2/17/21

God, Abraham, & Child Sacrifice by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=5570

God, Abraham, & Child Sacrifice

by  Dave Miller, Ph.D.

The usual ploy of atheists in their efforts to discredit the inspiration and integrity of the Bible is to attempt to pit one passage against another, claiming they have pinpointed a discrepancy. Typical of these attempts is the refusal to evaluate the textual data objectively and fairly. In his debate with Apologetics Press staff writer Kyle Butt on the campus of the University of South Carolina, atheist Dan Barker insisted that God endorsed human sacrifice by His alleged morally irresponsible act of ordering Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. In his first speech, Barker stated:

Does he [God] accept human sacrifice? In some verses yes, in some verses no. Remember the thing about when Abraham, he asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. By the way, Abraham should have said, “No way, I’m better than you, I’m not going to kill my son.”1

Ironically, due to the aimless, subjective nature of atheistic “ethics,” atheists have no objective basis or absolute standard by which to evaluate the taking of life—even animal or plant life. Yet, even very liberal thinkers have conceded circumstances under which it might be appropriate to terminate the life of a fellow human being (e.g., if a person were guilty of mass murder). The Bible quite properly identifies a variety of circumstances under which the taking of human life is moral and rational—including God’s own execution of large numbers of people throughout history (e.g., the Flood in Genesis 6-9). The Law of Moses included a minimum of 16 capital crimes.2 If at least one instance of taking human life is morally justifiable in the mind of the atheist, God cannot rightly be indicted for stipulating the instance. It becomes merely a matter of determining the ethical appropriateness of any given instance. It is no longer a matter of if it is morally right to require the death of a person, but simply when it is right to do so.

Another factor to consider in ascertaining whether God can rightly order the death of a person pertains to the very nature of human life itself in the great scheme of things. If humans possess an immortal soul, a spirit, then killing the body does not extinguish that life. As Jesus declared: “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:4-5). If there is an afterlife, terminating physical life on Earth is not actually a termination of that life, since conscious existence continues in the afterlife. Hence, again, the question is not whether human life may be terminated in this life, but only the conditions under which life may be taken and who is authorized to do so.

The passage in question is found in Genesis 22. The stated purpose of the incident pertains to God’s desire to “test” Abraham (Genesis 22:1), i.e., enable Abraham to recognize and demonstrate the level of his own faith in God. God’s instruction to Abraham is found in these words: “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you” (Genesis 22:2). A series of events then transpire over a period of three days—giving Abraham sufficient time to assess in his own mind the depth of his faith and commitment to God. James spotlights this very feature:

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only (2:21-24, emp. added).

Observe that James wrote as if Abraham actually completed God’s directive (“offered”), which shows that the objective was to test Abraham’s willingness to obey—without actually completing the deed.

The Bible clearly affirms that God would never require an immoral act—including child sacrifice (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2). In the book of Kings, God condemned the Israelites for mimicking the abominable practice of the Amorites who offered their children as sacrifices to their pagan gods. He vehemently insisted: “I did not command them, nor did it come into My mind that they should do this abomination” (e.g., Jeremiah 32:35; cf. 19:5). It did not enter God’s mind to actually have Abraham kill his son. Here, then, is the salient question: is it morally wrong for God to test a person’s faith and commitment by ordering him to perform an act,3 while not actually intending to require (or allow) the person to do so?

The Bible is its own best interpreter, and if one honestly desires to arrive at the truth (John 7:17), and will do what the Bible itself insists is necessary to achieve that goal, i.e., apply oneself diligently to studying, examining, and weighing the biblical evidence (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15), one can ascertain whether the Bible actually contradicts itself and whether God is morally irresponsible. The inspired writer of the book of Hebrews solves the dilemma posed by Dan Barker. Read carefully his assessment of Abraham’s action regarding his son:

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense (Hebrews 11:17-19, emp. added).

Observe that in Abraham’s mind, Isaac was as good as dead, i.e., he fully intended to sacrifice his son as directed. However, one cannot successfully maintain that Abraham was guilty of agreeing to commit an immoral act—since he fully believed that the death of his son would be immediately reversed. The strength of this conviction (which is the central feature of Abraham’s great faith) is further seen in the fact that he informed the servants: “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you” (Hebrew plural, nasucach, Genesis 22:5, emp. added). Abraham fully recognized that the moral nature of deity would not sanction child sacrifice. God’s prior declaration, that Isaac would be the one through whom He would fulfill His promises to Abraham, was sufficient proof that God would circumvent his action by raising Isaac from the dead.

