In Matthew 6, at verse 5 we read: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
The last prophet before the coming of Jesus Christ was John the Baptist. “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.” (Matthew 11:13) We are not left without the words that John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judaea. “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” (Matthew 3:1-3)
John the Baptist became somewhat discouraged near the end. “Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel [good news] preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:2-11)
When did the kingdom come with power? “Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28) “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16: 15-19)
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” (Acts 2:1-5) What was the message? “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, 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 2:36-38) “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)
The words that John the Baptist taught was not the words of Jesus Christ and him crucified or that Christ is now reigning in his kingdom. The words of John the Baptist were “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Inspiration
Do you feel the bible is the inspired word of God and can be taken at face value when read? “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.” (2nd Timothy 3:16-17) We notice that the word inspiration in this passage means God breathed and perfect means complete or furnished completely.
Here are some related verses regarding the adding to or taking away from the completeness of the word of God: “Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” (Psalm 119:159-160) “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6) “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:19)
Perhaps the first question we should ask in this study is the question: “Are you inspired and understand fully the written word of God?” Do you hold the qualifications of inspiration? I suspect it helped a man of Ethiopia greatly when Philip the evangelist asked this question and received an answer: “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.” (Acts 8:30-31)
The next question would probably be do you study in the original Greek text or have access to the original New Testament letters? I suspect most of you are reading from an English translation and only know one language. Do you feel that God had a hand in the canonization and translation of scriptures? As you know, the process was long working its way along through dead (i.e. Latin) or not often used languages and Old English and German translators, etc. Did God have a hand in all of this and put the complete will (letters, etc.) in the bibles we read?
I personally believe that he did because I have no other standard or basis for my beliefs when I take that completeness out of the bibles I read and study.
Perhaps the last question would be do you believe that the commentaries, concordances, bible dictionaries, and history are part of the inspired word of God? How limited or broad do we want to make the inspiration of God? In this regard, we are talking about how you actually study and believe and not what you sometimes say about the inspired book.
If you are like me, and have studied the background of some of the bible scholars, you get a little concerned. Their beliefs may be somewhat far removed from my beliefs regarding scripture. They certainly weren’t members of the same church that I am a member of and I can’t support some of their general beliefs in scripture. However, they are considered scholars of the bible and we sometimes use their work to gain understanding.
In my introduction I used a passage of scripture from the Old King James New Testament (the word perfect) because many Christians have been advised often that the word is complete or finished (generally speaking) in today’s English. Only the most arrogant among us consider themselves perfect and others not measuring up to “their” defined standards. Of course, we aren’t talking about bible standards when we consider their definition of perfect and their “actual” view of themselves and others.
Is my telling you that this word perfect actually means complete in today’s English “adding” to or “taking” away from the word? After all, the word “complete” is not in the KJV translation in this and other verses using the word perfect.
Personally, I feel very comfortable using the KJV even though there has been a change in the meaning of some words. I feel like I can get the meaning of 2nd Timothy 3:17 just using my God given brain.
There are passages of scripture that give me problems even though I feel that the KJV and other translations are complete to the saving of my soul. I suspect I’m not alone when it comes to some of these specific problems. I can think of one controversial subject where the majority opinion in the church goes to a remote bible scholar (bible scholars often disagree) and not “one” English translation that I’m aware of translates the bible using this scholars interpretation of a particular word. His word interpretation changes completely the meaning of the scriptures. Even so, he is “gospel.” Do you believe the bible translations or some remote word scholar? Do you actually believe what you read in the bible? Here, let me explain it to you….
Sometimes we hear so-called doctrine that defies every translation that is written. We might say that some delight in selecting a particular viewpoint instead of the written word. We certainly believe this is true when it comes to the requirement of baptism for the remission of sins.
Interestingly, those that believe the translation of the bible as it is written are sometimes considered the minority viewpoint. Sometimes we are even labeled a cult. What is difficult about the words of Acts 2:38? “Then Peter said unto them, 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.” What requirements in this verse can we avoid because of our “word” studies? One thing I admire about many translations of the bible is their consistency in translation. The New Living Translation of the bible translates verse 38 with these words: “Peter replied, Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Who could misunderstand these words without some other words adding to or detracting from this verse of scripture?
It all seems to go downhill from here. Does Baptism include sprinkling? Can we baptize infants? Do we even need to be baptized for salvation? Will faith only save us? The questions and word studies just go on and on. Adding to or detracting from the complete inspired word of God. When studying you might want to start with your bible.
Here are some related verses regarding the adding to or taking away from the completeness of the word of God: “Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” (Psalm 119:159-160) “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6) “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:19)
Perhaps the first question we should ask in this study is the question: “Are you inspired and understand fully the written word of God?” Do you hold the qualifications of inspiration? I suspect it helped a man of Ethiopia greatly when Philip the evangelist asked this question and received an answer: “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.” (Acts 8:30-31)
The next question would probably be do you study in the original Greek text or have access to the original New Testament letters? I suspect most of you are reading from an English translation and only know one language. Do you feel that God had a hand in the canonization and translation of scriptures? As you know, the process was long working its way along through dead (i.e. Latin) or not often used languages and Old English and German translators, etc. Did God have a hand in all of this and put the complete will (letters, etc.) in the bibles we read?
I personally believe that he did because I have no other standard or basis for my beliefs when I take that completeness out of the bibles I read and study.
