The Gospel Call

Christ and Christmas - A Biblical Perspective - Part II

2011-12-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

It is quite clear, the facts are indisputable – the origins of what we call “Christmas” are from both pagan and apostate sources. Ironies of ironies – the most “holy” day (holiday) in so-called “Christendom” is Christmas (“Christ-Mass”), a celebration unauthorized by Christ in the New Testament while clear instructions Christ gave “in remembrance of me” are the most IGNORED in our society! The more things change, the more they stay the same – “there is nothing new under the sun,” people embrace SPECULATION and ignore REVELATION! Having said that, almost no one alive today associates Christmas with its REAL history. Instead, over the centuries, the meaning of “Christmas” has morphed into something quite positive – CULTURALLY. Though concocting some kind of “Christmas Service” in a congregational setting would be a flagrant addition to God’s inspired Word, the celebration of this holiday in America is generally a very positive thing - CULTURALLY.

Who can deny Christmas brings happiness and glee to the children? Who can deny that Christmas has inspired some of the most beautiful music ever composed such as Handel’s Messiah? Who can not be inspired by “It’s a Wonderful Life,” or entertained by “A Christmas Story?” Who cannot be moved by Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol?” Who cannot bring up multiple wonderful memories of Christmas’ past? Who can deny the delight of seeing a relatives eyes light up when opening a special gift? Who can deny the warmth of hearth and family this time of year? Who can deny the excitement of choosing and putting up the Christmas tree? Who can deny that the many kindnesses extended to one another around Christmas are not a very good thing? Who can deny that Christmas is uniquely American?! Who can deny that we all wish for a white Christmas every year? Who can deny that it is a very good thing that more people are open to discuss Jesus Christ around Christmas than at any other time of the year?

I’ll admit it – I LOVE Christmas and celebrate it with gusto! I do not celebrate Christmas, though, as a matter of faith. I don’t believe for a minute that Christ was born on December 25 or, if he was, that it would matter in any way. Why? Christ did not command such a celebration, in fact He never even mentioned it! The Apostles did not celebrate it nor did they ever mention it! In fact Christmas was not celebrated at all until over 400 years AFTER Christ! I celebrate Christmas because it is so American and I am an American by the grace of God! I also, with the same enthusiasm, celebrate both the 4^th of July and Thanksgiving. Why? Simply this, Christmas, the 4^th of July and Thanksgiving are “as American as apple pie and George Washington!”

Finally, I celebrate Christmas because I, as an individual, am free to do so in Christ! In Romans 14.5, Paul by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, makes it very clear that Christians are free to celebrate “special days” as long as they don’t judge other Christians who don’t and don’t attempt to impose their views on other Christians – either for or against such celebrations. “One person considers a certain day as more sacred than other days, while another person considers every day alike. Let each be fully persuaded in his own mind. He who regards a day highly does so for the Lord…” (The Everlasting Gospel translation (EGT) by bro. Hugo McCord) The single caveat, one must do all things with a clear conscience before God, “for anything not of conviction is sin.” (Romans 14.23.b EGT)

NOTE: Wren Building photo courtesy: The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christ and Christmas - A Biblical Perspective - Part I

2011-12-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

Repoussé silver disc of Sol Invictus, Roman, 3rd century, found at Pessinus(British Museum) - Courtesy Wikipedia

It was about this time of year in 1974. I was a key punch operator for Amfac Wholesale and Drug Supply Company in Oklahoma City. My job was to prepare invoices for billing. The key punch fields were limited and so instead of saying “Merry Christmas!” it said “Merry Xmas!”[1] One of the employees, a ministerial student with the Christian Church, came running into my office very angry at me. “How dare you take Christ out of Christmas!” he adamantly shouted. No matter how I tried to explain my quandary, he just got even madder. He was convinced that I had diabolically conspired to take Christ out of Christmas!

Seriously, was Christ ever IN Christmas to begin with!? In short, no, Christ never was in Christmas. There is no biblical reference to any kind of celebration of such a day anywhere in the New Testament. Our Lord never commanded or even insinuated that such a celebration would be necessary or even allowed as a doctrinal requirement or a doctrinal option in collective worship. Not only that, there is no apostolic command, no apostolic example nor any inference (necessary or otherwise) anywhere even remotely suggesting such a celebration. Frankly, any congregation that adds such a doctrinal component to biblical worship will be in violation of the biblical pattern of “neither adding to nor taking away” from the Holy Spirit led New Testament directive. This is a very serious matter for Paul told Timothy to “Follow the pattern of sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2.15 ESV) Any formal and collective worship outside of the pattern is an addition to that pattern. Similar additions to God’s pattern have had disastrous results, just ask Nadab and Abihu, King Saul, etc. Paul never celebrated Christmas, never asked anyone else to or even ever heard of such a practice! At best the practice is extra-biblical and at worst…UN biblical. In a formal worship setting, the celebration of Christmas is speculative, emotional and presumptive…and clearly outside of the “pattern of sound words.”

How did the celebration of Christmas ever even get started? The 2^nd century theologian Origen taught that Scripture has multiple meanings and individual interpretations. This “allowed” the apostate church to eisegete (read into) fictional (allegorical) “meanings” into any and every passage. With that false and presumptive foundation, the apostate church felt free to add, delete, change or modify any and every biblical passage it wanted to. This suited it’s self-serving and pragmatic collective goals. There is no evidence whatsoever that there was ever any observance of the presumptive day of Christ’s birth for nearly 400 years after the resurrection! Everett Ferguson observes:

There were various…speculations about the day of Jesus’ birth, centering mainly on the spring, but for the first three centuries the church realized the day of Jesus birth was unknown and attached no theological importance to it. There are accounts in the East of both the birth and baptism of Jesus remembered on January 5 – 6. Christmas was a Western feast, first celebrated in Rome in the second quarter of the fourth century. The date of December 25 was influenced by the sun cult, which was promoted by third-century emperors and continued to be recognized by Constantine.[2]

The cult to which bro. Ferguson refers is the cult of sol ivictus – “son un-conquered.” The cult celebrated the supposed birth of the so-called “sun-god” on December 25, the day the Roman calendar was at the vernal equinox. The apostate church began to celebrate the birthday of Christ on that same day due to a complicated formula. Here it is:

Christ died on March 25, according to apostate allegorical calculations
In order for the life of Christ to be “complete” allegorically, the date of his conception and the day of his death had to be the same date, March 25
“IF” Christ was conceived on March 25, nine months later would be December 25, the supposed date of his birth[3]

Whether or not the apostate church purposely chose December 25 to co-opt this pagan celebration into a “Christian” celebration cannot be precisely determined. However, people who lived later would claim such. Allegorical interpretation will always lead to presumptive conclusions with the “tail wagging the dog.” Despite the facts as we know them pointing to a spring or fall birth, the Vatican chose December 25 to fit it’s allegorical puzzle, a classic case of round pegs being pounded into square holes. TO BE CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK! - RM

[1] NOTE: The Greek letter “X” is pronounced “chi” and is the first letter in “Christ,” hence “X” is used to abbreviate “Christ” in “Christmas” (Xmas) and “Christian” (Xian).

[2] Ferguson, Everett (Church History Vol. 1 – From Christ to Pre-Reformation, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 2005) pg. 252 (Emphasis added – RM)

[3] Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol_Invictus

They Prayed for WHAT?!

2011-10-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Most Christians know that prayer is central to one’s spiritual existence both in private and public expressions. Most are familiar with the what we call the “Lord’s Prayer.” Few are familiar, though, with the “Apostles Prayer” of Acts 4. It is to our extreme benefit to study and learn from this apostolic example for what the apostles prayed for and what we typically pray for are in stark contrast most of the time.

After appearing before the Jewish supreme court, the Sanhedrin, the apostles were “charged …not to speak or teach at all in the Name of Jesus.” [Acts 4.18] In brave civil disobedience, Peter and John replied; “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” [Acts 4.19 – 20] They were then further threatened and let go.

Peter and John then entered into prayer with the entire church. That prayer is preserved for us by the Holy Spirit by the hand of Luke in Acts 4. 24b – 30. While our prayers are often reactive to our circumstances, the apostles prayer in contrast, is proactive – not to get them “out of trouble” but to bolster them for MORE trouble! Their prayer was not at the time of their arrest but at the time of their release. They prayed for God’s help for strength to return to the battle, not to be taken out of the battle. Therein is the lesson for us.

In observing the text we see it in four parts; there is a NEED for prayer, there is a DELIVERY of the prayer, there are RESULTS of the prayer and there, finally, are CONSEQUENCES of the prayer.

In 4.23 – 24a we see that the NEED of prayer was evident because their release was conditional; that they would cease speaking out in the Name of Jesus Christ. The need for prayer was predicated on the fact that such a surrender was not an option and that Divine intervention was very much needed.

The DELIVERY of the prayer is given to us in 4.24b – 30. The form, the content, the purpose and the mindset should be prototypically instructive to us in the 21^st century. The church of Christ faces existential madness and Islamic extremism from the outside and interpretive apostasy from the inside.

Powerful prayer is needed more than at almost anytime since the 1^st century for it was our Lord who asked the rhetorical question; “When the Son of Man returns will He find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18.8] Friends, if we neglect powerful prayer we may just answer Jesus’ question in the negative. Nothing would be more tragic! Let us observe the details of the apostles prayerful delivery:

· God is addressed as both Sovereign and all powerful

· The prayer is based on Scripture [Psalms 2] which is quoted

· It is acknowledged that opposition to the gospel is in God’s plan

· God actually predestines certain events (though not individuals)

· The persecution is NOT asked to be taken away

· Three things ARE asked of God:

1. That they will be able to SPEAK God’s Word

2. That they speak this Word with “all boldness” (ESV)

a. The phrase rendered “all boldness” is translated from the Greek word parrhesia which, according to Strong’s means “all out-spokeness, frankness, blunt, assured and plain (speaking).”

3. That the Word “spoken boldly” will be confirmed by “healings, signs and wonders performed through the Name of You holy servant Jesus.” [4.30] This was promised by Christ in Mark 16.20. Today, as the Word is now complete, our confirmation is through that revealed Word. Those who hear it from us can either accept it or reject it. The miracle of preserved revelation IS our confirmation!

This powerful prayer had immediate RESULTS. In 4.31 we see those immediate results;

· The place was shaken

· They were all filled with the Holy Spirit

· They continued to speak the Word of God

· That continuance was with BOLDNESS!

Not only were there immediate results, in 4.32 – 37, we see long term positive consequences:

· The entire congregation was of one heart and soul

· They had all things in common

· The Apostles continued to give their testimony of the resurrection of Jesus Christ

· Great grace was on them all

· There was not a needy person among them

· Land owners sold their land and gave the proceeds to the church

· The Apostles distributed these funds according to the various needs in the congregation

· God rose up Barnabas as an encourager

We can positively conclude that in our spiritually perilous times that we should pray for the ability to SPEAK God’s Word, to speak it OUTSPOKENLY, FRANKLY, BLUNTLY, ASSSURADLEY, AND PLAINLY, AND for God to confirm our words by the Scriptures rightly divided. May our prayers be as the Apostles!

NOTE: Picture is a free public domain image of the "Jerusalem Cross"

David's Lamentation

2011-10-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

We are studying through II Samuel at the Archdale church of Christ right now. Last Sunday night our lesson covered the tragic death of King David's son, Absalom. Though a pitiful and ruthless man who sought his father's death, David loved his son and lamented his demise in chapter 18, vs. 32; "And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" We are reminded that, as was Absalom, we are worthless and rebellious towards our God, a loving and forgiving Father who loves us despite who we are. David was willing to die in the place of his son but could not. God was willing to die in our stead and DID! Moved by this Scripture, the great American composer, William Billings, produced in 1778 this great hymn entitled simply; "David's Lamentation." The attached video show how this song was sung on the great American frontier in what is called the "Sacred Harp" style. It was, as in the New Testament time, sung a-capella (Latin for "as in church") without instrumental intervention. The time is kept by the raising that lowering of the elbow to hand. The tune is sung first and then the words in this video as this is how the music was learned on the frontier. Thanks to one of our sisters at Archdale for sending me the link for the video. Enjoy and reflect on the Christ who died for you and me though we were in rebellion! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjxaUEyvifU&feature=related

What Part of ONE Don't People Want to Understand?

2011-10-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

WARNING! This post contains TRUTH, though spoken in LOVE, which "may" if not accepted, cause severe anger, physical reactions of high blood pressure, upset stomach and head ache. If you experience any of these physical reactions, consult and obey the New Testament passages noted until the symptoms pass. DO NOT consult any denominational doctrines of men, creeds, dogmas, traditions or public opinion as your symptoms will only increase in number and severity.

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4.12 (ESV)

There is a growing divide among God's people. This divide concerns this question; "Is the church of Christ just another denomination among many or is the church of Christ the singular Body of Christ spoken of in the New Testament as the singular and narrow way of salvation excluding all others?" "IF" we have "ears to hear," the answer is plain, obvious and clear. The divide comes from the fact that many among us no longer look to the ancient words of Christ preserved for us in written form by the Holy Spirit for all time and eternity without change. Granted, many continue to hold that truth is static, understandable and obtainable through the Words of the New Testament. Sadly, many others have grasped the existential view of truth, that it evolves over time, constantly changes, is at best elusive and is interpreted individually based upon each persons life experiences, stories and perspective. Which is it?

In Matthew 16.18 Jesus promised to build His church. Singular. Not plural, singular. There were not and are not multiple churches. There is only one gospel, all others are accursed according to Paul in Galatians 1.6fl. “IF” there are multiple churches, multiple gospels and multiple ways for salvation, the reason and purpose for the church of Christ vanishes. “IF” we are just “one among many,” all is lost as a reason to exist.

This is a very hard message. Many today in the Lord’s church are talking about “unity” with “other Christians.” We must ask the question, “IF” there are “other Christians,” how did they become such and to what church were they added? In Acts 4, Peter asserts in a detailed and redundant way that there is only “ONE name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

· In 4.2 he asserts that there is only:

- ONE teaching

- ONE proclamation

- ONE resurrection

· In 4.7 he asserts that there is only:

- ONE power

- ONE name

· In 4.10 he asserts that there is only:

- ONE name

- ONE crucifixion

- ONE resurrection

- ONE man

· In 4.11 he asserts that there is only:

- ONE name

- ONE stone

- ONE cornerstone

In verses 12 – 20, Peter concludes his assertion of the one way of salvation. Salvation is found in no one else. In fact, “IF” there are other ways to salvation other than “repentance and baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,” (Acts 2.38) then, in contradiction to Peter then there MUST also be: 1) More than one teaching, 2) More than one proclamation, 3) More than one resurrection, 4) More than one power, 5) More than one name, 6) More than one crucifixion, 7) More than just one man, 8) More than just one stone, and, 9) More than just one cornerstone. By default then we must also conclude that Christ Himself was mistaken when he promised to build just one church. By default then we must also conclude that Paul was in error when he asserted that there was but one gospel and that other gospels were accursed! The exclusion of other names given for salvation is 100%.

The singular gospel of salvation cannot be denied though it very often is rejected along with the proclaimers of that gospel. The opponents of this singular name, this singular gospel, this singular salvation want this gospel to spread no further and be spoken and taught no more. Whether or not this singular gospel is to be spread, be spoken about or taught is for others to judge but we must continue to preach, proclaim and teach this narrow and exclusive gospel message of Jesus Christ!

“What part of ONE don’t people want to understand?”

The Fewer, The Better!

2011-10-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

Not many people remember but after Sarah died Abraham married again and fathered 5 sons by Keturah, legally a woman of only concubine status. One of those 5 sons was a man called Midian. Midian, in turn, had 5 sons who became the 5 progenitors of a “people of the east” known as the Midianites. The Midianites were a nomadic people and lived at times in southeastern Palestine, in the Sinai Desert and southwest Israel alongside the Moabites.

Our first brush with Midian is positive. Jethro, the father in law of Moses, was a priest of God and was from Midian. Apparently, there were very few God fearers among them, most were idolators. When it becomes clear that Israel is going to enter Canaan and sweep the land clean of it’s inhabitants, Midian allied herself with Moab and began to militarily confront Israel. Midian was out to play hardball, a move they would soon live to regret. In Numbers 25 we learn that the Midianites infiltrated the camp of Israel, seduced both men and women to worship the false god Baal-Peor which triggered the wrath of God. A plague ensued upon the people and 24,000 died before the Lord until the plague was stopped by a man known as Phineas. Phineas was a priest. In fact he was not just any priest, he was the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron. When Phineas observed that an Israelite man was taking a Midianite woman into his family circle, he arose and killed both the man and the woman with a spear. The anger of the Lord was abated and Phineas was rewarded by God with a “covenant of peace” and a “covenant of perpetual priesthood” because he was “jealous for his God and made atonement for the sons of Israel.” Phineas became the warrior-priest for Israel. God used him to strike a heavy blow to Midian.

In Numbers 31, on instructions from God, Moses assembles an army of 12,000 men, 1,000 from each tribe in order to “execute the Lord’s vengeance on Midian.” This army was led by none other than Phineas. The Bible says that “every male” was killed from among them including the 5 kings of the five Midianite clans. Baalam also died, the man who pushed the infiltration idea to start with. This all took place “on the plains of Moab, across the Jordan, opposite Jericho. Why, then, some 200 years later are the Midianites again a threat to Israel, now in the land of promise?

History tells us that the Midianites not only were divided up among 5 tribes, some lived in fortified cities and some lived as roaming nomads in the wilderness. The city dwellers were the warriors and defenders of their land so the nomadic portion of the people could sustain everyone with their shepherding and trading endeavors. The nomads survived the slaughter for they were not present at the battle on the plains of Moab. Over time, the Midianites rebuilt their powerbase and became so strong as to not only threaten Israel once more, they actually conquered Israel and held them under subjection for some 7 years

According to Judges 5, Israel “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and he gave them into the hands of Midian seven years.” (6.1 NASB) Midian allied themselves with the dreaded and hated Amalekites and suppressed Israel in ways that are hard to imagine. Israel was suppressed to such an extent that they abandoned their property and lived in caves while the enemy ravaged the land. They cried out to God for deliverance and He heard them. God sent them a deliverer, a man called Gideon whose name means “mighty warrior” or “faller of trees.” How he delivered Israel is very instructive for us for it shows us an insight into the mind of God as He protects His people and sets them on a path to growth and faithfulness.

About fifty miles southwest of the Sea of Galilee is a place known as the Valley of Jezreel. It is large and flat, very suitable for large armies of men to gather and fight. Gideon set up camp overlooking the valley above a place known as “The Spring (or well) of Harod” that gives a continuous source of cold, clear and clean water that flows south and east into the Jordan River. Today it is known as the “Springs of Gideon” and water STILL flows as it did many thousands of years ago. Gideon had raised a small army, without weapons by the way, of 32,000 men.[1] The enemy down in the valley numbered approx. 135,000![2] Outnumbered nearly 4 to 1, the odds looked “mighty long,” especially in the light of the fact that the enemy was a fully trained and equipped professional military force. That being the case, God now tells Gideon something spectacular, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, “My own power has delivered me.” (7.2 NASB)

God first tells all the men who are afraid to just go on home, 22,000 do so. That leaves 10,000. God tells Gideon that He is going to “test them.” Gideon, at Gods direction, brings the men to the Springs of Harod and tests them as to just how they drink the water. Only those who lie down prostrate and “lap the water up like dogs” are chosen. All those who knelt down and scooped the water up with their hands were sent home. This number turned out to be 9,700 leaving a force of 300 men! NOW God was ready!

We all know what happens next, the 300 men at God’s direction under Gideon blow their trumpets, crash their lamp jars, hold up their torches and cry out at once, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” Panic ensues in the ranks of the enemy so as they all flee their camps. Gideon summons men from Naphtali, Asher and Manasseh and the enemy is pursued and killed, including their two field commander kings, Oreb and Zeeb. The defeat was massive, 120,000 of the enemy were killed as they fled before Gideon. In addition, Ephriam is summoned to secure a broad area, cutting off any possibility of retreat . Later Ephriam routs the remaining whole army of 15,000. The Bible says in Judges 8.28 that “…Midian was subdued before the sons of Israel, and they did not lift up their heads anymore.” (NASB) Midian disappears from history. God delivered Israel from the enemy with only Gideon and 300 men!

This is far more than just very interesting history, it gives us an insight into the mind of God as to what He will do for His Names Sake when he people are threatened or suppressed. From His ranks he will purge the fearful and the faint hearted leaving only a faithful remnant with whom He will gain a great victory!

By application, when God delivers a congregation of His people who cry out to Him for deliverance, He may choose to separate His people into 3 camps, the Fearful, the Faint-Hearted and the Faithful. We MUST take heed to make sure we are in the 3^rd group, a distinct and tiny minority – a remnant! As we have just discovered, only less than 1% were ultimately selected to remain in God’s army to attack Midian. That means that 99% of those called by Gideon failed to make the cut.

· The Fearful will not inherit a reward in Heaven – Revelation 21:8. Those Christians that
bury their talents in the ground and refuse to confess Christ before men are fearful and will not gain their inheritance!

· The Faint-Hearted - James 4:8 – The fainthearted Christian is one that is apart from God, being a sinner and having an un-pure heart. He in enjoined to “draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Elijah asked the faint hearted Jews on Mt. Carmel; “How long will you halt between two opinions?” (I Kings 18.21) The faint-hearted will not be used by God until they repent and return to God.

· The Faithful – Matthew 25:21 – The faithful servant who has been faithful over a few things will be made ruler over many things!

Let us all strive to be FAITHFUL in all things so that we will be in “God’s 1% remnant!” as was Gideon and his 300 men! Those faithful will be used by God to save our congregation so that God can grow His church here in Charlotte! The remnant will prevail in the struggle!

[1] This according to Judges 7.3

[2] This according to Judges 8.10

NOTE: Picture courtesy of: http://gardenofpraise.com/bibl12s.htm, a publication of the La Vista church of Christ

"End Times" or the "End of Time?"

2011-09-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

The 2nd Temple circa 30 A.D.