After a careful evaluation of the textual data, we are forced to conclude that, though God instructed Abraham to offer his son as a sacrifice, the purpose of the command was merely to enable Abraham to manifest the strength of his faith and trust in God, and that it did not enter God’s mind actually to have Abraham kill his son. Isaac was, in fact, a foreshadowing of the coming Christ. Incredibly, the perfect nature of God required that He sacrifice Himself in the person of His Son in our behalf: “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all…demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 8:32; 5:8).

Endnotes

1 Kyle Butt and Dan Barker (2009), The Butt/Barker Debate, Apologetics Press, http://apologeticspress.org/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/952.

2 Dave Miller (2002), “Capital Punishment and the Bible,” http://apologeticspress.org/articles/1974.

3 i.e., an act that is not morally wrong; physical altercations and taking human life are not inherently morally wrong (cf. 1 Kings 20:37).

God Rules Even When Atheists Attack by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=2577

God Rules Even When Atheists Attack

by  Eric Lyons, M.Min.

In years gone by, candidates for public office in the United States were admired for their Christian heritage, beliefs, and practices. They respected the Creator. They quoted His Word. They prayed to Him for divine assistance. They acknowledged His sovereignty and recognized that “He rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28). Americans expected their elected representatives to honor God in private and in public (see Miller, 2008). Oh, how times have changed. Sadly, the very thing that Americans once expected from their leaders—a reliance on the Creator and Sustainer of life—has become increasingly attacked and hated...and now is supposedly a reason candidates are disqualified from serving in public office.

Consider the comments by Sam Harris in a recent Newsweek article. Harris has written dozens of articles in the past for such prominent publications as The Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times, and The Times of the United Kingdom. He has appeared on The O’Reilly Factor as well as Brian Flemming’s documentary film The God Who Wasn’t There. His latest books, The End of Faith (2004) and Letter to a Christian Nation (2006), both were New York Times best sellers. He is on record saying such things as, “If you are concerned about suffering in this universe, killing a fly should present you with greater moral difficulties than killing a human blastocyst [three-day-old human embryo—EL]” (2006, p. 30). In short, Sam Harris is one of the world’s most well-known, vocal, influential, militant atheists.

In the September 29, 2008 issue of Newsweek, Harris penned an article titled “When Atheists Attack.” After painting vice-presidential candidate, Governor Sarah Palin, as an unqualified, ignorant beauty queen, Harris wrote concerning what really bothered him about the Governor: “I care even more about the many things Palin thinks she knows but doesn’t: like her conviction that the Biblical God consciously directs world events. Needless to say, she shares this belief with millions of Americans—but we shouldn’t be eager to give these people our nuclear codes, either” (152[13]:33, emp. added). [So, should we put our nuclear weapons in the hands of people who believe that “killing a fly should present you with greater moral difficulties than killing a human blastocyst”?]

The fact is, though God created humans with free will (cf. Joshua 24:15), God uses our free will to accomplish His purposes. Scripture repeatedly testifies to the fact that God is in control of the Universe and everything in it. He is “upholding all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). The psalmist wrote: “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.... God is the King of all the earth” (103:19; 47:7). Four times in the book of Daniel we are reminded that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men” (4:17,25,32; 5:21). Although God does not maneuver His human creation like robots, He is in control. For most of America’s history, the overwhelming majority of our elected officials (1) believed that God ultimately was in control and (2) prayed that His will be done in America (see Miller, 2008). Today’s media would have us reject both Scripture and our country’s Christian heritage. When Harris wrote, “Every detail that has emerged about Palin’s life in Alaska suggests that she is as devout and literal-minded in her Christian dogmatism as any man or woman in the land” (2008, p. 33, emp. added), he meant it as criticism. Supposedly, America should not be run by “devout and literal-minded” Christian leaders.

The fact is, however, if America is to survive as a nation, it must reject the godless, immoral, anti-Christian outlook that Sam Harris and others continually propagate. We must turn to the Almighty, Who “rules in the kingdom of men,” and recognize that every decision we make, including selecting government leaders, must be based upon our recognition of God’s sovereignty. He not only “rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28), but He judges both nations (in this lifetime; cf. Genesis 11:1-9; 18-19) and the individuals who make up nations (at the end of time; cf. Acts 17:30-31; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

REFERENCES

Harris, Sam (2006), Letter to a Christian Nation (New York: Alfred A. Knopf).

