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SEARCHING FOR TRUTH (1)

New Hope Christian Church, 4/14/24

What was the first sin in the Garden of Eden? It was not eating from the forbidden fruit. Two sins (at least) preceded that action: (1) Satan’s denial of the truth as recorded in 3:4 and (2) the subsequent belief in his lie by Eve. (It is possible that the actual first sin was Eve’s  misstating the truth, 3:3, although we do not know for sure. It’s possible that the full command of God was not recorded.)

When Jesus told Pilate that He had come “‘into the world, to testify to the truth,’” and then asserted, “‘Everyone on the side of truth listens to me’”; Pilate cynically responded, “‘What is truth?’” and then walked out without waiting for an answer. Like Pilate, not many are interested in finding truth. Instead, truth is often seen as something subjective, depending on each person’s perspective: “That may be your truth, but it is not my truth.”

If we are serious about knowing truth, especially ultimate truth, the search must look to Scripture. Consider the following three factors involved in searching for the truth in Scripture.

Limits of Finding Truth apart from Scripture

Some truth, of course, is available to us apart from Scripture. Otherwise, life in this world would not be possible. However, in matters regarding the things of this world—such as scientific and mathematical knowledge, psychological principles, and history—all are subject to new information or theories. Furthermore, such truth is limited to the study of what we can discover through nature (the natural creation). The existence of a spiritual dimension or the human soul lies outside of any certainty of knowledge coming from nature.

One exception to the above conclusion regards God. According to the apostle Paul, we should be able to conclude from observing nature some very basic knowledge of God: that there must be a God, a Creator of what we see, “since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made . . . ” (Romans 1:19-20). For this reason, the history of mankind is replete with attempts to identify one or more gods and to understand the nature of such. However, here’s the rub: what we learn about God from nature is blurred by our sinfulness. Paul wrote about mankind, that they “suppress the truth by their wickedness . . . . For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles” (1:18,21-23).

Regarding the knowledge of salvation, Paul wrote:

For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. . . . Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (1 Corinthians 1:19-27)

The truth we need about God and salvation is available only through revelation from God. “Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1:22-23). Salvation by faith in the crucified/risen Christ could never even be imagined by human wisdom. All efforts to understand what God requires and how to atone for sin fall short.

Regarding God’s plan for the saved, “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’” (2:6-9). Elsewhere Paul cautions his readers, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Whenever it contradicts God’s word (rightly interpreted), philosophy falls short of the truth.

Twisting the Scriptures

Searching the Scriptures, however, brings its own danger, for in our sinfulness and/or ignorance it is too easy to warp what Scripture actually teaches. In some cases, Scripture has been forced to conform to religious tradition. Jesus ran into this with the Pharisees:

“Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he is not to ‘honor his father’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” (Matthew 15:2-6)

This was not a question of giving God priority over parents (which is what we should do, without ignoring the needs of our parents) but rather a method they had devised to circumvent the plain intention of God’s fifth commandment.

Too often, church tradition has also twisted Scripture to conform to false doctrine. (1) For example, Calvinism is a theology that ultimately denies our ability to choose to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation in Christ, claiming that everything, including our faith, is totally decided by God. One such Scripture twisted to suit this theology is 2 Peter 3:9, which affirms that God does not want “anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” The Calvinist slant to this verse views “anyone” as anyone that God has chosen. Its view of John 3:16, which offers salvation to “whoever believes in him,” defines “the world” as those in the world whom God has chosen. (2) Another example is “faith-only” evangelicalism, which twists the clear Scriptural teaching on baptism. For example, Acts 2:38, which teaches that baptism is “for the remission (forgiveness) of sins,” is understood instead to read “because of” one’s having already been forgiven. (For a clear understanding of what is meant by the phrase, compare Matthew 26:28.)

There are a great many instances in the so-called church in which Scripture is twisted to fit into doctrinal tradition rather than the clear meaning. However, apart from church dogma, God’s word is also twisted to suit one’s own opinions. Peter writes that Paul’s “letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). Modern examples of twisting Scripture to suit one’s own opinions include a rejection of God’s word regarding (1) homosexual practice (1 Corinthians 6:9) and (2) women teaching and being placed as official leaders in the church (1 Timothy 2:12-14).

Ultimate Truth Can Be Found Only in Scripture

The third factor in the search for truth is to look in the right place for ultimate truth (about God and salvation, particularly). Why should we look in Scripture? Why should we believe the Bible? First, we can believe the Scriptural testimony about Jesus. Historically, the claims about Jesus have relied on two sources. The early church relied heavily upon fulfilled prophecy. They pointed out the prophecies in the Old Testament that not only came to pass in the life and teaching of Jesus but also could only have been referring to Him. For example, the evangelist Apollos, on arriving in Achaia (southern Greece, specifically Corinth), “was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ” (Acts 18:27-28). Another example is from the ministry of Paul: “on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. ‘This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ’” (17:2-3). Then again, after explaining to the Roman authorities why the Jewish leaders had accused him of crimes, Paul appealed to Herod Agrippa II, “‘King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do’” (26:27).

The second method of proving Jesus as the Messiah was through eyewitness testimony to His teaching and miracles, especially the resurrection. Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth:

Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. . . . For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

Near the close of Paul’s defense before the Romans, “Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. ‘You are out of your mind, Paul!’ he shouted. ‘Your great learning is driving you insane.’ ‘I am not insane, most excellent Festus,’ Paul replied. ‘What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner’” (Acts 26:24-26). By claiming that many of the witnesses were still alive and affirming that “it was not done in a corner,” Paul was, in effect, challenging his readers/hearers to check it out. See also Luke 1:1-4 and John 20:30-31. All four Gospels were written by eyewitnesses or close associates of eyewitnesses. (See my book, Christianity 101, for more on this subject.)

In addition to the claims about Jesus, we can believe the whole Bible because Jesus did. Since His claims to be the Son of God are verifiable, then we should have confidence in His view of Scripture. For example, when challenged about His claim, Jesus included in His response these words, referring to the Jews’ Law (what we call the Old Testament) as “the word of God”: “‘and the Scripture cannot be broken’” (John 10:34-35). In some of His final instructions to the apostles, Jesus said, “‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms’” (Luke 24:44), again referring to what we call the Old Testament. Why must it be fulfilled? Because it is true.

Conclusion

Although we have learned much through human means of discovery, ultimate truth about God and salvation comes only through Scripture. Like Eve, we ignore God’s truth at our own peril. On the other hand, the truth will set us free (John 8:32) from sin’s power over us and its penalty.

SALVATION IN 4 ACTS (Crucifixion/Resurrection)

(Parts 1 & 2 of 4)

New Hope Christian Church, 4/9/23

The Creation was a magnificent, unfathomable, almost unbelievable act of God. Through the Creation, we can learn some elementary attributes of God: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Since the creation of the world, God has been active in many mighty acts recorded in the Bible. We accept these accounts by faith, for our God is God! We must be careful that we do not think of these acts as mere stories or traditions.

God’s supreme mighty act of salvation occurred in four parts or installments, like a 4-act play. The first two of these parts were the crucifixion (symbolized in the cross) and the resurrection (symbolized in the empty tomb) of Jesus Christ. (Parts 3 & 4 will be available after 5/28/23 and 6/4/23, respectively.) In consideration of these first two parts we need to answer three questions as to why the cross and the empty tomb were necessary.

Why the Cross?

The first question asks why did Jesus die, or more specifically, why did He have to die? Why was His death necessary? This question has at least three answers. The first answer to this question involves the love God has for mankind, men and women for whom He created the earth in the first place. He created them because He wanted others to know the joy, love, and glory that He had always enjoyed. However, when they sinned, they brought into their lives a poisonous disposition that prevented them from sharing in God’s enjoyment. Their rejection of God led to their separation from Him, a separation that was described as death. In order to free them from eternal death, God had a plan for reconciling them with Himself. That plan centered around Jesus.

God, in the Person of His Son, chose to die in their place, thus removing their burden of sin. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17). “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16). “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). The word translated atoning sacrifice literally means, an offering to turn away wrath.

The apostle Paul sums up, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Already mentioned in regard to the love of God, the second answer as to why Jesus had to die is also found in Romans 3:23-26. Paul writes that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."

Jesus did not die just because He loved us but also because the justice of God had to be satisfied. Sinning against an infinitely holy, righteous, and just God, the very One who created us and to Whom we owe our very existence—sinning against such a One requires infinite punishment. It would not be just for Him merely to ignore sin. And yet, He did forgive the sins of many people in Old Testament times, and desired to continue forgiving sin. How could He do so without compromising His own integrity? Only one way: justifying (forgiving) the sinner while punishing the sin. How could He punish sin without punishing the sinner? Only by taking the punishment upon Himself. That’s what He did! (If you don’t quite get that, it’s okay. Nobody else really does, but it satisfies God, and that’s all that matters. Maybe it’ll be clear when we get to Heaven—maybe not.)

That’s not all. There’s a third reason Jesus had to die—in order for us to be able to shed our sinful habits and disposition and start living for God, the way He intended for us in the first place. It’s not enough for us to be forgiven. We also have to be changed, and the only way that can happen is for us to learn how to live for God rather than the way other (sinful) people do. The cross provides the power and the motive for doing so: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). For now, we still live in the world, but not of it. (More on this below.)

Why the Resurrection?

The second question asks why did Jesus rise from the dead? Paul explains in Romans 4:25, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Some translations miss the second point. The word for is actually on account of. Jesus died on account of our sins, that is, because we had sinned. Similarly, He was raised to live on account of our justification, that is, because we had been justified. Since the price for sin is death, once that price was paid, then death had no hold on Jesus. When the price for something has been paid, the seller has no right to demand further payment! God’s justice was satisfied in the cross, and so it could not demand more.

A second reason for the resurrection is that it provides a bedrock foundation for our faith. Having been verified and confirmed by credible witnesses, we have no doubt that it happened. That’s why Paul was able to declare to the intelligentsia of Athens, “For [God] has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead’” (Acts 17:31). Luke, the first church historian, wrote about Jesus, “After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). And to a group of believers who had been wondering about the very possibility of the bodily resurrection of the dead, Paul wrote (1 Corinthians 15:1-8):

Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

The apostles boldly proclaimed that they had seen the risen Christ, backed up by the empty tomb, and they were willing to die for their testimony.

And that’s not all. Jesus arose from the grave to provide His followers (the church) with the power needed for the great task of taking the good news to all the earth. Paul wrote:

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (Ephesians 1:17-23)

Jesus expects great things out of you, but He has provided everything you need to accomplish His will!

Why You?

The third question as to why Jesus had to die and be raised from the dead is to be answered, it was for you. “‘For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost’” (Luke 19:10). That includes you and me. Being saved is more than being forgiven—it also includes being saved from the addiction to sin. Otherwise, we cannot help but sin. We can sometimes make good choices, but sin has its clutches on us. We need to escape from that downward spiral that leads to death. The cross and the empty tomb give us hope: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:18-21).

Jesus wants you. He died for you to clear you of your sins and guilty conscience. He was raised for you to have the power you need to lead a glorious life for God. Have you obeyed the gospel? Do you believe that He died for our sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead on the third day? If so, are you willing to turn from sin, to turn your life over to Him so that you can live forever and ever with Him? Take your stand for Him and be immersed in water in His name so that you can be called one of His.

