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By Robertson, John, on March 30th, 2010
The word “false Teacher” is found only one time in the Bible at 2 Peter 2:1. The apostle Peter wrote, “But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers…” Unsuspecting brethren are often amazed that the subject of false teachers is taught from the pulpit with regularity when it is only found this one time in the Bible. The objective of this article will be instructive regarding the actual frequency of this subject in both the Old and New Testament. The very words “false teacher” suggest a standard of teaching that is violated. Let us consider the identity, work, effects and the faithful Christian’s responsibility toward false teachers. Preventative measures are ordained of God that we be not infected with their error (2 Timothy 2:17).
Identity of False Teachers
The Greek word representing “false teacher” is pseudodidaskaloi which is defined as “a false teacher, one who inculcates (to teach by frequent repetition; to instill…) false doctrines” (Moulton’s Greek English Lexicon pp. 441). One who teaches or instills doctrines that oppose divine revelation is a false teacher. There are few books in our Bibles that do not deal with this subject in some form or fashion. To illustrate this point let us connect some associated words. Peter refers to false teachers as those who “deny the master” (2 Peter 1). The apostle John identifies those who deny the master as liars and antichrist who “hath not God” (2 John 2:22-23). Those who “hath not God” are those who teach doctrines that are opposed to divine revelation (2 John 9ff). Paul warned the Galatians (Galatians 1:6ff) and Timothy (1 Timothy 6:3ff) of those who would teach a different doctrine. Due to the frequent attacks against God’s divine revelation Paul pleaded with Timothy to guard the purity of truth (1 Timothy 6:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:12-13). These verses are all interconnected and reveal the actual frequency that the subject is dealt with in our Bibles.
Continue reading » The False Teacher
By Rogers, Heath, on March 29th, 2010
There are many contradicting beliefs, teachings, and opinions in the religious world concerning the Holy Spirit. Some believe that they have been baptized by the Spirit and are empowered by Him to perform miraculous works. Others deny that this can happen today. Some believe the Holy Spirit personally and literally dwells in them. Others teach that this is impossible. Some teach that the Holy Spirit is just an influence or a mere manifestation of God – that He is not real. Others teach that He is a distinct member of the Godhead.
Sadly, some Christians are not equipped to defend the truth about this subject. Compared to the Holy Spirit, we know quite a bit about the Father and Jesus Christ, but the Holy Spirit remains a mystery to most of us. This is unfortunate, for the Holy Spirit is a prominent subject in the Bible, mentioned as early as Genesis 1:2 and as late as Revelation 22:17.
The only things that we can know for certain about the Holy Spirit are the things that have been revealed in the Bible. We must be content with the teachings of the Bible, as opposed to relying upon denominational doctrines, human opinions, and personal feelings. In this series of articles, we will discuss the Bible’s teaching on various aspects of the Holy Spirit. This article will serve as an introduction to our subject.
Continue reading » Who Is the Holy Spirit?
By Cox, Stan, on March 25th, 2010
Matthew 4:1-11
The three synoptic gospels (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; and Luke 4:1-13) record the temptation of Jesus following His baptism in the Jordan River. Mark records only that He was in the wilderness for forty days, and there tempted by Satan. Matthew and Luke record three specific temptations, and agree exactly in both the nature of the temptations and Jesus’ response to them. We will use Matthew’s account here.
The temptation of our Lord was a necessary part of his experience on earth. The Hebrews writer said that “in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God” (2:17). As such, in that He “has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (2:18).
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, and after fasting for forty days, “the tempter came to Him.” Both Matthew and Luke record the words of Jesus in response to those temptations of Satan.
Continue reading » The Temptation of Jesus
By Zamora, Luis, on March 23rd, 2010
Introduction
It’s a shame that Matthew 18:15-20 is one of the most misused and misapplied passages of Scripture: its true purpose is saving souls!
All verse references are from Matthew 18 unless otherwise noted
What kind of sin?
Verse 15 starts: “If your brother sins against you….” The sin in this passage is a personal sin one against another. In his follow-up question at verse 21, Peter understands the sin to be personal: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?”
Continue reading » The Truth About Matthew 18:15-20
By Cox, Stan, on March 22nd, 2010
In the January 2010 issue of Watchman, I wrote an article titled, Projector Preaching. It was the first in a series of articles intended to benefit those who preach the gospel. The articles will contain suggestions and helps I have utilized in my 31 years of preaching the gospel.
