Article - The New Testament Will Judge Us in the Last Day
Jesus emphatically states in John 12:48, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” When Jesus established His New Testament in the first century, He ceased to judge the world by the Old Testament, including the Jewish feasts, dietary laws and the Sabbaths (Colossians 2:14-17). Yet, there are “Churches” today who still utilize the Old Testament to justify their practices. The Seventh-Day Adventists’ website insists, “God’s unchangeable law REQUIRES the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath.” Whereas, the New Testament church observed the first day of the week (Sunday) as the day of congregational worship (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Many Evangelical “Churches” go to the Old Testament to justify the use of mechanical instruments and choirs in church worship as well as insisting on the congregates giving a tithe (tenth). Whereas, the New Testament only authorizes congregational singing as the type of music in church worship; and the weekly Sunday giving is to be as each member has prospered (Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). At one time God did speak to man through the Old Testament prophets, but now He speaks to us by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). Therefore, by Jesus’ authority, namely the New Testament, we MUST all speak the same thing with the same mind and judgment by using the New Testament as our final authority in religious matters (1 Corinthians 1:10; Matthew 28:18).
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Article - Enron, WorldCom, & Situation Ethics
History illustrates that some in corporate America have thrown all morals and ethics out the window for the almighty dollar. Beginning with Enron and continuing with WorldCom, we have seen a growth in situation ethics in the business world. Situation ethics teach if the ends justify the means then it is acceptable. For example, if Enron and WorldCom’s CEO and accountants think that a quarterly profit margin will be much higher than what it actually is then it would be justifiable to lie about those numbers to gain stock value. This is a clear example of the influence of Humanism and Utilitarianism on our society. What does the Bible say about all of this scandal and situation ethics?
Our God is not a god of situations but of eternal principles. God does not change and cannot lie (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 6:18, Titus 1:2). Therefore, God’s nature and law will not change to meet 20th century problems. For example, if murder was wrong when Cain slew his brother Abel then it is still wrong today in principle and in practice. If it is wrong to lie at all (Revelation 21:8) then it is wrong to lie at any time regardless if one thinks the outcome will justify the lying. If something is sinful in principle it is sinful in practice at anytime.
The thinking of situation ethics has had a terrible impact on our society. For example, the Bible teaches that abortion is a sinful practice of killing innocent babies (Proverbs 6:17, Exodus 20:13). Then, we come along 2000 years later and approve of abortion on the grounds of rape. As much as I feel compassion and sympathy for the woman who is raped that does not mean that two wrongs makes a right. As wrong as it was for the rapist to rape the now pregnant woman, it would just as wrong for her to abort that baby. For example, rape is a violation of one’s individual privacy and will. Is not abortion the same thing? When a woman aborts an unborn baby she, in essence, rapes that child of its individual privacy and will to choose to live. Remember, two wrongs do not make a right. Another example of situation ethics in our culture is euthanasia. The Bible teaches that it is wrong to murder others (Exodus 20:13). God is the giver and the taker of life (Hebrews 12:9). Therefore, we cannot come along later and practice death for the aged and ill and be justified. We do not possess the omniscience to see the future. Those who are near death and “terminally ill” may recover and live a healthy life. Physical death is not the worse thing that could happen to someone. We may not always see the benefits of death but they can be numerous. For example, it may cause the dying person to think about his own spiritual life, he may be strengthened in the faith and become closer to God, or others may see his godly example and become Christians. It is time for us to stop playing god for He doesn’t even bend the rules to meet the situation.
Enron and WorldCom thought they could look into the future and justify their lying. They were grossly mistaken and left in a state of financial loss and embarrassment. If we would practice the principle of right at all times life will be much easier for us. May we never give in to the allurement of situation ethics but practice what the Bible teaches in principle.
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Article - Scripturally Speaking: Who is the “Pope”
The word “pope” means “papa” or “father.” Only One is worthy to be called “Holy Father,” namely, God (Matthew 23:9). Only Jesus is worthy to be called “the Head of the Church” (Ephesians 1:22-23), “the Mediator” between God and man (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5) and “the High Priest” (Hebrews 7:22-28). The apostle Peter did not wear a religious title, such as, “pope.” Peter did not preach or practice celibacy. In fact, Peter was married and had a family (Matthew 8:14; 1 Timothy 3:1-6). Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven, defined as “Christ’s church” (Matthew 16:18-19). Jesus did not build His church on Peter (“Petr-os,” masculine gender of the Greek), but on Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Son of God (“Petr-a,” feminine gender, Matthew 16:15-17). Jesus did not begin His church in Rome, but in Jerusalem (Acts 2:5, 47). Peter presented the keys to those who wanted to be added to the Lord’s church, namely, “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Even though Peter was given the keys to “open” the Lord’s church, he realized he was not any greater than any other man. When Cornelius fell down at his feet and tried to worship him, Peter lifted him up and told him that he also was a mere man like Cornelius (Acts 10:25-26; there was no such thing as clergy or laity). Peter was rebuked by Paul in the presence of all for showing partiality (1 Timothy 5:19-20; Galatians 2:11-14). So, remember that when you pray or confess your sins, be sure to hallow the name of the “Holy Father” by praying to God through Jesus only, for God is the only true “Pope” (Matthew 6:9,12).
