7/31/20

"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW" The Danger Of An Empty Home (12:43-45) by Mark Copeland

"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

The Danger Of An Empty Home (12:43-45)


 INTRODUCTION 1. In the text for our study (Mt 12:43-45), Jesus was describing the spiritual condition of the generation of His day... a. One already described as "evil and adulterous" - cf. Mt 12:38-39 b. One that would be condemned by the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba in the day of judgment - cf. Mt 12:41-42 c. One He now described as "this wicked generation" - Mt 12:45 2. Using the example of demon possession, Jesus warned it is not enough to go through an initial period of repentance and removal of sin a. Unless reformation continues and something positive is put in place... b. The end might prove worse than the beginning! 3. Such had been the case with the Jews of Jesus' day... a. Many had repented at the preaching of John the Baptist - Mt 3:5-6 b. Yet they eventually rejected Jesus and called for His crucifixion - Mt 27:20-26 -- For them "the last state" was truly "worse than the first" - Mt 12:45 [There is an important lesson to be gleaned that applies to Christians as well. From what we learn here and elsewhere in the Scriptures, we need to be aware of...] I. THE DANGER OF AN EMPTY HOME A. OUR HEART IS LIKE A HOME... 1. In it can reside things that produce much harm - cf. Mt 15:19 2. But it can also be the source for much good - cf. Mt 12:35a B. WHEN WE COME TO CHRIST, OUR HOME IS CLEANSED... 1. For our heart is cleansed - cf. He 10:22; Ac 15:8-9 2. Our conscience is purged from dead works to serve God - He 9:14 C. WE ARE EXPECTED TO "FILL" OUR HOME... 1. Indeed, God gives us His Spirit to dwell in our hearts - Ga 4:6 2. Through faith Christ Himself is to dwell in our hearts - cf. Ep 3:17 3. God's peace and grace are to fill our hearts - Col 3:15-16 4. Even God's law is to be written in our hearts - He 8:10 D. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DO NOT "FILL" OUR HOME... 1. Remember the maxim: "Nature abhors a vacuum" a. If we do not make the effort to fill our home with good things b. Then evil things are likely to return, and with a vengeance! 2. Consider the example of the Corinthians a. They had been washed, sanctified, and justified - 1Co 6:11 b. Yet later they were engaged in sinful conduct once again - 2Co 12:20-21 3. Consider the example of the false teachers mentioned by Peter... a. They had been bought by the Lord, and escaped the pollutions of the world through Jesus Christ - 2Pe 2:1,20 b. But they had become entangled again - 2Pe 2:20 c. For them, "the latter end is worse for them than the beginning" - 2Pe 2:20-22 E. HOW THINGS CAN BECOME WORSE THAN AT THE FIRST... 1. In the case of the false teachers, they had... a. Forsaken the right way - 2Pe 2:15 b. Eyes full of adultery, hearts trained in covetousness - 2Pe 2:14 c. Become "cursed children", "brute beasts" - 2Pe 2:14,13 d. Even denied the Lord who bought them - 2Pe 2:1 2. In our case... a. Our hearts can become "hardened" - cf. He 3:12-13 1) Before, the gospel had touched our hearts, moving us to repentance 2) But once hardened, our hearts might not be willing to listen - cf. Mt 13:15 b. We can become so hardened through willful sin that we... 1) Trample the Son of God underfoot 2) Count the blood of the covenant a common thing 3) Insult the Spirit of grace - cf. He 10:26-29 c. We can even reach the point... 1) Where it become impossible to be renewed again to repentance 2) Where we are crucifying again the Son of God and putting Him to open shame - cf. He 6:4-6 -- In such a case, how true the statement: "The last state of that man is worse than the first"! [How important it is, then, that we do not let the home of our heart remain empty and thus invite worldly things to take up residence. To avoid this, here are some thoughts on...] II. FILLING THE HOME OF YOUR HEART A. IN PRINCIPLE... 1. Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts - 1Pe 3:15 a. The word "sanctify" means to "set apart" b. Set a special place in your heart for God as the Ruler of your life 2. Be selective as to what goes into your mind a. Set your mind on things above - Col 3:1-2 b. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly - Col 3:16 c. Follow the example of David - cf. Ps 101:3-4 d. Think upon things that are good and wholesome - Php 4:8 -- Remember, transformation of character begins with renewing the mind - Ro 12:1-2 B. IN PRACTICE... 1. Utilize every opportunity to study God's word - cf. 1Pe 2:1-2 a. Attend all services of the church b. Participate in the Bible study programs that are offered c. Read your Bible daily - Ps 1:1-6 2. Fill your heart with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs... a. For this is how you: 1) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly - Col 3:16 2) Allow yourself to be filled with the Spirit - Ep 5:18-19 b. Sing at church, at home, in the car; sing alone and with others 3. Let your mind dwell on things that are worthy of praise and virtue - cf. Php 4:8 a. Be selective about what you watch on television and in the movies b. Choose your books, periodicals, magazines, etc., carefully 4. Choose your friends carefully - cf. 1Co 15:33 a. They will either help you to be strong or hinder your efforts - Pr 13:20 b. We cannot have communion with darkness and expect the light of God to dwell in us! - cf. 2Co 6:14-7:1 CONCLUSION 1. What is the condition of your "home" (heart)? a. Are you are filling your "home" things that are good? b. If not, then your heart becomes an abode for every evil thing ...and the condition of your heart may become seven times worse than before! 2. Have you experienced the initial cleansing of your "home" (heart)? a. Have you been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, so that you are washed, justified, and sanctified? b. If so, wonderful; but don't be deceived into thinking that you do not need to be concerned about filling that dwelling with the presence of God and all that is good! ...or it may one day be said of you: "the last state of that man is worse than the first" If you have never been cleansed by the blood of Christ, then may these words spoken to Paul at his conversion move you to respond: "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Ac 22:16)