Harris, Sam (2008), “When Atheists Attack,” Newsweek, 152[13]:32-35, September 29.

Miller, Dave (2008), The Silencing of God (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).

God Put Wits In Godwits by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=662

God Put Wits In Godwits

by  Eric Lyons, M.Min.

At one time, Michael Johnson was the fastest man alive. He once covered the last 100 meters of a 200-meter race in 9.6 seconds (“The Fastest Man...,” 2007). A human running at a speed of 28 mph is quite impressive, but neither Michael Johnson nor any other human can maintain such a speed for more than a few seconds. Marathon runners may be able to run 26.2 miles without stopping, but no one averages more than 13 mph while running great distances. Although the human body is a meticulously designed “machine” (see Jackson, 2000), which functions perfectly for its intended purpose on Earth, there are limits to what a person can do. When these limits are compared to the speed and distance a particular bird recently flew, one gains a greater appreciation for God’s wondrous creation.

In February 2007, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey fitted 16 shorebirds, known as bar-tailed godwits, with satellite transmitters. One of the godwits, dubbed E7, made its way from New Zealand to Alaska over the next three months, flying 9,340 miles with one five-week-long layover near the North Korea-China border (Hansford, 2007). After nearly four months, the godwit began its uninterrupted flight back to New Zealand. Amazingly, this little bird, which normally weighs less than one pound, flew 7,145 miles in nine days without stopping, averaging 34.8 mph. Without taking a break to eat, drink, or rest, the godwit flew “the equivalent of making a roundtrip flight between New York and San Francisco, and then flying back again to San Francisco without ever touching down” (“Bird Completes...,” 2007). Equally impressive, the godwit’s approximately 16,500-mile, roundtrip journey ended where it began. Without a map, a compass, or even a parent, godwits can fly tens of thousands of miles without getting lost.

Scientists have studied the migration of birds for decades and still cannot adequately explain this “age-old riddle” (Peterson, 1968, p. 108). Their stamina and sense of direction is mind-boggling. In his book Unsolved Mysteries of Science, evolutionist John Malone reported how much progress man has made over the last few centuries in understanding how birds are able to journey thousands of miles with pinpoint accuracy (2001, pp. 114-122). Yet, he concluded his chapter on bird migration, saying:

Partial explanations abound, but every book or scientific article on bird migration is full of conditional words and phrases: “It may be...but it also might not be.” We know more about how birds might achieve their epic flights around the world, but there are still far more mysteries than there are explanations. The tiny songbird that reappeared to build its nest in the apple tree outside your window—and we know from banding that it can indeed be exactly the same bird—has been to South America and back since you saw it last. How can that be? This is one case where it may be nicer not to know—simply allow yourself to be swept up by awe and wonder (p. 122, emp. added).

Try as they might, evolutionists attempting to explain the complexities of bird migration can only offer woeful (and often contradictory) theories, at best (Peterson, p. 108). How can a person reasonably conclude that non-intelligence, plus time, plus chance equals a one-pound, bar-tailed godwit flying 7,145 miles in nine days without stopping for food, water, or rest? The “awe and wonder” to which John Malone alluded should be directed toward neither mindless evolution nor the birds themselves, but to the “great and awesome God” (Daniel 9:4) Who has done “wondrous works” and “awesome things” (Psalm 106:22), including endowing birds with the amazing trait we call “instinct.” Truly, it is not by evolution or man’s wisdom that a bird “soars, stretching his wings toward the south” (Job 39:26). Rather, “the stork in the sky knows her seasons; and the turtledove and the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration” (Jeremiah 8:7, NASB), because all-knowing, all-powerful Jehovah is the Creator of them all.

REFERENCES

“Bird Completes Epic Flight Across the Pacific” (2007), ScienceDaily, September 17, [On-line], URL: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070915131205.htm.

“The Fastest Man on Earth?” (2007), [On-line], URL: http://www.eis2win.co.uk/gen/news_sprintrecords020805.aspx.

Hansford, Dave (2007), “Alaska Bird Makes Longest Nonstop Flight Ever Measured,” National Geographic News, September 14, [On-line], URL: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/09/070913-longest- flight.html.

Jackson, Wayne (2000), The Human Body—Accident or Design? (Stockton, CA: Courier Publications).

Malone, John (2001), Unsolved Mysteries of Science (New York: John Wiley & Sons).

Peterson, Roger (1968), The Birds (New York: Time-Life Books).

