In an era of social division, mental health crises, and moral ambiguity, the teachings of Jesus Christ offer timeless solutions rooted in love, forgiveness, and purpose. Grounded in a biblical worldview, these principles address modern challenges with clarity and hope. Let’s see how Jesus’ teachings, as recorded in Scripture, provide practical answers to today’s pressing issues.
First, Jesus’ emphasis on love as the greatest commandment counters the divisions that are plaguing society. In Matthew 22:37-39, He instructs to “love the Lord your God” and “love your neighbor as yourself.” Selfless love goes beyond political and cultural divides, fostering unity despite our differences. Studies show that communities practicing altruistic behaviors, like those Jesus modeled, experience lower conflict and higher social connection (Putnam, 2000). By prioritizing love over enmity, We can improve how we relate to one another in workplaces, families, and on social media.
Second, Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness address the mental health epidemic. Modern psychology links unforgiveness to anxiety and depression (Toussaint et al., 2015). In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches that forgiving others is a prerequisite to God’s forgiveness, which promotes better relationships with others. His parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) illustrates the destructive cycle of unforgiveness in light of the mercy shown to us. Applying the principle of forgiveness (whether it be exoneration, forbearance, or release) we are able to move forward in healing relationships strained by betrayal or misunderstanding.
Third, Jesus provides purpose in a world grappling with life altering despair. Rising rates of loneliness and suicide reflect a loss of meaning (Twenge, 2017). In John 10:10, Jesus declares, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” When we truly follow Jesus, we find purpose in our lives higher than ourselves. It moves us to serve our fellow man, and gives us hope a hopeless world. If you’re dealing with recovery of any sort, you’ll find a greater rate of success in your fight against addiction and despair by becoming anchored in purpose (Koenig, 2012). Jesus’ call to “follow me” (Matthew 4:19) offers a roadmap for navigating life’s uncertainties. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)
Critics may argue that Jesus’ teachings are outdated or impractical, yet their universal applicability endures. Loving one’s enemy (Luke 6:27) disarms hostility, forgiveness heals psychological wounds, and purpose through faith counters defeatism. These principles align with the evidence and human needs, proving their relevance.
Jesus’ teachings are not mere ideals but actionable solutions. By embracing love, forgiveness, and purpose, individuals and societies can overcome division, heal emotional wounds, and find meaning.
Agape,
spencer
Sources:
Koenig, H. G. (2012). Religion and Mental Health. Academic Press.
Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone. Simon & Schuster.
Toussaint, L., et al. (2015). Forgiveness and Health. Springer.
Twenge, J. M. (2017). iGen. Atria Books. Zehr, H. (2015). Changing Lenses. Herald Press.
“6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9)
The Uncompromising Gospel: A Warning Against Deviation
The Apostle Paul’s words in Galatians 1:8 are a thunderous declaration of the exclusivity and purity of the gospel: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” This verse is not merely a caution but a divine boundary, safeguarding the truth of Christ’s gospel against distortion. Paul’s warning underscores the danger of deviating from the apostolic teaching, structure, and practice of the church as revealed in Scripture. Any alteration, whether in organization, doctrine, hierarchy, mission, or worship, risks leading souls astray. Let us explore this verse through the lens of biblical fidelity, examining why deviations are perilous and why Paul’s response is so severe.
No Other Centralized Organization Beyond the Local Church Scripture establishes the local church as the sole earthly organization for God’s people, with Christ as the head and heaven as its headquarters (1 Corinthians 11:3). The New Testament knows no centralized authority—such as denominations, synods, or councils—beyond the autonomous local congregation. Each church, under the oversight of its elders, answers directly to Christ, who reigns from heaven. Introducing hierarchical structures or external governing bodies usurps Christ’s authority and distorts the simplicity of His design. Paul’s warning in Galatians 1:8 condemns such innovations as a departure from the gospel, for they shift allegiance from Christ to human institutions.
No Other Doctrine of Christ The gospel is singular and unchangeable, rooted in the teachings of Christ and His apostles. Second John 9 warns, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.” To preach “another gospel” is to introduce teachings foreign to the New Testament—whether adding human traditions, altering the plan of salvation, or diluting the truth with cultural compromises. The doctrine of Christ encompasses His deity, His sacrifice, His resurrection, and His commands for obedience (e.g., faith, repentance, baptism, and perseverance). Any deviation risks severing fellowship with God, making Paul’s curse a necessary defense of eternal truth.
