1/9/23

Glory by Gary Rose

 


How marvelous the above picture is. At first, my eyes were drawn to that beautiful sky, with the presentation of what appears to be the milky way galaxy. Such colors and serene beauty is marvelous to behold! As I continued viewing this beauty, what struck me next was the contrast between the light of the heavenly display and the darkness of the surroundings of the man with outstretched arms. Such a pose tells me that he is in awe of the sight before him. With good reason, for when one contemplates the heavens in all their immense complexity and beauty it inspires AWE. For the heavens are just a slight reflection of the glory of our magnificent creator and in truth it is beyond mere mortals to understand the totally of Almighty God.


As I was writing these things, I thought of two passages of Scripture which seemed to come to the forefront of my thinking. They are:


Psalm 8 ( World English Bible )

1 For the Chief Musician; on an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by David. Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth, who has set your glory above the heavens! ( Emphasis – GDR )

2 From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained;

4 what is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him?

5 For you have made him a little lower than God, and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You make him ruler over the works of your hands. You have put all things under his feet:

7 All sheep and cattle, yes, and the animals of the field,

8 The birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

9 Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!


1 Corinthians 15 ( World English Bible )

35 But someone will say, “How are the dead raised?” and, “With what kind of body do they come?”

36 You foolish one, that which you yourself sow is not made alive unless it dies.

37 That which you sow, you don’t sow the body that will be, but a bare grain, maybe of wheat, or of some other kind.

38 But God gives it a body even as it pleased him, and to each seed a body of its own.

39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.

40 There are also celestial bodies, and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial differs from that of the terrestrial.

41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. ( emphasis – GDR )

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption.

43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.

44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is also a spiritual body.

45 So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

46 However that which is spiritual isn’t first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual.

47 The first man is of the earth, made of dust. The second man is the Lord from heaven.

48 As is the one made of dust, such are those who are also made of dust; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

49 As we have borne the image of those made of dust, let’s also bear the image of the heavenly.

50 Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can’t inherit the Kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 But when this corruptible will have put on incorruption, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.


Just for a moment once again consider the picture at the top. The heavens on display reflect the glory of God, but what of the man? Notice that shadow; it is the earthly reflection of a human being. What a contrast between the glory of God and the glory of human beings. Yet God sent Jesus to free us from sin and provide a way that our glory can be transformed into a new spiritual glory which will last forever. Death is defeated, true glory awaits and the victory is all because of Jesus. Today, give thanks to God for what HE has done for us ( see verse 57 above )!

7 Reasons to Memorize the Bible by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

 

 

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2017/06/09/7-reasons-to-memorize-the-bible/


7 Reasons to Memorize the Bible

Did you know the National Bible Bee took place this past week? I didn’t either. I must have missed that news report from the mainstream media.

The Bible Bee, started in 2009, is open to young people ages 7-18. In last week’s final round the participating contestants memorized 840 verses in just 90 days. The National Bible Bee Game Show, hosted by Kirk Cameron, assembles 72 young people in a contest showcasing Bible verse memory and applied Bible study.

“There is something special that happens when young people commit the Bible to memory,” said Steve Green, Chairman of Museum of the Bible who is also a sponsor of the show. “These kids are having fun and we are excited to be a part of its ground-breaking run on Facebook Live.”

I’m glad to hear about some positive news about young people memorizing the Bible. When I was a kid we were assigned memory verses. I remember the first verse I learned was John 3:16. When I wrote The Family Bible Study Series, I included a memory verse in each lesson.

I wonder if parents, teachers, and churches are emphasizing memorizing the Bible as in days past?

Here are 7 reasons to consider for memorizing scripture.

(1) It’s another way to be like Jesus. The Gospel accounts record Jesus quoted the Old Testament scripture 180 times from 24 different books. Jesus respected the Scriptures as authoritative. And He often quoted it. His example is well worth emulating.

(2) It allows Christ to dwell in us.  The Bible commands “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Col 3:16). Since Christ dwells in our hearts through faith (Eph 3:17), and faith comes by hearing God’s Word (Rom. 10:17), committing Scripture to memory is a means to build our relationship with the Lord.

(3) Memorizing the Bible Guards against Satan’s temptations. David, a man after God’s own heart, wrote, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You” (Ps 119:11). The Word is metaphorically called “The Sword of the Spirit” (Eph 6:17). It is our only offensive weapon in our battle against  the devil. Three times Jesus wielded this Sword by quoting Scripture when the devil tempted Him in the wilderness (Matt 4:1-11). By doing so, He caused the devil to flee.

(4) When we have Bible verses committed to memory, it allows us to immediately share the Word with others. We’re commanded in 1 Peter 3:15 to be ready to give a defense of our hope in Christ. Opportunities may arise when we don’t have a Bible available. But a few well-memorized verses can impart the gospel message to someone who is sincerely seeking.