A Continuing Exposition of Matthew 24 & Luke 21

As we continue to explore thesingular meaning of the Matthew 24 / Luke 21 Mount Olive discourse regardingthe two apostolic questions; “When will the Temple be destroyed?” and “What arethe signs of your (2^nd) coming and the end of the world?” we willfail in our exegesis unless we grasp the fact that this discourse is neitherchronological nor sequential in the 21^st century mindset. Christ does not put everything in exact “timesequence” and “chronological” order. Toour way of thinking, He jumps around and gets things “out of order.” In fact, such chronological and sequential conceptsare foreign to the 1^st century Jewish way of thinking. Though many, if not most, of the dialogue isin what we would call “proper sequence,” it is by no means 100% so. Frankly, such concepts as time, chronology andsequence were not important to the writers of Jewish literature, inspired orotherwise. What was important was the impactof certain people, places and events in order of importance to God’s longterm plan for mankind. In other words,“correct” chronological and sequential order has little, if nothing, to do withhow God communicated His Holy Word to the Jewish people. As the Littman Co. © says;

The comprehensivestudy of time, time reckoning, and chronology in ancient Jewish sourcesdemonstrates that the concept of time as an entity or a continuum was entirelyabsent from ancient Judaism. Reality andchange were conceived in terms of concrete processes. This stands in contrast with the world viewof Greco-Roman culture and its pervasive concept of chronos…[1]

This, of course, is not to saythat viewing history chronologically is in any way right, wrong orindifferent. It is to say, however, thatthe 1^st century Jew did not communicate discourse and dialogue in thesame way we do 21 centuries later. Nowback to our text(s).

The Jewish revolt that resulted inthe complete destruction of the 2^nd Temple and the city of Jerusalemin 70 A. D. began in 66 A. D. when 3,000 Romans were lost in battle with the Jews. The Romans withdrew for a time and thenreturned with a massive army of 60,000 men made up of the combined forces of the 5th and 10th Legions. The combined force was commanded by Vespasian moving the 10th southward out of Syria and his son, Titus, pressed north from Egypt with the 5th. Rome was determined to put down Jewish uprisings for alltime and eternity. When it was all over,the only thing left of Jerusalem was a small Roman garrison camped on top ofMt. Zion where the Temple once stood. Josephus records a detailed history and archeology has un-earthed aRoman marker dedicating the victory to “Imperial Caesar Vespasian…” Vespasian led the army to a rout of Jewishopposition in Israel, pushing Jewish forces gradually into Jerusalem which hethen began to besiege. However, he wascalled back to Rome by his supporters where he was installed as the imperial emperor on 21 December 69 A. D.[2] In his absence, the siege was temporalitylifted and people were able to leave Jerusalem. Shortly, in the new year, the siege was begun anew under the new commander, Titus. Titus, on behalf of Vespasian, destroyed theTemple, conquered Jerusalem, killed 1.1 million persons in there, defeated theremnant Jewish garrison at Masada, and ended the revolt. The events of 70 A. D. had consequences thatlast until this very day. Not since thedestruction of the Temple have the Jewish people been able to prove what tribethey are from, no person(s) of Levitical linage ancestry are identifiable thuscompletely destroying the Mosaical sacrificial system. Everything near and dear to the Jewish mindsetand identity as a people was swept away forever. In fact Jesus said that “…Jerusalem shall betrodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled…” –Luke 21:24b (KJV). Thus it is so,Jerusalem has been fought over and trampled by Gentile peoples from that dayuntil this very day. As we speak GentileArabs possess and control the very Temple Mount that was swept clean of theTemple of God by Titus. Gentile peopleswill continue to fight over this mount until the last trumpet sounds. The seed of Abraham is now living inSpiritual Israel, the hearts of Christian men and women and His law is nolonger written in stone but on the hearts of every faithful Christian! - TO BE CONTINUED

NOTE: Picture courtesy of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod%27s_Temple#Herod.27s_Temple

[1]From the on-line intro to the book Time and Process in Ancient Judaismby Sacha Stern. See: http://www.littman.co.uk/cat/stern-time.html
[2] 69 A. D. is known as "The Year of the Four Emperors." Vespasian was proclaimed emperor only after 3 other men temporarily held the Imperial Seat. Nero committed suicide in 68 A. D. In 69 A. D. Galba was assassinated in the Forum by the Praetorian Guard, Otho committed suicide, thirdly, Vitellius was killed by Vespasian's soldiers as they overran Rome. Interestingly, as his son would do a year later in Jerusalem, Vespasian burned down the Temple of Jupiter which was associated with Vitellius. The fourth emperor that year, Vespasian, was proclaimed emperor just before years end.
NOTE: For a detailed history of "The War of the Jews" see: http://www.historynet.com/first-jewish-roman-war-siege-of-jerusalem.htm

"Popular Religion"

2011-09-14T01:02:00.000-07:00

We live inretail times. Everything is for sale,including religion. The 12th centuryRoman Catholic monk, Thomas Aquinas, taught that one's primary access to Godwas one's own senses - including, according to Thomas, one's own imagination! How American! "If you can dream it, you can make it reality!" We might call this approach, "PopularReligion." In these days ofAmerican jobs being shipped overseas, "popular religion" is one ofthe last things manufactured here in the states...and boy do we turn out theproduct! The message of "popularreligion?" "Come just as I amand leave just as I am!" Norepentance, no confession, no acknowledgement, no baptism, no changedlife...God just pats me on the head and tells me "you're o. k., you're notas evil as all those other people!"

The most"popular" church in America today is Joel Osteen's "LakewoodChurch" in Houston, TX. Lakewoodboasts a membership of just north of 43,000 people![1] Just how popular is Joel Osteen? Popular enough to "put the show on theroad!" People are so wanting tohear Joel's "popular religion" of no change and no obligation thatthey are willing to pay big bucks just to hear it! Here’s an advertisement on ticketsnow.com:

Charismatic Lakewood Church pastor and best selling author Joel Osteen is sharing his message with capacity crowds at arenas across the nation. Fans drive in droves to see Joel Osteen and hear his popular sermons! Join one of the most famous televangelists for a special night of encouragement, inspiration, and worship! Buy your Joel Osteen tickets now!(2)

But...whatdoes GOD think of "popular religion?" Does He endorse it? Does Heaccept it? More importantly, will itSAVE you? Paul says that "thethings written aforetime were written for our learning." (Romans 15:4) One of those "aforetimes writings" takes place in I Kings 22where we get an insight as to the validity of "popular religion" withGod.

Due to anun-scriptural marriage (I Kings 8:18) between Judah's King Jehosophat's son,Jehoram, with the daughter, Athalia, ofthe pagan queen of Israel, Queen Jezebel, and her lap-dog husband, King Ahab,Jehosophat found himself in a military pact with evil. This obligated Jehosophat to militarilysupport whatever military adventure Ahab could dream up. "I am as you are, my people as yourpeople, my horses as your horses." (22:4b ESV) Thus the two kings decided to attack theSyrians at Ramoth-Gilead.

KingJehosophat, being skeptical of that old fox Ahab, in 22:5; "Inquire firstfor the word of the Lord." Hewanted God's stamp of approval before he and Ahab started a war. Ahab, being the pragmatist that he was, wasactively seeking a way to fend off such pesky requests.

We think"opinion polls" are new but King Ahab knew all about them. Not only that, he knew how to manipulatethem! (Imagine, politicians manipulatingpolling data?!) In 22:6, the Biblesays, that Ahab took an "opinion poll" of "about 400 men"who (here’s a shocker!) ALL told the king that he would succeed! They universally proclaimed to the king,"Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king."

This is"popular religion" at it's best, or should we say, at it'sworst! We can almost hear the peoplesay, "Tell the king what he wants to hear and all will go well withyou!" They claimed to be speakingfor God (22:11) but Jehosophat was still skeptical! "Is there not here another prophet ofthe LORD of whom we may inquire?" Finally, the reluctant Ahab fesses up! "There is yet on man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, Micaiahthe son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerningme, but evil." (22:8. emphasis mine - RM) You reckon!? No wonder Ahab did not include him in thefirst batch! He knew what was the likelyprophesy to come out of all of this!

As it turnsout, the 400 "prophets" were wrong and the lone Micaiah wasright! The combined army of Ahab andJehosophat was to be defeated by the Syrians. Not only that, the evil Ahab was killed at Ramoth-Gilead and Jehosophatbarely escaped with his life to rule over a devastated and ruined country. "Popular religion" did not fly onthat day nor will it in our day! EverySunday in Charlotte, 400 +/- denominational preachers tell their listeners tosay the "sinners prayer and receive Christ as their personal savior."[3] They tell people what they want to hear whileentertaining them with instrumental music, art, dance and drama...all without a"word from the LORD!" What wasit that Paul told the Galatians? "But though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospelunto you than that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed."(Galatians 1:8 (KJV) "Popular Religion" IS "another gospel!" It is accursed!

Yes, King Ahab diedfor his embrace of "popular religion" and will face God one day injudgment still clutching onto it. WILLYOU?

[1]According to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakewood_Church

[2]Upcoming Osteen event ticketsfor a November 4, 2011 event in Cincinnati are priced from $25.00 - $109.00 each! Via: http://www.ticketsnow.com/joel-osteen-tickets/

[3]There is no such thing as the “sinner’s prayer” in Scripture. For more Bible on this, go to: http://sinners-prayer.info

NOTE: Picture courtesy of: http://en.wikipedia.org

Let The Lower Lights Be Burning!

2011-09-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

S.S.Edmund Fitzgerald, 1958 - 1975[1]

10 November 1975 was a dark, coldand stormy night on Lake Superior just off Cleveland. As sometimes is the case, 80 mile per hourwinds and 30 foot waves sprung up without warning. The now iconic ship S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald sunkjust short of reaching harbor. All 29crew were lost without a trace with the cause of the wreck unknown until thisday. She lies in 530 feet of water just15 nautical miles from the safety of Whitefish Bay. In her day she was the largest ship ever tosail the Great Lakes. The maritime tragedy, is memorialized by Gordon Lightfootin his moving 1976 ballad, The Wreck ofthe Edmund Fitzgerald.[2] Such losses of men and ships arenothing new off Whitefish Point. Infact, from 1816 until 1975 some 240 ships perished![3] One such loss in the middle of the 19^thcentury moved song writer and missionary singer, Philip Bliss (1838 – 1876) towrite a moving hymn; Let the Lower Lightsbe Burning. While in Chicago, Blissheard a preacher tell of a similar tragedy that took place on Whitefish Bay offCleveland more than a 100 years before. Thepreacher told of a ship in a violent storm one stormy night trying to makeCleveland.

As he drew near,(the captain) shouted to the lighthouse keeper, “Is this Cleveland?” The lighthouse keeper shouted back, “Quitetrue, sir!” The captain asked, “Whereare the lower lights?” The lighthousekeeper said, “They have gone out. Canyou make the harbor?” The captainreplied, “We must, or we will perish!” With that he sailed his ship into the harbor, passed the lighthouse,missed the channel, and was dashed against the rocks. It was a terrible tragedy. Many people were killed. The preacher brought the story home withthese words; “Brothers and sisters, the Master will take care of thelighthouse. Let US keep the lower lightsburning!”[4]

The prospect of a shipwreck dueto extreme weather and darkness is clearly revealed to us in Acts 27:39 –44. Life knows few terrors moredesperate than a shipwreck in the dark of night. We can easily visualize such trauma by rememberingthe opening scenes of the Disney classic SwissFamily Robinson. The Edmund Fitzgerald had radar and she knewher heading but the storm was just too great to overcome. In years past, beforethe advent of radar and sonar, ships had to rely on lighthouses at the harborentries for direction. These lighthouseshad both upper and lower lights. Theupper light is what we normally think of when we think about lighthouses. It is that light up top of the large brickstructure that shines several miles out to sea. It gave general direction to ships seeking harbor. However, the upper lights by themselvesbecame useless when the ships drew close. They would be blind without the “lower lights burning.”

Just what are the “lowerlights?” The “lower lights are those lightsin those buildings surrounding the harbor illuminating the narrow channel andentrance to the safety of the harbor, where the wind and the waves subside,eliminating the terror and danger of the open sea. Without the “lower lights burning,” thehelmsman is blind and in grave danger. “Light” is biblically linked to safety and salvation. It is the singular most visible attribute ofGod Himself! It is our duty and privilegeas Christians to carry the light of God’s saving gospel to a lost and dyingworld, much like those who bravely man the “lower lights along the shore.” As the upper light and the lower lightsstrive together to bring the lost and stranded sailor to the safety of theharbor, so it is with God and His children.

In Scripture, the primary Hebrewword for “light” is or which means “illumination in every sense includinglightning, happiness, bright, clear, day, morning, sun.” [5] [See Exodus10:23, Psalms 27:1 et. al.]

The primary Greek word for“light” is phos which means to “shine or make clear by rays, fire orlight.”[6] [See I john 1:5, John 8:12, Matthew 5:14 et. al.]

Metaphorically speaking, Godprovides the “upper light” of salvation which we then carry to a lost and dyingworld as His “lower lights.” The essenceof these thoughts are all covered by Paul’s wonderful words in II Corinthians4:4 – 7 where Paul uses “light” to describe both the glory and the Word of God,God Himself and the Light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face ofChrist, light that is then distributed by jars of clay! My friend, you and I are “lower lights”housed in “jars of clay” lining the harbor of God’s salvation!

Jesus Christ, the (upper) Lightof the World, gives us the His gospel through the light of the knowledge of HisWord & then gives us (lower lights) “…all authority to speak, exhort,rebuke and to be disregarded by no one!” (Titus 2:15 (ESV) “Let the lowerlights be burning, send a gleam across the wave. Some poor fainting, struggling seaman, youmay rescue, you may save!”

[The gospel of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15) is the fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, that He was buried, that He rose on the 3rd day and appeared to over 500 witnesses. The free gift of God's salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all who HEAR the Word of God (Romans 10:17), who BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God (John 8:24), who REPENT of all sin (Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38), who CONFESS that Jesus is the Son of God before witnesses (Matthew 10:32), who are BAPTIZIED in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and who LIVE FAITHFULLY from that point forward until death (I John 1:7).]

[1]Photo from the Minnesota Historical Society via: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Edmund_Fitzgerald

[2]Foran excellent video regarding the ship, the crew and the song, go to: http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=the%20edmund%20fitzgerald&tnr=21&vid=1053208806682&l=593&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fvideos%2Fthumbnail.aspx%3Fq%3D1053208806682%26id%3D792e2355d1fa81a9b9841ff09b5d0083%26bid%3DB2FgpX5pcmYdJw%26bn%3DThumb%26url%3Dhttp%253a%252f%252fwww.dailymotion.com%252fvideo%252fxif69_wreck-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald_music&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymotion.com%2Fvideo%2Fxif69_wreck-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald_music&sigr=12bcu5h38&newfp=1&tit=wreck+of+the+edmund+fitzgerald

[3]Op. cit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Edmund_Fitzgerald

[4]http://ussboston.org/shore.html

[5]According to Strong’s via http://e-sword.com

[6]Ibid.

"End Times" or the "End of Time?" - Part II

2011-09-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Temple Mount as seen across the Kidron Valley from the Mount of Olives (1)

A Continuing Exposition of Matthew 24 & Luke 21

It ismorbidly interesting to see what the "God is the Temple / The Temple isGod" mentality led to. After thedestruction of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem by the Romans, theremaining Jewish fighters fled to the mountain top fortress in the wilderness, Masada. It was thought that no army could ever defeatit. The Romans, however, never got themessage and built a siege ramp and entered the fortress. Sadly they discovered the Jews there had allcommitted suicide. Why? Suicide had always been looked upon withdistain by God's people. The reason isthat with the Temple destroyed, there could be only one conclusion. There is no God, there is no afterlife, lifeis meaningless. Suicide was the onlyanswer to their now atheistic minds. Hadthey only listened to Jesus! He had (andSTILL has!) the words of life!

In vs. 4,Jesus began to answer the disciples first question; "Tell us, when willthese things be?" He clearly statesthat before "one stone is not left upon another," deceivers willarise and attempt to draw away the disciples. One of the keys to understanding this passage is to observe the almostredundant use of the personal pronouns of "you" and "your"by Jesus referring exclusively to the disciples. The text tells us that the "disciplescame to Him privately." There wasno one there but Jesus and His disciples when he answered their twoquestions. He is not speaking to someonein the distant future, He is speaking to His disciples in the flesh and intheir own time.

Throughoutthis discourse, Christ will give many detailed clues as to when and under whatcircumstances the destruction of the Temple will take place. His instructions were so precise that thedisciples were able to warn the Christians in Jerusalem at that time to theextent that there is no record of even a single Christian perishing in Jerusalemin 70 A.D.! We will detail these veryclear signs.

As noted, thefirst sign Christ tells the disciples of the Temples destruction is that therewill be an attempt to "lead YOU astray." Not people in the future but the disciples intheir lifetime. Vs. 5 gives four vividpredictions that begin the signs of the coming destruction of the Temple andJerusalem in which it is located. (1)The deceivers will be "many." (2) They will come in the Name of Christ. (3) They will claim to be the Christ. (4) They will lead many astray. These are warning signs that are spiritual innature but very observable. There werealso physical warnings that would be very observable to the disciples as well.

Jesus begins todetail these physical warnings in vs. 6. He says that YOU (the disciples) will "hear of wars and rumors ofwars." Many today fret that the endof time is approaching because we continually hear of "wars and rumors ofwars." Really? Name a time in history since Cain slew hisbrother Abel that there has NOT been "wars and rumors of wars?" War is a constant in the ongoing saga offallen and sinful man. Jesus wasspeaking "privately" to His disciples answering two very distinctquestions, the first of which he answered with multiple signs and the latterwhich He answered with absolutely no sign whatsoever. Jesus here is referring to specific wars andrumors of wars..."The War of the Jews" as Josephus puts it. In 66 A.D., after years of protest, violence,civil disobedience and several small but open revolts, the Jewish nation rose upen masse in open rebellion againstthe hated Romans. The Romans, in theprocess of establishing their pax romano (The Roman Peace), weredetermined to once and for all stamp out all Jewish resistance in a mostcomplete and dramatic way. The resultwas so profound that the entire empire took note and complied to Roman rule forthe next 300 years. The destruction wasas Christ said it would be; "...great tribulation, such as not been fromthe beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be." TO BE CONTINUED

[1]Photo Courtesy of: http://www.photos8.com/the_old_city_of_jerusalem-wallpapers.html The extant “Dome of the Rock” is the approx.location of the Herodian Temple.

"End Times" or the "End of Time?" - Part I

2011-08-31T21:23:00.000-07:00

Jerusalem as seen fromthe Mount of Olives[1]

An Exposition of Matthew 24 & Luke 21 - First of a Series

A burning question, it seems, for our times. Do we live in the “end times” or the “end oftime?” Do we live in the days ofChrist’s judgmental return or are we simply living during the last spiritualage? Despite the denominational rhetoricto the contrary, the Bible answer is the latter, God has truly initiated thevery last spiritual age in the history of the world – the Christian Age. It began with the death, burial andresurrection of Jesus Christ whose will was read on the Day of Pentecost, fiftydays following the crucifixion of Christ. These “last days” will linger until the “last trumpet” has sounded. How long will these “last days” extend? No one knows. We do know, however, what Christ told his disciples about how they (andby extension you and me) should view these questions and how to set theirpriorities accordingly.

Matthew 24 is very clear about two things; the absolutepredictability of the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. and the absoluteun-certainty of the timing of the judgmental return of Christ – the very lastday. This passages clarity, however, hasbeen clouded by many overlays of preconceived falsehoods in recent years bythose who would distort the very words of Christ. It is our purpose to reexamine the text forwhat it says, not what many would like it to say.

Matthew 24 begins with the awe the disciples had for themagnificence of the Herodian Temple. Itwas one of the most beautiful structures in all the 1^st centuryworld. They were so enthralled with itsstunning beauty that they made an overt effort to point it out to Jesus. How Jesus responded must have shocked thedisciples to the core. He told them thatthis “wonder of the world” would be destroyed to such an extent that literally“not one stone would be left upon another!” They left the Temple, walked downinto the Kidron Valley and walked up the slope of the Mount of Olives. Looking back, one could clearly see MountZion and the Temple which set atop it. It must have been quite the scene.

The shock of the disciples at Jesus’ reply was so profoundthat the disciples did not speak about it again until the end of the journeyfrom the top of Mt. Zion to the top of the Mount of Olives. Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives andthe disciples, still stunned, came to Him with two questions; “When will thesethings be?” and “What will be the signs of Your coming and the end of theworld?” Jesus will give them two verydifferent answers, one complete with every detail and the other with absolutelyno detail at all.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to fullyappreciate what the Temple meant to the 1^st century Jew. It not only was the place of national worshipand the very presence of the Spirit of God, it was literally part and parcel oftheir spiritual and national identity as a people. Without the Temple, there would be nonation. Without the Temple, there wouldbe no sacrificial system. Without theTemple they would no longer be a people. In their minds, without the Temple there would be no God! Any loss of the Temple would be like…the endof the world itself. Without the Temple,how could life go on? That is why thetwo questions were linked in their mind for “if” there was no Temple therewould be no place for the Spirit of God to reside. “If” God’s Spirit was no longer on earth, howcould earth itself survive? If theTemple were to be destroyed, how could life continue? Over time, sadly, the faith of the Jewishpeople had moved…without notice…from faith in God to faith in God’s residence. Oneis reminded of that old song by Leslie Gore; “…don’t they know it’s the end ofthe world? It ended when I lost yourlove.” – TO BE CONTINUED

[1]Photo Courtesy of: http://www.photos8.com/the_old_city_of_jerusalem-wallpapers.html The extant “Dome of the Rock” is the approx.location of the Herodian Temple.

Eternal Dust or Just Broken Temporarily?

2011-08-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

True repentance is the most difficult thing to accept in this life. Repentance is a complete, and permanent, change of direction. It means that each one who repents turns around from pursuing Satan to pursuing God. It means forsaking everything we cherish and hold dear, up to and including family and friends. It means surrendering "ownership" of what we have accumulated. It means to give up all self love, self indulgence and self importance. It means gathering up our entire "essence," throwing it all on God's altar and burning it up. It means we no longer live for self but live for Christ. It means selling ourselves into literal and figurative slavery. It means accepting the redemption of Christ who buys us from our former slave master, Satan, and gladly, happily to willingly serve our new master, Christ Jesus.

Jesus characterizes and contrasts the cost of repentance...and...the cost for failure to repent in Luke 20:18; "Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it shall be ground to powder." What is Jesus saying? He is, as God always does, giving us two simple choices. We are reminded of that old Fram Filter (C) ad of some years back; "Pay me now or pay me later!" Either we die to self now and live eternally or live for self now and die eternally. This is the same essential message of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. While God has different requirements in each of the three dispensations, the necessity of true repentance is present in all three.

