Ever Changing Doctrines

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

When the previous Pope died, numerous news reports cited various polls which asked the people what the next Pope should change: Should he allow the priest to marry? Should he allow female priests?  Should the church change its views on abortion or birth control?  Have you ever noticed how fluid doctrine is to some?

Consider Jehovah Witness doctrine.  On July 1, 1945 Jehovah Witness publication, The Watchtower, indicated that all blood transfusions and blood products were prohibited.  On September 15, 1958 they indicated that the use of blood products (fractions) was a matter of individual judgment.

Concerning the storage of blood, on October 15, 1959, The Watchtower indicated that to store one’s own blood even for a brief time would violate the scriptures.  On September 15, 1964, the same publication indicated that blood transfusions were wrong even of one used his own blood.  But, on March 1, 1989 they changed saying, “the recovering and reusing blood during surgery… a personal decision.”

Concerning the worship of Jesus, the October 15, 1945 Watchtower said, “You must worship and bow down to Jehovah’s chief one – namely Jesus.”  Then in November 1, 1964 they changed saying, “It is unscriptural for worshippers of the living and true God to render worship to the Son of God, Jesus Christ.”   [Note: one must understand that The Watchtower is not just a publication for them.  It is their standard.]

Next, consider the Mormon doctrine.  Concerning polygamy their doctrine has varied.  Originally the Mormons rejected polygamy.  The book of Jacob chapter 2:27, “…there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none.  Jacob 2:24, “Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord.”  Ether 10:5 reads, “…Riplakish did not do that which was right in the sight of the Lord, for he did have many wives and concubines…”

In 1835 Doctrine & Convenants 101:4 reads, “We believe that one man should have one wife; and one woman but one husband, except in the case of death, when either is at liberty to remarry again.”  In 1843, D&C 132 was added which approves of polygamy.  D&C 132:34, “God command Abraham, and Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to wife.  And why did she do it?  Because this was the law… ” D&C 132:52 reads, “And let mine handmaid Emma Smith, receive all these that have been given unto my Servant Joseph…”  In 1876 D&C 101:4 was removed (see above).  Then, in 1890 when Utah was desirous of statehood then President Wilford Woodruff discontinued the practice of polygamy.

Also, consider Methodist doctrine.  It was not until the year 1910 that the Methodist church repudiated the doctrine of inherited sin.  In that year infant baptism became simply a baby dedication ceremony.  In 1948 Methodist Discipline reads, “we hold that all children by virtue of the unconditional benefits of the atonement are members of the Kingdom of God, and therefore graciously entitled to Baptism.  The minister shall earnestly exhort all parents to dedicate their children to the Lord in Baptism as early as convenient, and before Baptism is administered he shall diligently instruct the parents regarding the vow which they assume in this sacrament.  It is expected of parents or guardians… that they use all diligence in bringing them up in conformity to the word of God…” More recent Disciples say essentially the same.

Moreover,  in the news of late is the Methodist position on practicing lesbian ministers.  It is now allowed after initially being disallowed.

Let’s also consider Roman Catholic doctrine.  Many areas could be looked at but let’s focus in on the election of a Pope.  The current method of the Cardinals electing a Pope has not always existed.  The current method developed from two councils: The Lateran council, 1059 A.D., and The Third Lateran council, 1179 A.D..  In 1179 A.D. it was determined that, “the election of popes exclusively in the hands of cardinals, to be decided by a majority of two-thirds, and threatened with excommunication and deposition any one who should dare accept an election by a small number of votes” (Schaff, History of the Christian church, volume 5, page 118).  Yet in 1986 Pope John Paul changed the rules.  He decided that if after two weeks the two-thirds super-majority didn’t occur then, a simple majority would do.  The rules changed.

