3/31/15

Jesus Seminar: No Hidden Agenda by Trevor Major, M.Sc., M.A.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=10&article=602

Jesus Seminar: No Hidden Agenda

by	Trevor Major, M.Sc., M.A.

The Five Gospels (Funk, et al., 1993) is not your mother’s Bible. It is a reference work summarizing the present conclusions of Fellows of the Jesus Seminar. The authors wish you to know, from the very beginning, that this book is not the Gospel for conservative Christianity. They appear to sneer at translations “made by academics and endorsed by church boards” (p. xiv). They state that their translation, the Scholars Version, “is free of ecclesiastical and religious control” (p. xviii). Indeed, as its name intends to convey, this is a work “authorized by scholars.” By implication, other versions are suspect because their respective translators allowed their beliefs, or the constraints of church politics, to influence their work.

Of course, anyone who has studied the history of translations acknowledges this potential bias, and compensates accordingly. The Five Gospels is no less deserving of careful consideration. For all its claims to objectivity, Bible students also must consider the translation biases of this new Gospel account [see feature article].

However, these biases go beyond a higher critical approach to translation. The authors make it known that their work upholds the naturalistic world view. They dedicate the book to Galileo Galilei “who altered our view of the heavens forever,” to Thomas Jefferson “who took scissors and paste to the gospels,” and David Friedrich Strauss “who pioneered the quest of the historical Jesus.” They use Galileo and Scopes to perpetuate the tired and questionable conflict metaphor of science versus faith (see Major, 1994). In their assessment,

The contemporary religious controversy, epitomized in the Scopes trial and the continuing clamor for creationism as a viable alternative to the theory of evolution, turns on whether the worldview reflected in the Bible can be carried forward into this scientific age and retained as an article of faith. Jesus figures prominently in this debate. The Christ of creed and dogma, who had been firmly in place in the Middle Ages, can no longer command the assent of those who have seen the heavens through Galileo’s telescope (p. 2).

In other words, if we give up a literal Creator, then we also should give up divine inspiration and a miracle-performing, risen Christ. Clearly, their mission is to constrain biblical history by empirical science, just as evolutionists have attempted to constrain natural history by empirical science. However, this changes neither the deliberate bias of naturalism against non-naturalistic answers, nor the obvious limitations of empirical science.

REFERENCES

Funk, Robert W., Roy W. Hoover, and the Jesus Seminar (1993), The Five Gospels—The Search for the Authentic Words of Jesus (New York: Macmillan).

Major, Trevor (1994), “Is Creation Science?,” Reason & Revelation, 14:17-23, March.

From Mark Copeland... "THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY" The Duties Of Parents

                    "THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY"

                         The Duties Of Parents

INTRODUCTION

1. Marriage as a sacred institution joins together a man and a woman   ...
   a. As husband and wife in holy matrimony
   b. Each with their God-given duties to one another

2. We’ve considered the duties of husbands, who are commanded to...
   a. Love their wives
   b. Respect their wives
   c. Support their wives

3. We’ve considered the duties of wives, who are commanded to...
   a. Submit to their husbands
   b. Love their husbands
   c. Manage the home

[God’s purpose for marriage is to create families in which children have
the benefit of parents who provide the best upbringing possible.  For
this to occur, parents must fulfill their duties...]

I. THE DUTIES OF FATHERS

   A. PROVIDE LIFE’S NECESSITIES...
      1. Parents ought to provide for their children - 2Co 12:14
      2. A man who fails to do so for his family is worse than an
         infidel - 1Ti 5:8

   B. DO NOT PROVOKE CHILDREN TO WRATH...
      1. This admonition found twice in the Scriptures - Ep 6:4; Col 3:21
      2. By unreasonable commands; by needless severity; by the
         manifestation of anger - Barnes
      3. Lest by your continually finding fault with them, they should
         lose all courage, and despair of ever pleasing you - ibid.