No Other Hierarchy Beyond Elders, Deacons, and Saints The New Testament prescribes a simple leadership structure for the church: elders (overseers), deacons, and saints (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-10). Elders shepherd the flock, deacons serve practical needs, and all members are saints, called to holiness. No additional offices—such as popes, cardinals, or regional bishops—are authorized. Introducing such hierarchies elevates human authority above Scripture and undermines the priesthood of all believers. Paul’s anathema in Galatians 1:8 applies to those who impose unbiblical structures, as they distort the gospel’s call to humility and submission to Christ alone.
No Other Work Beyond Making, Teaching, and Helping Saints The mission of the church is clear: make disciples, teach them, and provide limited benevolence to saints in need (Matthew 28:18-20). The church is not a social club, political organization, or community activity center. Its work is spiritual—evangelizing the lost, edifying believers, and assisting struggling Christians (e.g., widows, as in 1 Timothy 5:16). Romans 16:16 identifies congregations as “churches of Christ,” not entertainment hubs or welfare agencies. When churches prioritize secular goals over spiritual ones, they preach “another gospel” by redefining the church’s purpose, incurring Paul’s curse.
No Other Worship Practices True worship is regulated by Scripture, limited to specific acts that honor God and edify the church. Acts 2:42, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, and 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 outline these practices: partaking in Communion, hearing biblical preaching, singing understandable vocal songs, praying for God’s help, contributing financially to the church’s work, and encouraging one another to love and good deeds. Adding instrumental music, theatrical performances, or other innovations introduces “strange fire” into worship, akin to Nadab and Abihu’s unauthorized offering (Leviticus 10:1-2). Such practices deviate from the gospel’s pattern, inviting the condemnation of Galatians 1:8.
Why Was Paul So Harsh? Paul’s pronouncement—“let him be accursed”—is jarring, but its severity reflects the stakes involved. The Greek word for “accursed” (anathema) denotes something devoted to destruction, cut off from God. Paul’s harshness stems from the eternal consequences of a corrupted gospel. The true gospel saves souls (Romans 1:16); a false gospel damns them. By invoking this curse, Paul emphasizes that no one—not even an apostle or an angel—has the authority to alter the message delivered once for all (Jude 3). His zeal mirrors Christ’s cleansing of the temple (John 2:17), protecting the purity of God’s truth from human tampering.
The Galatian churches were being swayed by Judaizers, who added circumcision and Mosaic law to the gospel (Galatians 1:6-7). This distortion threatened to enslave believers and nullify Christ’s sacrifice (Galatians 5:4). Paul’s curse is not vindictive but protective, urging believers to cling to the unaltered gospel. For modern readers, this serves as a sobering reminder: deviations in organization, doctrine, hierarchy, mission, or worship are not mere preferences but assaults on the truth that saves.
Galatians 1:8 is a blaring trumpet call to preserve the gospel in its pristine form. The church must remain a local, autonomous body under Christ’s headship, teaching only His doctrine, led by elders and deacons, focused on making and nurturing saints, and worshipping according to Scripture’s pattern. Any deviation risks preaching “another gospel,” leading souls to ruin. Paul’s harsh curse underscores the gravity of this truth: the gospel is not ours to modify. Let us heed his warning, holding fast to the faith delivered to the saints, ensuring that our churches reflect Christ’s design and our worship glorifies Him alone.
Joseph’s life and actions, as depicted in the Gospels, offer an example of virtue and obedience, qualities that emphasize his critical role in the life of Jesus.
Described in the Gospel of Matthew as a “just man” (Matthew 1:19), Joseph’s character is first revealed through his merciful reaction to Mary’s unexpected pregnancy. Engaged to Mary, he discovers she is pregnant before they have come together, and knowing the child is not his, he faces a societal and personal crossroad. He chooses a path of kindness, intending to spare Mary from possible humiliation or harm, which alone sets a significant tone for his character.
Later, He is visited by an angel in a dream, instructing him to not fear taking Mary as his wife because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). His response to this divine intervention highlights another of his virtues: obedience. Matthew 1:24-25 tells us that Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded; he took Mary as his wife and named the child Jesus. This act of faith and submission to God’s will shows him as a man deeply committed to following God’s direction without hesitation.
