Elijah gave Obadiah instructions to set up a meeting between him and the king.  The two were mortal enemies, and Ahab had been searching for him ever since Elijah had instigated a drought in the land in response to Ahab’s evil practices.  As Obadiah told him, “As the Lord your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my master has not sent someone to hunt for you; and when they said, ‘He is not here,"’ he took an oath from the kingdom or nation that they could not find you” (18:10).  Elijah was now ready to reveal himself to the king, and recruited Obadiah to set up the meeting.

A number of lessons can be learned by becoming familiar with these two men, and examining the conversation they had on that eventful day.

Elijah

Elijah is by far the best known of the two men.  The prophet garnered such respect among the Jews, and esteem from God as to be included with Moses the Lawgiver at the transfiguration of the Lord (cf. Matthew 17:1-13).

His legitimacy as a prophet is seen in the great signs accompanying his ministry in Israel.  Through prayer he precipitated the great drought in the land – and through prayer ended it three and one half years later (cf. 1 Kings 17:1; 18:41-46).  God protected him through the drought, first by sending ravens to feed him (17:6), then by miraculously replenishing the oil and flour of the widow of Sidon (17:16).  Perhaps the greatest demonstration of God’s power in Elijah’s ministry was in the contest on Mount Carmel.  Again at the prayer of Elijah, God brought down fire from heaven, proving Himself to be the great and sovereign Lord of all.  At this divine display the people “fell on their faces; and they said, ‘The Lord, He is God!  The Lord, He is God!’” (18:39).

James had an interesting point to make regarding the power of Elijah’s prayers.  He wrote, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit” (James 5:17-18).  Though wonderful things happened when Elijah prayed, it was not because of anything unique to his person.  Elijah’s prayers produced because he was a righteous man, praying fervently and effectively (cf. James 5:16).  We have the same ability that he enjoyed, to receive God’s help through prayerful petition.

One important thing to note is Elijah’s tone in conversation and address.  He was an austere man and straightforward in dealing with the sin he witnessed.  Consider the following statements, recorded in 1 Kings 18 and 21:

• To King Ahab:  “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals” (18:18).
• In mocking the prophets of Baal:  “Cry aloud, for he [Baal] is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” (18:27).
• Again to Ahab, in response to the King’s question, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” (21:20):  “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the Lord:  Behold, I will bring calamity on you.  I will take away your posterity, and will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both bond and free.  I will make you house like the house of Jereoboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, because of the provocation with which you have provoked Me to anger, and made Israel sin.  And concerning Jezebel the Lord also spoke, saying, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.  The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Ahab and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field’” (21:20-24).

It is important to remember, the words of Elijah were supplied by God.  In preparation for the conversation with Ahab in chapter 21, Jehovah instructed Elijah, “You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord:  “In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs shall lick your blood, even yours”’” (21:19).  In the face of today’s bent toward “political correctness”, and the weak stomach of many Christians who are unwilling to stand for the plain refutation of error and sin, we must recognize that there are times when stern condemnation of error is in order.  We must make “a distinction” (James 1:22-23), doing whatever is appropriate and necessary to save men.

Obadiah

Nothing is known about Obadiah aside from what is revealed in our text.  According to the ISBE, the name Obadiah was “common in Israel from the days of David to the close of the OT.” (IV, 2173).  There are 13 individuals named Obadiah found in the Old Testament, including the prophet who authored the book by that name.  The name means, “servant of the Lord”, so it is not surprising it would be a popular name.

Our Obadiah is identified as the individual “in charge of his [Ahab’s] house” (18:3).  In 1 Kings 4:6, Ahishar is identified as being “over the household” of King Solomon.  He is described in verse 2 of that chapter as being one of Solomon’s “officials.”  The Hebrew term indicates a person of any rank who is “a head person”, and has been variously translated as captain, lord, general, governor, keeper, prince and ruler.  Obadiah obviously had the trust of Ahab, as he and the king divided the land between them to search for grass “to keep the horses and mules alive” (18:5).  It was on this excursion for the king that Elijah met him and made his request.

Though it could be said he was a faithful steward of King Ahab, there was a limit to Obadiah’s faithfulness to his master.  When Queen Jezebel began her campaign to purge the land of worship to Jehovah by killing the prophets, Obadiah took one hundred of them and hid them in caves to escape her wrath.  He fed them bread and water, caring for them despite the personal danger occasioned by such an effort.

Two applications come immediately to mind as we consider Obadiah’s actions.  First, our primary allegiance is to God.  There will be times our service to men may conflict with what God requires.  When that happens we must cast our allegiance with the Almighty.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, though the penalty for such disobedience was death by fire (Daniel 3:14-15).  Consider their answer to the King:

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up”  (Daniel 3:16-18).

Daniel himself chose the better part by continuing his practice of prayer to Jehovah despite the prohibition of the Median King, Darius.  The penalty for disobedience would be to be cast into a pit of lions.  Regardless, Daniel’s prayer continued, “as was his custom since early days” with no change nor any attempt to hide his actions. (cf. Daniel 6).  Because of his faithfulness, God spared Daniel, and we are told, “So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian” (Daniel 6:28).

In the New Testament, first Peter and John (Acts 4:13-22), then the rest of the Apostles (Acts 5:22-32) were threatened by the Jewish authorities for preaching the gospel of Christ.  Despite it being an act of civil disobedience, the apostles refused to stop, saying, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

The second application is a bit more difficult to nail down.  You may have noticed the scripture counted Obadiah as faithful, despite his being a chief servant of an evil King.  Of Ahab it is said, he “did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him” (1 Kings 16:33).  Christians often struggle with their necessary involvement, both with the evil world, and also with worldly individuals.  Such entanglements are inevitable.  Paul wrote that to avoid them, “you would need to go out of the world” (1 Corinthians 5:10).  Of course, as was Paul’s point, this is impossible.  For example, we are to pay taxes (cf. Matthew 22:15-22), despite the often ungodly uses made of such revenue.  We are to obey the laws of the land (cf. Romans 13:1-7), even when the government is made up of unprincipled and evil men.  We are to work to provide for our family (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8), even when such work is, as was the case with Obadiah, for an unscrupulous master (cf. also Luke 19:11-27).  Such necessary involvement with the world does not constitute an endorsement of sin!  If that were the case Christians could only work for Christians.  It would be necessary to refrain from interaction with any business, hospital, government, etc., that was engaged in any worldly activity, or manned by anyone not faithful to God.  As Paul indicated, “…those who are outside God judges” (1 Corinthians 5:13).  The only evil people I as a Christian am to unequivocally avoid is “anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner …” (1 Corinthians 5:11).

There is of course a limit.  I can pay taxes to an evil government, but I cannot engage in sinful activity.  I can work for a corporation that may by involved in certain unscrupulous business activities, but again, I cannot engage in such actions.  The government may fund abortions, but as a Christian I can not personally take an unborn baby’s life.  My boss may be a liar, but I can’t lie for him.  I must “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

I would never encourage a Christian to work for a company if in so doing he would violate his conscience.  Further, I am reluctant to seek the limit of this worldly involvement to ascertain at what point a Christian’s personal integrity is affected by his association with those who are not God’s.  However, I do know that Obadiah’s standing with God was not adversely affected by his service to wicked King Ahab.  Thus, I would hesitate to judge another so long as their employment does not involve them directly in sin.

The Conversation

When Elijah met Obadiah in the course of the steward’s duties for the king, he told him, “Go, tell your master, Elijah is here.” (18:8).  Obadiah knew that God would protect the great prophet, and thought it to be a death penalty to deliver the message. “And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of the Lord will carry you to a place I do not know; so when I go and tell Ahab, and he cannot find you, he will kill me.” (18:12).  At Elijah’s promise he would stay and present himself to the King, Obadiah delivered the message.

From this short conversation, consider the following important observations:

• Obadiah was respectful of the great prophet.  When he saw the prophet, he said, “Is that you, my lord Elijah?”  (18:7).  As Christians, it is important for us to be kind and respectful of one another, without exception.  However, some are worthy of special consideration.  Paul instructed young Timothy, “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father” (1 Timothy 5:1).  We are given the responsibility to, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.  Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).  Such respect and deference is to be shown to the teacher as well:  “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches” (Galatians 6:6).  Wives are instructed to respect their husbands, “As Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror” (1 Peter 3:6); and children their parents: “‘Honor your father and mother’, which is the first commandment with promise” (Ephesians 6:2).  In this egalitarian society, such respect is often lacking.  Christians must heed God in this matter.
• Elijah accepted Obadiah’s testimony of his own faithfulness.  The two men were very different, and in very different circumstances.  Elijah was at the forefront of God’s conflict with the idol Baal.  He made himself an enemy of the king through his words and actions.  To Ahab, he was an “enemy” and a “troubler of Israel”  In contrast, despite Obadiah’s position as Ahab’s chief steward, he was accepted as faithful by the prophet.  Elijah did not judge Obadiah because of who he worked for, he simply called him to faithfully perform his duty as a servant of God.  It is easy to supplement our own righteousness for the righteousness of God.  In this we can be guilty of both being slack where God requires obedience, and also in binding where God has not.  The Jews were guilty of this in Paul’s day, and he wrote, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3).
• Obadiah did not compromise.  Though he was in the employ of the king, Obadiah could truthfully say, “But I your servant have feared the Lord from my youth” (1 Kings 18:12).  He put his life on the line, both in feeding and sheltering the 100 prophets during Jezebel’s purge (18:3-4), and in delivering Elijah’s message to the king (18:16).  We have noted the inappropriateness of judging a Christian who works for the ungodly.  There remains the opposite danger of taking Obadiah’s example, and doing violence to it by a compromise of personal integrity and righteousness.  Obadiah’s personal righteousness remained untainted by King Ahab’s sin precisely because Obadiah refused to become involved in it.  No man can appeal to Obadiah as justification for a compromise with sin.
• Elijah showed great courage.  Through the entire duration of the drought Elijah had hid himself in accord with the Lord’s instructions.  In 1 Kings 18:1, “… the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, ‘Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.”  Despite the King’s animosity toward him; despite Obadiah’s warning that Ahab had scoured the surrounding nations during the famine in an attempt to find and capture him; despite what would be grave personal danger; Elijah presented himself to the king.  Further, he challenged Ahab, calling him the true “troubler of Israel” in that “you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals” (vs. 18).  Elijah conducted himself with great personal integrity in keeping his Lord’s commandments.  It is a difficult thing to stand at the forefront of a battle against error or sin.  Elders, preachers and other Christians who do so should be encouraged and supported in their work, not criticized.

Is there Room in the Kingdom for both “Obadiahs” and “Elijahs”?

The obvious answer to this question is, yes!  Though the two men were very different in their personality and position, they were both righteous and obedient servants of God.  Further, they were respectful and accepting of each other, something sadly lacking among some Christians today.

This makes for a powerful application that is germane to the Lord’s church in our time.  I will communicate plainly here, feeling the present fractured condition among God’s people demands it.

The Elijahs of our day are heavily criticized.  A militant defense of truth is too often criticized by Christians who favor tolerance over truth, and a “feel good” religion over a balanced profession of faith.  With reservations, as I do not wish to encourage such ungodly criticism, I acknowledge some self-professed Elijahs among us deserve criticism.  With that in mind, consider the following:

• An Elijah is not a sectarian.  It is wrong for Christians to equate a militant defense of truth with sectarianism, as is too often done.  However, some are guilty of aligning themselves with a man or a group, defending us and all we do and teach, and criticizing them because they are not of us.  Our defense of truth must exist on its own merits.  In politics such partisanship is unfortunate and unthinking; in the practice of our faith it is sin!  Paul decried the sectarian attitude of the Corinthians, and called it carnal (1 Corinthians 1:10-14, 3:1-4).  He said, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?  I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.  So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (3:5-7).  Sectarian associations and tactics have no place in a defense of God’s word.
• An Elijah is not arrogant.  This is perhaps the root cause of the sectarian mindset mentioned above.  Because we stand for truth, and they do not, we are better.  The Jew of Paul’s day was guilty of such arrogance in his judgment of the Gentile.  Paul asked him, “And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?  Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:3-4).  It is dangerous to have a “better than thou” attitude toward others.  Paul warned, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves.  but they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).
• An Elijah does not compromise his personal integrity.  Ad hominem attacks, misrepresentations and other carnal tactics do not further the cause of truth, even if the one guilty of such is in actuality holding a correct doctrinal position.  Further, truth has suffered because of the revelation of moral failings on the part of those at the forefront of controversy.  Men have done a disservice to truth because of their personal sin.  It is difficult to hear a message of light from those who are not expressing that light in their lives. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  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.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
• An Elijah is not improperly motivated.  The purpose of exposing error and the errorist is to bring men to a standing with God.  Again, Paul (who could be described as an Elijah of his day) serves as an example.  His naming of Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom he plainly states as having “delivered to Satan” is an example of his militancy.  However, even in the midst of such a declaration, his purpose is clear, “that they many learn not to blaspheme” (1 Timothy 1:20).  The sexually immoral man of 1 Corinthians 5, whom Paul had “already judged” (vs. 3); and whom he commanded the Corinthians to deliver “to Satan” (vs. 5); is the same one whom he urged that same congregation, upon his repentance, to “reaffirm your love” (2 Corinthians 6:8).  Anyone who uses his defense of truth as a ruse to “run them off” rather than “renew them again to repentance” (cf. Hebrews 6:6) is worthy of the strongest censure.