Conclusion

If you are already a disciple of Christ, do you dare to think about these salvation acts without being moved? Are Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter just calendar days or days for special worship for you?

If you are not His disciple, why not?

SALVATION IN 4 ACTS (PENTECOST)

New Hope Christian Church, 5/28/23 (Parts 1 & 2, 4/9/23)

Wonder drugs did not just pop up out of the ground. They came as a result of research, discovery, and application. Likewise, salvation does not just come out of the blue but is a result of four world-changing events; and then it must be personally and individually accepted by each person desiring salvation. An appreciation of the significance of this salvation requires an understanding of the crucifixion (1st act) and resurrection (2nd act) of Christ as not mere historical events to be believed in. A proper understanding of this truth will change your life—and the world around you. However, these two events in the life of Christ were not the end of God’s saving actions.

In this study, we will see that on one particular Pentecost (one of the three major festivals in ancient Israel)—the one celebrated seven weeks after the Resurrection of Christ—occurred the third of four divine acts that brought salvation to a sinful and lost mankind. On this Pentecost God injected into the world—picture in your mind, if you will, a giant hypodermic filled with salvation—the marvelous and powerful message of salvation, the saving gospel of Christ. As the apostle Paul wrote, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).

Three life-changing and world-changing events happened on this particular Pentecost. The book of Acts, chapter two, tells us about these events.

Announcing the Ascension and Coronation of Christ

The apostle Peter announced that Jesus had not only risen from the dead but that He in fact had ascended to Heaven (Acts 2:33). Three significant events occurred upon His entrance into Heaven. First, Jesus performed the high priestly duty of entering the Most Holy Place (that is, Heaven) by the blood of His sacrifice. “When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:11-12). This action had been foreshadowed in the Old Testament by the high priest’s annual duty on the Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 16 for a description of this ancient ritual). The writer explains (9:22-26):

In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Ten days prior to Pentecost, the crucified/resurrected Christ had ascended to Heaven, having paid the price for mankind’s sin, that price being His own blood. On this day, the meaning of the Old Testament ritual was explained as fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus had not only fulfilled the atoning duties of the High Priest, He also was exalted to sit at the right hand of God (Acts 2:33). The apostle Paul explains the significance of this action in relation to God’s power for us (Ephesians 1:19-23):

That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

In sending out His followers to continue His mission, Jesus had assured them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).

The third significant event included in Peter’s announcement of the ascension of Christ was His coronation as the successor to the throne of David, fulfilling promises to and the dreams of Israel. Every Jew was familiar with Old Testament references to the eternal throne of David. David himself had been promised, “‘When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, . . . and I will establish his kingdom. . . . I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. . . . Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever’” (2 Samuel 7:12,13,16). The prophet Ezekiel had promised the exiled Jews (37:24-28):

“My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees. They will live in the land I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children’s children will live there forever, and David my servant will be their prince forever. I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I the Lord make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them forever.”

On this Pentecost, Peter was declaring this prophecy to be fulfilled as a result of Jesus’ return to Heaven (Acts 2:25-35):

David said about him: “I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”

Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’”

The conclusion to all three events, fulfilling the High Priestly duties, sitting at the right hand of God, and being placed on the throne of David, could only be this: “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

Empowering of the Church by the Spirit of Christ

The second of these life-changing and world-changing events on Pentecost was the result of Christ’s “pouring out” the Holy Spirit upon His disciples (later to be known as the church).

Since we cannot see the Holy Spirit, His descent was demonstrated by giving the apostles the ability to speak in many languages. This gift was accompanied by sight and sound in such a way that it gained much attention. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:1-4). When a large crowd had gathered, Peter explained (2:15-21):

These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Although tongues-speaking as a demonstration of the “pouring out” of the Spirit was not for all believers, the indwelling presence of the Spirit is. Peter responded to the penitent crowd’s cry, “‘Brothers, what shall we do,’” with the assurance that they could be forgiven, “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call’” (2:38-39).

Paul later described the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in all baptized believers: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22).

The purpose of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is to empower the church to carry out its mission of carrying on Christ’s mission, that is, to seek and to save the lost. We do not save the lost in the same way Christ did, of course, but we urge them to come to Him so that they may be saved. This work is a task beyond our own abilities, so Jesus has given us His Spirit. Included in the work of the Spirit is gifting us with God-empowered abilities. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. . . . Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4,7). Examples of these gifts are serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing to those in need, leadership, and showing mercy (Romans 12:7-8).

Proclamation of Salvation in the Name of Christ

As important as the first two events that occurred on this Pentecost were, they would not mean anything to us without the third: proclaiming salvation in the Name of Christ. Salvation from sin and the judgment of God was procured, made possible, by the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Paul laid out in plain language the good news of salvation in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-5):

Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.

He went on to tell of others, including himself, who were witnesses to the resurrected Christ.

Salvation can be received only in the name of Christ. “‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved’” (Acts 4:12). All other attempts to find salvation fall short, for they are built on lies. With Jesus, there is a new and effective way of relating to God. “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Any attempt at finding salvation through any kind of law, even God’s revealed law, falls short, for “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23). But the grace of God is granted to us as a result of the sacrificial death of Jesus. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). (The word in the original text for “atoning sacrifice” is more properly translated as propitiation, that is, a sacrifice that turns away wrath.)

When Peter was asked, “What shall we do,” he replied, “‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38).  Upon believing the gospel facts (see above, 1 Corinthians 15:1-5), the response of the one seeking salvation is to repent (turn from sin) and be baptized (immersed) in the name of Christ.

Since salvation is only in the name of Christ, the church must carry His name to the lost. “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned’” (Mark 16:15-16).

Conclusion

Let these Pentecost events pour over your heart, soul, mind, and body! And then step up to the next level (and then the next and the next) of your spiritual development and hang on for the adventure!

SALVATION IN 4 ACTS (THE SECOND COMING)

New Hope Christian Church, 6/4/23 (Parts 1 & 2, 4/9/23; 3, 5/28/23)

In the state of Ohio there are several steps to making a marriage official: getting the license, being pronounced husband and wife by a certified officiant at the ceremony, and then one more step before it is actually official—the officiant has to register it with the relevant court. He has ten days to do so. Until it is registered, the marriage is not officially recognized by the office of the Secretary of State (although it is by the church and by society).

To appreciate fully our salvation in Christ, we must be aware of all four parts, 4 Acts, involved in His work of salvation. We have looked at the first three: He died for our sins, was raised on account of our justification, and sent the Holy Spirit to carry on the mission through the church. We are saved, that is, in a saved or right relationship with God, when we put on Christ through faith and baptism (Galatians 3:26-27). However, there is more to come. Our salvation will be completed only when Christ returns. Three elements in our salvation will be completed at the Second Coming of Jesus. (Much more has been revealed regarding the Second Coming, but here we are dealing with those elements that directly affect our salvation.)

At the Second Coming Christ Raises Us from the Dead.

Chronologically, the first of these elements of our salvation occurs when we are raised from the dead. Our physical bodies will be raised, but they will simultaneously be transformed or changed into something glorious! The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (3:20-21). He does not say what they will be like except that they will be different from what we have now and that they will be glorious as Jesus’ body is now. (We may be tempted to use Revelation 1:13-16 as an indication of what Jesus’ body is like now, but that would be a mistake. Much of the book of Revelation uses symbols to illustrate what John actually saw.)

Paul was a little more specific in 2 Corinthians 5:1-5.

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

In this passage (admittedly difficult to understand fully) he describes our present bodies as earthly tents, that is, dwellings suitable for life on this earth. When this body dies, we have—surely he means here that we have in the form of a promise—an eternal dwelling, that is, one that will be appropriate for living on the new earth. (We do not know what it will be like when we are dead, or “naked,” to use Paul’s term. James 2:26 says that physical death is “the body without the spirit,” implying, perhaps, that the spirit or soul will be without a body. And Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:8 refers to his death as being “away from the body and at home with the Lord.”) Now we groan with the aches, pains, and tribulations of earthly life, in mortal bodies—we will all die unless Jesus comes first—and we do not want to be “naked,” without a body. But when He returns we will “be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.” Paul adds that we have been given the Holy Spirit as an earnest payment, “guaranteeing what is to come.”

Paul’s fullest discussion of the resurrection of the dead in relation to the Second Coming is found in 1 Corinthians 15.

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. . . . The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. . . . And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (15:42-52)

Some important points are clarified in this scripture: (1) The sounding of the trumpet identifies the time of the resurrection as the Second Coming of Christ. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16.) (2) The physical body, that which is sown and is perishable, is the one that is raised, even though it has decayed into mere dust-like particles or been destroyed in its manner of death.  (3) The body, however, is not raised as flesh and blood, but as “spiritual,” that is, not subject to the physical laws of this universe.

Disappointingly, he does not describe this “spiritual body” to us, no doubt because there are no words in human language to describe it. Just as in other places, Paul resorts to describing it as in the likeness of Jesus’ body.

1 John 3:1-2 bursts with joy in describing what we are and what we will be: “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! . . . Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” The important thing is not what we will be like except that it will be wonderfully glorious to be like Him.

John then reminds us that this new life requires responsibility in the present life: “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure” (3:3). As Paul reflected upon the promise that we will be God’s children, he urged us, “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

At the Second Coming Christ Saves Us from the Wrath of God.

The wrath of God is not a subject that finds favor with most people. They want to hear only that God loves everyone. God does love everyone (John 3:16). He wants no one to be lost (2 Peter 3:9). However, that is not all that we know about God. In fact, it may be rightly said that without the wrath of God, we might never have known that He loves us. The same Bible that tells us of God’s love also tells us of His wrath. When He and we as His messengers criticize the actions and lifestyles of people, it is because of His (and our) love for them. We do not hate them, but we do warn them that God does not approve of their actions, and furthermore that they will suffer His wrath if they do not come to Christ for salvation. (By the way, He also does not approve of those who approve of the sinful actions of others. See Romans 1:18-32.)

Why would God be angry with us? “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath” (Ephesians 2:1-3).

When will His wrath be fully executed upon sinners? At the final judgment. “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. . . . If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:11-12,15).

Christ, however, saves us from God’s wrath. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:8-10).  Salvation from God’s wrath is still in the future. We are saved from sin at the cross, but we still must face the judgment. When will that happen? When Christ returns. Paul wrote (1 Thessalonians 1:10) that we “wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.”

God’s wrath will come “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).

At the Second Coming Christ Welcomes Us into God’s Eternal Home.

After the resurrection of the dead and the judgment, Christ will welcome us into God’s eternal home, which we call Heaven and the Bible calls the heavenly Jerusalem and the new heavens and new earth.

Hebrews 11 surveys many of the Old Testament believers and says that they knew they were living on a temporary earth. They were looking for a heavenly home.

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (11:13-16)

The New Testament writers also spoke of this new home. For example, the apostle Peter wrote that the Day of God “will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:12-13). We do not know what it will really look like or what life will really be like there, but describing it in Old Testament cultural language, the apostle John saw this eternal home in his final vision (Revelation 21:1-7):

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”

What a wonderful home to look forward to! But John also warned, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death” (21:8).

Conclusion

What we do with Christ on this earth will determine where we will spend eternity. Have you taken advantage of the precious salvation He has offered to us, at His expense? “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17).