Please understand that it is not my intent to set myself up as an authority on the matter of preaching. I have some experience, and have greatly appreciated the advice and examples of men who have influenced me through the years. I simply want to pass on some of what I have learned to those who may benefit.
It is my intent in this article to encourage preachers to write. I am convinced writing, (though among the most difficult of tasks for a preacher), is a wonderful discipline that will benefit both the preacher and his audience. In this I include not only those who read his words, but others who will benefit from his increased discipline, ability and scholarship.
Continue reading » Preaching With The Pen
By Cox, Stan, on March 22nd, 2010
By Foster, Chip, on March 20th, 2010
We should all be familiar with our senses; hear, smell, see, taste, and touch. In general we can probably take these for granted at times. We hear a sizzle coming from the kitchen. We smell the odor of food cooking. We look at what is cooking on the stove top or in the oven. We taste the food. We touch the food as we bring it to our mouth. We use our senses every day in a multitude of ways; to say the least.
As Christians we use these very same senses but in a completely different way.
As Christians these senses are used by those around us as we demonstrate the various attributes that these senses demand.
Taste
Taste is a sense that is truly different for each individual. While we can all taste bitter, sweet, savory, sour and salty, each one has a different reaction; some crave sweet while others crave sour. The life of a Christian is a flavoring to the world. In Matthew 5:13 Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Jesus points out that those who follow Him will be/are the salt of the earth. They will give the earth a distinct flavoring just as salt. Their lives are different from the lives of those in the world.
When we lose our distinctive flavoring we have lost that which separates us from the world.
Sight
Our sight is something that should be very dear and precious to us. For those of us who have had poor eyesight we understand that this sense should not be taken for granted in any way. Jesus speaks of this also in Matthew. In Matthew 5:14-16 He said, 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Again, Jesus uses a sense to describe the life of a Christian. It is not an experience that the Christian sees but those around see the Christian and his life in contrast to the darkness of the world. Paul wrote, 8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14Therefore He says:“Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light” (Ephesians 5:8-14).
This is the very life of a Christian. We are to walk in and with the light of the Lord. When we do this others will see the Gospel manifested in our lives. They will also be able to see the darkness of the world by our continual example of the truth of God’s word.
Smell
One of our most sensitive senses is the sense of smell. We can quickly detect those sweet and fragrant odors yet just as quickly, and more reactionary, those odors that offend our sense of smell. The smell of a flower and the spray of a skunk are opposites of the spectrum for our noses and these can describe the fragrance that a Christian should have in Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 Paul wrote, 14Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.16To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? The life of a Christian is first a fragrance to God and second to those who witness their life.
Our aroma is as distinctive as life and death. Our life smells of life as we walk in the Gospel and by direct contrast points out the smell of death to those who walk in the way of the world.
Hearing
We have all probably taken a hearing test at one time in our life. As with our other senses, our hearing is a sense that is often taken for granted; we can play music too loudly or subject our ears to damaging industrial noises. These degrade our ability to hear.
Hearing the Gospel is something the world thinks it does but in truth they only hear a perversion of the truth. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4 Paul wrote,3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. The implication to the denominational world is clear to those who want hear. In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul wrote, 1And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:1-3). We must be as Paul teaching only Jesus Christ. Paul’s command to young Timothy was simple, Preach the word! (2 Tim. 4:2). How can we expect anyone to believe if they have not heard; remember, So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
Touch
Our sense of touch is the one that might be the most versatile. Our skin is by far the largest of our sense organs and we use it intensively every day. We can feel a rock and the sensation of heat. We can feel the softness of a feather and the cold, wetness of ice.
Under the Old Law the Israelites were not allowed to touch that which was unclean (Leviticus 5:2-3). While we are not under the Old Law the principle still holds, that which is unclean defiles us. What we touch is a sign of who we are and what is important in our lives. If we touch the things of the world are we not like the world? In 2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1 Paul quoted Isaiah then added a reminder, 17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 18“I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.”7:1Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
This cleansing is from the ways of the world. If we participate in the world, as the world, we show no different picture to those around us. When we touch the world, as the world does, then all of our other influence is lost.