The Obadiahs of our day receive their share of criticism as well.  We live in a time of extremes, and the problems among God’s people are not slanted in a a single direction.  While I again do not want to encourage the ungodly criticism of men and women who are serving God acceptably in the role of an Obadiah, a similar acknowledgement is needed.  Some self professed Obadiahs among us are deserving of criticism.  Consider the following:

• An Obadiah is not a sectarian.  A preference of us over them goes both ways.  Years ago a résumé of Paul made the rounds in the bulletins of various congregations. (Here is a man who desires to work with our congregation as an evangelist.   He is a rabble rouser, who calls names, makes enemies, has been imprisoned on numerous occasions, and some “brethren” speak evil of him.  We can’t have someone like “him” work with “us.”)  It is shameful, but true.  Some congregations will not have a man work with them, whether in meeting work or as an evangelist in their midst, because of a paper he has written for, or the feathers he has ruffled, or the names he has called.  It matters not that he stands for truth, maintains the highest personal integrity and righteousness, and has as his sole motivation the saving of souls.  He is not of us, and we want nothing to do with him.  Consider in this the commendation of Gaius by John because of his loving reception and help of those who “went forth for His name’s sake” (3 John 7).  He is contrasted with Diotrephes, who refused to accept the apostle and his fellow ministers, “prating against us with malicious words” (3 John 10).
• An Obadiah is not arrogant.  Paul’s admonition of the Corinthians is again relevant here.  Too many Christians accuse one who exposes sin as being judgmental, self-righteous and arrogant.  But, Paul accused the tolerant Corinthians of that very sin!  He said, “you are puffed up” (1 Corinthians 5:2), and “Your glorying is not good” (vs. 6).  It is just as easy to consider yourself to be better than your brother because of your tolerant attitude toward sin.  And it is as surely condemned by God.
• An Obadiah does not compromise truth, nor fellowship false teachers.  It is very good to call for Christians to be loving, merciful, longsuffering and kind.  It is wrong to equate the toleration of error and false teachers with the tender mercies present in every faithful Christian.  It is not Christ-like to compromise with error.  Our Lord described the errorists of His day in this way, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9).  It is likewise not acceptable to receive those who advocate error. “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 10-11).
• An Obadiah does not compromise with the world.  Some Christians have become strangely quiet on moral issues.  It is becoming more and more common to hear of Christians openly going to “R” rated movies; listening to music with profane and sexually explicit lyrics; swimming in public places, often wearing immodest attire; engaging in social drinking; playing the lottery; dancing and attending dances and proms; and dressing in short shorts, tight jeans and revealing tops.  Because pulpits are silent, and elders and parents look the other way, young Christians are living lives that are scarcely dissimilar to those of their worldly classmates and peers.  Sacrifice and devotion are lacking, with ball games, concerts and school activities given precedence over worship assemblies. The concept of nonconformity is given only lip-service.  Christian devotion is relegated to a superficial profession of faith, with no lack of “Praise God’s”, and “Hallelujah’s”, but precious little transformation of life.  It is one thing to wear a WWJD bracelet, and a far different thing to actually live your life by our Lord’s righteous example and standard.  Paul wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Conclusion:  An Application

I desire now to supply an example of the type of fracture present among brethren today.  All of the principles I have supplied in the material above I believe to be applicable in this instance.  Having said that, I freely admit the following to be my own subjective perception of a problem that exists among us.

While certainly not the only “fracture” among Christians, I believe it possible to identify a conflict between what we might refer to as the “Truth Magazine” crowd, and the “Florida College” crowd.  Some may object to this example, but a person would have to be completely tuned out or naive to not recognize its reality.  Further, some may object to these labels, and what is an intended negative representation, but this is chosen for a purpose that will be presently evident.  While it would be simplistic to contend the parallels are total, it serves our present premise to equate those of the “Truth Magazine” crowd as being professing Elijahs, and those of the “Florida College” crowd as being professing Obadiahs.  I say professing, because conflict does exist, and no conflict was present between the actual persons, Elijah and Obadiah.

As one who is currently on the “outs” with both crowds, I have a few observations I would like to make regarding this situation.

In my opinion, some of the fault lies in the leadership of both groups.  Specific examples, in the context of this treatment, would be counterproductive.  Such would rightly necessitate copious documentation, and would undoubtedly be met with great objection and an alternate interpretation of actions and intent.  For the purposes of this article a few simple admonitions (that surely can be accepted by all) are in order. 

For those who have written for Truth Magazine, are involved in any way with the organization that publishes that magazine and plans the lectureships, or are involved in any way either directly or tangentially with those who are — Please examine yourself, to determine if you are guilty of any of the following:  1) A departure from sound doctrine; 2) A sectarian mindset; 3) Pride; 4) A lack of personal integrity; 5) An improper motivation.  “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? –unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).  If there is a need for repentance, do not delay.

For those who are involved with Florida College, teach there, are a part of the administration, plan the lectureships, are active alumni, or are involved in any way either directly or tangentially with those who are (and by the way, some might feel that the former Christianity Magazine could here be substituted for Florida College) — Please examine yourself, to determine if you are guilty of any of the following:  1) A departure from sound doctrine; 2) A sectarian mindset; 3) Pride; 4) A compromise of truth or a fellowship of false teachers; 5) A compromise with the world.    “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? –unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).  If there is a need for repentance, do not delay.

In my opinion, the greatest fault lies with the followers who make up the two groups.  By definition, if you have the us versus them mentality, you are guilty of a sectarian spirit.  Interestingly, the preachers mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1 were all faithful:  Paul, Apollos, Cephas and Christ.  Those men were not guilty of any wrongdoing, and were not responsible for the division of the Corinthians.  I find it completely reasonable to consider the possibility that there are men, perceived to be in one “group” or another, who are completely above reproach.  And yet, lesser men tout them and claim allegiance, leading to strife.

The apostle Paul warned those in Corinth, “… that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another” (1 Corinthians 4:6)  All the self-examination mentioned above is appropriate for every Christian, with this added admonition, “that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”

The most disturbing aspect of this fracture to fellowship is it has at its center organizations that are completely irrelevant to the pure expression of Christian faith.  To please God, I need only my Savior, my brethren, and my circumspect walk.  I do not need any college, paper or lectureship program.  Setting aside any question regarding their right to exist or the good work they do, for God’s people to be divided as a result of associations and attitudes surrounding these institutions is indefensible.  The fact that such a division exists portends eternal consequence.

Are you guilty of following men?  Do you excuse the failings of your guy, and excoriate those whom you feel are of them rather than us?  Do you allow only those who write for your paper, or who support your school are heard in the pulpit where you attend worship?  Are only those who have a certain style of teaching acceptable, and are those who do not conform described as soft, or conversely, guilty of being watchdogs?  Do you feel the same about congregations?  Are some acceptable only because we fill the pulpit, where others are not because they preach there?  Are you guilty either of consigning the great majority of churches to be unfaithful congregations just because of this sectarian mind; or conversely are you willing to marginalize some congregations as irrelevant because we are so much more numerous than them?  If so, there is a need for repentance — please do not delay.

One final point.  Some of us have no association with either of them.  We are uncomfortable with some of the things that they are doing.  We question their motivation, integrity and think that we need to band together so that their influence will lessen and ours will increase.  Yes, you are correct, we are guilty as well.

Perhaps Elijah and Obadiah can teach us this wonderful lesson: Faithfulness to God is all that matters.  When we consider who we will fellowship, who we will endorse, and who will be in our group, may the only question we have be this, “Are they accepted by God?”  Brethren, please consider without rancor and prejudice these principles of truth, and my humble attempt to address a schism that must surely disappoint our God.

Rightly so, for their gifts are usually proven quite fallible and natural, and sometimes even very self-serving and duplicitous. At the same time, however, the word “miracle” is tossed about in our world quite freely, characterizing everything from the birth of a baby to an upset in the Super Bowl. Somewhere between the charlatans and the exaggeration is the truth about Bible miracles and that truth is surely found in the New Testament.

The objective of the Holy Spirit in dispensing miraculous abilities was not to enable some spectacular show or even to cause widespread healing from physical disease. Paul wrote,

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:1-3, ESV)

The purpose was to bring men and women to a knowledge of Christ Jesus, that they might know enough to trust him and confess him and follow him. No one has confessed the lordship of Jesus Christ without the participation of the Holy Spirit, for faith comes by hearing God’s word and that New Testament gospel record came through the work of the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 6:17, 2 Peter 1:19-21, 2 Timothy 3:16-4:5). Although we hear the word “miracle” attached to very natural events, a miracle is by definition a supernatural occurrence.

Paul went on to enumerate some supernatural gifts of the Spirit in his missive to the Corinthian church.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, ESV)

Commentator Albert Barnes describes the “utterance of wisdom” in verse eight as “a comprehensive view of the scheme of redemption with the faculty of clearly explaining it to the apprehension of others” (Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament, Vol. 5, pg. 230). The word of wisdom gift was the ability to impart practical information about the gospel in a persuasive way, as Peter and Paul became talented at crafting their messages for Jewish audiences from the prophets and for Gentile audiences from dissatisfaction with idols.

The “utterance of knowledge” mentioned in verse eight reminds the reader that while we live with completed New Testaments all around us every day, and with centuries of scholarship and instruction concerning them, the original generation that received the scriptures obtained them incrementally and so a gift of more thorough knowledge was deemed necessary in the interim. Even on Pentecost, Peter was able to communicate the deeper matters of his faith than the Spirit had yet had time to reveal.

In some sense, faith is also listed as a gift in this context (verse nine). Faith here is obviously of a different kind than the like, precious faith that all believers share, for this faith was not possessed by all Christians, or even all supernaturally gifted ones. This is the faith to move mountains that Jesus predicted and Paul possessed (see Matthew 17:20, First Corinthians 13:2); it is a trust in the gifted person that his abilities are real and effective.

Gifts of healing were among the most prominent in the first century and remain among the most sought today (verse nine). Some early Christians could cure diseases and disabilities, even as Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law and blind and lame people. This desirable gift was not bestowed that the church might exist free of all disease, however, for Paul did not heal Timothy’s stomach ailment, for instance (see First Timothy 5:23). Moreover,  this healing was not promised on some stage without verification; rather the lame and blind were healed before people’s eyes so that there could remain no doubt (see Acts 3:1-10, 4:15-16).

Somehow distinct from the others, the “working of miracles” (verse ten) originates in the root of the word “miracle,” which means literally “wonders.” Here it likely has reference to effecting magnificent works like the exorcism of demons like Legion, infliction of divine judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira or raising the dead like Lazarus and Dorcas.

Prophecy was a valued and valuable ability throughout Bible history (verse ten). Because the early Christians and even unbelievers did not have complete copies of the New Testament, the gift of prophecy was necessary to impart divine revelation to them. Prophecy is commonly misunderstood to be only foretelling the future, but prophecy also includes miraculous insight and instruction on matters of morality and the present condition. Agabus foretold a great famine by prophecy (see Acts 11:28-30) but Paul revealed God’s will on the Lord’s Supper by the same divine gift of insight and instruction (see 1 Corinthians 11:23-34). The world is filled with latter-day “prophets” whose alleged visions often violate the word already revealed or are proven unfulfilled in time (see Deuteronomy 18:20).

The “ability to distinguish between spirits” reveals that, without copies of the New Testament, it would be difficult to discern when a preacher was bringing truth or error on many matters (verse 10; see also 1 John 4:1-6, 2 John 7-11). Some could discern the character of spirits miraculously, to rebuke error and accept truth.

The most eagerly pursued gift, “various kinds of tongues,” or glossolalia, refers to the ability to speak in actual human languages which the speaker had not studied or known (verse ten). On Pentecost, the apostles “began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” and “each one was hearing them speak in his own language” (Acts 2:4-6). Speaking in tongues allowed the gospel to be proclaimed to everyone on Earth in his own language so it would be evident God was behind the message and it was understandable. These “tongues” were not gibberish or even employed without an audience to interpret them.

Because not all hearers in an audience could understand a single glossolalia speaker, some were able to interpret languages they had not studied for the rest of the audience (verse 10). Paul cautioned,

If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:27-33, ESV)

The Holy Spirit was responsible for this part of the gospel process, as the Father and Son had their own roles as well. This is the Holy Spirit who participated in creation and is introduced to the apostles and New Testament readers as the Helper (John 14:15-18, 25-26). Before his ascension, Christ instructed his apostles to wait in Jerusalem until they were endowed with power from on high, which came as God poured out his Spirit on them on the first Pentecost afterward (see Luke 24:49 and Acts 2).

The Great Commission included a provision of supernatural abilities to the apostles (see Mark 16:14-20). By them, God bore “witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit” (Hebrews 2:4). The purpose was not the spectacle or to make the world free of disease or to reverse permanently the effects of Babel, but to confirm the divine origin of the word that was being preached by God’s ambassadors of reconciliation (John 20:31-31).

Some gifts were evidently given simply by the word of Christ to that end (see Luke 10:1, 17-20). The limited commission also included abilities of exorcism and healing , but evidently this power was temporary, for Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem to be endowed with power after his ascension (see Matthew 10:1-15).

The first occurrence of what is called Holy Spirit baptism was on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). It is the first half of the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy as representatives of the Jewish segment of all flesh received such gifts. The evidence of Holy Spirit baptism was the ability to speak in unstudied languages.

The second occurrence of Holy Spirit baptism is at the household of Cornelius the centurion (Acts 10:44-48). It is the second half of the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy as representatives of the Gentile segment of all flesh are so blessed. Again, Peter remarked that the evidence was the ability to speak in unstudied tongues. This occurrence precedes water baptism because Peter and his Hebrew cohort needed to be convinced that God approved of their addition to the kingdom. There are no other examples of Holy Spirit baptism in the Scripture because both Jews and Gentiles had now been introduced to the kingdom.

In other cases, the ability to work miracles was transmitted solely by the hands of the apostles. Philip the evangelist, not the apostle, could work miracles while he preached in Samaria, but could not pass that ability along to others (Acts 8:5-19). What Philip could not do, the apostles Peter and John could and their journey to Samaria marked an important expansion of the gospel’s scope that the prevalence of supernatural gifts. Since there was no apostolic succession outside of the office of Iscariot, however, the ability to pass along such abilities died with the last of the apostles.

Because the purpose of miracles was to confirm the divine origin of God’s word, miracles would only endure as long as it took to accomplish this task, that is, throughout the first century. This is how Paul tried to show the Corinthians that love was a greater gift than miracles, for it would outlast them (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). They were to cease when incomplete knowledge was replaced by a perfect – completed – New Testament revelation. The church would then emerge from infancy to maturity. We now have the faith once for all delivered, a perfect law of liberty (see Jude 3, James 1:25).

What is a child of God to do after such a storm hits? What can we do when pain and sorrow has caught us off guard, our lives have been turned upside down, and we find ourselves facing a trial that we are unable to solve, much less to comprehend? Psalm fifty-five is the outcry of a man facing such a situation.

This Psalm of David was likely written during the rebellion of his son Absalom. David learned of the plot against his life and chose to retreat from the city of Jerusalem and to hide in the country (2 Samuel 15). It was there that he learned that his trusted counselor, Ahithophel, had joined Absalom in the conspiracy against his life (verse 12).

This was an event which saw David’s authority challenged and life threatened by his own son. His beloved city was overrun with rebellious sinners, and his trusted counselor had turned against him. Psalm fifty-five contains the cry of David’s troubled soul over this painful ordeal.

However, there are two other aspects of this psalm which must be considered. First, this psalm has strong messianic overtones. The thoughts of David recorded in these verses foreshadow the emotional pain which our Lord endured on the night that He was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Also, this psalm can help us deal with the pain and suffering in our own lives. As we read of David dealing with the pain of his betrayal, we learn how God would have us deal with similar situations that arise in our lives today.

There is help for the hurting heart and salve for the wounded soul. This psalm is the means by which God offers this help and healing.

The Appeal From David’s Heart

“Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise” (vs. 1-2).