We who have obeyed the gospel of Christ, let us elevate our salvation to a place of priority above every care in this life. “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (2 Peter 3:14).

LET’S BE CLEAR

New Hope Christian Church, 8/14/22

Anyone here wearing steel-toed shoes? You may feel like you need some! Parts of the message today may be difficult to hear. The subjects are really nothing new, but they may point out some lesson that you as yet have not acted upon or perhaps given adequate attention to. If so, please don’t shoot the messenger! As the apostle Paul said, in a different context, “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16). The Bible speaks the truth, and often quite clearly!

One of the characteristics of the darkness in this world is confusion about many things, especially in the spiritual arena. Confusion reigns not only among unbelievers but also often among professed Christians. (Of course, I recognize that all of us are confused about many things, but some confusion is less consequential than other.) When we enter into a relationship with Christ, it often takes a while to adjust our eyes to the light. And it does not help that often other believers or professed Christians  add to our confusion! “Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:7).

We need to be clear especially about how to become a Christian and also how to live the Christian life. In what areas are you confused? Let’s be clear about the following three Biblical teachings.

Let’s Be Clear about Baptism

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27). (Ladies, please don’t get hung up on the word sons, for in this context the word refers to men and women who are Christians and thus heirs—a legal term—of Christ.) Just what does the New Testament teach about baptism? We certainly do not have room here to discuss all that is said by Jesus and His apostles, but we should look at three areas of modern-day confusion regarding baptism. The New Testament is so clear regarding all three of these areas that one can be confused only by ignorance of what the Bible says or willfully ignoring its teaching.

(1) What does the Bible mean by the word baptism? We must not look to church traditions, for they are often the source of the confusion. And we must not rely on the English dictionary for a definition, for the dictionary simply reflects how words are currently used. (There is an exception: we can look at the etymology—word origin—section to see what a word meant in the original language.)

Three methods are available to us for determining the action meant by the words baptize and baptism in the New Testament. We will look at two of them here. You are probably aware that the New Testament was originally written in Greek (in fact, in the most common form of Greek in the first century, called koine, meaning common). To determine the meaning of foreign words we can consult a lexicon, a special dictionary that translates words from one language to another—in this case, from Greek to English. Upon doing so, we discover that the word baptize in Greek literally means immerse or dip. It never meant to sprinkle or pour upon.

If you are not comfortable trusting lexicons for the definition, then the other method works just as well. The best way to determine the meaning of any word in any language at any time is context. How is the word used? For example, how do you know in a given sentence what is meant by the word cool? By the context! It might mean chilly or perhaps not losing one’s temper. We know which definition applies by the context. So also, we can look in our English translation—any one will do—and see that the words in question do actually mean what the lexicon says they do. For example, when the Ethiopian official came to believe in Jesus, he was baptized. Two points in the passage (Acts 8:27-39) indicate that he was immersed, and that sprinkling was not even considered an option: (1) he did not ask about baptism until they came to some water (8:36), but certainly he had with him enough water to sprinkle! (2) Furthermore, the passage says that both he and Philip went down into the water and came up out of it, not necessary if all they had to do was sprinkle some water upon his head. On your own, look at the example of Paul’s baptism and see whether you can find the words that rule out sprinkling (Acts 22:16).

So baptism is immersion in water. There is only one form of Christian baptism (Ephesians 4:5), and that is baptism in water in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:47-48). (Baptism in the Spirit is not a different baptism but rather a further description of what is happening during baptism.)

(2) We also need to be clear about the Bible’s teaching regarding the purpose or result of baptism. Several terms and expressions are used in the New Testament. (Be careful here. Many church traditions use expressions regarding the purpose of baptism that are never used in the Bible.) A few of the Bible terms are “clothed with Christ” (Galatians 3:27), becoming a disciple (Matthew 28:19), being born again (John 3:3,5), “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38), washing away one’s sins (Acts 22:16), buried and raised with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Other passages to study: Acts 10:47-48; Ephesians 5:26; Colossians 2:12; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21.

Of course, it’s not the water but rather the faith in Christ’s promise that brings us salvation. Salvation is a gift from God, by grace, through faith—but at the time of baptism.

(3) Finally, let’s be clear about the Christian life after baptism. Baptism does not guarantee you a place in Heaven. Baptism is the point where we commit our life to follow Christ. We die with Him, are buried with Him, and are raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4). This commitment (faith and repentance) must be maintained our whole life, for we now have a new Lord as well as a Savior. We no longer live “for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2).

Let’s Be Clear about the Bible

A second area of confusion in our world and sometimes even in the church is the Bible. What kind of book is the Bible? Is it important that we know its contents? In speaking of the Bible James 1:21-22 says, “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” This exhortation is based on three conclusions regarding the Bible. First, what is the nature of this Book? The prophets, the apostles, and Jesus Himself all considered the Bible (the Scriptures) to be the inspired word of God. “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), that is, although penned by human beings, the Spirit of God was involved in the writing to the point that the end result was the same as if God Himself had literally breathed the words onto the page. “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). Therefore, the word is God’s word and then, of course, without error (John 17:17).

Secondly, since the Bible is the word of God, we need to read and study it. We need to know what God has said so that we will know what he wants us to know about Himself and about ourselves. We also need to know what He wants us to do. It’s not enough just to read. We also must study. Private study enables us to let God speak to us; and group study helps us to find insights that we might have missed in our private study.

Finally, we must apply what we have learned. Jesus warns us, “‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven’” (Matthew 7:21).

Let’s Be Clear about the Church

Confusion is also rampant in our age about the church. Because the church is, and has always been, composed of human beings, it is not free from error. Accordingly, many people have been disillusioned about the church, rejecting it as “organized religion.” However, Jesus is the originator and head of the church (Matthew 16:18). He rarely referred to it as “the church” (only three times in the record), instead calling it the kingdom of heaven or of God. One such place is in Matthew 6:33. There He tells us that the best way to have all that we need is to focus on that which includes it all: “‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,’” including what we will eat, drink, and wear.

The Kingdom, or the universal church, is composed of all saved people around the world and down through the ages. Believers become members of the church by becoming disciples of Jesus. They do not join the church, but rather God includes them. He has called them into the fellowship (1 Corinthians 1:9). To reject His church is to reject His calling.

The word church in the New Testament at times refers to a local congregation. Since there were no denominations, and all division was roundly condemned, each congregation was considered to be “the church” in that area. For example, the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). The universal church does not act except through individual congregations. And the congregation acts only through its members. Therefore, membership in the universal church must be applied by each disciple by identifying and serving with the local congregation. Let’s be clear: in order to take our place in the work of Christ, we must identify with a local church. The Bible knows of no Christian without an actively serving relationship with a community of believers. (The only exception would be when a given disciple is living where there is no local congregation.)

That brings us to the third usage of the word church. Literally, the ecclesia (Greek for church) is an assembly of Christians. That’s why Hebrews 10:24-25 mandates regular assembly: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together [literally “our meeting”], as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” How can we meet this requirement if we do not regularly attend church (assuming we are physically able)?

Conclusion

The Bible mentions many other things about which we are to be clear, but these are foundational. Please, examine each of these concerns and ask yourself whether you are being faithful to God’s word. Do not be deceived by others’ teachings or by your own excuses. What do you need to do about it now?

A RIGHTEOUS NATION

New Hope Christian Church, 8/7/22

How much can political actions affect the morality of a nation? Who affects a nation’s morality  the most, the President, Congress, or the Supreme Court? Although our votes and the actions of the government are important in the character of our nation, they are impotent in making a real change in individual morality and thus society in general. Indeed, building a righteous nation requires moral changes from the ground up. It cannot be voted on or voted in. To illustrate this principle, consider the following three factors in promoting the righteousness of a nation.

Distinguishing Between Legal and Moral

What is the difference between moral and legal? Morality deals with standards of behavior for groups and individuals. Standards for true morality are set by revelation, that is, by the word of God. Proverbs 29:18 is a proverb often misunderstood as a result of reading the King James translation with the modern concept of the word vision: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” The NIV properly understands the intent of the proverb, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint.” The prophetic vision was a word from the Lord. (Compare Ezekiel 7:26 with Jeremiah 18:18.) Both Scripture and experience affirm that, when people quit trusting the Bible, they make up their own rules for life. When that happens, immoral behavior becomes accepted as moral.

Legal standards of behavior are established by law. What is legal is not necessarily moral; and morality is not necessarily considered in the passage of law. In promoting the righteousness of a nation, we must determine when the state should legislate morality. (“State” here refers to any level of civil government.) Sometimes it is said that “you can’t legislate morality.” However, many behaviors have both moral and legal aspects. Just because some behavior is condemned in scripture does not mean that the state should ignore it; for example, murder and theft are both immoral and illegal.

However, morality cannot always be legislated. Legislation should deal only with behaviors, not thoughts or opinions. Any effort to legislate thoughts and opinions would be in vain, for it would result in nothing but some people being afraid to speak their mind and others reporting to the authorities those who openly express opinions contrary to the law. Chaos would replace freedom.

The state’s role in morality should be limited to protecting the rights of everyone; therefore, only those behaviors (not thoughts or opinions) that have a harmful effect on others should be regulated. (This is not always a simple matter, for questions will always arise regarding what constitutes a harmful effect and to what extent they should be regulated.)

State and Individuals Accountable to God

The second factor in promoting the righteousness of a nation is the differences between the state and the individual’s accountability to God, the arbiter of righteousness. How does God’s word view the difference between state and individual accountability?

The state is accountable to God because He has established human government as His agent in enforcing His standards for society. Those God-ordained standards were understood by the Queen of Sheba. She told King Solomon, “‘Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness’” (1 Kings 10:9). Righteousness and justice are God’s primary standards for the nations (Psalm 9:8). (See also Isaiah 5:7; 9:7.) God has given some examples: “‘Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the alien, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place’” (Jeremiah 22:3).

Paul provided some rather startling words regarding state authorities, startling because the prime authority in his day was the cruel and maniacal Emperor Nero. 

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. . . . Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. . . . Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. (Romans 13:1-5)

The governing authority is the agent of God’s wrath! Of course, Paul was not justifying the authorities’ miscarriages of justice, but rather was setting forth the way that they were supposed to rule. Proverbs 17:15 says, “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—the Lord detests them both.” State-enforced consequences must not be overly harsh or too lenient. Whether or not the state is exercising its authority judiciously, Christians are to obey the law (even unjust laws) except when the law requires us to disobey God’s stated laws. When ordered to quit preaching Jesus,  “Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:19-20). “‘We must obey God rather than men!’” (5:29).

As individuals, we are accountable to the word of God, with the church, exercising Biblical standards, responsible for helping us to be so. “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17). This accountability does not mean that we are free to ignore other authorities (state, family, church, and probably employer). Each God-ordained authority is to exercise authority only in the areas of its purview. For example, the state must not make rules that violate the God-ordained rules for family or church; your employer must not ask you to break the law; your family must not expect you to carry out your church responsibilities.

Individuals are not to take upon themselves the enforcement of the state’s or the church’s role. The state is God’s “agent of wrath” (Romans 4:4), but individuals are not to take it upon themselves to punish lawbreakers. The apostle wrote (Romans 12:17-21):

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Similarly, church discipline (and the judgment that accompanies it) is not to be exercised by us as individuals but rather by the congregation, under the leadership of the elders.

