Category: From the Preacher’s Pen

In reading a debate from 1928 on the subject of Premillennialism, I came across the following from the pen of H. Leo Bole. This is found in his first negative of the proposition, “The Scriptures teach that Israel (fleshly descendant of Abraham through Jacob) shall be nationally restored.”

“… An important rule for the correct understanding of God’s word is this — namely, the Scripture must be its own interpreter. This rule requires that when there is a question concerning the meaning of any Scripture, that the true sense must be searched out and ascertained from other Scriptures that speak more clearly on that point. All Bible scholars recognize two classes of Scriptures–plain and simple Scriptures, and obscure or difficult Scriptures. The obscure and difficult Scriptures must be interpreted by the plain and simple Scriptures.”
(http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/rboll/up/UP01N.HTM)

For example, Revelation 20:1-10 should be interpreted with Mark 9:1 in mind. If that is done, the erroneous view that Jesus has yet to establish an earthly 1000 year kingdom will not be seriously considered. This example could be multiplied with the various false doctrines that have troubled religious people throughout the history of the Lord’s church.

A scenario arises where something objectionable is said or done. Some profanity, perhaps a dollop of gossip, maybe an unkind word. A Christian has the temerity to object, perhaps mildly, saying that such should not be said or done.

The response? A rolling of the eyes, and an invitation to just, “Get over it!” The world has no compunction about offending the Christian. Sometimes even other Christians may look askance at the one audacious enough to stand for what is right.

My answer? I will not “Get over it.” I am offended, and I refuse to go along to get along. Such raised objections are not an example of self-righteousness, (as the world believes), but the cry of those who are pilgrims in a land that is increasingly hostile to their faith, and that is leading more and more of God’s people to ungodly compromise. If someone doesn’t continue to speak up, all of us will “Get over it”, and the Devil will have won!

Last Thursday I was reading an article in the July 2009 issue of Science News Magazine, titled Microswimmers Make a Splash. The article pointed out that very small bacteria have novel ways of moving in water, required because the relative viscosity of the water is much greater for them than for larger organisms. While talking about a particular bacterium, spiroplasma, Greg Huber, a physicist at the University of Connecticut, said:

“What we find is that, just from those constraints alone, the optimal one (method of locomotion) is coincidentally the one nature found! Is that coincidence, or is that evolution?”

It is interesting that scientists use a supercomputer to run simulations in an attempt to find the best method for locomotion, and find that it is actually in use in nature. Though it takes a “supercomputer” to ascertain what that form of locomotion is, the only two explanations this physicist considers for its presence in nature have as their absurd common denominator — blind chance.

In reality, it is as the apostle Paul wrote, “For since the creation of the world His attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). God is obviously behind this design, whether man admits it or not!

At the age of 18 years old, swimmer Kim Linehan held the world record in the women’s 1500 meter freestyle in 1981. A hard worker, Linehan had an extensive exercise regimen, and swam 7 to 12 miles every day. Once, when asked the hardest part of her workout, she said, “Getting in the water.” (as quoted in Reader’s Digest, June 1981).

There are many applications to draw from this illustration. For example, I find it to be true when writing. Either when writing for the bulletin, Watchman Magazine, or the newspaper, the most difficult part for me is getting started! In fact, I will often procrastinate, waiting for inspiration to strike, when I would be better served putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), and just start writing!

The same is true with regard to gaining a knowledge of God’s word. Most would like to become familiar with God’s will. They want the ability to quickly bring a passage to mind, or easily comprehend the writer’s intent in each book or epistle. But, the task seems daunting, unattainable.

But it is not! You may ask, what is the hardest part of gaining knowledge? The answer, “Opening the book!” Open it up, and begin reading. Pay attention, ask questions, be curious. It will take time, but once your Bible is open, you will never want to close it again. “When you read, you may understand…” (cf. Eph. 3:4).

Consider the following quote:

“For the postmodern and mystic, … words are only symbols for a subjective interpretation of and experience with the “Living Word.” (Randall Price, Searching for the Original Bible, page 27).

This quote accurately describes the attitude of the majority of religious people in our day. The Bible, while a comfort and precious object, has little bearing on their daily walk. Their view is that a relationship with Christ is sufficient, and that it can be obtained on their own terms.

But, in truth, our understanding of Christ, and our relationship with Him depends upon His written word. It is the “word of life” we are to be “holding fast” (cf Philippians 2:16). It is that which perfects a man (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It must be known and obeyed.

On July 4, 1776, the fathers of our country signed a Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Today, Americans celebrate that significant event with picnics, fireworks and parades.

Over 2,000 years ago, just a few days following the Jewish observance of the Passover feast, Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead. His victory assures those who are His an independence and freedom that far surpasses that enjoyed by Americans.

“And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! … But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:17,20).

It’s great to be an American. But, it can’t compare to the freedom we have in Christ!

I recently came across the following quote from an unknown source:

The Bohemian reformer John Hus was a man who believed the Scriptures to be the infallible and supreme authority in all matters. He died at the stake for that belief in Constance, Germany, on his forty-second birthday. As he refused a final plea to renounce his faith, Hus’s last words were, “What I taught with my lips, I seal with my blood.”

Hus’ attempts to reform Catholicism predated those of Martin Luther by 100 years. Though he never came close to an understanding of truth, the quote above shows that he had a proper attitude toward its defense. This willingness to die for the faith is laudable, and should be emulated by Christians today. “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

That’s not to say we will have to die for our faith. We are fortunate in our day to receive the protection of the state as we practice our faith. However, too often Christians in our time lack the virtue to stand for God’s word, without compromise, no matter the cost. This is what God requires, and each of us must count that cost as we live for Christ.