Jesus Christ is the "stone which the builders rejected that has now become the chief cornerstone" of God's house. The builders (The Jews and their leaders) rejected that chief cornerstone and suffered destruction in 70 a.d. at the hands of Titus the Roman. Christ uses the metaphor to contrast the choices we have in the Christian age, what the Bible calls the "last days." We can either cast ourselves on the stone of Christ and be broken (true and total repentance) thus ending our lives to self while claiming eternal life or we can refuse to repent and suffer the penalty. What is that penalty? It is being crushed into "dust" by the stone resulting in total and eternal destruction, a destruction not unlike what happened to the Herodian Temple where "not one stone was left upon another." That temple, and those people, were crushed as it were, into dust. The "dust bin" of eternity is Satan's hell where all the "non-broken" people reside forever, many of whom were "good" people while on this earth. They just refused to be "broken on the stone."

Repentance, true repentance, requires a response to God's grace, mercy and His free gift of salvation. We must, as Peter said in Acts 2:38, be "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." One cannot "repent" while refusing baptism for this is the time and place of God's work - the removal of our sins much like circumcision of the old covenant. (Colossians 2:11-12) Repentance AND baptism constitute one's "falling upon that stone." "Repentance" without baptism is like announcing that you are going to cast yourself down upon the stone of Christ but then refusing to do so. Submission to God's will in baptism completes the process for that is when we join Christ in His death. (Romans 6:3) We become "broken upon the stone" in the watery grave where God meets us as we meet the blood of His dear son, blood that was "shed for the remission of sins."

What then shall it be for us? Will we be broken or will we be crushed by the stone of Christ into eternal dust? The "Rock of Ages" can save us or destroy us! Which will it be?

Faith In The Valley

2011-08-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

We often think of faith as a "mountain top experience." Such a statement is only half true for if one is to find the mountaintop one must begin the journey in the valley. The mountaintop is possible ONLY if faith is found in the valley first!

King David found his faith in the valley of Kidron before ascending to the Mount of Olives in II Samuel 15:13 - 37. He entered the valley upon hearing that his rebellious son, Absalom, "had stolen the hearts of the men of Israel." [15:13] He entered the valley because he listened to men instead of inquiring of God. His faith was replaced by fear...fear of "being overtaken," fear of being "brought down to ruin" and fear of having "Jerusalem put to the sword." [15:14] Though no attack was imminent, no army was approaching and no confirmation of the strength of the enemy was received...David fled Zion and headed to the valley. As so often is the case with us as well, David did not descend into the valley alone, he took others with him. In fact "all his household (went) after him." [15:16]

When David and his household descended into the deepest part of the valley something amazing happened. Though his own family, many of his top advisors and apparently most of all Israel had deserted him he found out who his TRUE friends were! David was accompanied, protected and loved by real friends who were not even of the House of Israel! His BEST FRIENDS turned out to be a wild and tough bunch of Philistines! Who stood between David and Absalom? The Cherethites, the Pelethites and the Gittites from Gath! Chief among them was a fugitive from Gath, Ittai. Having come over to David just ONE DAY BEFORE, he was a true friend of the king! Ittai told the suffering king; "As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for LIFE or DEATH, there also will your servant be." [15:21] Before faith returned to David, God showed him who his real friends were. Drawing close to God often means first drawing close to one another. We see the "face of Jesus" in our real and true friends when we are in the valley of doubt and fear.

As with us, when David got to the bottom of the valley, he encountered God who was already there. God lives in the valley so He can meet us there, take our hand and lead us home. Some other true friends, Abiathar, Zadok and ALL the Levites were there bearing the Ark of the Covenant - the very presence of God Almighty! When David met God in the valley, everything began to change! Faith began to return! He gained strength to climb the Mount of Olives where his restoration to the throne began! There was, of course, a great temptation to take the Ark along with them to "ensure" God's protection against their enemies. David, though, refused. He ordered the Ark back to Zion in a great act of returning faith. He, right then and there in the deepest part of the valley, put his faith in God and not in the Ark. His faith had returned and he then began to act out this new found faith in focus, courage and determination.

Though we, too, may find faith in the valley...much sorrow remains as we walk up towards the mountaintop. David himself said that what God desires is a "broken and contrite heart" before Him. [Psalms 51:17] We see a broken and contrite David - leading a band of broken and contrite followers - up the Mount of Olives. Repentance is a tearful walk but is part and parcel of any return to faith as we leave the valley of doubt and despair. "But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went." [15:30]

As David approached the summit, God gave him a great blessing and comforter in a special friend - Hushai. Though the text refers to David's Philistine friends as "servants" [15:18], Hushai is specifically called "friend" in 15:37. Like his other friends, Hushai is NOT a Jew! He is a Canaanite, an Archite from the border of Ephriam and Benjamin. He is, however, a believer! He is servant of the God Most High who approached the summit of the Mount of Olives - "where God was worshipped" - with his "coat torn and dirt on his head" [15:32], Hushai, the "friend" of David, returned to Jerusalem, risking his life, as a spy for the king. As he did with David, God gives us "friends" who risk everything to bring us back to the summit "where God is worshipped!"

David reached mountaintop of faith because he met God in the valley first! In these times of doubt and despair - so can we!

Join us for worship next Lord's Day at 10 a.m. at the Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210! "Jesus Will Meet You There!"

Whose Heart Are We After?

2011-07-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

This is not a Tale of Two Cities, but a “tale of two hearts.” King David was a “man after God’s own heart,” while his would-be-king son, Absalom, was a “man after man’s own heart.” He was the antithesis of his father. We must look into the mirror of God’s Word and ask ourselves the same question; “after whose heart are we after?”

Looking into the dross that was the heart of Absalom in II Samuel 15:1 – 12, we see a man at his worst. He was a fraud, a liar, a manipulator, a usurper and ultimately a traitor to both his father and to his nation. He was a man obsessed with symbolism and disdainful of substance. In this passage we see not a single positive trait, he was devoid of any spiritual quality. What we do see in Absalom is a man who was pragmatically driven to succeed politically. He was a man who embraced the satanic lie that the “ends justify the means.” He epitomizes today’s existential nonsense that man can “create his own future” by “deconstructing the past.” He wanted to create his own “brave new world,” (to borrow a phrase from Huxley). Absalom aggressively adopted radical “outcome based” thinking in a twisted kind of “continuous improvement” mindset.

Specifically, Absalom rolled out a six-point plan to make himself king of Israel. It was methodically plotted and took a number of years to implement. He either was ignorant of the fact that “it is not in man to direct his own steps,” or he imagined himself being exempt from it due to his political genius, his personal popularity and his manipulative prowess. This was his plan:

1. He procured a chariot and runners to advertise his presence in Jerusalem. [15:1]

2. He established himself as a judge of the people by “rising up early to stand before the way of the gate.” [15:2]

3. He intercepted every complainant before he could reach the king for judgment. [15:2]

4. He agreed with and promoted every man’s complaint regardless of rightness, wrongness or merit. [15:2]

5. He publically complained of his father’s “absence” at the gate of judgment. [15:3 – 4]

6. Finally, he blatantly patronized every complainant by “putting out his hand and kissing every man” approaching the gate for judgment. [15:5]

Collectively, these things allowed Absalom to “steal the hearts of the men of Israel.” Once these hearts were stolen, Absalom graduated to using “religion” in order to fool his loving and forgiving father and ultimately to enter into revolt, rebellion and treason against “the Lord’s Anointed.” This was all made possible because Absalom saw himself as a man unshackled by the “faith of his father.” He saw himself as a man of “spontaneous action,” unlike his father, a man “trapped” by his convictions. He thought he could “free himself” from the chains of “morality.” By so doing he would “deconstruct the old” and “construct the new” on the ruins of his fathers’ kingdom – dancing, as it were, on his fathers would be grave.

Absalom, however, neglected to consider God in all of this. He, first and foremost, neglected to repent of his past sins – especially the murder of his brother Amnon. He neglected to pray for God’s Will and Direction. He neglected to seek counsel of any prophet or the Priests of God. He neglected to research the Word of God for wisdom. His neglect closed his soul, his mind, his ears and his eyes to the consequences of his pragmatic plans, best laid as they were. He would soon die in dishonor and shame.

We end as we began – are we “men after God’s own heart,” or “men after man’s own heart?” “Whose heart are we after?” How we answer that question will bring either reward or disaster when life’s door closes!

Praying Always = NEVER Losing Heart!

2011-06-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

We live in the "best of times and the worst of times." Many fail to "count their blessings" and to be thankful to God for such blessings as abundant food, multiple daily choices of clothing and shelter. And, not only shelter, but shelter that includes tight roofs, heating, air conditioning, carpeted floors, hot and cold running water, indoor plumbing, refrigerators (fully stocked!), washers, dryers, microwaves, radios, TV's and internet access. America has the "richest" poor folks in the world!

Having said that, we live during the first generation since the Great Depression that will leave to our children an America that is poorer, weaker and less united than the America we received from our parents. Studies show that, adjusted for inflation, real wages in the United States have remained flat for the last 30 years. In contrast with that, extreme wealth and extreme poverty (by American standards) have greatly accelerated, for people at both extremes of the equation pay little or no tax. Inflation is once again at the point it was during the 1970's and early 80's, though the government conceals the real numbers having removed from its computations the two greatest culprits of inflation, food and fuel. High housing costs are being artificially propped up by government fiat. Real unemployment is likely around 20% for government computations do not include those who have expired un-employment benefits and / or have quit looking for work. When one includes the under-employed (those who work longer and harder for far less money than they did in pre economic crisis years), upwards to 40% of all Americans are either un-employed or under employed. Not only that, blue collar unemployment is rampantly high. The latest un-employment estimate for men not holding a college degree is running at approximately 40% as well.

Other factors are contributing to our national malaise. Divorce, abortion, out of wedlock births, declining birth rates among married and stable families, child abandonment, drug and alcohol addiction, promiscuity and isolation are all assaulting the family, God's essential cornerstone of society. As a result of all these factors, plus the aging of the largest generational group in American history, the "Baby Boomers," America is depressed, disenchanted and without clear purpose. These factors have not only affected families and individuals, they are affecting the church. Attendance is in free fall decline, especially on Sunday nights and Wednesdays among churches of Christ. Many congregations have abandoned meeting on Sunday night completely. People are leaving older, smaller, poorer and urban congregations for newer, larger, richer and suburban congregations. Churches of Christ are, as Jesus alludes to in Luke 18:1, beginning to "lose heart."

So... how do we NOT lose heart?! The answer is one that is both easy and difficult. It is an answer that is easy to identify intellectually but difficult to put into practice for the implementation requires both individual Christians and entire congregations of God's people to reflect, repent and to pray....ALWAYS. The answer requires an admission failure to achieve God's Will by our own individual and corporate effort. The answer requires that we be open and transparent with both God and with each other. The answer requires that we all admit, before God, that we are both inadequate and unworthy before the task. The answer, in fact, requires a total surrender on our part to the sovereignty, purpose and Will of God. The answer requires that we "let go and let God!'

In Luke 18:1 - 8, Jesus makes a number of observations as how "not to lose heart." Among others there are these:

1. NOT losing heart is tied 100% to "prayer without ceasing."

2. God WANTS to be annoyed with our prayers!

3. NOTHING is off the table with God. When we have needs, God wants to hear about them!

4. We are not just anybody, we are God's ELECT!

5. God does not mind that we "cry to Him day and night."

6. God will not long delay in answering our "ceaseless prayers."

7. God will soon deliver justice to us.

This is a great promise and one that is more than obvious, we must grasp it in our day and time! "IF" we fail to grasp it, the Son of Man will return to find no faith on the earth. We are God's men and women at a critical time in history! "Let us ALWAYS pray and NOT lose heart!"

- Russ McCullough

The Best Dad EVER!

2011-06-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

"The best dad ever!" is a sentiment often ascribed to many a father. Who, then, was the best father of all time? What characteristics describe him? The "best dad ever" turns out to be the God whom we worship, God the Father!

We all recall the account of the so-called "Prodigal Son" in Luke 15:11-32. There are three characters in this account and each delivers a different lesson. Obviously, the Prodigal tells of waywardness and redemption. The "ever faithful" elder brother tells of jealousy and pride. But the Father is the perfect picture of grace, mercy and restoration. It is upon Him that we should focus this Father's Day.

Just what characteristics of God the Father do we need to glean from this metaphor? There are many but here are the highlights, dads:

1. Though the "best dad ever" could have very easily "had his way," the Father allows his son to make his own choices...no matter what the consequence. (15:12)

2. It is plain to see that the "best dad ever" was a good provider for his family, there was substantial savings at His disposal for him to use for those whom He loved. (15:12)

3. The "best dad ever" was continually looking for his son to return to what was good, right and just. (15:20)

4. Even before the "best dad ever" had heard any kind of confession, apology or explanation, He felt compassion for him without reservation. (15:20)

5. Ignoring whatever "baggage" His son was carrying, the "best dad ever" ran to embrace and kiss him. (15:20)

6. The "best dad ever" listened to his son's confession without interruption, complaint or demand. (15:20)

7. Ignoring the obvious sin, guilt and shame the "best dad ever" restored the prodigal to his former status without retribution, payment or punishment. (15:22 - 23)

8. The "best dad ever" threw the "best party ever" to celebrate the restoration of his lost son, a party held without pretext, apology or explanation because the "dead had returned to life!" (15:24)

Who's the prodigal? Me and you. We are the rebellious son that has "demanded our rights" and have abandoned all that is dear to go to the "far country" to waste our lives in foolish endeavors.

Who's the "best dad ever?" God the Father, though we deserve nothing, lavishes the riches of heaven upon us, now and for all eternity!

"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see!"

Those of us who are fathers can learn some great lessons of our own from the "best dad ever" so our children will one day remember us with that very same endearment!

Good dads work hard and long to provide for the physical needs of their children.
Good dads, within the guidelines of Scripture, allow their children to make their own decisions AND to live with the consequences of those decisions.
Good dads are always on the lookout for the "returning child" from the "far country."
Good dads are eager to hear the confession of wrong from erring children without any sentiment other than thanksgiving.
Good dads are eager to offer restoration with out preconditions or pretext.
Good dads don't demand continual explanations, apologies or rehash after restoration. The good dad leaves the past in the past.
Good dads don't continue to punish their erring children once they have been restored.
Good dads "rejoice with those who rejoice," especially children returning from the "far country!"

Want to be remembered as the "best dad ever?" Take your cues from "the best dad ever," God the Father! HAPPY FATHERS DAY, DAD!
- Russ McCullough - Distributed through JTC Media

The REAL Christian in a VIRTUAL World!

2011-06-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

Interaction and communication have changed more radically in the last decade than in any other previous 10 year period in history since the invention of the printing press about 500 years ago. As Christians we must be keenly aware of the world around us in order to be effective evangelists, our “prime directive” as it were. Jesus uses the nuclear phrase “all authority on heaven and earth has been given to me” to emphasize the eternal urgency of our evangelistic ambassadorship. “All things internet” has given us tools unimaginable just 10 years ago, while at the same time, tempting us in ways ALSO unimaginable just 10 years ago!

No change has been more profound than the embrace of nearly everyone (to at least some extent) of what is now called the “social media.” Today, it is no longer necessary to actually MEET someone in order to become their “FRIEND!” Four general observations regarding “social media” before we continue:

· Not all aspects of computer technology are beneficial for Christians.

· Not every medium meshes with God’s Will.

· For the Christian, virtual interaction must supplement family, fellowship and community, NOT replace them!

· It is not necessary for the Christian to know everything about everybody else on every occasion.

For our purposes, we will define “social media” as:

Any medium that relies on some kind of electronic devise allowing 2 or more people to simultaneously interact with each other on a truth neutral platform.

Regardless if we are speaking of the increasingly popular “interactive video game,” Google, ® Facebook, ® LinkedIn, ® Twitter ® or any kind of texting, we are speaking of media that allows the individual to “create” an on-line persona that may or may not reflect reality. In other words, the difficulty of ascertaining whether ay written, spoken or visual communication is truthful – or not – is greatly enhanced. Chaos thrives on such doubt. We must all, therefore, ask the question; “Does media shape me or do I shape my media?” A better question is; “Does GOD shape the media I use?”

The Scripture says in Proverbs 23:7; “…as a man thinks in his own heart, so is he.” The challenge for the Christian is to not allow his virtual personality (persona) replace his real personality. This “substitute” personality that people “create” for their on-line presence is often times called an “avatar.” Merriam-Webster’s on-line dictionary defines “avatar” thusly: “…an electronic image [electronic incarnation (RM)] that represents and is manipulated by a computer user (as in computer game).”[1] THIS is precisely how, for example, men get entangled with on-line pornography. While living “morally” in their “real life,” their “avatar” is engaging in the unspeakable in their “virtual world.” This creates the ultimate spiritual showdown for, as Jesus said, “…no man can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24)

The “avatar,” simply put, is electronic hypocrisy! Knowing all this, what guidance does God’s Word have regarding these matters? Paul gives us (by inspiration) heavenly wisdom regarding Christian conduct in two passages:

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. – I Thessalonians 5:19 – 22 (ESV)

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. 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. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:25 – 32 (ESV)

There are applications from these two passages to our “virtual concerns:”

· Examine everything on-line carefully for real and virtual “realities” “appear” to be the same!

· Do not deny who you are on-line. One cannot take on a non-Christian persona / avatar and be a Christian in the real world.

· Embrace only the good on-line

· Flee from everything that even has a hint of evil on-line

· Be extremely cautious on-line because the lines between good and evil are blurred to the extreme

· Exercise wisdom on what you see, experience, express and participate in on-line.

· Use your time wisely on-line, remembering your media should serve you, not the other way around

· Make all your on-line decisions based upon God’s precepts

· Flee any addictive behavior on-line

· Be full of the Spirit instead of being full of obsession & imagination especially your “avatar!”

· Pray often on-line often, expressing thanksgiving to God

· Always follow the Golden rule on-line

· Finally, “virtual” Christianity cannot replace REAL Christianity!

In conclusion; throw away all your “avatars” and put only the “real you” on-line as we are “no longer our own but bought with a price!”

[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avatar?show=0&t=1307543289

The Instrument of Destruction - Part 1 Video

2011-06-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

What God Do You Love? - The God Who Created You or The God That YOU Created?!

2011-02-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

The rise of "multiculturalism" in the West, now morphing into "multi-individualism," is essentially the latest of rebellious events against the Creator God that every so often shakes civilization to the core. The devilish theory behind all of this is the lie that all cultures / individuals are equally valid and valuable and that we should all oppose any kind of singular cultural identity. In other words, there is no right or wrong, only more and "better" evolutionary choices. Not only that, dominating cultures such as that which is found in the United States, are inherintly evil and must be deconstructed in an existential attempt to form a "brave new world" where there will be mandated "equal results" for all people instead of "equal opportunities" where some people fail.(1) This "one world utopian" view of things is immortalized in John Lennon's infamous song; "Imagine." In Lennon's vision, there is "no heaven and no religion too." This theological vacuum creates "paradise" on earth where man becomes god.

The Chinese proverb; "may you live in interesting times," is indeed descriptive of 2011 when chaos is the order of the day both at home and abroad. This puts us, adherents to the "one Lord, one fatih and one baptism," in an ever increasing hostile environment. This environment embraces "all truths" while intolerently rejecting THE truth. This places us inside a monumental and historical paradigm shift away from "fearing the one true God" and towards the proclomation and adherance to a multitude of "self created gods" who look all too similar to "the man in the mirror."

"Multiculturalism / multi-individaulism" is just the latest among man centered rebellions in the unfolding of history. The first and most momentous of these rebellions was The Fall of Man as recorded in Genesis 3:5 where Satan promised Eve and Adam that they "would be as gods, knowing good and evil." After The Fall, man grew increasingly self directed and wicked prompting God to destroy that entire civilization save for Noah, his wife, their 3 sons and there wives in the Worldwide Flood. In fact man was so wicked that "every intention and thought was only evil continually" according Genesis 6:5. After the flood, man took a direction that is prototypical of every other rebellion against God since - he sought to establish his own utopia based on his own self-worth and merit. Man decided upon total world wide unity outside of the Will of God. Man gathered in one city, developed one language and had a singular purpose - to reach equality with God on man's terms, not God's. We know this event as the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11:8 God dispersed man throughout the world by confusing the language - each people group instantly had a different language making unity no longer possible.

Every societal rebellion since has attempted this "utopian unity" model - and has always failed, as it always will. "Multiculturalism / multi-individualism" will soon implode despite the best efforts of the U.N., the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Imperial Rome, Papal Rome, Revolutionary France, Imperial Britian, Fascist Germany / Japan / Italy, Communist Russia / China have all attempted world wide domination based on the Babel model. In years to come, we will have to face not only "Multiculturalism / multi-individaulism," but the threat of a new monolitic Caliphate threat from Islam. These, too, will ultimately fall as did Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. America will fall as well unless the Lord returns prior to that event.

Until the judgement of God comes down on the head of any civilization, God pauses for a time to allow repentance. Where are we in America? Have we tipped the scale to the point of no return or is there still time for repentance and renewal? Has the "glory of the Lord departed from the temple?" Our prayers and our efforts must always assume that there IS time for repentance and renewal for God has not yet acted! We must be busy "sowing and watering," being "salt and light" in society and "redeeming the time for the days are evil." In order to best accomplish this we must be accutely aware of where people are spiritually. Nearly any poll will show that upwards to 90% of Americans believe in "God." On the surface this seems like good news, but is it?

What "God" do people in America love, the God who created them or the god whom THEY created? Sadly, the latter is far more prominent than the former.

Every society has a dominant religious belief about it. Iran is Muslim, India is Hindu and Bhuddist, Italy is Roman Catholic and so forth. These religious beliefs become merged into the societal norms and become what we would call a "civil religion." What is America's "civil religion?" Is America a "Chistian nation" or not? Not long ago President Obama announced to the world that "America is no longer a Christian nation." While we can surely state with certainty that America is not "Christian" in the New Testament sense of the word, we CAN say that no nation was ever founded on Christian "principles" more solidly than ours. We affirmed in the Declaration that "all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator certain inaliable rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." No nations culture is more influenced by Christian principles than is ours. Having said that, this "Christian influence" is eroding quickly due the fact the the "god" that most Americans adhere to is NOT the God of the Bible but, instead, a "god" of their own creation. This "god" is described by researcher Christian Smith of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as a god that is "moralistic, therapeutic and Deist." In 2005, he published his research in a book, Soul Searching - The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers.(2) In other words, America's civil religion is a false hope based upon a false god proclaiming a false message as was the "unknown god" of ancient Athens that Paul spoke of in Acts 17:16 - 34. The Athenians worshipped this "god" in a polytheistic, pluralistic and multicultural way. Paul though, preached to them the truth of the one true God manifested by the Risen Savior in a monotheistic, singular and uni-cultural way!