Later, he and Mary bring Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord as prescribed in the Law of Moses (Luke 2:22-24), and they make the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover, demonstrating his commitment to his faith and his role as a spiritual guide to his family (Luke 2:41-43).
Joseph’s profession as a carpenter, mentioned in Matthew 13:55, underscores his role as a provider who earns a living for his family. Moreover, the offering described in Luke 2:24, “a pair of doves or two young pigeons,” which was allowed for those who could not afford a lamb, indicates that Joseph’s means were limited, yet he did what was necessary within his resources to fulfill his service to God (cf. 1Tim 5:8).
When Herod seeks to kill the newborn Jesus in Matthew 2:13-23, Joseph again heeds an angelic warning in a dream, this time to flee to Egypt, and later, to return to Nazareth, safeguarding his family from harm. These episodes not only portray him as a decisive protector but also as a man of action who places the safety and well-being of Mary and Jesus above his own comfort and security.
Lastly, Joseph’s honorable acceptance to adopt Jesus as his own son seals his legacy as a man of immense faith and virtue. This act of adoption was not merely a legal formality but a wholehearted acceptance of Jesus into his life, treating Him as his own and providing for Him as any father would, so that all knew Jesus as the son of Joseph and Mary. “And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son” (Luke 4:22; cf; John 6:42)?
Joseph’s life, therefore, offers a remarkable model of justice, obedience, scriptural fidelity, diligent earning, protection, and honor. In the grand narrative of Christianity, Joseph might often be seen in the background, but his influence and guidance were surely foreground in the early life of Jesus, the Savior of mankind. Through Joseph’s exemplary character, we see the qualities that God values in those He chooses.
“Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:3-8; cf. 14-20).
The Parable of the Sower, found in the synoptic Gospels, paints a vivid picture of the different kinds of soil representing the human heart’s receptivity to the Word of God.
God reveals His will to mankind, but it is up to us to seek it out. This parable teaches us to be aware of our own hearts as we hear the word of God, and not to try to assess another’s heart.
We’ll explore the four types of soil, examining their characteristics and drawing parallels to our lives.
Hard Surface Hearts – falling to Satan’s Schemes.
The first type of soil represents hearts where Satan keeps the seed from germinating. In these hearts, God’s word merely rests on the surface, vulnerable to Satan’s subtle deceptions. James 1:13-15 reminds us that we cannot blame the devil for our sins; we are responsible. These hearts easily fall prey to deception. Satan used deception to bring in the first rebellion, and deception continues today from false teachers, (cf. 2Cor 11:4, 13-15). The Word fails to penetrate and make an impression, lying loosely on the surface until Satan snatches it away. The danger lies in a heart that remains hard and unyielding, drawn away from the truth of God’s word toward the belief of lies (2Thess 2:10-12).
Oppressed Heart – Yielding to the pressure of persecution.
The second soil type signifies hearts that are easily overcome by persecution. Oppression may come in various forms, but the key is to remain steadfast. Matthew 10:28 encourages believers not to fear those who can harm the body but cannot touch the soul. Acts 4:29 and 5:29 exemplify the courage to stand firm under pressure. Paul emphasizes in 2Timothy 3:12 that persecution is inevitable for those who desire to live a godly life. Jesus emphasizes the need to remain faithful amid adversity, Himself being the reason why, (Jno. 15:18).
Inattentive Heart – Succumbing to the cares of the world.
The third soil type represents hearts choked by worldly interests. Inattentiveness to spiritual matters results from the distractions of obligations outside the church. Matthew 6:25-34 from the sermon on the mount is a stark warning about losing sight of the Kingdom of God in pursuit of our physical needs.
Lasting & Focused Heart – Lucrative and Fruitful.
The fourth soil represents hearts that bear lasting and loving fruit. These hearts are lucrative and profitable, echoing the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:15-30. This urges believers to continue in God’s word for lasting discipleship (John 8:31; 15:1-8). Titus 3:8 and 2Timothy 3:16 underscore the profitability of living according to God’s word. The key to fruitful soil lies in continuous and consistent effort – sowing, working, weeding, waiting, watching, praying, and reaping (cf. Gal 6:7,8).
