This past week has been unusual as far as weather is concerned. Not only have we seen much rain, but thunderstorms as well. Some areas around central Kentucky even saw tornadoes and other parts of the Midwest dealt with even more destructive weather as thunderstorms and tornadoes were more widespread. We are reminded that many folks fear the shadows of dark clouds for they know the storm is coming.
The casting of shadows many times leads to fear. The shadow of the hawk causes the hen to sound a warning to her brood to take cover. In ancient times, the shadow of the moon upon the earth during an eclipse was seen as a bad omen.
Shadows are not all bad however. Seeking the shadow of a tree can cause much relief on a hot, summer's day. In like token, the Old Testament was a shadow of "good things to come" (Hebrews 10:1.) The apostle Paul reminds us that "the things written in former days were written for our learning, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4.) The Old Testament contains examples (I Corinthians 10:6) for us so as not to repeat their mistakes.
A study of the Old Testament will yield many treats for serious students of the Bible. We learn about the nature of sin (Romans 7:7), and the holiness of God (I Peter 1:15-16.) We learn about how God punishes sin and the separation from God it causes. But we also learn about the coming Messiah that would take away sin. The law was intended to lead us to Christ and teach us of Him (Galatians 4:1-4) and was never intended to be in permanent force since Jesus came to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-18.) Once fulfilled, it was to end but while it is not in force today there is much to be gained by a study of it. Don't be guilty of ignoring those holy scriptures that revealed the coming Messiah.
Showing posts with label Authority. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Authority. Show all posts
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Congregationalism
Congregationalism is the idea of "church activities" and has been around for years. We see more and more emphasis placed on "congregational programs" and "congregational goals" all with the point of meeting the challenges facing the church. Much of these ideas come from enlarged church budgets and yet many of the congregational projects undertaken do not reflect the interest of the individual members. Many are thrust into various projects, and asked to contribute money for them, yet they had no voice in the "project" to start with. Sadly, plain New Testament teaching about the work of individual Christians is being ignored as we strive to meet our "church goals."
This may shock many but the New Testament does not place the work of the Lord on a congregational basis. Yes, there were times when a congregation acted in an emergency or could support a widow when there was no one else to care for her (I Timothy 5:3-16) but by in large the emphasis is placed on the individual. It is interesting to note that in Paul's discussion about churches supporting widows mentioned above that there is much individual responsibility to meet before a church could even consider her. If she is younger, SHE needs to care for herself, or seek help from the MEMBERS of her family. Only when she has obtained a certain age and NO ONE else should the church step in. GO ahead-- read the text again. It certainly does not sound like a "church program" needed to be set up. Nor does it sound like a goal of supporting "50' widows or orphan homes per year was in order.
Another clear example is found in Acts 11:29-30 as it records the first "program" for aid of the Judean brethren caught in a famine. "Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren living in Judea, and did so and sent it to the elders by the hands of barnabas and Saul." There was no "church drive" to enlarge the congregational budget so they could meet their quota. Individuals determined what they could do to help and then they did what they determined. Needless to say one could search long and hard and not find a finance committee or church budget outlined in this text. Simply put, a need was presented to them and the individual saints at Antioch responded to meet the need.
Certainly our interest in church growth and development has caused us to put too much emphasis on "challenge budgets" and financial drives. No person is going to go to heaven because the church budget was met or the church excelled in benevolence. We don't ride the coattails of the church to heaven. We go because we EACH did the Lord's work.
This may shock many but the New Testament does not place the work of the Lord on a congregational basis. Yes, there were times when a congregation acted in an emergency or could support a widow when there was no one else to care for her (I Timothy 5:3-16) but by in large the emphasis is placed on the individual. It is interesting to note that in Paul's discussion about churches supporting widows mentioned above that there is much individual responsibility to meet before a church could even consider her. If she is younger, SHE needs to care for herself, or seek help from the MEMBERS of her family. Only when she has obtained a certain age and NO ONE else should the church step in. GO ahead-- read the text again. It certainly does not sound like a "church program" needed to be set up. Nor does it sound like a goal of supporting "50' widows or orphan homes per year was in order.
Another clear example is found in Acts 11:29-30 as it records the first "program" for aid of the Judean brethren caught in a famine. "Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren living in Judea, and did so and sent it to the elders by the hands of barnabas and Saul." There was no "church drive" to enlarge the congregational budget so they could meet their quota. Individuals determined what they could do to help and then they did what they determined. Needless to say one could search long and hard and not find a finance committee or church budget outlined in this text. Simply put, a need was presented to them and the individual saints at Antioch responded to meet the need.