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK" The Value Of A Soul (8:36-37) by Mark Copeland

 







"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"
The Value Of A Soul (8:36-37)
 

INTRODUCTION

1. After telling His disciples and others nearby the cost of being His
   disciple, Jesus asked...

   "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and
   loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his
   soul?" - Mk 8:36-37

2. With these words of Jesus we are reminded of the value of the soul...
   a. It is the most valuable possession one has
   b. All earthly possessions, position, pleasure, and power are not
      worth the value of one's soul!

[But perhaps some might wonder...]

I. WHY IS THE SOUL OF MAN SO VALUABLE?

   A. IT IS MADE IN GOD'S IMAGE...
      1. Man was created in the image of God - Gen 1:26-27
         a. Yet God does not have a physical body like ours - cf. Jn 4:24; Lk 24:39
         b. Therefore it must be our soul, or spirit, that is in God's image
      2. This is what enable us to comprehend abstract concepts as:
         a. Life, death, eternity
         b. Things of beauty
         c. A moral sense of ought, right and wrong, good and evil
      3. Making us more than just animal creatures - cf. Ps 8:3-8

   B. IT IS THAT OVER WHICH WE HAVE MUCH CONTROL...
      1. The body is mostly the result of genetics
         a. We might be able to change a little through exercise, plastic surgery, etc.
         b. But we cannot stop the eventual aging and dying process
      2. The soul, however, is different...
         a. Despite one's genetics, there is much that can be changed
         b. With God's help, we can change attitudes, character - Ro 12:1-2; Col 3:12-15

   C. IT DOES NOT CEASE TO EXIST AT DEATH...
      1. The body dies, and soon returns back to the dust
         a. The soul, or spirit, returns back to God - Ec 12:7
         b. Awaiting the resurrection of the body - cf. 1Co 15:35-58
      2. After which comes the Judgment - He 9:27; 2Co 5:10
         a. The soul, in its resurrected body, will bear the brunt of that Judgment
         b. Either eternal life, honor, glory, and immortality - Ro 2:7
         c. Or indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish - Ro 2:8-9
      3. Which is why we need to evaluate all things (possessions,
         decisions, actions) from an eternal perspective, from the
         soul's viewpoint - Mt 10:28; 16:26

   D. IT REQUIRES A GREAT COST TO REDEEM IT...
      1. What price is required to redeem our souls from the wrath of God's judgment?
      2. Nothing less than the blood of the Son of God! - 1Pe 1:18-19
      3. Even if we cannot fully comprehend why Jesus had to die, we
         should able to see that the souls of men must be extremely
         valuable if His death was necessary

[So the Bible teaches that the soul is more valuable than the whole
world!  And yet, many "sell their souls" for what surely are petty
bargains.  For example, consider...]

II. WHAT WILL ONE GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?

   A. FOR SOME IT IS EARTHLY RICHES AND FAME...
      1. In their quest for riches, they neglect their service to God - 1Ti 6:10
      2. Yet they've traded their souls for what is corruptible and can be stolen - Mt 6:19-21

   B. FOR OTHERS IT IS THE PASSING PLEASURES OF SIN...
      1. Like the young man tempted by the harlot - Pr 5:1-14
         a. In a moment's passion, lives are destroyed (AIDS, unwanted pregnancies)
         b. Marriages and families are ruined
      2. Young people in the Bible should inspire us to make the right choices
         a. Like Joseph - Gen 39:7-9
         b. Like Moses - He 11:24-25
         c. Like Daniel - Dan 1:8

   C. FOR OTHERS IT IS CONVENIENT FALSE DOCTRINES...
      1. Of which we need to beware - Col 2:8,18
      2. For the devil is a master at this - 2Co 11:13-15
      3. Through lack of Bible study, we can lose the most valuable
         thing we have! - Hos 4:6

   D. FOR MANY IT IS SIMPLE NEGLECT...
      1. They will not use the opportunities the Lord has given them - cf. Mt 25:24-30
      2. They fail to apply the diligence necessary to grow spiritually - cf. 2Pe 1:5-11

CONCLUSION

1. How valuable is your soul...?
   a. Think of what the rich man in Hades would tell you - cf. Lk 16:22-24
   b. Think of what the souls of the redeemed would say to you - cf. Re 7:13-17
   c. Think of what Jesus and God have done to save your soul! - cf. Jn 3:16

2. Dear friends and brethren, you don't have to lose your soul...!
   a. Humbly submit yourself to the will of God
   b. Let His Word guide you, let no man beguile you of your reward
   c. Overcome temptations, and suffer for His cause with rejoicing

Implied in all these words is that there will be the Day of Judgment (Ac 17:30-31),
 with possible consequences terrible beyond comprehension (Re 20:11-15; 21:8).