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Article - I Will Give You Rest
Some of the most beautiful words of our Lord are recorded in Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This beautiful language appeals to our hearts in minds in several ways.
First, it reminds us of God’s great love for all people. Jesus simply says, “Come to me, all…”. This teaches us that God is not prejudiced or biased toward anyone. God wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Jesus tasted death for every man (Hebrews 2:9; 10:12). God sent his own Son to die for the world because He loved us so much (John 3:16).
These words also appeal to us because of the promised rest. Life sometimes wears us out. Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phi. 1:21). You can almost hear Paul’s desire to depart this life in that text. For those who truly labor for the Lord and are laden with many struggles in this life, the promised rest of Heaven is our hope. The words of the Hebrew writer should also encourage each one of us. He said, “Therefore remains a rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9).
Also, this text portrays great beauty because it expresses the gentleness and compassion of Christ. Jesus was not a militant zealot. He is a kind and compassionate Savior. This is why Jesus said, “Take My Yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.” The gentleness and compassion of Christ is exhibited best on the cross of Calvary. Jesus was led as a lamb to the slaughter or as a sheep to its sheerer He opened not His mouth (Isaiah 53). Jesus had the power to call down legions of angels, yet he allowed sinful man to bind Him (Matthew 26:53.
Finally, these words strike close to our heart because of the simplicity of following Christ. Jesus assured us, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” This portrays to us that being a Christian is something that can and must be done. Paul reminded us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). It does not take a degree in rocket science or a doctorate of divinity to become a child of God. Jesus made it so simple when He said, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved, he that believes not will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Jesus also taught us the importance of repentance (Luke 13:3) and confession (Matthew 10:32-33). If you are willing to believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, confess him before men, be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38) and live faithful to Christ you can have the promised rest Jesus assured us of. May God help us not just to realize the beauty of this text, but to apply its principles to every day life!
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Article - Five Rules for Prosperous Bible Study
- Study the Bible Prayerfully. Before a person ever open his Bible, he should fall down on his knees and ask for God’s blessings. Paul reminds us of this principle as he prays for the Christians at Collosae. “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Colossians 1:9).
- Study the Bible Carefully. One must never study the Bible with a flippant and irreverent view of God and His Word. Paul taught Timothy to, “Study to show yourself approved unto God a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
- Study the Bible Practically. For the Word of God to do us any good in this life, we must apply its’ teachings to our daily life. Paul reminded the Christians in Phillipi of this when he said, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:9).
- Study the Bible Impartially. To study God’s word correctly a person must put aside all prejudice, bias and preconceived notions of God and His Will. We must have the attitude of Samuel who said, “Speak Lord, for your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:10). We must remember the words of the Proverbs writer; “There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death (Proverbs 16:25).
- Study the Bible Expectantly. For a person to receive the full blessings of Bible study, he must study it expecting several things. For example, we should study the Bible expecting to understand it (Ephesians 3:4). We should study the Bible expecting its principles to bless us as they are applied to our life (Psalm 1:1-3). We should study the Bible expecting to learn how to be set free from sin (John 8:32). We should study the Bible expecting to learn how to be saved (Acts 2:38).
May God bless each one of us as we apply His will to our lives!