As a side point, if they truly are guided by the Holy Spirit in this selection process, why isn’t the decision unanimous?  Why is it that the conclave became necessary?  One time it took thirty-three months to elect a Pope (Nov. 29, 1268 to Sept. 1, 1271)!  The word ‘conclave’ is from clavis, meaning key.  Due to how long the previous mentioned case took, the cardinals were locked into seclusion.  If after three days no decisions is made, the meals are reduced to twice per day.  Should eight days pass, the food is reduced to wine and bread (at least such used to be the rules).  In the 1200’s when the election took so long, the roof of the room they were in was actually removed in order to give motivation to reach a decision.  Yet, this process is supposedly guided by the Holy Spirit.  Hmmmm… does this sound like the way Judas was replaced?  (see Acts 1:21-26).  Consider the chart on the following page titled Departures from the Apostolic Way for just some of the changes that have been made in the Catholic church.

We could also add to this information about various denominations changing their position on women preachers, homosexuality, and the like.  However, the point has been made to some doctrines can be changed.  Bill Clinton was interviewed at the Pope’s funeral.  After his kind words for the deceased, he was asked about what the Catholic church had ahead of it.  His response was that if churches don’t change with the times, they die.

Folks, let us always remember that the Lord’s church is not a democracy where the rule of majority reigns.  It is not an oligarchy, ruled by the minority.  It is not a plutocracy, a rule of the rich.  It isn’t an aristocracy, a rule of the privileged class.  Nor, is it a monarchy, a rule of one (unless that one be Jesus Christ).    The Lord’s church is a theocracy, it is to be ruled by God.

Moreover, let us remember that the Apostles were guided into all truth (John 16:13).  The system of Faith is complete (Jude 3).  It is by the words of the New Testament that we’ll be judged (John 12:48; Rom. 2:16).

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Jesus: A Real Person

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Did Christianity really originate from a Jesus the Christ of First Century Israel?  Did Jesus really live?

Encyclopedia Britannica concludes, “In ancient times even the opponents of Christianity never doubted the historicity of Jesus, which was disputed for the first time and on inadequate grounds by several authors at the end of the 18th, during the 19th, and at the beginning of the 20th centuries.”  (15th edition, 1979 – Macropedia Vol. 10, page 145).  My friends, the evidence of Jesus’ existence is as good, or better than for the existence of George Washington.

Consider the following: (1) Flavius Josephus was a Jewish historian who lived from about 37 A.D. until 100 A.D.  He wrote Jewish history for the Romans.  In that history he wrote of the stoning of James.  He wrote, “James, the brother of Jesus, who was called the Christ…”  (Antiquities XX, 200).  (2) The Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus lived from about A.D. 55 till 120 A.D..  He wrote of Nero’s attempt to avoid personal blame for the burning of Rome, “Therefore, to scotch the rumor, Nero substituted as culprits, and punished with the utmost refinements of cruelty, a class of men … whom the crowd styled Christians.  Christus, the founder of the name, had undergone the death penalty in the reign of Tiberius, by sentence of the procurator Pontius Pilate…” (Annals XV).  (3) Pliny, the younger, while serving as the imperial legate of the province of Bithynia wrote a letter to the emperor Trajan in 111 A.D. about how he should treat certain ones.  He wrote, “An anonymous document was laid before me concerning many peoples’ names … some of these denied that they were Christians or ever had been so; at my dictation they invoked the gods and did reverence with incense and wine to your image, which I ordered to be brought for this purpose along with the statutes of the gods; They also cursed Christ; And as I am informed that people who are really Christians cannot possibly be made to do any of those things, I considered that the people who did them should be discharged.”  He also wrote of how true Christians sang hymns to Christ, “as to a god” (Epistle 10, p. 96-ff).  (4) A contemporary of Pliny, a Roman named Suetonius wrote in regards to the life of the emperor Claudius, “He (Claudius) expelled the Jews who had on the instigation of Chrestus continually been causing disturbances, from Rome (the city – Acts 18:2)” [Vita Claudii 25:4].

Brad T. Bromling has written, “Records of Jesus’ life come to modern man with impressive force.  Not only are there Christian writings (whose manuscripts number in the thousands), there are also Jewish and Roman sources which give testimony to the Lord’s historicity.  The latter may be termed ‘hostile’ witnesses since they have virtually nothing positive to say of the Christ … History is clear; His existence was recorded by both friend and foe.  Jesus Christ is an incontestable figure of history”(Reason & Revelation Vol. XIII, NO. 1 , p. 7).

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What Will Future Homes Look Like?

