Category: Subject Index

A fact of life we all face is our inevitable decline. The Bible says, “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27). While some die due to unforeseen circumstances, most see it coming through age, or a failure of health.

It is not a surprise that God has accommodated this truth in His instructions to His children. His call for us to love one another is specially challenged when the object of that love becomes more vulnerable or needy. There are numerous examples found in scripture of such circumstances. And it often does not involve age, as other physical circumstances in life can impact our service to one another. Continue reading “(12 of 13) Physical Considerations in Our Relationship” →

A discussion of the Two Tabernacles and the ordinances of divine service mentioned in Hebrews 9.

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An examination of Paul’s wonderful sermon preaching on Mars Hill in Acts 17.

Audio

YouTube Video of Sermon

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Each of these articles in past weeks have emphasized our responsibility to help each other. At this point we recognize the importance of expressing love for our neighbor, and the emphasis that the Lord places on our good treatment of other brethren. The imperative of love is what divides the righteous from the unrighteous.  The Lord emphasized this truth, distinguishing between two groups as He talked of future judgment. His statement, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world” (Matthew 25:34), was directed at those who were benevolent and loving to others. A peculiar part of our culture is the pride (or perhaps other motivations) that cause some to refuse the help or friendship of others. This should never be the case with a Christian. Why would we ever put an obstacle in the way of another’s potential reward in Judgment?

Hopefully we will be quick to offer friendship, care, benevolence and hospitality to those we love. We should be quick to ask, “What can I do?” And to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Consider the very next verse of that context, where Paul admonishes the Romans, “Be of the same mind toward one another…” (16). If we are ready to help our brothers, but unwilling to ask for or receive the same from them, how can we be described as being of the same mind? Part of being gracious is our willing reception of the help offered by our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should not let pride, or a desire “not to be burden” to impede their efforts to do what God expects of all of us. Continue reading “(13 of 13) My Individual Responsibility to Accept Your Friendship” →

The imagery of the vessels can be explained simply. In the Lord’s church, He has the right to expect us to be honorable in our service. Unfortunately, some fail Him in this. They are described as vessels of wood and clay, rather than gold and silver.

Can you imagine being in the Lord’s house, and dishonoring yourself? Some do! Thus his warning which includes the following: Sinful lust (referred to here as youthful lusts), and participating in foolish and ignorant disputes, causing strife and division among the people of God.

The key is to be honorable. This is done by cleansing ourselves from any dishonor. For God’s child, knowing that sin is possible for any of us, we must repent and pray God’s forgiveness when we dishonor ourselves (cf. 1 John 9-10).

Here is what God expects, that we be “a vessel of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (9). Are you sanctified? Are you prepared?

Psalm 46:10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

The sentiment (as it relates to our understanding of God) is stated in two other Psalms. The first follows an admonition against anger in Psalm 4:4. Instead, we are told to “…Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” The second follows an acknowledgment of divine judgement on the earth in Psalm 76:8, “…The earth feared and was still.”

God is great. He is preeminent in the universe. This is not merely a reference to His position. It relates as well to our responsibility before Him. He is God. The Son is our Lord and Savior. A way to ensure our acquiescence to Him is to take time to “be still.”

What happens in stillness? As stated in Psalm 4:4 we have opportunity to meditate. 1) Meditate on our actions, and whether we are truly following His will in our lives. 2) Stillness is associated with respect.  The stillness of the earth was the acknowledgment that the Creator had acted. We are to fear God. This fear indicates awe and respect. If we are too busy for God, we are too busy! Take time everyday to consider Him!  3) Stillness is an opportunity for prayer. Go to your “closet”, and in such privacy make yourself known to God!

1 Corinthians 4:1-4 relates an interesting sentiment by the great apostle Paul. “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.” There is too much in the passage to unpack it all in this short space. I want to emphasize one aspect of Paul’s declaration.

Paul was God’s servant, and he knew just how important it was for him to be faithful in his service to the Lord. How can we know whether we are faithful to the Lord? It requires diligence: seen in Bible study, self-reflection, and heeding the counsel of others. Of the three, Bible study is the standard we finally look to in determining our standing with God.  “…And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books” (Revelation 20:12). Continue reading ““He Who Judges Me”” →

Anger itself is not necessarily sinful. However, we must guard against the sinful actions it brings!

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A discussion of Psalm 147, where the Psalmist proclaims “Praise the Lord” and then enumerates the reason He is worthy of our worship!

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Here Paul makes two specific requests.  He says, “I desire”, or “I will” (KJV). (A third request for the women will be seen in a treatment of verses 11-15).

The first desire is for the men to pray (8). The prayers are to be holy, not corrupt or outside of God’s will. The one who is to pray is to do so without wrath (an impulse of anger) and without doubt (something Jesus acknowledged as problematic numerous times).  Wrathful pray is a violation of God’s call to love one another; Doubting prayer shows a lack of faith in the Almighty.

The second prayer had to do with the dress and demeanor of women. The word modest (kosmios) means orderly, well-arranged, decent.  A woman can violate this by being too ostentatious in dress, or by dressing sensuously (the common use of modesty in our culture). The dress that is appropriate is the dress that coincides with the woman’s profession as a Christian.  It is holy dress, bringing light to the world.

Our discussion of the love we are to have for each other is continued with the consideration of hospitality. The Greek word for hospitable is philoxenos and consists of two parts: philo indicates love or affection; and xenos is the Greek word for stranger. A love for strangers. It was used in Bible times to indicate a fondness of guests, or to be given to hospitality.

This is a characteristic to which God gives great emphasis. It was an integral part of ancient culture, and its value is shown time and again in scripture. Both in teaching and example. “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). When we speak of hospitality, it is not limited only to strangers. In fact, it is an important part of our relationship with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a part of the intimacy God wants us to develop. “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). Continue reading “(11 of 13) Hospitality!” →

A discussion of what the scriptures teach about the Lord’s church. A good lesson to show the error of denominationalism.

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The book of Esther is examined, noting the similarities to our day, such as immorality and oppression.  It is noted that God’s providence works in every age, and that one righteous person can make a difference in the world.

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With a final benediction, Paul brought to a close this second letter to the church in Thessalonica. These last words were written by Paul personally. While it seems that he dictated most of his letters,  (cf. Romans 16:22), he typically sent his salutation with his own handwriting. “See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!” (Galatians 6:11). Perhaps Paul had bad eyesight, or some other condition that made it hard for him to write.

The words themselves are beautiful and significant. They declared clearly Paul’s love for his brethren. He asked God’s blessing upon the Thessalonians, that God grant them peace, and be with them. The phrase “be with you all” is not merely a closing. Paul desired they be granted and maintain a close relationship with the Lord.

He finished his letter with a request that Jesus Christ’s grace or favor be upon them. The ultimate expression of this is salvation.

“Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel” (Proverbs 27:9). Men have always understood and benefitted from the advice of others. That is, if it is good advice. You may remember Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, who inherited the reign of his father in Israel. When he ascended the throne, he was told by the “whole assembly of Israel” to “lighten the burdensome service of your father” with the promise if he did so, “we will serve you” (1 Kings 12:1-4).

Rehoboam asked his father’s advisors what to do. They told him to grant the people’s request, telling him if he did, “then they will be your servants forever” (7). Instead of following their sage advice, he instead listened to his peers, who lacked the wisdom the elders supplied.  The young men suggested he say, “And now, whereas my father put a heavy yoke on you, I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!” (11). This was a direct cause of the northern tribes rejecting him in favor of Jeroboam. It led the chronicler of the Kings to write, “So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day” (19). Continue reading “(10 of 13) The Sweet Counsel of a Friend” →