Sound Teaching

It is obvious that the physically healthiest among us (setting aside unfortunate genetic illness or injury) are that way because of a good diet, sober life and appropriate exercise. There is a spiritual equivalent to this revealed in the New Testament.

Consider first Jesus’ description of Himself in John 6:35, “And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” It is correct to note that every aspect of our spiritual sustenance comes directly from Jesus. We are without strength without Him. But as Paul noted, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Continue reading “Spiritual Growth” →

In our text, the Hebrew writer enlarges upon his statement in 3:19 that the Israelites were not able to enter into the rest of God (the land of Canaan) because of their unbelief.

He begins by noting that a promise of rest remains for God’s people. The reference here is obviously to heaven, the final rest promised to the people of God. He refers to several “rests” in the text. The rest of God after the creation of the world, “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and rested…” (Genesis 2:2). The rest of Canaan missed by the unbelieving Jews, “They shall not enter My rest” (5). He then refers to Psalm 95 where David mentions those rebellious Jews, and said, “Today, if you will hear His voice: Do not harden your hearts, as in the wilderness…” (7-8). In the word “Today”, David was indicating another rest yet attainable for the people of God.

The key is the same here. We must believe to attain the eternal rest promised by God. “For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his words as God did from His” (10). Do not harden your heart. Believe in the promise of God!

This short article is not what you think. It is an examination of 1 Corinthians 4:6-15, and especially verse 10 where Paul writes, “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!” Looking at the context of Paul’s letter, he here is obviously using sarcasm. He is referring to the Corinthian’s self-satisfaction and arrogance. He writes in verse 8, “You have reigned as kings without us – and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!”

The actual state of the Corinthians was not what they thought. Their view of themselves was similar to how the Laodiceans thought of themselves in Revelation 3:17, “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…”

When Paul called himself a fool for Christ, he was not in any way resentful of such a designation. He actually was willing to give up anything for his Lord, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20).

Likewise the Corinthians wisdom was not as it appeared. They thought themselves, wise, but “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Become a fool for Christ!

Things we can learn from examining the great apostle’s meeting with the Ephesian elders while in Miletus. (Acts 20).

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Man has to realize how great, preeminent, wise and powerful God is, and learn not to mold God according to their own flawed concepts. A discussion based on the phrase in Psalm 50:21.

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When you read through the prophecy of Amos, you see a primary problem with Israel at this time was the oppression of the lower class. A primary emphasis of the prophet was a condemnation of those in power and influence; of those who were enjoying their riches while others suffered. Consider the following verses:

“Thus says the LORD: ‘For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals. They pant after the dust of the earth which is on the head of the poor, and pervert the way of the humble’” (Amos 2:6-7).

“Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to your husbands, ‘Bring wine, let us drink!’” (Amos 4:1).

“Therefore, because you tread down the poor and take grain taxes from him, though you have built houses of hewn stone, yet you shall not dwell in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink wine from them. For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: Afflicting the just and taking bribes; diverting the poor from justice at the gate. Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, for it is an evil time” (Amos 5:11-13). Continue reading “Sell the poor for a pair of sandals” →

The text is one of the most sublime found in all of scripture. It is a part of Paul’s discourse on the redemptive work of God, accomplished in His Son Jesus, Paul concludes by considering the victory we enjoy as a part of our relationship to Him. Consider Paul’s glorious words!

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31-39). Continue reading “Our Victory in Jesus!” →

The Hebrew writer ends this chapter with a “cause and effect” argument using his reference to the rebellion of the Jews as as they left the land of Egypt. He calls it again a rebellion (cf. 15), and asks, “who, having heard rebelled?” (16). It was in fact the entire generation that was guilty of rebellion, despite God’s assurance of protection and victory.