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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Reincarnation and the Bible by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1248

Reincarnation and the Bible

by  Kyle Butt, M.Div.

The American Heritage Dictionary states that reincarnation is the “rebirth of the soul in another body.” For many years, the belief in reincarnation was generally associated with eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. However, it is becoming increasingly popular to proclaim a belief in the Bible as the inspired Word of God, yet still maintain a belief in reincarnation. The obvious question arises from such a situation, “What does the Bible say about reincarnation?”

One straightforward statement that speaks directly to the idea of reincarnation is found in Hebrews 9:27-28: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” Without any vague terms, the writer of Hebrews explains that the general course of man’s existence is to taste death only once, and then be judged based on the actions that were accomplished in that one life. In order to underscore the number of times a person dies, the inspired writer declared that men die the same number of times that Christ was offered on the cross—only once. Such a statement goes a long way to prove that the Bible does not teach for reincarnation. (This verse deals with the generality of man’s existence, and excludes miraculous situations, where Christ, an apostle, or a prophet raised someone from the dead.)

Another biblical passage that militates against the idea of reincarnation is found in Luke 16:19-31. In this passage, Jesus told a story in which a poor man named Lazarus, and a rich man, both died. The Bible explains that Lazarus died and “was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom” (16:22), but the rich went to “torments in Hades” (16:23). The text further states that the rich man “lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom” (16:23). Here we have three men who once lived upon the Earth but have died, yet we do not see their souls or spirits reinhabiting some earthly body. Instead, we see the three men—Lazarus, Abraham, and the rich man—in a fully cognizant state in the realm of the dead, separate and apart from any earthly ties. In fact, the rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus back to Earth to warn his brothers, but Abraham refuses. Therefore, if Lazarus had died, and his soul no longer was on Earth, then he could not have been reincarnated to another earthly body or person. Furthermore, Abraham’s presence in this “realm of the dead” shows that Abraham had not been reincarnated either.

Again, in Luke 23:43, Jesus told the penitent thief who was crucified next to Him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” One must ask, if the body of the thief was going to remain on the Earth, and the soul of the thief was going to be with Jesus in Paradise, then what part of that man would be left to reincarnate into another earthly body?

Matthew 17:1-13 poses yet another situation that speaks against the idea that reincarnation occurs. In this passage, Peter, James, and John accompanied Jesus to a high mountain where Jesus was “transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him” (17:2-3). The presence of Moses and Elijah in this instance raises a very important question: If men are reincarnated, what were Moses and Elijah doing talking with Jesus? We know that the physical bodies of Moses and Elijah were not present (see Jude 9). Therefore, their spirits were present, which means that those spirits were not inhabiting some other earthly bodies. It is interesting to note that those who believe that the Bible allows for reincarnation sometimes use Matthew 11:8-14 to claim that John the baptizer was Elijah reincarnate, yet Matthew 17:3 proves that Elijah’s spirit was not in the body of John the baptizer. On the contrary, when Jesus mentioned that John had come in “the spirit of Elijah” (Luke 1:17), He simply meant that John had similar attributes to Elijah.