America's civil religion is strangely similar to the Stoicism that Paul encountered on Mars Hill. In the 3rd century b.c. a man named Zeno formed a philosophy that we know today as Stoicism. Zeno taught that man acheives happiness in life through his own moral virtue, hard work and dedication. Stoicism was polythesistic then as it is now - there is a "god" though this "god" is a "god" of ones own making. (Multiple people - multiple "gods" strangely similar to Origen's "multiple meanings" allegorical interpretive method of the 2nd century a.d.) Zeno's view of "the god's" is essentially the mindset of today's "moralistic, therapeutic Desism." As Albert Mohler commented in a review of Smith's book; "This undemanding diety is more interested in solving our problems and in making people happy."(3) This is the message we hear today from the Oprah Winfrey's, Joel Olstein's, Dr. Phill's and Rush Limbaugh's of the world - "God helps those who help themselves." This is a phrase that many think comes from the Bible but in no way actually does!

"In fact, this quotation has come down to us from GREEK MYTHOLOGY! Specifically it comes to us from one of Aesop’s fables, of the 6th century B.C. Let’s read this fable entitled “Hercules and the Waggoner.” “A Waggoner was once driving a heavy load along a very muddy way. At last he came to a part of the road where the wheels sank half-way into the mire, and the more the horses pulled, the deeper sank the wheels. So the Waggoner threw down his whip, and knelt down and prayed to Hercules the Strong." ‘O Hercules, help me in this my hour of distress,’ quoth he. But Hercules appeared to him, and said: ‘Tut, man, don’t sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel. "The gods help them that help themselves.”(4)

Just what are the tenets of America's civil religion, this "moralist, therapeutic Deism?" Essentially there are five:

1) There is a "god" who created the world, initiated natural laws and oversees over the lives of men and women.
2) This "god's" will, like his "existence," is multiple and pluralistic. This will is made up of competing and conflicting "truths." This "god's" will is that people are to be "nice and fair to one another as taught in the Bible and by most of the world's religions."(5)
3) This "god's" primary directive is for people to be happy and feel better about themselves.
4) This "god" does not necessarily wished to be involved in ones life except when he is needed to bring a solution to a problem, need or desire. He does not need or request worship.
5) "Good" people go to heaven and nearly everyone is "good."(6)

These five tenets of America's civil religion are found in it's three main components: moralism, therapeutics and Deism.

Moralism

Smith bluntly says; "...central to living a good and happy life is being a good moral person."(7) His research found the following components to "moralism:"

1. One must be "nice."
2. One must be "kind."
3. One must be "pleasant."
4. One must be "respectful."
5. One must be "responsible."
6. One must actively work at "self improvement."
7. One must "take care of his / her health."
8. One must "do his / her best in order to succeed."(8)

The adherent's to America's civil religion believe in a "loving" and non-judgmental god who will overlook all faults as long as one is "moral" as defined above. We would add one more component to this false religion - One MUST be "tolerant" of all others - regardless. Though "tolerance" is considered by the "politically correct" to be the most important of virtues - it is NOT EVEN a "virtue" as all! The word does not even appear until the 15th century a.d. according to the Miriam Webster On-Line Dictionary. MW defines the word thusly; "...sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own..."(9) One will not find either the word or the concept in the New Testament. The only word remotely similar is bastazo, which means to "...lift, endure, carry or take up" (10) another's burden. It is a word defining servitude to others as we serve Christ. Today's "definition" is quite different! It is not a word describing service, it is a word describing philosophical and moral surrender! "Tolerance" has a synonym in the New Testament - LUKEWARM. "Tolerating" that which is evil is something that deserves to be "spit out" not swallowed!

Therapeutics:

Today's American civil religion is therepeutic, it "self medicates" the adherents. It numbs one's mind to both reality and truth. It makes one "feel good about themselves" in the face of facts that would say otherwise. This is why we often witness the guilty to proclaim their "innocence." Take heed again to the words of Christian Smith;

"This is not a religion of repentance from sin...of living as a servant of soveriegn divinity, of steadfastly saying one's prayers....of building character through suffering, of basking in God's love and grace, of spending oneself in gratitude and love for the cause of (justice), etc."

(11)

"If" America's civil religion is NOT these things, just what is it? It is a religion that provides these "blessings" to it's adherents:

1. It allows one to "feel good."
2. It allows one to feel "happy."
3. It allows one to feel "secure."
4. It allows one to be "at peace."
5. It allows one to "attain subjective well being."
6. It allows one to "resolve problems."
7. It allows one to "get along amiably with other people."(12)

In short, these "therapeutics" simply allow one to say; "Don't Worry - Be Happy!"(13)

Deism:

The final main component of America's civil religion is "Deism." We know, through faith, that a "Deist" God does not exist. A very popular philsophy in the late 18th century (a bridge between theism and atheism) Deism taught that there is a god but this god just created the world and then walked off to leave us at our own devises without any consequence or repsonsibility for choices made. What does this "Deist god" look like in America's civil religion?

1. "God" is not personally involved with peoples lives, he's by nature a recluse.
2. If a person perfers "God" to NOT be involved, in no way will he be.
3. "God" keeps a safe distance.
4. "God" is not a judge.
5. "God's" priorities are to "solve problesms" and "make people happy."
6. "God" comes and goes as people dictate.
7. "God" has no qualms with what people "used to call immorality."
8. "God" does not define for us "good and evil" or "right and wrong," all choices are equally valid.(14)
Smith candidly observes as quoted by Mohler; "In short, God is something like a combination Divine Butler and Cosmic Therapist; he is always on call, takes care of any problems that arise, professionally helps his people to feel better about themselves, and does not become too personally involved in the process."(15)

Conclusion:

What does God's Word say about all of this? Paul decried such false religions in Galatians 1:6 - 9:

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to another gospel - not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or a an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again; If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." (ESV)

ENDNOTES:
(1) I have been told that on one occasion boxing great Mohammed Ali visited Soviet Russia during the days of the Cold War. Upon returning, reportedly he was asked; "Is it true that every one in Russia is equal?" Ali is said to have replied; "Yes, they are all equal - equally poor!"
(2) Christian Smith with Melinda Lunquist Denton, (Soul Searching - The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers, New York, New York, Oxford University Press, 2005)
(3) R. Alber Mohler - http://www.christianpost.com/news/moralistic-therapeutic-deism-the-new-american-religion-6266/
(4) Gary D. Pifer - http://home.earthlink.net/~gdpifer/God_Helps_Those_Who_Help_Themsleves.html
(5) Mohler, op. cit., [Emphasis mine - RM]
(6) Mohler, op. cit., paraphrased and expanded - RM
(7) Mohler, op. cit.
(8) Mohler, op. cit., paraphrased - RM
(9) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tolerance
(10) Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries via e-sword.com
(11) Mohler, op. cit.
(12) Mohler, op. cit. paraphrased and expanded - RM
(13) The title of a very popular late 1980's song. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Worry,_Be_Happy
(14) Mohler, op. cit., paraphrased and expanded - RM
(15) Mohler, op. cit. - quoting Christian Smith in Soul Searching
(16) For the most comprehensive review of these matters I have seen, check out:
Benjamin Wiker, (Moral Darwinism - How We Became Hedonists, Downers Grove, Ill., Intervarsity Press, 2002) ISBN 0-8308-2666-1

Salvation- IN Water But Not BY Water!

2010-12-30T08:28:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed that when God saves people throughout the Bible, water always seems to be in the plan?

In Genesis 6 - 8, Noah and his family were saved, not BY water, but through water. The waters of the flood literally separated the ark of safety from the wickedness of the drowning world. Salvation was from God but the agency was the water. Noah and his family were not saved BY water but were saved through water. Peter tells us in I Peter 3:18 - 22 that our baptism corresponds to Noah's and that "likewise baptism now saves us" as well.

In Exodus 14, Moses and the people of Israel were saved, not BY water, but through water. God rolled back the deep water of the Red Sea, the people passed through the water and reached salvation on the other side. The Egyptians, on the other hand, were all drowned in the sea as the waters collasped after Israel's crossing. Through water, Israel passed from slavery into freedom, from no possession towards possession of a land "flowing with milk and honey" and from sin towards righteousness. Moses and the people of Israel were not saved BY water but were saved through water. Paul tells us that Israel was "baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea" in I Corinthians 10:1 - 4.

In Joshua 3 and 4, Joshua and the people of Israel were saved, not BY water but through water. Once again, God rolled back the deep water of the Jordan allowing the people to cross in safety on dry land. They thus escaped the wilderness and entered into the Land of Promise. They then happily errected two Ebenezers - one of 12 stones in the middle of the Jordan where the priests had stood with the Ark of the Covenant and one of 12 stones where the people stopped for the night at Gilgal. Joshua and the people of Israel were saved, not BY water but through water.

The New Testament builds on this history of water "agency" for God's work of salvation. John baptizes at Aenon near Salim "for there was much water there." (John 3:23) Jesus Christ was baptized "to fulfill all righteousness." (Matthew 3:15) Jesus stipulates baptism as a requirement for salvation. (Mark 16:15 - 16) Jesus commands the apostles to "make disciples, baptize and teach all things whatsoever I have commanded." (Matthew 28:18 - 20) The same command passes to each Christian through out all time. The apostles commanded baptism for "everyone" in Acts 2:37 - 38 "in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins."

The fact that almost everyone in so-called "Christedom" misses the point regarding baptism is perhaps Satan's greatest victory in our time. Calvin, Luther et al falsely taught that baptism is a "work of man" and, therefore, not a requirement of salvation. Baptism is not a work of man BUT it IS a work of God! Colossians 2:11 -12 very clearly tells us that God does His "powerful work" of salvation in baptism. God does all the work! Man does no work in baptism.

God does not save us BY water, He saves us IN water! Baptism is the TIME AND THE PLACE where God does His powerful work of salvation. There are many way to "join" many denominations (divisions from the original and therefore false) but there is absolutely NO WAY to "join" the church of Christ. One can only be added to His church by the Lord. Who therefore, can be added? Only those who "gladly receive His Word" through the water of baptism "in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" after repentance. The same way they were added to the church of Christ then is the same way people are added to the church of Christ today! There is no other plan of salvation! God does NOT save us BY water but He most certianlly saves us IN water!

Have YOU been baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins?

Reasoning Together - An Introduction to the church of Christ

2010-11-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

By: Russ McCullough

During these swiftly flowing times, it is painfully obvious that men and women of differing faiths have little time to discuss their beliefs, to examine the Scriptures and to converse about their diverse theology. Not only is there but precious little time to consider these matters, there seems to be more churches in America than major intersection corner drug stores!

How can one know which church is the church of the Bible?

The purpose of this brochure IS to introduce you to a church you may or may not have heard of before. The purpose is NOT to talk about yet another denomination. Unless you have just "found" this pamphlet, the person who gave it to you is likely a member of the church of Christ. Should the church of Christ not be known to you, please allow me to introduce you! What follows is one man's attempt to answer the question, "What does the Bible teach about Christ and His church?" The Bible has much to say, with dazzling clarity, regarding Christian Unity, Salvation, Worship, and Congregational Leadership.

In the long ago, in the midst of a disagreement between God and His people Israel, God said this; "Come now, let us reason together...." [Isa. 1:18] We too have that same opportunity nearly 30 centuries later, to reason together.

Somewhat of a disclaimer must go first. As a people, the church of Christ [Romans 16:16] has no organizational structure outside of the local congregation. There is no earthly authority higher than the local congregational leadership (called the eldership) recognized among us. For Christ is the "....head of the church....and....gave himself up for her." [Eph. 5:23-25] Each congregation is independent and responsible for its own spiritual direction as guided by the Scriptures. We (the word "We" is used in the most limited of senses) have no creed but the Bible and return to the Scriptures for truth in all things because the Bible contains the truth that sanctifies us (sets us apart) in God's sight. [John 17:17] As a result, no mortal person can speak for the church as a whole. I will, however, attempt to articulate, generally speaking, the commonly held beliefs among us as taught in His Word. It is my sincere prayer that I "...speak the truth in love" [Eph.4:15] regarding these most urgent of matters for Heaven and Hell are real places and each of us will soon reside in our choice of one or the other.

One other thought; I ask you to join me in "...examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things (are) so." [Acts 17:11]

What Does the Bible Teach Regarding Unity in Christ?

Spiritual unity is not only possible; it is God's will. Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of all believers. [John 17:20-21] The first century church enjoyed unity. [Acts 4:32] Unity, however, is possible ONLY when we agree on the essential cornerstone of belief as defined by God Himself. When all else is stripped away, we "....must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him." [Heb. 11:6] Who God IS is clearly defined. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." [Gen. 1:1] Either God created EVERYTHING or He did not. Either we believe that He is Creator God or "he" is simply a legend in the collective memory of an evolved animal whose very existence, without God, is unexplainable! Central to who Creator God IS is His Word:

" Jesus said that God's ".....Word is Truth." [John 17:17] " Jesus Himself is the incarnation of God's Word in the world for John says that; "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God." [John 1:1] " God's Word "became flesh and dwelt among us." [John 1:14] " Jesus (The Word) said that His Words will outlast heaven & earth. [Matt. 24:35] " God's Word is alive and well even unto this very day, able to change our very hearts and souls! [Heb. 4:12]

We believe, therefore, that God IS, that God Created all things, that God gave us His Word who remains alive and well to this very day and that God is capable of changing our lives to the core through His Word! So, one may ask; "What portion of his Word is inspired and what is just mere superstition....and how would one know the difference?" Here is where we differ with many in the religious world, for
we believe that the Scriptures are 100% true and contain no error whatsoever.
We believe that the apostle Paul states the Truth of God when he asserts that; "....all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable....." [II Timothy 3:16-17]

Unity among us is possible when we collectively endeavor to leave our opinions, our cultural history and our theological conclusions all "at the door" and approach the Scripture seeking God's wisdom.

God's wisdom is promised to us. [James 1:5] That wisdom is found in the Scripture, the Word that can and will save us. [James 1:21]

We find ourselves in a world of intense religious division, even to the point of open warfare between "believers." Among many examples, Protestants and Catholics for instance, have been killing each other in Northern Ireland since the English sought to "pacify" Ireland with forced resettlement of the ruthlessly defeated Scotts in the mid 18th century.

Here in America, we have instead of encouraging the unity of believers; have celebrated and encouraged religious disunity in the name of pluralism, individualism and tolerance.

"Attend the church or synagogue of YOUR choice this week end," is the mantra prominently displayed on the backs of trucks and on billboards all over our country. BUT....what does GOD want?

We believe that God wants us all to be one in Christ and that there be; "....no divisions among (us)." [I Cor. 1:10] To the best of our knowledge,
denominationalism first arose in Corinth, Greece in the 1st century and Satan has been using it ever since. What Paul condemned in Corinth has been applauded in America.

Paul tells us that these Christians had "denominated" themselves into separate groups and were in active division one from another. [I Cor.1:11-12] "Denominationalism" is defined by the American College Dictionary (Random House, 1963 edition) as; "...(a) sectarian sect or spirit or policy; the tendency to divide into denominations or sects." There were at least four "Christian" denominations at that time in Corinth. One of these denominations espoused Paul himself as their champion but Paul strongly condemned this sentiment by asking three powerful rhetorical questions. "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" [I Cor. 1:13] The implied answer: "No, Christ is not divided, Paul was not crucified for anyone and you were not baptized into Paul's name!" In addition, there was serious moral failure, socio-economic divisions and a theological rupture over spiritual gifts. Paul took strong issue with all attempts to divide among the various congregations he wrote to. Never once did Paul tell anyone to "denominate" or to separate themselves when division arose. In fact he, for emphasis sake, redundantly stated to the church in Galatia that if even "...we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." [Gal. 1:6-8] Paul often saved some of his strongest statements in defense of unity. [Romans 16:17-18] Christ founded but one church (singular). [Matt. 16:18] Christ died for but one church (singular). [Eph. 5:25] Only one church (singular) was established on the Day of Pentecost. [Acts 2:41] Denominationalism and division can easily be a thing of the past simply by returning to the church we read of in the New Testament. Only by turning to the Word as the standard by which Truth is defined can the unity for which our Lord prayed for in John 17 be achieved.

"Attending the church or synagogue of your choice" may be very American, but is not biblical. Christ died for, founded and sustains ONLY ONE church...HIS church, the church of Christ. The church of Christ is NOT a denomination.

What Does the Bible Teach Regarding Salvation?

The evangelical Christian community in America has in the last three decades achieved a semblance of unity regarding the question of salvation. To summarize [synopsis mine] this "unity" in the most general of terms:

"Salvation is by grace/faith/belief alone upon the request of the believing and repentant sinner for Jesus to enter into his/her heart. This takes place once the believer recites his/her preferred version of "the sinner's prayer." It is believed that this process results in a personal relationship with one's Savior thus rendering eternal salvation."

Again, however, we must ask the question; "Is this conclusion biblical?" And.....again...... "what does the Lord say?" There is no example of a "sinner's prayer" in the Scriptures! The concept is based upon a misinterpretation of Revelation 4:20 where Jesus is described as one who is knocking on the door of the heart asking for entry at the request of the one who is already present. Unfortunately for many people who have believed on the "sinner's prayer" teaching, Jesus was NOT speaking to NON-CHRISTIANS in this passage. He was speaking to unfaithful Christians who were "lukewarm" in their faith and were about to be "spewn out" since they were neither cold nor hot. If Jesus did not institute the "sinner's prayer," just HOW do we obtain the free gift of salvation made possible 100% by the Grace of God? [Ephesians 2:8 & 9] Let's examine what the Scriptures say regarding salvation: Jesus Christ came "....to seek and save the lost." [Luke 19:10] He has "....the words of eternal life..." [John 6:68] Just what are those words? Jesus says that; "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should (emphasis mine) not perish, but have eternal life." [John 3:16] By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul says that faith (belief) without love is worthless. [I Cor. 13: 2] Jesus says that those who fail to obey His commands do not, in effect, love Him. [John 14:15] Jesus says that we must believe that He is the Son of God [John 8:24] He goes on to state that we must repent (reform, take a new direction) of all our past sins. [Luke 13:5] As did Jesus before Pilate, we must confess before others that Jesus is indeed the Son of God [Romans 10: 9 & 10] Finally, Jesus stated that; "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." [Mark 16:16] (Note that baptism is not required of those choosing condemnation! Non-believers are by definition those who are "... condemned already." [John 3:18] ) He also commanded that the apostles were to; "....go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." [Matt. 28:19-20a] It is clear that Jesus commands baptism from the time of the apostles to our day and time since we are the "them" that Jesus says should learn and obey "ALL THAT" He commanded the apostles. Simply put, those who love Christ and long to please him will happily be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. Jesus prayed while on the cross that God would forgive his murderers. God did just that on the Day of Pentecost, not too many days hence, when those very same murderers cried out in response to the Gospel message; "...brothers, what shall we do?!" [Acts 2:37b] The answer for all time and eternity from the Day of Pentecost until the very day the Lord returns is this: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins...." [Acts 2:38a]

Nearly the entire American evangelical community is unified without question that one must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God [John 8:24], that one must repent of all past sin [Luke 13:5] and confess said belief and repentance in some kind of public manner [Rom. 10:9-10].

Why then, does that same community reject the absolute necessity of baptism for the remission of sins as essential to eternal salvation?

Without going into the history of Protestant theology, it is assumed by many that baptism is a "work" and as such has no relationship to salvation. [Eph. 2: 8-9] And yes, we believe that baptism IS a work...... we believe it to be a work of GOD! [Col. 2:12 (Literal Greek per The R.S.V. Interlinear Greek-English New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Fourth Printing, 1972: "..co-buried with Him in the baptism in whom also you were co-raised through the faith of (in) the operation of God (emphasis mine) raising Him from (the) dead.")] We believe that God's saving work is done at the time and place of one's baptism.

Not only is baptism a work of God, baptism is the result of an responsive belief. Belief, like baptism, is a work of God!

The inspired apostle John writes in his gospel quoting Jesus Christ in his response to a question; "...What must we do, to be doing the works of God? Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom he has sent." [John 6:28b -- 29] A "belief" that does NOT include baptism is NOT a responsive or saving belief! We do the submission and God does the work! Speaking logically for arguments sake, "IF" baptism is a "work" in the Ephesians 2:8 - 9 model, would not any other form of salvation process be an equal or even greater "work?" We would suggest that "praying through" at the "altar" is much more "work" than closing one's eyes, falling limp into the hands of another and submitting to Christ's will in the "watery grave of baptism!" We believe that along with belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, repentance of past sins and public confession of the name of Jesus Christ, baptism is the only proper response to God's free gift of salvation, an "...appeal to God for a good conscience." [I Pet. 3:21] The inverse is just as true; the appeal of a "bad conscience towards God" would be a neglect of baptism. We believe that immersion (sprinkling for "baptism" was unknown for hundreds of years after the church was established {the Roman Catholic church did not officially endorse sprinkling until the Council of Ravenna in 1311} and one can still see massive immersion pools in many of the older cathedrals of Europe) for the remission of sins is no more a "work" than hearing and pondering over the Word of God, believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was killed-buried-and rose again the third day and confessing that most Holy of names among witnesses. Please know that we do not believe that baptism is "more" important than hearing, believing, repenting and confessing.......I just have dwelt upon baptism more since it is the prominent obstacle to unity between us concerning salvation. One final note on the subject; baptism by mode is ONLY immersion.

The word "baptism" [noun] comes from the Greek word "baptisma" meaning; "...baptism, consisting of the processes of immersion, submersion and emergence of...." The word "baptize" [verb] is ".....primarily a frequentative form of "bapto," to dip, was used among the Greeks to signify the dyeing of a garment or the drawing of water by dipping a vessel into another, etc." Vine, W. E. Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Company, Seventeenth Impression, 1966.