Regarding accountability, we should remember that both state and individual will be held accountable to God: the state only in this world, although the leaders will be personally accountable to God in this world and/or the next. All individuals will stand before God at the judgment and be held accountable for any sins not covered by the blood of Christ.

Influencing National Morality

Now that we have looked at the two previous factors in promoting righteousness in our nation and society, we can examine how we can promote righteousness. The question here is, should we look to political changes, that is, to influencing the government or just one individual at a time?

It is easier and quicker to change the outward appearance when we change the laws. We can just tell people this is the way it’s going to be! This procedure frequently was illustrated in Old Testament Israel. Kings, under the direction of prophets, initiated reforms in favor of God’s law. Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 19:4-10), Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29-31), and Josiah (2 Chronicles 34-35) were notable champions of God. Each issued edicts that brought many religious reforms to Judah. Nevertheless, all such king-initiated reforms ultimately failed to change the habits of the people. Each godly king was followed by an ungodly one, and the people quickly reverted to their idolatry and wickedness. King Joash, at first a reformer under the influence of the high priest Jehoiada, was a notable failure:

Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest. . . . Now Jehoiada was old and full of years, and he died at the age of a hundred and thirty. . . . After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. They abandoned the temple of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God’s anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem. Although the Lord sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen. (2 Chronicles 24:2,15-19)

So how can we make a change in our nation and society? First, we must understand that we are not likely to make major changes or long-lasting ones. After all, the world is still in the darkness, controlled by the prince of darkness. However, that does not mean we should give up. Making change in American society calls for a two-pronged strategy for state and culture.

First, we should be in fervent prayer for our churches, our neighbors, and our leaders. Paul wrote (1 Timothy 2:1-4): “‘I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.’” Notice that we don’t pray for their conversion but rather for them to grant us the right to live “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” In other words, just leave us alone as we seek to follow Christ. Then we can help others come to the truth.

As Americans, we have a privilege that those in the Roman Empire (as well as nearly all people prior to 1776) could not even imagine. We have a say in our government. We have government “by the people.” We can vote. Voting for office-holders who will support God’s standards for the state is the duty of every Christian. When given the opportunity, we should also vote for those who will present a personal example of individual morality. Unfortunately, most of the time the candidates presented to us do not fall into both categories, supporting God’s standards and also being a good example. Frequently we have to settle for a partial choice—at this level, the state’s responsibilities must take precedence over individual example since the laws affect the people’s lives more than the office-holders’ personal morality. A morally good person who will not support godly legislation will do us no good.

The second prong of our strategy is this: only the church’s work in teaching God’s standards and setting the example will reform the morals of society. We must be vocal in declaring for right and against wrong, and we must live up to our principles. Furthermore, we must not forget that our primary task is to lead people to Christ. Making disciples will do more for changing our communities than all the votes in the world.

Conclusions

It is valid to vote for the lesser of two evils, and when faced with it, we must accept that option. Voting merely “for the principle of it” for someone who does not have a chance to win, regardless of whether he/she is the best person, is a wasted vote. Wasting our vote or not voting at all often leads to the election of the greater evil. Someone will win. There is no “none of the above” choice at the ballot box.

Since the Supreme Court has so much to say about cultural issues, we need to remember, as we vote, that the President and Senate have much to say about what kind of judicial philosophy will be exercised by the Court. And when the court makes a mistake regarding righteousness and justice, it often takes a long time to correct that mistake.

Our votes are important, but real change is up to the church’s faithfulness to our task, both in public stance and in personal example. Only a change in the people at the grassroots level will be real and lasting.

(Scripture from NIV, 1984)

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

New Hope Christian Church, 7/31/22

“These are the times that try men’s souls.” Life is hard. The times call for us to be strong; but this is nothing new—consider how many times the Bible urges us to be strong: about 35 times, with about 15 of those adding the words to be courageous or brave. Just as then, God’s people must face the times with strength and courage. The future of our society depends on it.

Surveys regarding witnessing (evangelism) have always returned results that say the number one reason Christians do not talk to others about their faith is that they are afraid of being rejected or even mocked. Nevertheless, we must accept the fact that circumstances in this world call for disciples of Jesus to be strong in their faith and courageous in sharing that faith. Here are four strength-building activities that can help.

Be Prepared

Have you heard how the Communist Party in the twentieth century took so many ordinary young adults in noncommunist countries and turned them into leaders? They first put them in situations like selling The Daily Worker on street corners, calling for them to take an unpopular stand (for communism). When it looked like the new recruit was about ready to give up, the opportunity for study was presented. At this point, the recruit was hungry for help. They were being prepared for the time when they would be leaders.

As a Christian, you have already taken a stand for Jesus and are aware of the need for your acquaintances, friends, relatives, and fellow workers to come to a saving relationship with Him. You may be afraid to speak up, not knowing what to say. The Bible teaches us three basic ways to prepare ourselves to do what we know we ought to do and, indeed, really want to do: help others find life in Christ.

The first step in preparation is learning what to say. This requires study in the word of God, the Bible. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). All Scripture is important and helpful, but especially those scriptures that talk about the plan of salvation. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience” (1 Peter 3:15-16). People come to Christ for different reasons, but you already know why you did. This area of preparation requires you to think back to the time when you accepted Christ. What was going through your mind? What led you to take the plunge? Was there someone in your life that spurred you toward the decision? Shrink it down to about a three-minute testimony so that you will be ready to talk about it when the time is right.

By the way, notice that the 1 Peter passage discusses three aspects of your testimony: your reason or reasons for becoming a Christian, your attitude—with gentleness and respect, not arguing or pressuring the other person—and keeping a clear conscience, that is, making sure you are making a good-faith effort to live under Christ’s lordship. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). These are essential parts of the process in leading others to salvation.

Your own testimony is vitally important, but you must help your friends understand two essential factors in the plan of salvation. You very likely will not want to lay all this on them at once, unless they indicate a desire to know more immediately. But they cannot be saved without these two factors. First, they must come to understand who Jesus is, summarized in the statement that Jesus is the Christ (the only One who can save us from our sins), the Son of God (the Man who is also God). Biblical faith includes this understanding. It also includes the knowledge of what Jesus did for us: He died (in place of us) for our sins, was buried, and then arose on the third day, being seen by witnesses.

The other essential factor is how one obeys the gospel, entering into a personal relationship with Jesus, summarized in the following: by grace (undeserved favor), through faith (trust and commitment) in Jesus as Savior and Lord, turning from our sins, confessing Jesus as Lord, and being baptized (immersed in water) in the Name of Jesus. We thus become His disciples (followers) as we are baptized into the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). This new relationship gives us forgiveness of our sins, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life (Acts 2:38).

The second step in preparation is praying for opportunities to speak up. The apostle Paul wrote (Colossians 4:2-5), “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Thus, we should pray for open doors (appropriate opportunities) and for clarity in our presentation.

The third step in preparation is watching for fertile opportunities, for the right time. Be patient. People are not always ready to hear us talk about their need for Christ. Opportunities that may bear fruit come in two basic forms. Watch, listen, for any hint that may indicate they are searching for answers or for something more in life. You need not jump on every clue, but watch for a time when they might be open to a word from you. Even then, do not launch into a major study—keep your first response, and possibly others as well, to a single sentence or question. (Questions are usually more likely to find a ready response.) Depending on their response, a suggestion to attend church with you—“you know, I’ve found church helpful”—or attend a Bible study might be a low-pressure suggestion.

Often, people are most likely to enter into some kind of serious or spiritual discussion when they are going through a major change or time of stress in life. Death of family member, divorce, losing a job, getting married, moving to a new house, having a new baby—these are the kinds of change that may open your friend to a spiritual discussion.

Accept Our Responsibilities

Another strength-building activity comes from accepting our God-given responsibility to help others come to know Christ. Studies have shown that 70-90% of people who come to Christ are first introduced to Him through the invitation of a friend or relative. Most people just are not going to start attending church on their own. Although preachers and church teachers may eventually be the ones who provide the majority of teaching of the word, a person’s first contact with the church is usually through someone else. In other words, you may be the only real opportunity for someone, especially friends, to hear the truth about Jesus and eternal life.

The apostle Peter wrote of some majestic descriptions of the followers of Christ. Tucked into his description is the purpose of this awesome standing that we share as His disciples: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10). Notice that these four descriptions—by the way, he was apparently writing to fairly new disciples—were of people with a purpose: that they may declare the praises of God. He went on to say that this purpose, this responsibility, carried with it some important activities: “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (2:11-12). These dual activities, abstaining from sin and doing good deeds, are necessary if we want to be effective in our efforts to introduce our friends to the gospel.

Sin affects our faithfulness to Christ as well as our influence with others. Good deeds (works) will increase the effectiveness of our influence. What constitutes a good deed? The Bible seems to identify a good deed as any action that benefits our fellow man. We are not saved by our good works, but  those who are saved will produce them, with benefits for both this life and the life to come. Paul wrote, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Even making a living can be considered a good work: “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good [literally, good works], in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives” (Titus 3:14). Of course, that implies that our vocation is a righteous one, one that benefits society and glorifies God.

Jesus taught that there is a relationship between good works and influencing others to worship God (Matthew 5:14-16): “‘You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.’” Two caveats come with this teaching: (1) We are not to be doing good works just so that others can see what we are doing (Matthew 6:1). We must be sincere in our desire to benefit others, whether or not we get the credit for it. (2) Words must accompany the deeds, otherwise why would the works lead anyone to praise the Father rather than us? These words need not necessarily come at the time of the works. “The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden” (1 Timothy 5:24-25).  If we let others know that we serve Christ and live our lives for Him, then people who see our good works will know that we do not take the credit for them.

In other words, our good character will back up our invitation to others to consider coming to Christ.

Trust God’s Word

The third strength-building activity goes beyond studying the Bible. We must grow in our trust in the truthfulness, relevance, and practicality of God’s word. Just how can we be saved by reading and then obeying the gospel? “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last” (Romans 1:16-17). After citing Joel 2:32 that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” Paul then wrote:

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? . . . Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:13-17)

Building your own faith or helping someone else to come to faith requires reading the word of God. We can count on strengthening our own competence: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Our competence, therefore, comes not from ourselves, rather “our competence comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5).

God’s encouragement to Joshua regarding the Law of Moses can be our model in relying on the gospel of Christ (Joshua 1:7-9):

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Jesus may have been thinking of the commission to Joshua when He told His disciples: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . . . And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus will be with us. Does that not boost your confidence?

Draw on Fellowship with Other Believers

And finally, we must not forget that we are not alone in our efforts to invite others to Christ. He taught His disciples to go two by two. He established the church so that we could work together. Paul wrote, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6).

Hebrews 10:24-25 presents the primary reason for attending church: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Conclusion

Therefore, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Paul even used the fact of his weaknesses as a strength-builder, for they were the occasion for divine power: “[Jesus] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

How do our weaknesses show the power of God?

The god of this age [the devil] has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God . . . made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak. (2 Corinthians 4:4-13)

No, we cannot do it by ourselves, but Jesus proves His power as He works in us, the jars of clay.

