “haste makes waste” and “God helps them that help themselves.”

He was an inventor.  Among his inventions were the Franklin stove, a musical instrument called the Armonica, an odometer for wagons, a mechanical hand for getting books off of high shelves, a battery, and the lightening rod, even swimming fins.  He patented nothing; He simply wanted to benefit society.

He was a scientist.  His experiments discovered that light colors reflect more heat than do dark colors.  His experiments with electricity laid much of the foundation for future studies of the subject.

He was a statesman and politician.  In 1754 he proposed the Albany Plan, which if followed might have prevented the Revolutionary War.  He was a member of the Second Continental Congress.  He had diplomatic missions to Britain, France, and Canada.  He served as President (Governor) of Pennsylvania.  He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and proposed The Great Compromise between the small and large states.  He is the only person who signed all four documents that led to the creation of this country: The Declaration of Independence; the treaty with France (that brought French money, troops, warships); the peace treaty with Great Britain (ending the war); and the U. S. Constitution.

He was a great contributor to society.  He helped organize Philadelphia’s first fire department, and street cleaning department.    He helped organize America’s first fire insurance company.  He served as Postmaster of Philadelphia and later all of the colonies, entirely reorganizing the Postal Service.  He helped establish what is today the University of Pennsylvania.  He was an abolitionist.

He also taught himself the French, Spanish, Italian, German and Latin languages.  His interest in languages also led him to try to create a new alphabet and simplify spelling, but his efforts never were accepted.

At age 84, Franklin received a letter from Ezra Stiles (President of Yale University).  Stiles wrote, “As much as I know of Dr. Franklin, I have not an idea of his religious sentiments.  I wish to know the opinion of my venerable friend concerning Jesus of Nazareth… If I have said too much, let the request be blotted out and be no more; and yet I shall never cease to wish you that happy immortality, which I believe Jesus alone has purchased.”  That is, to paraphrase,  “Friend, I am concerned for you.  You have not much longer on earth.  What do you believe?”

Franklin’s response “Here is my creed.  I believe in one God, the creator of the universe.  That He governs it by His providence.  That He ought to be worshipped.  That the most acceptable service we render to Him is doing good to His other children.  That the soul of man is immortal and will be treated with justice in another life respecting its conduct in this… As to Jesus of Nazareth – my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think his system of morals and his religion as he left them to us, the best the world ever saw or is like to see… some doubts as to his divinity; though it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it and think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble…”  Paraphrase, “I’ve studied many things but never found time to study this.  I am not going to start now, for soon I’ll be gone and will know the truth.”

Franklin never saw another year.  Don’t you think it is tragic that the man who had interest in nearly everything, never found time to investigate spiritual matters more thoroughly?

Don’t waste your life finding the answers to nearly everything except what really matters.

Is there a God?

Is the Bible from God?

Is Jesus the divine Son of God?

What must I do to be saved?

How should we worship?

How does one find the right church in this day and age.

How does God want me to live each day?

“Come, let us reason together…” Isaiah 1:18

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