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You will never hear

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WILL YOU EVER hear our Baptist, Presbyterian or any of our denominational friends say, “The most influential men in our history were opposed to the use of instrumental music in Christian assemblies.”? No, you will never hear a Baptist say, “Charles Spurgeon, one of our greatest Baptist preachers, opposed instrumental music.” And you will never hear a Presbyterian admit: “John Calvin, one of the most famous theologians in history, rejected instrumental music in the sacred assembly.” Why? Because most are completely unaware of several facts about church history and may never hear them as their assemblies become more like concerts than a worship.

In the first century, Christians merely sang in their assemblies (Woodson). Hundreds of years passed before instrumental music was ever introduced into the apostate church. In fact, instrumental music was rejected by leading Protestants; and even when introduced into the mainline denominations, there was resistance.

Men who influenced the Protestant landscape were themselves opposed to instrumental music. For example, in his commentary on Psalm 33:2-“Give thanks unto Jehovah with the harp: Sing praises unto him with the psaltery of ten strings”-John Calvin wrote:

“For even now, if believers choose to cheer themselves with musical instruments, they should, I think, make it their object not to dissever their cheerfulness from the praises of God. But when they frequent their sacred assemblies, musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from the Jews. Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in that noise; but the simplicity which God recommends to us by the apostle is far more pleasing to him.”

The Methodist scholar Adam Clarke wrote with reference to 2 Chronicles 29:25.

“But were it even evident, which it is not, either from this or any other place in the sacred writings, that instruments of music were prescribed by Divine authority under the law, could this be adduced with any semblance of reason, that they ought to be used in Christian worship? No: the whole spirit, soul, and genius of the Christian religion are against this: and those who know the Church of God best, and what constitutes its genuine spiritual state, know that these things have been introduced as a substitute for the life and power of religion; and that where they prevail most, there is least of the power of Christianity. Away with such portentous baubles from the worship of that infinite Spirit who requires his followers to worship him in spirit and in truth, for to no such worship are those instruments friendly.”

In connection with Psalms 42:4, Charles Spurgeon wrote:

“Here are the facts. The instrument was not taken out of worship; rather, the instrument was an innovation brought into assemblies. On Christ’s authority, congregational singing of spiritual songs is what belongs in the church.”

John L. Girardeau’s strong opposition among the Presbyterians to the instrument included this statement:

“It is almost inconceivable that the majority of the officers and members of the Presbyterian Church can have abandoned the consecrated principle that a divine warrant is needed for every element which enters into the worship of God’s house (197). What a degradation to supplant the intelligent song of the whole congregation by … the blowing off of wind from inanimate bellows and pipes! We might as well pray by machinery as praise by it (272).”

Church history is very clear, the instrument was not taken out of worship; rather, the instrument was BROUGHT IN and it was TAUGHT IN by MEN. Jesus said – and I believe it – that such worship is VAIN. On Christ’s authority, congregational singing of spiritual songs is what belongs in the church.

1Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18, 19; Colossians 3:16

We Ought to pray

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THE LORD TAUGHT US that we ought always to pray and to not lose heart [Luke 18:1]. This parable tells the story of a woman who pleaded with an unjust judge to avenge her of her adversaries, which he eventually did due to her persistance in her requests. The lesson is explained in vs 7, 8; “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

Life is full of sorrow, said the preacher [Ecc 1:18]. If you’ve ever experienced the ocean waves, you may understand what I mean. The pains and troubles of this life sometimes overtake us, and keep on overtaking us as wave after wave of sorrow washes over us, preventing us from standing, oftentimes, suffocating us of all hope. Life on Earth is like that. We all have pain which makes it all the more imperitive that we ought to pray.

Lest we add sorrow upon sorrow, we need to stop and pray to the only one that can provide help. Let us remember the lesson, “men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

The Lord has taught us to pray. Go to a quiet place [Mat 6:6], and pray to the Father who sees in secret. When we study the comforting word [2Cor 1:3] we learn how to pray and for what to pray in difficult times.

It’s in these times that I pray….