   C. PROVIDE SPIRITUAL TRAINING...
      1. In the training (discipline, ESV) and admonition (instruction,
         ESV) of the Lord - Ep 6:4
      2. Training by way of instruction - e.g., Deut 6:6-7; 32:46; Ps 78:4-6
         a. Note that the Word must first be in the father’s heart
         b. Then the father can lead his family like Joshua led his
            family - cf. Jos 24:14-15
      3. Training by way of example - considering the following:  When
         the father is an active believer, there is about a seventy-five
         percent likelihood that the children will also become active
         believers. But if only the mother is a believer, this
         likelihood is dramatically reduced to fifteen percent. - Keith
         Meyering, Discipleship Journal, #49, p.41

   D. PROVIDE LOVING DISCIPLINE...
      1. Even as our heavenly Father disciplines His children - He 12:6-10
      2. Even though it may be unpleasant at times - He 12:11; cf. Pr 13:24

[From the duties of fathers, let’s now move on to...]

II. THE DUTIES OF MOTHERS

   A. LOVE THEIR CHILDREN...
      1. As older women were to admonish younger women - Tit 2:4
      2. For sin can lead to a lack of proper affection - Ro 1:31
      3. Tragically, more than 200 women kill their children in the
         United States each year - American Anthropological Association

   B. MANAGE THEIR HOUSEHOLDS...
      1. A primary responsibility of the wife and mother - Tit 2:5; 1Ti 5:14
      2. An important quality of the virtuous woman - Pr 31:10-31
      3. The most creative job in the world involves fashion,
         decorating, recreation, education, transportation, psychology,
         romance, cuisine, literature, art, economics, government,
         pediatrics, geriatrics, entertainment, maintenance, purchasing,
         law, religion, energy and management. Anyone who can handle all
         those has to be somebody special. She is. She’s a homemaker.
         - Richard Kerr quoted in Homemade, Feb. 1989

   C. PROVIDE SPIRITUAL TRAINING...
      1. Especially when male leadership is lacking
      2. As seen in the case of Timothy
         a. His mother was a Jew, his father a Greek - Ac 16:1
         b. Perhaps contributing to Timothy not being circumcised - cf.Ac 16:3
         c. But Timothy had become a disciple, well spoken of - Ac 16:2
         d. His faith positively influenced by his grandmother and
            mother - cf.  2Ti 1:5
      3. Too often, fathers neglect spiritual training, leaving mothers
         to pick up the slack

CONCLUSION

1. Blessed are the homes in which...
   a. Fathers fulfill their duties as Christian men
   b. Mothers fulfill their duties as Christian women

2. No home is perfect, and as fathers and mothers we often fall short...
   a. But with God’s grace and mercy, let us do the best we can
   b. Let us give our children the guidance that they may succeed where
      we have failed

Finally, some food for thought:  Seven Ways To Impact Your Child’s Faith

1. Model a growing and personal faith. [If they don’t see it, they won’t catch it.]

2. Include faith in normal conversations.

3. Be well-rounded. [Don’t compartmentalize your faith.]

4. Be authentic.

5. Serve together

6. Pray for your children and with them.

7. Learn and communicate love in their language.

                                -- The Relaxed Parent by Tim Smith

From Gary... Choice, decision and consequences

You are responsible for what you do; while it is true that situations or people may influence you, ultimately you must bear the consequences for the decisions that you make. And the decisions you make are based on choices, plain and simple!!! A good example of this is found in the book of Joshua...

Joshua, Chapter 7 (WEB)

The Choice to Sin

1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted things; for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. Therefore Yahweh’s anger burned against the children of Israel.

The Disaster of Sin

4 So about three thousand men of the people went up there, and they fled before the men of Ai. 5 The men of Ai struck about thirty-six men of them, and they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and struck them at the descent. The hearts of the people melted, and became like water. 6 Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before Yahweh’s ark until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. 7 Joshua said, “Alas, Lord Yahweh, why have you brought this people over the Jordan at all, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to cause us to perish? I wish that we had been content and lived beyond the Jordan! 8 Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after that Israel has turned their backs before their enemies! 9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it, and will surround us, and cut off our name from the earth. What will you do for your great name?”

The Revelation of Sin

  13 “Get up! Sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, for Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, “There is a devoted thing in your midst, Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted thing from among you.”

  14 “‘In the morning therefore you shall be brought near by your tribes. It shall be that the tribe which Yahweh selects shall come near by families. The family which Yahweh selects shall come near by households. The household which Yahweh selects shall come near man by man.  15 It shall be, that he who is taken with the devoted thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of Yahweh, and because he has done a disgraceful thing in Israel.’”