Are you willing to risk losing your soul...?         
 
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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Is it Wrong to Observe the Lord’s Supper at Home? by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2020/03/27/is-it-wrong-to-observe-the-lords-supper-at-home/

Is it Wrong to Observe the Lord’s Supper at Home?

Earlier this week, we asked the question, “Is it wrong for churches to cancel worship services?” I appreciate the many positive comments regarding the post.

However, as one of our readers responded, “This brings up another question. Is it scriptural to partake of the Lord’s Supper individually at home?”

Others have asked and commented on this issue as well. Here are a few thoughts for your serious and prayerful consideration.

First of all, we are not writing because we have a hidden agenda or an “ax to grind” with anyone. We’re not seeking self-justification to defend our actions. In fact, during this time, the churches where I’ve been scheduled to preach and am scheduled for the next three weeks have not cancelled services. So my wife and I have not currently faced this issue.

Secondly, all Bible believers are aware of the admonition in 1 Corinthians 11 for them to “come together as a church,” “in one place,” and to “wait for one another.” Apparently, the brethren were abusing the Lord’s supper and turning it into a common meal. Possibly the rich among them were bringing an abundance of food and shaming the poor who had very little. Paul sets the record straight regarding the elements, purpose and design of the Lord’s supper to remember Jesus and “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

What is occurring today, in this “present distress” is not the same thing for which Paul was condemning the Corinthians. They were a divided church. The book addresses many problems that plagued them, including a denial of the resurrection as well as the desecration of the Lord’s supper. So, the Corinthian abuse and the question of communion during our current crisis is not parallel.

Thirdly, our question deals with the appropriate, scriptural response when you are not able to “come together.” Then what? Brethren in isolated areas with only one church have no other choices. Even in some large cities all of the churches may have canceled services. One sister messaged me that her local church had canceled services, but so had all the other churches in the metropolitan area of 7-8 million people. There was no place to “come together” for communion. She wanted to do what was right. She desired to worship. Her heart is in the right place. So her family worshiped at home. And took communion.

This leads us to a fourth and very important point. What is the attitude and motive for observing the Lord’s supper at home? Through the years, I’ve heard of brethren who went deer hunting and skipped worshiped services. The local church was close by. But they didn’t want to leave the camp. So, the took the Lord’s supper while sitting in a deer stand. Seriously? The same could be said for those who take a trip to the beach or mountains where there are places to worship, but they don’t want to interrupt their vacation. This is a totally different motive and attitude in such situations.

Fifth, I wonder what the apostle Paul did on his voyage to Rome as recorded in Acts 27-28? We know because of the “we sections” that Luke was with him. Maybe other brethren in their traveling party. When Sunday came, can you imagine Luke saying, “I brought unleavened bread and wine for us to have communion?” And then Paul condemned Luke? “What’s the matter with you? Didn’t you read 1 Corinthians? You can only worship and take communion in the local church? Come on, Luke, let’s go sit on the deck and enjoy the sunshine. It would be wrong to worship.”

Somehow I can’t envision such a response. Wouldn’t it have been nice if the Holy Spirit recorded what they did? But He didn’t. So, we have to apply our best judgment to this unusual and unprecedented crisis.

Sixth, let’s be very, very slow to criticize spiritual shepherds who made the decision to cancel services that has placed so many in this situation. One elder commented on my earlier post sharing his feelings.  “As an elder of a church that chose to scale down services for the safety of our members, I can tell you that the decision by our five elders was not flippant and came at an emotional cost.”

Pastors and preachers are looking out for the spiritual, as well as the physical and emotional well being of those entrusted to their care. Let’s be charitable in our assessment. And allow local churches to make their own decisions without impugning their motives.

Seventh, individual Christians who are unable to assemble, must study this issue for themselves, come to a conclusion and be fully persuaded in their own minds. The aforementioned elder also offered this sound advice. “During these trying times, we should remember that our faith is measured by how well we persevere and continue to walk circumspectly according to God’s will. None of us, need to worry what another man’s faith may lead them to say about our decisions concerning our own worship.”

Good brethren will reach different conclusions on this matter. This is no time to get involved in social-media shouting matches. Unjustly condemning elders, preachers and churches. And judging our brother or sister who acts in good faith.