Most gracious heavenly Father, my great master and most righteous friend. I know that you are full of all goodness, mercy and grace.
[John 15:14; James 1:17; 2Cor 1:3; John 1:14]

I Thank You Father for what has gone right in the midst of what is wrong. Thank you for the breath that I have, the food you’ve provided and the salvation given through Christ Jesus.
[1Thess 5:17-18]

You’ve commanded me to cast my cares upon you, for you care for me. Therefore, I bring to you my sorrow and worries, seeking your guidance and help, according to your will.
[1Peter 5:7; Luke 11:2].

I pray for wisdom and remembrance of Your godly instructions of what to do in difficult times. Knowing that You Father, give with all liberality. Help me to remember all that you’ve taught through your word that I may know how to proceed.
[James 1:5; John 14:15-24; 16:13]

May your peace come upon me as I think upon the good things of life helping me to think clearly that I may endure what has befallen me.
[Phil 4:6-9]

May a blessing be upon those that are fighting against me. Help me to do good to them that hate me and to love them and forgive them as you’ve forgiven me. Please forgive me of all unrighteousness.
[Mat 5:44; Mark 11:25; 1John 1:9]

May You grant unto me boldness that I may endure the difficulties of life and to take purposeful action knowing that as a child of Yours, You are always beside me.
[Acts 4:29; Hebrews 13:5]

Finally, I pray knowing that today will be a great day. Though every day is filled with some sorrow, it’s even more so filled with your goodness. Because You live, I can face the day! May my light shine through this darkness and into the darkness of this sinful place.
[Phil 3:1; John 14:19; 1Peter 2:15; Mat 5:16]

That’s what I would do. Then I get busy, for I fear boredom. It is the enemy to my thoughts. I get up and go do something of service. What can you do? According to the scriptures, there are many things you can do. God has given us a talent to serve Him, each according to our own ability [Mat 25:15].

We serve Him through…

Diligence in our vocations. Ephesians 6:5-8
Diligence in the raising of our children. Ephesians 4:1-4
Diligence in service for our brethren. Mat 25:31-46
Diligence in our display of hope during trouble, knowing that salvation is upon the true believer. 1Peter 2:15
And Diligence in our sowing the seeds of the kingdom. Mat 28:18-20

— Spencer

Is Demon Possession Possible today? pt2

The Preacher 1 Comment

IN LAST WEEK’S ARTICLE, I showed through scripture how demonic possession is no longer possible today. For the sake of review, let me remind you of two references that deal with the binding of fallen / sinful angels. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” [2Peter 2:4]. And in Jude 1:6 “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” Demons (fallen angels) are bound, awaiting the judgment.

Now we turn our attention to the verse in 1Peter 5:8; “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” What is being taught by this verse?

Before we proceed, let’s not undo the previous truth; DEMON POSSESSION IS NOT POSSIBLE TODAY. Zechariah 13:2 prophesied it, and the New Testament confirms it. So whatever 1Peter 5:8 teaches, it cannot include the demonic possession of one’s person.

THE TRUTH ABOUT SATAN

We first read of Satan in the book of Genesis. There is no information given about his origin, but the Bible displays his working throughout. He is called the “adversary” in our passage and seeks to supplant the authority of God [Luke 4:7]. He is a liar, and the father of lies [John 8:44]. 1John 3:8, says that the devil sinned from the beginning and has been condemned [1Timothy 3:6].

Satan is also called the “god of this world” [2Corinthians 4:4]. “World” as used in this context is speaking about people who are separated from God, people who are doing what is right in their own eyes and not following the will of God. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:1-2, that He (Christ) has made alive…those who previously had walked according to the course of the world. To walk the course of the world (Satan’s playground) is to follow Satan’s example of rebellion and disobedience toward God. Verse 3 points out that these in the world, “once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath...” This condition fits the description of the progression of sin in James 1:14-15.

Just as knowing God’s truth can set one free from sin [John 8:32], “He that committeth sin is of the devil” [1John 3:8]. Although Satan is a real being, HE CANNOT IRRISISTABLY CONTROL MEN. We act as his agents when we seek to do as he does, to pervert, corrupt, depart from or misrepresent the word of God [Mat 16:23; 2Corinthians 11:3; Galatians 1:6-9; 1Timothy 4:1-3].

Just as modern day Nazi’s or Marxists act as agents for their long dead leaders, so too those who wish to follow the workings of Satan. Because they don’t have a love for the truth, “God will send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie” [2Thessalonians 2:9-12].