That was the cause, “having heard” they “rebelled.” The effect followed. They angered God and it led to the refusal of God to grant to that generation the rest of Canaan. An entire generation was sentenced to a fruitless wandering until all died in the wilderness. God swore punishment to those who did not obey Him. But, when the explanation is given, verse 19 states, “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

True biblical faith is described in scripture as faith that leads to obedience. “By faith Abraham obeyed…” (11:8). If someone professed faith in God or His Son, but is not willing to obey, it is not the faith that God prescribes. It is empty and its impact is God’s judgment!

In Psalm 82, the Psalmist begins his plea by noting that “God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods” (vs. 1). The word “gods” here is a word that is often used to refer to God himself (elohim), but literally means “mighty ones” and in this passage refers to the mighty in the land. With the threat of God’s judgment upon them, he then writes, “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and the needy; free them from the hand of the wicked” (3).

The mightiest of men still have a Judge before which they will stand in the final day. While mistreatment and oppression might gain for them power and control while here on earth, it will cost them in judgment! The Psalmist said that these mighty ones will “die like men, and fall like one of the princes” (7).

The sentiment here is very like the New Testament call of James, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (1:27). It is refreshing how much emphasis the Lord places on the protection of those who are weak, vulnerable or oppressed. While it is a special cause of judgment on those in power who refuse to protect them, it applies to each of us as well. The imperative to love requires the child of God to act in the best interest of the oppressed and vulnerable.

An examination of 3 passages where the phrase “stand still” is used, indicating the importance of contemplating God’s plan for redeeming man, His preeminence, and our obligations to ensure our standing with Him.

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An examination of the conversion of Cornelius, and what is revealed about the Gentile’s Holy Spirit baptism on that occasion. 

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People who enter their 60’s are generally looking forward to retirement from work – a typical goal that is sought with gladness, with the anticipation of a happy number of years to do what they want instead of what is required by an employer.

It is important to note that when it comes to the kingdom of God, there is no concept of retirement. As with all other things, if you desire to stop doing what you are doing, stop putting God first, it is an affront to the Creator and unacceptable to Him. Nothing is to come before the Lord. Continue reading ““They Shall Still Bear Fruit in Old Age”” →

The question, “Is grace limited?”, is a bit too obtuse to answer definitively one way or another. Let’s examine it a bit more closely.
The grace of God makes salvation available to all men. He sent His only begotten Son to the world as a propitiation for sin. The word propitiation indicates a sacrifice that is made to atone for or pay the penalty for sin. The Bible clearly establishes the efficacy of the blood of Jesus. “By that will [the will of God] we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Continue reading “Is Grace Limited?” →

Having established the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, “as a Son over His own house”, (6). The Hebrew writer begins to emphasize our need to be faithful to Him. This point is covered well in verses 7-15. He begins by quoting the Holy Spirit in Psalm 95.

The exhortation is simple, “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion…” (7). This quote is direct, and references the hearts of the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness of Judea. While they were cared for that entire time they constantly tested the Lord by their lack of faith and disobedience.

As such, God was “angry with that generation.” The entire generation fell in the wilderness, with none save Joshua and Caleb entering the promised land.

Our hearts can be hardened just as their’s. Again and again in scripture Christians are called to learn from the actions of the Israelites. There are examples of faith that we are to emulate (cf. Hebrew 11) . Here God wants us to heed the destruction that comes to the faithless (1 Cor. 1:10-11).

The 33rd Psalm talks of God’s preeminence from the point of view of the Israelite. The Psalmist calls for praise for God, and gives numerous reasons why the LORD is worthy of that praise. His word is right. He is righteous and just, and blesses the earth. He is the Creator. His will is inexorable, “For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast” (9). From heaven he looks down upon all men and considers their works. No strength of man compares to His might. He is both willing and able to care for His own.

As such, we should consider verses 20-22 of the text, “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You.”

Just as the Psalmist, it is important that we recognize and meditate upon the greatness of the Lord. This will lead us to praise Him. It will also lead us both to understand His ability to help and protect us, and to be patient as we wait upon His intervention in our lives.

We must trust God! It is not our place to question either His timing or His ability to care for us. Instead may we pray, “Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in you” (22). Does your soul wait for the LORD?