  16 So Joshua rose up early in the morning and brought Israel near by their tribes. The tribe of Judah was selected.  17 He brought near the family of Judah; and he selected the family of the Zerahites. He brought near the family of the Zerahites man by man, and Zabdi was selected.  18 He brought near his household man by man, and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected.  19 Joshua said to Achan, “My son, please give glory to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and make confession to him. Tell me now what you have done! Don’t hide it from me!”

  20 Achan answered Joshua, and said, “I have truly sinned against Yahweh, the God of Israel, and this is what I have done.  21 When I saw among the plunder a beautiful Babylonian robe, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, then I coveted them and took them. Behold, they are hidden in the ground in the middle of my tent, with the silver under it.”

  22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent. Behold, it was hidden in his tent, with the silver under it.  23 They took them from the middle of the tent, and brought them to Joshua and to all the children of Israel. They laid them down before Yahweh.

The Penalty for Sin

24 Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his cattle, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had; and they brought them up to the valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? Yahweh will trouble you this day.” All Israel stoned him with stones, and they burned them with fire and stoned them with stones. 26 They raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Yahweh turned from the fierceness of his anger. Therefore the name of that place was called “The valley of Achor” to this day.

Sin is nothing less that departure from the will of God. Achan's choice let to Achan's sin and Achan's sin led to the death of 36 people. Both Achan and his family were executed for this and while this may sound severe, remember 36 people died.

Truth: we pay for the decisions we make. Achan realized his sin, but he still had to accept the consequences for his actions!!! We do as well!!!!

The choices you make are yours, accept the responsibility for them. DON'T PLAY THE BLAME-GAME!!! Do yourself a favor- read and reread the graphic (you ultimately will be glad you did)!!!

3/30/15

Jesus Was Logical by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=10&article=653

Jesus Was Logical

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

The view of Jesus that prevails in popular culture is one that portrays Him as unconcerned with logic and correct attention to doctrinal detail. Diluted Christendom has conjured up a Jesus that is non-confrontational, “politically correct,” and would never be “judgmental” or “intolerant.” Nevertheless, the New Testament—the only source for ascertaining the identity of Jesus—depicts Him in a completely different light.

Take, for example, the occasion in John 7 when the Jews were critical of Jesus for having healed on the Sabbath a man who suffered from a 38-year-old ailment (John 5:2-9). Many would suppose that Jesus would not be concerned with careful conformity to the Law. They would assume that Jesus would chide the Jews for their nit-picky, legalistic approach to religion, and that He would be quite willing to dismiss the requirements of the Law in order to give priority to human need in the name of compassion. Unfortunately, this viewpoint is fraught with error, not the least of which is its demeaning assessment of law—law which God, Himself, authored. Law, according to God, is given for human well-being (Deuteronomy 6:24; 10:13; Proverbs 29:18). God’s law is “holy and just and good” (Romans 7:12), and serves divinely-intended, positive purposes (e.g., Romans 3:20). Indeed, Jesus’ handling of His persecutors on this occasion illustrates the high regard He had for law, the necessity of carefully conforming to it, and the critical importance of applying it accurately.

Calling attention to the miracle He performed, Jesus offered a logical rebuttal to the allegation that He violated the Sabbath. Here is that argument placed in syllogistic form:

If the Law of Moses requires the circumcision of a male infant on the 8^th day after birth—even when the 8^th day falls on the Sabbath—then healing a man on the Sabbath is equally legal.
The Law of Moses requires the circumcision of a male infant on the 8^th day after birth—even when the 8^th day falls on the Sabbath.
Therefore, healing a man on the Sabbath is equally legal.

Jesus then offered a concluding admonition that cinched the validity of His argument: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (vs. 24). Making application of God’s laws based on “appearance” refers to doing so based on how things seem or look to the person making the judgment, i.e., forming an opinion based on inadequate evidence. To the contrary, to “judge with righteous judgment” means to make accurate assessments by drawing only warranted conclusions from the evidence, i.e., thinking and acting rationally.