(Scripture from NIV, 1984)

BLESSING THE USA

New Hope Christian Church, 7/3/22

Most of us are of the opinion that America is the greatest country in the world! That is why we believe her to be worthy of our prayers and calls for God to bless America. Nevertheless, just as for our personal lives and our church, there are times when we need to evaluate our country’s standing with God. Is it reasonable for us to expect God’s blessings? The apostle Peter, shortly after the founding of Christ’s church, told one group, “‘When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways’” (Acts 3:26). Apparently, God’s blessings begin with granting the recipients an awareness of their need for repentance, perhaps as a preparation for the proper reception of those blessings. In our quest for God’s blessings on America, we need to consider the following three points.

God Has Blessed the USA

First, we need to consider that, in fact, God has blessed America in many ways, from the very beginning. One such blessing relates to the time before America was discovered (whether by the indigenous peoples, the Vikings, or Columbus). The very location of the American continents, separated from the rest of the world by two vast oceans, isolated these lands from the political and religious turmoil that kept mankind in constant warfare and slavery. Upon being colonized, this country began producing people with the thought that they could be free and at peace. Their distance from Europe, especially, allowed these thoughts to germinate, grow, and bear fruit in the notion of a nation and people, unlike any before, in the history of the world. This notion was dedicated to the proposition that all people “are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Having formed this nation into a republic “under God,” our ultimate aim is “liberty and justice for all.”

God has also blessed this land with natural resources in such abundance that, when properly managed, we are largely self-sufficient. The environment provides the inhabitants with resources for survival and also for our enjoyment of life. Where does one prefer to live? In forests, mountains, plains, deserts, farmland, cities, northern cold, southern heat, changing seasons, along rivers or oceans—we have it all!

The American spirit, coupled with our resources and our melting-pot civilization, has benefitted from God’s providential oversight in giving us victory over our enemies. Because of the USA, other countries have been blessed by our coming to their rescue in two great World Wars, by winning the Cold War and then in providing security for our allies.

Our religious liberty has also given us a political environment that enabled the gospel to flourish freely here, fostering spiritual reformations including the unity-in-truth based Restoration Movement. Our liberty and prosperity have enabled great missions movements, taking the word of God around the world.

No, America is not perfect. At times she has been more righteous, just, and peaceable than at other times. Nevertheless, in spite of our many shortcomings nationally, America has been an exceptional country as a result of God’s blessings. Psalm 33:12 affirms, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Although initially speaking of Israel, the words in this psalm were apparently meant as a call to other nations to follow her example: “Let all the earth fear [worship, stand in awe of] the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him” (33:8). “From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. . . . But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love” (33:13-18).

Will These Blessings Continue?

God has truly blessed America! But let us consider this question: can we count on these blessings to continue? As they say about the stock market, past performance is no guarantee of future success! Take the following Biblical examples as possible warnings.

1) Example: the Amorites in the land of Canaan. Israel, on the verge of being given their land, were warned: “‘Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. But you must keep my decrees and my laws. The native-born and the aliens living among you must not do any of these detestable things, for all these things were done by the people who lived in the land before you, and the land became defiled. And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you.’” (Leviticus 18:25-28)

2) Example: Shiloh, where once stood the Tabernacle of God. “‘Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel.’” (Jeremiah 7:12, see 1 Samuel 4)

3) Example: Sodom and Gomorrah. “‘Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.’” (Ezekiel 16:49-50)

4) Example: Israel. During the monarchy, Israel frequently worshiped Molech, the god of the Ammonites. One of their sacrificial practices was throwing their babies into the fire at Molech’s altar. “‘Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.’” (Isaiah 59:1-2)

The apostle Paul traced mankind’s descent into depravity (Romans 1:18-32). Here are some summary statements of his indictment: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened” (1:20-21). “Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done” (1:28). Finally, “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them” (1:32). Notice that it is not just those who practice these sins but also those who approve of those who do!

How does modern culture compare with these statements? Furthermore, how do our laws compare with them? Do our laws approve of such sinful practices? Are we perhaps due for God’s judgment? Two scriptures give us hope that God’s wrath may not yet be brought down upon us. First, in relation to the Amorites (see above, example #1), God delayed their sentence. He told Abraham, over 400 years prior to his descendants’ possession of the promised land, “‘In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure’” (Genesis 15:16). As sinful as our culture has become, perhaps it has not yet reached its full measure?

The second possible reason to give us hope is in relation to Sodom (see above, example #3). Upon being told that Sodom was going to be destroyed, Abraham thought about his nephew Lot, who lived in Sodom. He asked the Lord, “‘Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?’” The Lord responded, “‘If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake’” (Genesis 18:23-26). As it turned out, the Lord could not find even ten righteous people in Sodom, so the city and three others were destroyed. How about us? Has God withheld His wrath from us because of the presence of Christ’s church as well as others making an effort to live righteously? How many would it take to hold it off? How long will He wait?

Our Responsibility

How much time does America (and the rest of western civilization) have? We have no way of knowing. One final consideration: if we can make a difference, what might we do? Three areas call for our attention. First, politically, one of the benefits of being a citizen of the United States is the right to vote—we are a nation governed not just of the people and for the people but also by the people. With the right to vote comes the responsibility to vote, and to vote responsibly, informed, and intelligently. With each vote, we need to ask, how will this vote affect our nation’s morality? We have recently seen how important the Supreme Court is, and thus the importance of the constitutional philosophy of nominees to the court. In this regard, our vote for Senators is often as important as that for President since they determine who will be on the court! Personality is not nearly so important as their view of how to interpret the Constitution. Everyone from School Board member to Congress is important, but none so important as President and Senator. In all elections, regardless of the political positions of those running for office, how does your vote affect the make-up of the Supreme Court?

Second, what is the responsibility of the church, the Christian community, in regard to the morality of the people and the culture of America? Our first responsibility, of course, is the spread of the gospel, persuading people to come to Christ. In addition, is it not up to us to be the conscience of the community? If the church does not stand up for basic morality, who will? Can we leave it up to this decaying culture to present God’s standards? (Look at Romans 1:18-32 to see the result of that!)

Third, what is our responsibility as Christian individuals and families in living by and therefore setting the example of righteous living? Whether or not needed cultural and legal changes are achieved, whether or not church leaders stand on Biblical principles,  what is our relationship to a declining moral culture?

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? . . . What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)

Regardless of how effective we may be in changing our culture, we ourselves must live for Jesus, living by His standards.

Conclusion

For many years many of us in the church have wondered how long God will continue to bless America, considering our declining spiritual and moral state. Thankfully, we have good reason to believe that God will bless any country that seeks to be righteous, to pursue peace and justice. May God bless America, first by turning us from our wicked ways.

(Scripture from NIV, 1984)

A FATHERLESS SOCIETY

New Hope Christian Church, June 19 (Father’s Day), 2022

This year in America has witnessed a drastic increase in mass shootings by teenagers (mostly boys around the age when we consider them to become men), not to mention the soaring incidents of murders and other types of violence throughout our country. Is the problem, as many suggest, too many guns or maybe mental illness? In general, politicians and the government have no satisfactory, practical answer, for they are largely deceived by Satan. “Prayers and thoughts” are often mentioned in connection with condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones due to this escalating violence; and there are growing numbers of people in the public eye who are expressing their disdain for such responses. Prayers and thoughts, though, are not useless if they are followed up by contemplating the need for a spiritual and moral revolution in society’s thinking. One part of the solution, especially for our teens, is to return to scriptural fatherhood. Our society is becoming more and more fatherless. Consider these three interconnected ways in which our society has largely become fatherless.

No Heavenly Father

The ultimate root of much of our society’s dysfunction lies in the fact that growing numbers of people have replaced belief in the Creator with the theory of evolution or some other substitute. Have you noticed how many people talk about “the universe” as though it has some sort of design or driving force that influences or even determines our daily lives? “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles” (Romans 1:21-23). We may have long ago given up belief in the false gods and idols of ancient times, but that does not mean that people are turning back to God. Their gods are just more sophisticated! Perhaps this is the reason so many people expect the government (one of our gods) to solve all our problems.

Even many who still claim to believe in God have ignored His instructions. They have bought into the prevalent view that the Bible is an outdated, merely human book. Ignoring God’s word, of course, is nothing new, but the reason is no longer that people just prefer their sins to attempting to keep God’s laws. They have developed “scientific” and “rational” systems that dismiss the Bible as being a witness to truth. A great number of church leaders have fallen for this deceit! The apostle Paul predicted that such a time would come: “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Rejecting a practical belief in God has also made all of us, some more than others, oblivious to His blessings. Hardships, difficulties, and bad news gain more attention than the myriads of blessings that God has provided for us. Want proof? In the next 60 seconds, think of 60 good things about your life! Nice try! We rarely remember: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Then, when things do not go the way we think they ought, who gets the blame? God! How could a loving God let such things happen? He did not stop that evil person from killing those children! We have been praying for help, but the evil keeps happening. So what’s the use? Prayers and thoughts don’t do any good! (So we are told.)

Our examination of a fatherless society has first dealt with the heavenly Father, for dismissing Him relates to the next two ways in which our society has largely become fatherless.

Few Fathers at Home

Researchers into high-crime areas have noticed that these areas have an extremely high rate of homes without fathers. A fairly recent census has concluded that, in America, more than eighteen million children live in a home that has no biological, step, or adoptive father present. Reasons for this sad state include: (1) out-of-wedlock births (due largely in part to the sexual revolution of the 1950s and 1960s), 40% of all births in 2016, an increase from 28% in 1990—so common that we never hear of anyone referring to these as “illegitimate,” (2) the ease of divorce and buying into the claim that children are not hurt by divorce, (3) and the fathers who are present in body but absent in spirit, engaged in their own interests more than those of the family. Even men engaged in “God’s work” can neglect their duties as a father. (Consider these Biblical fathers: Eli, Samuel, and David who seem to have neglected their sons’ spiritual discipline.)

What does the lack of a father at home have to do with children who become criminals? The children can learn much from their mothers—“the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”—but that is only one half of what they need. Especially the boys need a good example of what it means to be a church-going and godly man. Thus, the Bible instructs fathers in the need for providing spiritual guidance, including proper discipline: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death” (Proverbs 19:18). By the way, a girl who has a godly father is more likely to marry a man who will be a good husband.

A godly father at home is no guarantee that the children will grow up to be godly—the world also influences them—but they are more likely to do so.

Few Fathers in Church

Regrettably, too often the church also contributes to our fatherless society. First, the church to a great extent fails to reach men. Many factors are involved in the reasons for this failure, but it results in a portrayal of Christianity as being primarily for women and children. The kingdom of God is serious business, intent on a courageous purpose. Men need to know that they can find real purpose in life if they will commit themselves to Christ; but it is a dangerous mission and requires courage and dedication. Such a purpose attracts men more than just becoming “good.”

Second, the Scriptural church is expected to develop a ministry to the fatherless: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27). An orphan in Bible days included children who had a mother but not a father. Widowed or divorced women often had very few means of income, resulting in them and their children becoming extremely poor. The church cannot, of course, take care of all the children (or widows) in the world, but it is responsible for helping its own. We probably also should include stepping in to help children whose fathers are just not providing them with the spiritual instruction that they need. The Sunday School movement in the 1880's was started to provide children, most of whom were working six days a week and long hours, with an education (reading, writing, math), a good meal, and spiritual instruction.

Following Paul’s example, the church should also act as father (as well as mother) to the congregation. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: “Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15). He was their father in the sense that he had brought them into the family of Christ. We are not to be a substitute for the heavenly Father—“And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9)—but we are to follow Paul’s concept of what it means to be a father: “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). In this way, no member of the church is to be fatherless.

