"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE" The Discipline Of Giving by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/disciplines-for-disciple/disc_07.html

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE"

The Discipline Of Giving

INTRODUCTION

1. Summarizing what we have covered so far, "Disciplines For The Disciple" include:
1. Prayer - especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
2. Meditation - contemplating God, His works, His words, and things worthy of virtue
3. Fasting - a means of humbling one's self before God when joined with sincere prayer
4. Singing - which edifies the singer as well as praises God
5. Fellowship - communing with other Christians as we engage in spiritual activities
2. I also like to think of giving as a spiritual discipline...
1. Not just in the sense of giving money to someone in need
2. But in giving of one's time, energy, or abilities, especially where it involves sacrifice
3. Such giving is certainly demonstrated in the New Testament...
1. By the example of the churches of Macedonia - 2Co 8:1-5
2. By the example of Christ Himself - 2Co 8:9

[To become more like Christ, which is the goal of spiritual discipline, we must exercise giving. To encourage us to give as we should, let's take a closer look at the example of the Macedonians...]

1. GIVING PAR EXCELLENCE
1. THEY GAVE SACRIFICIALLY...
1. The Macedonians were in the midst of great affliction - 2 Co 8:2
2. They were experiencing poverty themselves - 2Co 8:2
3. Yet they gave 'beyond their ability' - 2Co 8:3a
4. This they were not expected to do - cf. 2Co 8:12-13
-- The best giving comes from those who cannot afford it (cf. Lk 21:1-4)
2. THEY GAVE JOYFULLY...
1. Somehow they had discovered the joy of giving - 2Co 8:2
2. Perhaps they took to heart the teaching of...
1. The Lord relating to the blessedness of giving - Ac 20:35
2. James to the value of persecution - Jm 1:2-4
3. In any case, this is the kind of giving that God loves - 2 Co 9:7
-- The best giving comes from those who give cheerfully
3. THEY GAVE VOLUNTARILY...
1. They were 'freely willing' - 2Co 8:3
2. This is the kind of giving God requires today...
1. We can not command people to give against their will - cf. 2Co 8:8
2. We can only command how it is to be done to help needy saints abroad - cf. 1Co 16:1-4
3. Giving must come from 'a willing mind' - 2Co 8:12
4. Giving must never be done 'begrudgingly' or because you 'have to' - 2Co 9:7
5. Otherwise, you might as well not give at all
-- The best giving comes from those who give freely
4. THEY GAVE PERSISTENTLY...
1. As Paul says, 'imploring us with much urgency' - 2Co 8:4
2. They wouldn't take 'no' for an answer (or for an easy way out!)
3. With the Philippians, their giving to Paul persisted throughout his life - Php 4:10-18
-- The best giving comes from those who persist
5. THEY GAVE THEMSELVES...
1. Perhaps this explains how they were able to give as they did!
2. They gave themselves 'first to the Lord' - 2Co 8:5
1. When a person does this, they do not worry about 'the cost of giving'
2. For they have the promise of Jesus in Mt 6:25-34
3. Giving themselves first to the Lord, it is natural they would give 'then to us (others)'
1. For such is a mark of true discipleship - cf. Jn 13:34-35
2. And it is a mark of true love for God - cf. 1Jn 4:20-21
-- The best giving comes from those who give themselves to God

[Such are the principles of giving par excellence. To help motivate us to give more like the Macedonians, let's now consider some...]