Perhaps the last question would be do you believe that the commentaries, concordances, bible dictionaries, and history are part of the inspired word of God? How limited or broad do we want to make the inspiration of God? In this regard, we are talking about how you actually study and believe and not what you sometimes say about the inspired book.
If you are like me, and have studied the background of some of the bible scholars, you get a little concerned. Their beliefs may be somewhat far removed from my beliefs regarding scripture. They certainly weren’t members of the same church that I am a member of and I can’t support some of their general beliefs in scripture. However, they are considered scholars of the bible and we sometimes use their work to gain understanding.
In my introduction I used a passage of scripture from the Old King James New Testament (the word perfect) because many Christians have been advised often that the word is complete or finished (generally speaking) in today’s English. Only the most arrogant among us consider themselves perfect and others not measuring up to “their” defined standards. Of course, we aren’t talking about bible standards when we consider their definition of perfect and their “actual” view of themselves and others.
Is my telling you that this word perfect actually means complete in today’s English “adding” to or “taking” away from the word? After all, the word “complete” is not in the KJV translation in this and other verses using the word perfect.
Personally, I feel very comfortable using the KJV even though there has been a change in the meaning of some words. I feel like I can get the meaning of 2nd Timothy 3:17 just using my God given brain.
There are passages of scripture that give me problems even though I feel that the KJV and other translations are complete to the saving of my soul. I suspect I’m not alone when it comes to some of these specific problems. I can think of one controversial subject where the majority opinion in the church goes to a remote bible scholar (bible scholars often disagree) and not “one” English translation that I’m aware of translates the bible using this scholars interpretation of a particular word. His word interpretation changes completely the meaning of the scriptures. Even so, he is “gospel.” Do you believe the bible translations or some remote word scholar? Do you actually believe what you read in the bible? Here, let me explain it to you….
Sometimes we hear so-called doctrine that defies every translation that is written. We might say that some delight in selecting a particular viewpoint instead of the written word. We certainly believe this is true when it comes to the requirement of baptism for the remission of sins.
Interestingly, those that believe the translation of the bible as it is written are sometimes considered the minority viewpoint. Sometimes we are even labeled a cult. What is difficult about the words of Acts 2:38? “Then Peter said unto them, 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.” What requirements in this verse can we avoid because of our “word” studies? One thing I admire about many translations of the bible is their consistency in translation. The New Living Translation of the bible translates verse 38 with these words: “Peter replied, Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Who could misunderstand these words without some other words adding to or detracting from this verse of scripture?
It all seems to go downhill from here. Does Baptism include sprinkling? Can we baptize infants? Do we even need to be baptized for salvation? Will faith only save us? The questions and word studies just go on and on. Adding to or detracting from the complete inspired word of God. When studying you might want to start with your bible.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Evil and Sickening Generation
Does God need to tell you how and who to love and marry?
Perhaps we would be better off with arranged marriages than the type of marriages we are witnessing today (sickening and evil marriages)? In some cultures, marriage wasn't arranged between partners that "love" each other. Their society decided there were better and more noble reasons for marriage.Do you think it is normal for a man to stick his penis in another man's butt designed by God to eliminate waste? Instead of avoiding sex due to a woman's period perhaps you have to avoid sex because of diarrhea? Isn't that thought totally disgusting? God says that it is "lust" that causes this kind of behavior and not your genetic makeup. In fact, in the book of Romans we are told that we are fully aware with how the universe works, what is right and wrong, and that we are without excuse.
Beginning in Romans 1 verse 24 Paul says, "So God let them go ahead and do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. Instead of believing what they knew was the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies. So they worshiped the things God made but not the Creator himself, Who is to be praised forever. Amen.
That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relationships with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men and, as a result, suffered within themselves the penalty they so richly deserved." (New Living Translation, Romans 1:24-27)
Sin is not new and God hasn't changed his mind about it.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Modern Day Jonah
Do you believe the "Big Fish" stories of the bible?
"Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."(Matthew 12:38-40)
Can you imagine being 100 feet down in cold water with no clothes on to protect you from hypothermia and still survive after 3 days? Perhaps you need to reconsider the story of Jonah?
This man had only God to turn to in his time of need!
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7) For those of you that discount the power of God just remember that "God is not mocked" and he will have the last word.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Snares
There is a story about boy that built a trap for spider monkeys. Spider monkeys are difficult to capture so this boy built a trap where a spider monkey could stick his hand into the trap to grab his favorite nut. Once the monkey had gripped the nut he could not pull his hand out of the trap. The problem with the monkey is that he wouldn’t let go of the nut in order to free his hand. His desire for the prize allowed him to be captured.
I suspect that most of us feel that we are smarter than this little monkey but that could be somewhat presumptuous of us because we are sometimes snared by the simplest of things.
Outward appearance is a snare that causes many to be captured. We may look at something desirable and think how wonderful it would be to obtain. However, we obtain what we desire and may find that it is not what we thought it would be. Perhaps the long sought goal leaves us empty and unfulfilled?
In first Timothy 6, at verse 7 we read: “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
The love of money is a snare for some but it is an obvious snare that can easily be recognized and avoided. There are other snares much subtler than the love of money.
Of course, another snare would be the snare of being good looking or having sex appeal. People often do not consider their good looks as a snare but it can be. 1st Peter 3:3 and 4 tells us, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." The hidden man of the heart and a meek and quiet spirit is of great price. Not just to God but to those avoiding the snares of life. People often take this and similar passages of scripture and misinterpret the meaning. It’s not your good looks and fine dress that’s going to make the significant difference in your life. We’ve all observed shallow people that possessed nothing but their good looks and sex appeal.