The final change from "immerse" to "baptize" came in 1622 when the self-identified Church of England replaced immersion with sprinkling for “baptism.” Some have supposed that the word “baptize” was transliterated from the Greek into Elizabethan English in order to placate the sentiments of King James. However, the words “baptize / baptism” always meant “immerse” in the English language as far back as the Norman invasion in the 11th century. For more documentation on this matter, go to: http://traces-of-the-kingdom.org.

What Does The Bible Teach Regarding Worship?

We believe that additions and subtractions from God's Word, no matter how well meaning, are presumptuous at best. Unknown in 1st century church worship were clerical robes, mandated uniform liturgy, candles [except for lighting], incense, iconoclastic art veneration, mechanical instruments of music, special "holy days" celebrations for Christmas & Easter, extra congregational government and extra biblical creeds. We believe that worship should replicate, as closely as possible, the worship practices we read about in the New Testament.

Additions and changes to worship that have come down to us through the centuries via religious tradition take us down a slippery slope. Biblical worship is God centered, evokes proper emotion towards Him and is based upon revealed truth.

We read in John 4:23b, 24 that; "....true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers that the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth." God seeks us to worship and we joyfully do so. But, how do we obtain the knowledge of what to do and how to do it? As noted previously, Jesus states in John 17:17 that God's Word is truth. Peter, by inspiration, reveals that "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us....." [II Peter 1:3] In short, everything we need to know concerning worship has been revealed in God's Word and awaits our discovery. The "acts" and the "words" of the apostles carried down to us through the centuries by the Word are our pattern and blueprint for worship today.

Far too often, modern day worship is ever changing, subjectively self-focused, and directed by clergy.

When we strip away centuries of religious tradition, we find that
worship in New Testament times was simple, God focused and "clergy" free.
We believe that there is a balance in worship between emotion and reason. While discussing the subject of speaking in tongues in the public worship, Paul illustrates this principle in I Corinthians 14:15, "......I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind."

Too much emotion in worship soon evolves into entertainment and too little soon sends the worshipper into legalism.

Upon opening the Word, we find that the first century church met on the first day of every week. [Acts 20:7] When gathered together as the Body of Christ, there was the observance of the Lord's Supper [I Corinthians 11:23-36], praise to God in song [Colossians 3:16], prayer [Colossians 3:16], public reading of the Scriptures [I Timothy 4:13], preaching [Acts 20:7] and a cheerful setting aside of one's God given wealth. [I Corinthians 16:2] We believe that if we do these things as did the apostles along with the 1st Century church, our worship will be pleasing to God. It is our belief that if we were to attempt an "improvement" of worship by pragmatism, experimentation and outright change, we run the risk of having our worship rejected by God as was Cain's in the long ago. [Gen. 4:5]

What Does The Bible Teach Regarding Congregational Leadership?

Consistent with how we believe on other matters already mentioned, how and by whom the church is guided is founded upon the Word as opposed to our feelings and opinions.

In the first century church, there was no such thing as a "clergy." There was no such thing as a "laity." These are extrabiblical concepts that came into play long after the church was established.

The Word teaches that ALL of us are a part of a "priesthood of all believers." [I Peter 2:9] Unlike the Mosaical covenant, the 1st century church had no "priest." In the Christian age each person is his or her own "priest" and can approach, pray to and worship God without a 3rd party go-between. In other words there is no need for a modern day "ordained person," "father" or "reverend" to "facilitate" our connection to God. We believe that the insertion of "clergy" between God and people is from man. Other than the apostles, the only guidance the infant church had was what we call the "eldership." The eldership consists of a plurality of men who "shepherd" and "pastor" the congregation as far as spiritual matters go. The apostle Peter tells us that elders, and he identifies himself as one, should "shepherd," "care" and "oversee" the congregation which he refers to as the "flock." [I Peter 5:1-4] The Word also refers to these men as "bishops" and "presbyters." Since the eldership is primarily focused on the spiritual well being of the congregation, the assistance of whom the Scriptures refer to as "deacons" is essential to serve the congregation in day-to-day matters such as benevolence and various housekeeping duties. The qualities these men who serve the congregation should have are given by inspiration in two places, I Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. Not because we chose it this way, but because God did, all elders and all deacons must be men [men married to only one wife] and women are not to take a leading public role in teaching or worship. By so stating, does Paul say men are superior to women? No. Is Paul a sexist? No. The Word clearly states that the souls of both men and women are equally valuable, saying that "There is neither.....male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." [Galatians 3:28] The Scriptures reveal that God respects no person above another, for Peter says; "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism." [Acts 10:34].

Though each soul is equal in value in God's sight, He has given different roles to men and women.

My conclusion follows:

Thank you for prayerfully considering what has been said regarding Unity in Christ, Salvation, Worship, and Congregational Leadership. Please critically compare the above in the light of the Scriptures. Should you conclude, as did I, that Jesus is the Christ -- The Son of the living God, it is now YOUR opportunity to come to that same.....Conclusion:

"....here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13

My conclusion, as I pray yours will be, was to repent of my sins, confess the Name of Christ in the presence of others and was immersed for the forgiveness of my sins. I then arose, as will you, to a new life as God Himself added me to the church of Christ in which I now live and worship in accordance with His Word.

Won't you join us in study and worship next Lord's Day with the church of Christ? God will be glorified and we would be honored by your presence!

How Did You Cast Your Vote in Early Voting?

2010-10-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

Unlike in years past, millions of Americans are "voting early." Instead of waiting for election day, people can simply drop by their local library and cast their vote at their convenience for a couple of weeks prior to the general election. Pretty convenient AND a good way to avoid long lines in November.

There is, however, another election that Christians participate in several times every week. The process is simple, easy and quick. We all "vote" yea or nay on whether we assemble with the saints...or not. If you are reading this on Lord's Day morning, did you vote to attend Bible study earlier...or not? How will you cast your vote regarding attending this evening's worship? That election is going on as we speak, the jury is still out. Yea or nay? What about Wednesday Bible Study? What about our next fellowship opportunity? How did you vote in regards to your congregations last gospel meeting? How do you vote regarding various other Bible studies offered by others?

Do we use the same criteria to decide if we come home every night...or not, attend holiday functions with our extended families...or not and mark family birthdays and anniversaries...or not? Do you vote to not attend vacation time with your spouse or children? How about your job? Do you vote to come and go as you please?

Voting is all about our priorities. The priority of every Christian is to go to heaven and influence others to go with us. As a parent or a spouse, unlike political elections, when we vote to not attend the assembly of the saints, we not only vote for ourselves...we vote for our children as well. If the parents are absent, so are the children! What life lesson is then learned? How will this shape THIER priorities in years to come?

Noting the fact that there are times in our lives that we cannot be at the assembly, there are also many times when we are not hindered. People become ill, they have to go out of town and have to work. But there is most of the time when people are well, they are in town and they don't have to work. Do we still stay away? Do we vote to be absent for sports, naps, TV, golf, etc. or just plain indifference? Some, of course, can't drive when it's dark. If that's the case just ask the deacons at your congregation to find a volunteer to pick you up...there are many who would love to do so! Only God and you know why you vote the way you do. No one is your judge but Christ.

When we are absent from the assembly, not only do we miss out on all God's spiritual blessings, we deny others the encouragement they would otherwise receive by your presence. Let's consider the Scripture the next time "early voting" comes up!

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:23 - 25 (ESV)

When we vote TO attend the assembly of the saints:

We hold fast the confession of our hope
We do not waver
We assert the faithfulness of God
We stir up others to love
We stir up others to good words
We do not neglect meeting together
We do not participate in others bad habits of neglect
We encourage one another

Remember that God is seeking us to worship Him in spirit and in truth! [John 4:24] When we neglect the assembly we deny God what He is seeking. Your hand is on the lever, which way will you pull it?

For a FREE Bible study - e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

OMG - The Careless Prayer

2010-08-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular TV shows of the 1980's was "Magnum PI." Though entertaining and engaging, it was disturbing as well on one particular point. A principal character, Higgins, popularized the taking of the Lord's Name in vain by uttering several times a show; "Oh my G_______!" Since that time, Americans have adoopted this blasphemey as perhaps the most popular slang expression in our country.

So popular, in fact, even the abbreviation of blasphemey is gaining ever increasing popularity as well. Anytime the letters "OMG" appear blasphemey is taking place, though few realize it.

There are two issues here. First and foremost, the Name of God is holy and must be respected in the extreme. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 10 the the things "written aforetime" were written for our "warning," for our "learning" and for our "instruction."

1. Leviticus 21:6a - "...they shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God..."
2. Ezekiel 39:25b - "...I will be jealous for My holy name..."

There was a time when we referred to this kind of talk as "taking the Name of the Lord in vain." We should do so again!

The second issue is equally sobering. When one expresses the OMG slur what follows is...get this...A PRAYER. When one calls upon the holy Name of God, in either holiness or profanity, what follows the holy Name of God is a prayer, a request to God, for salvation or damnation. People may be solidifying their own damnation by profaning what is most holy...the Name of God.

The next time you need to make a point - don't drag the holy Name of God into it! As Jesus said; "Let your yea be yea and your nay, nay. Anything more is of the evil one." [Matthew 5:37]

Think twice the next time you speak to God!

For a FREE bible study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

The Cost of Being Poured Out Upon the Altar!

2010-08-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

The "dog days of summer" are upon us![1] When heat, humidity and outdoor activities combine...all we want is a long COLD drink of something WET! THAT requires ICE and lots of it! Up until the invention of refrigeration, ice was a rare commodity indeed during the summer months. In order to have any, one would have to carve large chunks of ice in the dead of winter and haul them deep into the earth in a cave. Later, "ice houses" were built for the same purpose. The bottom line: ice was the rare treat of the very rich until the 19th century. As a child I remember how delightful and rare it was to have ice in the summer! Our Mother had a freezer (it had to be defrosted several times a year!) and in it were several "ice trays." They were about an inch deep, about 4 inches wide and about a foot long. Inside the tray were 10-12 squares where water would go. Once frozen, there was a handle one would pull back, cracking the ice and allowing it to fall out for use. As a result, we would each have two glasses of ice for the evening meal which Mother filled with her mint flavored sweet tea. What a treat! When there was some kind of large gathering such as a picnic, Dad would take us down to the "ice factory" where he would buy a large and solid block of ice. Once home he would chip it away into an ice chest using an ice pick. Fortunately AND unfortunately, today ice is so common as to not even by noticeable! Just go to the frig door and press a button! Cold drinks in the summer are now so common we no longer appreciate them as we once did.

Why all this talk about cold drinks? In ancient Israel there was no ice. Drinks of any and all kinds were scarace. Wars would be fought over access to clean and abundant water. Even more hard to come by were flavored drinks made from fruit. Especially valuable was the "fruit of the vine." So focused was the nation on the vine, a large relief of a grape vine was displayed on the front gable of Solomons Temple in Jerusalem. The vine was a national symbol representing peace and prosperity in the land given by God. Americans long to rest in their two story colonial in the suburbs. The Israelites, however, longed to rest under the shade of their own vine and fig tree. At the height of their national glory during Solomon's reign it was described as such from the north to the south. [I Kings 4:25]

Growing a vine took years of hard work and cultivation to bring forth a crop. Finally one would begin to bring in the fruit of their labors. The fruit of the vine was almost like "liquid gold" to the Israelite for it represented, more than perhaps anything eles, the warm smile of God's Providential blessing. To the Israelite the vine represented the culmenation of a live well lived in service to God, country and family.

It is not surprising, therfore, that God chose the "drink offering" as a way for the people to give their very best, every day, to God in gratitude and thanksgiving. In both Exodus 29 and Numbers 28, God ordains a twice daily "drink offering" in front of the Tabernacle. Among other offerings, there would be a "quarter of a hin" of wine offered at both the morning and the twilight. A hin is equal to approx. 5 liters. Therefore the drink offering would be approx. 1.25 liters twice a day.

To understand this in today's terms, pouring out the "fruit of the vine upon the altar" would be akin to us "burning money!" By giving the drink offering twice a day it was as if Israel was saying to God; "We trust in You completely to provide our needs up to and including our giving to You that which is most valuable in all the land." When an Israelite gave a drink offering, he was "letting go and letting God!"

All this explains Paul's words to Timothy in II Timothy 4:6 in describing his imminent execution. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come" (ESV) There is no better metaphor to describe the sacrificial death than the drink offering, an offering of the very best that is poured out and consumed to nothingness. Paul is telling Timothy (and us) that he has literally poured out every talent, every effort, every breath, every word and every last ounce of energy of his life in service to his God. He enjoins Timothy, and us by default, to do the same.

In contrast, however, we live in totally different times than did Paul and Timothy. We live in liberty and freedom in comparison to them. They lived in what we would characterize as "terrorist state." What does it mean for you and me, living in the "land of the free and the home of the brave" to "pour out our lives as a drink offering?" We need not wonder for Paul tells us in Philippians chapter two. In this passage, written some years earlier, he speaks of his being "poured out as a drink offering" in terms of "if" instead of certainty. Paul gives the Philippian congregation a list of what "pouring out one's life as a drink offering" entails:

1. We must be of the same mind
2. We must all have the same love
3. We must all be in full accord and of one mind
4. We must do nothing out of rivalry or conceit
5. We must, in humility, count others more significant than ourselves
6. We must look to the interest of others, as well as our own
7. In other words, we must have the mind of Christ who:
a. Did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped
b. Made Himself nothing
c. Took the form of a servant
d. Was born in the likeness of men
e. Humbled Himself
f. Became obedient to the point of death,
g. Became obedient to the point of death on a cross.

Paul goes on to make the point that since Christ emptied Himself out for our sakes, we should "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling." And how, Paul, do we do this? Easy to say, hard to do..."Do all things without grumbling or questioning." THAT is what it means to be "poured out as a drink offering upon the altar!" I don't know about you, dear friend, but I fall VERY short of the Spirit's expectation! I rarely leave my house in the morning without complaining, questioning and grumbling. By the time I see another person, I can't wait to pour out some "victim" nonsense on that unsuspecting person! Like the country song of several years ago, I need an "additude ajustment!" When I quit "grumbling and questioning," I am ready to be "poured out like a drink offering."

Someone has said, and rightly so, that the "only right a Christian has is to surrender his rights!" Such an additude would describe the life of someone who was being "poured out upon the altar as a drink offering." What, then, must we as God's people be willing to surrender in order to pour ourselves as drink offferings onto God's altar as it were? Among other things, we must be willing to SURRENDER:

1. All of our rights
2. Our American individualism
3. Our priorities
4. Our privacy
5. Our pleasures
6. Our ambitions
7. Our entertainment
8. Our business
9. Our time
10. Our sexual "freedom" - One man for one woman for life is still God's plan!
11. Anything and everything else that somehow got left out of the first 10 things!

No army ever won a war by surrendering. God's plan, however, is not of this world and neither is His reward for us! "All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give!"

[1]"Dog Days is the name for the most sultry period of summer, from about July 3 to Aug. 11. Named in early times by observers in countries bordering the Mediterranean, the period was reckoned as extending from 20 days before to 20 days after the conjunction of Sirius (the dog star) and the sun. In the latitude of the Mediterranean region this period coincided with hot days that were plagued with disease and discomfort. The time of conjunction varies with difference in latitude, and because of the precession of the equinoxes it changes gradually over long periods in all latitudes." - This according to:
The Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition Copyright © 1993, Columbia University Press. As quoted on: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070715190944AAuobq4

For a FREE Bible study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

The Rock That Is Higher Than I!

2010-07-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

In 1 Samuel 23, David is being very hotly pursued by a vastly superior force, the army of King Saul. David, with the blessing of God, has just saved the border city of Keilah from the Philistines. He not only saved the city, he enriched it with the livestock he took from the fleeing enemy! Grateful friends, these Keilahites? Sadly, no. They were not only not grateful to David, they were prepared to give him and his band of soldiers to King Saul. All Saul needed to do was to show up and ask. David, being the man of God that he was, inquired of the Lord as to what he should do. God told him to flee and flee he did! David took his band into the Wilderness of Ziph, one of the most inhospitable places on earth. Desert heat by day, frigid cold at night. There is almost no water, scarce vegetation and little animal life. But by the Grace of God, a man will be soon dead in Ziph. Like their traitorous cousins in Keilah, the Ziphite nomads not only were willing to give up David to Saul, they went to Saul and pleaded for him to come and do it! Hearing this, David fled even deeper into the wilderness and wound up at Maon. Maon is approximately 30 miles SSW of Bethlehem and approximately 20 miles due west of the Dead Sea and the Engedi Oasis. In Maon, David found a rock on a mountain that he used for hiding. However, Saul soon discovered where he was and sent his army scurrying up the mountain while David and his men scurried to the other side of the mountain. The only thing that separated the two armies was this large rock. Just as the men of Saul were about to catch up to David and his band, King Saul hears that the Philistines have launched an incursion into Israel. He abandons his search for David and returns home to fight his real enemies.

Of course, this fortuitous event is totally Providential and the grateful men name this rock and this place in Hebrew - Selahammachlekoth (pronounced sela-ham-mack-lee-koth). The best English translation is “Rock of Divisions.” Though not inspired, the Targum [1] says that; “…the heart of the king was divided to go hither and thither.” The Scripture is clear, however, that much division did take place that day!

- The rock divided David from Saul.
- The rock protected David and opposed Saul.
- The rock divided the pursued and the pursuer.
- The rock divided wrong from right.
- The rock divided the righteous from the un-righteous.
- The rock divided the strong from the weak.
- The rock divided the past from the future.
- The rock divided those who would soon perish from those who would live on.
- The rock divided the minority remnant of God from the satanic majority.
- The rock divided the faithful from the faithless.
- The rock divided the hunted from the hunter.
- The rock divided the praying from the pragmatic.
- The rock divided the powerless from the powerful.
- The rock divided the Godly from the godless.
- The rock divided the single minded from the double minded.
- The rock divided the peaceful from the violent.
- The rock divided the pious from the profane.

As we read and study this passage we cannot help but realize that though we have no physical rock today to save us, we do have a spiritual rock – The Rock – Jesus Christ! Hear our brother Paul:

For I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. – I Corinthians 10:1-4 (ESV)

Christians know that salvation is found in Christ and Christ alone through repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38). However, the same ROCK that saves and hides Christians from sin and death opposes and judges those who are outside of Christ. Jesus Christ is the “Rock of Divisions!” He is our selahammachlekoth! Listen to His very words:

Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. - Matthew 10:34-36 (ESV)

Jesus Christ is the “Rock of Ages!” He is either our Savior or our Judge. He will divide the wheat from the chaff, the lambs from the goats and the righteous and the un-righteous at His coming! While still in this “veil of tears,” Christ is our Rock and our Salvation on whom we can call upon for comfort, salvation and protection – just as did David and his men! Observe the words of that familiar hymn, “The Rock that is Higher than I!”

Oh! sometimes the shadows are deep,
And rough seems the path to the goal,
And sorrows, sometimes how they sweep
Like tempests down over the soul.

Oh! sometimes how long seems the day,
And sometimes how weary my feet!
But toiling in life’s dusty way,
The Rock’s blessèd shadow, how sweet!

Then near to the Rock let me keep
If blessings or sorrows prevail,
Or climbing the mountain way steep,
Or walking the shadowy vale.

Refrain

O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I
O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I! [2]

Dear friend, on which side of the Rock are you? David’s or Saul’s? Division and judgment are coming!

Endnotes:
[1] The Targum is an Aramaic paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures via e-sword.com
[2] via: http://lyrics.astraweb.com/displayp.cgi?f=hymns..unknown..rock_that_is_higher_than_i

For A FREE Bible Study - e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Thirty Eight Thousand and Counting!

2010-06-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

According to a recent survey there are at least 38,000 indentifiable denominations in the world. That does not count all the "home grown" versions in basements, street corner store fronts and living rooms.

Of all these churches, how is one to ever determine which is the one and true church of Christ? The answer is both difficult and easy.

It's difficult to determine which is the one true church of Christ because man wants to be in charge and determine his own destiny. Satan's appeal to Eve was that she "could be as God" herself "knowing both good and evil." This approach is the foundational rock on which denominationalism is built. Denominationalism embraces, personifies and defines division. Denominationalism teaches that there are multiple paths to the same God and that individuals can determine what is right and wrong for themselves. Drive down any interstate and you will soon see a "Attend the church or synagogue of your choice this weekend" sign on a semi. Very American but hardly biblical. Jesus said that there was only one way, one truth and one life...and HE is it!

On the other hand, it's easy to determine which is the one true church of Christ because God has clearly revealed it in Scripture! As long as one is willling to set aside preconceived ideas and the influence of others, one can open the New Testament and discover quite quickly the one true church of Christ. Here are but a few identifying features of Christ's church:

1. The one true church of Christ was founded by Jesus Christ Himself and no one else. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 - 20 that HE would build HIS church and that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against it. One church and one founder. If a church was founded by any other, it is of necessity, NOT the one true church of Christ.
2. The one true church of Christ bears the name of it's owner and founder and has but one head. Ephesians 5:23 and Colossians 1:18 clearly state that Christ is the head of the body which is the church. A body can only have one head and a head can only have one body. "IF" denominationalism is part of God's will it would turn Christ into a monster, one head with many bodies. Division within the true Body of Christ is impossible according to Paul's argument in I Corinthians 1:10-13 where he asks the rhetorical question; "Is Christ divided?" No, Christ is not divided.
3. The one true church of Christ was founded in Jerusalem. Jesus Himself predicted this in Luke 24:27 when He stated that the message of repentance and remission of sins would be preached first in Jerusalem. This indeed took place. Any church founded in any other place cannot, by necessity, be the one true church of Christ.
4. The one true church of Christ was founded on the first Day of Pentecost following the death, burial and ressurection of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2) Any church founded on any other day cannot, by necessity, be the one true church of Christ.
5. The one true church of Christ has only one plan of salvation. When those convicted of sin "cried out" as what they must do, Peter and the eleven told them that they ALL were to be baptized into the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Upon doing so, in addition to having their sins forgiven, they received the Gift of the Holy Spirit and were added by the Lord to the one true church of Christ. (Acts 2:41, 47) Any church "offering" salvation any other way, by necessity, cannot be the one true church of Christ.