(5) Internalizing the Scripture helps maintain moral purity. The Psalmist raises the question, “How can a young man cleanse his way?” His answer: “By taking heed according to Your word” (Ps 119:9). When we know the Word. When we commit the Word to memory, it keeps it fresh on our minds and helps us continue on the right path.

(6) The Word transforms our lives. Paul admonished, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). When I commit the Scripture to memory, it has the potential to renew my mind and bring about a dramatic change in my life.

(7) Memorizing the Bible increases our knowledge and gives us wisdom. Both Peter and Paul stressed the value of wisdom and knowledge. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph 5:17

I’m not going to offer any memory tips. The same method doesn’t work for everyone. But I will offer this one caveat. For the Bible to transform our hearts, change our lives and keep us on “the strait and narrow way,” we must internalize what we memorize. It can’t be a mere academic exercise. We must apply it and practice it in our daily lives.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17, ESV)

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

Repented “At” Jonah’s Preaching? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/repented-at-jonahs-preaching/

Repented “At” Jonah’s Preaching?

From Issue: R&R – December 2022

In an effort to avoid the force of Acts 2:38 as it pertains to the essentiality of baptism as a perquisite to remission of sin, some polemicists have set forth the argument that the Greek preposition eis can have a “causal” meaning. Hence, they insist that baptism is “because of” remission of sins, i.e., one is baptized because he is already saved, rather than baptized “in order” to receive salvation. As an example, they allude to Matthew chapter 12 where Jesus responded to the hardhearted scribes and Pharisees when they disingenuously asked for Him to perform a sign. Included in His response were these words: “The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed, a greater than Jonah is here” (vs. 41). The English word “at” in this verse is a translation of the Greek preposition eis. On this basis, defenders of the “causal” meaning allege that this verse constitutes an instance of a “causal” eis. They ask: “Did the Ninevites repent in order to get Jonah to preach, or did they repent because of Jonah’s preaching?”

Jonah preached a succinct, simple, but demanding, message to pagan Gentiles. What was the result? Did they offer mere oral platitudes that paid lip service to religion—like the scribes and Pharisees? No, they truly repented. But, apart from Jesus informing us of their repentance, how do we know they repented, seeing that the Bible terms for repentance are not used in the Jonah account to describe their response? Because we are informed what, precisely, they did after hearing Jonah’s preaching: they proclaimed a fast, put on sackcloth, the king covered himself in sackcloth, sat in ashes, and sent forth a decree to all the Ninevites requiring abstinence from food and drink, and made loud entreaties to God (Jonah 3:5-9). Jonah 3:10 summarizes: “Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.” Observe that their post-repentance activities are stylized “works” and that these extensive enactments were evidence of their repentance. Hence, they “repented into the preaching of Jonah.” Having been convinced by Jonah’s preaching to the point that they changed their thinking (i.e., repented), they then coupled their repentance with genuine compliance with the demands that Jonah laid before them. They repented into that state or condition demanded by Jonah’s preaching.1 A so-called “causal eis” does not exist.2

Endnotes

1 Jesus’ statement also constitutes an instance of the figure of speech known as “Metonymy of the Cause,” in which the cause or instrument is put for the thing effected by it. In this case, “preaching” was the instrument that Jesus mentioned, but what He was orally highlighting was the effect of Jonah’s preaching. For a discussion of this figure of speech, see E.W. Bullinger (1898), Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1968 reprint), pp. 545ff.

2 For a discussion of the alleged “causal eis,” see Dave Miller (2019), Baptism and the Greek Made Simple (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press), pp. 39ff.


Published

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The church of Christ remains the same. by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/En05JC-SameChurch.html

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever”
(Hebrews 13:8).

The church of Christ remains the same.

Just as Jesus and His doctrine are the same, His church is also the same. The church of Christ today has the same Founder, the same Head, the same foundation, the same leadership and the same forms of worship as in the New Testament.

Every church that does not have the same Founder, Head, foundation, leadership or worship, is not the church that Jesus built, but is a human concoction resulting from strange winds of doctrine and rebellion against Christ.

The Founder is the same.

Jesus built His church (Matthew 16:18). How can a church with a different founder be the church of Christ. If Luther, Calvin, Wesley or any person other than Jesus is the founder of a church, it is not the same church that He built. It is an unscriptural religious group.

The Head is the same.

“Christ is head of the church” (Ephesians 5:23). The Father, “put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body” (Ephesians 1:22, 23). There is one Shepherd (John 10:16). “He is the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18).

If a church has some head other than Christ, such as a pope, or a president, or a central administration of any kind, it is not the church you read about in the New Testament. It has rejected Christ as its Head.

The foundation is the same.

“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).

The church of Christ is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20).