Satan doesn’t physically possess anyone today. He has always been limited, [Job 1:12, 2:6; 1Cor 10:13]. Lies and all evil was introduced into this world by Satan, and this disease of sin is spread by wicked men who are “lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” who will lead astray the gullible [2Timothy 3:2-6].

God’s people can resist the devil [James 4:7], and the Omnipotent God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability [1Corinthians 10:13]. It is the gospel of Christ, the word of God, that is our defense against Satan’s teachings. Jesus combated Satan with “it is written” and we also have the same weapon in the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” [Matthew 4:4; Ephesians 6:17]. We are instructed to withstand the devil by faith [1Peter 5:9] and we know that faith comes by hearing the Word of God [Romans 10:17].

God is great, and His love is so great that He gave us His Son, to free us from sin, and “deliver us from this present evil world” [Galatians 1:4].

— Spencer

Is Demon Possession Possible today?

The Preacher 1 Comment

is demon possession possible

Folks today believe in the demonic possession of a person. They have this belief because of the many passages in scripture where people are possessed. [Matthew 9:32-33; 12:22; 17:18; Mark 5:1-20; 7:26-30; Luke 4:33-36; Luke 22:3; Acts 16:16-18]

The teachers of this doctrine explain demon possession today by saying that a person “allows” the demon to enter them by rejecting God’s word, allowing your heart to be ruled by habitual sin, inviting Satan [or one of his angels] to enter.

They also teach that a “true Christian” can never be possessed, because they have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, [2Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; 1Corinthians 6:19], saying that the Spirit of God would not share residence with a demon.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

It is true that demon possession occurred in the OT [seldom, if at all], in the Gospels and in the first century church, but the question is; Can demon possession happen today?

First, it should be noted, that not every association with Satan qualifies as demon possession. For example, Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do” [John 8:44]. He was not speaking as if the devil gave birth to them, rather their actions indicated they were following Satan’s teaching.

Second, concerning demons, we are told: There are being called “angels” [Psa. 8:5; Heb. 2:7, 9] which are higher in nature than humans. Not knowing when, some of these angels fell / sinned [2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6]. These fallen angels seem to be the same angels as the devil’s angels [Matt. 25:41; Rev. 12:7, 9]. These may be called, “demons” [Luke 11:15], “evil spirits” [Acts 19:12-13], “unclean spirits” [Matthew 10:1], or Satan’s angels [Matt. 25:41; Rev. 12:7, 9].

Third, the bible teaches that evil spirits and demons would depart. In Zechariah 13:2, referring to the age of the Messiah, God promises; “… I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.” This is fulfilled in the Gospels as the disciples were able to cast out demons and Jesus said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” [Luke 10:18-20]. This shows the weakening power of Satan and his angels.

Finally, in the New Testament, there are two references to the binding of fallen / sinful angels. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” [2Peter 2:4]. And in Jude 1:6 “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” These are bound, awaiting the judgment.

Sound Doctrine provides comfort

I’ve shown these things to folks and some have gotten very upset with the idea that demon possession is no longer possible. What a strange reaction. The truth should provide us with much comfort, it does me. Imagine living a life where the possession of your person is possible.

Movies like “Damien” and the “The Exorcist” have generated fear, in the hearts of men, that it is possible to be possessed, but I find comfort in the Scriptures of God, clearly teaching that we should never fear Satan and his angels.

One final note, some people say, “The devil made me do it” when referring to some sin they’ve done. No sir, he did not. God teaches us in the book of James, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” [James 1:14-15]. We can follow the teaching of Satan, but we are accountable for the sins we commit. I don’t need Satan to help me to sin, I’m doing a fine job all on my own.

— Spencer

Reaching in, to reach out

The Preacher 1 Comment

WHEN I WAS A YOUNG BOY the neighbor girl asked for my help to wash her car. She was just a few years older than myself, and being the kind, generous person that I am, I quickly left my chores of weeding the flower beds and charitably assisted this helpless neighbor. Upon my return, some few hours later, my father pulled me aside and said, “Son, I appreciate that you want to help your neighbor do her chores, but you need to make sure your chores are done first.”