David’s first response to this tragedy is to pray, but he does more than offer his thoughts towards Heaven. David desires an audience with God. He wants God to hear what he has to say, to give His divine attention to David as he mourns.

His sorrow is so immeasurable that soon his complaints turn into “noise.” There are times when the sorrows of our heart are so overwhelming that we do not know what to say. At such times the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with words that cannot be uttered. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).

“Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me” (v. 3).

David complains about the voice of his enemy. Often the words of an enemy or opponent will cause us more harm than any physical blow. The old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” simply is not true. Words can cut like a sword – “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Proverbs 12:18, NKJV). This is why we need to be careful with the way that we use our words. Even if it is not intentional, our words can be harmful to others.

David feels as if oppression, iniquity, and hatred have been cast upon him. The phrase “cast upon” was used to refer to the practice of “way-laying” one’s enemies on a mountain road by rolling huge rocks upon them to injure them. This was a surprise assault, and David was not prepared for it. He has no where else to turn but to God.

The Anguish of David’s Soul

“My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me” (vs. 4-5).

David’s life was threatened, but making his sorrow more intense was the fact that his own son, Absalom, was behind this rebellion. What had he done to make Absalom turn out this way? How had he failed his son? How could he have done things differently? Many parents have had to deal with similar struggles in their lives.

David’s sorrow became so intense that his heart ached within him, he feared for his life, and horror overwhelmed him. He stated that fearfulness and trembling had come upon him. One remembers that our Lord shared a similar experience in the presence of Peter, James, and John in the Garden of Gethsemane. There Matthew tells us that Jesus began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. He confided in His three friends that “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death” (Matthew 26:37-38).

“And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest” (vs. 6-8).

David wanted to escape. Like a dove, he wanted to fly away to a place of safety out of the reach of his tormentors. This is the way that some people choose to deal with their problems. They literally run from their troubles and abandon those who are depending upon them, they choose momentary escapes from reality through drugs and alcohol, or they take the “big escape” by taking their own life.

While running away may appear to be an attractive option, the child of God must be mindful of God’s will in all things. God has promised to offer a way of escape from our temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13), but He gives us the strength to stand and face our trials. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).

When Jesus was arrested by the mob, Peter drew his sword and began to fight. Jesus rebuked him, stating that if He had wanted to, He could have prayed to the Father who would have given Him more than “twelve legions of angels” to rescue Him from these men (Matthew 26:52-53). Jesus could have escaped His troubles, but He did not.

The Atrocities That David Experienced

“Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets” (vs. 9-11).

David wants God to turn the violence intended by his enemies upon themselves. As in the days of the Tower of Babel, David wants God to “divide their tongues” – to confuse their plans and to turn them against one another.

From the wilderness David can “see” the violence and strife that this plot has brought to his beloved city. Absalom has turned Jerusalem into a den of evil, wickedness, deceit, and sorrow. Often we are left to watch helplessly as the sins committed by one person destroy the lives of others, even those whom we love. Our inability to stop their pain causes us to suffer immeasurable emotional torment and grief.

However, David is experiencing something more painful than knowing that Jerusalem is affected by the wickedness of his son. He has to deal with the treachery of a close friend.

“For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company” (vs. 12-14).

It was not an open attack from an obvious enemy that had struck David. This old warrior could have defended himself against such an attack. “But it was you!” It was a man whom David had trusted to be his counselor and guide, one whom he had treated as an equal, a close acquaintance or “familiar friend” (NASV).

No one is as real an enemy as a false friend. Their reproaches cut to the soul. They are the ones to whom we have opened ourselves and made ourselves the most vulnerable. They know where to hit us so that it hurts the worst and does the most damage.

While this passage expresses David’s sorrow over the betrayal of his friend Ahithophel, it obviously foreshadows Judas’ betrayal of the Lord. In a similar passage in Psalm 41, David wrote, “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (v. 9). In the upper room, on the night that He was betrayed, Jesus told his disciples that this Scripture was about to be fulfilled (John 13:18). Later, in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Judas kissed Him, Jesus responded, “Friend, wherefore art thou come?” (Matthew 26:50). Jesus may as well have said, “It is you. My friend and My equal. We took sweet counsel together and walked into the house of God as brothers. I trusted you with the purse, as well as My life.” It is no surprise that the next time we read of Judas he is hanging himself in remorse over his treachery (Matthew 27:3-5). Ahithophel suffered a similar fate (2 Samuel 17:23).

The Action That David Took

“Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them” (v. 15).

David cried out for justice. Although he did not want any harm to come to his son, there was a part of him that wanted the treason and betrayal to be dealt with in the appropriate manner. These men needed to die for their wickedness. However, instead of taking matters into his own hands, David trusted in God to handle the situation.

“As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice” (vs. 16-17).

David did not seek to avenge himself. He took this matter to God in prayer and trusted in God to save him. David prayed to God continually and with certainty, believing that God both heard his plea and would answer his cry. We would do well to remember David’s example. We must never seek vengeance for ourselves, but give place for the wrath of God. “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:17-19).

“He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God” (vs. 18-19).

So confident is David in God’s willingness and ability to handle this situation that he speaks of God’s deliverance as if it has already happened! God shall hear and afflict the enemy. Not only does God hear the prayers of His suffering children, but He also hears the evil that is done by His children’s tormentors. Nothing escapes the all-seeing eye or the all-hearing ear of God.

David returns to describing the character of his treasonous friend.

“He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords” (vs. 20-21).

Such are those who go back on their word and take advantage of the trust that their friends and neighbors have placed in them. Their words are smoother than butter and softer than oil, but drawn swords are behind their backs and war is in their hearts. We must beware a trap when the bait appears to be the most enticing. “He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself. When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart. Though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly” (Proverbs 26:24-26, NKJV).

The Admonition That David Gave

“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (v. 22).

Sometimes this is the only remedy for a hurting heart. There is, quite honestly, nothing more that we can do.

David says for us to “cast” our burden upon the Lord. We may not be able to resolve the matter, but we have to get rid of it, for if we keep it with us it will slowly drag us down and ruin us. Anyone who has gone fishing knows what it means to cast something. It means to throw it as far away from you as possible. In this case, we are to cast our burdens “upon the Lord.” We do this through prayer. Notice again the role that prayer has played throughout this psalm (vs. 1-2, 16-17, 19).

Peter would use this verse as a means of offering comfort to the suffering Christians of his day. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). God cares for us and He cares about what happens to us. God will take care of us, just as He did for both David and for Jesus. We are to “cast” because God “cares.”

The promise of God is that He will sustain us through the storm that we are weathering and will not allow us to be moved. He who stands with God stands firm in the face of adversity.

“But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee” (v. 21).

This verse is very similar to verse 15. David will trust God to take care of those who are threatening his life. We must show the same faith which was shown by David. It is hard to watch as those who have hurt us appear to “get away with” their sins. However, we must rise above the temptation to take matters in our own hands or to complain about God’s apparent lack of concern for our situation. We must put our trust in God’s promise that those who seek to do harm to His children will be brought down to the pit of destruction. No one is going to get away with anything. Vengeance belongs to God, and He will execute His justice in His own time and in His own way.

Conclusion

This psalm gives us an opportunity to look into the heart of a man after God’s own heart, as well as to look into the heart of our suffering Savior. However, the practical use that we need to make of this psalm is to find the strength and guidance to weather the storms of our own lives.

This psalm reminds us that we are not the only ones who have faced these kinds of trials. God cares about the grief and sorrow that we feel. He cares about us and wants us to cast our burdens upon Him in prayer. While He does not permit us to escape the troubles of life, He does give us the strength to be sustained through those times of sorrow. Jesus, our mediator and advocate, has personally experienced the pain of betrayal and treachery. His way is the best way to handle these kinds of situations.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:21-23).

Time is not only the most precious resource; it’s also the most stolen.

When we are at work, our time belongs to our employer (Ephesians 6:5-8). This is especially true if we are literally on a punch clock, but, punch clock or no, all Christian workers must be mindful of too much socializing or tardiness or breaks that gradually get a little bit longer and a little bit longer….

The real tricky one, though, is when someone in the workplace wants to talk about spiritual matters. Of course we welcome discussions about the Bible and people’s souls, so this naturally tempts us to take the extra time, if only just this once. But we are failing in our duty to be honest and subject to our bosses if we take the time we are being paid to work and use it for some other purpose, no matter how noble the cause may seem. Kindly suggest to that person that you continue the discussion on break, at lunch, or after work. Invite him or her to services! The fact that you won’t take the time on the clock because of your Christian responsibility can in itself become a teaching opportunity (Titus 2:7-8).

Time is not our own at home, either. Give your spouse and your children your time and attention. It is their due. Pray with them and for them. Read the Bible together. See life as the brief moment that it is.

And of course, all time belongs to God. “Make the best use of the time, for the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

I don’t enjoy paying taxes any more than anyone else does, but I know what God has said about the matter. “For this reason you pay taxes: the authorities are ministers of God…. Pay taxes to whom taxes are owed” (Romans 13:6, 7).

One brother told me he’d be fine if our tax rate were 60%, because we’d still live better than 9 out of 10 people in the world. Thankfulness goes a long way.

Even so, many feel justified cheating on their tax returns because they feel government is wasteful or even potentially supporting immoral programs or organizations.

Now I’ve got to point out that 1st-century Roman government wasn’t exactly a paragon of virtue or model of efficiency. They did some horrible, immoral things with taxpayer money. But God still had Paul write to Christians in Rome — some of whom He knew would be executed by Rome as were Paul and Jesus Himself — to be subject to their governing authorities and to pay their taxes.

It is stealing to cheat on the taxes.

It is so shameful to talk about this, but scamming and cheating the elderly is on the rise. We’re not the first people to see this; the Scribes and Pharisees institutionalized it (Mark 7:9-13; Luke 20:45-47).

The tricky thing here is a sense of entitlement. Power of attorney is to be used for the best interests of the aging; sadly, it is often used to misappropriate funds. When someone has been cut out of the will or feels he is doing an unfair share of the work, emotions cloud rational thinking. The temptation to extract one’s own inheritance (and maybe a little retribution) is all too real. It can and does happen all too often.

Another potential pitfall is accepting pay working for an aging family member. This kind of help can be completely above board and a great boon to someone in need, but it’s easy for the correspondence of actual work and actual pay to get hazy. We must make sure we are above reproach in doing the work and giving the time. Keep spectacular records of everything.

“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me…in your tithes and contributions” (Malachi 3:8). Ancient Israel struggled with giving, and we must look to ourselves lest we also be tempted.

The apostolic instruction in 1 Corinthians 16:2 has each one giving “…as he may prosper.”

This means we may have to reduce our contribution when we lose income. But beware. Consider carefully what you choose to keep when you choose to lower your contribution.

But “as he may prosper” equally means God should get a raise when we do. People are worried about inflation hurting the treasury. God took care of that already. If God gets a raise when we do, He keeps up with inflation as we do. He is responsible when you prosper, you know.

Let us turn again to the Scriptures. “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need” (Ephesians 4:28).
]]> http://watchmanmag.com/2010/08/29/steal-no-more/feed/ 0 http://watchmanmag.com/2010/08/26/christians-in-the-military/ http://watchmanmag.com/2010/08/26/christians-in-the-military/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:57:32 +0000 Vanderwood, Scott http://watchmanmag.com/?p=1601 It has been long debated and talked about for decades. The question of can Christians serve in the military? People have related many aspects of the Christian lifestyle to that of a soldier and say that they cannot match up. People talk of how Jesus was non-violent and it is wrong for a person to go into an organization that uses it.  This article will examine this very issue, by going to God’s word and reading what the Lord’s opinion is of government, armies, and the soldiers that serve in those armies.  

 In the days when Jesus walked the earth, the Roman Empire ruled the world. The glory of Rome was not so much its political structure but rather its vast army. Conquering anything in their path, then maintaining peace in that conquered land was a skill unique to the Romans. After Jesus had delivered His sermon on the mount, he entered Capernaum to find a centurion asking Him to heal his servant, who was paralyzed (Matthew 8:5-13). A centurion is a Roman captain who is in charge of 100 men. This centurion knew that Jesus could just say the word, and his servant would be healed. He says, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.”  Even though this man was a soldier in the Roman army, Jesus marveled at him, and claimed that he had “great faith”. This man was only one of two people that Jesus said this to, the other being the Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark 8:24-30). We have other examples in the scriptures where soldiers showed a great faith towards God. In Acts 10, we find a man named Cornelius who is praying to God. Luke describes Cornelius as a devout man, one who feared God with his entire household, and gave alms generously, while praying to God always. You would be hard pressed to find even a Jew who could be described as Cornelius was! Nevertheless, he was a Gentile soldier, and Peter was sent to preach to him the gospel. Being this man of faith, Cornelius obeyed with his entire household, being baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). Cornelius is now a Christian, but he also is now a Christian who is serving in the military.

 One always needs to remember that no matter what the situation may look like, God is always in control. It was He who “…in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.” (Hebrews 1:10) Paul would preach to those at Athens, that it is, “in Him we live and move and have our being..” (Acts 17:28). So in all this, what makes us think that God somehow in fact is not in control of our government? The scriptures make it very plain that government is ordained and created by God for a specific purpose. Romans 13:1 says, “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.” So when a soldier enlists in the army or some other branch of the armed forces, they are now under the organization that God established, and by that under His authority. What is the purpose of this government that God created? “For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Romans 13:4). So God has ordained government to create an order of things for us as mankind, and they have the authority to execute wrath on those who do evil.

 So when a soldier enlists in the armed forces, whether they are a Christian or not, they are now under the God-given government rule of this country. When a regular civilian goes and kills someone in this nation, it is murder. They have broken that law that says one cannot murder. However, when a soldier is given orders to go out on a government mandated mission, he is God’s minister, and an avenger to execute wrath on those who practice evil, and neither he nor any other soldier bears the sword in vain.

 A soldier gives up many things to serve his or her nation. The bible speaks how we need to pray for those men and women, as well as all our government authorities. (1 Timothy 2:1-3) In the days of the Roman Empire, Paul encouraged Timothy to pray for those who were in ruling positions, that they may make good choices to allow those living within empire to have a peaceful and quiet life. So is also our prayer in these modern times. Peter would write that we be in submission to every ordinance of man, this is for the Lord’s sake. (1 Peter 2:13).

 To answer the question posed at the beginning, yes, Christians can serve in the military, for when they do they are under the ordinance of God. They become an avenger of His wrath on those who do evil. May we always hold respect and honor toward those men and women who serve our nation in this way.