We know that the central theme throughout scripture is Christ Jesus. He can be seen on nearly every page. Some chapters stand out among the rest. The chapters of Isaiah 53 & Exodus 12 to name a few.
John one is remarkable for the titles it tells us that our Lord and savior wears. This article attempts to describe the meaning of those titles. For the sake of room, we will study the first 4 titles, then next week we’ll finish with the other 3.
7 Titles of Jesus in John chapter 1:
THE WORD: (v1) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,”
Jesus is called the Word because His life, death, burial & resurrection will become the GOSPEL, the good news. It will be the message all must hear and obey. It is this word by which mankind can be saved.
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved,” [1Cor 15:1-2a]
———————
GOD: (v1) “…the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This verse clearly states that Jesus is God. Some may deny it, but scripture supports it.
“Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.:”
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” [Col 2:9]
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” [1Tim 3:16]
[Jno 5:18; cr. Col 1:15; Phil 2:6]
———————
LIFE: (v4) “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” Jesus would go on to say later,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
[John 14:6]
Eternal Life can only be found through Jesus.
“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” [Col 3:4]
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” [John 10:10]
“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” [1John 5:11]
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Romans 6:23]
———————
LIGHT: (v7) “The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.”
God is often described as light. So too His ways. The Light that is Christ is pure & holy. Several passages use light to describe God.
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
[1John 1:5]
“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” [Rev 21:23]
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” [John 3:19]
“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” [John 12:46]
———————
Next week we’ll examine the next 3 titles of Jesus in John 1.
Ok, I got it, the only stupid question is the one not asked. However, I did come across a question that shouldn’t have needed to be asked.
At a local eatery, I asked, “can you make sure the egg on my sandwich isn’t burnt?” This is a question no customer should have to ask, but then the clerk asked the cook, “Do we have any GOOD EGGS to serve?” Had I not just written last week about asking questions, I may have never noticed, but this question immediately made me chuckle. THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A STUPID QUESTION. There are questions people shouldn’t need to be asked. It should have been the SOP that there is “GOOD FOOD” to serve.
Disclaimer: When you have a new hire, or beginning a new thing, you may need to ask these questions. However, after you’ve been trained, the answer should be automatic. If you need to ask, then you may not have understood the instructions.
SOME EXAMPLES
A person should never need to be asked, “are you going to work today?” Work is a basic function of life, whether you are of working age, retired or a child. Work is good, commanded and profitable. Taking care of your home is work.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
[2Thess 3:10]
A person should never need to be asked, “are you going to stop at red lights?” (obey the laws of the land?) Most human laws are there for organizational reasons. Not many will make you deny your faith. We follow the laws of the land as much as they don’t interfere with living faithfully. [Acts 5:29]
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [Romans 13:1]
ARE YOU GOING TO WORSHIP GOD OR MAN?
Hananiah, Mishael & Azariah were faced with this dilemma, and they didn’t need to be asked this question, although someone went ahead and asked. You see, they were given the command to worship a golden image set up by the Kings decree. When they would not, they were brought before the king and given the option to worship a gold image or remain faithful to God.
They responded to this question by saying, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.” NKJV [Daniel 3:16-18]. What happened next is astounding, they were thrown into a fiery furnace that was seven times hotter than normal AND LIVED!!! As amazing as that was, what happened next is also truly amazing.
“I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.” [Daniel 3:29]. Did you see it? The king that had once decreed that worship only be done to his gold image reversed and commanded that no ill word be said of The One True God of the Bible. Wow! Such a great example of how a few faithful followers of God can influence a nation.
IF WE KNOW WHAT IS RIGHT, WE SHOULD NEVER NEED ASK AGAIN.
Did the Apostles need to ask, “Should we keep preaching?” Acts 5:40
Did Joshua need to ask, “Who am I supposed to serve?” Josh 24:15
Did Noah need to keep asking God, “How many arks am I to build, how many doors?” Gen 6:14
QUESTIONS WE SHOULD HAVE ALREADY ANSWERED.
Are we going to worship on Sunday? Are we going to worship while on vacation? Are we going to give thanks for our meals? Are we going to cancel evening services Super Bowl Sunday?
WE KEEP ASKING.
Naaman asked, “Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?” Maybe, but who cares, the instruction from God was to dip 7 times in the Jordan. That was it, no other river, no other way, no other method.
