Tag Command

Where’s your passage?

The Preacher 1 Comment

“In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?” (2Sam 7:7)

Do you understand what this verse is saying? David had come up with what appeared to be a good idea to build a permanent temple out of cedar. The prophet Nathan agreed that this indeed appeared to be a good idea, even telling him that the LORD agreed that it was a good idea.

“Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee” (2Sam 7:3).

So, here we have this mighty king, a man after God’s own heart, with what appeared to be a good idea, to build God a permanent dwelling place. Reasoning thusly, “I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains” (2Sam 7:2).

We also have a prophet of God in agreement with the King, even asserting that God is also in agreement. However,

…God DID NOT agree that it was a good idea for David to build Him a house of cedar. The way He says it to them is very interesting. He doesn’t say, “No, do not build me a house of Cedar.” Neither does He say, “I didn’t want you to do that, but since you’re very sincere, go ahead anyway.” Some will argue this same way, “where does it say He forbids it?” They also say, “We don’t have a command, but God will accept it because it’s from the sincerity of our heart.”

Here’s how God answers David. “In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?”

In effect, God asks, “Where is your scripture for your good idea?”

When I ask this question of folks, they respond with some version that they don’t need a scripture. “Look at the results,” they say. “Look at how much good we’ve done.” If 2Samuel 7:7 did not exist, I may have to agree with them. But it does exist, and there are other such passages.

Look at this example in Acts 15. “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment” (Act 15:24).

Here we see the same type of discussion. The converted Jews had the “good idea” that gentiles must become circumcised, and keep the Law of Moses to become Christians. The problem with that “good idea” was that there was no command for it. Both David, and the Christian Jews of the 1st century had come up with “good ideas” from the SILENCE of God. James points out to them that the SILENCE of God prohibits action, not allow it.

Another example in Hebrews says, “For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood” (Heb 7:14).

The SILENCE on a matter prohibited an action. In this case, the LORD had commanded that the Priests under the Law of Moses were to be taken from the tribe of Levi (Ex 28:1-4). Since Jesus was to be a Priest and a King (Heb 5:6), He could not hold that position, for the Law Prohibited it, and Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, something the Law spoke nothing concerning priesthood. Thus, the Law was changed because Christ is both Priest and King (Heb 7:12-13).

From these passages we learn that silence prohibits. When we receive a specific command from God, it prohibits any alteration, addition, or abatement. From these examples we learn 6 things when God is SILENT on a matter.

We are limited to what has been revealed in SCRIPTURE. This is how God communicates to us, through His divine written word (Deut 29:29).

We learn that without a command, there can be no INFERENCES, necessary or otherwise. God’s silence does not IMPLY His permission, it prohibits it.

In Hebrews we learn that we are under the will and testament of Christ. In the LAWS of Contracts & Wills, we are LIMITED to what it says, not given permission by what it does not say (cf. Heb 9:15-17). Think about how difficult it would be to defend a Will if we could change it based on things that are not in it. Could I claim a right to Bill Gates’ will, though I’m not in it? He didn’t say not to include me.

This brings us to the fourth point. If Silence doesn’t limit, then it creates a condition where EVERYTHING is permitted. All we would have to do is say, “God never said I can’t, so I’m going to do it.” It would lead to chaos and confusion. Oh wait, that’s exactly what we see in the denomination realm (cf. 1Cor 14:33).

The reality is, and we understand in other areas, that Silence is NO PERMISSION at all. For example, if you were to order a pepperoni pizza, what does your silence about smoked oysters say? (smoked oysters were a common ingredient in Fairbanks, AK back when I worked in a pizza joint in high school). You would never accept a pizza with smoked oysters when you ordered a pepperoni pizza. Your specific statement and your silence prohibit additional toppings.

Which brings me to the fifth point. We are limited in action when we have a “THUS SAITH THE LORD.” When God specifies something, He need not list all the aberrations. Specific is terrific. We know what He wants. There is another form of His command called Generic commands, in which He gives us liberty to take action He hasn’t specified, but that’s for another article. When we have a specific “Thus saith the LORD” we are limited to the specific statements and commands and cannot alter, add, nor abate His command. Silence prohibits.

–Spencer

“Is it less dishonest to do what is wrong because it is not expressly prohibited by written law? Let us hope our moral principles are not yet in that stage of degeneracy.”

— Thomas Jefferson

Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ on Franklin & Juniper in Borger Texas.

All AUTHORITY is in Christ

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The

MANIFOLD wisdom of God pt 2

All AUTHORITY is in Christ, and His commands are written in the New Testament.

[Mat 28:18; Luke 6:46; 1Cor 14:37].

This single subject is actually the KEY subject on how to answer every question, objection and error you will face. A firm understanding of how to determine Scriptural Authority will arm you against all the fiery darts of the devil. [Eph 6:10-17]

There are two fundamental differences that separate truth from error.

ERROR: “We are at liberty to do anything not specifically forbidden.” This is the approach liberals and modernists use towards the Bible that leads to death.

TRUTH: “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” [Deut 4:2; 12:32; Jos 1:7; Pr 30:6; Ec 12:13; Re 22:18-19]

As you can see, God limits our actions to what is contained in the scriptures. We cannot go beyond the word of the Lord. This is easily understood in our everyday communication. The easiest example is seen when one places an ORDER for a pizza.