2. REASONS FOR GIVING
1. GOD BLESSES THE GIVER...
1. It is more blessed to give than to receive - Ac 20:35
2. The Lord blesses those who give - Ps 41:1-3; Pr 19:17
3. The grace of God is at work in those who give - 2Co 8:1-2,6-7; 9:8,14
-- Giving blesses the giver more than the recipient!
2. GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER...
1. As Paul reminded the Corinthians - 2Co 9:7
2. A cheerful giver therefore need not worry - Mt 6:30-33
3. For God watches over those whom He loves - cf. Lk 12:6-7
-- Giving cheerfully makes one a recipient of God's care and love!
3. GOD PROVIDES SEED FOR THE SOWER...
1. Those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully - 2Co 9:6
2. Not for personal consumption - 2Co 9:8-9
1. But to have 'all sufficiency in all things'
2. But to have 'an abundance for every good work'
3. As confirmed by a quote from Psalms - cf. Ps 112:5-9
3. To multiply the seed for even more good - 2Co 9:10-11a
1. To 'increase the fruits of your righteousness'
2. To be 'enriched for all liberality'
-- Giving liberally will be blessed to give even more liberally!
4. GOD IS PRAISED BY GIVING...
1. Thanksgiving is offered by those whose needs are supplied - 2Co 9:11b-12
2. Glory is given to God for His grace in the lives of the givers - 2Co 9:13-15
-- Giving liberally will lead to God being praised liberally!
5. BROTHERLY LOVE IS INCREASED BY GIVING...
1. By brethren who witness God's grace in the givers - 2Co 9:14
2. Causing them to love and long for their brethren - e.g., Php 1:3-8
-- Giving liberally will strengthen the bonds of brotherly love!

[We certainly have good reasons to give, and examples like the Macedonians inspiring us to give. Finally, some quick thoughts on...]

3. THE EXERCISE OF GIVING
1. THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TO GIVE...
1. Giving is not limited to money
2. God may empower us to give in other ways - 1Pe 4:10-11
1. Our talents to teach or serve
2. Our time can be a great gift
3. Whatever our abilities and opportunities...
1. We are stewards of the manifold grace of God
2. We should minister our gifts to one another
3. We should do so with the ability God supplies
-- However you give, let it truly reflect God's grace in you!
2. PLANNED GIVING LEADS TO CHEERFUL GIVING...
1. Purposeful giving is the key to giving cheerfully - cf. 2 Co 9:7
2. One is less likely to give 'grudgingly or of necessity'
1. Because they have already set aside what they want to give b They are not caught off guard when someone asks them to give
3. This is how Paul instructed the Corinthians in their giving
1. To lay by in store on the first day of the week - cf. 1Co 16:1-4
2. To prepare their gift beforehand, so the resources were ready - cf. 2Co 9:5
4. An early Christian apologist, Aristides, wrote of how even slaves were able to give cheerfully through purposeful planning: "And if there is any that is a slave or a poor man, they fast two or three days and what they were going to set before themselves they send to them (Christians in prison), considering themselves to give good cheer even as they were called to give good cheer." - Apology 15
-- So plan your giving if you wish to give cheerfully!
3. SUGGESTIONS FOR GIVING...
1. Plan your giving to help the needy
1. We saw where Paul instructed planned giving to produce cheerful giving
2. As you prosper, set so much aside for 'individual benevolence'
3. Start a separate account into which you put aside a certain amount each pay period
4. Or send that amount to some charitable organization
2. Plan the use of your talents and time
1. Don't wait till someone asks you for help on the spur of the moment
2. Look at your schedule, and budget your time to offer your abilities (e.g., teaching)
3. Give to be seen of God, not man - Mt 6:1-4
1. Like prayer and fasting, giving should be done to please God, not man
2. Through planned, frequent giving, it soon becomes second nature to which we give little thought
-- It is much easier and more blessed to give when you plan to give!

CONCLUSION

1. Remember that the purpose of any spiritual discipline is to...
1. Help us grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ
2. Become more like Christ as we grow in godliness
2. The discipline of giving certainly helps to fulfill such a goal...
1. For God gave His only begotten Son - Jn 3:16
2. And Jesus gave Himself - Mt 20:28

Likewise the Macedonians gave themselves to the Lord first, and then to others (2Co 8:5). As we exercise ourselves to godliness through prayer, meditation, fasting, singing, and fellowship, may we also be sure to add the grace of giving...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE" The Discipline Of Fellowship by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/disciplines-for-disciple/disc_06.html

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE"