I’ve saved this lesson in my heart for all these years, uncertain how to apply it to my life beyond the immediate application of leaving all to help the cute neighbor. That is, until now. I’ve been emphasizing so much about outreach lately, that I thought it was time to pause a bit and make sure our home chores are done. A brother in Christ, Bryan Gibson, calls these home chores of which I’m referring as “INreach.”

There’s no such word as “INreach”, but the idea of it is very clear in the Bible. We’re talking about the efforts of Christians, both collectively and individually, those who are “inside” (1 Corinthians 5:12), “Of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10), “our people” (Titus 3:14) – in other words, Fellow-Christians, or fellow saints, to encourage and to edify the body of Christ.

Looking at the letters from Paul to the evangelists, Timothy & Titus, it becomes obvious how much emphasis is given to “INreach”. Paul instructed the two evangelists to “set in order the things that are lacking?” (Tit 1:5) – to appoint qualified men to serve as elders and deacons (Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-13); to keep the church pure from false doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3-11; 2 Timothy 2:14-18; Titus 1:10-14); to instruct brethren how to “live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:12); etc. If we fail to do our own chores of “INreach” for very long, then we’re certain to have problems creep into our homes and lead some away with divers lusts (2Timothy 3:6). Yet, if we give it proper attention, then the weeds will be plucked away allowing the fruit to grow, including a people better prepared to reach OUT.

If we continue to study our Bibles, it will be difficult to miss what it says about our individual responsibilities to “one another.” We’re commanded to…Love one another (1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11-12); be hospitable to another (1 Peter 4:9); admonish one another (Romans 15:14); weep and rejoice with one another (Romans 12:15); restore one another (Galatians 6: 1); comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18); etc. As we continue to be an evangelistic church, remember to REACH IN, for your brethren need you and you need them. “As we have opportunity, let us do go to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

Look at these commendations to the early church: “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10). “The household of Stephanas… they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1 Corinthians 16:15). Brethren in Thessalonica received strong commendation for “brotherly love,” but were then urged to “increase more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:9). Serving the needs of the saints takes up a lot of time. How can we “increase more and more?”

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for overlooking the weightier matters of “judgment, mercy, and faith,” commanding them to do these, without leaving “the other undone” (Matthew 23:23). Putting these lessons together, we Saints need to strive to do ALL of the work of the Lord, balancing our duty to outreach to seek and to save the lost, with our “INreach” in teaching and strengthening our brethren. A spiritually strong, and loving church leads to a strong and loving outreach (John 13:35). The teaching of the New Testament clearly states this principle; “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-12), showing us that a balanced church is “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2Timothy 3:16-17).

It can be easy for us to criticize others in the church for their lack of outreach. We ought to remember that some of these are also doing the work of the Lord in their “INreach”. For a period of time, my baby doll and I were dedicated to bringing up our boys “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). This is a vital duty of parents, lest we lose the next generation of Christians from among our own families.

A final word, it is easy to turn “INreach” into selfishness, looking ONLY at your own personal needs. Yes, we have a duty to care for one another, but that duty doesn’t begin AFTER your needs are met. If I’ve learned anything it is this, when I’ve sought to “bear one another’s burdens,” that my burdens were also lifted (Galatians 6:2). Job had all restored to him AFTER he had prayed for his friends (Job 42:10).

If Christ is living in us (Galatians 2:20), we shall become a growing church. Growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2Peter 3:18) AND growing in size from those that are outside as we preach the saving gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).

-Spencer

I Love Facebook. I Hate Facebook.

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THE AVERAGE FACEBOOK user now has about 338 friends, though the median number, 200, is quite a bit lower. This means that while half of all Facebook users have 200 or fewer friends, many of the billion-plus Facebookers have quite a few more. In fact, 15 percent of users have friend lists topping 500.

These numbers are consistent with other statistics on the number of people that the average person knows well enough to come to their wedding or funeral, about 150 – 200 friends. In essence, Facebook allows a person to communicate with every single person they know, every day.

In the past, if folks wanted to speak to every one of their friends they needed to have a TV program. Before that, their own radio program. Before that, 1895, they would have to send a personal communication to each and every person. Before that, it became much more complicated.

