A Tower to Touch the Sky by Trevor Bowen

http://insearchoftruth.org/articles/a_tower_to_touch_the_sky.html

A Tower to Touch the Sky

In our present age, unity seems a laughable goal to the cynical. Admittedly, division seems to surround us, both in our immediate circle of fellowship, but especially in the broader circle of all who take up Christ's name. Passages that warn of division, even its necessity, quickly stamp out any dreams of long-term unity among all, who call themselves Christians (I John 2:18-19; Romans 16:17-18). But, does this mean that God has asked something of us, which cannot be achieved (Ephesians 4:1-6; Matthew 19:26)?

The Basis of Unity

Unity can be extremely powerful, but its goal is crucial to the success of a united effort. If we unite in error, then the failure of our striving is certain. This principle can be seen in the results of the construction of the Tower of Babel, which occurred near the dawn of civilization

"Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. ... And they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.'"
"But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the LORD said, 'Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.'" Genesis 11:1-6

Please note that the purpose of this tower was two-fold: It was built to make a name for themselves, for their own glory, and it was built to avoid being scattered over the earth. God had previously commanded this people to spread, multiply, and "fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). Their intentions were to disobey a direct command. Moreover, their attitudes were in direct conflict with the humble spirit, which seeks God's glory, not its own (I Peter 5:5-6). Consequently, God frustrated their efforts and fulfilled His own purpose by confusing their languages. The lesson is that if we seek to unite ourselves under a banner that is contrary to God's will, we should not expect God's approval; moreover, we should expect Him to move against us.

One Language, One Mind

Another powerful point that we can glean from this Old Testament passage is that a common language is also essential to the success of a united effort. Once their languages were confused, the people quickly disbanded and scattered themselves. But, while they had one language and one mind, nothing would be withheld from them. In the New Testament, Paul notes this same principle:

"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
... Now I say this, that each of you says, 'I am of Paul,' or 'I am of Apollos,' or 'I am of Cephas,' or 'I am of Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" I Corinthians 1:10-13

As having one mind and language empowered the children of Babel, not having one mind and being divided crippled the Corinthian church. The Corinthian church had divided into groups, which were named after men and built upon men. Paul points out two fundamental flaws in their "denominations". First, Christ is not divided against Himself, so why should His body be (Luke 11:17-18; Ephesians 1:22-23)? Second, the leader of a group must be able to save the group. If the men these groups followed were not their savior, and if they were not baptized in their name, then why were they dividing and wearing these men's names instead of the One in whose name alone is salvation (Acts 4:10-12)? If it was unacceptable and erroneous for the Corinthian church to be divided, wearing the names of men and following men, then will we be found acceptable before God if we divide into similar denominations today?

The Potential of Unity

Finally, this passage from Genesis offers divine commentary on the potential of a united human effort. Regarding their effort, God said, Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them". What would happen if we learned the lesson of the tower of Babel? If we truly sought God's will and His glory, unified upon a heavenly foundation, what would limit our achievements? Has not God already told us? You might say that not even the sky is a limit.
Please feel free to send the author of this article any questions, concerns, or feedback that you may have.
Author: Trevor Bowen

"THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS" Paul As A Minister (1:24-29) by Mark Copeland

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS"

                      Paul As A Minister (1:24-29)

INTRODUCTION

1. At this point in his epistle, Paul provides some insight into how he
   viewed his work as a minister of the gospel of Christ - Col 1:24-29

2. This passage can be of value to both:
   a. Preachers of the gospel, in giving them insight as to how they
      view themselves and the work they are to perform
   b. All Christians...
      1) First, to give them a better understanding of the work of a
         minister and what to expect from them
      2) And second, since all Christians are to imitate the example of
         Paul (1Co 11:1), to learn those attitudes we should have
         toward our brethren whether we serve as "full-time" (i.e.,
         fully-supported) ministers or not

[With that in mind, we notice first of all that...]