Members of the various “Charismatic” or “Holiness” faiths, who claim to be guided by the Holy Spirit, are surprisingly divided over the purpose and timing of Holy Spirit baptism. For instance, the United Pentecostals believe that Holy Spirit baptism is a part of the “new birth” (being born of the water and the spirit – John 3:5). They teach that one can not be saved until he has been baptized in the Holy Spirit and in water. However, the Assemblies of God teach that Holy Spirit baptism is a “second work of grace” that comes after salvation.

Those who see the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a “second work of grace” believe that it is the means by which a Christian moves on to a higher level of spiritual life. As some have put it, without Holy Spirit Baptism, “You are an eight cylinder engine firing on four, or possibly six at the most. You are just not quite there” (Charismatic Chaos, John F. MacArthur, Jr., p. 249).

As such, Holy Spirit Baptism is something that is earnestly sought after by these individuals:

“Charismatics generally believe that after someone becomes a Christian, he or she must seek diligently for the baptism of the Spirit. Those who get this baptism also experience various phenomena, such as speaking in tongues, feelings of euphoria, visions, and emotional outbursts of various kinds. Those who have not experienced the baptism and its accompanying phenomena are not considered Spirit-filled; that is, they are immature, carnal, disobedient, or otherwise incomplete Christians” (ibid, pp. 26-27).

The claims and teachings of charismatics have had an impact upon the way some people view various aspects of the Holy Spirit, especially the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this article we will examine what the Bible has to say about Holy Spirit Baptism.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Was A Promise

A careful reading of the Bible will show that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was a promise, not a command.

“Then He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high’” (Luke 24:46-49).

“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now… But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth’” (Acts 1:4-5, 8).

Promises are to be enjoyed, but they can not be obeyed. Commands are to be obeyed. Water baptism was a command which man had to choose to obey (Acts 10:48, 22:16). Men never chose to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is the Administrator of Holy Spirit Baptism

To be baptized means to be immersed, thus the baptism of the Holy Spirit means to be immersed in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not the administrator (the one who does the baptizing). He is the element (that into which one is baptized). The Scriptures make it clear that Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is first mentioned by John the Baptist. “I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit’” (John 1:33). The Father told John that he would recognize the Messiah when he saw the Spirit descending upon Him. Just as John baptized men with water, Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11).

Before His ascension, Jesus told the apostles to wait in Jerusalem until they were baptized with the Holy Spirit and were thus endued with power from on high. This occurred in Acts chapter two. When the apostles received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a loud sound as of a mighty rushing wind attracted a crowd of Jews together at the Temple and they were astonished as they heard the apostles speaking in different languages (Acts 2:1-12). Peter said that what they were witnessing was the fulfillment of a prophecy made by Joel: “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh…’” (Acts 2:16-17). Peter went on to tell them that the resurrected Christ was the one who had poured fourth the Holy Spirit. “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear” (Acts 2:32-33). Thus Jesus was the One who baptized with the Holy Spirit.

This Promise Was For the Apostles

Gaining a proper understanding of the Scriptures requires us to take note of who is speaking and unto whom they are speaking. Jesus never promised that all men would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. This promise was made to the apostles, not to all of mankind (Acts 1:2-5).

Some people object to this conclusion by claiming that John the Baptist taught that Jesus would baptize all men with the Holy Spirit. “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).

John was speaking to a mixed group of individuals on this occasion, some of whom would receive the baptism of fire (Hell, v. 12), and some of whom would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. John was not talking about who would receive these baptisms, but who would administer these baptisms: John baptized with water and Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

We previously noted that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles in Acts chapter two was a fulfillment of a prophecy made by Joel. Some contend that the statement in Joel’s prophecy, “I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh” (Acts 2:17) means that all believers will receive Holy Spirit baptism.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out in such a way that it affected all flesh (men and women, young and old, Jew and Gentile). Some received the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit in a limited measure: prophesying, seeing visions and dreams, etc. However, these gifts were made possible by the laying on of the apostles’ hands (Acts 8:18). All believers certainly benefited from the work that the Spirit did through the apostles, but they did not receive the Spirit in the same measure as did the apostles. Only the apostles were baptized in the Holy Spirit.

The Purpose of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

As we have pointed out, some believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential for man’s salvation. Others claim that it is the means by which one becomes a complete Christian. The Bible, however, teaches that the purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was to empower or equip the apostles to do their work (Luke 24:46-49, Acts 1:8). This was done when they were baptized with the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem in Acts chapter two.

After being baptized with the Holy Spirit, the apostles had the ability to:

1. Reveal divine truth regarding Christ, His resurrection, and the conditions for entrance into His kingdom (John 14:26, 16:12-13).
2. Perform signs and wonders to confirm this truth (Acts 2:4-6, 33, 43).
3. Impart spiritual gifts to others (Acts 8:18).

According to the Bible, the baptism of the Holy Spirit was the means by which the apostles were equipped to do their work. Jesus never indicated that the office of an apostle was to be passed on from the original twelve. None of the apostles ever taught that men were to take their place. Since the apostles occupied a temporary role in the Lord’s church, there is no need for the baptism of the Holy Spirit to take place today.

What About the Household of Cornelius?

Those at the household of Cornelius experienced a baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-48). Does this prove that such was a common occurrence in the First Century and, thus, should happen to all true believers today?

The baptism of the Holy Spirit that occurred on Pentecost equipped the apostles, but it also served as a sign to the unbelievers who were present in Jerusalem. It attracted their attention and gave credibility to the message that was preached by the apostles.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit that occurred at the household of Cornelius was also a sign, but the unbelievers in this case were Peter and the six Jewish Christians who were with him.

Notice three things that Peter did when the Holy Spirit fell upon these Gentiles:

1. He recognized it as that which had happened to the apostles on Pentecost (Acts 11:15).
2. He identified it as Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 11:16).
3. He immediately concluded that these Gentiles were appropriate candidates for water baptism (Acts 10:47-48, 11:17).

The baptism of the Holy Spirit that occurred at the house of Cornelius was a special occurrence for a special purpose; unique to that account of conversion. It was just one of several extraordinary things that God did to get Peter and the rest of the Jewish Christians to understand that the Gentiles were to receive the gospel (an angel appeared to Cornelius and told him to send for Peter; a vision appeared to Peter three times, in which Peter was admonished not to call that which God had cleansed “common” or “unclean;” the Holy Spirit told Peter to go with the Gentiles to the house of Cornelius, doubting nothing).

Conclusion

As was noted in our study, some people believe that those who have not received Holy Spirit baptism are “immature, carnal, disobedient, or otherwise incomplete Christians.” Paul did not encourage Christians to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. He said that “all Scripture” was the means by which “the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).

Holy Spirit baptism served its purpose. We can benefit from the work that the Holy Spirit did through the apostles when we study the New Testament, but we were never promised that we would receive the Holy Spirit in the same measure in which it was received by the apostles.

In John 2:12-25 we have recorded two statements of Jesus that involved the temple in Jerusalem. The two sentences are very different, but both teach important lessons to us, His disciples.

“Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” (vs. 16).

It is believed that secular pursuits were commonly seen in the court of the Gentiles, the outermost part of the temple complex. The part of that court located south of the temple proper was a very large area. There, Jesus found some selling livestock, and others changing money.

Both of these seemed to be logical. When Jews traveled to Jerusalem there would be a need to change their currency to that used locally at Jerusalem, and many would have need of livestock to offer as sacrifices during their worship to God. It is reasonable to assume that these business men appealed to such practicality as “authority” for their practices; and the merchandising seems to have become so ubiquitous as to have been generally accepted by the Jews.

But, a practice seeming right to men, and the ability even to make the appeal of “doing it in the name of the Lord,” does not make it right! What these men did was not authorized by God, violated the principle of sanctification, and was rightfully condemned by our Lord.

Jesus made a whip, and drove them out, saying to them, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”

The temple had been set apart by God for a holy purpose. It had been sanctified. The Jew understood this, and respected the various limitations that had been placed upon him. The Gentiles were not allowed in the inner courts, and only the priests were allowed in the temple proper, as they performed their duties. The holiest place was visited only once a year by the high priest as a sacrifice of atonement was offered.

And yet, they allowed this dichotomy. Men are eminently capable of rationalizing their actions to the point where even obvious violations of scripture are championed “in the name of the Lord.” As Christians, we need to consider this as we contemplate the need for reverence and respect in approaching God to worship Him. Casual demeanor, secular interests and business dealings have no place in the adoration we offer to God.

“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (vs. 19).

Jesus’ act of cleansing the temple of the merchandisers was audacious. The Jews demanded a “sign” to indicate His authority for His actions. He did not immediately satisfy them with His response, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” He did, however, pique their curiosity.

How could Jesus rebuild the great edifice that was Herod’s temple? Work had been done for 46 years on it, and the Jews in their ignorance considered Jesus’ claim to be absurd. Of course, it would have been a small thing for Jesus to rebuild a structure of stone and mortar in such a small amount of time. What was greater was the accomplishment of His resurrection from the dead. As He prophesied here, at the very beginning of His public ministry, on the third day following His death He was resurrected. He predicted from the very beginning that their attempts to destroy Him would see failure. The fulfillment of that prophecy forms the basis of our Hope! “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

It is interesting that while Jesus predicted His sacrificial death (and resurrection) from the beginning of His ministry, no one understood Him. Even His own disciples grieved His death as a defeat with commensurate loss of hope. Verse 22 shows us that it was not until His resurrection that the “disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.”

Men never quite understood Jesus’ mission on earth until His work was finished. However, Jesus knew full well what He faced, and yet willingly made Himself “… of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of man” (Philippians 2:7). Such love for man is glorious. As we reap the benefit of His magnanimous gift, we rejoice and must give thanks.

While He was teaching here on this earth, He taught His disciples about love. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). The words that Jesus spoke here are more than just words. They are a commandment that requires dedication, courage, and most of all, action! The grammatical structure of the word “love” here is an active verb. This means that is requires performing action to fulfill the suggested command. We cannot only love in word, and have it be pleasing to Christ. (1 John 3:18)

In order to have a love in the way that a Christian should, we need to have a pure heart. Our mind needs to be focused on what is above, where Christ is, and what His motives are, rather than on the things of this world, and what we want. (Colossians 3:1) If we continue to carry this mindset with us, then we will be blessed, and we will know assuredly what we truly love the Lord, because we have carried out His commandments.

However we not only must love Christ, we also must show our love for one another. This message is held forth in Hebrews, where it says, “Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1). There are certain characteristics that are required if a person is going to act this way, and Romans 12 goes a long way in explaining them. “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” (Romans 12:9–16 NKJV).

Jesus is looking for those who those who show their love by following all that He says, not sitting idle and going through the motions! (John 15:12-19) We must prove ourselves Christians by our actions, because James teaches us we are to be “doers of the world and not hearers only,” and after all faith without works is dead, meaning it is no faith at all. (James 1:22, 2:17) We can show our love toward one another in many ways today such as teaching someone else the truth about Jesus Christ, opening up your home to someone who is in need, being hospitable, giving your time to someone else, or even going as far as following the example of the good Samaritan Jesus about in Luke 10:25. (2 Timothy 4:2; Ecclesiastes 3:7)

Sometimes we think that we are loving someone by keeping a secret from them or holding back some information that would we know would hurt their feelings. But, in reality we are only hurting them more by not telling them. Jesus gives us a great example of this. While He was teaching in the region of Judea beyond the Jordan, a young ruler who was rich came to Him and asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answered him that he needs to keep the commandments, which the ruler replied he had kept them all. Then Jesus told him one other thing; that he had to sell all he owned and give to the poor, and then he would have treasure in heaven. But this young man went away sorrowful, he did not want to give up his earthly treasure to follow Jesus. Was Jesus just being mean to this man? The account said that Jesus looked at him, and loved him. (Mark 10:21) It was out of love that Jesus told this man the truth. If he wanted eternal life, he must give up his earthly possessions and follow Jesus. The truth was hurtful to this man, but Jesus did not hold back just because it would make him sorrowful, He knew it would! We also, cannot hold back if we truly love someone. If we do truly love them, we will tell them the truth. This will show our true care, no matter how mad, sad, or upset they get.

Love is the glue that holds everything together. We are joined and knit together by it, and also edified by it. If we truly have a love for Christ, we will not let anything get in the way of obeying Him in all things. Neither money, popularity, nor recognition will stand in the way of true Christian love. True Christian love will be hard; it is not the easy part. However, the reward that it holds in the end will cover all our suffering here on earth.

However, true insomnia is sometimes caused by other reasons. The Lord knows we need sleep and that it is a comfort to us as well. The word of God actually addresses this subject quite a bit. Let us consider some things that He wants us to know about sleep:

1. We need to realize that sleep is a gift from God. Many people are so busy that their lives are filled with anxiety over many things. They cheat themselves of the time they really need to get a decent night of sleep so they can get more things done, but of course they then worry about it all. Sometimes, they get to the point where they no longer sleep well when they try to sleep. The Lord says, “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2). We need to realize then, that sleep is a great benefit given by the Lord. We should not over-sleep but it is good to get enough sleep.

2. Balance the former understanding with the knowledge that we should not live to sleep! The Lord tells us, “Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread” (Proverbs 20:13). You can see by this that He wants us to keep our sleep along with the other necessities of life but that sleep cannot be the thing we really enjoy. We should sleep a moderate amount, which doctors still say is about eight hours per night. The Lord does not want us to fall in love with sleep so much that it becomes the one thing we are good at!

3. Make sure there are not any spiritual reasons you cannot sleep. Ecclesiastes 8:16 speaks of one who, “neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes.” The next verse speaks of this man as one who seeks to know the work of God but cannot find it out (v.17). The result of being troubled is not being able to sleep. Worry, guilt, and even strong convictions to serve our Lord, can cause us to lose valuable sleep. However, what this really indicates is a need to get right with God. At times like these, what I would recommend is that we need to pray about our troubles. Open our hearts with all honesty to our Father in heaven. This is part of “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). If we have done wrong and feel guilt, we need to make the thing right. Guilt can keep someone from sleeping. Make sure you have confessed your sins to God and turned from them to the best of your ability trusting in God to give you the victory. Getting these matters right with God will help you to sleep. Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding.”

4. Fill your day with good wholesome activities. Exert your best efforts in the work of the day. Ecclesiastes 5:12 states, “The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.” A man who physically works hard all day will usually sleep well at night, however, the rich man worries about keeping his money. But remember, Paul tells us to be not “slothful in business” but “fervent in spirit” (Romans 12:11). We are to do all things “heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23).