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Some months ago, there was a big push for America to recognize homosexual marriage.  The mayor of San Francisco was licensing and performing such marriages, defying the state.  The Commonwealth of Massachusetts decided to recognize such marriages.  While at the same time many states were considering propositions and amendments to clearly define marriage to be a union of a man and a woman.

During this time, I remarked to my wife, Melinda, that this might well open up a ‘Pandora’s Box.’  If two men can be considered married, then why not recognize polygamy as practiced by the fundamentalist Mormons and Islam?  Why not polyandry (one woman – multiple husbands)?  Surely, there would be some soon pushing for equal recognition in these areas if marriage could be expanded to include two from the same sex.  After all, if they love each other who are we to say no?

In The Weekly Standard, Dec. 26, 2005 there appeared a piece entitled “Here Come the Brides: Plural Marriage is Waiting in the Wings” by Stanley Kurtz.  Kurtz tells of three unique ‘marriages‘:

(1) A marriage recognized between a husband – Victor de Bruijn, his wife of eight years – Bianca, and a third – Mirjam.   Victor is heterosexual.  The two women are bisexual.  This marriage occurred in the Netherlands, in the town of Rosendale, on Sept. 23, 2005.  This legally is not recognized as a marriage by Dutch law, but is recognized as a cohabitation contract.  This isn’t  a typical polygamous relationship.  It is actually a ‘three-way marriage.,’ polyamory.  The writer asked the question, “If every sexual orientation has a right to construct its own form of marriage, then more changes are surely due.  For what gay marriage is to homosexuality, group marriage is to the bisexual..”  (2)  A marriage between husband – Serge Regnier, and wife of four years – Christine.  Christine’s sister, Katrina, wanted children so the two added her to their relationship.  Serge’s love from childhood, Judith, became ‘available’ so they all agreed to add her.  The man now has three wives, thirty children and more are one the way.  The three wives say that they don’t mind adding a fourth if  ‘she is nice.’”  This ‘marriage’ is not recognized as a legal marriage in the Belgian town of Marcinelle, where they’re from; But, this situation has opened arguments in Europe for multipartner  marriages.  (3) The marriage of Koen Brand and his wife in the Netherlands.  Koen is bisexual and has a relationship with another bisexual who is also married.  One wife is uncomfortable with the situation.  Koen’s own wife is open to forming a threesome.  It is possible one marriage will end and the three remaining will form a polyandrous marriage.

The Unitarian church, which was a power behind the legalization of same-sex marriages in Massachusetts, is also calling for the recognition of polyamory (group marriages).  Unitarian ministers are already performing joining ceremonies for polyamorous families.

Folks, have we been silent too long?  Is it not time to take a stand?

Let’s teach very clearly that God instituted the home.  He created Adam and Eve.  He didn’t create Adam and Bubba and Eve.  He didn’t create Adam and Eve and Becky.  When Jesus was asked about marriage, He returned to the Garden (Matt. 19:4-5).  So should we!

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SNOW AND ICE

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

What can we learn about God from the snow?  Job 37:6 says of God, “For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’ …”  God controls the natural order of things.  He sends the snow.  The actual context (Job 37:6-8) is set forth to demonstrate God’s might.  He, by use of weather, can bring many of man’s activities to a halt (Job 37:7).  He causes men to cease working (Job 37:7).  He shuts down entire airports, schools, and even cities.  Moreover, even animals, the wildest of animals, submit to His control (Job 37:8).  So snow tells us how puny man really is in comparison with the might of God.  Brother Wayne Jackson once wisely pointed out, “Mark Twain’s quip that ‘everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it’ is still true.  He is in control.”

Snow is mentioned again in Job 38:22.  The passage reads, “Have you entered into the treasury of the snow?…”  The NASB renders this verse “Have you entered the storehouses of snow…?”  The word rendered “treasury” or “storehouses” literally refers to an “armory.”  God has used in times past the weather to fight against the wicked (Job 38:23 cf. Psalm 18:12; Psalm 78; Psalm 148:8;  Isaiah 30:30; Isaiah 32:19;  Ezekiel 13:11-13; Haggai 2:17; Joshua 10; Exodus 9:22-26; Exodus 10:5-15; Revelation 8:7; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 16:21).  But it seems  to me that the question really is: “Job, how do I do it?  How do I form these things and store them up in the air?  How do I use them according to My providence?  (cf. Job 38:23)?”  Again, such speaks of God’s might.