I. PAUL TOOK GREAT JOY IN SUFFERING FOR HIS BRETHREN (24)

   A. PAUL HAD SUFFERED GREATLY THROUGHOUT HIS MINISTRY...
      1. As he outlined in his second epistle to the Corinthians - 2 Co11:23-29
      2. In this, he was not much different the rest of the apostles 
         - 1Co 4:9-13

   B. YET, IF THIS SUFFERING WAS FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST AND HIS
      BRETHREN, PAUL WAS GLAD!
      1. As he said, "I now rejoice in my sufferings for you" - Col 1:24
      2. He expressed the same thoughts to the Philippians - Php 2:17-18
      3. Remember, at the very time he wrote both of these epistles he
         was suffering as a prisoner at Rome in service to Christ and to
         them!

   C. WHY WAS PAUL SO JOYFULLY WILLING TO SUFFER?
      1. One reason is given in this passage:  "to fill up in my flesh
         what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of
         His body, which is the church."
         a. This is not to suggest that there was anything lacking in
            the atoning value of Christ's sacrifice! - cf. Col 2:14; He10:12,14
         b. The following quotation I have found helpful:  "We should
            bear in mind that although Christ by means of the
            afflictions which he endured rendered complete satisfaction
            to God, so that Paul is able to glory in nothing but the
            cross (Ga 6:14), the enemies of Christ were not satisfied!
            They hated Jesus with insatiable hatred, and wanted to add
            to his afflictions.  But since he is no longer physically
            present on earth, their arrows, which are meant especially
            for him, strike his followers.  It is in that sense that
            all true believers are in his stead supplying what, as the
            enemies see it, is lacking in the afflictions which Jesus
            endured.  Christ's afflictions overflow toward us."
            (Hendrickson, New Testament Commentary, Exposition of
            Colossians and Philemon, p. 87)
         c. Passages offered in support of this interpretation are Mt 
10:25; Mk 13:13; Jn 15:18-21; Ac 9:4,5; 2Co 1:5,10; Ga 6:17; 

Php 3:10; Re 12:13
      2. Paul gives another reason elsewhere he suffered joyfully for
         his brethren:  for the same reason parents joyfully suffer for
         their children! - 2Co 12:14-15
         a. Children are the parents' "pride and joy", and the parents
            will gladly sacrifice for their children!
         b. So Paul viewed his brethren - 1Th 2:19-20; Php 4:1

   D. DO WE IMITATE PAUL IN THIS REGARD?
      1. Not only are we willing to share in the afflictions of Christ,
         but are we willing to suffer gladly for our brethren?
      2. Do we consider our brethren as a source of great joy and pride?
      3. Are we willing to joyfully expend time, energy, even "blood,
         sweat and tears" in serving them? - cf. 1Jn 3:16
      4. Can we truthfully say "yes" if we...
         a. Won't make the effort to assemble with them every 
            opportunity that is available?
         b. Won't try to encourage them when they are weak in the faith,
            or admonish them when they stray from the faith?
         c. Aren't willing to love them, to patiently endure them, to
            quickly forgive them, even when they offend and sin against
            us?

[Let the example of Paul be our model, for in reality he was simply 
following the example of Christ (cf. 2Co 8:9).

Next, we notice that...]

II. PAUL CONSIDERED HIMSELF A SERVANT AND A STEWARD (25-27)

   A. HIS VIEW OF HIMSELF WAS REALLY QUITE A HUMBLE ONE...
      1. The word "minister" is diakonos {dee-ak'-on-os}, and means
         "one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master; a
         servant, attendant, minister"
      2. This is exactly how Paul viewed himself and other preachers 
         - 1Co 3:5-7
      3. How different from views held today by some preachers and their
         brethren, who exalt preachers above their brethren!
      4. In particular, Paul considered himself a servant...
         a. Of the church - Col 1:24-25
         b. Of Jesus Christ - Php 1:1
         c. Of the gospel - Ep 3:6-7