Conclusion

We need to think and pray about what is needed to change our society, but thoughts and prayers are not enough. We also need to teach about our heavenly Father, to urge the need for fathers at home, and to be fathers in church. God works through us, for “we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

(Scripture from NIV, 1984, used by permission.)

PENTECOST CHANGED THE WORLD

New Hope Christian Church, 6/5/22

Do you know what the Old Testament’s Feast of Weeks was about? How many weeks did it last? Why is it called Pentecost in the New Testament? The serious Bible student—which we should all be—can benefit from studying the Feast of Weeks (Exodus 34:22; Leviticus 23:15-22; Deuteronomy 16:9-12,16), but it is much more important to know the significance of the particular Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) which we celebrate each year on the Christian calendar. Why is it so important? Without Pentecost, the Crucifixion and Resurrection would have been meaningless!

This Pentecost (probably occurring, on our calendar, May 22, A.D. 30) was the day on which the benefits of the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ were applied/communicated to us sinners. Although we have dated our calendar from the supposed year of the birth of Christ, the world was changed on Pentecost. Here are three ways the world was changed by the events of Pentecost.

World Changes Related to God

Pentecost was a world-changing event in regard to God. Although God is eternally immutable, that is, unchanging (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8), He has through the years changed the way He has related to mankind. The Flood, the tower of Babel, and the choosing of Abraham are examples of different ways in which God has related to the world. The world-changing event emphasized in the Old Testament dealt with the difference between Israel, the people of God, and the nations of the world. At the time of the Exodus, the children of Israel were acknowledged to be God’s chosen people (Exodus 19:3-5). For the next 1500 (approximately) years His plan of salvation was carried out through them, ignoring, for the most part, the nations of the world (Acts 17:26-31).

It is true that God has always cared for the nations, desiring them to be saved: “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:26-27, see also 2 Peter 3:9). However, mankind chose to worship false, non-living gods (Romans 1:19-23), images created by “man’s design and skill” (Acts 17:29). The apostle Paul affirmed, “In the past, he let all nations go their own way” (Acts 14:16), overlooking their “ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed” (Acts 17:30-31). Scripture seems to be implying that, in His own wisdom, justice, and mercy, God did little to bring them to salvation; but now, after Pentecost, He has been bringing them the message of salvation. (If this seems mysterious to you, it does to me, too!)

Furthermore, Pentecost marked a change in how God relates to Israel. He no longer looks at the merely biological descendants of Jacob (Israel) as His people. In Romans 9, Paul pointed out that God had always seen two Israels, the physical and the spiritual. Physical Israel played a part in God’s plan, for within that people were those who also composed the spiritual Israel. The purpose of special attention to physical Israel was to maintain a belief in the only true/living God and the promise of His coming Messiah. Now that the Messiah has come, this special attention ceased to be necessary. (See Galatians 3:16-29, particularly 3:19,23-25.)

How is this different approach to physical Israel explained? Paul wrote: “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness” (Romans 10:1-3). “What then? What Israel sought so earnestly it did not obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened” (11:7). Paul went on to explain that they were without hope, but that their rejection played a part in God’s plan to save the Gentiles, and then Israel themselves: “Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! . . . Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them” (11:11-14).

What was the plan of God? First, he chose a physical nation, Israel, as the repository for the belief in One God. This belief was necessary for the implementation of the plan to send His One and Only Son to die for our sins. The Law of Moses was necessary to teach the people, but it also included blessings and penalties to keep them on the right way. In this way the hope of salvation through the Messiah would be maintained. Whenever they strayed, they suffered until they turned back to Him in repentance. After the final punishment, the Babylonian Captivity, the nation of Israel never again worshiped false gods. Then the Messiah came, buttressed by prophecy and miracles, culminating in Crucifixion and Resurrection.

The Messiah came at a time when the majority of the nation would reject Him, leading to His death. If they had not rejected Him, salvation would not have been possible, for salvation depended on His atoning sacrifice. As a result of their rejection, salvation was possible; and thus the Gentiles could also be saved. Paul saw his ministry to the Gentiles as a means of enticing the Jews to consider Jesus as the path to salvation. “Just as you [Gentiles] who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they [Jewish people] too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you” (Romans 11:30-31).

The only conclusion that remains is that those who are Jews by birth only are no longer the chosen people. God does continue to offer them the way of salvation, but only through the Messiah.

With the first coming of Christ, God revealed Himself as a Trinity (three Persons in one Being). In the Old Testament there were hints at the plurality within God: for example (1) the Name Elohim (God) is plural in the original Hebrew, (2) the “us/our” statements as in Genesis 1:26, (3) the references to Father and Son as in Psalm 2:7, and (3) the inspiration of the prophets by the Spirit. However, without the clearer revelation of the New Testament, these statements would largely remain a mystery. Pentecost added to our understanding of the existence of three Persons within the One God: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear” (Acts 2:32-33). This is not to say that we do or even can fully understand how One God could exist as three Persons! (By the way, we must not understand the word person to mean an individual human being.)

The first coming of Christ gives us some idea of the Trinity—at His baptism the Spirit came down upon Him while the Father spoke from Heaven—but Pentecost began a new age in which the three Persons of the Trinity seem to have changed or at least adopted specific (though not without overlapping) roles for each Person. The Father is the One to whom we pray (Luke 11:2; Colossians 3:17)and who is the ultimate authority (John 17:2; 1 Corinthians 15:27). The Son is the Head of the church (Ephesians 1:20-23), as well as her Savior and our Advocate before the Father (1 John 2:1-2). The Spirit inspired and empowered the apostles, and the One who indwells us. These are only examples of their work in us. Paul seems to imply each taking specific roles in equipping us for ministry, for example in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”

World Changes Related to the Apostles of Christ

The world has also changed after Pentecost as a result of the work of the apostles of Christ. (The word apostle can refer to anyone sent on a mission, but in the context it refers to thirteen specific men who were sent out by Christ, given specific authority and power from Him.) These apostles were commissioned as Christ’s agents to take the gospel to the world, empowered by the enthronement of Jesus at the Father’s right hand and the power of the Holy Spirit. See Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:45-49; John 20:19-23; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 4:1.

Along with their mission, Christ’s persecutions were now transferred to them. While He was with them, they apparently did not have to worry about persecution—it was all directed against Him. But after Pentecost, they had to face the enemies without the assuring physical presence of Jesus (Acts 4:1-3,13): “The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. . . . When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Paul wrote: “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24).

Preaching the gospel and testifying to the Resurrection were not the only responsibilities of the apostles. They laid the foundation of the church. The teaching about Jesus is the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11), laid by the teaching of the apostles. Paul described the difference between the apostles and other preachers/teachers: “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it.” The church is described as “God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:19-20). The picture of the holy city in Revelation 21:14 says that it is built on twelve foundations, “and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” When we consider all of the passages regarding the foundation of the church, it is clear that the apostles’ teaching about Christ is in reality the foundation, with everything aligned with the truth (the cornerstone) about Jesus.

The work of the apostles was not all work and persecution. Everything led them to know the joy of a life of faith. (See 1 Peter 1:3-7.) Paul’s experience led him, even in prison, not knowing the outcome, to say, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Earlier he had explained his joy, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

World Changes Related to Us

Our life is certainly different, living this side of Pentecost in contrast to life previous to that time. The gospel of salvation is now preached to us Gentiles: “In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:4-6).

This salvation brings multiple blessings that come through our personal relationship with Him. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). The next twenty verses list many of these blessings. Perhaps topping off the blessings is our inclusion in the family of God. As a family, consisting of human beings who are still learning how to behave in God’s family, not all is peaches and cream; but our Father, our elder Brother, the Spirit living in us and all the blessings (both present and future) that come from this relationship certainly bring joy. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3).

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9)

Pentecost also has affected our lives in its teaching that being a Christian does not just mean being good, resisting sin, but that we are now engaged in the battle. Each of us has been gifted by the grace of God with abilities and responsibilities to share that grace with others (1 Peter 4:9-10). We can know the same joy that the apostles knew. This joy comes, however, only when we step up to the plate and do our part. (See Ephesians 4:7,12-16.)

Finally, Pentecost changes our lives by giving us the guarantee of hope for eternal life. The promise of life for followers of Christ, and the warning of judgment for those who do not follow Him, are guaranteed. “For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

Conclusion

Ask yourself: how does your understanding of Pentecost affect your life? Name one thing you can do this next week to apply this understanding to your life. You will be blessed when you do.

BACK TO THE BIBLE

New Hope Christian Church, 7/4/21

Until the 1960's the USA recognized that it was built on a Judeo-Christian (Biblical) moral foundation, while allowing the freedom of religion for all residents. This fact was acknowledged when the words “under God” were inserted into the Pledge of Allegiance. Whether or not they were Christians, people were not considered well-educated unless they had a basic knowledge of Biblical teaching and the practice of Biblical morality.

With the theory of evolution becoming the new foundation for society as well as for science, it is not surprising that we are on a seemingly downward slide into chaos. Our country will no doubt continue this downward slide unless we find our way back to the Bible. Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Although this verse originally applied to the nation of Israel, surely it is true of any nation that honors the Creator. The only hope for America to receive the blessings of God is for a return to the Bible in the following three areas.

The Government Needs to Look to the Bible.

Although we look to the government for a great many things, the Bible is specific regarding God’s purpose for human government. This purpose was acknowledged by the Queen of Sheba. She told King Solomon, “Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness” (1 Kings 10:9). The Bible in both testaments expresses this purpose.

What is not meant by “back to the Bible”: returning to Old Testament laws and customs, setting up a theocracy, or legislating religion and all areas of personal morality. What is meant: three indispensable  purposes for human government as taught in the Bible.

(1) Romans 13:3-4 sums up the concept of governmental justice:

For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

In America we have traditionally applied this principle in the following ways:  People’s divinely-given human rights are to be protected against “all enemies, foreign and domestic,” recognizing that every person is created in God’s image. These rights include “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” detailed more specifically in the Bill of Rights. Furthermore, justice implies that government is accountable to God.

(2) Righteousness, from a governmental point of view requires upholding basic (universal, traditional) principles of morality, with leaders setting the example. In some cases righteousness is expressed in legislation (such as laws against murder and stealing, and others restricting marriage); in other cases, by refusing to legislate matters of personal morality or religion. In either case, the basic morality of the Bible (particularly the New Testament) is to be respected.

(3) A peaceful society is apparently the ultimate purpose of government. The apostle Paul instructed believers to be in prayer for government rulers so that people could “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Society Needs to Look to the Bible.

Government legislates but society has responsibilities toward God that are not a matter of legislation but rather of personal behavior. The Bible gives instructions (for example in Ephesians 5:22-6:9) for the components of society. In the modern scene this would include home, school, work, and other interpersonal relationships. Foundational Biblical responsibilities that affect society could be summed up in two commands of Jesus: love for “neighbor” (which in Biblical language meant fellow-citizens) and for one’s enemies as well. Applying these two attitudes toward others would certainly heal much of the ills of society.

Proper application of Biblical principles in interpersonal relationships would certainly require a renewed interest in what the Bible teaches, for too often people prefer their own opinions. We should seek to apply Biblical principles regarding money, marriage (and sex), and respect for rights and opinions of others.

The Churches Must Lead the Way in Back to the Bible.