People read the Bible and ask, “Can I not be sprinkled, or skip out on baptism?” Or they might ask it another way, “What about the thief on the cross?” It’s the same thing, asking a question which ought not be asked. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” [Mark 16:16] If you love Him, if you want to be called His friend, just do it. [John 14:15; 15:14]
QUESTIONS WE OUGHT TO ASK.
What must I do to be saved? – Acts 16:30
What wilt Thou have me do? – Act 9:6
What doth hinder me from being baptized? – Acts 8:36
What shall we do? – Acts 2:37
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” [Acts 2:38]
WE LOVE QUESTIONS.
As said before, when a person is learning there are no stupid questions. We love questions. If you have a question, feel free to ask it and we’ll do our best to answer it with scripture.
Has anyone ever challenged you with this statement after telling them to which church you belong? Did you know what to say?
Before we offer an answer to this accusation, we need to identify it for what it is; it’s an intellectually dishonest accusation based upon an unstudied position. It’s emotionally charged based on another similar question; “will God actually send good people to hell?”
Here’s another way of stating these charges; “do you mean to tell me that God is going to send people to hell who disregard His authority and choose not to follow the whole counsel of God?”
When stated this way, you can begin to see the answer to their claims.
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. [Acts 20:27]
Most, if not all, attacks come from a position of partial understanding of God’s word. The real answer to most attacks should be “who has all authority, and how do we know what it is?” when faced with an emotionally charged criticism, I ask this question; “What does the bible say?”
Jesus has “all authority” [Mat 28:18], and He alone has the right to determine under what conditions salvation is determined. He said that judgment will be based upon the standard of God’s word [John 12:48] and if this is true, are we to teach it accurately? Do any of us have the right to teach less or to add more to His word? Certainly not!
If the bible teaches that only those who have been added to the Lord’s church are saved [Acts 2:47], then to teach otherwise is to be a false teacher. To belong to a church not mentioned in the Bible is to disregard God’s word, the word upon which the determination of saved or lost is made.
The Lord’s church.
Jesus said; “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” [Mat 16:18] He could have built 1,000 churchES, but He only promised to build ONE.
Jesus purchased ONE church; “… the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” [Acts 20:28]
Jesus is the head of His church; “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body,” [Eph 1:22-23]
Jesus will save His body; “…Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” [Eph 5:23b]
How many bodies (churches) did He build, purchase, is the head of and is the savior of? We read about followers of Christ assembling in local congregations called ‘churches of Christ.’ [Rom 16:16] These are not different denominations teaching different doctrines. These are adherents to God’s word assembling as commanded in their home towns.
Some argue that there are many members of that one body in all the denominations. Can that even make sense? Don’t forget about the word that judges us in the last day. Denominations teach different things about salvation, sin, worship, faith, apostacy etc. Some teach & bind MORE than what the bible teaches on these subjects. Can we be a part of a denomination that adds to or takes away from God’s word and say you’re following the whole counsel of God? When we examine the scriptures, we find the expectation that the same thing be taught to every person. [1Cor 1:10-14]
“For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.” [1Cor 4:17]
A word of caution; not every person who attends a “church of Christ” belongs to Him. There are some who are in unrepented sin or practicing error. Revelation 2 & 3 also teaches that entire congregations have left their first love, hold the doctrine of Balaam, allow false teachers in, are spiritually dead, and are lukewarm. Jesus said to one congregation, “for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Rev 3:2]. They were not completely following God’s word!
If those who are in the Lord’s church are in jeopardy for not following His will, what makes you think He’s going to overlook denominational error?!
Last week an erroneous alert went out when a Hawaii Emergency Management Agency employee triggered a ballistic missile alert, and people freaked out. Rightfully so, what would you do if you learned that a nuclear missile was rocketing toward you?
The alert lit up the phones of people, many of whom were still in bed, having coffee or taking a morning walk on the resort beaches of Hawaii. They fled toward shelters and crowded the highways as panic and terror spread across the islands. Many more had no idea what to do when a missile is about to fall from the sky. One woman said, “We have no bomb shelters or anything like that. There’s nowhere to go.”