   B. AS A SERVANT, HE CONSIDERED HIMSELF A "STEWARD"...
      1. He had received a "stewardship" (KJV, dispensation) from God
         a. The word used is oikonomia {oy-kon-om-ee'-ah}
         b. It means "the management of a household or of household
            affairs; specifically,the management, oversight,
            administration, of other's property"
      2. He had been entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
         a. Which is called in this passage a "mystery", for it had been
            hidden for ages
         b. But has now been revealed to His saints (Col 1:26), indeed
            to all nations (Ro 16:25-26)!
         c. What is this "mystery"?  To paraphrase Paul:  "It is Christ
            in you (the Gentiles), the hope of glory" - Col 1:27
      3. Paul considered it his duty as a "steward" to faithfully share
         that gospel to the nations  - cf. Ep 3:8-9; 1Co 4:2

   C. HOW ABOUT US?
      1. Do we consider ourselves "servants"?  We should! - cf. Mk 10:42-45
      2. Do we serve one another?  We should! - Ga 5:13
      3. Do we consider ourselves "stewards" of the gospel?
         a. That we have been entrusted with the riches of the gospel?
         b. That to be faithful we must share them with others?

[Whether or not WE view ourselves this way, it is how GOD views us, and 
we will be judged by how we have served as stewards (cf. Mt 25:14-30).

The third and final point we can glean from our text is that...]

III. PAUL HAD PRIMARILY ONE GOAL IN LIFE (28-29)

   A. WHICH WAS:  TO PRESENT EVERY MAN PERFECT IN CHRIST!
      1. He was not out just to preach, just to make converts
      2. He wanted to make mature disciples, who had become complete in
         Christ

   B. TO ACCOMPLISH HIS GOAL, HE USED EVERY APPROPRIATE MEANS...
      1. He preached Jesus Christ!
         a. He proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ
         b. His life, His teachings, His death, His resurrection
         -- Only by so presenting Christ to the man, can a preacher hope
            to present the man to Christ as complete and mature - cf. 
            2Co 3:18
      2. He warned when necessary!
         a. His preaching was both positive and negative!
         b. Yes, there is a place for "negative preaching"
            1) Cf. The Ten Commandments; also, the "reproof" and
               "correction" mentioned in 2Ti 3:16
            2) Negative preaching serves as "restraining rails" on the
               strait and narrow path to life!
         c. Of course, it must be properly balanced with positive
            preaching
            1) Otherwise, we will simply bounce around and get hung up
               on the "restraining rails", never making progress in our
               journey
            2) Positive preaching will assure that we keep progressing
               on the right track!
      3. He "taught" as well as "preached"!
         a. He did not limit himself to the public forum
         b. He taught with private instruction as well - Ac 20:20
         c. To present every man "perfect in Christ Jesus", there is
            often a need for personal instruction that one does not find
            in the public assemblies of the church
         d. Of course, wisdom helps to determine when - Col 1:28
      4. He expended effort and emotion!
         a. He "labored" toward this one goal of his
         b. He "agonized" in doing so (the Greek word is agonizomai
            {ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee}, to endeavor with strenuous zeal,
            strive)
      5. He depended upon God in his labors!
         a. He realized that without God he was nothing, and could do
            nothing worth lasting - 1Co 15:10
         b. So he always looked to God for help in accomplishing his
            goal - 2Th 3:1; Col 4:3-4

CONCLUSION

1. In concluding this lesson, again I seek to make application by
   asking:
   a. Are we imitators of Paul?
   b. Are we concerned about whether or not our brethren and others are
      being presented "perfect in Christ"?
   c. Are we willing to expend the effort and the emotion necessary to
      reach this end?

2. If we will...
   a. View our ourselves as Paul viewed himself, as servants and
      stewards
   b. Consider our suffering for our brethren a great privilege and
      source of joy
   ...then I am convinced that we gladly devote ourselves to the same
      goal Paul had!

3. Let's think on these things, and consider what we can be doing to
   "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus"!