While reading a golf magazine, of all things, I came across this gem of a quote.

“The only thing more infuriating than a complete idiot is a complete idiot that you agree with.”

How true! I recently received one of those email forwards (from a gospel preacher), in support of the controversial Arizona immigration legislation recently passed. Trouble is, the email was blatantly racist!

As Christians we believe that husbands are the head of the family (cf. Ephesians 5 & 6). Unfortunately, misogynists feel the same way. As Christians we believe the sense of entitlement that so often accompanies our welfare state to be ungodly (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:10). Unfortunately, that is a common refrain of the racist. As Christians we believe homosexuality to be a sin (cf. Romans 1:24-32). The same sentiment is used by some to express hatred for the sinner, rather than a desire to bring them to repentance. As Christians we champion the view that truth is objective and singular (cf. John 14:6). Unfortunately, this has been the excuse for centuries of wars, genocide and intolerance.

In other words, some idiots agree with us. We can’t help that, but we must be sure that we are not one of them! Truth sets man free (cf. John 8:32). It uplifts and ultimately saves mankind. It is also commonly wrested by men “to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). The moral is… Don’t be a complete idiot!

A few days ago I ran across the following illustration, penned by an anonymous author:

Several years ago a book was published entitled “Looking Out for Number One.” On the dedication page the author wrote, “Dedicated to the hope that somewhere in our universe there exists a civilization where the inhabitants possess sole dominion over their own lives.” There is such a place. It’s called Hell.

It is an interesting quote, and accurate to a certain extent. Men who seek to do their own will rather than the will of God most certainly will end up in Hell. We are not free to flout God’s will. To do so has consequences.

However, it is inaccurate to say that they possess sole dominion over their own lives. They may not be aware of it, but such men are slaves. “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).

So the question isn’t whether you want to be free to do your own will. The question is what do you want to be a slave of — a slave of “sin, leading to death”; or a slave of “obedience, leading to righteousness.”

The freedom to flout God’s will, thus “self-dominion” is an illusion — one that will be shattered at the judgment day.

The greatest affliction of life is never to be afflicted.

– Unknown

Affliction is not pleasant. When we are the recipients of tribulation in this life we feel pain, sorrow and stress. We all would rather it not be our lot, “Let this cup pass from me…” (cf. Matthew 26:39). I recently came across a quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald that poignantly describes our perception of severe affliction:

In a real dark night of the soul
it is always three o’ clock in the morning, day after day.

And yet, such affliction is beneficial to the child of God. “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 4:17-18).

The apostle does not call such affliction light to minimize the pain and suffering we experience. It is light in the sense that it is temporal and fleeting. In contrast, our faithfulness through trial proves us “worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer” (2 Thessalonians 5:1). It is our lot in life to suffer. It happens to us all. The question is, will we have sufficient patience under such duress to prove us worthy of eternity?

In the past several months we have had a number of things done to the building to maintain and improve it. Most of it was necessary work: Replacing the air conditioners due to theft, and the carpet in the auditorium due to water damage. Also, new lights, and the addition of ceiling fans to combat the mold problem we have had due to moisture.

The building is in great shape, and ready for our upcoming gospel meeting, but the work got me to thinking about the importance of maintaining the church. (Not the building … the people!)

That is what edification is, “soul maintenance.” Paul encouraged the Thessalonians, “Therefore comfort each other, and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thess. 5;11). Our upcoming meeting is a good opportunity for such edification.

The practice of hospitality is emphasized as an important part of the Christian walk. Gaius was commended by the apostle John for his expressions of hospitality for “the brethren and for strangers” (3 John 4).

Gaius’ hospitality included the keeping and feeding of preachers of the gospel of Christ. Because of his help to them, John said that Gaius did “well”, and indicated that when we receive these men, “we may become fellow workers for the truth” (vs. 8).

We put up a meal list for brother Micky Galloway, who will be preaching for us in our meeting April 3-8. This is your opportunity to emulate Gaius, and receive the commendation of our Lord.

If you show hospitality to a preacher, he gets a meal, but you get a far greater blessing!

My family had a wonderful day yesterday (and the Davis family did as well, I trust). I am so proud for Josh and Rachel, and I sincerely believe that they will have a long and happy life together.

I am thankful for my children, and for my family, and for my brethren in Christ. Things were very hectic at the wedding, and the reception following, and I didn’t get an opportunity to thank those who were able to come.

The apostle Paul wrote, “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26).

We certainly had cause to rejoice yesterday. And, we are so grateful that our brethren were there to rejoice with us!

I recently came across two quotes on the subject of Holiness, which I would like to share with you…

“A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns, they just shine.” – D. L. Moody

“How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets real thing, it is irresistible.” – C.S. Lewis

One quote expresses the true thought that actions speak louder than words. While we are told to preach the gospel, our words have a greater potency is God can be seen in us.

The second quote accurately portrays the fact that a Christian is a desirable and pleasant person to know. He is who we all aspire to be. Are you living a properly holy life?

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2).

Paul here gives us a wonderful promise, though you note it is conditioned upon our walking according to the Spirit rather than the flesh. You can go to his epistle to the Galatians (5:16-26) for an extended discussion of the difference between walking according to the flesh and the Spirit. In verse 24 of that passage, the point is well made, “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

It doesn’t make sense to claim to be a Christian unless you are willing to live the life you claim!