The Discipline Of Fellowship

INTRODUCTION

1. Thus far in our study of spiritual disciplines we have looked at...
1. Prayer - especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
2. Meditation - contemplating God, His works, His words, and things worthy of virtue
3. Fasting - a means of humbling one's self before God when joined with sincere prayer
4. Singing - which edifies the singer as well as praises God
2. Let's now take a look at the spiritual discipline of fellowship...
1. The Greek is koinonia and means "to share in, fellowship with, participation" - CWSD
2. The early church continued "steadfastly in...fellowship" - Ac 2:42
3. The idea is that Christians did things together...
1. They assembled together for worship
2. They spent time together in such activities as prayer, singing, etc.
3. They valued the time together as something beneficial

[To grow spiritually, we need to exercise ourselves unto godliness (1 Ti 4:7), and fellowship with other Christians is an important spiritual exercise. To appreciate why, consider...]

1. THE NEED FOR FELLOWSHIP
1. THE PROBLEM OF SELF-CENTEREDNESS...
1. Many Christians do not value their time with other Christians
2. As evidenced by their:
1. Sporadic attendance of regular church services
2. Failure to visit and support gospel meetings elsewhere
3. Lack of interest in home Bible studies
4. Unwillingness to extend or accept offers of hospitality
3. The main reason is the problem of self-centeredness
1. Interested only in things pertaining to themselves
2. With little concern for the needs of others
-- Self-centeredness is a real problem for many Christians today
2. THE REASON FOR SELF-CENTEREDNESS...
1. Many of us lived through the "Me Decade"
1. The 1970's, distinguished by self-centered attitudes and self-indulgent behavior
2. A time in which there was...
1. A rapid rise of crime against others - rape, theft, assault, murder
2. An increased use of drugs and alcohol as a way of escape
3. A turn to philosophies and religions which involve preoccupation with self:
1. "Looking Out For #1"
2. Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Yoga
4. An emphasis on consumerism and materialistic gain
3. A decade followed by the "Greed Decade" (the 1980's)
2. Cultural trends today have produced many self-centered people
1. We live in a highly mobile society
1. New families move in, and others move away
2. Many live great distances from the place of worship and from each other
2. Technology designed to bring us closer together, can easily move us apart
1. Phones, email, etc., greatly increase our ability to communicate
2. But we can become stretched out so thin through such technology that we do not develop meaningful relationships
-- Such things have made it much easier to become isolated from one another

[The problems of self-centeredness and isolation can be greatly reduced through the spiritual discipline of fellowship. Allow me to explain what I mean by describing...]

2. THE PRACTICE OF FELLOWSHIP
1. THROUGH ASSEMBLIES OF THE CHURCH...
1. We assemble regularly to exhort one another - He 10:24-25
2. This we do through worship services and Bible classes
3. Each time we assemble, we have fellowship with one another
4. A main goal in such assemblies is mutual edification - 1Co 14:26
-- Faithful attendance of all the services of the church contributes greatly to fellowship
2. THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES IN THE HOME...
1. Early Christians often met in their homes for Bible study - Ac 5:42; 20:20
2. Such settings allow for personal attention and application of Scripture
-- Involvement in home Bible studies provides wonderful opportunity for fellowship
3. THROUGH VISITING OTHER BRETHREN...
1. Area churches often have special events like gospel meetings
2. This provides the opportunity for fellowship with brethren in other places - Php 1:5
-- Attending gospel meetings is a great way to experience fellowship

[Any occasion to be with brethren to praise God and study His word is an opportunity to practice the discipline of fellowship. To encourage such practices, let me conclude by briefly mentioning...]

3. THE BENEFIT OF FELLOWSHIP
1. TO FULFILL OUR DUTIES TO ONE ANOTHER...
1. To have a care for one another - 1Co 12:26
2. To teach and admonish one another - Col 3:16
3. To serve one another in love - Ga 5:13
4. To pray for one another - Jm 5:16
5. To restore one another - Jm 5:19-20
6. To be hospitable to one another - 1Pe 4:9
-- When we fellowship frequently, such duties are more likely met
2. TO RECEIVE HELP FROM ONE ANOTHER...
1. We need encouragement to remain faithful - He 3:12-14
2. We need comfort in times of tribulation - 2Co 1:3-5; 1Th 5:11
1. Note that comfort comes from two sources: from God and each another
2. Thus God comforts both directly and indirectly
-- When we fellowship frequently, we are blessed by one another's faith and comfort