God can also use snow for man’s benefit (cf. Matthew 5:45; Job 9:30; Job. 24:19; James 1:17).  As snow melts upon the high mountains and descends in streams and rivers, it provides a source of water in areas that normally don’t receive much rain.  Moreover, snow fertilizes the soil by bringing nitrogen down from the air above.  Then, there is the fact of insulation.  Snow keeps the ground warm.  A blanket of snow insulates and protects seeds and plants in the ground (especially the root system) from extreme temperature and drying wind.  Do you thank God for snow?  Do you realize how he provides for you?

Now, we look at ice.  Job 38:29-30 says, “From whose womb came ice? …the waters are harden a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.”  To paraphrase, “Job, who created ice?”  What an amazing thing ice is!  It speaks well of God’s wisdom in design.  Ice floats.  H2O is one of the few substances that is less dense in its solid state than in its liquid state.   Talk about design!  God created ice to freeze in such a way so as to insulate the fish from the cold of winter.  “Job, would man have thought of this?”

Brethren, let us see beauty, design, power, wisdom and majesty in God’s created order.  Let us thank God for the snow and ice!

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Jesus and God, Not Ashamed

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

“For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11).

The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus sanctifieth us by His blood (Heb. 10:10; 13:12).  We are also sanctified by the Truth of the word (John 17:17) and the washing of water (Eph. 5:26).  However, the context of Hebrews speaks of sanctification through the blood of Christ.

The text says both the sanctifier and the sanctified are of one.  Perhaps this means of one nature (Heb. 2:11 cf. v. 14, 17).   Others think the reference is to being of one heavenly Father.  However, the context seems to favor the former.

Jesus lived among men, as a man.  He worshipped God with them (Heb. 2:12).  He exercised faith in the midst of trials (Heb. 2:13a), just as men on earth should do (Heb. 11:6).  He even carried on miraculous work with some of these He lived among (Heb. 2:13b, cf. Isaiah 8:18).  Thus, “he is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Heb. 2:11).

“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God…” (Heb. 11:16).

Abraham and Sarah could have sought to return to the land that they had left (Heb. 11:15).  However, turning back was not  a part of their vocabulary, though things weren’t always easy.

They considered themselves “strangers and pilgrims on earth” (Heb. 11:13).  They were looking beyond.  They “desired a better country, that is an heavenly” (Heb. 11:16 cf. 11:10; cf. 13:14).  Therefore, “God is not ashamed to be called their God (Heb. 11:16).

The Tie

Jesus came to this earth and lived among us.  Therefore, He is not ashamed to be called our brother.

Those who seek to dwell with Him on high, those that seek Him by faith, putting heavenly things above earthly (see Col. 3:2) – God is not ashamed to be called their God.

Let us live so that He is not ashamed to be called our God!

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A Careful Study of Matthew 24:1-35

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Religious history is filled with date-setters.  William Miller, a member of what later became the Seventh Day Adventist, was one such.  In 1843 he set a date for the Lord’s return.  The predicted year of His return was to be 1844.  The year 1844 came and went, but Jesus did not return.  He then set a date in 1845 for the Lord’s return.  People sold their homes and farms.  They quit their jobs.  They climbed to the tops of trees, hills, and barns and sat and waited for the Lord’s appearance.  He didn’t come.  Many of these, with their faith broken, never trusted in God again.

Another date-setter was Charles T. Russell of the Jehovah Witnesses.  He set the date for the Lord’s return to be October 1914.  October 1914 came and went without the Lord’s return.  He then changed the date to 1918.  He was wrong again.

In my office I have a book entitled, “88 Reasons Why the Rapture is in 1988” (by Edgar C. Whisenant). I do think the writer missed it.  No doubt, he also shattered many’s belief in God.  They think God let them down!

One of the key chapters that these date-setters appeal to is Matthew 24 (along with parallel accounts in Mark 13 and Luke 21).        In this article, we wish to examine briefly, but carefully, this chapter.

