Category: Reflections Articles
Articles printed in the weekly bulletin of the West Side church of Christ
Natural “Revelation”
We have preached and written at length about the contention some in the Lord’s church are making that the “days” of Genesis 1 are not to be taken as literal 24 hour periods of time. Those who make such a contention say that God’s other means of revealing himself to man, the “testimony of nature” indicates that the universe is billions of years old, and came into existence with a “Big Bang.” I never thought I would hear it, but some are saying that the “Big Bang” theory is the Christian’s friend.
The Attributes of God
Pagan mythology paints a very unflattering picture of “the gods.” The pagans viewed deity through the filter of their own humanity. In fact, this is a non-technical, but powerful argument showing the difference between the inspired record of Jehovah, and the imaginations of men which led to the pagan superstitions of antiquity. For the pagan, the gods were jealous, petty, capricious, and flawed. Though they had superhuman powers, they were limited, and behaved like corrupt men. War, treachery, infidelity, immaturity and envy are common themes in pagan mythology.
Christianity VS Islam
We are aware of the conflict with Islam, leading the most fanatical of the Muslim sects to engage in acts of terrorism. We have felt their rage against “the infidels.” Their holy book, the Quran instructs them to lash out against those who do not believe as they do in physical battle. Notice the following passage:
The Lord’s Supper Perverted
In recent years, several books have been published which advocate a very different view of the Lord’s Supper than that which has normally been held. F. Lagard Smith, in his book Radical Restoration, advocates the observance of the Lord’s Supper in conjunction with a common meal. On page 135 of his book he writes:
Teaching With Meekness
The apostle Peter wrote eloquently of the need to defend the faith in his first general epistle. He wrote not only of the need to share that defense, but also the demeanor expected of one who makes such a defense. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).
As we share the precious good news with others, we need to be meek, and fearful.
Christian Worship: The Lord’s Supper
Any discussion of the Lord’s Supper as an act of worship necessitates decisions regarding what aspect of the subject is to be explored. In addition to the institution and observance of the supper, there are questions regarding the emblems, frequency of observance, and to whom it is to be offered. In following our format in this series, the material offered for consideration constitutes a general, cursory view of the topic.
Backsliding
The prophet Jeremiah preached to a rebellious Judah and a small remnant in northern Israel as the southern nation neared the end of its sovereignty. The judgment of God through Babylon was upon the people because of their rebellion against Him. Jeremiah described the rebellious actions of both Israel and Judah as backsliding, and his description serves to teach us a lesson about this dangerous tendency.
Preventive Maintenance
This past week we received a letter from a paving company we have used in the past. The owner of the company was thanking us for our business, and used the letter to remind us not to “let your Parking Lots go unattended too long.” He wrote, “With the rising costs, a little maintenance goes a long way!”
The letter reminded me of the passage in Ezekiel 3 where God instructed the prophet to warn Israel as a “watchman.” Interestingly, Jehovah not only instructed the watchman to warn when Israel was guilty of sin, but also to warn righteous Israel so that she might avoid sin!
Christian Worship: Preaching / Teaching
In Hebrews 10:24-25, the Hebrew writer expounds upon one of the primary purposes for the worship assemblies, “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, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” When we come together, it is for edification.
Edification is accomplished by several means. As we speak to one another in song (cf. Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16); pray (cf. Colossians 3;16); declare the Lord’s Death in his supper; (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:26), etc.; we are built up in Christ.
Continue reading “Christian Worship: Preaching / Teaching” →
A Plea for Purity
The apostle Paul apparently felt that sexual sin was a constant threat to the welfare of Christians in the first century. He continually warned about it, writing such things as, “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18); and “Nor let us commit sexual immorality…” (1 Corinthians 10:8).
Christian Worship: Praying
C.R. Nichol and R.L Whiteside, in their Sound Doctrine workbooks, said of prayer, “Perhaps no one can be entirely free from his environments; but to keep this prayerless spirit of the present age from overwhelming us, let us diligently read the Bible, and thus associate with God and Christ and the praying men of God – and pray. Prayer is the very breath of the Christian” (Vol. 2, pg. 68).
“Prayer is the very breath of the Christian.” This is a sentiment, which if embraced by Christians, will lead to the type of spiritual maturity and mindset needed to combat the evil of our day.
Christian Worship: Giving
Our Lord serves as a wonderful example of sacrificial giving. Though divine, he gave up his position in heaven to dwell on earth as a man, “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). Of this action, Paul told the Corinthians, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
God’s command to give “as he may prosper” (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:2), allows His children to follow their Lord’s example of sacrifice. Such sacrifice enriches us spiritually even as we contribute to the Lord’s cause. We have received so much, it is only proper that we give back a portion of that with which we have been blessed.
The Peace of God
The apostle Paul spoke of the peace of God in his letter to the Philippians. The verse reads as follows:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Whatever this “peace of God” may be, you will note that its reception is conditional. It depends upon the trust we place in God. We must be willing to cast our cares upon our Father, praying to Him, confident that He will take care of us when we are beset by the trials and tribulations of this life.
Christian Worship: Singing
One of the most edifying acts of worship authorized by the Lord for Christians is “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).
There is something about poetry set to a pleasant melody which uplifts men. This fact was recognized by James when he wrote, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” (James 5:13). We are indeed blessed that God instructs us to edify and uplift one another as we praise Him in song.
Revisionist History
Mel Gibson, a famous Hollywood actor and director, recently made a movie entitled “The Passion”, which purports to accurately depict the biblical accounts of the crucifixion. Without defending the movie, (Hollywood is hardly known for “accuracy”), it is interesting to note that the movie has incited quite a tumult as many groups are protesting the film’s depiction of Jews.
In the October 4, 2003 edition of the Fort Worth Star Telegram, R. Scott Colglazier, the senior minister of the University Christian Church in Fort Worth, wrote an article titled “Gibson movie opens old wounds of anti-Semitism.” Among other things, the article states:
“…in making this film, he has unwittingly opened a deep theological wound by portraying the Jews as killers of Christ.”
Readers of the New Testament are no doubt aware of the gospel accounts, which detail the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. (cf. Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19).