5. When we lie down to sleep at night is a good time to meditate on the Lord and the things of God (as taught in the Bible). David said, “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). The peace of God allows us to sleep. How do we get this peace? First, as I said earlier, make sure that things are right between you and God. Confess your known sins to God and commit yourself to His service. Second, get the word of God in you. That is, read the Bible as you settle down for the evening. It might be helpful to work on memory verses or read from the Psalms. Third, think of the Lord. Meditate on Him and His goodness. Isaiah 26:3 states, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” To stay our minds on God means to have Him in our thoughts; to think of His goodness and greatness. Consider what He is doing around us and be thankful for His goodness. This gives us perfect peace. Proverbs 3:24, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.”

It is interesting that most of the Masons brother McDonald talked with were ignorant of or disagreed with the things he uncovered. This is evident from the following quote, from page 10 of his book:

“As we read from these Masonic authorities, I want to make it very clear that I am not charging all Masons with believing what is found in these authentic books. Most Masons, with whom I have talked for any length of time, inform me they do not believe some particular point as covered in the documented material.”

(Masonry and the Christian, page 10)

However, brother McDonald made an important point in the same paragraph:

Because one is a Mason and happens to be uninformed about a particular point of Masonry, it doesn’t mean that such is not propagated in Masonry.

(ibid.)

An examination of the lodge quickly reveals it to be much more than a simple service organization as is so often assumed.

It is a quasi-religious organization of which no Christian should be a part. Consider the following script that is followed during the initiation of a candidate into the lodge:

Mr. _________ who has long been in darkness, and now seeks to be brought to light, and to receive a part in the rights and benefits of this worshipful Lodge, erected to God, and dedicated to the holy Sts. John, as all brothers and fellows have done before.”

(quoted from Masonry and the Christian, page 15).

This initiation rite shows the religious nature of the Masonic Lodge. One wonders what is meant by the contention that the initiate was once in darkness and now seeks to be brought to light. It is so similar to the statement of John in John 1:9, who describes Jesus as the “true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”  It obviously has a religious connotation.

The lodge leader is called the “Worshipful Master.” the Lodge in the initiation speech above is said to be erected to God. All of this is unknown to scripture, and a Christian’s involvement in it is without divine authority.

It is Christ through whom we are given “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (cf. Ephesians 1:3). There are official Masonic prayers, and they do not contain a single reference to Jesus. Faith in Christ is not required to be a Mason. And yet, all in the Lodge are called brothers, and have been brought to the Light.  What are the rights and benefits accrued to the initiate in the Lodge if not spiritual in nature?   And how can they be supplied by the Lodge, if all such blessings emanate from Jesus Christ?

At the end of the initiation into the Lodge, the candidate is required to kneel at an altar, and having taken an oath, is directed by the “Worshipful Master” to kiss the Bible. This is an obvious act of worship, and an unscriptural and idolatrous act at that!

More than three decades have passed since brother McDonald wrote his book. I have no way of telling you whether the rites required of the initiate in the Lodge have changed in any way. I rather doubt that there has been a substantial change, but the question is irrelevant. The Lodge is a quasi-religious organization that exists without authority from God. A faithful Christian has no more business being a part of it than he does being a member of the Catholic church.

Ignorance on the part of the Mason is no excuse. A professed disagreement with certain aspects of Lodge doctrine likewise does not exonerate the Christian who holds such a dual allegiance with this carnal organization. Masonry claims that Lodge members from the various religions of the world “can assemble as brethren and unite in prayer to the one God (quoted from Masonry and the Christian, page 26). The apostle Paul says that such unity comes only through Jesus Christ (cf. Galatians 3:28). The two claims are incompatible.

In John 2:1-11, the apostle records Jesus’ miracle at the wedding feast in Cana. There are many important things to note regarding this event, where our Lord first “manifested His glory” (cf. vs. 11), but we are here most interested in the words spoken on this occasion. Specifically, we wish to examine Jesus’ words to His mother, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come” (vs. 4).

The remainder of Jesus’ spoken words in the text consist of His instructions to the servants, which led to the miracle itself (cf. vs. 7,8). The words are straightforward, and need no further explanation, so we will focus our comments on His words in verse four.

Jesus said what He did in response to His mother’s declaration, “They have no wine.” The wine at the feast had run out, and Mary clearly expected or desired Jesus to do something about it. It is equally clear by His response that her expectation was He would perform a miracle to remedy the situation. Even after Jesus’ response, she remained confident the miracle would be performed, as she instructed the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it” (vs. 5).

This statement of Jesus is admittedly a difficult one. First, because of the apparent tone of His response to His mother, and second because of the ambiguity surrounding the phrase “My hour has not yet come.” We will address each in turn.

First, the tone. The English translations we use seem to indicate a harsh rebuke, but such is doubtful. First, the term translated woman (gune), was often used as a term of affection. It is the same term Jesus used in tenderly addressing His mother as He hung on the cross (cf. John 19:26). Such greetings have different connotations depending upon culture and time period. What we might think of as a jarring and disrespectful term was apparently a term of affection in His culture.

While it is accurate to consider this a reproof, it should be understood more as a mild correction rather than a strong rebuke. Mary, as the apostles, did not have a full understanding of the nature of Jesus’ work and ministry. The apostles themselves were sometimes guilty of trying to direct Jesus’ actions, not realizing the full impact of Jesus’ ministry, “Behold, I have come to do Your Will, O God!” (cf. Hebrews 10:9). Mary had to be reminded here, as in the temple (cf. Luke 2:49), that when it came to the Father’s business, she had no authority or influence.

Second, and more difficult, is a correct interpretation of the phrase, “My hour has not yet come.” The phrase is variously understood by commentators. David Lipscomb indicates it may have reference to the beginning of His miraculous demonstrations, saying “It is generally considered that he means that his hour for manifesting his power had not come. If so, it soon did come.” (Commentary on John, pg. 36). Albert Barnes takes it to mean that it was not yet time for Him to intervene in that circumstance. In effect, the wine was not yet all gone, and He was going to wait until it was before performing the miracle. (Personally, I find that explanation unsatisfying). William Barclay believes that Jesus was simply telling His mother not to worry, that He would handle things in His own way, and in His own time.

G. Campbell Morgan’s explanation of the text is interesting, though it contains some speculation that can’t be dogmatically asserted. He contends that Mary was anxious for Jesus to show the world who He truly was, and that Jesus’ answer indicated that a miracle on this occasion would not be sufficient. Later, He told his brothers who demanded in their unbelief that he show Himself “to the world,” “My time has not yet come” (7:6). When Jesus taught in the temple to an unfriendly crowd, we are told “…and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come” (8:20).

In effect, Morgan claims that Jesus was telling Mary that only His death and resurrection would be a sufficient witness to prove Him as the Son of God.

Whatever the case, the words, and the events that followed, establish two things. First, Jesus was doing God’s will in Gods way; and no man, not even His own mother, would influence that work. Second, the changing of water into wine was His first demonstration of the miraculous power that constituted God’s witness that Jesus was His son (cf. Hebrews 2:4). As the text states, “The beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him” (vs. 11). With this miracle, Jesus began his visible ministry among men.

The Bible is filled with beautiful women who are acknowledged to possess a gift from God in their physical appearance that we would be foolish to deny. Both her husband and her Egyptian suitors recognized that Sarah was a beautiful woman (see Genesis 12:11-14). Her daughter-in-law, Rebekah, was likewise a beautiful virgin when Isaac first laid eyes on her–it was love at first sight, as they say (see Genesis 24:16, 26:7). Sadly, Leah was not so attractive, but her sister, Rachel was “beautiful of form and appearance” and Jacob was naturally drawn to her (see Genesis 29:17). Abigail was not only of beautiful appearance, but she was also of great understanding (see First Samuel 25:3); unfortunately like too many such women, she had chosen poorly for a husband, Nabal the fool. King Ahasuerus of Persia was too proud of his beautiful wife, Queen Vashti, but eventually replaced her with the stunning Esther of the Israelites. While all these women and others possessed great beauty, we remember them more for their character, and most of them had great character.

We sometimes get the idea that plainness is a virtue in the Bible and that maybe we are sinning by valuing beauty, but even God acknowledges that beauty is one of his gifts. There was attention paid to beauty when the garments were designed for Old Testament priests: “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron, your brother, for glory and for beauty. … And you shall make hats for them, for glory and beauty” (Exodus 28:2, 40). While we recognize the reality and appeal of beauty in the flesh and in our decorations, there is a higher objective that restrains that beauty and places it in perspective. As we approach God and as we go about our business in his sight, it is the “beauty of holiness” that appeals to him, that ought to appeal to us and we hope will hold stronger appeal to others.

“Give to the Lord the glory due his name; Bring an offering, and come before him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (First Chronicles 16:29). David writes, “Give unto the Lord the glory due to his name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2). At some point, you have to get past the appeal of high cheekbones, silky hair and an hourglass figure to understand that a righteous lifestyle is what appeals to the one who made you.

Even the plain, the unattractive and the aged can excel in the beauty of holiness that runs deeper than anything on the surface of our bodies. The beauty of holiness is leading a lifestyle that seeks first citizenship in the kingdom of God and puts righteousness defined by Christ ahead of attracting the attention of people who may have less than innocent designs on your beauty.

Easton’s Dictionary defines holiness as belonging “to Christians as consecrated to God’s service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God. … Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance”

True beauty is going to be an expression, not of physical form, but spiritual determination to conform to the will of God and declare it with whatever gift we possess. Beauty of holiness can and should exist even inside of beauty of form (First Thessalonians 4:3-8). Understand that if you dress in a way that is intended to stir up lust in another person’s heart, you are playing a role in sexual immorality. Fornicators and adulteresses are not much more destructive than the young woman who dresses lewdly or teases licentiously (see Galatians 5:19).

Jesus Christ reserves severe condemnation for people who cause others to stumble and be lost. Some will divorce their mates for no good reason and lead them to fall into adulterous relationships because they cannot bear the loneliness inflicted upon them (see Matthew 19:1-9). Others lead people astray through false doctrine or example (see Matthew 15:14, 23:2-3) and some place temptation before the weak or actually become that temptation themselves (see Matthew 18:5-7).

Most men have a difficult time, especially when they are teenagers and single twenty-somethings, reining in their natural desires for intimate experience. There is a clear admonition against falling into lust, but the Holy Spirit is just as clear when it comes to one purposely or carelessly being the object of that lust by walking in lewdness (see Matthew 5:27-29, Romans 13:11-14). There becomes a precarious balance between holiness and yearning and that balance is threatened by people who put themselves on display and stir up those passions, even if one is only teasing and has no intention of fulfilling them. Job talks about making a covenant with his eyes so that he would not be drawn to look at a young woman and lust (see 31:1). Perhaps the young woman also must make a covenant with her body that it won’t be used to cause men to stumble; she can be beautiful inside and outside without abusing that power.

A Christian professes godliness simply by wearing the savior’s name, but that profession can be wiped out if adorned by lewdness of speech, behavior or attire (First Timothy 2:8-10). Paul writes that young Christian women must be chaste so that the word of God is not blasphemed among doubters and critics (see Titus 2:5). Chastity does not mean that one’s dress must be purposely out of style or colorless like the stereotypical Puritan, but that it conceals the powerful parts of her body and reserves them entirely for her husband. Chastity is purity and must begin in the heart; if your desire is that souls be saved, not seduced, your attire will support that goal, rather than conflict with it.

Some young women defend their immodest, revealing clothing by arguing that it is necessary to attract attention, but think about what kind of boy is likely to be caught that way, versus the one who will be enticed, but who will struggle and turn away because you threaten his convictions. Physical beauty is fleeting and temporary and too much focus on using it seductively will destroy any hope you have of developing an inner beauty of holiness (First Peter 3:3-4). “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she will be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

Proverbs 11:22 says: “As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.” To God and godly men, there is a jarring incongruity to a beautiful girl who puts herself on overt display. The beauty is permanently marred by behavior, speech or attire that isn’t spiritually beautiful. Discretion means a consideration of modesty and purity and understanding that a woman’s skin, curves and convexities suggest things to even the strongest of men. Jesus condemned the hypocrites among him because they were “like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). When you choose immodesty, even if you stand fast against actual fornication, you have marred your beauty before God by abusing it to another’s downfall. Those dead men’s bones are evidence of the souls that lusted for you and became unclean. Purposely or not, you become the objectified image of the evil woman in Proverbs 6:30 that young men are warned about.

Dannah Gresh writes in Secret Keepers: The Delicate Power of Modesty,

What does a guy see when a girl walks by him wearing a long, tight skirt with a slit all the way up the sides? He sees past the fabric, because the slit invites him to finish the picture. This is simple visual science. How do you think this theory works when a girl wearing a tight T-shirt shirt [sic] with her belly bared walks down the street past a guy? Yikes! Because he sees an incomplete picture of her body, he is compelled to complete it. The thrill not of what is seen, but what is yet to be seen is what actually tempts him. His imagination kicks in. (43-44)

Immodest dress–including modern swimsuits, skirts and shorts that reveal the thighs, tops that reveal or just accentuate the chest and skintight clothing–is conformity to the world and its declining ways, but you can and must resist (Romans 12:1-2). There is indeed a delicate power in dressing and behaving modestly, a beauty of holiness that surpasses anything that is physical. How will you wield that power–responsibly or abusively? The answer may well determine the fate of your soul and many who come into contact with you.

Work Cited

Gresh, Dannah. Secret Keepers: The Delicate Power of Modesty. Chicago: Moody Press, 2002.

Beluru Temple, Elephant carvings on Temple

Of course, Joe Price had been on four previous trips to India and Dan Torres had been previously as well, so I was the new guy. This work was originally pioneered by Bobby Holmes and Stan Cox back in 2004 and faithful brethren had come nearly every year in the intervening years. On my trip I was filling in for Bobby, who requested me to come to fill in for him, since his health has become perilous and he has decided because of the sometimes difficult aspects of such travels he cannot return. Bobby has been indefatigable through his many trips to India and his devotion to the spread of the truth throughout India is unquestioned. In fact, if you spend some time with Bobby you will learn that his enthusiasm for India is infectious!

Critically important to making our team effective, are the hardworking and longsuffering Indian brethren themselves. I was privileged to meet and work with the brethren in India who are the beachhead of the spread of truth there. In Bangalore, a city of more than six million, are two workers in the Lord’s vineyard who are such a treasure. Joshua Mahendranath one of the key brethren who is able not only to ably preach, and is an excellent Bible student, but is one of those rare individuals who is the right man at the right time. Then there is “salt of the earth” Yerramallah Balaswamy, the faithful gospel preacher, who began the faithful congregation in Bangalore twelve years ago who is always a rock to lean upon. He stood virtually alone for all those years until he was able to team up with Joshua and then the network began to spread. Brothers Francis and Lenin Babu who live many miles away in the state of Andhra Pradesh and in the district of Guntur preach for two separate churches whose meeting houses are about nine miles apart in village settings. You would be hard pressed to find more faithful men anywhere. Lenin and Joshua, along with some other wonderful brethren too numerous to list here are essential translators and guides in so many things. I cannot stress more the confidence I have in them after being with them during our stay there.