WHY I LOVE FACEBOOK

Facebook is a really big hill, a really, really big hill. It is for this reason alone that I love Facebook. As a Christian, I have a duty from God. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16

Facebook gives us Christians an opportunity to demonstrate our good works, our Christian attitudes, our Christian love and our Christian values to every one of our family & friends that we’re connected with through social media. Another thing, when you add in the other forms of public social media, we have a platform that is so large that it would make the first century Christians cry with joy, recognizing the ability to Proclaim the word of the Lord to all the world. They did it the old fashioned way, through word of mouth [Romans 1:8; 10:18; 1Th 1:8].

For most of human history, conveying a message required huge amounts of effort, person to person, and from mouth to ear. Technology has aided in declaring God’s word. A written language, the development of paper. The Roman roads of the first century. The printing of the Gutenberg Bible in 1455 with the invention of the printing press. In our modern times, mass electronic communication methods such as radio, TV and now the internet has increased our reach.

WHY I HATE FACEBOOK

Unfortunately, I have not always shown my good works through social media and Facebook. Many of us use it as a soapbox for our political & personal ranting, ravings and whinings. I’ve personally noticed how we have alienated friends, family and even brethren over our personal opinions. Worse yet, the posting of less that Christ like pictures, likes, links and shares.

On numerous occasions, myself and other brethren, have posted mean spirited, ungodly and downright sinful compositions, even disparaging remarks about the Church! We expect that from the world [1Peter 2:12; 3:16], but ought not be named among brethren. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” [James 3:10]

Though the thoughts may be true and the brethren sometimes falter [1Cor 6:11; 1Peter 2:18], God gave us a method for addressing sinful activities in the church. Go to him alone Mat 18:15, then only the church if he won’t hear you Mat 18:16-17. To take it to the world is absolutely condemned. “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?” [1Corinthians 6:1-8]. How does publically complaining about the church of our Lord aid in our evangelism efforts?

I declare to my brethren right now, I CONFESS MY SIN AND REPENT OF THIS UNRIGHTEOUS ACTIVITY. I hope you will too. Please pray for me as I also pray for you.

“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” [Matthew 15:11]

– Spencer

“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”  (KJV) [Colossians 4:6]

Guardrails for our Faith

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IF YOU HAVE DONE MUCH traveling at all, then you’ve seen guardrails. They’re rather ugly, but incredibly important. You see them on bridges and curves in the road. On a recent trip through the Rockies, the road was so close to the edge that we were grateful for a bulky piece of metal separating us from almost certain death.

The thing about guardrails is that they aren’t very pretty, they can spoil the view of a scenic overlook and they can really mess up your car if you happen to bump into one.

The other thing about guardrails is that they look a lot like fences, but don’t be confused, there’s a huge difference between a guardrail and a fence. You may be able to hop a fence with little problem, but seldom do you want to go through a guardrail.

When talking about spiritual things, God’s commands, in a sense, are guardrails for mankind. The Bible uses words like, “beware, guard, be alert and watch.” The wise man said, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” [Proverbs 14:12] That sure sounds a lot like a guardrail. He said in the 27th chapter, verse 12 “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Essentially, a prudent person will notice the guardrail and stop, but the fool will keep on going right through the protection.

 

 

In the New Testament, Jesus said that He came to give life and to give it abundantly [John 10:10]. When John wrote his epistles, he warned, “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.” [2John 1:8] Another guardrail, warning us to keep what we’ve worked for, which is the eternal life that Jesus provides.

It’s sad that so many people look at the standards of the Bible and see fences rather than guardrails. They think that fences can be crossed or even abandoned when it doesn’t fit in with their personal ideas of happiness. What they fail to see is that the commands of God are guardrails for mankind to keep them from sin and to show them the way to eternal life. Are your standards a fence or a guardrail?

This great book also warns us about the adversary. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” [1Peter 5:8] A guardrail can keep us out of danger, if we’ll let it, so too The Bible.

There are many more guardrails from God in the Scriptures. Guardrails about sin, warnings about marriage, instructions for rearing children, directions about work and everything we need that pertains to this life. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:” [2Peter 1:3]

Just like driving toward an approaching curve, we slow down and watch the road. We need to slow down, study the word of God and heed the warnings.

– Spencer

Traffic Signs & Authority

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ALL OF US ARE familiar with the myriad of traffic signs that guide us and protect us as we travel through our lands. What if folks obeyed traffic laws in the same way that we obey Scripture?  It would be chaos on the streets, even more that what we have now. It seems to me that this is exactly what is going on in the religious world, chaos.