For those who have not been obedient to the gospel of Christ, perfection
in Christ begins with that first step of faith...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

Afterlife and the Bible by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1478

Afterlife and the Bible

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

We human beings find it very easy to live life as if we will be here forever. On occasion, we come face to face with death when a loved one or friend passes away. But the essence of daily living is such that it is easy to ignore the reality of death and the certainty of existence beyond the grave. Numerous ideas exist in the world regarding life after death—from annihilation to reincarnation. Islam speaks of “paradise” while Catholicism speaks of “purgatory.” While it does not answer all of our questions, the Bible nevertheless speaks definitively and decisively regarding afterlife.
The Bible teaches that human beings are composite creatures. Humans possess a fleshly body that is composed of physical elements made from “the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7). Unlike animals, humans also possess a spiritual dimension—made in God’s own image—that transcends the body and physical life on Earth (Genesis 1:26-27). God places within each prenatal person at conception a spirit that makes each individual a unique personality that will survive physical death, living on immortally throughout eternity (Zechariah 12:1). At death, the spirit separates from the body and exists in a conscious condition in the spirit realm (Genesis 35:18; 1 Kings 17:21-22). Thus the Bible defines “death” as “separation”—not “extinction” or “annihilation” (Thayer, 1901, p. 282; Vine, 1940, p. 276). Since “the body without the spirit is dead” (James 2:26), the separation of one’s spirit from one’s body results in the physical death of the body. But what about the spirit?
The clearest depiction of existence beyond physical death is seen in Luke 16:19-31. In this account, both men are said to have died. Wherever Lazarus went, angels transported him there. The rich man’s body was buried—but his person was in Hades where he was tormented in flames. The rich man could see and recognize Lazarus and Abraham. Abraham referred to the rich man’s former existence as “your lifetime.” Abraham made clear that their respective locations were irreversible. The rich man’s brothers still occupied their father’s house on Earth. The rich man’s plea to send Lazarus to his living relatives would require Lazarus to “rise from the dead” (vs. 31).
The term translated “hell” in verse 23 (KJV) is the Greek word hades, and is not to be confused with the term gehenna. “Gehenna” (found twelve times in the New Testament) refers to the place of eternal, everlasting punishment—the “lake of fire” where Satan, his angels, and all wicked people will be consigned after the Second Coming of Jesus and the Judgment. Gehenna is hell. On the other hand, “hades” (occurring ten times in the New Testament and paralleling the Hebrew Old Testament term sheol) always refers to the unseen realm of the dead—the receptacle of disembodied spirits where dead people await the return of the Lord (Revelation 1:18). Hades is not hell.
Observe further that Luke 16 depicts Hades as including two regions: one for the deceased righteous, and a second for the deceased wicked. The former is referred to as the “bosom of Abraham” (meaning “near” or “in the presence of ” Abraham—cf. John 1:18). Jesus referred to this location as “paradise” (Luke 23:43; cf. Acts 2:25-34). The term “paradise” is of Persian derivation, and referred to “a grand enclosure or preserve, hunting-ground, park, shady and well-watered” (Thayer, 1901, p. 480). The Jews used the term as “a garden, pleasure-ground, grove, park,” and came to apply it to that portion of Hades that was thought “to be the abode of the souls of the pious until the resurrection” (p. 480). The word is used in three senses in the Bible: (1) In the Septuagint (Genesis 2:8,9,10,15,16; 3:2,3,4,9,11,24,25), the Greek translation of the Old Testament, it refers to the literal Garden of Eden on Earth where Adam and Eve lived (Septuagint, 1970, pp. 3-5). It normally is translated “garden” in English versions; (2) It is used one time, in a highly figurative New Testament book, to refer to the final abode of the saved, i.e., heaven (Revelation 2:7); and (3) It is used in connection with the Hadean realm.
While Jesus, the thief, and Lazarus went to the paradise portion of Hades, the rich man went to the unpleasant area that entailed torment and flame—tartarosas, or Tartarus (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). The occupants there await “the judgment of the great day.” Thus, Hades is a temporary realm that will be terminated at the Judgment (Revelation 20:13-14).
God gives people only their earthly life to prepare their spirits for their eternal abode (Hebrews 9:27). When a person dies, his or her body goes into the grave, while the spirit enters the Hadean realm to await the final Judgment. At the Second Coming of Christ, all spirits will come forth from Hades and be resurrected in immortal bodies (John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:35-54). All will then face God in judgment, receive the pronouncement of eternal sentence, and be consigned to heaven or hell for eternity.