The church is founded on the gospel of Christ. That gospel was put in writing by the apostles and prophets of Christ, and has been passed on to us through the prophetic writings of the New Testament.

Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome: “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith” (Romans 16:25, 26).

Peter wrote: “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior” (2 Peter 3:1, 2).

Because Jesus and His inspired apostles and prophets form the foundation of the church, we read of the first Christians: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine” (Acts 2:42).

The church of Christ today is built on Christ and on His teachings that have been passed on to us in the New Testament by His apostles and prophets.

Our apostles and prophets today are the same apostles and prophets of the first-century church.

The office of Peter and the other apostles was for all time. Of heavenly Jerusalem we read: “Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:14).

A church that has an alleged successor of Peter as its head, is not the church of Christ because the Lord's church has Christ as its only head and Peter himself, with the other apostles, is in the foundation. Peter does not need a successor because he is still serving as apostle through his writings in the New Testament. A church that has contemporary or other apostles and prophets, is not the church that Jesus built, because the Lord's church still has the same apostles and prophets.

The leadership is the same.

In addition to the original apostles and prophets, the Lord has given elders, deacons, evangelists and teachers to lead, serve and instruct His church: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Churches with leaders other than those Christ gave to His church (evangelists, teachers, elders and deacons) are not the church that Jesus built because the leaders are not the same.

A church that appoints elders and deacons who do not meet the qualifications set out in 1 Timothy 3:1-12 and Titus 1:5-9 is not the church that Jesus built. A church that has evangelists and teachers who preach and teach something other than the doctrine of Christ, is not the church of Christ.

Public teaching and leadership are provided by men and not by women in the church that Jesus built. “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man” (1 Timothy 2:11, 12). “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church” (1 Corinthians 14:34, 35).

A church that has women teaching men in public, or that has women preachers, elders or deacons is not the same church that Jesus built.

The worship is the same.

In the New Testament we learn how the church worshiped God. The church of Christ today worships God that same way.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). On the basis of the apostles' doctrine, the first Christians came together for prayer and to break bread (eat the Lord's supper).

They partook of the Lord's supper on the first day of the week (Sunday): “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7).

They also had a free-will collection on the first day of the week: “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2).

The Scriptures were read: “Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea” (Colossians 4:16). “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).

Prayer was sometimes accompanied by fasting (Acts 13:2, 3). “So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed” (Acts 14:23).

They taught and encouraged one another, and praised God in song: “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).

Since the prayers and songs of Christians have a teaching function, they must be understandable (thus not just sounds without meaning): “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding” (1 Corinthians 14:15).

Churches that incorporate Old Testament or heathen rituals into their worship such as the burning of incense or candles, the use of mechanical instruments of music, the wearing of distinctive clothing, the veneration of statues or icons, are not the church that Jesus built. Their worship is vain because it is based on the teachings of men rather than the word of God. Jesus said of such worshipers: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8, 9).

The church of Christ today is the same and worships God the same as the church in the New Testament.

Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His church is also the same. It has the same Founder and Head. The foundation is the same. It has the same apostles and prophets. The same doctrine is proclaimed and practiced. Its leadership and its worship are the same.

This is how we can distinguish the Lord's church from the many man-made counterfeit denominations in the world today and “not be carried about with various and strange doctrines” (Hebrews 13:8, 9).

Roy Davison

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

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

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The doctrine of Christ has not changed. by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/En04JC-SameDoctrine.html

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever”
(Hebrews 13:8).

The doctrine of Christ has not changed.

Since Jesus and His word do not change, neither does His doctrine.

“Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines” (Hebrews 13:9).

This warning assumes that one can distinguish between the doctrine of Christ and a doctrine that is foreign to it.

How can we make this distinction?

First, our attitude must be right. “Jesus answered them and said, 'My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority'” (John 7:16, 17). We must really want to do God's will. Only then can we recognize the doctrine that comes from God. We must carefully follow “the good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6).

If we do not want to do God's will, we will allow ourselves to be deceived by some false doctrine. People who do not love the truth are able to believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Paul warned: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3, 4). When people want to follow “their own desires” they seek out false teachers who tell them what they want to hear.

It is a matter of the heart. As Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome: “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered” (Romans 6:17). Our lives, our service, our worship are subservient to a pattern of doctrine that we willingly obey.

Second, we must know the Scriptures to distinguish between false doctrine and the doctrine of Christ. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Third, we must avoid false teachers. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11). Everything that is “contrary to sound doctrine” is wrong (1 Timothy 1:10).

Forth, we must be active members of the body of Christ.

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-15).

To avoid being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, we must be in fellowship with the apostles and prophets of our Lord, who together with Christ form the foundation of the church, “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20).

The Apostle John explains: “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). Peter writes: “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior” (2 Peter 3:1, 2). Through the written word we have fellowship with the apostles and thereby with the Father and the Son. We must continue “steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine” (Acts 2:42).