In looking at the Bible, one gets the clear picture that humans die only once, and that their disembodied spirits go to a “realm of the dead” to wait for the final judgment. The idea of reincarnation does not derive from nor can it be sustained by, the Bible. On the contrary, the Bible implicitly denies even the possibility of reincarnation. Because it is “appointed for men to die once,” we should be that much more diligent to make sure that the one life we live on this Earth accords with the will of the Divine Parent of the human race (Acts 17:29).

REFERENCES

American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (2000), (Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin), fourth edition.


Reasons to Reject the Apocrypha by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=914

Reasons to Reject the Apocrypha

by  Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Most people affiliated with Christianity or Judaism have heard of the Apocrypha. The term apocrypha comes from the Greek word apokryphos, meaning “hidden,” and is used most commonly in reference to the “extra” books contained in the Old Testament of the Catholic Bible. Written sometime between 200 B.C. and A.D. 100, the apocryphal books, as found in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (known as the Septuagint) and the Latin Vulgate, were pronounced by the Roman Catholics as canonical and authoritative on April 8, 1546, in the Fourth Session of the Council of Trent. Since that time, Catholics have read from an Old Testament that contains 46 books, instead of 39—the number of Old Testament books that most non-Catholics accept today. According to the edict established by the Council of Trent, anyone who does not accept all books of the Catholic Bible, as “sacred and canonical,” including such apocryphal books as Tobias, Judith, and Wisdom, are to be “anathema” (i.e., cut off from Jehovah without any hope of salvation) [“Council of Trent”].

In an effort to reaffirm the Christian’s confidence in the 39 books of the Old Testament, and to help the Christian in building an arsenal that can be used in defending the Truth against all error, specifically the errors propagated by Catholicism, the following brief list is provided. The Christian’s rejection of the Apocrypha is based upon solid evidence (see Woods).

  • The books never were included in the Hebrew canon. Although they appear in the Septuagint, it is very likely that they gradually found their way into later copies, yet were not in its original translation (see The New Bible Handbook, 1962, p. 39).
  • Various credible ancient sources that frequently allude to, and quote from, the Old Testament, exclude the apocryphal books from the canon. Philo (20 B.C.-A.D. 50), Josephus (A.D. 37-95), and Melito (who wrote c.A.D. 165-175), among others, rejected the Apocrypha.
  • Apocryphal books are never quoted in the New Testament. Although these writings existed in the first century, and likely were (by this time) incorporated into the Septuagint, they never were quoted or explicitly cited by Jesus or the apostles in the New Testament. Such a fact truly is significant when one realizes that the New Testament writers quote from, or allude to, the Old Testament (minus the Apocrypha) approximately 1,000 times. In all, thirty-five of the thirty-nine Old Testament books are referred to in the New Testament.
  • No apocryphal book actually claims to be inspired by God. In fact, some either disclaim it, or reveal evidence of errancy. Several historical, geographical, and chronological mistakes can be found in the apocryphal books—errors that are not characteristic of the 39 Old Testament books.

Although the books of the Apocrypha are not totally useless (they do provide much insight into ancient literature, life during the intertestamental period, etc.), they form no part of Scripture. Their entrance into the Catholic Bible simply is another testimony of Catholicism’s rejection of Truth.

REFERENCES

“Council of Trent—1545-1563 A.D. [On-line], URL: http://www.dailycatholic.org/history/19ecume1.htm

The New Bible Handbook (1962), Chicago, IL: Intervarsity Press.

Woods, Clyde, “Fact Sheet: Reasons for Rejecting the Apocrypha from the Canon,” (Henderson, TN: Freed-Hardeman University).

Questions Regarding Handclapping While Singing by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=4804

Questions Regarding Handclapping While Singing

by  Dave Miller, Ph.D.

Q: Is clapping one’s hands while singing a spiritual song equivalent to instrumental music?

A: Yes. No logical difference exists between slapping one’s hand on a drum (which is clearly instrumental music), and slapping one’s hand against another hand. In fact, both actions are skin on skin.

Q: Is clapping while singing the same as tapping one’s foot while singing?