We communicate our wishes when we place an ORDER, by Telling, Showing or Implying. If you can communicate your wishes without Telling, Showing or Implying, please explain it to me without Telling, Showing or Implying. [Luke 6:46; Col 3:17]

It is understood by our specific request that no REPLACEMENTS or alterations are allowed. If one orders a pizza, chicken wings would not be acceptable. If you wanted wings you would have Ordered them. [1Sam 15:22-23; Acts 15]

The person receiving our order understands they may only DELIVER what is Specifically requested, Shown or Implied. To add or remove any item is to go beyond the permission (authority) given. To say, “you didn’t say I couldn’t add black olives;” would be unacceptable to any logical thinking person. [2Sam 7:7; Heb 7:11-17]

It matters not what the server ENJOYS, likes, or otherwise wants. It’s not about them, it’s about the one placing the Order. They may say “But I really ENJOY black olives on my pizza,” or, “The majority of people ENJOY smoked oysters and pineapple.” None of these are legitimate reasons to alter the order. They are limited to the specific request.

The following words from Jesus should make it plain.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 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? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” [Matthew 7:21-23]

Any alteration to the given command under specific authority is to be REJECTED regardless of how good it may feel, what good we think it may do, or how popular it may be.

[Matt 7:13-14; Luke 13:24; Acts 26:9]

How do we use this? “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” [Col 3:16; Eph 5:19] Instrumental music is an addition because it is not commanded nor is it necessary to complete the command. Song books (or other scriptural source material) are accepted under GENERIC AUTHORITY because we need something from which we could all sing. Generic authority is the liberty given to us to choose the means by which we complete a specific command. ie. Noah was commanded to build an ark, under generic authority he had liberty to choose the necessary tools. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” [1Cor 14:40]

To say that instrumental music makes things better, or more enjoyable is irrelevant. It’s not in the command. To say David used instruments is also irrelevant because he lived under the Law of Moses (more about that in Lesson 6). David also used incense and sacrificed bulls; would you suggest we do those too? [Gal 5:1-4]

Understanding what God Wants

The Preacher 1 Comment

Scriptural Authority in Acts.

One of the biggest questions of life is, What Does God Want? Along those lines comes the question, how do we find out?

Acts fifteen contains an event that will show us how God communicates, whereby we can know today what it is that God wants.

As we begin this study, we must recognize a few facts.

  • The New Testament was not yet written.
  • Miraculous gifts were to confirm what God wants. Heb 2:4; cf. Deut 18:21-22; 13:1-5.
  • Once the Written Word was completed, the signs and miracles were no longer needed. John 20:30-31; 1Cor 13:10; Eph 3:3-4; 2Tim 3:15-17.

These facts being established, we can learn how to determine what God wants by examining this passage.

God communicates in the same manner as we do with one another. We communicate our desires by TELLING, SHOWING, & IMPLYING. We also trust that our SILENCE on a matter is prohibitive. We can easily see these four concepts being utilized in Acts fifteen. The question the disciples wanted answered was, Are Gentiles candidates for the Gospel of Christ?

“And certain men came down from Judaea and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” [Acts 15:1]

Some claim that this was a council to vote on the question. This is wrong. The Apostles already knew the answer, as will be shown by their looking at God’s method of communication (Telling, Showing, Implying & Silence).

FIRST, Peter rose up and reminded them about the first Gentile converts (Acts 10 & 11). How the Holy Spirit fell upon them as He had them “at the beginning.” [Acts 11:15]. Peter Necessarily Infers (inescapably concluded) that God had implied, both through a vision and the falling of the Holy Spirit upon them, that God is accepting Gentiles. He closes by saying, “Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples…” [Acts 15:10] “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” [15:11]

NEXT, Paul and Barnabas “declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.” [15:12] This is God communicating through SHOWING. Another way this is stated is Approved Apostolic Example. This testimony agrees with Peter, and with what was said about miracles. (see opening statements). “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” [Heb 2:4]

THEN, James answered. His appeal is to the revealed written word from God. He quotes from Amos nine, verses eleven and twelve. His appeal is to the DIRECT STATEMENTS of God. From this command of God, he concludes that God had already planned and authorized for Gentiles to be included in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

James connects the testimony of Peter with these verses in Amos. Who are we to fight against God? He begins by saying, “as it is written.” [15:15] We know from both Old and New Testaments not to go beyond that which is written. [1Cor 4:6; Deut 4:2; 12:32; Rev 22:18; Prov 30:6]

LASTLY, a letter is written and from it we find this statement about the prohibitive nature of SILENCE. “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:” [Acts 15:24. emph mine seb]

From this we learn that if there is no command, there is no permission. It is to speak presumptuously, something God has already condemned. [De 18:22; 13:2; 18:20; Jer 28:9] Silence is prohibitive is logically understood and demonstrated in at least two other places. Read & Study 2Samuel 7:1-7; Hebrews 7]

In conclusion, we see that the Apostles already knew what the Lord had commanded. They were guided into all truth [John 14:17,26; 15:26; 16:13]. They then declared to those in error the truth of the matter by appealing to God’s Direct Statements, Approved Examples, Inescapable conclusions along with the prohibitive nature of Silence.

We can do the same today utilizing “the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” [2Tim 3:15-17]

Here are some questions to ask ourselves and of any who still believe that miracles are happening, revelation is still being received.

  • We know that Gentiles that obey the Gospel are accepted by God. What further evidence beyond the scriptures do we need to prove this?
  • We know that Baptism is commanded by God, what further miracle do we need to show this?
  • We know what moral behaviors are accepted and which behaviors God abhors, what further miracle do we need to show this?
  • We know that there will be a judgment day, what additional miracle do we need to show this?
  • We know that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God and that we are to do whatever He commands [Luke 6:46], what additional miracle do we need to show this?