While we are careful not to submit to the traditions of men, 20 Therefore if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations 21“Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh (Colossians 2:20-23), we realize that just because the world justifies a thing doesn’t make that thing acceptable to God. In all things we must go to God’s word to establish authority and then obey.
Our physical senses are important to us. Take one away and you begin to realize the importance of that sense and the others gain value. If our physical senses are important how much more important is it to exhibit Christian senses to the world so that that image of Christ and His word is portrayed in our lives daily.
These Christian senses keep us continually examining and testing ourselves against the standard, the Gospel, but are also experienced by those around us as our lives have an affect upon them.
By Vanderwood, Scott, on March 18th, 2010
Although this nation that we live in is considered by most of the public as a Christian nation, the actual numbers and facts to those who really believe in the Bible and its teachings would prove otherwise. Our nation would reflect a vast number of people who make the claim that they believe in the scriptures, but their works and lifestyles would reveal a totally different focus. We have in our nation the majority of people who live out a buffet religion, rather than the true faith that God longs for us to have. By using the phrase buffet religion, I simply mean that there are those who pick and choose certain things out of the scriptures in which they want to follow, and leave the rest, much like we do at a food buffet. We even have a certain select few who have taken scissors to the pages of their bibles and cut out sections that they disagree with!!! Now you tell me the difference between that and what Israel was doing with their idolatry that led them to Assyrian and Babylonian captivity! The principle is the same, that God was ignored and the things He has commanded forgotten. Jesus says that, “He who rejects me and does not receive My words, has that which judges him, the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).
We are not going to be able to rely on our smooth words or lavish looks when it comes to entering into heaven, it is going to be how well we followed God’s commandments for us. Obedience to the things God has spoken is an absolute must! Jesus would say in His conclusion to the sermon on the mount, “Therefore whoever hears these saying of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock, and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” Now who does this reckon to? It is the person who hears of the things of God and obeys them. Now listen to what Jesus says of the disobedient. “But everyone who hears these saying of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand, and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it fell. And great was its fall” (Matthew 7:24-27). To all those who do not adhere to what the bible says, there will be no room for them in the kingdom of God.
Continue reading » The Open Ended Gospel
By Campbell, Kyle, on March 16th, 2010
Although it might be tempting to read the accounts in the Bible as “stories” with about as much historicity as a myth or fable, Luke’s reliability as an historian is unquestionable. Biblical archaeologist Merrill Unger says that archaeology has authenticated the gospel accounts, especially Luke. In Unger’s words, “The Acts of the Apostles is now generally agreed in scholarly circles to be the work of Luke, to belong to the first century and to involve the labors of a careful historian who was substantially accurate in his use of sources.”
His mention of matters such as the census (Luke 2:1-3), Lysanias as a tetrarch (Luke 3:1), Lystra and Derbe being cities of Lycaonia (Acts 14:6) all show his intimate knowledge of first century life.
Furthermore, his usage of terms such as “deputy” (Acts 13:7, 12; 18:12), “part” (Acts 16:12),“rulers” (Acts 17:6) and “chief man” (Acts 28:7) have confounded scholars but he has always be proven to be right.
Continue reading » The Incredible Accuracy of Luke
By Cox, Stan, on March 15th, 2010
By Gary, Bryan W., on March 14th, 2010
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage” (Exodus 20:2).
This is a very familiar passage to most of us, as it is the statement the Lord made immediately before giving Moses the Ten Commandments. These statutes and judgments were given to the children of Israel so they could “learn them and be careful to observe them” (Deut. 5:1).
Why was it so important for Israel to understand these commandments? First of all, they were God’s special people. “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” (Deut. 14:2). It was also important for them to keep these commandments because God promised them prolonged days in the land that He had given them (Deut. 4:40). And as Solomon concluded the book of Ecclesiastes, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Eccl. 12:13).
Continue reading » The Ten Commandments of Marriage: Introduction
By Smith, Jeff, on March 10th, 2010
The British have a strange form of government. They have a queen, but she does not exercise any real power. Her authority is only ceremonial and her crown is worth nothing more than the gold and jewels that compose it. The real power was stripped away from her family by the people and one of them, the prime minister, is now the head of English government.
Modern Christianity has done much the same thing to its king, Jesus Christ. While people still recognize his crown, they do not attach much significance to his exercise of authority in all matters of faith. Hence, various denominations proudly boast doctrines and missions growing out of their own interpretation of the Bible, most generally not a literal interpretation at all.