I submit to you that Matthew 24:1-35 concerns not the end of time, but the fall of Jerusalem.  Consider this: (1) All spoken of up to this point was to occur in that generation (Matthew 24:34).  (2) Matthew 24:16 speaks of fleeing to the mountains for safety.  What good would this do at the end of time?  At the end of time, fleeing to the mountains would do you no good.  The mountains will be burned up with fervent heat, in that day (2 Peter 3:10-11).  (3) Whatever day is spoken of, we know that it would be especially difficult to flee to safety in the mountains if it was in the winter, if one had a small child, or was pregnant, or if it were in a Sabbath day (Matthew 24:19-20).  What difference could these things possibly make if we are speaking if the end of this earth?  But, if we are speaking of physically fleeing the city of Jerusalem before it  fell, such would make a difference (i.e. – the city gates were closed on the Sabbath Nehemiah 13:19-22; on women with children, compare with Luke 23:28-29).   (4) The disciples questions do seem to concern the Temple and Jerusalem’s fall (Matthew 24:1-3; Mark 13:1-4; Luke 21:5-7).

Next, Jesus sets forth various Pseudo / or weak signs.  (1) False Christs (Matthew 24:4-5).  Josephus and others of old claim that many such did come forth prior to Jerusalem’s fall.  The Bible also hints at such (Acts 5:34-37; Acts 21:38).  If this is a sign of the end of time, it is not much of a sign, for many have claimed over the years to be such (e.g. David Koresh).  (2) Wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6).  At the time the word of Matthew 24 were spoken, the world had relative peace.  But, Roman internal difficulties would soon come.  Four emperors (Nero, Galba, Otho, and Vitellius) would come and go within 18 months.  Strife and uprisings would soon cost 20,000 Jews their lives at Caesarea; 13,000 Jews would be killed by soldiers at Scythopolis; 50,000 Jews were killed in an uprising in Alexandria; another 10,000 would die similarly in Damascus.  Caligula demanded that his statue be erected in the Jewish Temple.  When they refused, he threatened war (the war never happened though historians differ as to whether it was diplomacy or his death that prevented such).  They were not to be disturbed by such things, and neither should we be.  If one is looking at wars, and rumors of wars being a signal for the Lord’s return, he indeed has the weakest of signs.  There have been more than 290 major wars known in human history.  In fact, it is said that in the last 3,421 years of human history, only 268 have seen no war!  (3) Natural disasters (Matthew 24:7).  There certainly were many such occurrences from 30 – 70 A.D..  In those years there were great earthquakes in Crete, Rome, Phrygia, Laodicea, and all over Asia Minor.  Pestilence occurred in the days of  Claudius Caesar; 30,000 Romans suffered death.  Famines also occurred between 30 and 70 A.D. (see Acts 11:28; Romans 15:26).  These things were at best weak signs to those alive then (Matt. 24:6, 8).  (4) Persecutions of Christians (Matt. 24:9).  Surely I do not need to detail the scriptural references to demonstrate that this did occur prior to 70 A.D. (the year of  Jerusalem’s fall).  Why anyone would want to look for fulfillment of these things 19 or 20 centuries later is a mystery to me.  It is shocking, a shocking disregard of history.  All of these things have occurred long, long ago.

Now, we move to the true / or strange signs Jesus gave.  (1) The Gospel would be preached to all of the world (Matt. 24:14).  Has this occurred?  Indeed, it has!  In fact, it was fulfilled as early as 63 A.D. (Colossians 1:23, also se: Colossians 1:6; Romans 1:8; Romans 16:26).  This did occur prior to Jerusalem’s fall.  (2) The Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15-16; cf. 23:38).  Admittedly this language could be difficult.  But, things become rather simple when we go to the parallel record of Luke 21:20.  The reference is to the Roman army surrounding the city (such was an abomination to the Jews).  This has occurred many generations ago.  We need not look beyond the events prior to 70 A.D..

It seems to me that in Matthew 24:23-26, Jesus warns that even Jerusalem’s fall and the events preceding it does not mean that Christ is actually returning to this physical earth.  “Believe it not,” He says Matthew 24:23, 26.