[NOTE: For an audio sermon on this topic, click here.]

REFERENCES

Septuagint Version of the Old Testament (1970 reprint), (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan).
Thayer, J.H. (1901), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1977 reprint).
Vine, W.E. (1966 reprint), An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (Old Tappan, NJ: Revell).

An Atypical American’s Typical Bible Knowledge by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=1193

An Atypical American’s Typical Bible Knowledge

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Charles Barkley is no average Joe. In the 1990s, he was one of the best basketball players in the world. While playing in the National Basketball Association, he scored more than 23,000 points, played in nine All-Star games, was voted the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 1993, and now serves as a television basketball analyst. Even people who know very little about basketball are familiar with Charles Barkley. As atypical as Barkley is as a famous athlete and television personality, sadly, his Bible knowledge is typical of many Americans.
In a recent political discussion with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Barkley condemned “conservative” Christians for making judgments against homosexuals and abortionists. He said:

Every time I hear the word “conservative,” it makes me sick to my stomach because they’re really just fake Christians.... I think they want to be judge and jury. Like, I’m for gay marriage. It’s none of my business if gay people want to get married. I’m pro-choice. And I think these Christians—first of all, they’re supposed to be—they’re not supposed to judge other people, but they’re the most hypocritical judge of people we have in this country.... [T]hey act like they’re Christians, and they’re not forgiving at all (2008).

Barkley has implied that “fake Christians” are those who oppose homosexuality and abortion. Christians who condemn homosexuality and abortion supposedly are hypocritically judging others, and being unforgiving.
Sadly, Barkley’s beliefs and allegations are typical of many, many Americans whose Bible knowledge would hardly fill a thimble. This kind of ignorance, combined with an attempt to teach people about unrighteous judgments, forgiveness, and morality, is a dangerous combination. You get the very opposite of what God’s Word actually teaches.
The same Jesus who said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1), taught men to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). The same Jesus who taught about the necessity of forgiveness (Matthew 6:12; Luke 17:3-4), denounced fornication, adultery, and murder (Matthew 15:18-20). In the same letter in which the apostle Paul warned Roman Christians of making unrighteous judgments (Romans 14:3-4), he condemned men who “burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful” (Romans 1:27). To the same church that Paul wrote to “forgive and comfort” (2 Corinthians 2:7), he commanded to condemn sexually immoral Christians when the church gathered together (1 Corinthians 5:1-13).
The fact is, Satan has sold lie after lie to Americans. Just like he convinced Israel in Isaiah’s day to “put darkness for light, and light for darkness...bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter,” he has convinced American politicians, the media, and others to “call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).
“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:21). Woe to the typical, biblically ignorant American who attempts to pit the virtues of forgiveness and righteous judgments against specific sins that Almighty God condemns. Americans, be warned. Christians, listen carefully. The same prophet who condemned Israel for their depravity, prophesied of their captivity.

“Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge” (Isaiah 5:13, emp. added).

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6).

REFERENCES

Barkley, Charles (2008), “CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer,” CNN, February 17, [On-line], URL: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0802/17/le.01.html.

A Beating They’ll Remember Acts 19 by Ben Fronczek

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=143

A Beating They’ll Remember Acts 19

Acts 19 – A Beating they’ll Remember
Read: Acts 19:8-20

Paul had now been teaching in Ephesus for 2 years. Paul probably became quit famous locally. He’s been teaching, and healing, casting out demons and doing all kinds of cool things in the name of Christ. And of course, that’s the key about Paul — he didn’t care about his own fame; he cared about spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Others, however, saw what he was doing and wanted to get in on the magic show.

And much like Simeon in Acts 8, the Sorcerer who after seeing Peter miraculously heal the sick in the name of Jesus and wanted that power for himself, Enter the seven sons of a Jewish priest named Sceva. They were not even Christians but they began to use the name of Jesus like “Hocus Pocus,” or some kind of incantation or charm trying to do what Paul was doing. In this story we see them trying to drive an evil spirit out of a man by using Jesus’ name.  But something happened that they did not expect.