Unfortunately, too often many churches have not been reliable either in teaching what the Bible says or being good examples of following its teaching. A renewed, earnest study of the New Testament especially is called for. The very first church set the example (Acts 2:42): “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread [weekly Lord’s Supper] and to [congregational as well as individual] prayer.” They learned from the apostles of Christ according to his instructions, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). This means that the church must not preach personal opinion or human tradition but rather the doctrine and morality of Scripture.

Preaching, however, is not enough, for those who claim to love God must obey him: “This is love for God: to obey his commands” (1 John 5:3). And to obey God includes loving one another: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). Loving one another is not just a warm, fuzzy feeling but rather a true commitment to each other’s needs. An essential for developing this concern for each other is regular contact, called “fellowship”: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).

And a major, traditional weakness of the church has been factionalism (a “work of the sinful nature,” Galatians 5:20), the practice of division rather than following the Biblical mandate for unity, expressed in the one body of Christ.

Failure to be obedient has led not only to division but also the loss of a real concern for the lost, those who have not found their way to Christ. Jesus’ prayer the night before he was crucified concluded with  a connection between unity and evangelism (John 17:20-23):

“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Conclusion

Is there any hope for America? Perhaps not unless we return to Biblical teachings. For America’s sake not all have to become Christians (although that’s always our goal), but we do need a reformation in the thinking of government, society, and church.

Each of us has a responsibility in each of these entities. We must not ignore that responsibility. If Christians do not take a stand, who will?

(Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. ©1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.)

ASCENSION OF CHRIST

New Hope Christian Church, May 22, 2022

Revelation 12 refers to the Child that was snatched up to Heaven in order to rescue Him from the dragon. It seems reasonable to understand this action as referring to Christ’s return to Heaven, as recorded in Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; and especially in Acts 1:6-11. For some reason we pay little attention to the Ascension of Christ, perhaps to our loss. His Ascension occurred 39 days after His resurrection: “After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). That would be dated, this year, on May 26. (In the year A.D. 30, it would have been May 18 on our calendar, with the Resurrection having occurred on April 9.)

What was, for us, the significance of the Ascension? We can find purpose for life and assurance of salvation following a study of what the Bible says about Christ’s Ascension. Scripture relates at least three Ascension-related actions of Jesus that are of great significance to us.

Delegation

The first significance of the Ascension lies in the fact that His enterprise, His “business,” was left in the hands of the apostles. This enterprise, of course, was the reason for Jesus’ coming to earth. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17). He explained the need to proclaim the gospel: “‘I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God . . . because that is why I was sent’” (Luke 4:43). It was not enough for Him to die for our sins, for the meaning of His death had to be preached: “‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:13-14).

With Jesus back in Heaven, how would the gospel continue to be preached to other places and succeeding generations? He told the Twelve,  “‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’” (Acts 1:8). And so they were delegated to continue His work of preaching the good news of salvation. They were appointed to be the Messiah’s official ambassadors, with the authority to speak on His behalf (2 Corinthians 5:18-20): "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."

With the death of John, no apostles were left—so then what? How would the enterprise be carried on? That work, of necessity, was passed along to the church. The apostle Paul, writing to one of his apprentices, described the responsibility of this work: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2). With the written instruction of the apostles and prophets, under the equipping leadership of evangelists (preachers) and shepherds (elders), the members of the church (Ephesians 4:11-16) take the message to their family, neighbors, friends, work associates and even to strangers far and near so that they too can come to faith in Christ.

Each of us is to participate in this enterprise of Jesus. We do not have identical responsibilities, but each one has some part in the work. “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” (Romans 12:4-6). Therefore: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering Gods grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:10-11).

 Have you accepted the passing of the baton? Have you committed your life to Christ by believing in Him, putting your trust in Him, turning from sin, and being baptized into Him, and then accepting your responsibility as one who was “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10)? If not, why are you waiting?

Intercession

Jesus’ work on our behalf was not finished with handing off the preaching to the apostles and through them to us. First, He had the high priestly duty of presenting the blood of atonement to the Father. (Compare the Old Testament high priest’s duties on the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16.) "When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:11-12). "Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" (Hebrews 10:11-14),"

Nor was His work on our behalf completed with His enthronement. He continues through his heavenly work of intercession, speaking to the Father for us. Because “Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:24-25). The apostle wrote about the significance of this intercession (Romans 8:34-39):

Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The apostle John assures us: “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2). The word in the original Greek, translated here as “speaks in our defense,” in this context refers to an advocate. When we falter in our behavior or when our conscience tries to bring up our past, Jesus speaks up for us. When Satan accuses, Jesus speaks up: This one is Your child, Father. Day by day, He is there for us!

Promise

The Ascension of Jesus involved delegating to the church the work of seeking the lost and then His enthronement at the right hand of God, where He constantly intercedes on our behalf. In addition, the promises of the Messianic age were activated. First, there was the promise of victory over the forces of Hell. Jesus promised Peter (Matthew 16:18) that He would build His church upon “this rock” (probably the fact that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, 16:16) and that the gates of Hades would not overcome it. Victory over all of Satan’s forces is thus assured as a result of Christ’s resurrection, ascension, and enthronement. His enterprise will continue to move forward throughout the world until He returns to earth.

Not only is Christ’s victory through the church assured, but also His continual presence with us. He has not left us alone to carry out His commission to us. After commanding the apostles—and this was probably also the time that more than 500 disciples simultaneously saw the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:6)—and through them the church to make disciples of all nations, He then assured them, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 20). He works through the church by giving us gifts/abilities/talents to be used in ministry, He strengthens us with His grace, He provides us with ways to escape temptation, and He protects us from Satan.

The final promises will be fulfilled upon His return. The apostles witnessed Christ’s departure. After telling them that they were to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8), "he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven'” (1:9-11).

The night before the Crucifixion, He had made this promise: “‘In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am’” (John 14:2-3).

Conclusion

Psalm 24:7-10 is probably a reference to the reception Jesus received upon His return to Heaven: "Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory."

Also, Psalm 47:5-9 praises Him: "God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted."

Let us join in the praise! Because he has taken his throne, we have the assurance of salvation; and since he is on that throne, we have purpose in life, a reason for living.

(Scripture from NIV, 1984, used by permission)

HAIL! KING JESUS!

New Hope Christian Church, 4/10/22

I’m amused when 17-year-olds are anxious to turn 18 so that they can do anything they want to do! As Americans we cherish our independence and freedoms, rightly so, but those desires sometimes make it difficult for us to yield fully in obedience to Christ. Someone has said that the ideal form of government is a benevolent dictatorship, the only problem being that none has ever truly existed in human history. When we contrast Jesus with the kings of the world, we see that there is truly a benevolent dictatorship—but can we yield to such a king? A fair look at the testimony confirms that King Jesus deserves our sincere and unwavering allegiance. That testimony indicates four ways that Jesus is different from any other king.

Humble

One way that Jesus is different from any other king is that Jesus was humble. No other king can rightfully claim to be so. They wear majestic crowns and splendid robes. They surround themselves with gold and silver and multitudes of people bowing down before them. Jesus, on the other hand, on the only day that he was acknowledged en masse as the coming king, rode into Jerusalem, his “Triumphant Entry,” on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Certainly no earthly king would have done so. Now, this method of humility was not meant to debase the character or person of Jesus, for in doing so Jesus was accepting the claim that he was indeed the Messiah. The prophet Zechariah had predicted over five hundred years earlier, “‘Say to the Daughter of Zion, “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey”’” (Matthew 21:5, quoting from Zechariah 9:9). The word translated gentle here can also mean humble or lowly.

Jesus had affirmed such humility/gentleness in regard to his dealings with people (Matthew 11:28-30): “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’” Such an attitude was prophesied regarding the Messiah (Matthew 12:18-21, quoting from Isaiah 42:1-4): “‘Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.’” Jesus was no activist, walking the streets, stirring up crowds,  calling for radical change of the institutions of the day. He did call for radical change, but only that which comes from changes that begin in individuals’ hearts.

An early Christian psalm (written or quoted by the apostle Paul), spoke of Jesus’ humility as a characteristic to be emulated by all (Philippians 2:5-8): “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

In but Not of this World

A second difference between Jesus and the kings of the world has to do with the nature of their reign. When questioned by Pilate about claiming to be a king, Jesus replied (John 18:36-37): “‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.’ ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’” The reign of Jesus is definitely in the world, for that is where his subjects live, but it is not the kind of reign exercised by others. Paul wrote of Jesus’ kingdom (2 Corinthians 10:2-5): “I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Christ’s kingdom is waging war, but not against the same kind of enemies or with the same kind of weapons that characterize advancements by the kings of the world. Christ’s warfare is not against flesh and blood but rather “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8). Jesus became human “so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14-15).

What are the weapons that we use? Ephesians 6:13-18 lists armor and weapons, but the basic weapons are the Truth (see above) and self-sacrifice. Jesus was the embodiment and the example of both.

Eternally Victorious

An obvious difference between Jesus and the kings of the world is seen in the fact that their reigns and their kingdoms eventually fall prey to death. For Jesus, his death was but the beginning of his power. His authority was not limited as it was for all others. Praying to his Father just before Gethsemane, he said, “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him” (John 17:2). And then after his resurrection, he declared, “‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me’” (Matthew 28:18).

The Messiah was predicted by the prophets to have this authority. For example (Isaiah 9:7), “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Again (Daniel 2:44), “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.”

The time will come when it will be said, “‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever’” (Revelation 11:15).

Benevolent

And finally, Jesus is indeed what many have recognized as the perfect government, a benevolent dictator. That may seem like an oxymoron because it usually is. Jesus, however, is the kind of all-authority which his subjects, servants, disciples, family, gladly submit to, for “‘the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’” (Matthew 20:28). As Jesus ministered to people with not only the truth but also compassion and power, they “were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people’” (Luke 7:16). Jesus was indeed a powerful miracle-worker, but notice the nature of his miracles. Not one was performed for his own benefit. All of his miracles were for the benefit of others.

Conclusion

Because Jesus is the kind of king that he is, we are called to make two responses. First, we must bow in full 24/7/365 allegiance to him. As a result of his humble obedience unto death on the cross, therefore “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). That means obeying him and every teaching of his word.

Furthermore, in order to assure ourselves of a welcome into the heavenly kingdom, we are to (2 Peter 1:5-11) “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

(Scripture quoted from NIV, 1984, used by permission.)

THE RESURRECTION AND YOU

New Hope Christian Church, 4/17/22

My double major in Bible college was in Bible and Christian Ministries. When I applied to graduate school, I had to choose a specific field of study; and the one I chose was theology because, although I was afraid of it, I was intrigued by it. Is Bible doctrine something you are afraid of? Are the teachings of the Bible just something you occasionally think about? Or, are they integrated into your daily life? Is Easter just a date on the calendar for you, an annual church event? Is church for you just a day on the calendar (or even occasionally at that) or is it integral to your daily life? The message of Easter (the religious world’s term for the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ) is not just another doctrine in the Bible. Rather it is essential for life even more than food and water! Consider these three reasons why the resurrection of Jesus is essential for life. Not just the doctrine but the actual fact.

The resurrection of Christ forms a solid rock foundation for our faith.