Certainly our interest in church growth and development has caused us to put too much emphasis on "challenge budgets" and financial drives. No person is going to go to heaven because the church budget was met or the church excelled in benevolence. We don't ride the coattails of the church to heaven. We go because we EACH did the Lord's work.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Use Your Bible
I Know Whom I Have Believed
II Timothy 1:12
1. Knowing Jesus
A. He is our Friend (Matthew 11:19; John 15:13)
B. He is our Saviour (Luke 19:10)
C. He looks for doing good (John 9:1)
D. He will be our judge (John 12:48)
E. He is the Lord of our life:
1. Head of church (Ephesians 1:22)
2. King of the kingdom (I Timothy 1:17)
3. Our Shepherd (John 10:1-10)
F. We must learn to have personal knowledge of Jesus (Philippians 3:8)
2. Jesus is Able to:
A. Save believers (Hebrews 7:25)
B. Nourish us (Hebrews 4:15-16)
C. Get us access to the Father (John 14:6)
D. Raise us from the dead (Revelations 1:18)
3. To Keep What We Commit to Him
A. The most precious thing we have-our soul (Matthew 16:26)
B. Why do we commit our soul to Him? Because we know Him.
Imagine taking something we value most of all and letting a total stranger take care of it. Would we let a stranger, someone we don't know, babysit one of our children? Hopefully we would not. This is the essence of what Paul means in this verse. He knew His Lord so well that he felt very comfortable that Jesus could take care of his soul until the reward be given. How willing are we to commit our soul to Jesus?
Many are willing to commit their soul to someone other than Jesus. There are many man made creeds out there declaring things that Jesus did not say. Everyone is going to leave this life and go to eternity and we can't trust our soul to just anyone. Everyone should make absolutely sure that what they are doing in the name of Christ has scriptural authority to back it up. Jesus has the words of eternal life (John 6:68) and no religion has the right to change those words. Giving our soul to Jesus means putting our complete trust in Him and no one else. Have you committed your soul to Jesus yet?
II Timothy 1:12
1. Knowing Jesus
A. He is our Friend (Matthew 11:19; John 15:13)
B. He is our Saviour (Luke 19:10)
C. He looks for doing good (John 9:1)
D. He will be our judge (John 12:48)
E. He is the Lord of our life:
1. Head of church (Ephesians 1:22)
2. King of the kingdom (I Timothy 1:17)
3. Our Shepherd (John 10:1-10)
F. We must learn to have personal knowledge of Jesus (Philippians 3:8)
2. Jesus is Able to:
A. Save believers (Hebrews 7:25)
B. Nourish us (Hebrews 4:15-16)
C. Get us access to the Father (John 14:6)
D. Raise us from the dead (Revelations 1:18)
3. To Keep What We Commit to Him
A. The most precious thing we have-our soul (Matthew 16:26)
B. Why do we commit our soul to Him? Because we know Him.
Imagine taking something we value most of all and letting a total stranger take care of it. Would we let a stranger, someone we don't know, babysit one of our children? Hopefully we would not. This is the essence of what Paul means in this verse. He knew His Lord so well that he felt very comfortable that Jesus could take care of his soul until the reward be given. How willing are we to commit our soul to Jesus?
Many are willing to commit their soul to someone other than Jesus. There are many man made creeds out there declaring things that Jesus did not say. Everyone is going to leave this life and go to eternity and we can't trust our soul to just anyone. Everyone should make absolutely sure that what they are doing in the name of Christ has scriptural authority to back it up. Jesus has the words of eternal life (John 6:68) and no religion has the right to change those words. Giving our soul to Jesus means putting our complete trust in Him and no one else. Have you committed your soul to Jesus yet?
Friday, November 23, 2007
Authority
In our society we find that rules govern everything we do. One cannot drive down a highway without noticing speed limit signs. The red light means "STOP". In other words there are rules of the road to govern the safe and orderly flow of traffic. Failure to abide by the rules can bring penalties such as fines or loss of driver's license. or worse, bodily harm and death can result.
When the Kentucky Wildcats play football, 'the players have to play by certain rules. A defensive player cannot tackle a player by grabbing the facemask. The defensive line can't jump offsides or the offensive line can't false start. You can't block in the back or grab the jersey to block someone. Failure to abide by the rules will result in a penalty call against the offender and loss of yardage thus hurting the team. Of course, all sports have their particular set of rules.
When we go to the grocery store, there are rules to follow. Just try and walk out of the store without paying. No matter what we do in life, rules are there to keep things in line. Whether we talk of the store, bank, barber shop, amusement park (don't cut in line), gas station, or what ever we put our hand to do, there are rules to abide by with penalties for breaking the rules.
That is except for religion. For some reason folks realize the role that rules play in everyday life but then when the subject of religion comes up, all of a sudden, there are no rules. Everyone is free to do what please them or their "religious" group. Jesus is still saying, "why do you call me Lord, and do not the things that I say" (Luke 6:46; see also Matthew 7:21.) Yes folks, there are rules for religion too and those rules are found in the New Testament. The Lord's rules are the only ones that matter.
re you playing by His rules or trying to bring your own?