The last will and testament of Jesus Christ contains his decrees for his brethren, the redeemed, and the conditions placed upon them should they wish to attain the inheritance he left for them, a mansion in heaven for all eternity. As the monarch of a great universal kingdom, he and his ministers, the apostles, set down the law for his subjects in the New Testament.
Continue reading » Reverence Is Not Legalism
By Locklair, Steve, on March 9th, 2010
Since 1970, the average house has grown from 1,500 sq. ft. to 2,400 sq. ft. Before that time, storage units were unknown but the industry has now grown to about 52,000 facilities in the US because of various lifestyle changes (marriage, divorce, retirement, a death in the family, etc). Because of this problem, an organization began in 1989 called Clutterers Anonymous (CLA) which is active in over 50 cities in 17 states as of 2005. (Wikipedia)
Why do we have so much clutter? What is the danger of being messy? How can we overcome this problem? God’s word has the answer. We will endeavor to answer these questions from the Bible. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)
Why do we have so much clutter? Things are cheap, accessible, and disposable. What was accessible only to the extremely rich in the past is now affordable to the middle class. Just as Solomon did not refuse anything his eyes saw when he was king (Ecclesiastes 2:10a), we seem to be obsessed with the compulsion to buy everything we see, like a kid in a candy store.
Continue reading » Clutter
By Cox, Stan, on March 8th, 2010
By Fite, Jerry, on March 5th, 2010
Issues seem to be more numerous among brethren today than they were two or three decades ago. Denominationalism and Institutionalism were the two main areas of concern when I began to preach the Gospel. Over the last few years, Divorce and Remarriage, the Deity and Humanity of Jesus, AD 70 Doctrine, Days of Creation, plus where to draw the line of fellowship regarding these subjects have become matters of importance that need to be resolved. As a young man in the Gospel, I was not being forced to say where I stood on a big list of controversial issues, nor was I being ridiculed for not taking a stand among some who had already thought out their position before I knew a position should be taken. The religious landscape is different today. Internet access quickly disperses information to people all over the world. People share their thoughts instantaneously with others over social networking sites. Today, a new issue can arise with a click of a button. “Where do you stand on this or that issue?” soon follows.
Some, desiring to rise above the clouds of controversy in search for a less disagreeable walk with the Lord, try either to ignore issues or at least downplay their importance. They may deflect a controversial matter with, “I fear we have become too issue oriented.” Is this more spiritual than resolving the matter in the light of God’s Word?
Continue reading » Are We Too Issue Oriented?
By Vanderwood, Scott, on March 4th, 2010
One of the most popular doctrines rooted in this country today is the doctrine of Calvinism. This doctrine more or less consists of five main points. The first, that man is born in sin, or Totally Depraved. Next, that God has predestined certain men to receive salvation, or Unconditional election. Then, Christ’s blood only covers those whom God chose or predestined, or Limited Atonement. After that the belief that God sends the Holy Spirit upon you and you cannot reject it, or Irresistible Grace. Finally, that once you are saved, you are always saved and cannot lose your salvation, or Perseverance of the Saints. All five of these points revolve around one main theme: That man has no choice whether or not he is saved. The free-will of man is taken away by the belief in these points. Now the basis of the erroneous teaching came from a man named Augustine, who lived in the fourth century. Augustine taught that a man inherited the sin of Adam, and therefore we are born in sin, and not born pure. This doctrine is widely known as Original Sin. John Calvin took that basis and established the rest of the points we just pointed out.
Continue reading » The Will of Christ
By Cox, Stan, on March 1st, 2010
By Cox, Stan, on March 1st, 2010
In 2 Timothy 3, the apostle Paul penned a wonderful sentence that establishes both the precious nature of the words contained in our Bibles, and their efficacy in ordering our lives as His servants.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (vs. 16-17)
The Greek word used in verse 16, translated “inspiration of God” is found nowhere else in scripture. It is the term theopneustos. Vine gives the etymology of the word: (Theos, God, pneu, to breathe) and says that it, “is used in 2 Tim. 3:16, of the Scriptures as distinct from non-inspired writings” (Vines, Volume II, page 263).
Continue reading » Editorial: God Breathed
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