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Article - The Scriptural Meaning of Psalm 51:5 (Part 4)
The New King James accurately translates Psalm 51:5, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” New International Version (NIV) inaccurately/falsely interprets “I was sinful at birth.” Four views worth considering when determining the scriptural meaning of the Psalm: 1) “in iniquity/sin” means “While sinning” or “Due to” [meaning, due to David’s mother’s fornication, he was conceived/brought forth “illegitimate,” John 8:41; also compare such similar usages as: “In joy” my mother conceived me (meaning, conception due to a scriptural, marriage union) or “In great distress” my mother conceived me (meaning, conception due to rape); furthermore consider this question: Is the baby understood as the sinner in these statements?: “In drunkenness my father shot me” or “In lust my father raped me”]; 2) “In sin” means “in a sinful world/environment I was brought forth/conceived.” The next two views may help one arrive at the proper scriptural position despite the fact that the rendering is perverted by such versions as the NIV: 3) “sinful,” meaning “ceremonially defiled” (it is possible that David was “ceremonially defiled” due to the sin of his ancestor Judah who conceived Perez through his daughter-in-law, Genesis 38:15-18, 27-30. Deuteronomy 23:2 states, “One of illegitimate birth shall not enter the assembly of the LORD; even to the tenth generation.” Assuming no genealogy gaps, David would be the tenth generation of Perez, Matthew 1:3-6); 4) “sinful,” figuratively characterizing David’s whole life (referring to David’s sins, not his parents). Compare the same figurative language in Job 31:18: Job says “from his youth” he reared the fatherless and “from his mother’s womb” he guided the widow whose eyes were failing [meaning, Job’s whole life, relatively speaking, can be summarized as helping the needy. Job could not literally guide a blind widow from his mother’s womb any more than a child conceived in the womb could sin, inherit sin, believe in Jesus, or be baptized (“immersed”) or sprinkled (false mode of baptism) with water]. Compare this wording: “I have been helping people all my life” (you do not understand this to mean that as soon as you are conceived or as soon as you are born, you start helping people, do you?).
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Article - Jesus Was a Historical Man (part 1)
There is more evidence for the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth (c. 4 B.C. – A.D. 30) than any other person of antiquity. Even our dating system centers on Jesus’ existence (B.C. means “before Christ” and A.D. is a Latin phrase anno domini meaning “in the year of our Lord”). This article will consider the primary source of evidence, namely, the New Testament (written c. A.D. 45-95, consisting of 27 books). There are over 5,500 Greek manuscripts and thousands of copies of the New Testament dating as early as A.D. 130 that attest to the fact that Jesus was a man who lived on the earth and was the Son of God. The New Testament was written by at least 8 inspired writers who with their combined efforts make reference to Jesus over 1500 times. Most of these writers were with Jesus for many years (namely, Matthew, Mark, John, James, Peter and Jude). They knew Jesus personally, and as reliable eyewitnesses, they wrote about Him as early as fifteen years after His resurrection. James (Jesus’ brother and perhaps the earliest New Testament writer) was considered a historical person not only by the New Testament but by the first century A.D. Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (c. A.D. 37-100). James wrote around A.D. 45 the following: “James, a servant of God and of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: greetings” (James 1:1). John, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, wrote around A.D. 95: “I…in tribulation…was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of JESUS CHRIST” (Revelation 1:9). Another writer of the New Testament by the name of Paul (former enemy of Christ and Christianity and a later eyewitness) wrote around A.D. 56: “…CHRIST died…was buried…rose again the third day…was seen by over five hundred brethren at once…He was seen by me also” (I Corinthians 15:3-8). The New Testament evidence is more than adequate to establish the undeniable fact that Jesus existed and was/is the Son of God.
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Article - The Christian & Gambling [Part 3]
Eli Bunch was a normal, every day person until he stepped into the life of gambling. It started with just a thirty dollar win. Then, he won 3,000 dollars with only a twenty dollar investment. After this win, things went downhill for Eli & his wife Jody. At the end of three years of gambling, Eli & his wife were in the red over 250,000 dollars. Eventually, Eli lost a good job at a prominent business company, his total retirement and his wife separated from him (Seattle Post, Feb. 2004). If you think Eli is just a sad story that could never happen to you, you’re wrong. Eli started as just a twenty dollar, every once in a blue moon gambler. He ended up a financially bankrupt man with a broken life. We must realize the terrible affect that gambling is having on our societies and on our families in America. Let us again notice a couple of biblical reason why gambling is wrong.
Gambling violates the way a Christian can make money or receive goods. To understand this point, one must first realize that everything he does in life must be authorized by the Bible. Paul said, “Whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Colossians 3:17). When we do something in the name of another, we are doing it by their authority (Acts 4:7). Thus, anything a Christian does must be found in the word of God. In the Bible, there are only three ways a person can make money or receive goods. First, a person is authorized to make money by working for it (2 Thes. 3:10). Next, one may sell land or other goods and receive money for them (Acts 4:34; 5:1ff). Finally, one may trade food or other products for money or goods (Genesis 34:10; 42:34). The question now arises. Where does gambling fit into these three ways? It does not. Gambling is not honest work. It is based on chance and luck. Gambling is not a selling/trading of lands or goods. It is actually stealing money from others. When it is all summed up, the Christian can know that gambling is not an authorized method of making money. Therefore, if it is not found in the Word of God, Christians must not take part in it (Revelation 22:18-19). May we strive not to go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6).