That the resurrection forms a solid foundation for the Christian faith is seen in the preaching of the apostles of Christ. They considered their primary mission to be their eyewitness testimony to his bodily resurrection. When selecting a replacement for the now deceased traitor, they considered one essential characteristic, in the words of Peter (Acts 1:21-22): “‘Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.’” The reason for insisting on the long-time association with them was no doubt to assure that their testimony was not based on a brief acquaintance with the One they were now declaring to have risen from the grave.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Although the cross was the central point in their preaching (for it was Christ’s death on the cross that resulted in the forgiveness of our sins), the resurrection was their point of emphasis (see the more than 15 references in the summaries of their preaching, recorded in the book of Acts); for the resurrection provided the proof that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and that therefore his claims were true. One such example can be found in Acts 17:31: “‘For [God] has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.’”

Paul, in arguing for the reality of believers’ physical resurrection when Jesus returns, declared that the resurrection of Christ was the basis for their faith in Christ. “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). He concluded that “if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (15:14).

The evidence from Old Testament Scripture (see above) and apostolic eyewitness testimony demonstrates the historicity of the resurrection. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).  By using the principles by which historical facts are verified, we can establish that the resurrection of Christ is as certain, or more so, as claims about any historical figure. (Many books have been written about this process, including my book, Christianity 101: an Introduction to New Testament Christianity as Taught in the Bible.)

Now, not everyone feels the need to study the reasons for our faith; for some, their faith is based on their feelings that it is true. However, feelings can change—historical facts do not.

The resurrection of Christ gives us hope for eternal life.

In establishing this point, first we must define hope in this context. Sometimes the Bible does use the word hope the way we often do, that is, wishful thinking. However, when it speaks of hope in God, hope is the joyful, confident expectation of something yet to come. We are confident that we will live forever with Christ because of his resurrection. “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man” (1 Corinthians 15:19-21).

Jesus connected the resurrection of the dead with his own nature as the embodiment of Resurrection. Upon arriving at the home of his recently deceased friend Lazarus, he had this encounter with the sister of the deceased: “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha answered, ‘I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die’” (John 11:23-26).

The apostle wrote, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). After his resurrection, “Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned’” (Mark 16:14-16). Whoever believes what? Obviously, his resurrection. What will be the results of their belief (and baptism)? They will be saved. And so Peter wrote about baptism, “this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ’” (1 Peter 3:21).

Therefore, the resurrection of Jesus Christ provides the basis for our hope in eternal life.

The resurrection of Jesus gives us power for living.

The third reason why the resurrection of Jesus is essential for life deals with living in the here and now. Our own sinfulness as well as the struggles of living in a corrupted world make living for God a difficult task. Jesus’ resurrection gives us the power to overcome all obstacles to living for him. First, we are now united with him in his death, burial, and resurrection, resulting in a living fellowship with him and the power that comes from such fellowship. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:3-11).

Peter writes about the promises of God to those who are in Christ, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4). Romans 8:11-14 speaks of one of these promises, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit: “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”

Summarizing these passages, we can see that our baptism into Christ brings us into fellowship with his Holy Spirit and thus the power to live as children of God in a corrupted world.

Conclusion

The more we study about the resurrection of Christ, the more obvious it becomes that we need to study more about the resurrection and its foundation for faith, hope for eternal life, and power to live. But we must not be satisfied with study, we must apply what we learn. We need to ask God to help us draw on the power of Christ’s resurrection to help us who live in the world that we should not live as though we belong to it.

(Scripture from NIV, 1984, used by permission.)

COME TO MOTHER

New Hope Christian Church, 5/8/22

God is our spiritual Father—do we have a spiritual mother? Yes, indeed. The Bible teaches that the church (the people of God) is our mother. In Galatians 4:22-5:1 the apostle Paul makes this very point as he allegorically contrasts God’s children in the flesh with those in the Spirit. “Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother” (4:25-26). He compares the disciples of Jesus with Isaac as “children of promise” (4:28), “born by the power of the Spirit” (4:29), and children “of the free woman” (4:31). As a result it “is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (5:1). Although the New Jerusalem “that is above” will not be our home until it comes down from Heaven onto the New Earth (Revelation 21:1-3), in a sense we have already “come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God” (Hebrews 12:22).

Too often today’s Christians think too lightly about our relationship with the church. As a result, our commitment falls far short of scriptural teaching. Many of us older Christians who grew up in the church considered participation in the life of the church as the most important element in our lives. That attitude was certainly consistent with the Bible’s teaching about the church as our spiritual mother and the other members as our family. We need to come home to mother, to get reacquainted with this important relationship in our lives.

In practice, the church is certainly not a perfect mother, seeing how she consists of imperfect brothers and sisters. She is, however, God’s choice of how he wants to relate to us. As Christians, we must view the church as a mother. Consider these three ways that the church is like a mother.

Like a Mother, the Church Brings Us into God’s Family

Through mother, we physically came into this world. Likewise, as mother, the church brought us into God’s family. Of course, she is our mother only figuratively. Other scriptural figures for this process in entering the family include (in one sense) being born again, of water and the Holy Spirit (John 3:5), and (in another sense) being adopted into the family (Ephesians 1:5). These are two of the three ways that the Bible describes how sinners enter into a personal relationship with God through Christ. (A third description, described in Romans 6:4, is the new life that results from being “buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”)

How does the church bring people into God’s family? By sharing the gospel with them. Peter wrote to some fairly new Christians, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). In mother-like terms, Paul wrote, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). James 1:18 affirms that God “chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

The Church Nourishes Us in the Faith

Mother’s job is not finished in childbirth. She continues by providing nourishment. The wise mother will follow well-established procedures in doing so. The same is true for our spiritual mother. Paul compared his work in Thessalonica with that of a mother: “we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8). By sharing their lives with the new believers, the evangelists helped them to mature, able to continue in the faith even after the apostolic team left for other regions. By teaching and example, the church leads new believers into a closer, firmer, and lasting relationship with God: “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:1-3).

Church leaders are to teach and model the word of God. Paul wrote to the evangelist Timothy: "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching . . . . Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Timothy 4:12-13,16).

Hebrews 13:7 urges readers, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Paul wrote to Timothy that the wives of deacons (probably also including elders’ wives) “are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything” (1 Timothy 3:11). The early church (see Acts 6:1-7) was known for helping their widows who had no other family members able (or willing) to provide for daily needs. Timothy was instructed: "No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds" (1 Timothy, 5:9-10). No doubt one of the reasons that Paul included this teaching was the importance of women older in the faith in setting a good example for the younger ones. (See next point.)

By setting the proper examples we teach one another how to be proper “children” (not childish) of our mother the church, humbling ourselves to seek guidance through life and help in our struggles.

The Church Teaches Us to Be “Mother” to One Another

Not only is it important to behave properly as children of our mother the church, but we also must realize that, as a part of the church, we are also to be mother to one another. This includes doing our part—and not everyone has the same part—to bring others into God’s family. We must not forget that each of us has been given at least one ministry-gift so that we can help in the work of showing others the way to life in Christ. The church provides opportunities through teaching, encouraging, and modeling for each of us to learn how to be mother to one another.

As we saw above, mother not only brings others into God’s family, but she also nourishes them in the faith. As the church, we also are to “nourish” one another. This requires our own growing in the faith.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:3-8)

We grow in these areas by reading, studying and applying the word of God and living it out in our lives.

In Titus 2:3-5 Paul sets the older women in the congregation as examples to the  younger: "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."

Finally, as “mother” we must never forget about raising the next generation. “People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’” (Luke 18:15-16).

Conclusion

The church is our mother. We are mother to one another. Therefore, we should hold the church dear in our hearts rather than being ready to bail out the moment things do not go to suit us.  How many times have we “run away from home”? What can you do to help the church be a better mother?

(Scripture taken from NIV 1984, used by permission)

MOVING FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE

New Hope Christian Church, 1/2/22

Surely 2022 will be better than the last two years! Much will be determined by things out of our control, but one thing we can control is our own response; and God is surely waiting for the church to rise above whatever difficulties may come our way. The Parable of the Wise Man and Foolish Man (Matthew 7:24-27) applies to the life of a congregation as well as to individual lives: it’s not enough to hear the words of Jesus, we must put them into practice.

If New Hope can move forward in confidence, the members being in regular and faithful participation, we will truly be a church of Christ. Why are we here, why did we start this church, why should we move forward in confidence? Here are four reasons why.

Because Jesus Died for Our Sins

For most Christians, our primary reason for church participation is our belief that Jesus died for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:14-15): "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

He died because there was no other way for us to be saved. Because we have obeyed the gospel (good news about Jesus), we have been forgiven.

Out of gratitude we come together to remember his sacrifice, as his apostles taught the first century church, every Lord’s Day.

Because Jesus Arose from the Dead

Of course, the death of Jesus for our sins cannot be separated from his resurrection. As a result of his resurrection, he has given us “incredibly great power,” a power that is “like the working of [God’s] mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand” (Ephesians 1:18-23). Exalted to the right hand of God, Christ poured out upon the church the Holy Spirit, with all the gifts associated with his presence (Acts 2:33).

All who have believed in Christ, repented of their sins, and been immersed into Christ have received this gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Each of us has received “grace” (Ephesians 4:7) from Christ to be used in service to him. Paul wrote (1 Corinthians 12:4-7,11): "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. . . . All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."

As a church, we celebrate the victory of Christ and the presence of his Spirit in our lives. Why would we not want to move forward when the times call for the church to be at its best?

To Participate Fully in Jesus’ Family

As Christians, disciples of Christ, we are all part of the universal (world-wide and multi-generational) family of God. In a practical sense, however, we can be most effective on a local level, the local “branch” of this family.

Certainly, this family consists of imperfect brothers and sisters, but we do have a perfect Father and oldest Brother. And, imperfect as we are, we nevertheless benefit from a family that provides us with brothers, sister, mothers, and fathers around the world (see Mark 10:29-30).

What is it like when this family worships and serves together as a congregation? The very first church set an example that, admittedly, is hard to follow (Acts 2:42-46): "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. . . . All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts . . . ."

Paul describes the church’s faithfulness to Jesus and unity with one another in relation to observance of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16-17): "Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf."

In addition to the Lord’s Supper, we are to gather together for our mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25): "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

The following verses (10:26-31) imply that this kind of meetings are necessary for preventing us from abandoning the faith and returning to the world.

This unity and fellowship enables us to serve God. Why would we want to do anything else?

To Save the Lost

Everyone needs what we have found., salvation in Christ. The only way they can find it is through the gospel; and the only way they can hear the gospel is through the preaching of the church. (Even if someone finds a Bible and comes to Christ through their own reading, the Bible was put there by someone representing a church.)

The first church, working along with the apostles’ preaching and miracles, made such an impression on their community that they enjoyed “the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). And even after a severe persecution, intended to put an end to the church, “the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31).

We plant and water, but only God can give the increase. Our numbers may severely limit our ability to present the gospel, but God is ultimately in control of the situation. We do our part and let God take care of the rest.

Conclusion

What can we say, then, about our prospects as a church? We can take comfort and assurance in Paul’s words regarding his own ministry (2 Corinthians 3:4-6): "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

We are here because of what God has done for us. We are here so that we can do more for God. What about you? Will you move forward with us in confidence, in regular and faithful participation?

If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, in faith, turning from sin, and being baptized into him? What are you waiting for? “Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16). Then join us in this great work for God.