Dear reader, are you denominating, dividing and separating yourself from Christ in a church founded by someone other than Christ? Are you denominating, dividing and separating yourself from Christ in a church bearing the name of someone other than Christ? Are you denominating, dividing and separating yourself from Chrsit in a church founded in a location other than Jerusalem? Are you denominating, dividing and separating yourself from Christ in a church founded on a date other than the first Day of Pentecost after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Are you denominating, dividing and separating yourself from Christ in a church teaching salvation through any other means other than repentance and baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins? "IF" you are, you had better get out! Paul warned the Galatians (Galatians 1:6-9) that "if anywone, even Paul himself or an angel from heaven were to preach a DIFFERENT gospel other than the one that Paul preached from the beginning, that person would be accursed!"

You have a standing invitation of visit the church of Christ. The church of Christ is not a denomination. The church of Christ was founded by Christ and bears the name of Christ Himself. The church of Christ began in Jerusalem, on the Day of Pentecost. The church of Christ preaches salvation through repentance and baptism. We hope to see you this coming Lord's Day at the Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC. Bible study is at 9 a.m., and worship follows at 10 a.m. We meet again for worship at 6 p.m. Sunday evening and again for Bible study at 7 p.m. Wednesday evenings. We have a "Community Bible Study" every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the SouthPark Panera Bread located on the NE corner of Park South and Fairview. Individual Bible studies are provided anytime by appointment. God bless you! See you soon!

For a FREE Bible Study: e-mail - rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

A Short History of the Sinner's Prayer

2010-05-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that no such thing as the "Sinner's Prayer" appears anywhere in the Bible and despite that fact that no one was ever told to "pray through" for salvation in the New Testament, most of the evangelical world embraces the "Sinner's Prayer" as God's "plan of salvation." Upon searching the Scriptures, one can only find two prayers that even begin to resemble the "Sinner's Prayer" used by many in the 21st century. One example is the Publican's Prayer recorded in Luke 18 and the other is Peter's demand that Simon the Sorcerer "repent and pray for forgivness" in Acts 8.

When one examines the Publican's Prayer in Luke 18 in context, one quickly discovers that both the Pharisee and the Publican were already in covenant relationship with God via the Jewish blood flowing through their veins. The Publican was praying, not for salvation, but for forgivness of sins committed under the Law of Moses. As a result, the Publican's Prayer cannot be prototypical for non-Christians today seeking salvation.

When one examines in context the strict request of the Apostle Peter to Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8 to "repent and pray for forgiveness" one quickly discovers that Simon was already a Christian! He had already been baptized for the remission of sins in the name of Jesus Christ, had received the gift of the Holy Spirit and had been added to the church of Christ by God Himself. As a result, the Prayer of Simon cannot be prototypical for non-Christians today seeking salvation.

Despite the facts, many today still are trying to pound theologically "round pegs into square holes" in order to justify false assumptions made by Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, et al regarding baptism. These men, despite their heroic definance of Catholic dogma, over reacted to the radical works-based Catholic system by creating an equal over reaction by embracing a so-called "Reformed" doctrine of faith only...minus obedience. These men assumed that baptism was a "work of man" and therefore could not possibly be included in God's plan of salvation. Unfortunately they failed to realize that baptism is a WORK OF GOD. (Colossians 2:11-12) Baptism is the place and time where God chooses to separate us from our sins much like when 8 day old Jewish boys were circumcised.

During the time of the "First Great Awakening," there was a reformed preacher by the name of Eleazar Wheelock that began using what has since become known as the "Mourner's Bench." Sinner's who "mourned for thier sins," as well as their friends and relatives would come to the "altar" and "pray through" for salvation. This was an emotional experience and was not accepted by most Protestant churches of the time.

Nearly a 100 years later, another reformed preacher from western N.Y. sought to discover a method by which more people could be "converted." His name was Charles Finney. He took the "mourner's bench" concept and renamed it the "anxious bench." Those who were not church members were seated up front where Finney could use psycological manipulation to convince the "sinner's" to convert through prayer and repentance. Finney readidly admitted that he had replaced New Testament baptism for the remission of sins with the "Anxious Bench."

The church has always felt it necessary to have something of this kind to answer this very purpose. In the days of the apostles, baptism answered this purpose. The gospel was preached to the people, and then all those who were willing to be on the side of Christ, were called out to be baptized. It held the place that the anxious seat does now as a public manifestation of their determination to be Christians.

(1)

The Finney "Anxious Bench" was still not accepted as a "mainstream" approach and was left on the theological sidelines until the time of Dwight L. Moody in the latter 1/3 of the 19th century. Liking Finney's approach but thinking it too extreme, Moody took aside respondents to what he called the "Inquiry Room." There trained persons led the respondents on a process of repentance and cofession of sin, ending with a prayer.

In 1899, R. A. Torrey took over from the late Dr. Moody and took the "Inquiry Room" concept onto the streets of Chicago where "on the spot" conversions were made. Torey's approach bridged the church building based work of Moody with the yet to come modern day "crusades" held in huge outdoor stadiums.

Soon after World War I, a former baseball player by the name of Billy Sunday took up where R. A. Torrey left off. He took the church "on the road." He was the first to combine entertainment with preaching and gained a huge following. Sunday was very pragmatic in his approach and wanted to make the "salvation experience" easier and simpler. As a result he told the folks at his rallies to just "come down the sawdust trail" and "take my hand." Despite the changes that evolved from Finney to Moody to Torrey and to Sunday, the "plan of salvation" was unclear and loosely defined.

After World War II, the most famous of all evangelicals, Billy Graham, stepped in to take Billy Sunday's place. Graham believed that Sunday was too heavy on the entertainment and too light on theology. He did, however, embrace the overall concept of big outdoor rallies that featured an altar call enhanced by mood music and dire predictions of an unprepared eternity. Graham wrote a pamphlet called The Four Things God Wants You to Know. Currently, the website of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has this version of the "Sinner's Prayer."

Pray a prayer like this: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow you as my Lord and savior. In your name, Amen.(2)

Finally, in the late 1950's a co-worker of Grahams, the late Dr. Bill Bright, further articulated the concept and wrote a defining work on the subject called The Four Spiritual Laws. The work of Graham and Bright solidified the "Sinner's Prayer" salvation experience among Evangelicals and most of the Protestant world. Bright founded Campus Crusade for Christ and today the crusade has this version of the "Sinner's Prayer" posted on it's web site:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. (3)

As anyone can clearly see, the two prayers are radically different. Which version is correct? How would one determine? Into what church would one be added by saying one or both of these prayers? Could one become a member of two or more denominations by articulating these two distinct prayers? There are as many versions of the "Sinner's Prayer" as there are preachers who preach it! Words vary between preachers amd denominations. Who has the right words? What happens if the words are incorrect?

Sadly, the "Sinner's Prayer" never saved anyone, nor will it. Jesus Christ died, was buried, rose from the dead, appeared to over 500 witnesses and assended back to His Father. (I Corinthians 15) After His return to Heaven His Will was read on the Day of Pentecost. That will was clearly articulated by the Holy Spirit through Peter and the rest of the apostles. That will has been in effect ever since and will never change! "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you will receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit." The work of God is accomplished in baptism and no where else. Any plan of salvation that leaves out baptism is not God's plan!

(1) (“Measures to Promote Revival” located at http://www.gospeltruth.net/1868Lect_on_Rev_of_Rel/68revlec14.htm).
(2) http://www.billygraham.org/assets/media/pdfs/stepstopeace/49501_STP.pdf
(3) http://www.campuscrusade.com/fourlawseng.htm

For A FREE Bible Study: e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net

Luther, Calvin, Graham and the Evolution of the Sinner's Prayer

2010-05-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

It seems that nearly every evangelical in America embraces some form of the so-called “Sinner’s Prayer” as God’s primary salvation portal. How did Presbyterians, Anglicans, Baptists and Methodists et al come to the same theological conclusion despite past bitterness between them? The answer takes us back to the very dawn of the Reformation when, despite their best intentions, Martin Luther and John Calvin pragmatically reacted to Roman Catholic theology instead of “searching the Scriptures daily.” Those decisions made by the Reformers 500 years ago “wag to dog” today in regards to how most Protestants view matters of salvation.

Turn on any religious radio station today and you will hear nearly every preacher advocate some form of the “sinner’s prayer” for their listeners salvation. The prayer is as varied as every personality advocating it’s use. No two preachers use the same prayer. The content of the “sinner’s prayer” is never the same. The same “sinner’s prayer” will put you in the Methodist Church as will put you in the Baptist Church as will put you into the Lutheran Church as will put you in the Presbyterian Church, etc., etc.

Not only will one not find the “sinner’s prayer” anywhere in Scripture, the “sinner’s prayer” didn’t exist anywhere until rather recently. In fact, it did not become “mainstream” until the 1950’s when the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association embraced Dr. Bill Bright’s pamphlet entitled The Four Spiritual Laws. Bright articulated fragmented bits and pieces of earlier teachings of Dwight L. Moody, Billy Sunday and others. One theory galvanized Bright’s theories in regard to God’s plan of salvation.

That theory, articulated by both Luther and Calvin, says that since the Roman Catholic tradition relies on “works of man” and since baptism is a “work of man,” then baptism cannot possibly be included in God’s plan of salvation! The problem here is the fact that no one has ever proven that baptism is, in fact, a work of man. “IF” it was, the theory would hold water. (No pun intended!) However, the Scripture teaches that baptism is NOT a work of man, it IS a work of God! Paul states this clearly in Colossians 2:11-12 when baptism is noted as being a work or an operation of God. Man has absolutely nothing to do with it!

Proponents of the “sinner’s prayer” salvation experience use a number of “proof texts” to prop up the misplaced theological conclusions of Luther, Calvin, Moody, Sunday, Bright and Graham. We will examine the 5 most popular of these texts during our gospel meeting at the Archdale church of Christ this coming Lord’s Day through next Tuesday evening. Join us at 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC Sunday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 6 p.m. and Monday and Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.

Most importantly, we will also examine God’s true plan of salvation that includes water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins resulting in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the addition of one’s name to the church of Christ.

For a FREE Bible study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Salvation and YOU!

2010-05-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

We live in cataclysmic, changing and turbulent times. Changes in society are not only frightening, changes are coming at rocket-sled speed. While well over 90% of people claim a belief in a “higher being,” there is a dark cloud behind that silver lining. Unfortunately, that “higher being” is not the God of the Bible. Paul tells us in Romans 1 that sinful man worships the creature in lieu of the Creator. In fact, the “higher being” most people worship is one of their own creation. This “being” forgives without repentance, saves without sacrifice and rewards at the every whine of the “believer.”

The time for the proclamation of the one and true gospel is now! That proclamation takes place daily but ongoing twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, Archdale will have a gospel meeting. For those not familiar with the term, a gospel meeting is a series of gospel presentations put on for the benefit of the general public…friends, relatives and associates of Christians who are not members of the Lord’s body. Simply put, a gospel meeting is a collective endeavor to fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord, to make disciples and to baptize so we can “teach all things whatsoever Christ commands in the Gospels, the Acts, the Epistles and the Revelation.”

A timely and neglected topic surrounds the so-called “Sinner’s Prayer.” Nearly every denomination today embraces this kind of prayer as a vehicle of salvation. Sadly, faith in such a prayer is in vain. In fact, there is no such prayer even found in Scripture! In the early part of the 19th century, a man by the name of Charles Finley became upset that more people were not becoming “Christians.” He decided that he would round up all the people who were not believers and have them all sit in the front pews where he could “work” on their emotions. This soon evolved into what we now call the “mourners bench” where people would come forward and “pray through” for salvation. Later, Dwight L. Moody began taking the “mourners” off to a side room where the same process would take place. The 20th century saw the dawn of the modern day “evangelical movement” with the emotional and fiery Billy Sunday, a former baseball player. He was the first to use large outdoors mass rallies to “convert” the masses. In our day, Dr. Bill Bright wrote a pamphlet called the Four Spiritual Laws that became the basis of the Billy Graham Crusades and the adoption of the “sinner’s prayer” by most everyone in the denominational world.

All that said, our gospel meeting will take the major “proof texts” of the “sinner’s prayer” and see what the Scripture REALLY says about these things. SALVATION AND YOU is the subject we will cover. Make plans to help us door knock our buildings neighborhood on May 22 in preparation for the meeting that will begin the following day, May 23, at the Archdale church of Christ 2525 Archdale Drive in Charlotte. [http://archdale.org] Gospel presentations will take place on May 23 at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, May 24 and 25 will see presentations at 7 p.m. each evening. Pray for the meetings success and invite all you friends, neighbors and relatives.

For a FREE Bible Study: e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

The Exhortation of Motherhood

2010-05-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed? There are fewer and fewer of our Mothers still in the “land of the living” as each year passes. Each passing Mother’s Day, fewer and fewer of us have the opportunity to say “I love you!” to the one most dear who raised us. We long and yearn for just one more chance to do so when our sweet Mother’s “cross over Jordan.”

Rare is the person who says all the words and renders all the kindnesses for their Mother while she remains present with us. But does she resent it? No. Does she hold bitterness? No. Does she criticize us for our neglect? No. Not only that, she continues to show us an over abundance of love and affection.

We all must one day “go the way of all the earth” and slip the bounds of this vanishing vapor. When Mother goes, our minds fill with regret and remorse. We yearn for just a few more minutes to “make things right.” We cry out; “What can I do to make things right with Mother?!” There IS a way! There is no reason any more to disappoint Mother!

To make things right with Mother, all we need to do is to remember what she told us to do and DO IT! If we did not obey our Mother when we were growing up, it is never too late to embrace that obedience. If we did not become Christians while our Mother lived, we can still make that decision to put on Christ in baptism and “walk in her ways.” If we have become neglectful and unfaithful, it is not too late to be restored to our “first love.” Should Mother be gone, NOW is the opportunity to heed her now faded calls to “do right,” “be right” and “act right.” You see, Mother was all about the Great Commandment; “Love God with all your heart, mind and soul AND love your neighbor as you love yourself.” That statement sums up who Mother was and what she wanted YOU and I to be!

We cry and mourn when Mother departs and yearn for reconciliation, peace and happiness. However, those things will always elude us UNLESS we decide to begin DOING all those things she told us to do through the tears and the prayers of days gone by. If you want and need to honor your Mother this Mothers Day, whether she still is here or has passed on, become the person of HER dreams and aspirations! It is never too late even if you are old and your Mother passed many years ago. Remember Mother and do what she told you to do. By so doing, we will honor Christ, we will honor Mother and we will possess the free gift of salvation, the ONE thing she MOST wanted for us!

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." – Ephesians 6:1 – 3 (ESV)

Many a preacher raises many a great exhortation, but none can compare with the exhortations of a loving, tender hearted and God fearing Mother! “Thank You, God, for our Mother’s both present and departed! May we heed their great, good and loving directions! Help us to honor them by heeding their many calls to “Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” - In Jesus Name - AMEN

For a FREE Bible Study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Reality, Illusion, Temporary, Permanent, Truth and Error

2010-04-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet sister passed away two weeks ago yesterday. I have continued wrestling with all those memories to this very moment in time. My conclusion so far is this: no man ever had more caring parents than did I, no man ever had a finer wife and children than do I and no man ever had a more wonderful sister than did I. I am, of all men, most blessed! Thank You God for Your grace, mercy and lovingkindness towards me all the days of my life! Thank you, God, for Carol Lynne. I will miss her until I see her again!

Another blessing I received was this: my dear friend and brother-in-law, Bob Lovell, found something wonderful and exciting in Carol's purse. Not many people get a glimpse into the mindset of a loved one as they pass from one life to the next, but we received such a glimpse from Carol at her passing. She possessed the following on the day of her death and I want to share it with you. I have since found this on the internet in numerous places but no one gives an author. It is of great comfort to Bob and I:

Handy Little Chart - God Has A Positive Answer:

(1) You say: "It's impossible." God says; "All things are possible!" Luke 18:27
(2) You say; "I'm too tired." God says; "I will give you rest!" Matthew 11:28-30 (3) You say; "Nobody really loves me." God says; "I love you!" John 3:16 (4) You say; "I can't go on." God says; "My grace is sufficent." II Corinthians 12:9 (5) You say; "I can't figure things out." God says; "I will direct your steps!" Proverbs 3:5-6 (6) You say; "I can't do it." God says; "You can do all things!" Philippians 4:13 (7) You say; "I am not able." God says; "I am able!" II Corinthians 9:8 (8) You say; "It's not worth it." God says; "I will be worth it! Romans 8:28 (9) You say; "I can't forgive myself." God says; "I forgive you!" I John 1:9; Romans 8:1 (10) You say; "I can't manage." God says; "I will supply all your needs!" Philippians 4:19 (11) You say; "I'm afraid." God says; "I have not given you a spirit of fear!" II Timothy 1:7 (12) You say; "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says; "Cast all your cares on ME!" I Peter 5:7 (13) You say; "I'm not smart enough." God says; "I give you wisdom!" I Corinthians 1:30 (14) You say; "I feel all alone." God says; "I will never leave you or forsake you!" Hebrews 13:5

As I have pondered these scriptures, I have come to the conclusion that Carol clearly understood the Great Commandment to "Love the Lord with all your heart mind and soul and love your neighbor as yourself." She understood the words of our Lord that observed on these words that "all the law and the prophets hang on this!" For a whole host of reasons I thank God that Carol left this sheet of paper in her purse. It is of much comfort and the baton of truth has been passed on to every one who reads these words.

The fact that Carol left these wonderful thoughts for us confirms the following for Bob and I -- and I hope for you as well. That which we see and regard as reality is but a temporary illusion. Truth endures forever and error will soon pass away. Life is but a vapor and soon passes away. This world is not our home and we are but strangers and sojourners in the land. Those who remain must pick up Carol's staff and continue the work in God's vineyard for "He wills that all be saved and none be lost!" Love never fails...

For a FREE Bible Study: e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Will It Be Jude or John? (Calvin That Is!)

2010-03-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

The question; “Can a Christian lose their salvation?” is at best semantically confusing and at worst begs the question. The question “implies” that Christians get into some kind of spiritual wrestling match with Satan and / or his minions and, despite the Christians best efforts, have their salvation wrested away from them, become disconnected to God and head screaming straight into hell itself, all very much against their will. The question should be; “Can a Christian SURRENDER their salvation after being in an absolute saved state?”

When theologians approach Scripture allegorically such tail-wagging-the-dog conclusions are not only possible, they are inevitable when begging the “lose their salvation” question. The historically great, yet biblically confused reformer, John Calvin, poured the theory that Christians could never become apostate into theological concrete where it remains until today. Many have been deceived by this doctrine during the last 500 years while the truth regarding the matter, revealed by the Holy Spirit in the book of Jude, has been rejected, overlooked and ignored.

In 180 degree opposite reaction to medieval Roman Catholicism, Calvin formed a theological system now named after him, known as Calvinism. Calvinism is summed up in an acronym, “T.U.L.I.P.”

T otal Depravity – all mankind is conceived and born as sinners doomed to hell unless God “elects” them to salvation arbitrarily
U nconditional Election – some of those “totally depraved” are arbitrarily “chosen” (elected) by God for salvation while the rest are arbitrarily “chosen” (elected) for damnation, humans have no free choice
L imited Atonement – The blood of Christ, shed on the cross, is not sufficient to save everyone, just the so-called elect.
I rresistable Grace – those who have been arbitrarily chosen for salvation cannot resist the grace of God, even though they attempt to do so
P erserverance of the Saints – once those who are arbitrarily elected to salvation have been saved, they cannot never become apostate and therefore “lose” their salvation

Time and space will not allow an examination of all these theories, our immediate concern is the last leaf in the flower, as it were, “perseverance of the saints.” Can a Christian become an apostate? Can one who once was saved reject that salvation at a future point in time and re-embrace damnation? Can one who once “walks in the light as He is in the light, re-enter into “everlasting darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth?” Calvin says, “no.” To “prove” this assertion, Calvinists turn to two Scripture references. [“A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text.” – D. A. Carson Sr.] These two “proof texts” are offered up:

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. – John 10:28 -29

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
– I John 2:18 – 19

The Calvinist interpretation of these two verses goes like this:

1. Once a person becomes a Christian he / she is in the grasp of the Saviors hand and no one, not even Satan himself, can wrestle that person away from Christ.
2. Since said person enjoys this iron clad grasp in the Savior’s hand, he / she remains a Christian, in the hand of the Savior forever … no matter what sins that person commits, no matter what false doctrine that person embraces or teaches and no matter how much unbelief is spewed from the lips and heart of said person. Once a person is “saved,” that person can never be lost.
3. Thirdly, since it “appears” that one that was once a Christian is now spewing apostasy in word and deed it must mean that said person was never really a Christian anyway!

Now if the Scriptures had nothing else to say regarding this matter, the Calvinist would indeed have a leg to stand on. However, the Scripture has much more to say about it. First of all, salvation is conditional to on going faithfulness, repentance and confession of sins. John says the following:

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. – I John 1:5 - 10

Continued salvation is conditional upon our dedication to walking in the light as He is in the light and confession of all our sins. “IF” we walk faithfully and confess our sins THEN we are firmly in the grasp of the Savior’s hand and no man “can pluck us out!” However, the inverse is true as well. “IF” we do not walk in the light as He is in the light and confess our sins, we surrender our salvation and can once again be lost. We can always return but should we die in the apostate state, we can still lose our souls!

Having said all the above, some might still cling to Calvin in the false hope that one can “live like hell and still go to heaven.” That is where Jude comes in. The inspired book of Jude gives us not one, not two, not three, not four but FIVE concrete examples of people once saved that consequently became lost when they embraced apostasy. These were not people who were “never really saved,” they were people who were saved by God totally, without question and without a doubt! Here are the five examples and we will rest our case!