A: No. The two differ in both intent and kind. Tapping the foot is more of an unconscious, noiseless, unobtrusive (hidden) action in which the worshipper is attempting to synchronize himself with the other worshippers. His tapping is not intended to be a part of his musical expression/worship. Handclapping, however, stands on its own as an inherent mode of musical expression when it occurs in concert with singing, in precisely the same way that a mechanical instrument constitutes a parallel but separate mode of musical expression. Clapping supplements vocal sound/music with non-vocal sound/music. Logically, if a person has God’s approval to slap hands together while singing, another person has the same approval to stomp his feet on the floor, while another has the right to slap his thighs, while another can flick his cheek to make a tonal sound, and still another may snap his fingers. All of these actions share in common the use of body parts for musical purposes. But God has specified the precise musical expression He desires: the human voice, mouthing meaning-laden, spiritual words, accompanied by the instrument of the human mind/heart, in concert with other worshippers who do the same thing (Ephesians 5:19). To go beyond this is to “go beyond what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6), “add to His words” (Proverbs 30:6), and “run ahead” (2 John 9—NIV).

Q: Should clapping be equated with instrumental music, though it does not interfere with singing?

A:  Yes. While it is true that the person who plays an instrument that occupies his mouth (e.g., blowing a trumpet) cannot, while he is blowing, sing as required by God, and while it is true that clapping does not interfere with the use of the mouth in singing, nevertheless, both clapping and instrumental music are condemned on other grounds. Playing any instrument that does not occupy the mouth does not interfere with singing either. Yet, all instrumental music is still unscriptural—since it is unauthorized and represents an alternate method of musical expression from the one God enjoined (i.e., vocal music). Likewise, clapping hands, though it does not interfere with the mouth’s singing, represents an alternate method of rhythmical/musical expression than the one God specified.

Q: Isn’t clapping while singing the same as the song director waving his arm as he leads the singing?

A:  No. Again, they differ both in purpose and kind. The song leader’s moving arm serves the sole purpose of keeping the worshippers together as they sing—in direct compliance with the “decent and in order” principle of scriptural worship (1 Corinthians 14:33,40). Clapping is not intended to keep worshippers together, or even to keep a single worshipper on beat. Culturally, clapping stands has its own means of musical expression—just like musical instruments. Waving the arm in song direction is not intended to be an act of worship offered to God in itself. It is only one necessary means of achieving the ordained act of worship (in this case, singing). It is parallel to the use of a songbook or announcing the song number. Clapping, like an instrument, is its own form of worship offering. Both handclapping and musical instruments may supplement or accompany vocal music, but both constitute rhythmical/musical expression in their own right.

Q: Is clapping parallel to eating meat—something that is scripturally permissible but should be omitted if it “offends” a brother?

A:  No. The principles of Romans 14 pertain to matters that are religiously neutral. Whether to eat meat or not is an optional matter in God’s sight. If a person thinks it is sinful to eat meat, he should refrain—not because doing so is a violation of God’s law—but because he thinks it is sinful, and to eat meat would violate his conscience, which would be sinful. That brother needs to be taught God’s truth on the matter so that he grows to the point that he is able to eat meat without it bothering his conscience. Romans 14 has no application to either clapping or instrumental music. Both actions are sinful (whether they violate a person’s conscience or not) since they are unauthorized and represent alternative forms of musical expression. Adults and children who are in the habit of clapping their hands as they sing have no doubt developed that practice simply out of being in places where it is done. Few, if any, began the practice because they were studying their Bible one day and suddenly came to the conclusion that God wants them to clap as they sing. More likely, in imitation of the denominations (who are not known for their sober regard for textual analysis and seeking God’s authority for what they do), someone in churches of Christ began clapping in a youth setting or worship service, others joined in, and over time, it became commonplace. What God would have wanted done is for a wise, caring, perceptive, knowledgeable shepherd to have taught the misguided practitioners what the Bible teaches about “true worshippers” and worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). They needed someone to care enough to explain to them that worship of God must be done “acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28—NIV).

Q: Is clapping permissible as long as it is a spontaneous, genuine, unplanned outpouring of a grateful heart directed to God?