Gambling destroys the biblical design for the family. There are numerous examples of how children are suffering the most from their parents’ gambling problems. For example, In Indiana, a review of the state’s gaming commission records revealed that 72 children were found abandoned on casino premises during a 14-month period. In Louisiana and South Carolina, children died after being locked in hot cars for hours while their caretakers gambled. Another disturbing examples shows the length gamblers will go to support their habits. An Illinois mother was sentenced to prison for suffocating her infant daughter in order to collect insurance money to continue gambling. Doesn’t it turn your stomach when you wonder how many children are being abandoned and left hungry in America so that their parents can go down to the casino and gamble? You think it isn’t happening? You better think again! The family as God designed it is to be a place of love and happiness. It is designed to be a place where father and mother put each other first. It should be a place where children learn what it means to love and the fundamental values of life. When gambling comes into the family, the family starts a downward spiral of destruction. May God help us to speak out against gambling so that we may save the American family from destruction! Truly, Gambling is SIN!!!
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Article - Christian Walk And Worship
Prior to becoming Christians, the Ephesians walked “according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air”, but after becoming Christians they were to “walk as children of light”, producing the fruit of the Spirit and no longer having fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 2:1-3; 4:17-19; 5:8-14). This meant that they were no longer to be intoxicated with (fermented) wine (representing wasteful, fleshly lusts; compare James 1:21); but instead, they were to continue to be filled to full capacity “in spirit/Spirit” (that is, in spiritual matters and/or by God’s Spirit, Acts 2:38; 5:32; Romans 7:4-6; 8:5-17). Walking “in spirit/Spirit” includes worshiping together with fellow Christians “in spirit” and in truth (John 4:23-24; 1 Corinthians 14:15), whether it is during the first-day-of-the week worship (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2) or outside the Sunday worship assembly (Acts 16:25). Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 5:18-21 that Christians who walk worthily and are truly filled with God’s spirit/Spirit are to SPEAK (which excludes humming, clapping, playing, stomping, making instrumental sounds with the voice, etc.) TO ONE ANOTHER (which excludes choirs, duets, solos, etc.) IN PSALMS AND HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS (which are multiple words emphasizing the same idea, namely, spiritual songs; thus excluding secular songs; compare Ephesians 2:1; 5:2; 6:10), SINGING AND MAKING MELODY (which are multiple words emphasizing the same idea, namely, singing; thus excluding playing a mechanical instrument; compare Ephesians 3:17; 6:13-14, 14-15) IN YOUR HEART TO THE LORD, GIVING THANKS…TO GOD (which excludes singing spiritual songs as entertainment; instead it is to be for the purpose of praise, and edification: Colossians 3:16), SUBMITTING TO ONE ANOTHER IN FEAR OF GOD (compare, Philippians 2:12-13). Those who have heard God’s word, believed in Jesus (Ephesians 1:13), repented of their old walk of life (Ephesians 4:20-23) and have been sanctified and cleansed “with the washing of water” (Ephesians 5:26; Revelation 1:5; Acts 22:16) are to continue to be “filled in spirit/Spirit” by singing praises to God with fellow Christians without the accompaniment of mechanical instruments. May we always worship God His way and not ours as we walk in the light as Jesus is in the light, fellowshipping with one another (1 John 1:5-7).
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Article - Churches of Christ & Modern Day Miracles
Why do churches of Christ not believe in modern day miracles? Without a doubt, the subject of miracles is a very confusing subject to many. With such a miracle-frenzy sweeping our religious world, why do churches of Christ not believe in modern-day miracles? Let me offer two basic reasons.
First, the Bible teaches that miracles were to come to an end with the completion of the Bible. The purpose of miracles in the first century was to confirm the truth of God’s Word (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4). Miracles were never for physical gratification alone. Paul had the power to heal Trophimus, yet he left him in Miletus sick because miracles were not for physical gratification alone. (2 Timothy 4:20). The premiere passage that teaches miracles have ended is 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. Paul states, “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.” In this passage Paul teaches prophecies, tongue-speaking, and miraculous knowledge will come to an end when that which is perfect comes. We must determine what the “perfect” is. The word for perfect in the original language carries the idea of complete or absolute. In the Bible there are only four things that are perfect: God, Christ, the Holy Spirit and God’s Word. Of these four perfect items, God (Matthew 1:21), Christ (John 1:1-4) and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4ff) have already come by the time Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. The only thing left to come is the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25). Therefore, Paul is saying that when the perfect law of liberty is completed (perfected) that which is partial (prophecy, tongue-speaking and miraculous knowledge) will end. Dear friend, the Bible does not teach miracles still exist today.