This one incident in the life of Christ is typical of His behavior on other occasions, proving that Jesus was logical in His approach to life. It demonstrates the high respect He had for law. It spotlights Deity’s concern for careful compliance with law. All who desire to be like Christ must emulate these same concerns. As Jesus Himself stated: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

From Mark Copeland... "THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY" The Duties Of Wives

                    "THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY"

                          The Duties Of Wives

INTRODUCTION

1. Marriage as a sacred institution joins together a man and a woman...
   a. Husband and wife in holy matrimony
   b. Each with their God-given duties to one another

2. Previously, we considered the duties of husbands, who are
   commanded...
   a. Love their wives
   b. Respect their wives
   c. Support their wives

[Now letis consider what the inspired apostles of Christ taught were the
duties of wives, beginning with one that seems to offend many today...]

I. SUBMIT TO YOUR HUSBANDS!

   A. DEFINING THE WORD "SUBMIT"...
      1. The Greek word is hupotasso - to subordinate, to obey
      2. To be under obedience, in subjection to, submit self unto - Strong's
      3. To submit to the orders or directives of someone - Louw Nida
      4. An example:  Jesus submitting to the will of His Father - Jn 6:38

   B. WIVES ARE TO SUBMIT TO THEIR HUSBANDS...
      1. As the church submits to Christ, in everything - Ep 5:22-24
         a. Presuming that it is in keeping with the will of God - Ac 5:29
         b. For husbands must not abuse their authority - 1Pe 3:7
         c. Indeed, husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the
            church - Ep 5:25-27
      2. Even as Christians wives are to submit to:
         a. God - Jm 4:17
         b. The government - Ro 13:1-5; 1Pe 2:13-15
         c. Their masters - 1Pe 2:18; 3:1
         d. Their elders - He 13:17; 1Pe 5:5
         e. One another - 1Pe 5:5; Ep 5:21
      3. Without nagging, with gentleness and quietness - 1Pe 3:1-4
      4. With respect, even as Sarah respected Abraham - 1Pe 3:5-6; cf.Ep 5:33

   C. WHEN WIVES FAIL TO SUBMIT...
      1. It is not fitting in the Lord - Col 3:18
         a. Grk., aneko - to pertain to what is due, duty, as was
            fitting
         b. In keeping with Jesus' own teaching and example - cf. Mt 20:25-28
      2. The family unit will often be in turmoil
         a. To have a social organization that is functional, you must
            have some chain of authority
         b. God is the head of Christ, Christ the head of man, man the
            head of woman - 1Co 11:3
         c. In the family, it is Godis Will the husband be the head of
            the wife, and that parents be over their children
            - otherwise, the family will be dysfunctional
      3. God will not be gracious to them - 1Pe 5:5
         a. God gives grace to those who humbly submit
         b. He will not grant favor to those who proudly resist His will
         c. Just the prayers of a husband who mistreats and disrespects
            his wife are hindered, so the prayers of a wife who refuses
            to submit to her husband! - cf. 1Pe 3:7
      4. It may even have a bearing on the sexual orientation of the children!
         a. A study by Dr. Irving Bieber was made of the family
            background of 106 male homosexuals
         b. Dr. Bieber found that 81 mothers were dominating
         -- What Everyone Should Know About Homosexuality, LaHaye, p.71-72

[Sadly, lives are ruined when people wonit listen to the teachings of
Jesus and His apostles.  Wives need to submit to their husbands, just as
Christians are to submit to Christ.  Another admonition...]

II. LOVE YOUR HUSBANDS!

   A. WITH AFFECTION...
      1. "admonish the young women to love their husbands" - Tit 2:4
         a. Grk., philandrous - "fond of man, i.e. affectionate as a wife" - Strong's
         b. "pertaining to having affection for a husband --'having love
            for one's husband, having affection for oneis husband.'" - Louw-Nida
      2. This affection is something that can be taught (learned); if
         needed, seek advice from a mature sister in Christ - Tit 2:3-4

   B. WITH INTIMACY...
      1. To prevent unfaithfulness - 1Co 7:2
      2. Rendering affection properly due, not withholding marital
         rights- 1Co 7:3-4
      3. Abstaining only with mutual consent, for the purpose of prayer - 1Co 7:5

[Just as husbands are commanded to love their wives, so the wives are
commanded to love their husbands.  If the original love has been lost,
it needs to be re-learned!  Finally, wives must...]