A: No. Worship in God’s sight has never been left to the worshipper to define or create. For a preacher to insist that in the aftermath of his near death experience in the hospital in which he “flatlined,” he had a right while worshipping in the assembly to clap his hands out of deep emotion and gratitude for God, is an outrageous, inexcusable, biblically and logically indefensible claim—based on emotion. Such an “argument” suggests that a worshipper may logically do anything in worship to God—as long as it pours forth from a grateful, sincere heart. In other words, human emotions and subjective inclinations become the standard of authority for determining whether worship is acceptable to God. This viewpoint lies behind all denominational, charismatic worship actions—from blowing whistles or dancing in the aisles, to shrieking or rolling on the floor. Such actions should never be dignified by equating them with pure, New Testament worship. Marshall Keeble well remarked that when people get the Bible into their minds, you will find them abandoning such emotional displays, and they will approach worship “seated, clothed, and in their right mind.” The fact remains that ALL worship to God must be previously approved and santioned by Him—or it is vain worship (Matthew 15:9; Colossians 3:17).

HOW MANY GOSPELS ARE THERE? by steve finnell


http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2017/03/how-many-gospels-are-there-by-steve.html

HOW MANY GOSPELS ARE THERE? by steve finnell

How many different ways to heaven did the apostle Peter preach on the Day of Pentecost? How many ways to have sins forgiven?  Answer, just one.

What did Peter preach?1. Jesus as a miracle worker. (Acts 2:22 NKJV) 2. Jesus crucified. Acts 2:23 NKJV) 3. Jesus raised from the dead. (Acts 2:24-32 NKJV) 4. Jesus as Lord and Christ.(Acts 2:36 NKJV) 5. Peter preached forgiveness from sins by repentance and water baptism. He preached receiving the gift Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 NKJV)------Peter preached the gospel terms for pardon. The gospel terms are still the same today. FAITH: John 3:16 REPENTANCE: Acts 3:19, Acts 2:38 CONFESSION: Romans 10:9-10 WATER IMMERSION Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38

What the apostle Peter did not teach.

1. Peter did not say water baptism is not essential for salvation.

2. Peter did not say unbelieving infants should be baptized for the forgiveness of Adam's sin and all of their future sins.

3. Peter did not say that there are many roads to heaven besides believing in Jesus as the Christ.

4.Peter did not say that unrepentant atheists can go to heaven if they do good works.

5. Peter did not say that God selects certain individuals for salvation and selects all others to burn in hell. That men have no free-will.

6. Peter did not say that men are saved by grace alone. That men have no responsibility for their salvation. That God forces men to have faith so they may be saved.

7. Peter did not say believers are forgiven before they are baptized in water.

8. Peter did not say water baptism was simply an act to demonstrate faith to the community.

9. Peter did not say if men die before they have a chance to be baptized they will be saved.

10. Peter did not say if men die before the have a chance to believe, they will still go to heaven if they were on the verge of believing.

All of the preceding 10 are contrary to the gospel terms of pardon. Does it matter?

Galatians 1:6-9 I am amazed that you are turning away so soon from God who, in his love and mercy, invited you to share the eternal life he gives through Christ; you are already following a different"way to heaven, "which really doesn't go to heaven at all. 7 For there is no other way than the one we showed you; you are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ. 8. Let God's curses fall on anyone, including myself, who preaches any other way to be saved than the one we told you about; yes, if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other message, let him be forever cursed. 9 I will say it again; if anyone preaches any other Gospel than the one you welcomed, let God's curses fall on him. (The Living Bible-Paraphrased)

If you are hearing two or more ways to be saved, only one can be correct, however, they both can be wrong.

Why not just trust the apostles? Trust the Bible and the Bible alone. If you cannot trust Jesus and the apostles, who can you trust? Why would trust church leaders more than God?

JUDAS by B. Johnson

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Johnson/Edna/Elizabeth/1939/judas.html

JUDAS

"Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me" (Psalms 41:9).

"I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he" (John 13:18-19).

The name "Judas" inspires no one. The other apostles accepted Judas as their equal for three years, and it appears that none of them suspected his wicked heart and actions. Judas Iscariot masqueraded as one of Jesus' closest friends. He not only posed as a friend but he pretended to be a faithful and zealous disciple and apostle. Jesus honored him by making him a part of the inner circle of twelve, taking him everywhere he went teaching and healing the people, when in fact, Judas was a thief and a traitor. He stole from the bag of money intended to feed the poor, and he will always be remembered as a traitor of the worst kind.

We gain deeper insight into Judas' heart in Psalms 109. Peter identified the prophecy as Judas Iscariot: "Let his days be few; and let another take his office" (Acts 1:20). We can easily recognize Judas' heart as he condemned Mary for anointing Jesus' body for the burial. The Psalmist declared "Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart" (Psalms 109:16). The Lord further revealed Judas' heart in that he loved to curse! In fact, the Lord testifies that he " clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment...for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually" (Psalms 109:18-19). Like the Pharisees, Judas was a great hypocrite!