Evangelists, elders and teachers help us grow to maturity in Christ so we will not be tossed to and fro by strange doctrine.

Evangelists must charge others to “teach no other doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3). They must “speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). They must show an example of integrity in doctrine (Titus 2:7).

An elder must hold “fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9).

Being active in a faithful congregation helps us avoid being blown about by false doctrines.

False doctrine is evil. Paul wrote: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).

Shall we remain in the doctrine of Christ, or listen to doctrines of demons?

Our worship is worthless if we proclaim the doctrines of men rather than the doctrine of Christ. The following is said of those who reject God's word in favor of traditions: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8, 9).

Through the ages, two kinds of doctrinal errors have been prevalent. Some think it is not necessary to carefully follow the word of God; others, who claim to follow the word, add their own regulations. In the time of Christ Sadducees rejected God's word, and Pharisees added their own regulations. Jesus warns us about these two errors: “'How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? - but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:11, 12).

The faith is unchanged.

Since the doctrine remains the same, the faith also does not change. The faith is the doctrine of Christ believed. There is “one faith” (Ephesians 4:5).

We must “continue in the faith” (Acts 14:22; Colossians 1:23). Jude exhorts us “to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

We must “keep the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). We must “be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13). We must “stand fast in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13). We must be “steadfast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:9). We must be “established in the faith” (Colossians 2:7). We may not “depart from the faith” (1 Timothy 4:1) or “stray from the faith” (1 Timothy 6:10, 21).

Paul instructs us: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

The gospel is unchanged.

The gospel is the doctrine of Christ proclaimed. Since the doctrine does not change, the gospel also may not be changed.

Paul wrote to the Galatians: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).

When proclaiming the gospel we must tell people who Jesus is, that He died for our sins and rose from the dead. “This Jesus God has raised up” (Acts 2:32). “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). “He Himself is the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 2:2). “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31). “Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20). “He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42).

This proclamation of the gospel also includes telling people what they must do to be saved. Jesus commands His followers: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15, 16). Peter commanded the hearers on Pentecost: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Paul wrote: “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9, 10).

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines” (Hebrews 13:8, 9). His doctrine is unchanged. The faith is unchanged. The gospel is unchanged. If you obey from the heart that same gospel, you too can be saved by the blood of the changeless Christ and have eternal life.

If you believe in Christ, repent of your sins, confess Christ, and are baptized in His name for the forgiveness of sins, you can be a Christian just like the Christians in the New Testament.

Roy Davison

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

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

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). “The word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/En03JC-EternalWord.html

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever”
(Hebrews 13:8).

“The word of our God stands forever”
(Isaiah 40:8).

Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

The galaxies are disintegrating. Our bodies grow old and die. All visible things perish. For that reason, “We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Since God is eternal, His word is also eternal. “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever” (Psalm 119:160). “The truth of the Lord endures forever” (Psalm 117:2).

In Isaiah, chapter 40, God's messenger is told to cry out. (A message from God is not to be spoken timidly. It is backed by the Creator of the universe!)

“The voice said, 'Cry out!' And he said, 'What shall I cry?'” (Isaiah 40:6). The answer is: “All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:7, 8).

The eternity of God's word is contrasted with the brevity of life. Our life passes quickly. “What is your life? It is a mist that appears briefly and then disappears” (James 4:14 RD). Each day brings us one day closer to the day of our death.

Yet good news was to be preached from Jerusalem: “O Zion, you who bring good tidings, get up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, you who bring good tidings, lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid; say to the cities of Judah, 'Behold your God!'” (Isaiah 40:9).

What is this good news that goes forth from Jerusalem? Jesus came to the cities of Judah and told His followers: “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death” (John 8:51). “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life” (John 5:24).

That really is good news! By believing in God and obeying the word of Christ, one can live forever. By obeying the truth one receives cleansing and a spiritual rebirth: “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because 'All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.' Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:22-25).

“The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

We must lift up our voices and tell people that by obeying God's word they can live forever.

There is no reason to be timid. With Paul we may say: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Jesus warned: “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38).

We will be judged by the word of Christ. Jesus said: “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him -- the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

On judgment day, what will all the theological books on earth be worth? Along with the earth, they will be consumed by fire, but “The word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). God's word will still be there to judge us, after the heavens and the earth have passed away (2 Peter 3:10-13).

But that same word is also the word of life. When Jesus lost His popularity with the masses because His teachings were not what they wanted, He asked His disciples if they also would go away. Peter replied: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Jesus had just told them: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Jesus is the “Word of life” (1 John 1:1).

After the church was established, the apostles were commanded: “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life” (Acts 5:20).

Later Paul and Barnabas traveled about proclaiming the good news of eternal life in Christ. Certain Jews rejected the message. “Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, 'It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: “I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.”' Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region” (Acts 13:46-49).