The Apostle Paul even carried this idea one step farther in his own life. He said this in 1st Corinthians 7, beginning at verse 32: “But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.” When the Apostle Paul was talking about setting aside weights he was also talking about being married. Many of us would correctly not follow Paul’s advice on this subject but it was something that worked for him. It was of enough importance to him personally that he mentioned it in his letter to the Corinthian church.
As our great example we can see that Christ did not burden himself with the affairs of this life. Before he came to earth he already understood how the game is played and he avoided obvious pitfalls. In fact, Isaiah 53 is certainly talking about Christ because the evangelist Philip teaching the Ethiopian about Christ used it as the proof text. Verse 2 says, “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” Acts 8 says of Isaiah the 53rd chapter, “And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
When we see Christ it will not be as it is said of him in the book of Isaiah, “and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” We will see Jesus in all his glory and majesty. Revelations 19, at verse 11: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”
Of course, this is figurative language used by John to describe the power of our Lord when he comes again. No matter what picture we may paint of Christ in the Second Coming it will not be “and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” He will exhibit his power and his glory.
Paul said in Hebrews chapter 12, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The greatest weight for people is the desire to be liked and accepted. We all understand this even when psychologist will tell us that the desire to be liked and accepted (based on their studies) is greater than our desire to be right. And so, most people would prefer to be liked than to be right.
Another snare people often realize at some point is that when things appear too good to be true they are sometimes traps for those that are not aware or on guard. We find these words in 1st Samuel 18, at verse 20: “And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain. And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law. And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David. And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.”
In this case we find a father that is attempting to accomplish his own desires at the expense of not only David but also his own daughter. We may often see instances where it is not someone’s good judgement but pride determining the snare for each of us.
Psalms 11, at verse 4, “The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.” We have an all Seeing Eye watching us from heaven above.
The 23rd Psalm is all about this all Seeing Eye watching over us. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Sometimes we read passages such as the 23rd Psalm and say in our own mind that the Lord will be with me when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. It may not occur to us that we are now walking through the valley of the shadow of death and have been since our birth. This physical life is not the land of the living but the land of the dead and dying. We understand this when we pass a cemetery and see the grave stones of all those that have gone before us. We too shall soon have a stone with the dates of our life. Our names will be on that stone and we will be forgotten. At that point, the desire we have to be accepted and liked will be meaningless.
Our name may not be in the lamb’s book of life but it will most certainly be on a stone in the graveyard.
Some people don’t like to think morbid thoughts and put these thoughts totally out of their mind. That’s not true of great men or God. The thought of death was ever before the mind of God even from the foundation of the world.
Here is a quote from John F. Kennedy. “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.” Christ was not silenced. He said in Matthew 12, at verse 34: “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Matthew 15, at verse 7: “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.”
The untrue words of others can be a great snare. Why? Most people will attempt to go along to get along. They may even repeat things that they themselves do not believe to be true in order to have unity. People are crowd pleasers. That’s what it means when we hear about a politician holding up his finger to test the wind.
Ephesians 4, at verse 29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
This was true then and this is true today concerning evil and the snares of the devil. 2nd Timothy 2, at verse 24: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be 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: from such turn away.”
I suspect that most of us feel that we are smarter than this little monkey but that could be somewhat presumptuous of us because we are sometimes snared by the simplest of things.
Outward appearance is a snare that causes many to be captured. We may look at something desirable and think how wonderful it would be to obtain. However, we obtain what we desire and may find that it is not what we thought it would be. Perhaps the long sought goal leaves us empty and unfulfilled?
In first Timothy 6, at verse 7 we read: “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
The love of money is a snare for some but it is an obvious snare that can easily be recognized and avoided. There are other snares much subtler than the love of money.
Of course, another snare would be the snare of being good looking or having sex appeal. People often do not consider their good looks as a snare but it can be. 1st Peter 3:3 and 4 tells us, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." The hidden man of the heart and a meek and quiet spirit is of great price. Not just to God but to those avoiding the snares of life. People often take this and similar passages of scripture and misinterpret the meaning. It’s not your good looks and fine dress that’s going to make the significant difference in your life. We’ve all observed shallow people that possessed nothing but their good looks and sex appeal.
The Apostle Paul even carried this idea one step farther in his own life. He said this in 1st Corinthians 7, beginning at verse 32: “But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.” When the Apostle Paul was talking about setting aside weights he was also talking about being married. Many of us would correctly not follow Paul’s advice on this subject but it was something that worked for him. It was of enough importance to him personally that he mentioned it in his letter to the Corinthian church.
As our great example we can see that Christ did not burden himself with the affairs of this life. Before he came to earth he already understood how the game is played and he avoided obvious pitfalls. In fact, Isaiah 53 is certainly talking about Christ because the evangelist Philip teaching the Ethiopian about Christ used it as the proof text. Verse 2 says, “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” Acts 8 says of Isaiah the 53rd chapter, “And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
When we see Christ it will not be as it is said of him in the book of Isaiah, “and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” We will see Jesus in all his glory and majesty. Revelations 19, at verse 11: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”
Of course, this is figurative language used by John to describe the power of our Lord when he comes again. No matter what picture we may paint of Christ in the Second Coming it will not be “and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” He will exhibit his power and his glory.