We read that this evil spirit speaks to them saying, “I know about Jesus, and I know about Paul but who are you? “

The spirit was not afraid of them. He had no respect for them. They had not authority over him.  As a matter of fact the evil spirit causes the possessed man to freak out and attack the seven brothers, and he beats the snot out of all seven of them.

The Bible says: He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. (16)

Naturally, word of this spreads throughout Ephesus, and it says that the people “were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.”

Not only that, but it also goes on to say that, “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas” (each drachma was a coin equaling a day’s wage). (Acts 19:17-19).

I find this story interesting if not fascinating.

Why were those in Ephesus so moved by this event, this beating, to the point where they were seized with fear and began to look at Jesus and Christians in a new light? They literally began to respect and honor the name of Jesus like never before. Some who were on the fence and believed now came forward and openly confessed their evil deeds. And many who practiced sorcery and witchcraft brought their evil scrolls out and had a big bon fire and burnt them. This was something that these believers should not have had in their homes in the first place.

Why did they do this?
Yes they were a bit superstitious. Not only did they see that evil spirit are real and potentially dangerous here, more importantly saw that those evil spirit also honored and respected Jesus and Paul, and recognize Christians, from non-Christians.

So is there anything we can learn from this today? I believe so.

#1. Most importantly, do not treat the name of Christ lightly. Jesus is God, the creator, the Messiah, the word of God that became flesh and dwelt among us. He is the Savior, the redeemer, the Lord and king of all heaven and earth. Jesus and name should be given honor and respect. Shame on us when we use His name as a curse or swear word.

#2. I also think it’s not wise to mess around with those evil unseen spiritual things that we don’t fully understand. Satan and his demons are real, and they are powerful.  Later when Paul wrote to these people in Ephesus, in his epistle he wrote, “  ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 6:6-10

I don’t know what but movie maker seem to be romanticizing and glorifying these evil forces. There are people who even worship the occult.  This dark realm is real, and so it’s wise if we don’t dabble in the occult at all.

#3. Another thing I find quite interesting if not encouraging is the fact that these demon know who you are. I believe that they know exactly what kind of relationship you have with Father God and His Son Jesus.  In the story, the demon tells these seven brothers “I know who Jesus is and who Paul is, but who are you?” And then he proceeds to beat them up.

If they were Christians, I don’t believe that they would have had a problem. Rather they were phonies looking to make a name for themselves.

What I like about this is the fact that it reminds me that we as Christians live in a favored position in the spiritual realm. Why, because God protects His own. I am not saying that you will never come in harm’s way, especially at the hands of other men. But I do believe that God and His angels are working behind the scene protecting us from dangers we just can’t see with these human eyes.

Over and over in the Bible we read about God’s protection:                                                                                             –   In 2 Kings 6, a servant asked Elisha what they were going to do when and a enemy army had surrounded their city and was bent on destruction. Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  And then Elisha prayed that the Lord would open this servant’s eyes so that he could see what was unseen and hidden from our eyes. And the text goes on to say that the Lord opened the servants eyes, and he looked and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots’ of fire around Elisha and the city.

–  Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”

–   Psalm 125:1-2 says, “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. ² As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.”

–   And all of psalm 91 is about how God protects his own. Even in the NT,  2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, “the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

–  In 1 Peter 1:3-5 says “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,  who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

If you are a Christian, you are not like everyone else. Like a loving parent protects his child, Father God is likewise watching over us.

For me that encouraging, that God loves and cares for me that much. I pray that it also encourages you this day!   But even more than encouraging you, I pray that it will move you to do what those Ephesians did.

This week and every week from now on I challenge you to be careful how you use the name of Jesus. His name is to honored and glorified.

And secondly, I challenge you that if you have anything in your home that is unwholesome, or tempts you to do evil or unwholesome things, like those evil scrolls tempted those Ephesians to do evil, I challenge you to get rid of it. Maybe it’s a We-gee board, maybe you have books or magazines that contain material that you know is evil in God’s eyes. Get rid of it. If you have any secret sin, confess it to the Lord and ask Him to protect you from such worldly influence.

