Category: Reflections Articles

Articles printed in the weekly bulletin of the West Side church of Christ

Salvation by Grace Through Faith

An important discussion of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians is summarized in Ephesians 2:8-9. This passage is familiar to all:

“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.”

So often Christians have to discuss what the text is not saying, so as to protect against the doctrine of “Salvation by Faith Only.” This is laudable, and not to be criticized. But, it is good to simply express the truths that are established by this passage. Continue reading “Salvation by Grace Through Faith”

Dishonest Scales

In the book of Proverbs 11, verses 1, 3, 4-6, the writer emphasizes the importance of honesty in our dealings with others.

“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight” (1).

“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (3).

“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust” (4-6).

For any who are unfamiliar, scales have long been used to weigh out portions of a product. Known weights are put on one side of the scale, and the product is added to the other side until the scale “balances.” If the weights used are not accurate, modified to profit the merchant by giving false readings, they are “dishonest scales” and are an abomination to God. Continue reading “Dishonest Scales”

Elijah and Ahaziah

The last paragraph of 1 Kings relates the general tenor of King Ahaziah and his reign over Israel.  He only reigned two years, and like his father Ahab before him, “He did evil in the sight of the Lord” (1 Kings 22:52). He like his father was one who worshiped the idol Baal and “provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger, according to all that his father had done.” Near the end of Jehoshaphat’s reign in Judah, the text of 2 Chronicles 20:35 refers to Ahaziah as a wicked king who Jehoshaphat foolishly allied himself with, thus tarnishing his reign in his final days.

The end of Ahaziah is interesting, and takes up the first chapter of 2 Kings. The chapter reveals how God judged Ahaziah for his idolatry, and took his life.  The account also refers to the prophet Elijah, who was such a thorn in the side of King Ahab. Continue reading “Elijah and Ahaziah”

The Call to Holiness

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7). God called us in holiness.  This is the big picture that explains why Christians are to live as they do.

This is a sentiment that is expressed throughout the Bible.  For example, the apostle Peter quoted from the book of Leviticus when he wrote, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy(1 Peter 1:13-16). Continue reading “The Call to Holiness”

Christ, the Preeminent One

Webster defines preeminence as the quality or state of being preeminent. Preeminent is defined: having paramount rank, dignity, or importance : OUTSTANDING, SUPREME, (emphasis, Webster). When we consider Jesus Christ, whether in character, dignity, importance, or rank, it is obvious that He has preeminence in both the physical universe and spiritually as well.

This truth is stated very clearly in Colossians 1:13-18:

“He [God] has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:13-18).

In looking at this text, let’s consider the truths contained therein as they pertain to Jesus Christ’s rank and significance in contrast to all others. Continue reading “Christ, the Preeminent One”

The Withered Fig Tree

In Matthew 21 we are told that Jesus came upon a fig tree while hungry, only to see that it contained no figs, only leaves.  In response, Jesus said to the tree, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again” (19), leading the tree to wither away completely.

The disciples were amazed, and wondered how it happened. Well, Jesus did not directly answer them, but it is obvious. As the Creator of the universe, Jesus certainly had power over every aspect of it. The fig tree withered because He willed it. Not in vengeance toward the unfruitful tree, but to teach His disciples a lesson. Continue reading “The Withered Fig Tree”

Mere Men

The heading found in my Bible (NKJV) in 1 Corinthians 3 is “Sectarianism is Carnal.” Now, the headings are not inspired, it is simply the translator trying to give a very quick and concise summary of the paragraph’s content.  But, in this instance, it seems to be well considered.  This is certainly true.

Let’s first talk definitions.  Sectarianism — excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion (Oxford Languages).  The word is not found in the New Testament writings, but the concept surely is.  In chapter 1 of the text, Paul admonished the Corinthians for following after different men, “Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Continue reading “Mere Men”

Total Commitment

Sometimes Christians don’t get it, but the Bible very clearly reveals that our walk with the Lord pleases Him only if it is characterized by total commitment. This truth was made very clear by the Lord in Luke 18, where Jesus admonished the young ruler. The young man was diligent is keeping the 10 commandments, revealed in Exodus 20.  He said, “All these things I have kept from my youth” (21).