1. Jude 1:5 – The Lord SAVED a people out of Egypt and later destroyed those who did not believe. How many of the Israelites were saved out of Egypt and were “baptized unto Moses” as they crossed the Red Sea? ALL of them! They were ALL once saved but some of them became apostate and were consequently lost. Saved people lost their salvation.
2. Jude 1:6 – There were angels in heaven who did not keep their first estate but LEFT their habitation. Saved angels, living in Heaven, willingly abandoned their positions and deserted to the enemy! Saved angels lost their salvation!
3. Jude 1:7 – The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were once saved by God via Abraham who raised an army from his own house and saved them from destruction as we read about in Genesis 14. Unfortunately, after their salvation, Sodom and Gomorrah “gave themselves over to fornication and strange flesh.” As a result, they lost their salvation and were destroyed.
4. Jude 1:12 – Jude asserts that the apostates of whom he is writing are “twice dead.” What must be true about someone who is “twice dead?” These apostates were once “dead in their sins” but they obeyed the gospel, were buried with Christ in baptism and rose again to walk in “newness of life.” These “live souls” died again when they rejected Christ and embraced apostasy. They were truly “twice dead!” An unrepentant apostate is “twice dead” and will lose his soul, just like those who rebelled in the desert, just like the fallen angels and just like Sodom and Gomorrah.
5. Jude 1:12 – Finally, Jude asserts that the apostates of whom he is writing have been “uprooted.” One must understand that a plant that is “uprooted,” must of necessity, first of all must have been “rooted” previously! The uprooted, and now unsaved, apostate was once rooted and saved – just like those who rebelled in the desert, just like the fallen angels and just like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

One last observation. “IF” Calvin is right and “IF” “once saved always saved” [The Perseverance of the Saints] is a true and wholesome doctrine, then the following also must be true regarding the assertions of Jude:

1. God did not really destroy those who did not believe in the desert, its just a fable.
2. God did not really allow His angels to leave Heaven, it too, is just a fairy tale.
3. God did not really destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, it is just a “Bible story” and did not really take place.
4. Jude wasted his time writing about and warning the church regarding the apostates. After all, God will still save them in the end!

There we have it. We have a choice to make. Will we choose Calvin over Jude or will we choose Jude over Calvin? Upon that choice our souls depend!

© 2010 by Russ McCullough – All Rights Reserved - MCN: C4U9Q-J5SEG-27PHB

For a FREE Bible Study: e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Are There Sinners That God Cannot Save?

2010-03-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

There are people dying without Christ every day. Some are dying without Christ because they thought they were “good enough” to get to heaven without God. There are others who believed the lies of false doctrine. There are others because they convinced themselves that there was “no such thing as God.” Still others die without Christ because, though they once were Christians, they were enticed back into the world by its lusts, temptations and desires. Sadly, there is one more category of people dying without Christ every day… people who convinced themselves that their sins were too numerous, too grievous and too ugly for God to save. So sad. So very, very, very sad.

Today, right now, there are people about to pass from life into death. They are about to step into a boat, as it were, that will carry them into the darkness and terror of a devils hell. Why? All because they “think” their sins were too many and too deep for God to forgive. Is it so? Are there sins and sinners that God cannot forgive? Are there some sins and some sinners that are simply unforgivable? Thank God, the answer is NO!

My dear friend, set aside for just a moment all the hurt, pain and guilt you feel because of your many sins. Come with me to the Bible. Come and look at some HEROS of the faith! Come and gaze upon the Saints of God! Who are these people? What kind of lives did they lead? What kind of sins did THEY commit? You say; “God could never forgive me! I’ve _________________ (you fill in the blank). God knows you feel this way and that is why He gave us the letter of Hebrews, chapter 11. Let’s COMPARE your sins to THEIR sins:

• 11:7 – God saved Noah – He was a drunkard
• 11:8 – God saved Abraham – He was a liar
• 11:9 – God saved Isaac – He was a liar like his father
• 11:9 – God saved Jacob – He was the biggest liar and deceiver in his entire family
• 11:11 – God saved Sarah – She laughed at God Himself
• 11:23 – God saved Moses – He was a murderer
• 11:31 – God saved Rhahab – She was a prostitute
• 11:32 - God saved David – He was an adulterer and a murderer

Now, you may say; “I’m a worse sinner than any of these!” Really? Are you a worse sinner than the people who made up the angry mob that murdered our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Did you know that Jesus actually PRAYED for his murderers while he was dying? Did you realize that God heard that prayer and SAVED them? Yes, all that did, indeed, happen!

• “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!” – Luke 23:34
• “When they heard this (that they had, indeed, murdered the Son of God) they cried out and said; “Men and brethren, what shall we do?!” Peter replied and said; “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:37 – 38

Jesus prayed for his murderer’s forgiveness while on the cross and God answered that prayer 50 days later at Pentecost!

My dear friend, if you are still very much alive or are about to slip into eternity within a few days, God CAN save you! He WILL save you! Whatever you have done, whatever you have said, whatever you have thought… God CAN and WILL save you! If He can save the murderers of His dear Son, SURELY He can save YOU and ME! When YOU are ready to repent (turn completely away from and go a different direction) of ALL your sins and will submit to water baptism, God will wash away ALL you sins while immersed in the water upon your confession that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Call me! Don’t go to hell voluntarily! I am ready to assist you BEFORE you go to the other side! I’m praying that you will make the right decision. The angels in heaven are waiting to rejoice on your behalf and Jesus Christ is anxious to greet you at the Door of Paradise when you slip into eternity.

For a FREE Bible study - e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Sometimes the Tail Just Wags the Dog

2010-02-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

About 10 years ago there was a movie entitled “Wag The Dog.” It was a political movie with the premise that some wars are created by politicians instead of some unforeseen event. When we speak of “the tail wagging the dog” in terms of things spiritual we mean that someone has taken a preconceived conclusion and then “forced” it upon the biblical text. Theologians call this eisegesis. When this happens, mans will prevails and the Word of God becomes subservient. Of course, it is impossible for us to actually manipulate the Scripture, but many people try and THINK they have succeeded. Unfortunately, these poor souls will discover on the Day of Judgment that they were, in reality, among the tares and not among the wheat. God’s thrashing floor will separate all evil from all good on that great and terrible day. In regards to judgment day, some have attempted to get the “tail to wag the dog,” theologically speaking that is.

One of the most disastrous false doctrines of all time is the “dog wagging” doctrine known as “once-saved-always-saved.” The doctrine dates back to the time of John Calvin who asserted that once a person was saved, he could never lose that salvation…no matter what. This doctrine has led to much false confidence in one’s salvation. It has also led many to live quite the hellish existence while thinking they are on their way to heaven. A byproduct of this false doctrine is the false security that Judgment Day is for non-Christians only, making the so-called “elect” exempt from such a judgment. “IF” once-saved-always-saved is a true doctrine, such an exemption would have to, by default, be given by God to every soul ever claiming to be a Christian. On the other hand, “IF” one can lose their salvation, judgment then, indeed, is for all, Christian and non-Christian alike. God has indeed “given us all things pertaining to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3) and so the Holy Spirit inspired Jude to write an entire book warning of apostasy. Apostasy is the willful renouncement of the truth of God once believed, practiced and embraced. Such a willful renouncement certainly will result in eternal damnation… unless repentance and confession of such sin takes place prior to one’s death. Those who embrace the false doctrine of once-saved-always-saved, must confront the fact that there are those in open rebellion to the Will of God, all the while “claiming” to be “Christian,” attending “worship services” and living any way they wish. When confronted with these facts, they simply say, “Well, they weren’t really saved in the first place!” Really? Can one fall from grace or is such a fall impossible? Jude has the answer.

Jude, while warning the congregation of the dangers of apostasy, gives three examples of SAVED souls who willingly gave up their salvation. (Jude 1:5-7) They did so when they rebelled by choice.

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Here are Jude’s three examples just cited:

1. The Israelites in the Desert – SAVED out of Egypt – chose rebellion and destruction AFTER they were saved.
2. The Angels in Heaven – Left their own habitation and chose judgment AFTER they POSSESSED heaven.
3. The People of Sodom and Gomorrah – Sodom and Gomorrah (and the cities around them) chose destruction AFTER they gave themselves over to fornication. They refused to repent after the pleading of righteous (II Peter 2:7) Lot.

Jude’s examples have very certain and poignant ramifications. “IF” once-saved-always-saved is indeed a true doctrine then:

1. The Israelites in the Desert were NOT saved after all!
2. The Angels in Heaven were NEVER THERE to start with!
3. The account of the destruction of the cities of the plain is nothing more than a FABLE, A FAIRY TALE, AN ALLEGORY AND A STORY!

Jude wrote by inspiration, the examples of apostasy AFTER salvation are true and the doctrine of once-saved-always-saved is a false and dangerous doctrine. We ALL can fall from grace (Galatians 5:1-6) and we ALL must “give an account” on that great and dreadful day for “all the deeds of the flesh whether they be good or evil.” (II Corinthians 5:9-11)

Russ McCullough
Charlotte, NC

Copyright, 2010. All Rights Reserved. MCN: C41EE-4LXKB-BQRSY
FOR A FREE HOME BIBLE STUDY - JUST E-MAIL: RMCCULLS6@BELLSOUTH.NET!

Peter, Paul, Baptism and Calling Upon the Name of the Lord

2009-10-20T02:00:00.000-07:00

A unique phrase in Scripture is that of “calling upon the name of the Lord.” It is always synonymous with mans seeking salvation from God. Man began to seek God very early on as we read in Gen. 4:26. Later the phrase takes on an additional meaning, the looking forward to the time when salvation would be more powerful, more available and more clearly understood. The most famous quotation is that from Joel 2:32 [other similar passages are found in Zech. 13:9 and Zeph. 3:9 et. al.], a Scripture that Peter and the other apostles quoted in the Pentecostian sermon in Acts 2:21. The Joelian prophesy was for the Jews exclusively and did not, at the time of Pentecost 30 a.d., include the Gentiles. We know this for Joel makes this contextually clear in:

2:15 – “Blow the trumpet in Zion…”
2:18 – “…the LORD became jealous for his land and had pity on his people.”
2:23 – “…Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God…”
2:27 - “…You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel…”

The context of this passage is clearly for the Jew only. In vs. 28fl, we hear that “His spirit is to be poured out on all flesh and YOUR sons and YOUR daughters will prophesy, YOUR old men will dream dreams and YOUR young men will see visions.” Who, then, is “YOUR?” It is Zion, it is His people, it is Israel. It is NOT the Gentiles… at least not in THIS passage and not at this time. Jesus clearly though makes it clear that others beside the Jews were to be recipients of salvation. He makes this abundantly manifest in passages such as John 10:16 where He states:

“...I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”

The church of Christ is built upon the rock, which is Christ [I Cor. 10:4] and the confession of that very fact [Matt. 16:18 and John 11:27]. The church of Christ was not build upon Peter but, rather, on Peter’s confession. If we were to look at this as we would a new building, Christ and confession in Him, is the bedrock or the “chief cornerstone [Eph. 2:20]” upon which the foundation sits which then holds up the rest of the structure. The foundation, sitting upon the ROCK that is Christ and confession in Him, transitions that strength to the rest of the structure… the church. The foundation is the “apostles and prophets [“inspired speakers” – Strong’s].” In fact, the early church rested upon this foundation as we learn in Acts 2:42 as they “continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine.”

Peter was given [Matthew 16:19] the “keys to the Kingdom.” He was given to “bind and loose” that which was already bound and loosed in Heaven. When did he exercise this authority? He did it both where and when Jesus instructed the apostles in Acts 1:8,

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

He did it on 3 occasions concurrent with the 3 stages of the message of salvation as we see below:

Pentecostians / Acts 2 / Jerusalem and Judaea

Samaritans / Acts 8 / Samaria

Gentiles / Acts 10 / Uttermost parts of the world

Peter turned the keys of the kingdom 3 times, first in Jerusalem, second in Samaria and thirdly in Caesarea. Each time is was consistent with the time, the place and the people that Christ had planned. Within 10 years, the “gospel was for all!” Each time he turned the keys, the kingdom of God expanded to more people until, finally, it expanded to our Gentile ancestors. All the doors that Peter opened are still open today.

As to the so-called rivalry between Peter and Paul… it did not exist though they did have a brief confrontation as Paul describes in the book of Galatians. Peter turned the keys of the kingdom at Caesarea but did not proceed through that door beyond the household of Cornelius. Why? Because God had decreed that it would be Paul, not Peter, who would enter the house of the Gentiles with the gospel [Acts 9:15-16]. It was God’s will that the gospel be first preached to the Jews, then to the Samaritans and lastly, to the Gentiles. It was Paul’s custom, true to God’s form and fashion, to first go to the Jews in the Synagogue before going to the Gentiles with the gospel as we learn in Act 17:10 and other passages. Peter and Paul were on the same team. There was no competition, no disputing over territory and no self serving agendas.

Finally, what was Peter’s message on the 3 occasions that he turned the keys of the kingdom? It is both simple and profound… they were all to be baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of sins in order to receive salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. [Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12-16, Acts 10:48] The Holy Spirit fell on those present on all 3 occasions, not for salvation, but as a sign from Heaven that Peter was exercising his “key” ministry. How does one "call upon the name of the Lord?" One "calls upon the name of the Lord" only, exclusively and singularly in, by and with water baptism [Acts 22:16]. The Pentecostians "called upon the name of the Lord" in baptism. The Samaritans "called upon the name of the Lord" in baptism. The household of Cornelius "called upon the name of the Lord" in baptism. Peter preached the same message, the people heard the same message and all the people obeyed the same message... they "called upon the name of the Lord" in baptism for the remission of their sins and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. A little history to finish up our thoughts.

In perhaps the greatest irony in history, both Dark Age Catholicism and Reformed Protestantism came to the same, and yet very wrong, conclusion. They BOTH concluded that man is not responsible for his actions! Catholicism taught a nearly total works only system while Protestaantim taught an equally nearly total faith only system. The Catholic was taught that regardless of the number or seriousness of the sin, said sin could be "forgiven" by the priest by "working acts of pennance" that were characterized by all forms of asceticism, religious pilgramages and the sale of indulgences. People were taught that they could deny the flesh, travel to various places where they could "invest" in religious relics and even purchase the forgiveness of sins past, present or future. One could even purchase the forgiveness of sins of others who had died and were languishing in Purgatory. It was said that, "when a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from Purgatory springs." Forgiveness of sin became nothing more that a business, a function of the marketplace that favored the rich and the powerful. One wound up in heaven or hell based solely upon works of piety, available to the highest bidder. Reacting to such corruption and falsehood came those who protested all of this. They were thus called "Protestants." They wanted to "reform" the Roman Catholic Church and became known as "reformers." These "reformed protestants" wheeled around 180 degress, rejected works religion and embraced salvation by grace or faith "alone." One could never do one single solitary thing to "earn" their salvation. "Works" were rejected in totality. "Faith alone in Christ alone" became a slogan. Reformed Protestantism taught that once saved, a person could live any kind of life whatsoever and still inherit eternal life. This kind of radical hypocricy culmanated in the totally corrupt life of King Henry VIII of England who established the Church of England simply because he wanted a divorce. Like a coin, one side is found the "works only" of Roman Catholicism and the other side is found the "faith only" of Reformed Protestantism.

What does all this history have to do with the present discusssion? Simply this, Reformed Protestantism teaches that baptism is NOT necessary for salvation for it is a work of man, an attempt of man to "earn" his salvation. Is baptism a "work" of man? Baptism is a work! However, it is NOT a work of man... it is a work of God! In fact, we are told in Colossians 2:12 that, like circumcission, God operates, custs off and removes our sin in the waters of baptism. There IS work in baptism but it is GOD who does the working, not man!

When a person "calls upon the name of the Lord," that person does so in water baptism, a place and time God has chosen to do His saving work. It is the only time and place that God does so. Should a person attempt to "call upon the name of the Lord" without water baptism, he or she does so in absolute and complete futility.

A Letter to the President of the United States

2009-07-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

Dear President Obama;

We have heard that you and your family are continuing to search for a place to worship. Thank God that you are seeking for God Himself is “seeking such to worship Him.” [John 5:23] Your decision as to where to worship will be the most important decision you will ever make. I would urge you to consider the church of Christ. Christ promised to build His church in Matthew 16:18. God then added the saved to that very same church. [Acts 2:47] Our Lord did not mince words; “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father except by me.” [John 14:6] There truly is but “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” [Ephesians 4:5]

The church of Christ is not a denomination for such is condemned by Paul in I Corinthians 1. The church of Christ has no head except Christ Himself [Ephesians 5:23] The church of Christ strives to neither add to or take away from the revealed Word of God as we are warned not to do in Proverbs 30:5-6. One is added to the church of Christ by God Himself once anyone: hears the Word of God [Romans 10:17], believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God [John 8:24], repents of all past sins [Luke 13:3], confesses that Jesus is the Son of God before witnesses [Matthew 10:32] and are immersed for the remission of sins [Acts 2:38]. Such a saved person will then live faithfully from that point onward [I John 1:7] and spread this same gospel as God directs their life [Acts 8:4].

Regardless of our political persuasions, we pray for you and all of our leaders every Lord’s Day at our congregation in Charlotte, NC. We will also now pray that this letter finds its way to your desk for your most prayerful consideration.

God bless you in every way;

Russ McCullough

For a FREE Bible Study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

To Jail & Back With The Gospel

2009-07-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

We went to jail again tonight. Every Tuesday the Archdale church of Christ sends a delegation of two men to our local county jail. Jails, it seems, are part of the “world” that Jesus commanded us to go into with the gospel. Much “seed sowing” and “watering” takes place there and God WILL give the increase! Prisoners are very attentive, full of questions and eager to discuss the Scriptures. It turns out that our Bible studies are the high point of the week for the prisoners. Having said that, these men face obstacles (of their own making we must add) that few on the outside can imagine. Come with me as we visit the jail and see what awaits us.

Our Scripture passage this evening was John 9. Our purpose was to show similarities between what happened to the man born blind when he returned to his neighborhood and what will happen when these men return to their own neighborhoods. We illustrated that one’s reception upon return home from jail is often quite different than these men may imagine at the moment. Like the man born blind these men, instead of the “yellow ribbon round the old oak tree,” may find jaded neighbors, alienated family and outright opposition to their return to society. May God grant these men the strength to deal with the waves of disappointment that may await them upon their release. Just like the man born blind, the happiest day of one’s life can turn out to be, in some ways, the worst. BUT… there is always the silver lining! May these men who will soon be released know that, just like the man born blind, Jesus seeks them upon their return to the neighborhood! “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Our message was well received by most. However one man, a professed Muslim, became highly agitated with our message and attempted to suppress it. By the grace of God and reliance upon Scripture alone, he failed. He failed to show that Jesus was a prophet only, for the man born blind wound up later in John 9 worshipping Jesus. Prophets never were worshipped in the Bible, nor did any prophet ever accept worship from other mortals. He failed to show that Jesus was slain by being forcibly overcome by sinful men. Jesus clearly states in John 9 that He “had the power to lay down His own life and the power to raise it up again!” Though the truth did not win that man’s heart, he became silent and allowed the study to continue. We closed with the sobering thought that upon the day of their release that BOTH Jesus and Satan will be seeking them. Each man will return home that day following one or the other. Our final statement as the guard re-opened the door was a reminder of John 3:36 and Acts 2:37-38 that belief alone is not sufficient for salvation. Faith and obedience are intertwined and cannot be separated and if one is to “see God” he must not only repent but be baptized as well for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We always explain God’s plan of salvation each and every time for our assigned group is a transitional group, always full of men coming and going. Often, we see men only one time. Our assigned mission is critical to a singular moment in time. God be praised for the opportunity to share the gospel with these men!

The opportunities and challenges in the jail are many. The opportunities and challenges OUTSIDE the jail are many! Preaching the gospel “in and out of season” includes preaching the gospel “in and out of jail!”

We encourage all brethren everywhere to begin and sustain jail ministries. It is, after all, God’s will that “all men come to repentance,” those who wear orange and those who do not.

For A FREE Bible Study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Reflections and Confessions

2009-07-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

The weekend of July 11 and 12, 2009 has been an emotional tsunami for me. I experienced waves of remorse and regret rarely part of this earthly existence. I guess you might say I faced my demons. Perhaps you differ from me. Maybe your life has been totally fun, exciting and meaningful for as long as you can remember…, devoid of demons. Perhaps, but I strongly doubt it. In all likelihood, there are some un-faced demons in your life, too. The demons to which I refer are not sins per se, but rather those fears, those “nameless dreads” that haunt ones soul in the wee small hours of the morning. You know what I’m talking about, those knife sharp thoughts that race in the middle of the night robbing your mind and body of it’s much needed rest. My life had a couple of pieces missing.

It’s my prayer that by sharing these words that one or more readers will take the helm of sorrow and drive their ship into the wind as well. Someone once told me that the way to overcome that which one fears is to DO that which one fears. I can tell you that good advice turned out to be extremely valid.

By God’s grace I faced down two fears Saturday, one 43 years old and one 40. In a way they were the same fear because they both in many ways defined who I became over the intervening years. My father, Russell H. McCullough, Jr., died suddenly and without warning on January 10, 1966. He was just 46 years old. My mother was 40 years old at the time, my sister was 12 and I was 14. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I KNEW it was not supposed to happen because Mr. Grady, my shop teacher, came to our house that night. I wished that I had told him of my gratitude but speaking of such was nothing I was about to attempt in those years, certainly not to an adult two and a ½ times my age. That visit was perhaps the kindest thing anyone did for me…ever. Not only that, the day of the funeral I stepped out of that “black Cadillac” and the principal of Thomas Eaton Jr. High School was there to give his condolences. Mr. Bacuveraccus was his name, or as we called him, “Mr. B.” I was stunned, I barely knew him. “Why are you here?” was my response. I don’t recall what he replied to me but I KNEW that what was happening to us WAS NOT supposed to happen…but yet it did.

My sister and I were orphans. We had no father. Our poor mother was beyond distraught. She was devastated. For three years or more she wept through the entire worship service every Sunday morning. She wept during meals, she wept in the morning and she wept at night. She could not bear to visit Dad’s grave…ever. Two years ago this month, she went home to Abraham’s bosom where she is now comforted along with our father. “God shall wipe away all tears, there’s no death, no pain nor fears, and they count not time by years, by years, for there is no night there.”

That brings me to my first demon. This is my first confession. I, too, could not ever bring myself to visit him. My poor dead father and not a single visit in 43 years from me…, until yesterday. He deserved better. He didn’t die on purpose; he was asleep at the time, home from work and sick with bronchitis. My neglect was so pronounced that I even had to call the cemetery office and have someone meet me there to show me where he was buried, I didn’t know. I had never cared to know. Strangers surround him while mother lies resting in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On that “bright and cloudless morning” they will rise in two different places. My total neglect ended Saturday. I dropped by to see Dad.