CONCLUSION

1. As we think of the various "Disciplines For The Disciple"...
1. Let us not limit such spiritual exercises that can be done alone
2. Let us also value spiritual exercises that we can do together
2. In our desire to exercise ourselves unto godliness...
1. Beware of the danger of self-centeredness and isolation
2. Be aware of the value of assembling together in our churches and in our homes

Through such fellowship with other Christians, along with private prayer, meditation, fasting, and singing, we will grow in grace and godliness as disciples of Christ...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE" The Discipline Of Singing by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/disciplines-for-disciple/disc_05.html

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE"

The Discipline Of Singing

INTRODUCTION

1. Our study of spiritual disciplines have so far examined such spiritual exercises as...
1. Prayer - especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
2. Meditation - contemplating God, His works, His words, and things worthy of virtue
3. Fasting - as a means of humbling one's self before God, especially when joined with prayer
2. Another discipline in which we engage regularly is singing...
1. We spend nearly a third of our assemblies engaged in this activity
2. Rightly so, for it has the potential of reaping great spiritual benefits
3. But I wonder if some do not appreciate the value of singing...
1. Many Christians sing with virtually no emotion, some do not sing at all!
2. I have known Christians, who...
1. Complained because time available for classes was taken up by singing a few hymns
2. Will not attend a worship service if they know it will be devoted to singing

[Singing as a spiritual discipline is of great value, and should be a habit engaged by those who desire to grow in godliness. To appreciate why, let's review...]

1. THE PURPOSE OF SINGING
1. TO PRAISE THE LORD (UPWARD)...
1. This is the most common concept of the purpose of singing
1. Indeed, this is certainly the idea inherent in the word 'hymn'
2. Which comes from the Greek word humnos, meaning "a song in praise of"
2. The Psalms call upon us to praise God in song
1. "Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name." - Ps 30:4
2. "Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding." - Ps 47:6-7
3. "Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation." - Ps 95:1
4. "Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth." - Ps 96:1
5. "Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day." - Ps 96:2
6. "Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory." - Ps 98:1
7. "Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing." - Ps 100:2
8. "Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant." - Ps 135:3
3. Praising God in song should be a natural for Christians !
1. David reacted this way to the blessings of God - Ps 28:6-7; 59:16-17
2. Christians are taught to sing praises when joyful - Jm 5:13
3. Paul and Silas even reacted to persecution by singing praises - Ac 16:25
-- Is not God worthy of being praised in song?
2. TO TEACH AND ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER (OUTWARD)...
1. Singing is not always directed toward God...
1. Certainly, many songs are
2. But songs are often directed to each other - cf. Col 3:16; Ep 5:19
2. That's because many songs are designed to teach one another
1. Teaching and admonishing us to live properly, to enjoy the blessings of the Christian life
2. It might even be said that 'congregational singing' is actually 'congregational teaching'!
-- Do not our brethren deserve the encouragement that comes from singing?
3. TO BE FILLED AND ENRICHED (INWARD)...
1. David wrote of the personal benefit of singing praises
1. It made his lips and soul to greatly rejoice - Ps 71:23
2. He found it to be pleasant and beautiful - Ps 147:1
2. Singing can be a means to being filled with the Spirit
1. Paul charged the Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit - Ep 5:18
2. He explained how: by singing and making melody in one's heart to the Lord - Ep 5:19
3. Singing can be a means to being enriched by the Word of Christ
1. Paul charged the Colossians to let the Word of Christ dwell in them richly - Col 3:16a
2. Again he explains: by singing with grace in one's heart to the Lord - Col 3:16b
-- For a truly Spirit-filled life enriched by the Word of Christ, singing is essential!

[Singing is a wonderful spiritual discipline that blesses God, those who hear us, and even ourselves as we sing. How can we get more out this spiritual discipline? Here are some thoughts regarding...]