Also, churches of Christ do not believe in modern-day miracles because we do not see any genuine miracles happening today. These are the kinds of miracles we read of in the Bible: a man is raised from the dead (John 11), a lame man walks instantaneously (Acts 3), blind people are given their sight immediately (Mark 10:49-52), a man’s ear is attached back to his head automatically (Luke 22:50-51). Dear friend, you must admit these kinds of miracles are not happening today. As I say these things, please do not think that in the churches of Christ we do not believe in the power of prayer. We believe God can heal people through prayer and providence (James 5:13-15). In His time and way God will heal people, but people no longer have the power to do biblical miracles. Why is it that not one miracle worker can go down to the cemetery today and raise a dead person? Because that power no longer exist for us!
In a day and age when all people can seem to think about is miracles and the Holy Spirit, maybe we should start turning our attention to the product of the Holy Spirit—The Word of God (John 16:13). Instead of getting in a fizzle about miracles today, Christians need to be fired up for the Words of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 20:9). May God help us to study to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15).
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Article - The Christian & Gambling [Part 2]
Gambling is becoming one of the most highly addictive and destructive problems our nation is facing. For example, studies show that in 2001 the “gross revenues from gambling were $68.7 billion — more money than Americans spent on music, movies, spectator sports, video games and theme parks combined”(Minnesota Department of Mental Health)! If we think gambling is not a problem that we have to worry about, we better wake up! The National Council on Problem Gambling reported in March 2003 that over 80 percent of U.S. adults have reportedly gambled at least once in the past year. A recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health concluded 4.2 million Americans are addicted to gambling, 60 percent of whom have yearly incomes under $25,000. The amount of problem gamblers America has today is larger than the population of Los Angeles, California! Indeed, gambling is a very serious social problem. Yet, it is a more serious biblical problem. Let us consider three more reasons why gambling is a sin.
Gambling causes Christians to be addicted to evil practices. The Christian should be able to say, “I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). The Bible teaches that a Christian should not allow anything, except Christ, to control him (Romans 6:16-18). The addictive nature of gambling violates the biblical teaching of self-control. If I am addicted to gambling, I do not have control of myself, gambling controls me in some ways. The Bible makes it amply clear that Christians must have control of themselves (Galatians 5:23; 2 Peter 1:6). Gambling is a sin because it causes Christians to be addicted to the wrong things.
Gambling sets an evil and worldly example. The Christians is called out of the world to serve God (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). Jesus taught us to be a good and shining example to those around us (Matthew 5:16). Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example of faith to the believers (1 Timothy 4:12). One of the major problems with gambling is that a Christian cannot maintain a good example and be a gambler. Gambling is associated with such evil things as drinking, drugs, sex, smoking and reveling. If the Christian is to abstain from evil (1 Thes. 5:22), and gambling is directly associated with evil, how can a Christian gamble and still please God???? Gambling is a sin because it ruins the Christian example.
Gambling can cause dishonesty and deceit. Like the drug addict who has to rob the local store to get his next fix, so the gambler may be led to commit crimes to get to the next poker table. For example, A U.S. News & World Report analysis found crime rates in casino communities to be 84 percent higher than the national average. An astonishing example of this type of dishonesty is reported by Focus on the Family. They report that a church secretary in Minnesota stole $186,000 from the church to finance her casino and lottery obsession. While this may be the exception not the norm, the statistics show us that crime, & dishonesty go hand in hand with gambling. Christians should provide for things honest in the sight of all men (Romans 12:17). Gambling is a sin because it breeds dishonesty & deceit.
Dear friend, the problem of gambling is growing out of control in our local communities. May we do something about this problem by standing up and speaking out against this malicious evil.
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Article - Peace that Passes All Understanding
Peace is one of the most treasured commodities for any society. For many, many years’ people have prayed, died and lived for peace. Jesus often spoke of the idea of peace. Yet, it was a little different than how we think of peace today. Today, we think of peace as military safety. Or, we think of it as financial security. Sometimes, we even feel like we have peace when the home security alarm is working well and the stock market is soaring. This was not the kind of peace Jesus spoke of. Jesus spoke of a peace that transcends the physical. He spoke of a kind of tranquility that regardless of whether or not we were at war, financially broke, or even our lives were at stake would allow us to overcome and be victorious. To His disciples Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). How does one have this kind of peace?
Christian peace comes through a right relationship with God. Paul said, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). When sinners have the faith to obey God’s commands, then we can truly have the peace that passes all understanding (Romans 1:5). You see, dear friend, you can only have spiritual tranquility when you can say to yourself, “The Bible says I’m right with God.” Nothing else can give you greater satisfaction and joy than this.
Christian peace comes through living a spiritual minded life. The Apostle Paul said, “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). This idea find exact accord with what Paul said later to the church in Philippi (Philippians 4:6-8). The only way to maintain Christian peace is to know that you are living according to the commands and wishes of God found in the Bible.