Objections

Bryan, doesn’t Matt. 24:27-30 refer to Christ’s second coming?  No!  it is clear by comparing the language here with the prophetic writings of Isaiah 13:10; 19:1-ff; 34:4; Ezekiel 32:7-8; Joel 2 etc.  This is merely prophetic language referring to the downfall of nations.

But, someone says, “It speaks of Christ’s coming” (Matthew 24:30).  Yes, yes it does; but, this does not prove the reference is to the final coming.  There have been various comings mentioned in scripture: (1) There was the first coming, when He came to live among men (John 1:11; 10:11; Luke 19:10); (2) Another coming occurred on Pentecost (Matthew 16:28); (3) A coming in Judgment is spoken of to the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2:16; 3:20); (4) And here, in Matthew 24:30, His coming is a reference to His coming in Judgment upon Jerusalem.

Another says, “Well, it does talk of salvation” (Matthew   24:13).  Yes, the reference though is not to spiritual salvation.  But, it is a promise of physical salvation to all who would remain true and faithful to Him.  Look at Matthew 24:16.  Just as the faithful of Noah’s day were saved, even so, were the people of that day who remained faithful.  God was providentially with them.  Not one Christian died in Jerusalem’s fall.  If one would read carefully Luke 21:17-21, it is apparent that the reference is to physical salvation.

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the good employee

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Do you feel the efforts you put forth each and every day on the job are going unnoticed?  Do you feel your employer had treated you unfairly?  Is nepotism occurring?  Do you feel like giving up?  If these words describe the sorts of feeling you currently have or have experienced in the past, you are not alone.  The fact is most of us at one time or another have experienced disappointment when it comes to our employment.  Preachers are certainly no different!

When discouragement impacts us our performance frequently is hindered.  The quantity of our output may plummet.  The quality of our work may decline.  The performance of our duties goes from zealous to “What is the least I can do and still maintain employment?

This ceasing of performance zeal usually only leads us into a downward spiral of more disappointment and discouragement.  When one reaches this state it will not be long before his work will be terminated by his current employer.

 How should we cope with the situation?

First, we should realize we are not slaves in this country.  We can quit and establish employment elsewhere if we choose.  We do not have to stay in an environment we do not like.

However, at times it may be in our best interest to remain where we are.  We may have a family to support and simply quitting would mean either taking a cut in salary, or going an extended time without employment.  It could be we have built up certain benefits, and perhaps retirement that would be relinquished if we simply quit.  Quitting may force us into a job of less security, or perhaps into a company that has a question mark beside its name when it comes to how long that company  will be in business.

Second, if we are going to stay where we are, we must learn to make the best of it.  How do we do this?  We must realize no matter how we are treated, and whether we are recognized or not by our employer, God recognizes what we are doing.  We work for Him and not for man.  Therefore, we should work with all our might.

 Note:

1.  Colossians 3:22-24, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

2.  Ephesians 6:5-8, “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as unto Christ.”

3.  1 Peter 2:18-ff, “Servants be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle but also to the harsh…” (NKJV).

4.  Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”

Conclusion

1.  We are to work hard, with all of our might as if we are working for the Lord.

2.  We must not simply give eye service, for God sees all.

3.  We must realize if our employer doesn’t notice, God does and He will reward us one day.

**These perhaps are things that will make an unpleasant work more bearable!

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Man: In the Image of God

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Genesis 1:26-28, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the face of the earth.   So God created man in his own image, in the image God created he him; male and female created he them.  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

Created in the image and likeness of God, what does this mean?  It should be understood that these two terms (image / likeness) are inter-changeable terms (Gen. 1:26-27 cf. Gen. 5:3; Gen. 1:27 cf. Gen. 5:1).  But, in what way can it be said that we are created in the image of God?

 Man is Divine?

It certainly does not mean that man is divine.  The New Age movement, and Mormonism teach self-deification, but in truth we are not God.

God is the creator.  He is all-powerful, all-wise, and omnipresent.