And they prayed. I’m sure that more than a few atheists began to pray as well. As with many catastrophes, there’s just isn’t enough time to come up with a doomsday plan, and then activate it. (It would take 20 minutes for a missile to reach Hawaii from North Korea and would leave only 12 minutes for the state to warn everyone.)
It was a normally beautiful winter day. Winter in Hawaii starts out in the mid 70’s and sunny. A Saturday in Hawaii would have found folks, sleeping in, getting ready for a wedding, going to work, babies being born and at least one man suffered a heart attack triggered by the startling alert. Being a popular vacation spot, there were many thousands of tourists beginning or finishing their vacations. In other words, everything was normal.
ARE YOU READY
As many of you already surmise, this article is not going to be about preparedness for a Global Thermonuclear War. We talk about spiritual issues here and this incident is an exceptional illustration of what will take place when Jesus returns.
He will return, it’s been promised. “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” [Acts 1:11].
Unlike in Hawaii, there will be no advanced notice of His appearing. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” [Matthew 24:36].
The world will be “acting normal” just as they did that morning in Hawaii. “And as were the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man. For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and they knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall be the coming of the Son of man” [Matthew 24:37-39].
Just as a thief catches the victim by surprise, so too will be the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up” [2 Peter 3:10, cr. 1 Thess 5:2].
There will be no sirens, but there will be trumpets louder than any you’ve ever heard. It will be the trump of God. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” [1Corinthians 15:52].
All of this means is that there just will not be any time to obey the gospel [2 Thessalonians 1:7-8]. To those of you who believe the error of “faith alone,” that also will fail, for the very instant Jesus appears in the sky is the moment “faith” will end. “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen” [Hebrews 11:1]. Faith ends at sight. Scripture reveals no prayers an infidel could utter to place them in a right relationship with God. Only faithful obedience to the Gospel can do that through Christ Jesus.
Here’s what else will happen on that day; “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we that are alive, that are left unto the coming of the Lord, shall in no wise precede them that are fallen asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” [1 Thessalonians 4:15-17].
The key to this verse are two simple words, “IN CHRIST.” The location of Salvation is “IN CHRIST.” Every spiritual blessing is “IN CHRIST” [Ephesians 1:3]. We are “IN CHRIST” when we have “PUT ON CHRIST” through water baptism by faith. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” [Galatians 3:26-27].
The only way we’re going to escape any and all catastrophes is to be “IN CHRIST.” When one is in Christ, what looks like a disaster, will be the most wonderful celebration any could ever imagine.
There’s a peculiar law in the Old Testament regarding slaves…
“Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself. And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.” [Exodus 21:1-6]
It’s difficult to wrap our minds around the idea that God allowed slavery. What’s also strange to us is that a slave could submit himself to slavery (why would anyone do that?), and if he wanted to leave, the master had to let him go free. Even more strange to our sensibilities is that the slave could decide to remain with a master he loved. We’re most familiar with the brutal history of slavery in our own country where a person was stolen into slavery, or born into slavery and could never leave of his own free will. So, how could it ever be that a slave would ever love his master enough to stay?
As much as we detest the slavery we read about in history (and rightfully so), that slavery bears no resemblance to the master / servant relationship we read about in scripture. Some will say that any form of slavery is detestable, biblical or otherwise. Before you jump to that conclusion, let’s examine why God might use the example of slavery.
Slaves of Christ
The New Testament uses the biblical example of slavery to help us to understand our relationship with Him. Just as in the Exodus 21 passage, we come to Him of our own free will, and He BUYS us. The purchase price being His own blood.
“For ye are bought with a price” [1Corinthians 6:20]
We can choose to leave this arrangement, also of our own free will. While nothing can separate us from the love of God [Romans 8:38-39], we can separate ourselves from Him. [Hebrews 2:3, 10:28-29, Galatians 5:4; 2Timothy 4:10].
When we obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ, [Believe, Repent, Confess, Baptism & Faithfulness] we are selling ourselves into permanent slavery. We’re essentially saying, “we will never leave Him, we are His slaves forever, and He alone is our Master!”
“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.” [1Corinthians 7:23]
Although the thought of becoming a slave holds a very negative meaning in our culture, the Holy Spirit had no trouble using this institution as an example. When you consider the love behind the sacrifice of Christ, you realize that God had placed an incredible value for your life.