Paul said in Hebrews chapter 12, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The greatest weight for people is the desire to be liked and accepted. We all understand this even when psychologist will tell us that the desire to be liked and accepted (based on their studies) is greater than our desire to be right. And so, most people would prefer to be liked than to be right.
Another snare people often realize at some point is that when things appear too good to be true they are sometimes traps for those that are not aware or on guard. We find these words in 1st Samuel 18, at verse 20: “And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain. And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law. And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David. And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.”
In this case we find a father that is attempting to accomplish his own desires at the expense of not only David but also his own daughter. We may often see instances where it is not someone’s good judgement but pride determining the snare for each of us.
Psalms 11, at verse 4, “The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.” We have an all Seeing Eye watching us from heaven above.
The 23rd Psalm is all about this all Seeing Eye watching over us. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Sometimes we read passages such as the 23rd Psalm and say in our own mind that the Lord will be with me when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. It may not occur to us that we are now walking through the valley of the shadow of death and have been since our birth. This physical life is not the land of the living but the land of the dead and dying. We understand this when we pass a cemetery and see the grave stones of all those that have gone before us. We too shall soon have a stone with the dates of our life. Our names will be on that stone and we will be forgotten. At that point, the desire we have to be accepted and liked will be meaningless.
Our name may not be in the lamb’s book of life but it will most certainly be on a stone in the graveyard.
Some people don’t like to think morbid thoughts and put these thoughts totally out of their mind. That’s not true of great men or God. The thought of death was ever before the mind of God even from the foundation of the world.
Here is a quote from John F. Kennedy. “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.” Christ was not silenced. He said in Matthew 12, at verse 34: “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Matthew 15, at verse 7: “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.”
The untrue words of others can be a great snare. Why? Most people will attempt to go along to get along. They may even repeat things that they themselves do not believe to be true in order to have unity. People are crowd pleasers. That’s what it means when we hear about a politician holding up his finger to test the wind.
Ephesians 4, at verse 29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
This was true then and this is true today concerning evil and the snares of the devil. 2nd Timothy 2, at verse 24: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be 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: from such turn away.”
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13)
I’ve borrowed some of these thoughts from Jim Rohn, as well as other motivational speakers from the past, but have modified their thoughts to fit this sermon. Religious motivational speakers love talking about the parable of the sower.
The parable of the sower can be a cold sermon if we are just a numbers person. Admittedly, if we are in sales, farming, and accounting this parable will make a lot of sense to us because we understand the numbers. We understand that 3% will get it and 97% won’t. Why doesn’t the 97% or majority get it? We don’t know—that’s just the way it is for people like them. They just don’t get it. We can understand why they don’t get it and why we do get it. What’s to explain because we just go by the numbers and the numbers tell us that 97% just won’t get it. Some do and some don’t or some will and some won’t. We’re just glad to be part of the 3% that get it aren’t we? Who’s not right in their own mind? Of course we are part of the 3% aren’t we?
Jim Rohn tells us that only 3% have a library card even though it is free. In other words, 97% don’t get it. We can have access to a lot of free stuff that will benefit us in life. The bible is a good book to read. What will benefit us like the word of God? After all, Jim Rohn died in 2009 telling people how to live their life for a long time so I guess he knows more about it now.
Sometimes people can be really cold because they are all about the numbers. We probably can’t be too effective teaching hell fire and damnation sermons unless we can shed a few tears and show some emotion. When we are telling someone they are wrong and on their way to hell without the proper emotion, perhaps smiling while telling them they are on their way to hell, people might think that we don’t care. We all understand there are many ways to show a lack of concern because we show a lack of concern every day. Perhaps some sermons will never be effective without sincerity and tears. If we don’t really care it may show without the tears. Emotions are powerful. It is powerful when we love, when we hate, when we show encouragement, and when we show discouragement. We all have powerful emotions.
There is no such thing in life as not teaching the negative as well as the positive. There would be no joy if there were no tears. There is no such thing as a positive without a negative—it’s just a law or principle. And so, in the parable of the sower we are going to consider laws or principles of the world in which we live. We can change these laws when we are able to change the world we live in. But while we are in this world we will just have to live by these laws.
In all biblical subjects we should realize that teaching in all sincerity with emotion added is not the same as teaching truth. Why? Because we can all be sincerely wrong. In fact, we’ve all been counted in that category many times. Some will say, he must be right because he’s just so sincere.
If we ask an older person about the color of a Yield sign they would probably tell us it is yellow even though in 1971 the color was changed to red. Some haven’t really noticed that their mental pictures don’t really match reality. Their reality is reality for them. Even so, yield signs are really red and not yellow. We all understand that we can be mentally wrong because we all have made mental errors.
Let’s read the explanation Christ gave for his parable of the sower. In verse 9 Jesus said, “Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Some people don’t seem to have ears to hear so Christ explained the mysteries to his disciples. In fact, he said beginning at verse 16: “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
That’s a simple story so it is hard for us to understand why some are so perplexed. We take the principles of the word that we know realizing that we have seed, soil, rain, sunshine, seasons, and the miracle of life. These are the things that God gave in the beginning. He gave these things to Adam and Eve and if God took away our cell phones, our economic books, our philosophies of life, and even our bible (so that we have nothing) we would use these same inputs to go plant a garden so we might sustain life. We might all dig in the ground to sustain our life if we had to do it.
We wouldn’t be standing around asking ourselves: How can I make it rain today? The wisest man on earth called the Preacher, the son of David, and king in Jerusalem said this in Ecclesiastes 11, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.”