Such doesn’t describe us.  “Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves” (Ps. 100:3).  “Thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God” (Ezek. 28:2; read context Ezek. 28:1-9).  See also – Acts 12:21-23; Acts 14:11-15.  There is a vast difference between God and man.  Job was reminded of this in Job 38-41.  Consider Job’s response after God had whittled him down to size – see Job 42:1-3.

 Physical Appearance?

I have had a young Indian child ask me, “Since man is created in the image of God, what does God look like?  Does he look Asian, African or European?”  Does the wording have to do with physical appearance?

This certainly is not what God has in mind here.  “God is a Spirit” (John 4:24).  “A Spirit hath not flesh and bones “ (Luke 24:39).The Father is not “flesh and bones” (see Matt. 16:17); This is despite what the Mormons teach – (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22; Pearl of Great Price, Moses 6:9).

Someone might ask, “Isn’t it true that God at times is spoken of as having eyes?  Yes, it is (Prov. 15:3; Job 34:21-22).  However, listen to brother T. Pierce Brown, “The fact that God is spoken about as one who had eyes, hands, ears, and so on, has no bearing on this subject for two reasons: (1) If God is trying to let us know that he can observe us, hear us, and minister to us, he has to do it in words that mean something to us; (2) A bird or a fish may have eyes without being in the form of man.  So it is not without reason to speak of God’s eyes, ears, or hands, although he is Spirit.”  (Quoted in Rock Solid Faith, Vol. 2, Page 91).

Gender?

Some have thought that the reference is to God being male.  However, once again this is not the answer.  God usually is pictured, in scripture, in masculine terms.  Sometimes he is pictured in feminine terms (see Isaiah 46:3; 49:15; 66:13).  In truth God is neither male nor female (see Luke 24:39 cf. John 4:24).

The language seems to include both genders (Gen. 1:27-28).  Murder is forbidden due to man being created in the image of God (Gen. 9:6).  Does this include the woman?  Clearly a woman’s life is of equal value as a man’s (see Ex. 21:28-31).  Bert Thompson has written, “How could this be the image of God… if a sexual distinction also is present in animals?” (ibid, page 94).

 Image now lost?

Some believe that man once was in the image of God but now is not.  This image, it is suggested, was lost in the fall.

In truth man still possessed this image long after the fall (Gen. 9:3, 6).  Man still is in the image of God (James 3:9-10 “are made” literally refers to action completed in past with abiding results).

 Eternal nature?

Some have thought that the wording means that man is like God in that man is an eternal spirit being.  The reasoning comes from the words of Genesis 2:7, “man became a living soul.”

However, the term ‘soul’ has different meanings in different contexts.  The word rendered in Genesis 2:7 is used of animal life in context(Gen. 1:20, “life;” Gen, 1:21, “living creature;”  Gen. 1:30, “life”).  Genesis 2:7 does not refer to the immortal part of man (see 1 Cor. 15:44-45 cf. Gen. 2:7).  The NKJV renders Genesis 2:7 “a living being.”

Man clearly does have an inner part which survives the death of the body; However, this is not the point here.

 Dominion?

The contextual reference seems to have to do with how God created us to have dominion (Gen. 1:26-28; Psalm 8:3-8).  Don Simpson used to tell us in Preacher Training School that every time he flew aboard a plane, boarded a ship, or drove in an automobile, or took an elevator to the top of a skyscraper that Genesis 1:26-28 and Psalm 8:3-8 went through his mind.  Robert Morey said, “Image of God simply meant that man was created to be and do on a finite level what God was and did on an infinite level.  Man was created to reflect God in the created order (ibid, page 110).

Very clearly the reference is to authority (Gen. 1:26-27).  It is in this sense the language is used of the male and not the female in 1 Cor. 11:7-9.

Perhaps this image of God also has to do with how God created the animal world.  Read Genesis 9:1-2.  Matthew Henry, “What is it that keeps wolves out of our towns, and lions out of our streets and confines them to the wilderness but this fear and dread” (Vol. 1, page 56).  Adam Clark commented, “Had not God in His mercy impressed their minds with the fear and terror of man so that some submit to his will while others flee from his residence the human race would long ere this have been totally destroyed… tigers, wolves, lions, and hyenas … flee… from the dwelling of man… and thus he is providentially safe” (Vol. 1 page 79).

