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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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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