The word of God is not a dead letter. It is “living and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12). Although our flesh is like grass that withers away, through the “living and powerful” word of God we can live forever. Let us hold fast the “word of life” (Philippians 2:16).

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35). “The word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

Believe in Christ, repent, confess your faith and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9, 10). Then in Christ you can live forever.

Roy Davison

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

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

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). What unseen things are eternal? by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/En02JC-EternalThings.html

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever”
(Hebrews 13:8).

What unseen things are eternal?

“We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

There is a physical realm and a spiritual realm. The physical realm is finite. The universe had a beginning and will have an end. The spiritual realm is infinite.

Science deals with the physical realm. Philosophy and religion deal with the spiritual realm.

Philosophically, if something exists now, something must have always existed. According to scientific observations, the physical realm has not always existed. Thus, it must be something spiritual that has always existed.

Intelligence is the most exalted phenomenon we observe. The intelligence of one person is more amazing than all the physical things of the universe combined. Thus to conclude that an intelligent, Spiritual Being has always existed, is logical and consistent with scientific observations and philosophical principles.

Paul's statement that “the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18) is scientifically and philosophically sound.

What unseen things are eternal? First, and foremost:


God is eternal.

Moses was raised by Pharaoh's daughter and had access to all the wealth of Egypt. Yet, beyond the vanity of visible things, he saw the Unseen God: “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:24-27).

How could Moses 'see' the unseen God? The same way all men and women of faith are conscious of God's presence. God has made Himself known. Paul explains: “What may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful” (Romans 1:19-21).

The story is told of an atheist who sneeringly asked a little girl if she believed in God. When she replied that she did, he said: “I'll give you a euro if you can show me where God is.” She replied, “Sir, I'll give you 5 euros if you can show me where God isn't!”

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3).

God is self-existent, He always has existed and always shall exist.

When God told Moses to rescue His people from Egypt, Moses asked: “When I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And He said, 'Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you”'” (Exodus 3:13, 14).

The one true God does not need a proper name to distinguish Him from other gods. He is God. He is the Lord. He is 'I AM', Infinite Being.

Among the people of Israel this became a sacred designation for God. The Hebrew word, sometimes transliterated as Jehovah or Jaweh, is called the Tetragrammaton because it consists of four consonants. Ancient written Hebrew did not include vowels. The vowels had to be inserted mentally when the text was read. Thus, many written words could have different meanings depending on which vowels were added.

I once asked a rabbi why Jews do not pronounce the Tetragrammaton. His explanation was that the written word could mean 'I am', 'I was' and 'I shall be' depending on the vowels added. Thus, to pronounce the word would limit its meaning.

This designation for God appears more than 6000 times in the Old Testament. When the text was read aloud, however, the word for 'Lord' was read. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the New Testament writers used the Greek word for 'Lord' to translate Old Testament quotations containing the Tetragrammaton except in a few instances where the Greek word for 'God' appears.


Jesus is I AM.

When the writer of Hebrews says: “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), he is ascribing this trait to Christ.

That Jesus is the same, relates to what is said of God in the Psalms: “Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; yes, they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end” (Psalm 102:25-27).

This Psalm is addressed to God (verse 24). The designation 'Jehovah' is used seven times (in verses 1, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19 and 22). God does not change. With the “Father of lights” “there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:16). “For I am the Lord, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6).

In Hebrews 13 it says that Jesus Christ is always the same. In Hebrews, chapter 1, Psalm 102 is applied to Christ (preceded by Psalm 45:6, 7).
“But to the Son He says:
'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;

A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.'
And:
'You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,

And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail'”
(Hebrews 1:8-12).

This text proclaims the deity, eternity and changelessness of Christ.

The immutability of Christ is contrasted with the continually changing universe that will pass away. Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

“They will perish, but You remain. . They will be changed, but You are the same” (Psalm 102:26, 27). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6). The two words 'LORD' in this verse are translations of the Tetragrammaton. The I AM is the first and the last.

In Isaiah 48 the Lord says: “I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last” (Verse 12).

In the Revelation to John, Jesus says: “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore” (Revelation 1:17, 18). “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Revelation 22:13). Thus, the designation, the First and the Last (which can only apply to God, the I AM) also applies to Christ.

Jesus told the unbelieving Jews: “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). If Jesus had said 'I was' He would have only stated that He existed before Abraham. By saying “Before Abraham was, I AM” He declares Himself to be Jehovah.

“We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

We endure as seeing Him who is invisible.

God is eternal, He is I AM. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is also I AM with the Father. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (Hebrews 1:8).

“The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary” (Isaiah 40:28). “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).

Roy Davison

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

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

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). What have you seen that does not change? by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/En01JC-TemporaryThings.html

“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever”
(Hebrews 13:8).

What have you seen that does not change?