Unfortunately, Christ had to start his explanation of the sower with these words, “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.” Some are perplexed.
There’s an old story about a preacher starting a tent revival and he was perplexed. He went out and put up a big tent and passed out some fliers that said come here the word of God preached on these dates at these times. The starting time was at 7:00 PM so at 7:15 he was still standing in the tent alone. Finally, at 7:30 one old farmer wandered in and sat down. The preacher said, I’m so embarrassed because this tent was supposed to be filled and you’re the only one who showed up. What should I do? He said, well, I’m just an old farmer but if just one cow shows up in the evening I still feed him. So the preacher got up to preach and he preached and he preached. One hour went by and then two. When the preacher got down he asked the farmer: Well, what did you think. The farmer said, I’m just a farmer but if just one cow showed up I wouldn’t dump the whole load on him.
Some people are perplexed as to what to do. They would tell liars they shouldn’t lie but isn’t that what a liar does? That’s why we call them liars. Some people mock and laugh. They mocked and laughed at Christ. And so, we call them mockers and laughers. That’s just what mockers and laughers do. They mock and laugh. Some people believe because that’s just what believers do.
When it comes to religion some people are perplexed. Paul wasn’t perplexed. In 1st Corinthians 3:6 Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” What did Paul do? He planted the seed. What did Apollos do? He watered the seed. What did God do? He gave the increase. We leave the tree building up to God. Can we just imagine how perplexed we could become if we took on God’s role? Instead of planting the seed in the ground we lay awake at night trying to figure out how to make a tree. We can let God deal with the mysteries and miracles of life and just plant the seed because God gives the increase.
We see the first seed planting in the Kingdom in Acts chapter two. Were there people there from every nation that believed?
Verse 41 says, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Wow, what a tent meeting the Apostles had. They planted the seed and three thousand souls believed the word. What was the word? You’ve crucified the Lord of Glory and when they believed they had done it they asked in verse 37: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
What did Peter say to them? Did he say, here’s how you build a tree. No, they would have probably been perplexed so he said in verse 38, “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.”
Repent and be baptized. Since they were Jews they probably understood these concepts and if they didn’t they could just watch and learn as the 3,000 souls that gladly received the word were added by the Lord. Verse 47, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” God gives the increase.
Well, Mr. Farmer, what about the rest of the story: “And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” I suspect the preacher could talk several hours on that subject and drop the whole load by doing God’s work. Repent is a commandment and being baptized is a commandment but receiving the Gift is God’s work as he builds the tree. The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
We’ve considered the seed sown in the ground so let us now consider the seasons. Proverbs 6, at verse 6: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”
What is the ant doing? The ant is thinking about the seasons of life. The ant knows that winter is coming. We look around and it’s so sunny and nice. We may not be thinking about winter but the ant is never without the thought of winter. The ant doesn’t need some overseer to tell them how to live because the ant realizes that winter is coming.
What happens when we spend the summer trying to build a tree or God’s work? We won’t have a harvest and we won’t be prepared for winter. Genesis 8, at verse 22 gives us a law to live by and these laws are fixed. “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”
Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”
Do we look forward to the harvest or do we fear the coming winter of life? What have we said previously about those that are mockers and laughers? They will always be with us. That’s why they are called mockers and laughers. 2nd Peter 3, at verse 3: “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”
How many mockers and laughers will we observe in that day? Revelations 6, at verse 12: “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”
The parable of the sower can be a cold sermon if we are just a numbers person. Admittedly, if we are in sales, farming, and accounting this parable will make a lot of sense to us because we understand the numbers. We understand that 3% will get it and 97% won’t. Why doesn’t the 97% or majority get it? We don’t know—that’s just the way it is for people like them. They just don’t get it. We can understand why they don’t get it and why we do get it. What’s to explain because we just go by the numbers and the numbers tell us that 97% just won’t get it. Some do and some don’t or some will and some won’t. We’re just glad to be part of the 3% that get it aren’t we? Who’s not right in their own mind? Of course we are part of the 3% aren’t we?
Jim Rohn tells us that only 3% have a library card even though it is free. In other words, 97% don’t get it. We can have access to a lot of free stuff that will benefit us in life. The bible is a good book to read. What will benefit us like the word of God? After all, Jim Rohn died in 2009 telling people how to live their life for a long time so I guess he knows more about it now.
Sometimes people can be really cold because they are all about the numbers. We probably can’t be too effective teaching hell fire and damnation sermons unless we can shed a few tears and show some emotion. When we are telling someone they are wrong and on their way to hell without the proper emotion, perhaps smiling while telling them they are on their way to hell, people might think that we don’t care. We all understand there are many ways to show a lack of concern because we show a lack of concern every day. Perhaps some sermons will never be effective without sincerity and tears. If we don’t really care it may show without the tears. Emotions are powerful. It is powerful when we love, when we hate, when we show encouragement, and when we show discouragement. We all have powerful emotions.
There is no such thing in life as not teaching the negative as well as the positive. There would be no joy if there were no tears. There is no such thing as a positive without a negative—it’s just a law or principle. And so, in the parable of the sower we are going to consider laws or principles of the world in which we live. We can change these laws when we are able to change the world we live in. But while we are in this world we will just have to live by these laws.
In all biblical subjects we should realize that teaching in all sincerity with emotion added is not the same as teaching truth. Why? Because we can all be sincerely wrong. In fact, we’ve all been counted in that category many times. Some will say, he must be right because he’s just so sincere.