2. THE PRACTICE OF SINGING
1. ENGAGE THE MIND AS YOU SING...
1. Remember, singing is teaching and admonishing one another
2. This assumes that we understand what we sing - cf. 1Co 14:15
3. We must be careful that our enjoyment of singing is not like how many people enjoy their popular music (i.e., liking the music without necessarily understanding the words)
-- Give careful attention to the words of the songs
2. ENGAGE THE HEART AS YOU SING...
1. When we sing, we must do so...
1. "with grace in your hearts" - Col 3:16
2. "making melody in your heart" - Ep 5:19
2. This assumes that we involve our 'heart strings' (emotions) as we sing!
3. To sing without emotion (without grace in our hearts)...
1. Is hypocritical, and condemned by Jesus! - Mt 15:7-8
2. Will be evident in our countenances! - cf. Pr 15:13
-- Put your heart into your singing
3. ENHANCE YOUR SINGING IN WORSHIP BY WHERE YOU SIT...
1. Sitting alone or spread out discourages many from singing as they might otherwise
2. People become more involved, are more uplifted, edify others better, when they sit together and closer to the song leader
-- One of the first steps to enjoy singing is to sit with others who love to sing!
4. UTILIZE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN TO SING...
1. Singing is more enjoyable when we are able to read musical notes, sing different parts
2. Churches often provide singing classes
3. Indeed, every opportunity to sing is an opportunity to learn
-- Take advantage of any opportunity to learn how to sing
5. EXPAND THE SPHERE OF YOUR SINGING...
1. Is your singing limited just to the public assemblies, on the first day of the week?
2. Singing, like prayer, ought to be spontaneous, arising whenever the circumstances call for it - cf. Ac 16:25; Ps 34:1-3
3. Take advantage of special opportunities to sing, such as monthly and annual singings
4. As a spiritual exercise, it should be done in private devotions as well as in public worship
1. Sing while you work, travel, or alone in your private meditations
2. Make use of hymns on tapes or CDs when traveling or meditating
-- Increase your opportunities to sing at other times with others, and when alone

CONCLUSION

1. David exemplifies the attitude of one who exercises himself through the discipline of singing...
1. "I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me." - Ps 13:6
2. "I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations." - Ps 57:9
3. "I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." - Ps 104:33
2. He likewise calls upon us to sing praises both in public and in private...
1. "Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints." - Ps 149:1
2. "Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds." - Ps 149:5

As we seek to exercise ourselves unto godliness (2Ti 4:7), consider the discipline of singing as an appropriate complement to other spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, and fasting...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

Under the Sun by Gary Rose

 

Once again, I have seen something completely new to me: An Aurora Vortex. This is both fascinating and utterly mesmerizing to me. I suppose that it is possible that the above picture is a “photo-shopped” manipulation, but that seems unlikely, due to the bottom being in focus (and a fish-eye lens would vortex everything).

Beyond the uniqueness of the image, a thought came to my mind: Has anything like this every occurred before? As I pondered this, I remembered an incident that occurred in chapel at Northeast School of Biblical Studies in 1978. The dean of the school, Larry Deason, was scheduled to speak during chapel services and had completely forgotten about it. Once his scheduling was confirmed, he stood up to present a lesson. There he was, unprepared, surprised, but eager to preach. He spoke for at least a half an hour from the book of Ecclesiastes and his topic was a phrase “under the sun”. It was on that day, that I gained a new respect for his abilities and realized that he deserved every bit of praise I could muster.

So, today, I did a simple search of the book of Ecclesiastes for “under the sun” and here is result….

Ecclesiastes 1 ( World English Bible )

³ What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun?

⁹ That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

¹⁴ I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Ecclesiastes 2 ( WEB )

¹¹ Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.

¹⁷ So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

18 I hated all my labor in which I labored under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me.

¹⁹ Who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have rule over all of my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

²⁰ Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun.

²² For what has a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 3 ( WEB )

¹⁶ Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.

Ecclesiastes 4 ( WEB )

¹ Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

³ Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

¹⁵ I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.

Ecclesiastes 5 ( WEB )

¹³ There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm.

¹⁸ Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.

Ecclesiastes 6 ( WEB )

¹ There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men:

¹² For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 8 ( WEB )

⁹ All this have I seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.