Why Preach in India?

Sometimes I am asked by brethren here at home why preachers want to go overseas when there are so many in our country that need to be taught. This is a legitimate question but the answer is not obvious until one has had the experience. I hope I can give a worthy answer for those who have thought this and I will try to relate in the rest of this article why I think the work in India is worthy of our going there and also financially supporting those who do.

Marc, Dan, Bro. Israel, Joe

As the proven practice has developed, our group rented a hall and dorms in a crowded Bangalore neighborhood where side streets of gravel and dirt are bordered by apartments and condominium type buildings very close together. Your favorite tropical plants like rubber trees and climbing philodendrons are lushly interspersed everywhere. In front of many entrances to homes and businesses are hand drawn chalk symbols scrawled on the sidewalk to guard against the threat of roaming demons. Packs of wild dogs and “sacred” cows eat garbage swept up into piles in some of these side streets and one must beware. My first morning there I saw seven macaques eating fruit on a wall but had left my camera in my room and missed recording my only glimpse of monkeys while there. This rented place does not have air conditioning and in fact the windows are essentially open to the outside air with small re-bar type grills on the tall narrow windows. This openness allows for clouds of tiny voracious mosquitoes to invade the place around dusk with always the worry of them bringing the ever present blight of malaria.

The two groups we taught in this place consisted of about sixty men each; most of them preachers from fairly remote villages in the countryside and are already working actively with congregations. Their open and ready smiles and earnest and sincere manner lacked citified sophistication which was so refreshing to me. All of them had accepted invitations from the faithful Indian brethren to come and take part in our classes which would feature lessons to beef up their respect for Bible authority, to show them denominational error and to give them scriptural reasons for leaving the institutional church of Christ backgrounds most of them were trained in. You see, most all of them had already had their experiences being trained in liberal schools there in India which have been cranking out preachers for decades but in a system that is alien to New Testament truth. The system they had been educated to preach in also placed them in the churches they preached for and provides their salaries which come from the U.S. Most of these men did not know that churches are to be autonomous and elders are almost unheard of in these congregations. The regional leaders are their bosses and “ride herd” very closely on the activities of “their men.” But I want to tell you, their joy was almost palpable when the truth became understood to them. The system, from which they come, though thought of as the church of Christ is essentially denominational in nature and hierarchy.

Many of these gospel preachers had come from hundreds of miles away travelling by train in stuffy and bone jarring railcars; others by bus, with long travel times and some of more than twenty four hours duration. These men had to be weary after such travels and then having to sleep on simple cots in our rented facility. The food they were fed for the week they were with us is the simple food of the people of India, mostly rice and curries, very highly spiced and peppery hot, and always accompanied by flat breads and the favored beverage, steaming urns of tea.

As a gospel preacher with about three decades of experience preaching in our own country I am used to audiences made up of a good percentage of indifferent people, maybe sleepy from staying up too late the night before, having to borrow a Bible because they forgot to bring their own and those who are chronically late because they live such busy, self involved lives. What I will always remember about the Indian brethren is that during these classes almost without exception, they had nothing more important to do in the world than being there for these lessons, and it showed by their rapt attention. Several times per day the power would fail for a few minutes and so the Power Point projector would go down but this did not discourage our students who were so dedicated to getting the most they could from what we were teaching.

As I mentioned previously, we competed with lots of noise through those open windows. A new apartment building was being built with all the sounds you can imagine being part of that scene. The intermittent sound of metal being ground with power equipment and compressors running without mufflers was almost deafening. Then there was some worker who occasionally beat on some plate steel with a big hammer. This racket was common through the whole time we were there. Also large jungle birds shrieked outside, Bangalore having been built right where a magnificent jungle once stood with huge spreading jungle trees lining the streets where these birds roost nightly. But no matter the cacophony of outside noises came into that room with us, the students leaned forward, straining their ears to hear our words or the words of the translators after we had spoken and they made copious notes as each had to squint in the weak light. I have never, ever, had a more attentive audience than these men. As absolute proof, if any was needed of their interest, were the thoughtful questions and discussions we had in our Q&A sessions. Their clearly obvious attention is the thing I will never forget about those classes. And that is the reason we should be there! These people love the truth and want to glean all they can. Rather than we Americans doing a lot of baptisms and proving the work we have done by pictures of people we have baptized and bragging about our talents, it is better that these men are armed with the sword of truth and go about adding converts more readily themselves. One day our part will quite likely not be necessary because I can see the Indian brethren being completely self-sufficient one day in every way.

I have no doubt at all that many of these men gained fundamentals and knowledge beyond this during our time together and that many of them made the final steps to leave their institutional fellowship. Where formerly hundreds of liberal churches were are now many sound churches of Christ. We are receiving news since coming home of elderships being established meaning that some have taken to heart our urging to ordain worthy men to serve in that capacity. This is clearly a rejection of evangelical oversight the liberals have promulgated.

On the 2010 trip I was privileged to take part in the giving away of about 3,000 Bibles printed in the native language of this portion of south India, called Telugu. Provided by the generosity of caring brethren in our country, each of the preachers took back to the churches they preach for, 22 Bibles to give to their fellow members along with the 44 lessons and charts the three of us presented while there.

Going Back to India

The invitation to return with Joe and Dan has been accepted by me and we plan on going back toward the end of January, 2011. Already a list of those preachers invited gives us about the same number as last time to teach in the same format as before. I have always heard that when you are successful repeat what you did and you’ll be successful again. This time, when the two weeks of classes have been completed, we plan to travel to some of the churches out from Bangalore and visit the preachers in the places they preach and see how they fare. We also hope to provide any additional edification we can at that time at their locations. In particular, we wish to help in the equal grounding of the men of these congregations so that they can be doing their part for the growth and stability of the churches and not just the preachers. This follow up will be invaluable to us to know of our effectiveness and should serve to encourage those we visit.

Quite frankly, last year when I made up my mind to go I did not know how I would gather the funds to make this trip because it is expensive. But God’s providence made it happen and I was able to not only go but share in the overall cost of what it takes to teach these classes. All my support came from churches wanting to support my work and four non-related individuals who believe very much in the work being done. May God bless all these wonderful souls who aided in this work!

Just think of it: India is rapidly advancing in technology and commerce; her people prospering as never before. I instantly fell in love with these kindhearted, hard working and very intelligent people. They are as fine a people as any in the world. India (Bharat, which is Hindi for “The Republic of India”) has about one billion people and this incomprehensible number makes me think of the Lord’s confident urging to believers in John 4:35, where he said, “..behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.“ If we claim to love Him, how can we resist this opportunity? (see more pictures on Facebook)

To those who have not the same feelings, the opposite conclusion is proven. There must be no God–at least for me–since I don’t feel it. Mormon elder boys are often guilty of this. When pressed to defend their faith in Joe Smith, they abandon their artificial books and century old tradition to contend, “We just feel it deep in our hearts. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to make you feel it, too.” If that’s the best they–or we–can come up with, we are in trouble. We carry around a book with thousands of pages of evidence and dwell upon a planet covered in divine fingerprints, but all we can do to convince others there is a God is to say it’s just a feeling. What is faith–a hunch? An inclination? A sixth sense? A guess?

God expects more of us. Peter wrote, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). We need to have a reason for hope and faith, for belief in God is more than a feeling. Much more.

When Peter confessed his faith in Christ, he did so with much confidence. On one occasion, many other shallow disciples had abandoned Jesus because he refused to feed them just to keep them. He asked the twelve if they were also going to go home, but “Peter answered, ‘Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the son of the living God’” (John 6:68-69). Yes, they believed and knew who Jesus was, for their faith was more than a feeling. It was logical, reasonable and objective.

The Hebrew writer instructs us that, “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (11:1). Some read this passage and conclude that if faith is anything more than a feeling, that it must be false. Yet, when we consider the people used to illustrate the principle throughout chapter 11, we find so many who had direct encounters with God or who witnessed obvious miracles according to the Old Testament records. God spoke to Cain after he had killed his brother, making for tangible evidence of his divine existence. He delivered boat blueprints to Noah and an eviction notice to Abraham. Sarah bore a child at the not-so-tender age of ninety. Moses spoke to God who appeared to him in a bush which burned without being consumed by the flames. All this is tangible evidence which did nothing to diminish the faith of the people, but provides us with a challenge to find out whether our faith today is just as logical and reasonable. Is it more than a feeling?

All societies in history have displayed a desire to explain the otherwise unexplainable and every one of them has had some form of religion. Pondering the universe, it becomes obvious that all that we see is not explainable as the product of human operation or cosmic accident. As surely as looking at the Mona Lisa causes the viewer to contemplate the artist and staring up at the Empire State Building forces one to appreciate the engineer and architect, so a consideration of the heavens and earth should logically challenge us to seek out a divine intellect behind it all. It is an illogical and unreasonable leap of humanistic faith to ascribe the grandeur of the universe to dumb, evolutionary luck. That would be like attributing the Mona Lisa to the effects of paint dripping from cans onto a canvas that had fallen to the floor beneath, somehow resulting in precise beauty without planning and execution.

People would call you a fool for such a suggestion and sadly the same is true when one tries to take the achievement of the universe out of God’s hands. “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). Why? “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). The constellations in the sky, the Grand Canyon out west, the Northern Lights, Niagara Falls–all form the fingerprints of the Almighty on his creation. Moreover, the complexity of the solar system, the minute precision of every living thing from the amoeba to the orangutan show evidence of intellectual design. Oh, but we forgot. The Empire State Building was constructed by metals evolving into steel which sprouted up from the soil of Manhattan Island over the course of billions of years until a skyscraper, complete with elevators and lavatories came to be. Right.

The evidence of God’s existence is so clear and obvious that there is just no excuse for ignoring it and choosing a life of atheism or selfishness. “For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Even the evolutionists are coming around to the certainty of design. Antony Flew, once a fierce champion of atheistic explanations, concluded shortly before his death that there is too much evidence of design in the universe to resist the reality of a super-intelligent God any longer. “Yet biologists’ investigation of DNA has shown, by the almost unbelievable complexity of the arrangements which are needed to produce (life), that intelligence must have been involved …. It now seems to me that the findings of more than fifty years of DNA research have provided materials for a new and enormously powerful argument to design.” 1

So, if the universe shouts that there must be a God to explain it all, only the Bible tells us who that God is and what man’s responsibility to him should be. The Bible backs up its claims of divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 2:21) in spite of having more than forty human authors over a period of 1500 years, for it is a book without contradiction or scientific, historical or archaeological error. Prophecies uttered in the Old Testament find fulfillment in the history of Israel and the coming of Jesus Christ (Micah 5:2, Isaiah 53:1-12). Fulfilled prophecy and the reaction of Christ’s enemies becomes splendid evidence of the genuineness of the Bible and the God who inspired it (John 11:45-52, Acts 4:14-16).

Doubting Thomas wouldn’t believe in his resurrected friend until he put his finger in the wounds while others demanded signs and wonders (John 20:25). Today, men crave an experience, but the Bible says that faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Its explanation of the universe and the purpose and fate of human life rings true (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The evidence becomes overwhelming and faith fills that gap between hope and fulfillment. Then you can know–and not just feel–that there is a God, a savior, a Holy Spirit and a hope of heaven.

ENDNOTE

1 There is a God, leading atheist concludes. MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6688917/ [Accessed July 14, 2010].

The symposium was a sequel to a previous effort which took place in 2007.  Concerning that event, the article notes “‘The Ascending Voice’ debuted at Pepperdine in 2007 — the brainchild of [Darryl] Tippens, who saw it as a way to celebrate and promote a cappella worship in a world of praise bands and recorded music.”

Tippens is the provost of the university.  When asked what he expected to accomplish with the symposium, he said:

“I hope we’re planting a mustard seed here, and that by bringing in people literally from all over the United States and from around the world, we will create a rich new understanding of a cappella music. (I hope) there will be a new fervor about the importance of preserving it, taking it home to our local congregations, sharing what we’ve learned, and in a sense, renewing the tradition.”

While acknowledging there is a doctrinal aspect in play when discussing worship in song, he said:

“But let me also say, in many churches, we have turned a cappella singing into a barrier.  It’s become a wall of separation between us and others. It doesn’t have to be a wall. I think this week the wall has fallen, and it’s become a bridge.”

“A cappella music should be a bridge to all sorts of people in our culture. And if we find it’s a barrier, we’re doing it wrong.”

http://tinyurl.com/35yebyv

While I am pleased whenever worshippers of God are encouraged to sing a capella, there is much in the above quotes that are disturbing to me.

First, it concerns me that praise bands and recorded music have made such inroads among churches of Christ.  The very existence of these innovations clearly indicate that to many, worship is a form of entertainment.  The idea that I can let other, more talented individuals worship God for me, (i.e. worship by proxy), is a concept foreign to scripture.  Worship in song is designed by God to be mutual edification.  Each and every one of us are to be “speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).

While denominations have long distorted true worship to God with choirs, concerts, plays and shows, it is disheartening to know that so many churches of Christ have digressed to this low point.

Second, while Tippens gives lip service to the idea of doctrine, he makes it clear that what the Bible teaches on the subject of musical worship should not be made a test of fellowship.  He says if a capella music is a barrier to fellowship, “we’re doing it wrong.”

This appeal has a long history.  In fact, it was the attitude taken by the digressives in the late 1800’s when the church first divided over this question.  Those who advocated the use of mechanical instruments in worship did not want it to be a test of fellowship.  They wanted their right to the innovation to be recognized despite the doctrinal objections.  It is again disheartening to see churches of Christ advocating the same position on fellowship that was once opposed.  In contrast, consider the following passage from the pen of John, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).

Finally, Tippens advocates the restoration of a capella music based upon its aesthetic, rather than upon its validity as a God ordained practice.  Do it this way because it is pretty; not because it is a commandment of God!

We should remember that during certain times in her history, Israel’s worship, though correct in form, was nevertheless not pleasing to God.  In Zechariah 7, the Lord asked His people, “When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me — for Me?” (vs. 5).  The principle is simple.  When we worship God, we are to do it in the way we do it because it is the way He said to do it, not because it is what we prefer.  When we sing He asks, “Do you do it ‘for Me — for Me?’”

In John chapters 14-16, Jesus gave specific instructions and promises to the apostles. These promises were great, but they were only given to these specific individuals. Some of the confusion and error that exists on the subject of the Holy Spirit results from a failure to make this important distinction. Many read the Lord’s words given to the apostles and make application to themselves, without stopping to ask whether or not these promises were meant for all Christians.

In this article, we will examine these chapters and learn what the Holy Spirit was to do for the apostles.