Honestly, it’s difficult to believe the God is unhappy with Christians who are unable to assembly and out of love for Him meet with their families to worship. Is He displeased with their singing? Praying? Study of the Word? And remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice? Would he rather they watch TV? Engage in recreation? Or play cards?

Finally, Lord wiling, this crisis will cease. Churches will resume meeting. We will soon be able to extend hugs, handshakes and most of all worship and commune together.

In the meantime, let us stay focused on Jesus. Hold on tight to our faith. Grow spiritually. Be patient with one another. Pray for this crisis to end. Respect each other’s consciences. And show brotherly love.

May God bless and protect you all by His grace and mercy.

Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS SAYING....? BY STEVE FINNELL

 

https://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2016/

CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS SAYING....?  BY STEVE FINNELL


Acts 22:16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His Name.

What if Jesus had said; "Saul, your baptism in water was just an act of obedience, it had nothing to do with washing away your sins.

CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS SAYING THAT?

John 8:24 'Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

What if Jesus had said; "You do not have to worry about believing the I am the Son of God, because I will impute to those,  I have preselected for salvation, the faith to believe and be saved. Have you not heard of the doctrine, saved by grace alone? Those who will die in their sins are those who have been selected for hell."

CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS SAYING THAT?

Acts 9:11 And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,

What if Jesus had told Ananias, "Go lay hands your on Saul so he may receive his sight, however, you do not have to baptize him and have him call on My name; because he believed in me on the road to Damascus and has said the sinner's prayer, so he already has his sins forgiven."

CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS SAYING THAT?

What if Jesus had said; "Ananias, you should baptize Saul so he can join the 1st Ananias Church of Damascus?"

CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS SAYING THAT?

What if Jesus had said to Saul; "If you die on the way to your baptism it is not important because I know what is in your heart?"

CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS SAYING THAT?

What if Jesus had said to Saul; "Water baptism is just symbolic,  it has nothing to do with actual forgiveness and besides remember I forgave the paralytic and he had not been baptized, he was forgiven because of his friend's faith. You did not even have to believe to be saved, you could have been saved like the paralytic?"

CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS SAYING THAT?

What if Jesus had said; "Saul, when the apostle Peter said to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, he really meant to say you are baptized because your sins have already been forgiven?"

CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS SAYING THAT?

Hebrews 9:22.....without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

What if Jesus had said; "I shed My blood on the cross as an act of obedience to the Father, but it had absolutely nothing to do with the forgiveness of men's sins?"

CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS SAYING THAT?

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

What if Jesus had said; "The conjunction"and" does not mean "and" in the original Greek; therefore belief and baptism are not linked together as a condition for salvation?"

What if Jesus had said; "Has been baptized shall be saved, means you were saved when you believed and then were baptized as an example of your faith to the community?"

What if Jesus had said; "Mark 16:16 Is missing from some manuscript copies of Scripture, so you cannot believe what I said here?"

What if Jesus had said; " I did not mention, in Mark 16:16, that you would be condemned if you rejected water baptism; therefore you can be saved without being baptized?"

CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS SAYING THESE THINGS?

MEN NEED TO BE CAREFUL WHAT THEY IMAGINE JESUS SAID!

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.        

Introduction to First Peter by Charles Hess

 

https://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Hess/Charles/Albert/1929/Comments/12Peter/intro1.html

Introduction to First Peter
Copyright ©2003, Charles Hess, Ridgefield, Washington

THE WRITER

The writer of 1 Peter[ 1 ] claims to be "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ" (1Pe 1:1). He further asserts he was a "fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ" (1Pe 5:1). Apparently, he used an amanuensis[ 2 ] by the name of Silvanus (1Pe 5:12). He calls John Mark "Mark my son"[ 3 ] (1Pe 5:13). To deny these statements is to impugn the honesty of the writer without any reason to do so.

Peter and his wife[ 4 ] moved into a large house in Capernaum.[ 5 ] Their home was a very short walk from the beautiful Sea of Galilee. His father was named John,[ 6 ] with whom he worked as a fisherman along with his brother Andrew. Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus. Peter was the first apostle chosen and is always named first[ 7 ] in the lists (see Mt 10:2-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lu 6:14-16; Ac 1:13, 14). He was also one of the inner circle of three (see Mk 5:37; 17:1; Mk 9:2; Lu 8:51; 9:28).