From the swirling galaxies to the minutest particles, all is in motion. All physical things change, and pass away. Our bodies grow old and die. Is that the end?

Paul wrote: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).


Things which are seen are temporary.

This biblical statement is verified by scientific observations. The mass-energy space-time universe of which our bodies are a part, is disintegrating. There is a continual increase of entropy. Matter and energy in the universe are degrading toward an ultimate state of inert uniformity.

Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away” (Luke 21:33).

The universe changes continually. Scientists observe these changes, look for patterns and attempt to explain them. Their explanations are often speculative because of the time-space limitations of their observation equipment.

These limitations exist both in the study of the minutest particles and in the study of the great expanses of the universe.

Since 1929 atom smashers have been used to study increasingly smaller particles [see Ernest Thomas Sinton Walton and John Douglas Cockcroft].

On September 10, 2008 the first beam of particles was successfully steered around the 27 kilometer circular tunnel of the world's most powerful particle accelerator at the CERN laboratory at Geneva. The purpose of this cyclotron, an electromagnetic machine that took 20 years to build with a price tag of ten billion dollars, is to accomplish a head-on collision of two beams of sub-atomic particles, hurtling through the tunnel at almost the speed of light.

To accomplish this, the electromagnets must be synchronized to less than a billionth of a second and the entire tunnel must be chilled to minus 271.23°C, which is only 1.82°C above absolute zero. By observing what happens when the beams collide, the scientists hope to increase their knowledge of particle physics.

The presumptuous claim has been made by some that this Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at Geneva will allow scientists to replicate conditions that prevailed in the first few seconds after an alleged 'big bang' that supposedly created the universe 13.7 billion years ago.

Such collisions occur naturally, however, in the outer atmosphere, and are miniscule compared to what would happen in an alleged big bang. A collider just makes it possible to set up measuring instruments near these little bangs.

The first collision was to be attempted before the end of 2008, but on September 19, 2008 a malfunction that caused the leakage of a thousand kilos of liquid helium made it necessary to warm up the tunnel for repairs. Plans for the first collision were postponed until the summer of 2009, but the actual first collision (at half speed) was not accomplished until March 30, 2010.

King Solomon (an accomplished biologist - 1 Kings 4:33) wrote: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

People have eternity in their hearts. They want to know more, they can unravel some things, but their knowledge remains extremely limited.

No matter how powerful the colliders become, there will always be a limit to what instruments can measure. As a modest scientist at CERN said: “Hopefully this collider will help us peal off another layer of the unknown.”

Observations of the expanses of the universe are also extremely limited, in this case by distance and the slowness of light. If our sun exploded five minutes ago, we would not yet know it since it takes eight minutes for sunlight to travel to earth. The next closest star is Alpha Centauri, 4.3 light years away. If God destroyed the entire universe except our solar system four years ago, we would not yet notice it.

Earth is in the Milky Way galaxy. It is about 100,000 light years across and has some 100 billion stars. Earth is 30,000 light years from the center. Thus, all observations of our own little galaxy are stale-dated by from 4 to 70,000 years.

The nearest galaxy beyond the Milky Way is Andromeda, which is 2.7 million light years away. Thus, observations of it are 2.7 million years after the fact. What might have happened to Andromeda in the last 2.7 million years? We can never know. Maybe Andromeda no longer exists.

How many galaxies are there? About two million have been observed, but there may be as many as 100,000 million. How big is the observable universe? With our limited telescopes, it is estimated at 156 billion light years across.

“'My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8, 9).

What do scientists really know about the universe? Not much. They do know that it is changing, that it had a beginning, and that it will have an end. When you see a burning candle, you know it cannot burn forever because the available fuel is limited. You also know it has not been burning for ever, because then it would already be burned out.

Peter wrote: “The end of all things is at hand” (1 Peter 4:7) and “the heavens will pass away with a great noise” (2 Peter 3:10).

Was this temporary universe created by an eternal God or by a big bang?

On what is the big-bang theory based?

Assuming that the red-shift in the light spectrum of distant stars is caused by the Doppler effect rather than by some unknown influence over such a great distance, the universe appears to be expanding.

Some scientists crank the expansion of the universe back in time until all matter in the universe theoretically would have been at one place (which seems rather preposterous). Since they can go no farther, they postulate that there must have been an explosion at that time, a 'big bang', that started the universe expanding. (I suppose if all the matter in the universe were at one place, something would have to happen! But how did it get there?)

These scientists can believe the preposterous idea that all matter in the universe could be at one place, but they have difficulty with the idea that God could create an already expanding universe, and that the stars, plus their radiation fields in the whole universe, could be created simultaneously. This, however, is not a bit more difficult than having all the material of the universe at one place!

What do the Scriptures say about the beginning of the universe? “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. Then God said, 'Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.' Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day” (Genesis 1:1-8).