First, let’s imagine how driving might look if there were no traffic signs at all. No laws or instructions about how to drive. Everyone would do whatever was right in their own eyes. Without traffic laws (& signs), each driver could drive their car any way and anywhere they saw fit. [Judge 17:6]

In the early days of driving, this was exactly the case. Without a guide, there’s confusion. In August of 1896, Bridget Driscoll is the first person to die in a petrol-engine car accident, and the first pedestrian victim of an automobile accident in the United Kingdom. As she crossed the grounds of the Crystal Palace in London, she was struck by an automobile.

Let’s take a look at a common signs and interpret it according to modern day Hermeneutics.

One way sign

This is a “One Way” sign and the arrow indicates the direction. If we were to use modern bible interpretation, we might think this sign is offering options. We might say, “it doesn’t say I can’t go left.” Of course that is ridiculous. This sign allows traffic to go in ONLY ONE DIRECTION. Let’s look at a biblical example, the example of marriage. In Mark 10:7, Jesus said, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;” According to this text and others, Eph 5:31, scriptural marriage is between a man and a woman with no other options allowed. When God states specifically what He wants, it eliminates all other options.

In another example, disciples came together “upon the first day of the week to break bread.” [Acts 20:7] The specific direction is “upon the first day of the week” and “to break bread.” Modernists interpret this passage to allow for semi-annual or quarterly observances of the Lord’s supper. They say, “we can observe the Lord’s Supper once a year, or once a month because it never tells us how often.” We never use this logic anywhere else in our lives. If your employer tells you that payday is on Friday, will you allow him to pay you once a year as long as it’s on a Friday?

Continuing on with another example, let’s see if their logic works regarding evangelism. The Bible says, “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.:” [2Th 2:14] Under modern interpretation standards, we could call people with a carnival, a concert, games or a BBQ supper. It appears to be working for their buildings are full of people “Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” [Php 3:19]

Last one….

stop sign

This is a stop sign. It means stop. It means nothing else. Jesus said, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” [Luke 13:5] Once again, denominations are telling you that you don’t actually need to “stop” sinning in order to be saved. Years ago, I ran a stop sign and had the front end of my VW Rabbit removed. You see, when we fail to stop, we cause all sorts of problems, and sometimes, people get hurt.

When speaking with people about these concepts, you can use these types of examples to help your neighbor to see the truth. In order for these to be effective, you need to remember to preach Jesus. [Acts 8:35]

A mother’s Love

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NOTHING COMPARES to a mothers’ love. At least that’s what every mother tells me. Upon further reflection, I tend to believe it. My own mother’s face would light up just a bit whenever I entered into the room. (That’s how I saw it anyway.)

About this time every year we have “Mother’s Day” to honor our moms. As we take time to reflect on what our mothers have meant to us, let us look at the love of one particular mom in the Scriptures.

Mary, the mother of Jesus

Is there anything we can learn from Mary without turning her into an object of worship? God said, “…those things which are revealed belong to us…” Deut 29:29, so let’s see what is revealed about the mother of our Lord.

The first thing revealed about Mary is that by her Jesus was born, Mat 1:16. Luke gives us the rest of the story and tells us that she was a virgin, Luke 1:27, and an angel appeared to her saying, “…thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” vs28. To be “highly favoured”, put her in a very exclusive club with men such as Gideon & Daniel. This description is only said of people who have proved themselves to God, doing what is right in His eyes, Deut 12:28. When she visited her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptizer, she gives a beautiful speech praising God saying, “For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.” Luke 1:49.

Kept all these things in her heart…

Upon the birth of Jesus, when the shepherds came to see the child that angels had declared to them, she “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart,” Luke 2:19.

After Jesus was circumcised according to the law and they brought Him up to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord, Luke 2:22, Simeon took Him up and said, “mine eyes have seen thy salvation,” vs30. Anna, a prophetess, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord. Later, when Jesus was 12, he tarried behind in Jerusalem during the Passover. Upon returning to search for Him, they found Him in the temple questioning the “doctors” of the law. When Mary asked Him “why” He said, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” vs49. Scriptures says, “she kept all these sayings in her heart.” Luke 2:51

A mother’s love…

After our Lord began His ministry, attracting crowds of people, Mary continued to show concern for her son. She, with her other sons, sought to speak to Him but couldn’t get in Mat 12:46, and became the object of a lesson on obedience. Mat 12:50.