“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.” [John 3:16]
This value wasn’t based upon how good you looked, or how good you were, or how much money you had. No, the cost of buying us was His own life. Additionally, Jesus promises His slaves an incredible and eternal reward. He said to His disciples…
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
[John 14:2-3]
When we consider the price paid, and the promises made, it begins to make sense how a slave might Love a Slave Owner. Understanding these things will give us strength to endure this life.
Looking again at Exodus 21, we note verse 6; “and he shall serve him for ever.” Applying the picture of slavery to us, we need to note that by becoming a slave to Jesus, we are placing His will above our own. We will have no other master, including those things that tend to rule in our lives [e.g. sin Romans 6:6; money Luke 16:13]. Thy will be done, becomes our song.
When we truly understand this picture, our entire attitude should shift toward humble appreciation for our Master. Let us not be like those slaves who search for holes by which we can escape, for we serve a Loving Master. Rather, let us strive to serve Him in everything that He has commanded and when we’ve done all that we are commanded, let us say…
“We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”
Crowdsourcing is the new term being used to describe the method folks are using to raise money. Due to the people connecting power of the internet, crowdsourcing has become the way to finance business projects, or to assist in paying medical expenses after an illness or injury. However, crowdsourcing is also used to gather information, as in the example of Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, which gains all its information through crowdsourcing. Contributors from around the world write, on the website, about any and every subject under the sun.
Crowdsourcing is the practice of obtaining information, money or input into a task or project by enlisting the services of a large number of people, either paid, or unpaid, typically via the internet. The practice has become so common, that Wikipedia has become a valid source of information, and a new TV program is set to air that uses the power of the crowd to catch criminals. This idea is not new. The Mormon church has been using crowdsourcing for years through their Ancestry website. When people sign up to do genealogical research, the information gathered allows them to practice their error of “baptism for the dead” as the one being baptized is immersed multiple times for the unfaithful deceased of their family.
Which brings us to our topic, Crowdsourcing Authority. As the years progress, and each new generation grows more dependent upon an internet connected society, we’re being trained to see crowdsourcing as a legitimate method of understanding Biblical Authority. THIS IS DANGEROUS!
Every generation has had to overcome the use of erroneous sources of Biblical Authority…
Men / Parents – “Well my Daddy said…” or “My Pastor told me…”
The Bible Says: “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” [Matthew 7:7]
Tradition– “We always did it this way.”
The Bible Says; “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” [Colossians 2:8].
Feelings & False Reasoning – “I think this” or “God wants me to be happy”
The Bible Says: “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” [Jeremiah 10:23]
“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” [2Thess 2:10]
Now we have a new one to deal with, crowdsourcing. But it isn’t new, nothing ever is (Ecc 1:9), crowdsourcing authority has been around since there have been crowds.
In Babel – “And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” [Genesis 11:4]
In the Wilderness – “And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!” [Numbers 14:2]
Jesus warned about the crowd – “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:” [Matthew 7:13]
And again, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” [Matthew 7:22]
Crowdsourcing Sin
What we find from these passages is not the crowdsourcing of authority, rather, we find the CROWDSOURCING OF SIN. In each example, if the source of the activity came from the crowd, God condemned it. Do you suppose that we’re any less susceptible to this problem? Sin is never acceptable to God, no matter how many people are doing it. Your momma may have said it, but God gave her the idea, “if everybody wanted to jump off a bridge would you follow them?” As we view the crowds in our society, we see the biblical warnings being ignored as crowds (majorities) try to shape it. Crowds become nothing more than bullies when driven by the emotionalism and confusion emanating from the ignorance of God’s divine Word. [Hosea 4:6; Matthew 22:29]
There is only ONE source of Authority, for life AND godliness. It’s found in Christ Jesus. “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] Jesus made this very direct claim; “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” [Matthew 28:18] This statement of fact covers a lot of ground, HEAVEN AND EARTH.
When Paul wrote to the Colossians, he reminds the church of this fact about Jesus when he wrote, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” [Colossians 1:18] Some claim that Jesus was a good teacher, ney ney. Christ Jesus is PREEMINENT. Preeminent means He surpasses all of us and is superior to all of us. Jesus is not A SOURCE of authority, HE IS THE SOURCE OF AUTHORITY! This information will never be found through crowdsourcing, but only in His word, which He promised to give.
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 