The waters under and above the firmament refer to earth's water cycle with liquid water in the seas and water vapor in the clouds.

Notice that light, day and night, and the hydrosphere were created before there were stars. The stars were not created until the forth day. “Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth'; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night, the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:14-18).

Thus, when the heavenly bodies were created, they were visible on earth (although some of them were millions of light years away) and their coordinates were comparable to what we see now since they were given for signs and seasons.

The book of Job (which tells of events around the time of Abraham in Genesis) mentions the constellations, the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades (Job 9:9) and in Amos 5:8 it is stated: “He made the Pleiades and Orion.” Thus, God created these constellations with their recognizable appearance from earth.

God created the sun, moon and stars “to give light on the earth” (Genesis 1:15). This tremendous, awe-inspiring universe was made to enlighten man.

What do the Scriptures say about the entropy and inevitable death of the universe? “Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; yes, they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end” (Psalm 102:26-28).

Peter writes: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:10).

We need not be discouraged or dismayed because of the changes and decay around us. This changing universe will pass away, the elements will perish, but there are invisible things that will remain: “We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Visible things change, but “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). And He has promised those who follow Him an eternal dwelling place.

“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:11-13).

Next we will discuss unseen things that never pass away.

“You, O LORD, shall endure forever” ... “Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; yes, they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end” (Psalm 102:12, 25-27).

Roy Davison

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

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

Homosexuality A Christian Perspective Concluding Remarks by Mark Copeland

 









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/homosexuality-christian-perspective/hom_07.html

Homosexuality
A Christian Perspective

Concluding Remarks

If there is one passage of Scripture which summarizes God's view of homosexuality, then it is that found in Paul's letter to a church which was in a city famous for its sexual immorality:

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."
"And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

In this passage we find both condemnation and hope. Homosexuality and sodomy are condemned as sin, but hope is seen in that those who engaged in such can find forgiveness and the ability to change through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. May God be praised!

As children of God, let those of us who are disciples of Christ not renege on our responsibility concerning this sin which is becoming more acceptable in our society. It is my prayer that this material may be used in the service of God by others to:

  • Teach the truth in love
  • Expose homosexuality for the sin that it is
  • Lovingly accept and assist those who come to Jesus in an effort to overcome this tenacious sin

May God give us the grace to do so, in a spirit becoming of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2023

Homosexuality A Christian Perspective Helping Homosexuals To Overcome by Mark Copeland

 








 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/homosexuality-christian-perspective/hom_06.html

Homosexuality
A Christian Perspective

Helping Homosexuals To Overcome

As suggested in the previous section, it is possible for a person to overcome their homosexuality even if they are not a Christian. But there is so much more help available if one is willing to come to Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit! In this section, we shall briefly examine positive steps one can take in dealing with the pernicious sin of homosexuality.

OBEY JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD

When one turns to the Lord in sincere faith and repentance, their baptism into Christ is the source of great blessings. As the apostle Peter proclaimed in the first gospel message on the Day of Pentecost:

"...Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Ac 2:38)

Notice carefully that when one is baptized upon repentance that there is first the "remission of sins." By the blood of Christ every sin is washed away in baptism. But there is also the "gift of the Holy Spirit" promised to those who repent and are baptized. This refers to the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian, Who serves as the instrumental agent by which God and Christ indwell and strengthens the Christian. As Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome:

"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."
"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh."
"For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Ro 8:11-13)

Yes, it is by the Spirit we are able to "put to death the deeds of the body", for as Paul wrote to the Ephesians, it is through the Spirit that God strengthens our inward man:

"...to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man," (Ep 3:16)

With such "divine help" we are able to do whatever the will of God calls us to do. As Paul wrote in his epistle to the Philippians:

"...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Php 2:13)
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Php 4:13)

When we obey Christ and submit our lives to Him, we are not alone in our struggle against sin and the temptations we often face in the flesh; by the Spirit of God we can receive the strength Christ provides!

But such ability does not come automatically. To receive the help God provides requires that we...

WALK IN THE SPIRIT

As written to the churches of Galatia:

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Ga 5:16)

Whether the "lust of the flesh" we are fighting involves fornication, adultery, or homosexuality, we can only overcome it as we "walk in the Spirit". How does a Christian do this? The answer is found in Paul's epistle to the Romans:

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." (Ro 8:5)

We "live according to the Spirit" (or "walk in the Spirit") as we "set our minds on the things of the Spirit!" Just as a person whose mind is in the gutter will soon live accordingly, those who "set" their mind on the things the Spirit has revealed will live in harmony with that revelation.

In other words, the Word of God, revealed to us by the Holy Spirit working through the apostles and prophets of Jesus Christ, contains those "things" upon which we must "set our minds" if we are going to live according to the Spirit. The Word of God is the instrument (or sword, Ep 6:17) the Holy Spirit uses to transform the minds and lives of those who will truly give themselves to it!