III. MANAGE THE HOME!

   A. AS HOMEMAKERS...
      1. "to be discrete, chaste, homemakers, good" - Tit 2:5
         a. Grk., oikourous - "a stayer at home, i.e. domestically inclined" - Strong's
         b. "one who works in the home - 'one who takes care of the
            home, homemaker.'" - Louw-Nida
      2. "manage the house" - 1Ti 5:14
         a. Grk., oikodespoteo - to be the head of (i.e. rule) a family:
            guide the house - Strong's
         b. "to command and give leadership to a household -- eto direct
            a household, to manage a home.i" - Louw-Nida
      3. This also can be learned from older sisters in Christ - Tit 2:3-5

   B. AS MOTHERS...
      1. Note the instructions for young widows: "marry, bear children" - 1Ti 5:14
         a. Grk., teknogoneo - "to be a child-bearer, i.e. parent (mother)" - Strong's
         b. "to give birth to a child" - Louw-Nida
      2. The primary design of marriage is to start a family; if a young
         wife is unable to bear a child, adoption if certainly a viable
         and wonderful option!

CONCLUSION

1. The Christian wife is a woman who...
   a. Submits to her husband with respect
   b. Loves her husband with affection
   c. Manages her home and her children

2. This is because the Christian wife is a woman who...
   a. Is a Christian first, and a wife second
   b. Gladly accepts the Biblical injunctions given her as a wife
   c. Looks to the Word of God and prayer for the strength she needs to
      fulfill her duty

3. When a woman is a Christian wife...
   a. She is more likely loved and respected by her husband
   b. She is more likely the sort of wife she should be
   c. The children are more likely as they should be

In our next lesson, we shall  consider the duties of parents.  In the 
meantime, some additional food for thought for wives...

                     The 10 Commandments of Wives

1. Expect not your husband to give you as many luxuries as your father
   has given you after many years of hard labor. (Php 4:11; Am 4:1)

2. You shall work hard to build your house with the husband that you
   have, not fantasizing about "the one that could have been". (Pr 14:1)

3. You shall not nag...hit him with your frying pan, it is kindlier. (Pr 27:15; 21:19)

4. You shall coddle your husband and be a warm wife. (1Co 7:3-5)

5. Remember that the frank approval of your husband is more to you than
   the side glances of many strangers. (Eze 16:32; 2Pe 2:14)

6. You shall not yell at your husband but will be a gentle and quiet
   spirit. (1Pe 3:1-4)

7. Permit no one to assure you that you are having a hard time of it. (1Pe 5:9)

8. You shall not fail to dress up for your husband with an eye to please
   him, as you did before marriage. (So 4:9-11)

9. You shall submit to your husband from your heart and allow him to be
   head of the household. (Col 3:18; 1Pe 3:6; Ep 5:33)

10. You shall assure your husband and others that he is the greatest man
    alive. (Php 2:3; So 5:9-16)

From Gary... The path from foolishness and stupidity to wisdom

Some things are self-evident. And so, when I saw the pastoral scene above, I thought to myself, how unnecessary, how foolish would one have to be to label the obvious. Stupidity and foolishness are harsh words, but then again somethings in this world are. Consider...

What you love and what you hate defines you

Proverbs, Chapter 12 (WEB)

1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge,

but he who hates reproof is stupid.

The fool

Psalms, Chapter 53 (WEB)

1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”

The beginning of knowledge is...

Proverbs, Chapter 1 (WEB)

7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge;

but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.

The desire of the heart...

Ecclesiastes, Chapter 7 (WEB)

19 Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. 20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth, who does good and doesn’t sin. 21 Also don’t take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you; 22 for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others. 23 All this have I proved in wisdom. I said, “I will be wise”; but it was far from me. 24 That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out? 25 I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.

Even Christians can act foolishly

Galatians, Chapter 3 (WEB)
1 Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 I just want to learn this from you. Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain? 5 He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.” 7 Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abraham.

We once were...

Titus, Chapter 3 (WEB)

1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Even the most intelligent, educated and just plain savvy people I have known occasionally have said and done foolish or stupid things. To me, this is a truism. But, there is hope: we all can achieve some degree of wisdom if we are willing to genuinely seek it out;for true wisdom comes from God. I urge you- consider the verses that you see above, and ask yourself the following: Am I seeking out God on my terms or HIS and why?