If we ask an older person about the color of a Yield sign they would probably tell us it is yellow even though in 1971 the color was changed to red. Some haven’t really noticed that their mental pictures don’t really match reality. Their reality is reality for them. Even so, yield signs are really red and not yellow. We all understand that we can be mentally wrong because we all have made mental errors.
Let’s read the explanation Christ gave for his parable of the sower. In verse 9 Jesus said, “Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Some people don’t seem to have ears to hear so Christ explained the mysteries to his disciples. In fact, he said beginning at verse 16: “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
That’s a simple story so it is hard for us to understand why some are so perplexed. We take the principles of the word that we know realizing that we have seed, soil, rain, sunshine, seasons, and the miracle of life. These are the things that God gave in the beginning. He gave these things to Adam and Eve and if God took away our cell phones, our economic books, our philosophies of life, and even our bible (so that we have nothing) we would use these same inputs to go plant a garden so we might sustain life. We might all dig in the ground to sustain our life if we had to do it.
We wouldn’t be standing around asking ourselves: How can I make it rain today? The wisest man on earth called the Preacher, the son of David, and king in Jerusalem said this in Ecclesiastes 11, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.”
Unfortunately, Christ had to start his explanation of the sower with these words, “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.” Some are perplexed.
There’s an old story about a preacher starting a tent revival and he was perplexed. He went out and put up a big tent and passed out some fliers that said come here the word of God preached on these dates at these times. The starting time was at 7:00 PM so at 7:15 he was still standing in the tent alone. Finally, at 7:30 one old farmer wandered in and sat down. The preacher said, I’m so embarrassed because this tent was supposed to be filled and you’re the only one who showed up. What should I do? He said, well, I’m just an old farmer but if just one cow shows up in the evening I still feed him. So the preacher got up to preach and he preached and he preached. One hour went by and then two. When the preacher got down he asked the farmer: Well, what did you think. The farmer said, I’m just a farmer but if just one cow showed up I wouldn’t dump the whole load on him.
Some people are perplexed as to what to do. They would tell liars they shouldn’t lie but isn’t that what a liar does? That’s why we call them liars. Some people mock and laugh. They mocked and laughed at Christ. And so, we call them mockers and laughers. That’s just what mockers and laughers do. They mock and laugh. Some people believe because that’s just what believers do.
When it comes to religion some people are perplexed. Paul wasn’t perplexed. In 1st Corinthians 3:6 Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” What did Paul do? He planted the seed. What did Apollos do? He watered the seed. What did God do? He gave the increase. We leave the tree building up to God. Can we just imagine how perplexed we could become if we took on God’s role? Instead of planting the seed in the ground we lay awake at night trying to figure out how to make a tree. We can let God deal with the mysteries and miracles of life and just plant the seed because God gives the increase.
We see the first seed planting in the Kingdom in Acts chapter two. Were there people there from every nation that believed?
Verse 41 says, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Wow, what a tent meeting the Apostles had. They planted the seed and three thousand souls believed the word. What was the word? You’ve crucified the Lord of Glory and when they believed they had done it they asked in verse 37: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
What did Peter say to them? Did he say, here’s how you build a tree. No, they would have probably been perplexed so he said in verse 38, “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.”
Repent and be baptized. Since they were Jews they probably understood these concepts and if they didn’t they could just watch and learn as the 3,000 souls that gladly received the word were added by the Lord. Verse 47, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” God gives the increase.
Well, Mr. Farmer, what about the rest of the story: “And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” I suspect the preacher could talk several hours on that subject and drop the whole load by doing God’s work. Repent is a commandment and being baptized is a commandment but receiving the Gift is God’s work as he builds the tree. The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
We’ve considered the seed sown in the ground so let us now consider the seasons. Proverbs 6, at verse 6: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”
What is the ant doing? The ant is thinking about the seasons of life. The ant knows that winter is coming. We look around and it’s so sunny and nice. We may not be thinking about winter but the ant is never without the thought of winter. The ant doesn’t need some overseer to tell them how to live because the ant realizes that winter is coming.
What happens when we spend the summer trying to build a tree or God’s work? We won’t have a harvest and we won’t be prepared for winter. Genesis 8, at verse 22 gives us a law to live by and these laws are fixed. “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”
Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”
Do we look forward to the harvest or do we fear the coming winter of life? What have we said previously about those that are mockers and laughers? They will always be with us. That’s why they are called mockers and laughers. 2nd Peter 3, at verse 3: “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”
How many mockers and laughers will we observe in that day? Revelations 6, at verse 12: “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”
Thursday, October 24, 2013
The Doctrine of Christ
The older disciple of Christ or John wrote this letter to the elect lady and her children. We could arrive at various opinions about the elect lady because the church is the bride of Christ. The church is indeed the elect bride. Therefore, this could be written to the church in general or it could be specific individuals. We just aren’t sure but I like to think it is addressed to the church. (2nd John)
2nd John verse 4, “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.” Walking in truth is avoiding the sins of the flesh and adding to our lives those activities that we have received by example from the scriptures. We can determine how we should walk but we will not avoid sin. John also realizes this fact as he writes 1st John chapter two: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation [merciful sacrifice of Jesus Christ] for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
If we look at the commandments they are love based. We do not kill because we love. We do not commit adultery because we love. Just living by the commandments encourage us to love. Love is the foundation of the law that was fulfilled in the form of Jesus Christ.