The Gospel, An Offer We Can’t Afford To Refuse by Alfred Shannon Jr.

https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2011/03/

The Gospel, An Offer We Can’t Afford To Refuse

One is born, they live, and they die. Death is a fact of life that we try to evade, most are afraid of, yet it plagues every human under the sun. However, God is the only one who is making a valid offer to remedy man’s dilemma. God has promised that if we obey the gospel of Christ, we will have eternal life with Him in heaven. Believe me when I say this, that there is not a better offer under the sun. It’s an offer we can’t afford to refuse!

Jn 14:15; 1 Jn 5:3; 1 Cor 15:1-4; Rom 10:17; Rom 10:10; Acts 2:38; Rev 2:10; 2 Thess 1:6-9; Tit 1:2

Jesus Christ Is The Propitiation For Our Sins by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/redemption.html

Jesus Christ Is The Propitiation For Our Sins

The Apostle John writes these reassuring words: "My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world" (1 John 2:1, 2).
What does it mean that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins? John uses the same word in chapter four: "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:9, 10).
What does the word 'propitiation' mean? These are the only two passages in the New Testament where this specific Greek word is used, but twelve other words are used that have a similar meaning (from four word families).
One English word must sometimes be used to translate several Greek words. Thus, a discussion of the Greek words can help us to understand this subject.
The English word 'propitiation' refers to something that makes peace by satisfying a demand. In reference to religion it refers to an atonement for sin to regain God's favor. Thus these passages teach that God gave His Son as an atonement for our sins because He loves us.
The Greek word here, ‛ιλασμός, is a noun, defined as atonement, expiation, propitiation, a means of appeasing.
Two other words in the same family are also used to describe what Jesus has done for us.
"Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).
Here we have the verb form of the same word, ‛ιλάσκομαι, defined as 'to atone for (sin) or to make reconciliation'. Notice that this 'making amends for sin' relates to the activity of a priest and that the Messiah had to be a man to accomplish this task.
Another word in the same family is ‛ιλαστήρον that refers to the 'mercy seat', a place of atonement in the Old Testament temple (Hebrews 9:5) or to an atoning victim, an expiatory sacrifice.
This word is found in Romans 3:25. How Christ serves as a propitiation for our sins is explained by Paul in Romans 3:21-26. "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (Romans 3:21-26).
We all sin and fall short of the glory of God, which separates us from God. Because God is righteous, He cannot condone sin. Thus, amends must be made for our sin before we can be reconciled with God. God accomplished this by sending His own Son to atone for our sins.
"The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Although we deserve to die because of our sins, God sent His Son to die in our place so we can be saved.
In verse 24 we find a word from a different family with a related meaning: redemption. We are "justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith" (Romans 3:24, 25).
Five words from this family are used in the New Testament to describe redemption through Christ. The root meaning of these words is 'ransom'. A ransom is what is paid so someone can be set free.
Here we have the word απολύτρωσις. The prefix απο gives this word the added force that the ransom has been paid in full. It is defined as 'redemption, deliverance, a liberation accomplished by the payment of a ransom'. This word appears in the following passages to describe what Jesus has done for us.
"But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30 NASV).
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7).
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13, 14).
"But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance" (Hebrews 9:11-15).
This word, as used in verse fifteen, indicates that the blood of Christ also cleansed those who served God under the Old Covenant. The thousands of animal sacrifices were not in and of themselves effectual, but sins were forgiven because they were representations of the true sacrifice that would be made later by the Lamb of God.
In verse twelve a different word is used for redemption, λύτρωσις, defined as 'redemption, a ransoming, deliverance from the penalty of sin': "With His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:12).
We notice that this word is related to the work of a priest who offers a sacrifice for the sins of the people.
Remember that this word family is based on the root word for ransom. The basic verb is λυτρόω which means 'to ransom, to redeem, to liberate by payment of a ransom'.
Paul uses this word to describe our purification by the sacrifice of Christ: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:11-14).
This word is also used by Peter: "And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:17-19).
The basic noun for ransom is λύτρον which is used in Mark 10:45. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45 // Matthew 20:28).
To whom is the ransom paid? This question has been hotly debated. Some even claim that the ransom was paid to the devil! But the devil is owed nothing. His power is solely negative. We are in the power of the devil only because we have chosen to sin and rebel against God. When God forgives our sins and transfers us into the kingdom of His son (Colossians 1:13) the devil no longer has us in his grip.
The ransom is paid to satisfy the justice of God. God's righteousness requires that sin be punished. Because of His love for us He sent His Son to become a man, to live without sin, and to take upon Himself the punishment for our sins, He "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness -- by whose stripes you were healed" (1 Peter 2:24).
The word αντίλυτρον, that also means 'ransom: what is given in exchange for another as the price of his redemption', is found in Paul's first letter to Timothy. "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (1 Timothy 2:5, 6).
Two other words used to describe the atonement of Christ have the basic meaning 'to buy'.
The word εξαγοράζω means 'to buy up, to buy back, buy off, to ransom, to redeem'. "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree')" (Galatians 3:13). "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons" (Galatians 4:4, 5).
The word αγοράζω is simply the common word for 'buy'. God has bought us with the blood of His Son!
"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).
"You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men" (1 Corinthians 7:23).
Certain false teachers "will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them" (2 Peter 2:1).
The 'new song' is sung in heaven by those who have been purchased by the blood of Christ. "And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation'" (Revelation 5:9). "They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb" (Revelation 14:3, 4).
Another word family has the basic meaning of 'restore a relationship, reconcile'.
One form is αποκαταλλάσσω which means 'to reconcile, to restore to favor'. Paul explains how God reconciled us to Himself by Christ.
"For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight" (Colossians 1:19-22).
"For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity" (Ephesians 2:14-16).
This word family has the verb καταλλάσσω and the noun καταλλαγή: 'to reconcile' and 'reconciliation'. The basic meaning is 'reunite after separation'.
"For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation" (Romans 5:10, 11).
"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).
Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our sins! We have all sinned and deserve to die. But God loves us so much that He sent his Son to undergo the penalty for our sins. He redeemed us by His blood. He bore our sins in His body on the cross. He paid the price for our sins so God could forgive us without violating His own righteousness.
If you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, if you are willing to turn away from sin and dedicate your life to God, if you are willing to confess Christ, and if you are baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the remission of your sins (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38), you will be redeemed by the blood of Christ. Your sins will be washed away (Acts 22:16) and you will be reconciled to God (Romans 5:10).
Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