To sum up the idea of Christian peace we could say, the only way to get it is to get right with God and the only way to keep it is to stay right with God. When I do both of these, then truly I can say, “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me” (Hebrews 13:6). Do you really possess this kind of peace in your life? Are you sure you have done what the Bible says and not what some other person told you to do? If so, are you living the Christian life every day? If so, then you know the joy of Christian peace. If not, it’s not too late to know the Christian peace. We would love to help you have a right relationship with God and learn how to live the Christian life. Please contact us and we would be glad to help you. May the peace of God rule in your hearts through Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:15).
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Article - The Christian & Gambling [Part 1]
Can a Christian go down to the local casino or gaming center and gamble? Do God and the Bible sanction gambling? The Bible answers both of these questions with a resounding “No”! With the recent rise of gambling in our country and the growth of casinos, the Christian must honestly consider the biblical subject of gambling. Let us consider several reasons why gambling is a sin.
When a person gambles, he is not a good steward of the things God has given him. The Bible says that every good and every perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). The Christian’s responsibility to these gifts is to use them wisely (1 Peter 4:10; Luke 12:42). Gambling is a complete waste and squandering of God’s gifts. The Bible teaches that all we have ultimately belongs to God (Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10-12). It is sad to see so many families suffering for food and the necessities of life because father or mother had to go and gamble away their paycheck. Gambling is a sin because it violates the stewardship principle.
The gambler does not practice the golden rule. Jesus said, “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also unto them” (Matthew 7:12). If I cheat, trick, or outsmart someone else out of their money, then I am not fulfilling the golden rule. I do not want anyone to beat me out of my hard earned money, do you? You cannot say you love your neighbor and then turn right around and beat him out of his money at gambling. The practice of gambling uses the iron rule “might makes right.” Gambling is a sin because it violates the golden rule.
The practice of gambling breeds laziness and keeps people from making an honest living. The person who gambles builds his whole life around the fact that one day he is going to hit it big and bring in a bunch of money. As a result of this thinking, gamblers can become lazy, dishonest, and a menace to society. The Bible says, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thes. 3:10). I know people today who are selling their welfare check and their children’s WIC stamps to go and gamble. How sad! Gambling is a sin because it promotes laziness.
Dear friend, gambling is becoming more and more the plague of the USA. We must realize that gambling is sinful and that God does not condone it. When the time comes to vote on gambling, may Christians band together and vote “NO”.
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Article - What Path Should I Take? (part 2)
In part one we learned that the path of life to take is not atheism (Psalm 53:1), agnosticism (Revelation 3:16), humanism (Romans 1:25) or any of the major world religions such as Hinduism and Islam (2 John 1:9-11). Instead, Jesus said He is the only way, truth and life (John 14:6). One might, then, ask, “What about Judaism?” Is not our American nation and culture based on Judeo-Christian principles? Yes, it is. But, all authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). He has made the final decision, stating that His word (the New Testament) will judge us in the Last Day (John 12:48). When Christ died on the cross, not only did he fulfill the Old Testament (upon which Judaism is based), but He also abolished it, nailing it to the cross (John 19:30; Romans 10:4; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14-17). The Law of Moses was added until Christ came. Now that Christ has come, we are no longer obligated to or judged by the Old Testament (Galatians 3:10-11, 19-25). It is obsolete (Hebrews 8:13). A veil remains on the hearts of those (including Jews) who still try to use the Old Testament as their authority (2 Corinthians 3:7-16). In these final days, we are to hear Jesus, not Moses or Elijah (Matthew 17:3-5: Hebrews 1:1-2). Since the Jewish religion is predicated on the Old Testament and the Old Testament has been done away; therefore, Judaism has been done away. Even Paul wished he could save his fellow Jews (implying they were lost and must submit to Christ and Christianity in order to be saved: Romans 10:1-4). What path should you take? Clearly it is Christ and Christianity!
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Article - How to Overcome a Sinful Past
Sometimes in our Christian life we really blow it. We know what the Bible says. We know what we ought to do. Sadly, there are times when we do just the opposite and sin. When a person really messes up, how do they overcome that sinful past?
He must recognize and admit the sin in his life. Unless we are willing to says, “I have sinned”, we cannot be forgiven by God (1 Samuel 12:21ff). The beloved Apostle John said, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9-10). Someone has properly stated that to know yourself diseased is half the cure.
A person must also be ashamed of their sinful past. Too often people who have lived a life of sin go around bragging about the “sins” they used to commit. Sin should be something that should cause us great shame, not give us an avenue to boast (Romans 6:21). How sad it is when we reach a point that we can no longer blush over sin (Jeremiah 8:12).