¹⁵ Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

¹⁷ then I saw all the work of God, that man can’t find out the work that is done under the sun, because however much a man labors to seek it out, yet he won’t find it. Yes even though a wise man thinks he can comprehend it, he won’t be able to find it.

Ecclesiastes 9 ( WEB )

³ This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

⁶ Also their love, their hatred, and their envy has perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.

⁹ Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life of vanity, which he has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity: for that is your portion in life, and in your labor in which you labor under the sun.

¹¹ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.

¹³ I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me.

^{Ecclesiastes 10 ( WEB )}

⁵ There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.

Solomon was a great king of Israel; perhaps even greater than his father, David. He was very wise, with an intellect and insight that truly was amazing. Yet, with all these blessings ( from God, of course ), he chose his wives poorly and ultimately failed God to follow faithfully. How sad, for someone with so much wisdom!

As I think of that Aurora Vortex a the top of the post, I know that it has happened before, because, indeed there is genuinely nothing new under the sun. Beyond this, I should realize that my goal in life is not limited to just finding something new and appealing, but rather learning from the world around me and applying the Scriptures to it in everything I encounter. Going farther… I should apply God’s word to all my thoughts, actions and insights. Why? Because God has never, ever let me down and that is an unchangeable fact that I hope will continue until I reach heaven. Hope to see you there!

Jesus taught religious freedom by Roy Davison

 

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

Jesus taught religious freedom

Through the ages, terrible atrocities have been committed because of religious intolerance. Religions have been persecuted, and religions have persecuted others. Such atrocities are almost always related to political power.

Millions have been murdered.

During the first few centuries after Christ, Christians were severely persecuted and murdered by pagans and Jews. The pagans were offended because Christians refused to worship the pagan gods and the emperor. The Jews viewed Christians as heretics.

The Christians did not retaliate because Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies and to do good to those who hate them (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27, 35).

From the seventh to the eleventh century, by force of arms, Muslims spread their religion around the Mediterranean from Asia Minor, along the northern coast of Africa, and into Spain. Church buildings were destroyed, church leaders were murdered, and Christianity was exterminated where Muslims gained political power.

With regard to unfaithful Muslims who “wish that you should disbelieve as they disbelieve,” the Koran commands¹: “If they turn their backs, take them, and slay them wherever you find them” (Chapter 4:89). With regard to “unbelievers” the Koran says: “I shall cast into the unbelievers’ hearts terror; so smite above the necks, and smite every finger of them!” (Chapter 8:12). Another translation of the Koran interprets this more graphically: “Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them”² When a peace treaty with idolaters expires, the following is commanded: “slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them, and confine them, and lie in wait for them at every place of ambush” (Chapter 9:5).

Some Muslims try to soften these teachings, but it cannot be denied that through the centuries, and also at the present time, these passages in the Koran have been used to promote and justify much persecution, war, terrorism and murder.

The establishment of worldwide Muslim totalitarian government is a tenant of Islam.

From the eleventh through the thirteenth centuries, Crusades were organized in Europe in an attempt to conquer Jerusalem by force of arms. Thousands of Muslims were murdered and their villages were destroyed.

The Crusaders called themselves Christians but they were not Christians. They did not follow the teachings of Jesus at all!

At the time of the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church used the Inquisition to murder those who opposed its authority. It was a capital crime to read the Bible without the permission of the Church.

In 1536 William Tyndale was strangled and burned at the stake in Vilvoorde, Belgium by Catholic authorities. His crime? Publishing the Bible in English and exposing false doctrines of the Roman Church.

When Protestants came to power in certain countries, they sometimes persecuted Catholics and other Protestants who did not agree with them.

On October 27, 1553, Michael Servetus was burned to death at Geneva, Switzerland at the instigation of John Calvin.

In the twentieth century many religion-related atrocities were committed.

Six million Jews, men women and children, were murdered by the Nazis by shooting, in mobile gas vans and at mass extermination camps. The Nazis also exterminated gypsies and people with physical defects or mental illness.

Seven hundred thousand Muslims were evicted from their homes in Palestine and forced to spend the rest of their lives impoverished in refugee camps in the desert.