Peter was a bold, impulsive, energetic, tender-hearted leader of men. He was first to confess his faith at Caesarea Philippi (Mt 16:16). He was quick to rebuke Christ after He foretold His crucifixion (Mt 16:22). He insisted he was willing to go to prison and death for his Lord (Lu 22:34). He spoke for the twelve apostles during the teaching on the Bread of Life (Joh 6:66-69). He cut off the ear of Malchus (Joh 18:10). The same night he denied His Lord. Nevertheless, he was restored and allowed to preached a sermon on Pentecost (Ac 2:14-40). Later, he raised Dorcas from the dead (see Ac 9:36-41) and subsequently to the Gentile household of Cornelius (Ac 10, 11). Although he had moments of vacillation,[ 8 ] he had an absolute trust in Christ.[ 9 ] He had faults to overcome but he was sharp, perceptive and quick to yield in obedience to the Lord's will.

The NT gives very little history of him after about 50 AD. Luke's last mention of him is in Acts 15. In that reference, we see him at Jerusalem as he stands up to recount the first conversion of Gentiles, contending that the yoke of the law should not be placed upon their necks (Ac 15:10). After the close of the book of Acts, Peter is mentioned in Scripture, sometimes as Cephas, in 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:22; 9:5; 15:5; Galatians 1:18; 2:9 and 1, 2 Peter.


Chart
PERSECUTION (A)
(1 Peter)
  1. Distressed by various trials (1Pe 1:6).
  2. Called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you (1Pe 2:21).
  3. If you should suffer for the sake of righteousness (1Pe 3:14).
  4. It is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right (1Pe 3:17).
  5. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you (1Pe 4:12).



Chart
PERSECUTION (B)
(1 Peter)
  1. You share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing (1Pe 4:13).
  2. If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed (1Pe 4:16).
  3. Let those who suffer . . . entrust souls to a faithful Creator (1Pe 4:19).
  4. After you have suffered for a little while (1Pe 5:10).


According to tradition, after the Jerusalem meeting mentioned above, Peter worked and preached among "the Dispersion" and that his wife accompanied him (see notes on 1Co 9:5; 1Pe 1:1). When he wrote 1 Peter, he was apparently in "Babylon"[ 10 ] (1Pe 5:13). Is Babylon is the same as Rome?[ 11 ]

If it is, it is arresting that in Paul's prison epistles, there is no mention of them being imprisoned together as the Catholics claim! Is it possible that the figurative appellation "Babylon" for Rome was taken up at the very onset of the Neronian persecution (see footnote; charts PERSECUTION A and B; WAVES OF PERSECUTION)?
Chart
WAVES OF PERSECUTION
(1 Peter)
  1. During the reign of Nero (AD 64-68).
  2. During the reign of Domitian (AD 81-96).
  3. During the reign of Trajan (AD 98-117).
  4. (S. J. Case, "Peter, Epistles of")



CATHOLIC EPISTLES

The word "catholic"[ 12 ] is often used as a tag for the six short epistles of Peter, John and Jude. However, the application of these letters is no more general than some of the other inspired Scriptures. Although Peter's work was primarily among Jews (Ga 2:7), "catholic" does describe the universal scope of his letters. There is no doubt that they are inspired. Their acceptance was widespread from the very first.


Chart
ALLUSIONS BY EARLY WRITERS
  1. Polycarp's Epistle to Philippians (about 125 AD).
  2. Epistle of Barnabas (about 80-135 AD).
  3. Justin Martyr (about 150 AD).
  4. Early writers, beginning with Irenaeus (about 170 AD) accept it as being from Peter.
  5. (Zondervan 642)



GENUINENESS

Several early writers allude to or quote from 1 Peter (see chart ALLUSIONS BY EARLY WRITERS). There is a fair amount of external evidence that the writer was the apostle Peter. Irenaeus[ 13 ] quotes from 1 Peter and attributes the letter to

the apostle Peter. Tertullian[ 14 ] and Clement of Alexandria[ 15 ] attribute it to him as well. The Shepherd of Hermas[ 16 ] and the writings of Clement of Rome[ 17 ] allude to statements of Peter. Polycarp,[ 18 ] Papais[ 19 ] and Justin Martyr[ 20 ] either quote or allude to Peter's writings. Eusebius claims that Papias "used witnesses from the first epistle of John and similarly from Peter"[ 21 ] The apostle calls what is known to us as 2 Peter "the second letter" (2Pe 3:1). The relationship that letter sustains to 1 Peter demonstrates that Peter also wrote the first one.