As the Psalmist understood and declared so long ago...

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." (Ps 119:11)

Even Jesus, when tempted in the wilderness, appealed to the Word of God again and again in His fight against the lusts of the flesh (Ma 4:1-11)! So must one who is serious in overcoming homosexuality set his or her mind on the Word of God, that they might truly walk in the Spirit and receive the strength only the Spirit can provide!

But there is more that can be said...

RESTRICT WHAT GOES INTO YOUR MIND

Jesus pointed out in His sermon on the mount that the problem of adultery actually begins in the heart (mind):

"...whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Ma 5:28)

The same can be said for homosexuality. Therefore, a person who is serious in their efforts to overcome any sexual sin must be careful about what they allow their minds to dwell on. Again, Paul wrote:

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh..." (Ro 8:5)

If a person is going to be truly "transformed" it will occur only when the mind is being "renewed":

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."
"And do not be conformed to this world, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Ro 12:1-2)

But a person's mind cannot be "renewed" if they allow themselves to dwell on those things that will prompt lustful desires. Rather, they need to heed the following admonition:

"...whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." (Php 4:8)

Rather than dwelling on things that will weaken one's resolve, a person committed to overcoming temptations of the flesh will devote their thoughts, their reading, their television and movie viewing, to such things described above!

AVOID HOMOSEXUAL FRIENDS AND HANGOUTS

One should be aware of the dangers of the wrong kind of companionship:

"Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.'" (1Co 15:33)

Friends can be a wonderful blessing, but the wrong kind of friends can be a disaster! Avoid like the plague those who would entice you back into sin. And avoid those environments where the opportunities for temptations are great, where homosexuals are known to frequent. In other words...

"...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and MAKE NO PROVISION FOR THE FLESH, to fulfill its lusts." (Ro 13:14)

Do not provide opportunities for the flesh to be tempted to give into unlawful desires!

BECOME ACTIVE IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

Those who have been converted from homosexuality especially need the encouragement of that which comes from Christian fellowship. The very purpose of our assemblies is to provide such:

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another..." (He 10:24-25)

Of course, it is essential that those struggling with trying to overcome homosexuality be fully accepted despite their past by their fellow Christians, or they will be terribly discouraged! It is the Lord's desire that local congregations be a haven for ALL who seek to serve the Lord and overcome sin.

BECOME ACTIVE IN A WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY

The early Christians realized the value of home Bible studies with others...

"And daily in the temple, AND IN EVERY HOUSE, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." (Ac 5:42)
"...I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE." (Ac 20:20)

The value of such special studies should be especially apparent for those Christians overcoming difficult problems (such as drugs, alcohol, homosexuality) where meeting with the church during its regular assemblies is not enough. Again, this calls for understanding and committed Christians who are willing to spend such time in study with their brethren who may be weak.

BELIEVE IN GOD FOR AN "UNLIMITED" FUTURE!

It is important to remember that with God nothing is impossible! The scriptures tell us that God is able to do things beyond what we are able to imagine:

"...who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," (Ep 3:20)

Notice the superlatives used by Paul ("exeedingly" "abundantly" "above all"), you soon get the impression that this "power" that works in us is really beyond description! But it is available to those who commit themselves to serving the Lord!

Not only that, but we have the promise that God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to handle:

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1Co 10:13)

With the power of God working IN us to give us strength, and the providence of God working AROUND us to keep us out of temptations beyond our ability to overcome, we can change and be all that God wants us to be! (And remember, when we do fall because we do not take advantage of God's power and providence, there is still the grace of God to provide forgiveness when we truly repent and come back to God.)

PRESENT YOUR BODY FORMALLY TO GOD

When one becomes a Christian, their body then belongs to the Lord:

"Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body."
"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 and in your spirit, which are God's." (1Co 6:18-20)

Since we now belong to God, we should present our bodies to God as part of our reasonable service...

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Ro 12:1-2)

Whereas before you may have allowed your body to be used as an instrument for sin, let it be used as an instrument of righteousness in the service of God:

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts."
"And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteous- ness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God." (Ro 6:12-13)

The more we think of serving God with both body and spirit, the less we will succumb to allowing either to engage in sinful activities.

FINALLY, PRAY!

Yes, pray! And "pray without ceasing" (1Th 5:17) whenever the temptation is greatest. Why pray? The author of Hebrews gives us two good reasons:

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (He 4:16)

Through prayer we can receive from God both mercy and grace to help us in time of need. Mercy for the times when we do not take advantage of the help God provides, and grace to help in those times when we DO seek to take advantage of it.

Through prayer, the Word, the help of brethren, and the Holy Spirit Himself, anyone (including the homosexual and lesbian) should be able to say with the apostle Paul:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

May God give us all whatever portion of that strength we need!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2023