Jesus wanted more from the man.  He was very rich, and apparently liked his riches.  Jesus knew they were too important to him, so he said, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (22). Continue reading “Total Commitment”

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians Elders

There is much we can learn from the life of Paul. His previous life, his apostleship and his writings contain much to encourage, teach and admonish us in our own lives.

While our examination of his epistles supply us with much of the doctrine that accords with Christ, there is likewise much to be taken from Luke’s account of his life and ministry. Here we wish to consider his final address to the Ephesian elders in Miletus before going on to Jerusalem. He had spent much time in Ephesus (cf. Acts 19), and no doubt had a close relationship with these men to whom he spoke in Acts 20:18-35. Continue reading “Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians Elders”

The Pleasure of God

What makes God happy?  This is an important question, and one that most people do not understand.  In fact, such misunderstanding has been used as an argument against either God’s existence, or at the least His goodness.  Such arguments are shallow, and do not accord  with what we understand and apply to other parts of our society.  Regardless, a proper discussion of the matter is important to establish some important truths. Continue reading “The Pleasure of God”

Abundant Grace

The apostle Paul was always quick to acknowledge from where he came. He was a Pharisee, and one who sought to do violence to those who followed Jesus. He serves as a significant witness of the Christ, as one who formerly fought against Jesus, who became His Savior.

Paul knew that his position as one of the redeemed came despite the evil he did as a young man. One of the places where he made this clear is in his first letter to Timothy. In the first chapter, he wrote the following: Continue reading “Abundant Grace”

Solomon and Modern Criticism

The text of 2 Chronicles 1:11-17 gives the Biblical view of the glory of Solomon’s reign in Israel.  The son of David, and the last king to reign over a united Israel, was rich.  We are told “he made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as sone, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland” (15).  He was powerful.  He had 1,400 chariots, 12,000 horsemen.  His fame went forth over the world at that time.  The queen of Sheba visited him, enthralled by his reputation.  She said, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard” (2 Chronicles 9:5-6). Continue reading “Solomon and Modern Criticism”

The Peril of Adultery

This past week I taught six elderly ladies the 5th chapter of Proverbs. While the truths are important, and they appreciated the hour of study, the lessons are of greater importance to the young, so I share them with you here.  Also, with our society changing so clearly and quickly, the truths are important and applicable in other ways.

The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom. A father is teaching his son its importance, so that he will avoid conflicts and errors in his life. He wrote in verse 1-2, “My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge” (Proverbs 5:1-2). This is the universal plea of fathers to their sons. Listen to what I say so that you don’t make mistakes. Those mistakes are often mistakes the father has already made. Continue reading “The Peril of Adultery”

The Example of Those in Thessalonica

There is a section of Paul’s first letter to Thessalonica where he praises their faith and example to others.  It is found in the latter part of the first chapter, and is an interesting read.  “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7). Consider some truths found in the text. Continue reading “The Example of Those in Thessalonica”

Paul’s Letter to the Galatians

Paul always had a purpose in his writing. When writing to the churches in the province of Galatia, he sought to correct some errors they had been led to, by men who opposed Paul just about everywhere he went.

These men were Judaizers, desiring to bind the covenant of circumcision and adherence to the law upon the Gentiles. They opposed what Paul taught, and sought to both contradict him, and delegitimize him in the eyes of others.

So, Paul began by defending his apostleship. He was not a usurper, but had been chosen by Jesus Himself (cf. Acts 9). What he taught had been accepted by the church in Jerusalem, and sanctioned by God (cf. Acts 15:1-35).

Continue reading “Paul’s Letter to the Galatians”