WHEN WRITTEN

There is no known proof that Peter founded a church of Christ in Rome. Certainly the Scriptures do not so state. On the other hand, I cannot prove he did not visit, preach or was imprisoned in that city. Catholics insist it is all true. Roman persecution began in earnest about AD 64. The trials Peter mentioned in his first letter may be those. It is estimated that they began two or three years before his death. It is likely that he wrote the letter between AD 64-67.

TO WHOM WRITTEN

The people to whom Peter wrote were mostly Gentiles.[ 22 ] Their ways were once conformed to lusts in ignorance (1Pe 1:14) which, in some cases, included malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy and evil speaking (see 1Pe 2:1). They had been redeemed from "aimless conduct" or a "futile way of life" inherited from their forefathers (1Pe 1:18). Before their conversion to Christ, they "were not a people" (1Pe 2:10). They lived among Gentiles (1Pe 2:12). They lived like them:

For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles-- when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries (1Pe 4:3).

As Christians (1Pe 4:16), they lived as aliens in five Roman provinces in Asia that lay east of the Aegean Sea, south of the Black Sea and north of the Mediterranean Sea in what we now call northern Turkey (see notes on 1Pe 1:1). They were "elect" or "chosen" (1Pe 1:2). They were no longer lost sinners, but had been born again unto a living hope (1Pe 1:2). These believers loved Jesus Christ (1Pe 1:7-9, 21) and each other (1Pe 1:22). In spite of the fact that they were "like sheep going astray" (1Pe 2:25), they were of "the house of God" (1Pe 4:17). At the time Peter wrote to them, they were undergoing a "fiery trial" of persecution (1Pe 4:12). At least some of the churches had elders (1Pe 5:1).

CHARACTERISTICS

There is a correspondence between Peter's sermon on Pentecost and the book of 1 Peter (see charts ACTS AND 1 PETER A and B).


Chart
ACTS AND 1 PETER (A)
  1. Holy Spirit sent upon apostles (Ac 2:2-4; 1Pe 1:12).
  2. Christ foreknown (Ac 2:23; 1Pe 1:20).
  3. God raised Christ and gave Him glory (Ac 2:32, 33; 1Pe 1:21).
  4. Baptism and salvation (Ac 2:38; 10:48; 1Pe 3:21).

Fear by Gary Rose

 

I love dogs, but not ALL dogs. Some dogs can be very mean or worse, downright dangerous. And, if dogs run in a pack, they can be extremely dangerous. When I was about 15 (and dating my wife, Linda) I overheard my future in-laws talking about how the local farmers were having problems with packs of coy-dogs (domesticated dogs, turned wild) killing their cows. I remember this very clearly, for on the way walking home I was chased by a pack of about fifteen of them. Needless to say, I stopped walking and ran for my life. Somehow I managed to outrun them- I really don’t know how, but I did.


Fear is a great motivator. Fear can give you strength to do things you think are impossible. Fear can cause you not to do that “unwise thing” or that “stupid thing”. Fear can save your life. Fear the right things and live longer and ultimately- forever.


The Bible says…


2 Thessalonians 1 ( World English Bible )

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you towards one another abounds;

4 so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure.

5 This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.

6 Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you,

7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire,

8 giving vengeance to those who don’t know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus,

9 who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

10 when he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired among all those who have believed (because our testimony to you was believed) in that day.


Revelation 14 ( WEB )

1 I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads.

2 I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps.

3 They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth.

4 These are those who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed by Jesus from among men, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.

5 In their mouth was found no lie, for they are blameless.

6 I saw an angel flying in mid heaven, having an eternal Good News to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people.

7 He said with a loud voice, “Fear the Lord, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters!”

8 Another, a second angel, followed, saying, “Babylon the great has fallen, which has made all the nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of her sexual immorality.”

9 Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead, or on his hand,

10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.

11 The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.

12 Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

13 I heard the voice from heaven saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.”

14 I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

15 Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!”

16 He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

17 Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle.

18 Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth’s grapes are fully ripe!”

19 The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

20 The winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out from the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.



Revelation 15 ( WEB )

1 I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God’s wrath is finished.

2 I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.

3 They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations.

4 Who wouldn’t fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your righteous acts have been revealed.”


Yes, I know this is a lot of Scripture to read, but knowing what awaits those who reject God can be a good thing. It can cause you to change your ways, to repent from evil and turn to God. To fear HIM enough to obey his will for you.


Jesus said:

28 Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.


Take another look at that picture; that is one scary looking dog. Scary enough to make just about anyone comply with any order that police officer might say. Being attacked by any dog is awful, but being condemned to Gehenna? Avoid this like your life depends upon it – it does!