 A Parting shot

Jesus is the express image of the Father (Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:1-4).  This word image is different for that which is used of us.

The word for us is eikon.  The word used for him is charakter.  This is a much stronger word.  Vine’s adds, “The Son of God is not merely his image (charakter) He is the image or impression of His substance or essence” (page 318).

It is as if God is going to make clear that we understand that we are not in His image in the same way His Son is.

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Man: Why Did God Create?

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

In a Q & A session in India a young boy of six or seven years of age asked this question.  Here is how I responded.

Isaiah 43:7 indicates that man was created for the glory of God.  But, it seems to me, that this has reference to our purpose, and our role.  We each are to live a life that brings glory to God (see 1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Cor. 10:31; Matt. 5:16).

None of us really add glory (beauty) or honor (weight) to His essence.  He needs nothing from man.  He doesn’t need food, shelter, or clothing from man.  He is self-sufficient.  Read 2 Sam. 7; 1 Chr. 17; Acts 7:47-50; and Acts 17:22-25.  Look especially at these words, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is he worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything (emp. Mine), seeing he giveth to all life, breath, and all things” (Acts 17:24-25).

So, while man is to live in such a way that glorify God and causes others to glorify him as well, we do not add anything to His essence.  God needs nothing from man.  Man needs God.  God does not depend on man.  Man depends upon God, “…by him all things consist” (Col. 1:17b).

However, having said this, he does receive joy and pleasure from man.  Read Psalm 149:4; Luke 15:7, 10; 2 Cor. 2:15; Phil. 4:18.  It is clear that we were created “for him” (Col. `1:16).  It appears to me that he desired to spend eternity with us (see Matt. 25:34; John 17:24).

Far from being a harsh God that enjoys destroying man; Far from being a sadist; he has “no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezek. 33:11).  He prepared a wonderful place for us (Matt. 25:43; John 14:1-3).  He wants us to be where he is (John 14:3).

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Peace

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

The wording “grace, mercy, and peace from God…” appears several times in the Bible (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; 2 John 3).  It has been said of God’s grace, mercy, and peace – “Grace is when God gives us what we don’t deserve; Mercy is when God doesn’t give us what we do deserve; And, Peace is the ability to bear up under life’s difficulties knowing that with the help of God, we can meet any difficulty that comes our way.”  Today, we consider the word “peace.”

The original word is eirene (the root eiro means “to join”).  This word is used of: (1) harmonious relationships between all men – Matt. 10:34; Rom. 14:19; (2) friendliness – 1 Corinthians 16:11; (3) harmonious relations between nations – Luke 14:32; Acts 12:20; (4) a state of national tranquility; exemption from rage and havoc of war – Acts 24:2; (5) Freedom from molestation – Acts 9:31; (6) a sense of rest – Mark 5:34; (7) order in the state – Acts 24:2; or in the church – 1 Corinthians 14:33; (8) harmonious relations between God and man – Acts 10:36; Ephesians 2:17; (9) the tranquil state of the soul assured of its salvation through Christ – John 16:33; (10) the blessed state of the devout and upright men after death – Rom.  2:10 [see Vine’s p. 464; and Thayer p. 182].

Jesus is the “prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6).  We have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).  Due to this peace, we can have peace, internally, in spite of external tribulation (John 16:33; Philippians 4:7).

Let’s also remember concerning peace with God: (1) Peace is something preached (Eph. 2:17); yet to hear is not enough, we must obey (Hebrews 5:9).  (2) Peace is connected with the gospel (Romans 10:13-15).  Yet the gospel contains instructions to obey (2 Thes. 1:6-9 cf. Mark 16:15-16).  (3) Peace and mercy are for these who “walk according to this rule” (Galatians 6:16).  There is a rule, a standard, that we as Christians are to follow.  In context that standard is the gospel (see Galatians 1:6-9).  Note: that if we negate both sides of the equation in Galatians 6:16, we see that there is no peace and no mercy for those who do not walk according to this rule.

In our relationship with our fellow man consider: Hebrews 12:14, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”  Also, Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.

My wish for you: “Grace be with you, Mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 John 3).

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