3/28/15

Jesus Was Rational by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=10&article=1245

Jesus Was Rational

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

A study of the life of Christ on Earth quickly reveals that Jesus functioned rationally, logically, and sensibly. Unlike many religious people who claim to represent Him, Jesus possessed high respect for doctrinal correctness (after all, He authored the Law!). In all of His interactions with people, He conducted Himself with logical precision. One example of this attribute of our Lord is seen on the occasion when Jesus entered the synagogue and encountered a man who had a deformed hand (Matthew 12:9-13). This circumstance prompted His enemies to ask Him a question in hopes of being able to accuse Him of breaking the Law. They asked: “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” Of course, they had pre-decided that the answer to the question was “no,” that, in fact, the Law would naturally forbid such an action.

Unfortunately, the prevailing interpretation of the Law of Moses at the time, at least among the Jewish leaders, was that the Sabbath law enjoined total inactivity—as if everyone was to sit down for 24 hours and do nothing. This view was a distortion of God’s law on the matter. The Law gave the right, even the obligation, to engage in several activities (that could rightly be designated “work”) that did not constitute violation of the Sabbath regulation. On this occasion, Jesus pinpointed one such instance: “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out?” (vs. 11). Jesus was recalling a directive from the Law of Moses:

You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep going astray, and hide yourself from them; you shall certainly bring them back to your brother. And if your brother is not near you, or if you do not know him, then you shall bring it to your own house, and it shall remain with you until your brother seeks it; then you shall restore it to him. You shall do the same with his donkey, and so shall you do with his garment; with any lost thing of your brother’s, which he has lost and you have found, you shall do likewise; you must not hide yourself. You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fall down along the road, and hide yourself from them; you shall surely help him lift them up again (Deuteronomy 22:1-4; cf. Exodus 23:4-5).

Such passages give insight into the nature of God, and provide tremendous assistance in making proper application of God’s laws to everyday circumstances.

Observe that God’s laws never contradict or countermand each other. Unlike man-made laws which often manifest inconsistency and contradiction, God’s laws function in perfect harmony with each other. The Mosaic passage to which Jesus alluded demonstrates that the general principle of the cessation of usual work on the Sabbath did not conflict with any number of specific circumstances in which benevolence and compassion were to be expressed. In an agriculturally-based society, a family’s survival depends on its farm animals. If a sheep, ox, or donkey were to break out of its stall, flee the premises, and then fall into a pit from which it would be unable to extricate itself, the animal would most likely die or become seriously ill if left in its predicament for 24 hours. To expend the necessary effort (i.e., “work) to retrieve the animal from danger was not considered by God to be included in the Sabbath prohibition. Hence, Jesus stated the logical conclusion: “Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep?” (vs. 12). If action could be exerted to see to the well-being of a dumb animal, then obviously, God would approve of action taken to see to the physical care of a human being! The logic is penetrating and decisive. Far from suggesting that law is unimportant and may be ignored under the guise of “human need,” or implying that humans can break the “letter of the law” in order to keep the “spirit of the law” (see Miller, 2003), Jesus demonstrated that inherently built into God’s laws are all concerns deemed by Deity to be necessary. The benevolent, loving thing to do will always harmonize with God’s laws, since “love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10), i.e., every truly loving action has already been defined by God in His legal admonitions.

The religion of Christ surpasses all human religion. It is rooted in the very essence of Deity. When Jesus took on human form on Earth, He showed Himself to be the Master logician Who always conducted Himself in a rational manner. May we do likewise.

REFERENCES

Miller, Dave (2003), “The Spirit and Letter of the Law,” Apologetics Press,http://www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1225.

From Mark Copeland... "THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY" The Duties Of Husbands

                    "THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY"

                         The Duties Of Husbands

INTRODUCTION

1. Our previous lesson argued that marriage is not an institution...
   a. Created and designed by man or the state
   b. Subject to alteration by societal whims

2. But rather, that marriage is a sacred institution...
   a. Instituted by God in the beginning
   b. Regulated by Jesus and His apostles in the Word of God
   c. Reserved for sexual intimacy between a man and a women

3. Indeed, marriage is a successful institution...
   a. When we follow the Biblical injunctions concerning it
   b. When members of the family fulfill their proper roles
   c. Preventing marriage and family from becoming an emotional and
      psychological straitjacket, the proverbial ball and chain, and
      source of much strife and hurt in one’s life

[What are those Biblical injunctions concerning the proper roles of the
members of the family?  Let’s first consider the duties of husbands...]