2nd John verse 7 considers the antichrist as does 1st John 2:22: “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” I suppose there are various ways that we could deny Jesus as the Christ. However, we find these words in John 8:24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” 2nd John verse 7: “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” Note, this says “many” deceivers and not just one. There are many that deny Jesus as the Christ.
2nd John verse 9, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” The doctrine is that Jesus is the Christ and that he came in the flesh. Also, we can include walking in the commandments of love.
2nd John verses 10-11,“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
This doesn’t necessarily relate to the commandments of love. We can know people by their fruit but sometimes we are deceived. However, if someone denies that Jesus came in the flesh as the savior of the world (brings not the doctrine of Christ) we should avoid that person. This person is teaching a false doctrine.
How do we worship with people that do not agree with us? How did the first century Christians do this? We find out how they did this in the book of Acts. We can also determine from history how they worshiped. Here is just an example from an early Christian named Justin Martyr.
“And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise together and pray, and, as we before said, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the president in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people assent, saying Amen; and there is a distribution to each, and a participation of that over which thanks have been given, and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons. And they who are well to do, and willing, give what each thinks fit; and what is collected is deposited with the president, who succours the orphans and widows and those who, through sickness or any other cause, are in want, and those who are in bonds and the strangers sojourning among us, and in a word takes care of all who are in need. But Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly, because it is the first day on which God, having wrought a change in the darkness and matter, made the world; and Jesus Christ our Saviour on the same day rose from the dead. For He was crucified on the day before that of Saturn (Saturday); and on the day after that of Saturn, which is the day of the Sun, having appeared to His apostles and disciples, He taught them these things, which we have submitted to you also for your consideration.” (Justin Martyr. The First Apology of Justin, app. 150 A.D.)
The book of Acts takes us from Jewish Christians to a new form of Christians (the Gentile Christians). Jewish Christians considered themselves Jews that believed in Jesus Christ so they were very different from Gentile Christians. The Jewish Christians added to their faith. What did they add? Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:41-42)
They normally did this in their homes on Sunday the eighth day. I suspect that on the Sabbath day you would find them in the Synagogue with their family and friends. I suspect that their communion service was closed to those Jews that did not believe. Why would Jews attend their communion service in their home on Sunday if they did not believe in Christ as the son of God? This is why they did not fellowship with Jews in worship on the eighth day or those that brought not the doctrine. “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” Why would you have communion with the antichrist?
“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:46-47)
Why did they have a relationship with nonbelievers? They had favor with the people so they could bring them to Jesus Christ. That was their major objective was to convince their family and friends that Jesus was the Christ. They didn’t have to train them in the commandments because they had been trained in that from their youth up as a Jew.
“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.” (Acts 3:1) Why did Peter and John go into the temple at the hour of prayer? Because they were Jews so they went to the temple. If they were Gentiles they certainly would not have done that.
The Apostle Paul was a Christian but he was also a Jew. “And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?” (Acts 9:19-21)
Wouldn’t Paul want to have a relationship with those he loved and knew? He couldn’t wait to tell his Jewish brethren in the Synagogue what he knew about Christ. They didn’t always react the way he hoped.
“Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1st Corinthians 1:20-24)
Why was Christianity just a stumblingblock to the Jews and not foolishness? Because Christ was a Jew and they preached the coming of the Messiah. They were well versed in Christianity if they would just receive Christ as the Messiah. Therefore, he was a stumblingblock and not just pure foolishness. They witnessed his miracles and his message during his ministry. “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:42-43)
Interestingly, one of the most powerful miracles that Jesus did greatly concerned the leaders of the Jews. “But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.” (John 12:10-11) Think about that and consider how evil these leaders were. What would be a greater testimony to Jesus than Lazarus walking the streets and entering the market place? Christ raised him from the dead and they knew it. They consulted about how to get rid of the evidence that Jesus was the Christ. That evidence was Lazarus. Do you think people won’t be extremely evil to support the status quo and their sheltered beliefs? They were very evil!
What we are witnessing in scripture is the gradual separation between Judaism and Christianity. They continued in their Jewish traditions but came to understand that they too were a royal priesthood so their focus began to turn to Jesus Christ instead of their corrupt leaders. Jews that did not believe, or didn’t want to believe, in Christ reinforced this gradual separation. As is always the case with those that do not believe there is a separation (sometimes violent).
What often separated the Jews from Christianity? It wasn’t miraculous but what we read in Acts 17 beginning at verse 10: “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.”
What scriptures did they search? They searched the same scriptures that the Jews searched. It took some time for the apostolic letters to be written (mostly by Paul to the Gentiles). When you think of the NT the first person you often think of is the Apostle Paul. Of course, Gentiles received some of these same OT scriptures as a proof text for Christ but I suspect their understanding was not the understanding of a studied Jew. They had their faith and the Jews had their scriptures. And so, we see the natural conflict develop between Jews and Gentiles in Acts 15. Not only between Jews but between the Apostles too.
As you can see, we can search the scriptures and we are not required to receive the Holy Spirit in some miraculous way. The word is perfect (complete). “For we know in part, and we prophesy [publicly expound] in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1st Corinthians 13:9-11)
2nd John verse 4, “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.” Walking in truth is avoiding the sins of the flesh and adding to our lives those activities that we have received by example from the scriptures. We can determine how we should walk but we will not avoid sin. John also realizes this fact as he writes 1st John chapter two: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation [merciful sacrifice of Jesus Christ] for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
If we look at the commandments they are love based. We do not kill because we love. We do not commit adultery because we love. Just living by the commandments encourage us to love. Love is the foundation of the law that was fulfilled in the form of Jesus Christ.