She never stopped thinking about her son. Though we have little information about her during His ministry, the Scriptures reveal to us that she shows up again in our Saviors life, at the cross. Oh what love she had for her son. Imagine the horror she must have felt as she stood beneath her son hanging on that torturous cross. When the closest to Jesus ran away, forsaking Him, she went to Him. That’s what moms do.

Then, with the burden of our sin upon Him, He remembers His mother. Turning to John He said, “Behold thy mother!”  And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. John 19:27.

She became His disciple…

The story of Mary doesn’t end at the cross, for we find her praying in Jerusalem with the Apostles as they tarried in Jerusalem awaiting the coming of the Kingdom with power, Acts 1:14. We see from her example of “pondering these things in her heart”, it lead her to understand that Jesus is the Christ.

So, what can we learn from Mary? Love. Love that never ends. A mom loves her children throughout their lives, even when they don’t understand what their child is doing. Ever loving, willing to do whatever it takes to rescue them. Sound familiar?

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”   (KJV) [John 3:16]

What if we could end sin?

The Preacher Leave a comment

SUPPOSE THAT we could convince everyone in the world to quit sinning.  What would we have accomplished?

It would appear at first glance that we would have made the world a much better place, but have we really done anything?

Let’s say we could convince all the world to quit drunkenness, yet they still don’t have Christ, we have done very little. Though repentance is a part of the gospel plan of salvation [Luke 13:3], it alone will not save you. Just as faith alone will never save you.

Pick a sin, whatever bothers you most, that you would end instantly. If folks repented of these sin on their own initiative, or through sound reasoning on your part, but they have not Christ you have done nothing.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” [1Corinthians 15:22]. We are made alive when we are “in Christ”, and according to the scriptures we get into Christ through obeying the gospel.

Galatians 3:27, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” This is the only way a person can get into Christ. The preposition into indicates a change of relationship. You can search from the front to the back of your Bible, and you will find no other way to get into Christ except by being baptized into Christ. Also Romans 6:3 says the same thing, “Or do you not know, that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” So the only way we can get into Christ is to be baptized into Christ. Either a person has been baptized into Christ, or he is still outside of Christ. We are either in or we are out. Have you been baptized into Christ in order to be saved and have your sins forgiven?  If you haven’t been, then no amount of good works can save you. [Ephesians 2:8-9].

SEEK YE FIRST…

Nowhere in this article am I saying that a person can continue in sin. Paul, in his letter to the Romans said such, [Romans 6:1-3]. It is sin that has separated us from God. “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that he will not hear” [Isaiah 59:2]. What I am saying is that we need to approach evangelism from the top down.

All too often we find ourselves in discussions with the world about some particular sin. The discussion usually degrades into a debate, then into an argument until finally they will say, “We just have to agree to disagree.” If, on the other hand, you do convince them that a particular thing is wrong and they change, all you’ve really done is made them a better person, or a better Baptist or a better Lutheran, but you have NOT made them a Christian. If they repent of all of their sins, they still fall short of being “IN CHRIST” just as all who believe that “FAITH ONLY” is all that is necessary unto salvation.

TOP DOWN EVANGELISM

I’ve come to the realization that when a person is truly convicted in their heart that Jesus is the Christ, just as they were at Pentecost [Acts 2:37], then they will do whatever it takes to become a Christian. Until then, it’s nearly impossible to get a person to repent of anything, much less the popular sins of our culture.

It’s for this reason that I have in mind to divert every topic of conversation, with those outside of Christ, to the topic of the Authority of Christ and His plan of salvation. This is what Philip did with the Ethiopian Eunuch on the road. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” [Acts 8:35, 36]. This is why the Eunuch asked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me from being baptized?”

When Jesus was asked, “What is the greatest commandment?”, Jesus said to them, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” [Matthew 22:36, 37]. This is a true statement, for our Lord said it. Before we can truly obey any command of God, we must first embrace and obey this one. If we can convince the whole world about this command, THEN we have truly done something.