I. LOVE YOUR WIVES!

   A. HUSBANDS ARE TO LOVE THEIR WIVES...
      1. As Christ loved the church - Ep 5:25-27,29
         a. He gave Himself for the church!
         b. He nourishes and cherishes the church!
      2. As they love their own bodies - Ep 5:28-29
         a. Which they nourish and cherish
         b. Which they handle with care
      3. Free from bitterness - Col 3:19
         a. That is, resentment or hate
         b. Often accompanied with wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking - cf. Ep 4:31

   B. HUSBANDS ARE TO LOVE THEIR WIVES...
      1. With "agape" love (active good will)
         a. Which is commanded - Ep 5:25
         b. Which is defined - 1Co 13:4-8
         c. The same sort of love we are to have toward God and all men
      2. With "phileo" love (sentimental, affectionate)
         a. As one would have for  his own body - Ep 5:29
         b. As parents would have for their children - cf. Ep 6:4; 1Th 2:7
      3. With "eros" love (sexual)
         a. Joining together as one flesh - Ep 5:31
         b. Providing physical attention and affection due the wife - cf. 1Co 7:2-5

[Husbands have a duty to love their wives in every way!  They also have
the duty to...]

II. RESPECT YOUR WIVES!

   A. BY HOW YOU TREAT THEM...
      1. With understanding - 1Pe 3:7
         a. In an understanding way - ESV
         b. Be considerate - NIV
         c. Learn what makes her "tick", and treat her accordingly
      2. With honor - 1Pe 3:7
         a. Praise her in the gates - cf. Pr 31:28
         b. Put her on a pedestal
         c. Do not ridicule her publicly
      3. As to the weaker vessel - 1Pe 3:7
         a. Not that your wife may actually be the weaker vessel
         b. Many wives are spiritually stronger, some physically stronger
         c. But treat her "as" a weaker vessel (treat her like china,not steel)
         d. Don’t be like a bull running wildly in a china shop!

   B. BY HOW YOU VIEW THEM...
      1. As a fellow heir of the grace of life - 1Pe 3:7
         a. For whom Christ died
         b. A beloved sister in Christ, worthy of respect
         c. With whom you hope to spend eternity
      2. As one who affects the efficacy of your prayers! - 1Pe 3:7
         a. How we treat others has a bearing on our prayers - Mk 11:26; Pr 21:13
         b. God will not heed our prayers if we mistreat our wives!- cf. Mal 2:13-16

[To our duties as husbands to love and respect our wives, let us add one more...]

III. SUPPORT YOUR WIVES!

   A. BY PROVIDING FOR THE FAMILY...
      1. The husband (and father) has the duty to provide for his family - 1Ti 5:8
      2. Failure to do so is to deny the faith (the doctrine of Christ!)- ibid.
      3. Unbelievers (and most creatures, cf. The March Of The Penguins)
         provide for their own
      4. A man should not take a wife unless he is willing and able to
         support her financially

   B. BY LETTING HER CONTRIBUTE...
      1. The virtuous woman contributed much to the support of the
         family - Pr 31:16-19,24
      2. A wise husband lets her contribute, and to be praised for it!- Pr 31:31
      3. Of course, not to the neglect of her familial duties

         - cf. Pr 31:21,27; 1Ti 5:14; Tit 2:4-5

CONCLUSION

1. The Christian husband is a man who...
   a. Loves his wife in every way
   b. Respects his wife by how he treats her and views her
   c. Supports his wife financially, emotionally, and spiritually

2. This is because the Christian husband is a man who...
   a. Is a Christian first, and a husband second
   b. Gladly accepts the Biblical injunctions given to him as a husband
   c. Looks to the Word of God and prayer for the strength he needs to
      fulfill his duty

3. When a man is a Christian husband...
   a. He is more likely loved and respected by his wife
   b. She is more likely the sort of wife she should be
   c. The children are more likely as they should be

In our next lesson, we shall consider the duties of wives.  In the
meantime, some additional food for thought for husbands...