Conflicts involving religion in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Indonesia resulted in the murder of millions of innocent people.

Atheistic communism persecuted and murdered countless believers of all faiths in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.

Jesus taught tolerance and religious freedom.

All persecution is contrary to the doctrine of Christ. Although apostasy is to be refuted and false teachers are to be expelled from the church, Christians are not to persecute others or use coercion to prevent others from practicing their religion.

Once when Jesus and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem, they were refused lodging in a Samaritan village. “And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?’ But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.’ And they went to another village” (Luke 9:54-56). Christians may not use Old Testament examples to justify violence. The teaching of Jesus is on a higher plain, is of a different spirit.

Not only does Jesus teach against persecuting others, we are not even to forbid them: “Then John answered and said, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us’“ (Luke 9:49, 50 //Mark 9:38-40).

Some have misapplied this passage to teach that we should fellowship false teachers. But Jesus did not condone what this person was doing. He simply taught religious freedom. We are not to ‘forbid’ others.

Paul explains: “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice” (Philippians 1:15-18).

Some who are now Christians in Flanders, first started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Others who are now Christians, first studied the Bible with Mormons. As they continued studying the Scriptures, however, they rejected the errors of these groups, and learned the truth of the gospel.

Although false teachers are not to be permitted to teach in the church, it is not our task as Christians to prevent them from proclaiming their beliefs in general. It is our task, however, to refute their false doctrine. Religious freedom does not mean that we must remain silent in the face of religious error.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Christians combat false doctrine by preaching the truth. We refute false arguments and capture the thoughts of men by preaching the Word of God. Rather than being overcome by evil, we overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Although we can sympathize with oppressed peoples who mistakenly think force of arms can set them free, it does not work. Jesus said: “Put away your sword, for all who draw the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). You cannot overcome evil with evil. An attempt to do so only multiplies evil.

Jesus showed us how to overcome evil with good by going to the cross and rising victorious from the grave to become King of kings and Lord of lords. He tells us to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).

The most powerful weapons on earth are not guns and bombs, but words. If you want to have influence for good, learn to speak and write well. And, of course, the most powerful words of all by far are the words of God.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Christians are proponents and defenders of religious freedom. Our weapon is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Unchristian teaching is to be refuted, but true followers of Christ do not persecute others or prevent them from practicing their religion. Amen.
Roy Davison

Footnotes:

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¹ These quotations are from “The Koran Interpreted, A translation by A.J.Arberry” considered to be one of the most scholarly and unbiased translations of the Koran into English.

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² As translated by M. H. Shakir.

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

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

Does the church of Christ consist of the saved? by Roy Davison

 

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

Jesus built His church on a Rock
(Matthew 16:18)

Does the church of Christ consist of the saved?

“The Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

I. The church is the assembly of the saved.

A. The church of Christ came into being on the Day of Pentecost, when the Apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, proclaimed God’s message of Salvation, and God added those who were saved to His church.

1. To the question “What shall we do?” Peter replied: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:37, 38).

2. “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:40, 41).

3. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

B. By definition then, the church of Christ consists of those who are saved. God adds the saved to His church.

C. Salvation is needed because people sin. Only God can forgive sins. To make forgiveness possible, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world. People who believe in Him, repent of sin, confess faith and are baptized, receive forgiveness, and God adds them to His church.

II. “Salvation is of the LORD” (Jonah 2:9).

A. “Our God is the God of salvation” (Psalm 68:20).

1. “I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior” (Isaiah 43:11).

2. “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1).

B. Through the ages, men of faith have looked to God for salvation.

1. In the depths of despair Job still could say: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” ... “He also shall be my salvation” (Job 13:15a, 16a).

2. Shortly before his death, Jacob said: “I have waited for your salvation, O LORD!” (Genesis 49:18).

4. David looked to God for salvation. “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation” (Psalm 25:5).

5. Isaiah wrote: “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation” (Isaiah 61:10a).

6. Jeremiah said: “It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD” (Lamentations 3:26).

7. Micah said: “Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7).

8. Habakkuk said: “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls - yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17, 18).