John 14-16 is the Lord’s “Farewell Address” to His apostles. It was the last time that He spoke to them before His death. With this teaching, He was doing His best to prepare them, not only for His death, but also for His departure after His resurrection. He told them that He was leaving them, which caused them sorrow. Jesus said that it was actually to their advantage the He depart so that He could send the Holy Spirit to them. Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit four times in these chapters (14:15-18, 26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15). It is in these verses that we will learn what the Holy Spirit was to do for the apostles.

1. A Helper, Comforter

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16-18).

Jesus was leaving them, but He was not deserting them as orphans. He would send “another Helper.” This “Helper” was identified by the Lord as the “Spirit of truth” (v. 17); the “Holy Spirit” (v. 26).

The word “Helper” or “Comforter (KJV)” is translated from the Greek word parakletos. There is not a single English word that can precisely express the meaning of parakletos. The word literally means “to call to one’s side” or to give aid.

The word is used only five times in the New Testament. Four times it applies to the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7) and once it applies to Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1).

The Holy Spirit “came to the side” of the apostles in that He took the place of Christ in their lives and in their work. The Holy Spirit was “another Helper” who was comparable to Christ. However, unlike Christ, He would not leave them, but would “abide” with them “forever” (14:16). 

As we study the rest of the passages in these chapters, the Spirit’s role as a “Helper” or “Comforter becomes more understandable.

2. Teach All Things, Bring To Remembrance All Things

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26).

Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would equip the apostles with two things: inspired teaching and inspired memory.

The apostles were inspired by the Holy Spirit, and thus spoke and wrote by inspiration (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). The early Christians “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42), which consisted of those things that were taught to them by the Holy Spirit.

Human memory is subject to limitations, imperfections, and bias. However, the apostles did not have to rely upon themselves to call to mind the things that the Lord had said and done among them. The Spirit would supply them with a perfect recollection of all the things that Christ had taught them personally.

Jesus had earlier taught the apostles that they were not to give any thought to how they would answer when they were brought before their enemies. “But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you” (Matthew 10:19-20).

Some denominational preachers claim to have this measure of the Spirit today, but such was not promised to anyone but the apostles. Jesus told the apostles not to give any thought to how they would answer, yet one of these apostles, Peter, told Christians to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Timothy, a man who had miraculous gifts of the Spirit (2 Timothy 1:6), was told to study to show himself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15), which means that he did not have this measure of the Spirit.

3. Testify of Christ

“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning” (John 15:26-27).

Jesus told the apostles that He would send the Holy Spirit unto them, and that the Spirit would take the things that are Christ’s and would declare them the apostles (16:14-15). The Holy Spirit did not have His own agenda, but continued the work that Christ began with the apostles.

The Holy Spirit is said to “testify” or “bear witness” of Christ. “Witness” is a much abused word in the religious world today. The only way that one can bear witness of another or give testimony is if they have actually seen it themselves.

Together with the Holy Spirit, the apostles were to bear witness to the world of the things they had heard and seen concerning Christ. The apostles were eyewitnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:21-22). Together with the Holy Spirit, they bore witness of the Lord’s resurrection on Pentecost (Acts 2:32-33). No one is a witness of Christ in this sense today.

4. Convict the World of Sin, Righteousness, and Judgment

“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged” (John 16:8-11).

To “convict” or “reprove” is to expose one’s actions and prove that they are wrong. The Holy Spirit’s work through the apostles of convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment began on Pentecost when Peter’s sermon vindicated Jesus Christ before the Jews who had crucified Him (Acts 2). In this sermon, the Holy Spirit convicted them of…

Sin – “because they do not believe in Me” (v. 9). Their specific sin was not believing in Christ (Acts 2:22-24, 36). Had they believed Him, they would not have crucified Him (1 Corinthians 2:8).

Righteousness – “because I go to the Father” (v. 10). The world was convicted of Jesus’ righteousness. Jesus was charged with blasphemy and crucified because He claimed to be the Son of God. When God raised Him from the dead, He ascended into Heaven to be with the Father and from there poured forth the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:32-33). This proved that Jesus was who He claimed to be. He was righteous and innocent of the charge of blasphemy.

Judgment – “because the ruler of this world is judged” (v. 11). When Jesus rose from the dead, Satan (the ruler of this world) was defeated. While the death of Christ would seem to be a victory for Satan, it was actually the means of his ultimate defeat (Hebrews 2:14, John 12:31-32).

5. Guide the Apostles into All Truth

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.  However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (John 16:12-13).

Jesus had not taught the apostles all of the truth that they needed to hear. They were not of a frame of mind to receive all of the Lord’s teaching that evening. So, not only would the Holy Spirit remind them of things that Jesus had previously taught them, He would also teach them things that Jesus had yet to tell them.

There are some individuals who will only accept the words that were specifically spoken by Christ. Some Bibles have the words of Christ printed in red ink, and these individuals are only interested in the things that are found in the “red letters.” Those who limit themselves to the words spoken by Christ to His apostles while He was upon this earth are not receiving “all truth.”

Notice also that Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into “all truth,” not just a portion of the truth. This promise does away with the validity of any supposed “latter-day” revelations from God. If the Holy Spirit guided these apostles into “all truth,” then there is no truth remaining to be revealed unto mankind.

6. Tell the Apostles of Things To Come

Not only did the Holy Spirit guide the apostles into all truth, but He also told them things that would happen in the future (John 16:13). Among these things were:

• The nature of the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15).
• The Second Coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
• The falling away (2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1-3).
• The triumph of the church over the Roman Empire (The book of Revelation).

Conclusion

The Lord made great promises to the apostles regarding the help they would receive from the Holy Spirit, but we must understand that these promises were limited to the apostles. The Holy Spirit is not a Helper or Comforter for us in the sense that He was for the apostles. Jesus fulfills this role for us today (1 John 2:1).

However, we do benefit from the work that the Holy Spirit did through the apostles. As the Holy Spirit taught them all things, reminded them of all things, and guided them into all truth, they wrote it down. When we read what they wrote, we can understand all things that the Spirit has given to the apostles (Ephesians 3:3-5).

As one studies both the first and second covenant laws an interesting fact comes to the surface.  Though the laws change God’s founding principles revolving around authority remain the same from Genesis to Revelation.  No matter what my approach or attitude is toward those founding principles they remain.  The Apostle Paul wrote, “Howbeit the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, the Lord knows them that are his: and, let every one that names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness” (2 Timothy 2:19).

To properly understand how to establish Bible authority for all that we practice and teach we must lay some groundwork beginning with the Old Testament.  First, the solid rock of our faith, Jehovah, does not change.  God’s expectation of man does not change either.  Man is to be perfectly aligned with Jehovah’s standard.  Those not in line with that divinely revealed standard are in sin.  Man has been given a divine responsibility to reverentially fear and obey the words of God.  My attitude and approach to the Lord’s commands must be “Not my will but thine.”  Those who reject God’s divine standard, for whatever reason, will face the fierce anger, wrath, and indignation of the Lord.  Those who align themselves perfectly with God’s divine standard will be saved.  Once these founding principles are laid we are ready to establish Bible authority.  Please remember that this first article is dealing with establishing authority in the Old Testament!

Jehovah God

The word authority is defined as, “The power to command, enforce laws, exact obedience, determine, or judge” (AHD 142).  One may foolishly asks, “What gives God the right to exercise supreme authority over me?”  Jehovah God occupies the supreme position within all that man knows and does not know.  Inspired writers proclaimed Him to be the creator and potentate ruler over all creation (Joshua 3:11-13; Jeremiah 10:12; Nahum 1:1-6).  There is absolutely nothing that is not subject to His divine will (Genesis 18:20; Exodus 5:1-2; Joshua 3:11-13; Jeremiah 32:27; Ezekiel 18:4).  There is no other divine creator that mankind is to give answer to (Isaiah 43:11; 45:18).  God created man and the universe by His divinely spoken word (Psalms 33:6-9).  The entire physical universe is subject to His divine will (Joshua 10:12-13; Psalms 24:1-2; 90:1-2).  The Bible tells us how that even the plants (Haggai 2:18-19) and animals (Jonah 2:10) obey His divine will.  Jehovah’s name is the seal of highest authority that demands man’s absolute obedience (Leviticus 18:30; 19:4, 10-12, 14, 16, 18; Deuteronomy 28:58-59).  All flesh must thereby be silent before the Great Jehovah God and listen to His divine will (Deuteronomy 27:9; Isaiah 41:1; Habakkuk 2:18-20; Zephaniah 1:7; Zechariah 2:13).

Jehovah’s Standard of Truth (Divine Revelation)

When all flesh is silent they are ready to receive divine guidance for their lives that they may be just, holy, and absolutely perfect as God (Leviticus 11:44 / 2 Peter 1:4; Psalms 82:6 / John 10:34; Amos 5:24; Micah 6:8).  God speaks absolute truth that is not subject to change (Psalms 111:9; Zechariah 1:5-6; Malachi 3:6).  God’s standard is identified as a pattern (Exodus 25:9, 40), a scale (Daniel 5:27), landmark (Hosea 5:10), and plumb-line (Amos 7:7-9).  Jehovah’s standard gives man an exact spiritual direction to follow (Jeremiah 6:16-17; 10:23).  Isaiah records, “I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place” (Isaiah 28:16-17).  Those who do not follow the exact pattern, landmark, or plumb-line are weighed in God’s balance and found to be in sin (or transgression) (Genesis 18:20-22; Leviticus 5:17; 16:16, 30; 18:30; 22:9, 21; Joshua 7:10-13; etc.).

Created Man

Jehovah God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26).  Man is created “upright” (Ecclesiastes 7:29), with an understanding that eternity exists (Ecclesiastes 3:11), to naturally be receptive to truth (Ezekiel 12:1-2), and to pick ourselves up when we fail to do as the Lord commands (Jeremiah 8:4-7).  Man’s created or natural place in this universe is to be in subjection and perfect obedience to Jehovah’s divine will (2 Peter 1:4; Genesis 6:8; 17:1; Exodus 19:4-8; Leviticus 11:44; Deuteronomy 18:13; 27:26; Judges 2:1-5; 1 Samuel 6:19-20; Micah 6:11; Habakkuk 1:4; Zechariah 3:6-7; 6:15; Malachi 3:8-10; Galatians 3:10).  Man’s objective is to obtain unto a divine nature as God (Leviticus 11:44).  We are, thereby, representatives of His divine image on this earth (2 Samuel 12:14).

Man’s Divinely Appointed Responsibility

Man is to know his divinely created place in this universe.  Man’s highest priority in this life is meeting Jehovah’s authorized standard (Exodus 10:3; Leviticus 11:44; Job 4:12-21; 38:1ff; Proverbs 2:1-9; 3:13-18; 4:7; 8:7-9; Psalms 9:20; 119:72; Jeremiah 6:16-20).  To sin against Jehovah’s divine will is to transgress against one’s own nature (Ezekiel 14:12-13).  Man; however, was never designed by Jehovah to create spiritual laws to follow (Jeremiah 10:23).  Those individuals who do not follow the natural God appointed life of perfect obedience are deemed rebellious, polluted (Zechariah 3:1), and hard hearted (Exodus 5:1-2).  Such individuals forsake all God’s mercy (Jonah 2:8).

Man has absolutely no right to create even one law in relationship to his spiritual direction (see Leviticus 10:1ff).  Jehovah is clear regarding His divine will for man.  He has set the standard for man to meet.  No other way of life will be acceptable to Jehovah (Hosea 5:11; 11:6).  No other person (even a king or a nation), no amount of riches, no personal conscience, no amount of personal conviction, confidence, opinions, reasoning, ignorance, or deluded belief can change or create spiritual laws (Hosea 4:12; 5:13; 7:11; 10:3, 13; 11:2; 12:8; 13:10 etc.).  Man ought to be terrified to say, “Its my opinion that the church should do this that or the other…”  “I personally believe that the qualification of elders is this that or the other…”  When matters of our faith are involve man has one directive, “Thus saith Jehovah.”

When man speaks he has the responsibility to speak truth alone (Zechariah 8:16).  Those who dare to speak words contrary to Jehovah’s standard seek to change God himself.  History reveals such daring men identified as false prophets (Ezekiel 13:1-8).  Such work is not tolerated by Jehovah God and is not to be tolerated by man (see Balaam – Numbers 22 compared to 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14; Deuteronomy 13 all; 20:16-18).

Man’s Divinely Appointed Attitude

Again, if man is to obtain unto God’s divine nature he must share God’s attitude toward His divine standard.  Jehovah’s view of sin is clearly documented.  God hates sin (Zechariah 8:17).  Often the word “abomination” is used regarding God’s passionate hatred for sin (see Proverbs 15:26 etc.).  God’s people are to have the same view of sin.  Man is to “utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it” (Deuteronomy 7:26; see also Leviticus 20:23; Joshua 7:24-26; Psalms 119:104; Proverbs 8:13; Jeremiah 15:16-18; Ezekiel 36:31; Amos 5:15).  Our natural response to sin is to be shame and embarrassment (Ezra 9:5ff; Jeremiah 3:25; Hosea 9:10; Zephaniah 2:1).  Sin is to be viewed as a “horrible” thing (Hosea 6:10) and thereby it should bother me if I have participated in it (Ecclesiastes 7:4, 19-20).  Seeing that man is created in the image of God, knowing God’s view of sin, and knowing what God expects of me I ought to have a since of righteous indignation against sin (Exodus 32:20; Numbers 25:6ff; Joshua 7:24-26; 1 Samuel 15:10-11; Jeremiah 15:16-18) rather than indifference (Zephaniah 1:12-13).  Man’s attitude toward those things that violate Jehovah’s authorized word should be that of humble sorrow (Numbers 21:1-9; Psalms 51:1-17; Isaiah 57:15; 66:1-2; Joel 2:12-14).

Man’s Divinely Appointed Approach to serving God

All mankind must understand that it is God alone that sets the standard and has the sole power to save man from the consequences of sin (Hosea 13:10; 14:3).  My approach to Jehovah God, as creator of all things, is nothing less that great respect, awe, reverence, and fear (Psalms 119:161; Proverbs 1:7; 2:1-5; Ecclesiastes 12:13).  The prophet Ezekiel summarizes man’s approach to God by the word “just” (Ezekiel 18:5-9).  Each man is to purpose within their hearts to know and do all that God commands (Ezra 7:10).  The greatest mistake man can make is to look to self for divine authority in spiritual matters (Proverbs 16:2, 25; 23:4; 24:21 etc.).