                    The 10 Commandments of Husbands

1. You shalt not take your wife for granted, but will honor and respect
   her as your equal. (1Pe 3:7)

2. Your highest allegiance, except God, shall be to your wife, not
   relatives or friends. (Gen 2:24)

3. You shall frequently tell her how important & valuable she is to you.
   (Php 2:3; Pr 31:10-11)

4. You shall hold your wife’s love by the same means that you won it.(So 5:10-16)

5. You shall actively establish family discipline with your wife's help.(Ep 6:4)

6. Remember to do all the little things for your wife when you say you
   will. (Mt 5:37)

7. Keep your eyes on your own wife, not your neighbor’s. (Pr 5:15-20;
   Job 31:1; Jer 5:8)

8. You shall make every effort to see things from your wife’s point of
   view. (Gen 21:12)

9. You shall not fail to kiss your wife every morning. (So 8:1)

10. You shall not be stingy with your wife when it comes to money.
    (Es 5:3)

From Gary... Rock Bottom

Have you ever hit "rock bottom"; so low, that you could not imagine a worse thing that could happen to you? Almost die? About to see everything around you be destroyed and felt like your life has been a complete waste? Even thinking about these things is depressing, isn't it? But, these things can (and sometimes, do) happen in life. When I think of these things, my thoughts turn to Hezekiah and how when faced with an overwhelming aggressor (Assyria) he turns to God and the Almighty does wondrous things (see 2 Kings, Chapter 19)!!! Then, at the beginning of the very next chapter, this happens...

2 Kings, Chapter 20 (WEB)

1 In those days was Hezekiah sick to death. Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, “Thus says Yahweh, ‘Set your house in order; for you shall die, and not live.’”

2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed to Yahweh, saying, 3 “Remember now, Yahweh, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight.” Hezekiah wept bitterly.

4 Before Isaiah had gone out into the middle part of the city, Yahweh’s word came to him, saying, 5 “Turn back, and tell Hezekiah the prince of my people, ‘Thus says Yahweh, the God of David your father, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day, you shall go up to Yahweh’s house. 6 I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.”’”

7 Isaiah said, “Take a cake of figs.”

They took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered. 8 Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What shall be the sign that Yahweh will heal me, and that I shall go up to Yahweh’s house the third day?”

9 Isaiah said, “This shall be the sign to you from Yahweh, that Yahweh will do the thing that he has spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten steps?”

10 Hezekiah answered, “It is a light thing for the shadow to go forward ten steps. Nay, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.”

11 Isaiah the prophet cried to Yahweh; and he brought the shadow ten steps backward, by which it had gone down on the dial of Ahaz.

After seeing God's dealings with both the nation and himself, Hezekiah has the nerve to ask for a sign. Hubris, plain and simple. But, God does provide the sign and Hezekiah is blessed. But, again we see Hezekiah's pride towards the end of the chapter.

2 Kings, Chapter 20 (WEB)

12 At that time Berodach Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.  13 Hezekiah listened to them, and showed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious oil, and the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah didn’t show them.  14 Then Isaiah the prophet came to king Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say? From where did they come to you?”

Hezekiah said, “They have come from a far country, even from Babylon.”

  15 He said, “What have they seen in your house?”

Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house. There is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them.”

  16 Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear Yahweh’s word.  17 ‘Behold, the days come, that all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have laid up in store to this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left,’ says Yahweh.  18 ‘Of your sons who shall issue from you, whom you shall father, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’”

  19 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “Yahweh’s word which you have spoken is good.” He said moreover, “Isn’t it so, if peace and truth shall be in my days?”

  20 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made the pool, and the conduit, and brought water into the city, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 21 Hezekiah slept with his fathers; and Manasseh his son reigned in his place.

All this to say the following: When you meet God at the "rock bottom" of your life and are delivered out of your calamity, don't let pride raise its ugly head again. Your pride just might live on after you. In Hezekiah's case it did....

Jeremiah, Chapter 15 (WEB)

1 Then Yahweh said to me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind would not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go out. 2 It shall happen, when they tell you, Where shall we go out? Then you shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh: Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for captivity, to captivity. 3 I will appoint over them four kinds, says Yahweh: the sword to kill, and the dogs to tear, and the birds of the sky, and the animals of the earth, to devour and to destroy. 4 I will cause them to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.