To overcome a sinful past a person must deal with sin in a God-approved way. The only way to deal with sin properly is through obedience to Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9). Jesus made it clear that to deal with sin one must believe in Him (John 8:24), repent of past sins (Luke 13:3), confess Him as Lord (Romans 10:10), be baptized for the remission of one’s sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16), and be faithful to death (Revelation 2:10).
Finally, to overcome a sinful past one must put the past behind him and forget it. The Apostle Paul said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). To overcome the past, we must put the past behind us and look forward to the future. If God has forgotten our sins (Hebrews 8:12-13), can’t we? It has been aptly stated, “Those who live in the past are doomed to repeat its mistakes.”
Dear friend, all of us have made mistakes in life that we are not proud of. The difference between a person who has overcome sin and one who has not is Jesus Christ. Have you dealt with sin a God-approved way? If not, why not? Why not do that today?
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Article - One Kingdom under God (part 1)
In the Old Testament there are several points mentioned in reference to God and the nations and kingdoms of the earth, namely: (1) May all the kingdoms of the earth know that Jehovah alone is God (2 Kings 19:19; Isaiah 37:20; 43:10-11; 44:6-8); (2) Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah (Psalm 33:12); (3) God rules over and has authority over all the kingdoms and nations (2 Chronicles 20:6; Psalm 22:28; 47:8; 103:19; 113:4; Daniel 4:17, 25, 32; 5:21), hence, God is able to give secular rulers power over all kingdoms of the earth (Ezra 1:2; Daniel 2:37; Habakkuk 1:5-11; Romans 13:1-5); (4) God will pour out His wrath on those kingdoms who do not know and call on Him (Psalm 79:6; Isaiah 23:11; Jeremiah 1:9-10). The Old Testament also prophesies of God’s coming spiritual kingdom (1) Whose King will come through the seed/throne of David (2 Samuel 7:12-17; Luke 1:31-33; John 7:42); (2) Whose kingdom will be set up by God during the days of the kings of Rome as indestructible and forever-standing (Daniel 2:37-49; 7:15-27); (3) And be ruled by God’s Anointed Son (Psalm 45:6-7; Hebrews 1:8-9). Shortly after Jesus was resurrected from the dead, He ascended into heaven (Psalm 16:8-11; Acts 2:25-33). He now sits at the right hand of God on the throne of David, as He reigns over His spiritual kingdom and rules it with all authority (Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Revelation 12:5). In the New Testament, God’s spiritual kingdom is fully revealed. Part of the gospel message includes preaching about Jesus’ kingdom (Matthew 3:1-2; 4:23; 10:5-7; 24:14; Luke 9:60; 10:1, 9; 16:16; Acts 1:3; 8:12; 19:8; 20:25; 28:17-31). The kingdom of God involves the reign and dominion of God (Matthew 6:33; 12:28; 13:38; 16:19). God reigns today through His Son’s dominion (Acts 20:27-28). The church of Christ is where all the saved reside (Matthew 16:18-19; Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 20:28; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:13). In order to enter into the kingdom, you must (1) humbly hear, receive the gospel message and be converted, doing the will of the Father from your heart (Matthew 7:21; 13:19; Romans 6:17); (2) be born of water and Spirit through immersion so that you can be saved through the blood of Jesus and be added to His one true kingdom, the church of Christ (John 3:1-5; Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4; Colossians 1:13).
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Article - Blessings of being a Christian
Being a Christian is the most blessed life one could ever live! Jesus said, “I came that you may have life and that you may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). What a true privilege it was to have been called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:26). Today, it is not less of a privilege and blessing to be a Christian. Notice a couple of blessings that come from being a Christian.
The Blessing of Forgiveness. In instituting the Lord’s Supper Jesus said, “This is my blood of the New Covenant which was shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). In the New Testament, forgiveness of sins can only be found in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 14:6). Our sins are washed away when we call on the Lord’s name through baptism and when we repent of our ungodly lives and are baptized into His Body (Acts 22:16, 2:38; Galatians 3:27). Ultimately, Jesus paid the great price for our sins by His own death on the cross. (Hebrews 10:12; John 1:29, 1 Peter 2:24). May each of us be extremely grateful for the blessing of the forgiveness of our sins.
The Blessing of Prayer. One of the greatest blessings the child of God has is a direct line of prayer to God the father. Jesus taught us to never get discouraged and beat down by the world, but rather to pray to God (Luke 18:1). The Christian can ask anything according to the Father’s will and the Bible says God will hear that prayer (1 John 5:14). Jesus also taught us that whatsoever things we ask with a believing heart we will receive (Matthew 21:22). May we never forget that the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man overcomes much (James 5:16). Truly, prayer is a wonderful blessing for the child of God.