Judas easily concealed his true nature from the rest of the disciples for the entire three years. He may have incited the other apostles to have evil thoughts at times (Mark 14:4). Immediately after Jesus rebuked Judas, he went straight to the high priest and volunteered to betray his Master! Solomon warned us that if we rebuke a wicked man, we will get ourselves a blot. A root of bitterness can easily arise and defile many. But what was the cause of his bitterness? Covetousness! Judas had 300 pence in mind, and Jesus blocked his greed! Furthermore, Judas stole from God himself, but God said vengeance is mine, I will repay. Jesus sorrowfully noted: "Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil" (John 6:70). I don't know of a soul who would want to stand in Judas' shoes on Judgment Day.

Jesus showed a beautiful attitude toward his self-declared enemy. He knew what Judas was in the very beginning, but said nothing for three years. Only when it was necessary to defend one of God's children from Judas did he oppose him. To show the apostles that he had the power of God to foretell the future, he warned the apostles about Judas. Only then did he differentiate between Judas and the rest of the apostles: "Ye are clean, but not all," and "He that eateth my bread lifted up his heel against me," (John 13:10, 18), but even then he did not name him. It seemed as if Jesus wished to give Judas every opportunity to repent. Then for the last time, when they sat down to eat, Jesus appealed to him saying, "One of you shall betray me" (Matthew 26:21; Mark 14:18; Luke 22:21; John 13:21). And at the end, in answer to His disciples' questions, He revealed his betrayer, not by name, but by a sign: "He it is, for whom I shall dip the sop, and give it him" (John 13:26). All of Jesus love seemed to have no affect on Judas. He quickly left the upper room; the opportunity he longed for had come ( John 13:30; Matthew 26:16). He soon found himself with the high priests, and led the mob to Jesus as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He dared to betray his Master with a kiss! (Matthew 26:47-50; Mark 14:43,44; Luke 22:47; John 18:2-5).

Somehow Judas suddenly realized the enormity of his sin. Rather than turn to righteousness, he committed still another wicked act. Matthew testified that "... he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself" (Matthew 27:5). His last act on earth was in keeping with the rest of his life. He began, lived, and died in his wickedness! It seems to be very fitting that the chief priests purchased the potter's field, and called it "the field of blood." The prophecy (Zechariah 11:12-14) was fulfilled. The last thing we hear about Judas simply states that he "obtained a field with the reward of his iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out" ( Acts 1:16-20 vs. 18).

"The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born" (Mark 14:21).

Beth Johnson

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

What am I doing? by Gary Rose



Well, here is something new to me; an old fashioned way of making sheet music. At first, I thought is was of Spanish origin, because of that Spanish (?) note at the right, but as soon as I zoomed in on the picture, I could make out English script. I suppose it really doesn’t make a difference whether the sheet music is written by hand, by a mechanical device or is computer generated; sheet music is sheet music, period. Well, that is not ENTIRELY TRUE, for music can be rock n roll, classical, pop, rap or something else. So, the purpose of the music and the words one may use reflect a mind-set and deliver a message from the mind of the composer.


These things are true no matter what we do; our compositions reflect what our state of being is. From writing a sonnet, book, music (of any medium, not just sheet music) or even writing a computer program our inner beings shine through.


Recently, while working on my Composite Bible reports computer program I obtained most of the Psalms sung in the accapella style. The Psalms were the hymn book of the first century Christians and therefore of interest to all those seeking to restore New Testament Christianity. I learned long ago that the ancient Jews used the Psalter as their hymn book, and therefore sang them in Hebrew, but what about the very early church? Since the very early church was composed of both Jewish and gentile converts, I imagine that what language they used depended entirely on the make-up of the particular congregation. However, I am certain of one thing, which is expressed by the following verses from the book of Ephesians…


Ephesians 5 ( World English Bible )

18 Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

20 giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;


The words and the music became a melody in their heart and a joyful expression of their love for the Lord of all the universe. This is true not only for music but for what we do in life; Paul said in the letter to the Colossians…


Colossians 3 ( WEB )

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.

17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.


The very next time you attend church, ask yourself this question before the services start: What am I doing? Your answer may surprise you!


PS. Does anyone out there LOVE that old fashioned music machine? I DO!