2nd John verse 7 considers the antichrist as does 1st John 2:22: “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” I suppose there are various ways that we could deny Jesus as the Christ. However, we find these words in John 8:24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” 2nd John verse 7: “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” Note, this says “many” deceivers and not just one. There are many that deny Jesus as the Christ.
2nd John verse 9, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” The doctrine is that Jesus is the Christ and that he came in the flesh. Also, we can include walking in the commandments of love.
2nd John verses 10-11,“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
This doesn’t necessarily relate to the commandments of love. We can know people by their fruit but sometimes we are deceived. However, if someone denies that Jesus came in the flesh as the savior of the world (brings not the doctrine of Christ) we should avoid that person. This person is teaching a false doctrine.
How do we worship with people that do not agree with us? How did the first century Christians do this? We find out how they did this in the book of Acts. We can also determine from history how they worshiped. Here is just an example from an early Christian named Justin Martyr.
“And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise together and pray, and, as we before said, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the president in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people assent, saying Amen; and there is a distribution to each, and a participation of that over which thanks have been given, and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons. And they who are well to do, and willing, give what each thinks fit; and what is collected is deposited with the president, who succours the orphans and widows and those who, through sickness or any other cause, are in want, and those who are in bonds and the strangers sojourning among us, and in a word takes care of all who are in need. But Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly, because it is the first day on which God, having wrought a change in the darkness and matter, made the world; and Jesus Christ our Saviour on the same day rose from the dead. For He was crucified on the day before that of Saturn (Saturday); and on the day after that of Saturn, which is the day of the Sun, having appeared to His apostles and disciples, He taught them these things, which we have submitted to you also for your consideration.” (Justin Martyr. The First Apology of Justin, app. 150 A.D.)
The book of Acts takes us from Jewish Christians to a new form of Christians (the Gentile Christians). Jewish Christians considered themselves Jews that believed in Jesus Christ so they were very different from Gentile Christians. The Jewish Christians added to their faith. What did they add? Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:41-42)
They normally did this in their homes on Sunday the eighth day. I suspect that on the Sabbath day you would find them in the Synagogue with their family and friends. I suspect that their communion service was closed to those Jews that did not believe. Why would Jews attend their communion service in their home on Sunday if they did not believe in Christ as the son of God? This is why they did not fellowship with Jews in worship on the eighth day or those that brought not the doctrine. “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” Why would you have communion with the antichrist?
“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:46-47)
Why did they have a relationship with nonbelievers? They had favor with the people so they could bring them to Jesus Christ. That was their major objective was to convince their family and friends that Jesus was the Christ. They didn’t have to train them in the commandments because they had been trained in that from their youth up as a Jew.
“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.” (Acts 3:1) Why did Peter and John go into the temple at the hour of prayer? Because they were Jews so they went to the temple. If they were Gentiles they certainly would not have done that.
The Apostle Paul was a Christian but he was also a Jew. “And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?” (Acts 9:19-21)
Wouldn’t Paul want to have a relationship with those he loved and knew? He couldn’t wait to tell his Jewish brethren in the Synagogue what he knew about Christ. They didn’t always react the way he hoped.
“Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1st Corinthians 1:20-24)
Why was Christianity just a stumblingblock to the Jews and not foolishness? Because Christ was a Jew and they preached the coming of the Messiah. They were well versed in Christianity if they would just receive Christ as the Messiah. Therefore, he was a stumblingblock and not just pure foolishness. They witnessed his miracles and his message during his ministry. “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:42-43)
Interestingly, one of the most powerful miracles that Jesus did greatly concerned the leaders of the Jews. “But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.” (John 12:10-11) Think about that and consider how evil these leaders were. What would be a greater testimony to Jesus than Lazarus walking the streets and entering the market place? Christ raised him from the dead and they knew it. They consulted about how to get rid of the evidence that Jesus was the Christ. That evidence was Lazarus. Do you think people won’t be extremely evil to support the status quo and their sheltered beliefs? They were very evil!
What we are witnessing in scripture is the gradual separation between Judaism and Christianity. They continued in their Jewish traditions but came to understand that they too were a royal priesthood so their focus began to turn to Jesus Christ instead of their corrupt leaders. Jews that did not believe, or didn’t want to believe, in Christ reinforced this gradual separation. As is always the case with those that do not believe there is a separation (sometimes violent).
What often separated the Jews from Christianity? It wasn’t miraculous but what we read in Acts 17 beginning at verse 10: “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.”
What scriptures did they search? They searched the same scriptures that the Jews searched. It took some time for the apostolic letters to be written (mostly by Paul to the Gentiles). When you think of the NT the first person you often think of is the Apostle Paul. Of course, Gentiles received some of these same OT scriptures as a proof text for Christ but I suspect their understanding was not the understanding of a studied Jew. They had their faith and the Jews had their scriptures. And so, we see the natural conflict develop between Jews and Gentiles in Acts 15. Not only between Jews but between the Apostles too.
As you can see, we can search the scriptures and we are not required to receive the Holy Spirit in some miraculous way. The word is perfect (complete). “For we know in part, and we prophesy [publicly expound] in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1st Corinthians 13:9-11)