A time for... by Gary Rose

I have been thinking a lot about burgers today. Well, not just TODAY. Yesterday, as I was perusing Facebook, I saw a ranking of the best burgers out there and frankly I was a bit surprised at all the restaurants I had never heard of. In the top 10 there was burger-king, and a the best one of all was a burger chain completely foreign to me. Five-Guys garnered the second highest rating and I can't seem to get it out of my mind. Burgers- YUMM!!!

Then, I saw this little baby; a burger like nothing I have never seen before. It looks like an English muffin on the bottom, followed by some French Fries, Ketchup, a good size burger, Mozzarella, and then a English muffin pizza on top. WOW!

I thought- you know, TODAY would be a great day for one of those extra-spicy five-guys burgers. TODAY!

With all this, I thought about the following from the book of Ecclesiastes...

Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3 (WEB)  

 ¹ For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: 
  ² a time to be born, 
and a time to die; 
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 

  ³ a time to kill, 
and a time to heal; 
a time to break down, and a time to build up; 

  ⁴ a time to weep, 
and a time to laugh; 
a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 

  ⁵ a time to cast away stones, 
and a time to gather stones together; 
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 

  ⁶ a time to seek, (emphasis added)
and a time to lose; 
a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 

  ⁷ a time to tear, 
and a time to sew; 
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 

  ⁸ a time to love, 
and a time to hate; 
a time for war, and a time for peace.  

I wish it had said: A time for a burger. Well, "a time to seek" will just have to do. Now, I just have to decide where to get that burger. No, decision has already been made-- Five Guys!!! When? Dinner TIME of course!!!