Christians should be the most thankful people in the entire world for the blessings they receive (1 Thes. 5:17-18). Yet, those who are not Christians are living the saddest life in the entire world. Are you a Christian? Don’t you want to live the blessed life if you are not a child of God? If you want to become a New Testament Christian the Bible says you must do these five things: hear God’s word (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), repent of sin (Luke 13:3), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:10), and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Mark 16:16). May God bless each of us as we strive to do his will.
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Article - What is Eschatology??
The word “eschatology” is a big 5-dollar religious word that means “a study of the last things, or end things.” In our world, there is much confusion about matters relating to the end of time. Some believe the end can be traced down to a specific time and date. Others believe the end has already passed. What does the Bible say on this subject? Let us look at several passages about “last things” and let the Bible speak.
Eschatology & the Second Coming. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36). “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thes. 4:13-18). “Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed” (2 Thes. 1:7-10).
Eschatology & the Resurrection. “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). “Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:24-26).
What does the Bible say about “last things?” The Bible teaches that one cannot know the exact time of Christ’s coming. However, the Bible also teaches that it is a future event that we must be prepared for. The Bible, as we have read it today, contains all the answers to eschatology. If we will put aside the fiction books of men and any hobbies we have developed, we can clearly understand God’s view of eschatology.
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Article - The Christian Influence
An old Korean Proverb illustrates the power of one’s influence when it says, “Power lasts ten years, influence not more than a hundred.” Sometimes we may think, “Am I influencing anyone? The question asked is really a faulty one. It’s not IF we are influencing anyone, but HOW are we influencing them. All of us are an influence on others either for good, bad, or indifference. What type of influence should a Christian possess? Let’s notice what God says.
Concerning our influence Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16). Jesus likened our influence to two powerful examples in this text: salt & light. All of us can see the value and effect of these in our everyday life. For example, think back to the most bland and boring meal that you have eaten. Don’t you remember thinking to yourself, “This needs some spice?”. Our influence is that “spice” that adds flavor to life. Oh how we need to add good “spice” to this life. Then, think about the effects of light. When you walk into a room at night the very first thing you do is…turn on the light. Why? Light helps us to see and adds beauty, vividness and life to all it touches. The same is true of our example. Our “light” must shine in such a vivid and beautiful way that others can see it and glorify our God!
Parents especially have an influence on their children. Henry Ward Beecher so eloquently said, “ What a mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin.” How parents need to be that good example to set a principle for their children’s lives. Of the lasting effect of parents upon children the Holy Spirit said, “…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). As the old hymn says, “God give us Christian homes” and especially Christian influence in the home!
As we think about influence may our question not be, “Am I influencing anyone?” But rather, “How am I influencing everyone I come in contact with?” May God help us to be influential for Him!
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Article - How To Go To Hell In A Hurry
Have you ever met people in life who seemed like they were in a real hurry to go to Hell? You know the kind of people I’m talking about. These are the people who give no forethought to their actions. These people live for the moment. These people will believe anything any religious person tells them. These types of people, whether they realize it or not, are headed down the road to Hell in a real hurry. If a person wanted to go to Hell in a hurry, here are two things that would get him there.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry for Tomorrow We Die! One of the quickest ways to destroy one’s soul is to live a life based on momentary pleasure. Esau is a prime example of this. In Genesis 25 Esau sold his birthright, the most important things he had, for a bowl of soup. Why? At that moment in time he let his physical need for food outweigh anything else. Today many people fall into the same sensual trap as Esau. For example, the teenager who will do anything for his next high is only living for the moment. The man who will sell his soul to the Devil for his next drink is head down a treacherous road. Parents who have to have every luxury of this world while their children are neglected are destroying their own souls and helping to destroy their children’s souls. If you really want to go to Hell in a hurry, just eat, drink and be merry!
Believe everything you hear about God and Religion. The quickest way to make sure you go to Hell is to believe everything you are told about God and the Bible. I am appalled at the number of people who are told what to believe. Instead of being told what to believe, we should go to the Bible to see what we must believe (Acts 17:11). Many times I hear people say, “Well that’s what the pastor said.” In all kindness, it doesn’t matter what any person thinks we should believe about God and the Bible. The only person we must be concerned with pleasing is God. I can assure you, if you really want to go to Hell in a hurry just blindly believe everything you are told about religion. Before you know it you may be in South America sipping on a cyanide cocktail and offering your soul on the altar of religious deception.
Dear friend, I hope you will understand that I don’t want anyone to be lost and go to Hell. If you want to avoid the horrors of Hell you must live for eternity not for the moment. Jesus said nothing in the entire world is more important than your soul (Mark 8:36-37). If you want to be sure you are on the path to Heaven do what the Bible says, not what you heard someone else say (Colossians 3:17; John 12:48). May God help us to avoid a life that will lead to Hell in a hurry!
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