Category: Subject Index

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In Colossians 3:1-3, the apostle Paul shows the obligation of the child of God, based upon what has been obtained through Jesus Christ.

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We are blessed in the United States with many civil liberties. Despite an increasingly intrusive government, we are the most free of any nation in the history of man.

For the Christian, however, our final authority is God’s word, not the U.S. constitution. This means two things:

1. A Christian may not be able to enjoy the liberties that are made available under the laws of our land. There are vices (drug and alcohol use, gambling, extramarital sexual activity, profane speech, etc.), condemned by God, that may be allowed under civil law. Further, though we enjoy freedom of speech – hate speech, disrespect of civil authority, etc., violates scriptural principles and are off limits to Christians.
2. A Christian is bound to keep the laws of the land. This principle is stated by Paul in Romans 13:1-7. Verse 1 states, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” For example, a Christian can not refuse to pay income tax.

An exception occurs when civil law conflicts with God’s law. When commanded by the civil authorities to stop preaching the gospel, Peter and the other apostles responded, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

While the application of this principle can sometimes be difficult and confusing, the principle itself,(as revealed in scripture), is clear and compelling.

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In Romans 8, the apostle Paul expressed a wonderful sentiment when he asked the rhetorical question, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (verse 31). The relationship we have with God guarantees our ultimate victory. Christians have on their side the Creator of the universe – the omnipotent, omniscient, eternal One.

Paul knew this, and wrote, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (verse 37). The phrase “more than conquerors” comes from a single greek term, hupernikao. The prefix huper strengthens the term, and carries the idea of “superior, abundant, exceeding.” The word indicates not only a victory, but that said victory is decisive and complete.

In effect, Paul states that through God and His Son we become super conquerors! Nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of god which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (verse 39).

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The New Testament identifies several individuals who were lost in their sins despite their devotion to God. The four mentioned in this lesson: Saul, Cornelius, the rich young ruler, and the Pharisees. None can be saved until obeying the commands of God!

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God’s ways and thoughts are higher than our own. We can’t know His will unless He reveals it to us. It is not surprising that God’s measure of worth is often at odds with the thinking of men.

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Jude describes the false teachers he warns about as individuals who are severely lacking in character. This is characteristic of the self-willed. First, they grumble and complain. This shows a lack of respect for authority. They are governed by their own lusts. This indicates selfishness and a love of sin. They use flattery to gain advantage, which indicates a deceitful spirit.

These evil individuals had been predicted by the Lord’s apostles. One example of this is found in Acts 20:28-30, in the warning Paul gave to the Ephesian elders at Miletus.

The overriding characteristic of these men was their sensuality. It seems that both Jude and Peter (2 Peter 2) refer to men that are either similar to, or perhaps are the originators of what would become known as Gnosticism. Regardless, the pursuit of carnal passion is always troublesome and divisive, and must be warned against with regularity.

The first three gospels are known as synoptic. The term is defined: “of or forming a general outline or synopsis.” Each of these gospels contain a generally chronological snapshot of the life of our Lord. They are not exhaustive. Though similar, they are written from different perspectives. As would be expected, they emphasize different aspects of Jesus’ life, ministry and teaching.

It would be improper to refer to the gospels as either biographies or histories, though there are elements of each in all four of the books. Too often the works are criticized because they do not make a formal and verifiable effort to document the life of the Lord. Such attacks are unfair in imposing modern standards upon ancient writings, and in failing to recognize the theological motivations of the writers. As John wrote in John 20:30-31, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Continue reading “The Gospel of Mark (Witness of the Christ)” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

The apostle notes that each child of God has a part and importance in the working of the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:14-25. So, we should recognize the value of all, and humbly seek to encourage one another.

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The term “legalist” is commonly used by religious people today. It is not a biblical term, so we have to define it either by Webster, or by common usage.

The term is defined as follows by Webster: “an advocate or adherent of moral legalism.” So, to know what a legalist is, we need the definition of legalism. Again, Webster supplies: “strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code.”

Still, to get a full understanding of what a legalist is, perhaps we can gain insight by examining any antonyms (words that mean the opposite). Interestingly, a search of antonyms at the website: synonyms.net supplied only one word as an antonym to legalist. It is “antinomian”. Webster defines the term: “one who holds that under the gospel dispensation of grace the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation.”

It is peculiar that people are given to such extremes. How is it that an acknowledgement of salvation by grace through faith necessitates (in the mind of so many today) a belief that obedience to God’s will is not required?

I believe the following inspired word from Hebrews 5:8-9, “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”

I also believe what Paul said by inspiration of the Spirit about Christ’s second coming. That He would come, “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ“ (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

Does that make me a legalist? If so, I confess I am, as I cast my lot with the Holy Spirit!

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In Matthew 24:46, Jesus describes the faithful servant. “Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.” The faithful servant is one who is obedient all the while he waits for his master’s return.

Regarding our Lord’s coming, some think the thing to do is look for omens and signs. This is a mistake. Concerning that day, Jesus said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (24:36). The Lord’s coming will be as a “thief in the night.”

Instead, the faithful servant of God will prepare for that coming by being ever vigilant. Consider, if we are always obedient to our Lord, it matters not when He comes. We will be ready!

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man is coming” (Matthew 25:13).

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A key in being active in evangelizing the lost is understanding the value of a single soul.

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The word consider is defined: 1) to think about; 2) to be thoughtful of…

There are a numerous things that the scriptures teach us to consider. For example, the importance of being industrious, the sacrifice of Christ, and your brethren in Christ.

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Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

Joshua 7, detailing the reasons behind the defeat of Israel at Ai shows that in order to be accepted by God, we must be holy before Him.

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Hebrews 5:11 – 6:3 describes characteristics that are present in the life and character of a mature child of God.

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We are saved by God’s grace. The term “grace” is properly understood as an undeserved gift. In other words, if any of us obtain salvation, it will not be because we earned it, but because God chose to extend to us that wonderful gift. “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).

Accepting that, we ask the following two questions:

1. Does God choose to save everyone? The Biblical answer is no. Some will be saved, and some will be lost. In the day of judgment, some will go to hell, and be separated from God for eternity! (cf. Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8; among many others).
2. Who does God choose to save? Is His choice arbitrary? Is it made regardless of the behavior of man? The Biblical answer is again, no! Consider Hebrews 5:9, concerning the sacrifice of the Lord, “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”

We can’t earn our salvation. But, the Bible clearly says that God chooses to extend the undeserved gift of grace only to the obedient.

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