Consequences for Disobedience

There are terrible consequences to the person who does not follow God’s laws exactly as He delivered them (Judges 2:1-5).  Sometimes man partially obeys God yet this divided service is due awful punishment too (1 Samuel 15:3, 13; 1 Kings 18:21; 2 Kings 17:33, 39-40).  Those who simply reject God’s standard and make up their own way of life will not go unpunished (Judges 21:25; 2 Samuel 6:6ff; 1 Kings 12:25-33; 2 Kings 5:11).  The Lord God Almighty is not only a loving and merciful God but a God of great wrath, fierce anger, and indignation against those who trample His divine standard under foot (Isaiah 11:4; 66:24; Lamentations 2:20-22; 4:13; Ezekiel 7:1-8; 18:4; Joel 2:1-2; Amos 4:12-13; Micah 5:10-14; 6:13-16; Zephaniah 1:8).  The Lord will “return” all that man has done against His authorized standard back upon their own heads (Hosea 12:14; Obadiah 1:15; Micah 3:4; Zechariah 7:13-14).  There will be no amount of silver or gold to appease Jehovah’s wrath in this great day (Zephaniah 1:18).

Establishing Bible Authority for all that we Practice and Teach

Now that we have the unchanging foundation of God’s divinely authorized standards laid it is time to examine how authority is established.  Whatever my spiritual question I must take into consideration who God is, who I am as God’s created being, and what my responsibilities, attitude, and approach to serving God is to be.  Once I establish these founding principles I will look for nothing more or less than God’s divine will.  The Lord’s standard of justice and righteousness is delivered in seven components throughout the Old Testament.  Those who desired to be just and righteous were to recognize these and act in obedience.

• First, we find Jehovah delivering direct commands to the people (see Exodus 20:1ff; Ezra 1:1-2; 6:14; Nehemiah 12:27; Jonah 1:2; 3:1-2).
• Secondly we find divinely revealed examplesin the Old Testament.  There were examples of people that ought to be emulated as Able (Genesis 4:1ff / Hebrews 11:4), Jacob (see Hosea 12:3-6, 12), and many others as listed at Hebrews 11.  There are also those we would take note of as having made grave errors such as Adam (Hosea 6:7 / Romans 5:12), the people of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-19 / 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7), Balaam (Numbers 22 and 25 / 2 Peter 2:15-16; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14), Korah (Numbers 16 / Jude 11), and so forth.
• Thirdly, we find authority in inference within the Old Testament.  Inference is defined as “to draw a conclusion by evidence, facts, or premises” (AHD 659).  One valuable inference used in the Old Testament is found at Genesis 4:1ff.   Cain forever goes down in history as being of the “evil one” (1 John 3:12) because he despised the authority of God (Jude 1:11).  God set the mark with his law of sacrifice and Cain missed it.  Though not stated it is inferred that Cain and Able were given a specific command to make a sacrifice of their first fruits.  Able obeyed and Cain disobeyed God’s law of sacrifice (see Heb. 11:4).  When Cain brought the “fruit of the ground” God had no respect for it (i.e., Cain’s sacrifice had no value to God).  Cain should have respected God’s command and brought the first fruits (see also Nehemiah 10:30-31 for another example of inference).
• Fourthly, we find authority through God’s commands were at times given in a specific manner (see Genesis 2:16; 6:14; Numbers 7:9 / compared to 2 Samuel 6:6ff; 19:2; Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Revelation 22:18).  Man was not at liberty to add or subtract even a fraction of what the command said.
• Fifthly, we find God’s authority through commands at times were given in a general fashion.  God specifically commanded Noah to build the ark yet left Noah the liberty of choosing the tools to get the job done (Genesis 6).  Noah worked at his own pace and completed the ark in the space of 100 years (Genesis 5:32; 7:6,11; 1 Peter 3:20).
• Sixthly, we find authority in God’s silence.  God delivers a specific command and all other activities are excluded (that is, God does not have to say, “Thou shalt not do this thing other ways…” He said what he wants) (Leviticus 10:1ff; Deuteronomy 4:2, 12-16; 12:32; 29:29; 2 Samuel 7:1-7).
• Lastly, we find authority in expediency(things that are helpful or useful in achieving God’s will).  The fire that Nadab and Abihu put on their censers and brought to the altar of burnt offering was not a helpful or useful thing in achieving God’s will.  It was thereby identified as “strange fire” (Leviticus 10:1).  Secondly, it was not expedient for David to have the Ark of the Covenant transferred from one place to another on a new cart being pulled by oxen (2 Samuel 6:1-11).  Though it may have appeared to be helpful God had already commanded how the ark was to be transferred (Numbers 7:9).  It would be expedient for Noah to use various hand-tools and set his work schedule to achieve God’s command to build the ark out of gopher wood (Genesis 6).

Conclusion

This study illustrates the importance of having authority for all that is practiced.  Divine authority is delivered through the seven components mentioned above.  Those who do not “live by faith” in accordance with the one divine standard will forever experience the wrath of God (see Habakkuk 2:4).  God will receive no excuses for disobedience.  Those who do not meet His standard perfectly will be due His fierce anger, wrath, and indignation.  The Old Testament bares out the fact that both the ignorant (Jeremiah 5:4; Hosea 4:1) and all out rebellious (Genesis 11:4; Exodus 32:1) will be equally measured by the standard of truth.  No amount of personal opinion (2 Kings 5:11), personal conscience, sincerity, and honesty (Job 33:1-3; Proverbs 14:12, 16; Ezekiel 5:5-8), and no matter how lovingly, confident, forceful, or firm I speak (Job 36:1-4; Proverbs 14:16) if I do not speak and teach absolute truth as revealed by God’s standard I stand condemned.  God is no respecter of persons.  No man is above the law of God.  Neither Moses (Numbers 20:1-12), David (1 Samuel 21:1-6; Matthew 12:3-6; 2 Samuel 12:10-14), or even Solomon (1 Kings 11:1ff) were excused from meeting Jehovah’s standards perfectly.  No matter what man’s approach and attitude his divinely appointed responsibility remains the same.  Man is to know his place in this creation.  We are created by God and must humbly and fearfully submit to His every standard.  Those who do so have ever been promised a beautiful and peaceful eternity (see Proverbs 8:20-21).

We should not make the mistake that the Holy Spirit did not begin to work until the time of the New Testament. Although His role may be more prominent in the New Testament, any Bible student can see that the Holy Spirit was active during the time of the Old Testament. This article will examine the work that the Holy Spirit performed in the Old Testament.

His Work in Creation

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:1-2).

The Hebrew word used for “God” in these verses is elohiym. This word is a plural form of the Hebrew word for God – el. Scholars tell us that this is “a term conveying both the unity of the one God yet allowing for a plurality of persons” (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Harris, Archer, and Waltke, vol. 1, p. 44).

The account of man’s creation reveals that there is a plurality in the Godhead. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:26-27). The Holy Spirit was present and active alongside the Father and the Son in the creation of the universe and mankind.

His Work of Inspiration

The apostle Paul reminded Timothy that all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The particular Scriptures that Paul had in mind were the Old Testament Scriptures that Timothy had known from his childhood (vs. 14-15).

The Old Testament Scriptures were inspired by the Holy Spirit. The prophets of God wrote or spoke as they were moved or carried along by the Holy Spirit. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Many people have wondered exactly how inspiration worked. Perhaps this question is best answered in the account of Balak and Balaam. King Balak called for Balaam to come and curse the children of Israel (Numbers 22:1-6). He was afraid of the Israelites, and sought to employ Balaam’s assistance in defeating them. Balak’s confidence in Balaam’s ability is shown in his statement: “for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed” (v. 6).

When Balaam finally came to Balak, he told the king, “Look, I have come to you! Now, have I any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak” (Numbers 22:38). The prophet tried to make the king understand the way that his prophecies worked. Blessings and curses did not occur because Balaam spoke them. They occurred through the power of God, and Balaam was simply revealing the words that God had put in his mouth. These words came to Balaam through the Holy Spirit.

“And Balaam raised his eyes, and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him. Then he took up his oracle and said: ‘The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, the utterance of the man whose eyes are opened, the utterance of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, with eyes wide open’” (Numbers 24:2-4).

When king Balak objected to the words of blessing spoken by Balaam, the prophet defended his message by reminding the king of the manner in which prophecy worked. “So Balaam said to Balak, ‘Did I not also speak to your messengers whom you sent to me, saying, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the LORD, to do good or bad of my own will. What the LORD says, that I must speak”’” (Numbers 24:12-13).

All of the prophets in the Old Testament were inspired by the Holy Spirit. They only spoke those things that were revealed to them by the Holy Spirit. Among them were Saul (1 Samuel 10:6, 10-11), David (Acts 1:16, 2 Samuel 23:2, Psalm 51:11), Isaiah (Acts 28:25), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 11:5), and the unknown psalmist (Hebrews 3:7-8, Psalm 95:7).

His Workings With Mankind

The Old Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit’s work with mankind was not limited to inspiration. Consider the following works that are credited to the Holy Spirit.

• The Spirit was involved in casting man from the Garden (Genesis 3:22).
• The Spirit was striving with man during the days of Noah (Genesis 6:3). God gave mankind 120 years, during which time Noah preached righteousness to the world (2 Peter 2:5)
• The Spirit interpreted dreams (Genesis 41:38, 16).
• The Spirit filled men with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and workmanship (Exodus 31:1-5).
• The Spirit fell upon men to give them extraordinary power. Among them were Othniel (Judges 3:10-11), Gideon (Judges 6:34), and Samson (Judges 14:5-6)
• The Spirit revealed the plans for the Temple (1 Chronicles 28:11-12).
• The Spirit sent prophets to preach (Isaiah 48:16).
• The Spirit gathered nations for judgment (Isaiah 34:16).
• The Spirit brought destruction upon nations (Isaiah 59:19).
• The Spirit revealed the will of God to prophets through visions and dreams (Ezekiel 8:3, 11:1, 24-25).
• The Spirit was involved in the restoration of Israel after Babylonian captivity (Ezekiel 36:27-28, 37:14).
• The Spirit was instrumental in the rebuilding of the Temple (Zechariah 4:6-9).

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit played an important role in the Old Testament. He is not a manifestation of the Father or of the Son. He did not sit quietly, waiting His turn until the time of the New Testament. He was active from the beginning, as was the Father and the Son.

Therefore, hear the parable of the soil tester: When anyone confronts his duty to share the gospel seed with others, he takes it in his heart and mouth and considers where he might sow it in the interest of being fruitful. Sadly, his master never instructed him to waste time testing the soil, but he believes it to be practical and wise to whittle down the field to a few likely spots. Yet all he sees are people in sin; he’s looking for people that don’t seem to need the gospel to share the gospel with! And he is surprised that he can’t find any!

The soil tester turns up his nose at the man with tattoos and the coworker who is trying to quit smoking. He judges everyone under the age of 30 to be too wild and everyone over the age of 30 to be too old to change their ways. At the end of the day, the soil tester has not sown a single seed, but he feels justified because it is the soil’s inadequacies that are to blame. When Jesus returns, however, he is found to have wasted his opportunities as a poor steward of the seeds and he is cast into outer darkness as an unprofitable servant.

The sales lady told us poison bottles by law were altered in appearance to safe guard the public in both England and in the United States from 1870 to 1930.  These bottles were made with labels such as, “not to be taken internally” or simply “not to be taken.”

The poison bottles came in different colors such as green, cobalt, black or amber.  When someone in the 1800’s went to a medicine cabinet and looked for a bottle of medicine by candle light they were apt to innocently pick up a poison bottle, sincerely mistaking it for a bottle of medicine.

Due to these accidental poisonings, both the United Kingdom and the United States governments passed laws to protect the general public from being poisoned by mistakenly picking up and drinking from poison bottles.

The members of the Church of Christ have a similar problem today, because many are swallowing the poison of false teaching, thinking that the teachings are sound and healthy to the soul.  The devil has packaged the poison of false teaching in the disguise of sincere teaching.

How can we insure the innocent recognize false teachers and avoid swallowing the false teaching that sincerely sounds like the truth of the gospel?  What can scripturally be done to warn the innocent so they can recognize a false teacher and keep from swallowing false doctrine?

Christians should understand that False Teachers will never wear a sign around their neck which warns the innocent of their poisonous doctrines, “Not to be taken” or “Not to be swallowed as being the truth of the gospel.”

It should be understood that every false teacher is sincere about what they are teaching regardless of why they are teaching their false understanding of the scriptures.    19^th century people sincerely believed they were drinking from a medicine bottle, not from a bottle of poison!  Unless we listen to doctrine in the light of God’s word, we will be spiritually poisoned regardless of our sincerity or the sincerity of the false teacher.  1 Corinthians 4:6

Please read and consider 2 Peter 2:1-3, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you,”   We need to heed this warning today, false teachers are among the people, that is to say, they are among New Testament Christians in the church.   Acts 20:27-30

We hear sincere and well meaning preachers today who are undermining Peter’s warning in 2 Peter 2:1-2, when they assert the false argument that  a person who “sincerely” teaches false doctrine should not be marked as a “false teacher.”

When preachers and brethren argue such things, it is the same as arguing there is no need to mark bottles of poison, because the poison will not hurt the person drinking it as long as those drinking sincerely believe it is medicine they are swallowing.

We have observed the fact that governments recognized the danger of people swallowing something they mistakenly thought was medicine.  Governments mandated that bottles of poison be clearly marked so people could recognize the difference.  Why would any preacher teach that a “false teacher” should not be marked as a false teacher unless it can be proven that they are teaching false doctrine insincerely?

No matter how sincere in heart a person may or may not be about what they are teaching as the truth, the affect will be the same in the poisoning of precious souls.  Teaching something which is not the truth of the gospel will poison a soul, regardless of the sincerity of the one doing the false teaching.

Bottles containing poison today are clearly marked based upon the assumption that a person will be able to read and understand the warnings printed on the bottle.  Little children are taught to recognize the symbol that looks like something inside this bottle is bad for you.

Christians should have the Biblical “common sense” to understand the scriptural teaching that false teachers should be marked as teaching false doctrine regardless of how sincerely they may be teaching it.

But someone will argue we shouldn’t be judgmental, but rather mark the “false doctrine” instead of marking the people who teach the “false doctrine!”

Peter never taught such a concept in 2 Peter 2:1-2, if he had then the scriptures would have looked like this, “false prophesies were among the people, just as false doctrines will be among you.”   What Peter taught by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you,”

How can the children of God be warned to look out for false teachers, if preachers are teaching them it is wrong to mark a “sincere” false teacher as being a “false teacher”?   Please protect your Brethren today!  Do not shun declaring the whole counsel of God when marking a false teacher, regardless of their sincerity in teaching what is false.  Acts 20:26-27

Will you allow yourself to be convinced that “sincere” false teachers should not be marked? Be careful that you know exactly what you are swallowing!