When the Kentucky Wildcats play football, 'the players have to play by certain rules. A defensive player cannot tackle a player by grabbing the facemask. The defensive line can't jump offsides or the offensive line can't false start. You can't block in the back or grab the jersey to block someone. Failure to abide by the rules will result in a penalty call against the offender and loss of yardage thus hurting the team. Of course, all sports have their particular set of rules.
When we go to the grocery store, there are rules to follow. Just try and walk out of the store without paying. No matter what we do in life, rules are there to keep things in line. Whether we talk of the store, bank, barber shop, amusement park (don't cut in line), gas station, or what ever we put our hand to do, there are rules to abide by with penalties for breaking the rules.
That is except for religion. For some reason folks realize the role that rules play in everyday life but then when the subject of religion comes up, all of a sudden, there are no rules. Everyone is free to do what please them or their "religious" group. Jesus is still saying, "why do you call me Lord, and do not the things that I say" (Luke 6:46; see also Matthew 7:21.) Yes folks, there are rules for religion too and those rules are found in the New Testament. The Lord's rules are the only ones that matter.
re you playing by His rules or trying to bring your own?
Friday, November 9, 2007
Working Out Our Salvation
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, as not only in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13.)
How many people read these verses and come away with the idea that there are many ways of salvation. In other words, "you get to heaven the way you want, and I'll get there the way I want." There is the mistaken notion among many that it doesn't matter what one believes as long as they are sincere. After all, the above verse does say to "work out your own salvation," doesn't it?
The Bible is clear on how a person is saved and it is the same for everyone. Faith and repentance are involved (John 8:24; Luke 13:3.) So is baptism (Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-6.) These things are identified in scripture as relating to salvation.
It is not man's choice. We cannot tell God how we are going to be saved or how we think it should be. God has said to hear His Son (Matthew 17:5) and Jesus said that "all authority" was given to Him. If Jesus has ALL authority then no person, council, or creed can have one bit authority in religious matters. It does not belong to any denomination to decide what their "plan" is. Only Jesus rules in His church and no one will come to the Father but by Him (John 14:6.) The Christian life is a life of obedience starting with baptism. In fact, He is the "author of eternal salvation to all them that obey Him" (Hebrews 5:8-9.)
Well, what does Paul mean by working out "your own" salvation? Notice that the Philippian text says that God "works in us." No one can face the temptations of Satan alone. We need God's help and should praise Him everyday that He helps us overcome the evil one. But what does God work in us?
The next part of verse 13 tells us, "to will and to work." Unless God's will is in us, God cannot work in our life. People are kidding themselves that God works through them or in some way empowers them while they reject His will. God works in us His will and that leads us to eternal salvation. We can overcome all things (Romans 8:37-39) and do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13.) But only if we make God's will our desire can we be saved. Each Christian has the responsibility to study God's word so He can work out His will and pleasure by our life of obedience. No one can do it for us.
How many people read these verses and come away with the idea that there are many ways of salvation. In other words, "you get to heaven the way you want, and I'll get there the way I want." There is the mistaken notion among many that it doesn't matter what one believes as long as they are sincere. After all, the above verse does say to "work out your own salvation," doesn't it?
The Bible is clear on how a person is saved and it is the same for everyone. Faith and repentance are involved (John 8:24; Luke 13:3.) So is baptism (Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-6.) These things are identified in scripture as relating to salvation.
It is not man's choice. We cannot tell God how we are going to be saved or how we think it should be. God has said to hear His Son (Matthew 17:5) and Jesus said that "all authority" was given to Him. If Jesus has ALL authority then no person, council, or creed can have one bit authority in religious matters. It does not belong to any denomination to decide what their "plan" is. Only Jesus rules in His church and no one will come to the Father but by Him (John 14:6.) The Christian life is a life of obedience starting with baptism. In fact, He is the "author of eternal salvation to all them that obey Him" (Hebrews 5:8-9.)
Well, what does Paul mean by working out "your own" salvation? Notice that the Philippian text says that God "works in us." No one can face the temptations of Satan alone. We need God's help and should praise Him everyday that He helps us overcome the evil one. But what does God work in us?
The next part of verse 13 tells us, "to will and to work." Unless God's will is in us, God cannot work in our life. People are kidding themselves that God works through them or in some way empowers them while they reject His will. God works in us His will and that leads us to eternal salvation. We can overcome all things (Romans 8:37-39) and do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13.) But only if we make God's will our desire can we be saved. Each Christian has the responsibility to study God's word so He can work out His will and pleasure by our life of obedience. No one can do it for us.
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