III. God promised to send a Savior for the whole world.
Old Testament prophets told of the coming Messiah who would bring salvation, not only to Israel, but also to the whole world.

A. “There is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:21b-22). [See also Isaiah 25:9; 35:3, 4; 49:6; 52:7.]

B. “In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David a Branch of righteousness; He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely” (Jeremiah 33:15, 16a).

C. Joel wrote: “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Joel 2:32).

IV. God’s promised salvation has come: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, Savior of the world.

A. Joseph was told in a dream regarding Mary: “And she will bring forth a Son and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

B. After Jesus was born, an angel proclaimed to shepherds nearby: “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10b, 11).

C. John the Baptist testified when he saw Jesus: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

D. Believers at Sychar in Samaria, after hearing Jesus preach for two days, said: “We have heard for ourselves and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).

E. To the Jewish leaders Peter said of Jesus: “This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:11, 12).

V. We are saved by the sacrifice of Christ who “bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24).

A. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

B. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

C. Because of our sins, we deserve to die, but “the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

VI. What is the message of salvation preached by the church?

A. Once when Jesus spoke of the difficulty of entering God’s kingdom, His disciples said: “Who then can be saved?” His reply was: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:25, 26).

1. Salvation depends on the grace of God. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

2. Man cannot save himself.

a. Some think they will be saved because they are relatively good people, but good deeds do not remove sin. Cornelius was a good man but he still needed the gospel to be saved (Acts 11:13, 14).
b. Some think they can be saved by law-keeping, but law-keeping cannot save because no one keeps laws perfectly (Romans 8:3, 4).
c. Some think political systems can save mankind, but in all systems, including democracies, sinners misuse political power to the detriment of others. John “saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to make war” against Christ and His army (Revelation 19:19-21).
d. Some think modern technology can save mankind, but technology facilitates evil as well as good. After a century of unprecedented technological advancement, man still has the same horrible problems caused by sin. Unprecedented evils occurred during the last century. Two world wars killed fifty million people. Nuclear weapons capable of destroying civilization were developed, deployed and stockpiled. Medical doctors murdered two billion unborn babies by abortion. Millions died of famine because of the uneven distribution of wealth. Earth’s resources started being consumed at an unsustainable rate. An AIDS pandemic killed more than 25 million people, with 30 million currently infected by HIV, a virus spread by immorality, especially homosexual relationships. Yet sexual perversion has been given human-rights status in many so-called developed countries.
Thus, in spite of amazing technological advancement, the four horsemen of Revelation chapter six (lust for power, war, famine and death) still gallop throughout the earth wreaking havoc as God allows men to suffer the consequences of their sins. In spite of these plagues “they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Revelation 9:20, 21).
e. Man definitely cannot save himself. But the good news is that God offers salvation to all!

3. God saves those who respond to His grace with a good and noble heart.

a. Explaining the parable of the sower, Jesus said: “But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit” (Luke 8:15).
b. “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18). “He will beautify the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4b).

C. What is this message of salvation that noble hearts gladly receive and obey?

1. “He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

a. When the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” they replied, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30, 31).
b. Paul said: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

2. Faith in Christ must be confessed.

a. Jesus said: “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32, 33).
b. Paul explains: “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 to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation” (Romans 10:9, 10).

3. Repentance is required.

a. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:13).
b. When He sent out the twelve, they preached that people should repent (Mark 6:12).
c. Jesus told His hearers: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
d. Before His ascension, He told His disciples “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations” (Luke 24:47).
e. “Godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

4. At baptism penitent believers are saved by God.

a. Jesus told Nicodemus: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
b. Ananias told Paul: “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
c. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26, 27).

d. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13), which is the church of Christ.

VI. What have we learned? Man cannot save himself. God is the only source of salvation that He offers freely through the sacrifice of His Son. All who accept God’s grace by believing in Christ, confessing His name, repenting, and being baptized for the forgiveness of sins are saved. It is still true, as it was 2000 years ago, that the Lord adds to the church day by day those who are being saved. The church of Christ consists of all the saved. Amen.

Roy Davison
http://www.oldpaths.com/RD

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

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