My second confession is that I dealt with my father’s death the only way I knew how. I forced myself to forget him. Unfortunately I succeeded all too well. I now recall precious little about the man except his intense love for God and a faith as resilient as steel plated amour. He now rests in the “Garden of Faith,” Lot 4, Parklawn Memorial Cemetery, Hampton, Virginia. This is as it should be. What is not as it should be is the fact that I felt no emotion when I visited him. I “felt” like I should “feel” something…but 43 years of forced repression will seer any memory. I loved my father but he is much more like a dream to me now than a memory. For 43 years I feared what “might” happen should I visit him. Were that there was enough emotion left in me to warrant such a fear. Regardless of emotion or lack thereof, there are now no more misunderstandings between us. We had that long overdo “talk” and the air is now clear. I snapped a few pictures, pulled a few weeds from around the headstone and left with my reconciliation. I’ll be back from time to time, Lord willing.

As a result of my fathers death, my high school years were fraught with loneliness, insecurity and the burden of never hanging around when my buddies spoke about their dads. No ball games, no hunting or fishing trips, no father-son “talks” for me. I was the lone man out in high school and I viewed myself as being type cast as a permanent loner for reasons I could not begin to comprehend. Combine the usual teenage insecurities with being fatherless…I ran as fast as I could to get out of Hampton, Virginia upon graduation. I couldn’t forget about those years fast enough. No memories, no looking back and for sure…no class reunions.

That brings me to the very reason for this trip to begin with. I was invited to attend the 40th anniversary of the greatest class from the greatest high school of all time…, Hampton High School - the class of 1969. We even had a chant that said it all; “We’re so great, we’re so fine, we’re the class of 69!” For months, the thought of attending such a reunion haunted me. The thought of seeing those people again was downright terrifying. BUT, I knew I needed to go. If for no other reason, good, bad or indifferent, I would have closure. Even at the last possible moment I confess that I almost did not attend. At 6:10 p.m. Saturday night I was on the phone to Nancy and told her that I was exiting the car and going in “to get it over with as quick as possible.” [People have more enthusiasm for a root canal (minus the Novocaine) than I had Saturday night for a class reunion!] In her own very sweet and practical way she made me realize that I had come too far to turn back. And so I got out of the car and went inside 1610 Coliseum Center in Hampton, Virginia to confront the past I had so long sought to avoid. At the end of the evening we took a panoramic picture of the approximately 175 souls attending. As the photographer was preparing, we sang that old fight song. “Here’s to Hampton High School, here’s to HHS, here’s to our football team, oh yes, oh yes, oh yes!” I had a great time and a great reunion and by the way,

Thanks for going with me, Dad. I love you.

For a FREE Bible Study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

The JOY of Agreement

2009-06-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

In the 1930’s America had a family argument with herself. The question was; “Should America support the allies in their opposition to Nazi Germany, or not?” Remembering so vividly well the carnage of the “Great War” of 1914-1918, most Americans were highly reluctant to engage in another such adventure. Despite clear warning signs that Nazi Germany could soon conquer all of Europe, and along with Soviet Russia, dominate the entire 1st world for socialism, most Americans were isolationist in their conviction, not wanting America to engage in foreign wars. However, just as with any major issue, there were strong emotions on both ends of the spectrum. Many a young American volunteered to engage the enemies of freedom in England, France, China and other places around the globe years before our nation went to war. Many sacrificed their lives in the cause of liberty. Others, however, supported the Germans openly and aggressively. The national air hero, Charles Lindbergh, was one such man. He spent much time in Germany, even meeting publicly with Hitler. The argument came to an abrupt halt on December 7, 1941 when Japan attacked us at Pearl Harbor. Several days after the “day of infamy,” Germany declared war on the United States. The argument was over and national unity and agreement swept over our great land. America had come to national agreement on the goal of defeating our enemies. Some four years later, that goal was realized.

The blessings of that national unity and agreement are still quite evident today, some 64 years after peace came in August, 1945. Unity, tranquility and agreement are blessings we should all continually seek, especially in the Lord’s church. James Allen said; “The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.” [1] Agreement, tranquility and unity bring much JOY to our hearts. There are a number of reasons.

• It is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell in unity – Psalms 133:1
• We are to have the same mind toward one another – Romans 12:16
• We are to follow after those things that make for peace – Romans 14:19
• Our God is a God of patience and consolation – Romans 15:5-6
• We are to be of the same mind and judgment – I Corinthians 1:10
• We keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace – Ephesians 4:3
• Like-mindedness fulfills the joy of others – Philippians 2:2
• Following the same rule sets an example for others – Philippians 3:16-17
• Agreement teaches us to be compassion, love, empathy and courtesy – I Peter 3:8 [2]

Agreement with God, the Scriptures and each other will render us AGREEABLE and JOYFUL! JOYFUL people make the very best AMBASSADORS! (II Corinthians 5:20)

NOTES:
[1]Via:http://www.worldofquotes.com/topic/tranquility/index.html
[2]Scripture references per: http://www.naves-topical-bible.com/UNITY.html

For a FREE Bible Study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Division 101

2009-05-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

Think about it. When was the very first denomination founded? Was it in the 2nd century, the 3rd, the 15th? Actually, the very first denomination, the very first false religion was founded in the Garden of Eden! Satan convinced Eve, and then Adam, to found the very first denomination! Satan convinced the two of them to become apostate from the true and living God and found their own religion based on a satanic lie! The lie that their new “religion” was founded upon was the Satan’s statement that “…thou shalt not surely die.” (See Genesis 3) Satan has been in the denominational and false religion mode since that day in the garden!

Today, Satan is more aggressive than ever in the “denomination creation” department. Once each Western nation had its own denomination. Greece, Russia, Syria and Serbia had their own brands of Orthodoxy, Germany had Lutheranism, England had Anglicanism, Scotland had Presbyterianism, etc., etc. With the advent of religious liberty in America, denominations began centering, not on one’s nation, but upon one’s favorite culture or doctrine. We had Irish Catholics, French Catholics, Italian Catholics, Puritans, Quakers, Shakers, Adventists, Mormons, Witnesses, Methodists, Baptists, etc., etc. Now in post-modern and post-Christian America, any man or woman so inclined is starting there own personal religion! The new denominations in American are likely to be called “Such and So Community Church” or “Church of the New Life” or perhaps…to borrow a phrase… “The Church of What’s Happening Now.” Freightingly, each person in America can now have their own “private” religion based on the premise that “if” there is a God, He is a “good” God interested only in making each of us happy, content and wealthy. This “god” will not send any of us to hell as long as we are “comparatively better” than someone else we knew. This “god” grades on a “scale” as long as one is “searching” or is “sincere.” Heaven will be theirs unless they become a serial killer or are a former Nazi concentration camp guard.

That sums up the American view of denominationalism, but what do others think? The Russians, for example, have a completely different view of American denominationalism than we do. Today in Pravda we read the following regarding American denominationalism:

…their (America’s) faith in God was destroyed, until their churches, all tens of thousands of different "branches and denominations" were for the most part little more then Sunday circuses and their televangelists and top protestant mega preachers were more then happy to sell out their souls and flocks to be on the "winning" side of one pseudo Marxist politician or another. Their flocks may complain, but when explained that they would be on the "winning" side, their flocks were ever so quick to reject Christ in hopes for earthly power. Even our Holy Orthodox churches are scandalously liberalized in America.[1]

Quite a different perspective. Even more important…what does GOD think of denominationalism? God, in fact, wrote down His perspective on this subject! He left it for us to read in the Holy Bible. Here it is:

• Jesus promised to build but one church – Matthew 16:18
• On the very day His church was established, God added the saved to only one church – Acts 2:47
• Paul denounced four denominations that had cropped up in Corinth – I Corinthians 1:10ff
• Paul called (twice) “accursed” anyone, including an angel from heaven, that taught “another gospel” other than the one he had preached – Galatians 1:6-10

What shall we do, America? Division and discord among God’s people is something that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). Why not leave all of our preconceived notions at the door, open our Bibles and accept nothing more and nothing less than “thus saith the Lord?” Let’s believe what the infant church believed, practice what they practiced, live as they lived and become simply “Christians” as they were! Let’s hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Christ (John 6:47), repent of every sin (Luke 13:3), confess the Name of Christ before witnesses (Matthew 10:32), be baptized for the remission and forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), live faithfully from that moment on (I John 1:7) and spread this same gospel (Acts 8:4)![2] God is calling America to restoration! “Let’s roll!”

NOTES:

[1]Stansilav Mishin, “American Capitalism, Gone With a Whimper,” as reprinted in Pravda, May 29, 2009
Via: http://english.pravda.ru/opinion/columnists/107459-0/
[2]For more information on Christ and His church, click on: www.archdale.org/reasoningtogether.shtml

For a FREE Bible Study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

The Joy of Comforting (Others)

2009-05-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

The book of Job teaches us many lessons. One of the most significant lessons is not found until the closing statements in the very last chapter. In Job 42, Job has repented of ever having challenged God as to “why” he suffered. God, in fact, never told Job why. Instead, when Job discovered who God REALLY is, his own questions regarding his circumstances paled in comparison with the glory and majesty of the Almighty. Though Job suffered much, he never gave up on his faith. In fact, God restored Job, not through “things” but through bringing comfort to others! Perhaps the most significant verse in the entire book is Job 42:10:

And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.[1]

When Job finally took his eyes off of himself and his own physical distress and focused on the spiritual distress of his three friends…then God restored his good fortune that doubled his first situation! Job achieved JOY through COMFORTING others! So can we!

There is nothing in life more invigorating than comforting another person in their distress. Opportunities to comfort others will be remembered…with joy when they are done and with sorrow when they are not. Mark Twain put it this way:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you
didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, Sail away
from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.[2]

In the end, though, we must understand that true joy is elusive. Like happiness, it is a byproduct of the acts of one in total disregard of self. Joy cannot be obtained until it is given away. It can only be found when we quit seeking it. Joy is only received when we seek it, not for ourselves, but for others. Like Job, we must cease the focus upon circumstance and turn totally to the gratifying work of comforting others. There is an unlimited supply of people lacking in the much needed comfort of the gospel. C. S. Lewis reflects:

If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.[3]

Our Lord put it best;

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.[4]

Let us go and do likewise and we will “find JOY in the morning!”

[1]The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2000, 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers, 1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187, USA. All rights reserved. Job 42:10 [Emphasis added – RM]
[2]Via: http://angel-on-my-shoulder.com/comfortq3.html
[3]Via: http://thinkexist.com/quotations/comfort/
[4]The Holy Bible – English Standard Version, op. cit. Luke 4:18-19

For a FREE Bible Study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

The Joy of Restoration

2009-05-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, Italy’s Sienna University conducted a survey regarding the decline of happiness among Americans. Combing through data collected from 1975 – 2004, the researchers discovered that Americans are far less happy today than thirty years ago. Why is that?

…while the average American paycheck had risen over the past 30 years, its happiness-boosting benefits were more than offset by a drop in the quality of relationships over the period.
"The main cause is a decline in the so-called social capital -- increased loneliness, increased perception of others as untrustworthy and unfair," said Stefano Bartolini, one of the authors of the study.
"Social contacts have worsened, people have less and less relationships among neighbors, relatives and friends.(1)

We must agree, that on some level, these findings are correct. As Christians, though, we must ask the question, “Is there a deeper and more significant cause of unhappiness among Americans?” What changes in our lives would actually cause us to REJOICE in our circumstances? Our brother Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit gives us the answer! In his concluding thoughts in II Corinthians 13, he tells us to “Finally, brothers, rejoice.” Rejoice in what, Paul?
1. “Aim for restoration”
2. “Comfort one another”
3. “Agree with one another”
4. “Live in peace” (2)

Over the next several weeks we will examine Paul’s prescription for a life of rejoicing. Today, we examine Paul’s request that we “aim for restoration.” Paul, among other things, was history’s very first restoration leader! Wait a minute Russ! Didn’t the Restoration Movement take place in the 18th and 19th century led by Stone, Campbell, Scott and others? Yes, these men did initiate “A” restoration, but they were far from the first! Paul, called for the “restoration of the ancient order” as early as ca. 49 a.d. in Galatians 1! Listen to his clarion call to “restore the gospel:”

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to another gospel – not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.(3)

Not long afterwards, Paul issued a similar appeal to restoration and unity to the Corinthian brethren in I Corinthians 1 when he taught against the dangers of denominationalism. In our quest for joy and happiness, we must begin by restoring the first principles of God’s will in our lives. We cannot dilute the gospel in anyway lest “we drift away from it.” (Hebrews 2:1) We must remain dedicated to the fact that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God,” (Romans 10:17) that everyone who would come to God must repent of every sin, (Acts 2:38) that everyone who would come to God must confess before witnesses the Name of Christ (Acts 8:37) and that everyone who would come to God must be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1ff).

Those who would relegate “restoration” to some kind of singular historical event in the 18th and 19th century are in error. Those who would say that, instead of being simply Christians, we are just part of the “Stone-Campbell Movement” are in error. Those who would say that the early American Christians were just dupes and robots of John Locke and other Enlightenment philosophers are in error. Paul enjoins us all (EVERY Christian in EVERY age) to continual “restoration” as our “aim.” By doing so, we have much cause to rejoice! Every individual Christian and every Christian generation must engage in it’s own “restoration movement.” Let us all rejoice as we “aim for restoration” and share that good news with a lost and dying generation that are seeking true and lasting happiness. Thank you, bro. Paul.

NOTES:

(1)Deepa Babington, “Americans Less Happy Today than 30 Years Ago – Study,” Reuters, Friday, June 15, 2007
(2)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2000, 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers, 1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187, USA All rights reserved, II Corinthians 3:11
(3)Ibid., Galatians 1:6-7
(4)For more information on the history of the Lord’s church through the ages, these two sources are quite valuable:
Mattox, F. W., The Eternal Kingdom – A History of the church of Christ, (Gospel Light Publishing Company, Delight, AK, 1961)
Powell, J. M., The Cause We Plead – A Story of the Restoration Movement, (21st Century Christian Publishing Co., Nashville, TN, 1987)

For a FREE Bible Study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Our First Family Reunion!

2009-05-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

Remember those family reunions of summers gone by? Remember meeting your long lost aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces…not to mention those relatives “several times removed?” I always wondered who removed them and why? (I digress!) Keeping up with family members we rarely see can be challenging! What is NOT challenging is the fun, fellowship and love that we experience when we “all get together.” I remember the summer of 1977 when Nancy and I, married just 8 months, went to the Turnbull family reunion in Tacoma, WA. For the first time I understood the meaning of the word “slew,” as in, “a slew of relatives!” I also enjoyed for the first time fresh caught salmon cooked on a barbecue grill. What a feast! It was great! I’m sure you have had similar experiences. In many ways our families define who we are. More importantly, our spiritual family defines who we are, not only for now, but for all eternity!

We are, as Christians, all part of Abraham’s family as noted in Galatians 3:29: “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.” Pretty impressive! We can trace our family tree back some 4,000 years! The family of Abraham is the greatest family ever! What a blessing to be part of THAT family! When the family of Abraham, in the 3rd generation, had but 70 people…they had a reunion! What a reunion it was!

Because of the sin of the brothers of Joseph, the family had experienced decades of hurt, heartache and misery. Finally, when Judah and his brothers repented of the wrongs they had done to their brother by selling him into slavery and then lying about it to their father Jacob, the family was reunited down in Egypt! Joseph and Pharaoh treated our family to the very best Egypt had to offer…up to and including the entire land of Goshen! Three important lessons were experienced by God’s family (our family!) on that occasion, that repentance and obedience lead to God’s blessing, that thanksgiving is the key to God’s blessing and that we have all been given a ministry of blessing for others. Let's examine further:

1) REPENTANCE & OBEDIENCE LEAD TO GOD'S BLESSING - In Genesis 46 we learn that when Judah and his brothers repented of their sins against Joseph and Jacob, the blessings of God that had been dammed up for decades came gushing forth like water pouring through a broken dike! God took the family from famine to plenty, from the desert to Goshen and from guilt to forgiveness!

2) THANKSGIVING IS THE KEY TO GOD'S BLESSING - In Genesis 47:29-31 we find that the broken hearted Jacob, now at the end of his days, was finally able to worship God with a thankful heart. For years he had grieved his losses and his faith was blinded by circumstances. Now, after the repentance of his sons he could clearly see God’s will in his life and worshiped God upon learning that Joseph would grant his fondest wish…to be buried with the family in Canaan. He died 17 years later a thankful man.

3) GOD GIVES US ALL A MINISTRY OF BLESSING TO OTHERS - Finally, the family learns that their odyssey winds up being a blessing to them, to Pharaoh, to Egypt, to the entire known world at that time…and to all nations for all time! (Genesis 47:7-12) By preserving Jacob’s family through the faithfulness of Joseph, God sponsored this most wonderful family reunion! Through the suffering of the family of God, the family was preserved through the famine, the Egyptian nation was preserved through the famine and other nations were preserved through the famine. Most importantly, Judah was preserved for Jesus Christ to come into the world! In a most fascinating and wonderful way, God was thinking of you and I…way back then in our very first family reunion! You may ask, "Just what is my ministry of blessing today?" Jesus clearly tells us what it is in Matthew 28:1-20 - "All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (ASV) The greatest thing about our "family reunion" is that we can invite any and everyone! Won't you join us at our next "reunion" next Lord's Day at the church of Christ? We will be looking for you!

For a FREE Bible Study e-mail : rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

When Was the Philippian Jailer Saved...And How?

2009-04-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

A Roman jail was not a place anyone wanted to go. They were places where people went in…and never returned more often than not. You may recall the jail scenes in the movie Ben Hur for example. Not only were they dark, unsanitary and cruel, one was considered guilty until proven otherwise, most likely by the use of outside money and influence of a benevolent third party. To add insult to injury, the inhabitants of these jails were many times brutally beaten within an inch of their lives before they were thrown into prison. After a prisoners deposit into one of these pits, their only sustenance had to come from outside. All food, clothing and other life sustaining items had to come from the outside from family or friends.

All this describes the plight of Paul and Silas as they found themselves inside the Roman prison in Philippi. They were thrown into the jail after the locals rioted at the proclamation of the gospel. Denominational missionary W. P. Nicholson once said that “…when a mission was begun it was not long before they had either a riot or revival.” Such was the scene at Philippi upon the arrival of these two brave souls. After establishing the church of Christ in that city along the riverside with Lydia and her companions, Paul and Silas had “went to prayer” (Acts 16:9) and met a slave girl possessed “with a spirit of divination” who was aggressively used by her masters for “much profit by fortune telling.” This slave girl followed Paul and Silas “many days” proclaiming aloud that “these men are servants of the most high God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” Finally, Paul being “greatly annoyed”, cast the evil spirit out of her by the power of God. When her masters saw that their source of income was gone they stirred the locals to riot. (Acts 16:18-22) Such rioting caused the magistrates to come to the scene where “they tore off their (Paul and Silas) clothes and commanded that they be beat with rods.” Roman “justice” not only presumed guilt before innocence, it also instituted punishment before trial! Afterwards, Paul and Silas had their feet locked in stocks in the most secure area of the prison. Under normal circumstances, their lives would have been very short one way or the other. God, however, had other ideas!

As we all know from those wonderful summer VBS days of days gone by, Paul and Silas were praising God with prayers and hymns about midnight with the other prisoners as an attentive audience. Never, we suppose, had Roman prisoners heard such a response to an arrest, beating and imprisonment! While this was taking place, a great earthquake shook the place to the point that “all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” What happened next was even more amazing!

The jailer, whose name is still unknown, was awakened. He saw that the doors of the prison were thrown open and he assumed the worst…the prisoners were all gone and he would be held responsible by Rome. Though the text does not tell us his motivation, he took out his sword and was about to kill himself. Seeing this about to take place, Paul “called out with a loud voice…”Do yourself no harm for we are all here!” At this point we come to one of the great question and answer interchanges in Scripture. “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” -- “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Wanting very much to “pound a round peg into a square hold,” much of the religious world today strives to point to this passage as a “salvation” passage that supports the Calvinist presupposition that salvation comes only from “faith alone through Christ alone.”

This passage teaches just the opposite! The jailer was NOT saved at this point! Let’s look at the facts: 1) The jailer had no knowledge of who Paul and Silas even were at the point of his question. Just minutes before they were just another couple of prisoners and he was comfortably asleep in the comfort of his bed. 2) The jailer had no idea who Jesus Christ was as he had never yet heard the gospel! 3) The jailer was stopped in the midst of a suicide attempt and was interested SOLELY in the preservation of his life, family and livelihood. His question regarding salvation, therefore, had to do…not with eternal salvation…but physical and career salvation. It is impossible, therefore, that the jailer was saved at this point for we know from Romans 10:17 that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” No one has ever been saved prior to hearing the gospel, not then and not now.

Since the jailer was not saved at the point of this interchange, when was he saved? Let’s examine the continuing chain of events. 1) Paul and Silas, AFTER the exchange “spoke the Word of the Lord (the gospel) to him and all who were in his house.” (Acts 9:32) 2) The gospel was preached and believed for “in the same hour of the night he washed their stripes.” (Acts 9:33) 3) “Immediately (upon hearing the gospel) he and all his family were baptized.” (Acts 9:33)

The Philippian jailer was saved the same way everyone was or ever will be saved…by hearing, belief, repentance, confession and baptism. He and all his family were saved at the point of their baptism into Christ and not a moment before. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

NOTES:
1) All quotations are from the New King James Version (KJV)
2) The W. P. Nicholson quote is from: http://www.evanwiggs.com/revival/portrait/nicholso.html

For a FREE Bible Study: e-mail: rmccull6@bellsouth.net!

Response, Opportunity & Obedience in John 3:1-21

2009-04-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

The restoration plea has always called us back to the Scriptures as they were first written. From the day our brother Paul penned I Corinthians 1:10fl until this very moment constitutes what we refer to as the Restoration Movement. God continually, through His Word, hearkens us back to what He said in the first place; clear, singular and plain truth. God “says what He means and means what He says!” When we presume to add to or take away from the Word we are found to be liars (Proverbs 30:6). Unfortunately, many continue to distort the very words of God.

A certain passage, perhaps more than any other, continues to be assaulted by those who would have God’s Word conform to their preconceived notions. That passage is John 3:16. Most recently it has been misapplied by a famous denominational author in a book entitled; 3:16. Since the time of Martin Luther and John Calvin, most Protestants have claimed that baptism is a “work of man” and therefore not necessary for salvation. (The Bible clearly identifies baptism as a work…a work of God as noted in Colossians 2:12). Based upon this false premise (that baptism is a work of man), the author of 3:16 replaces the “…should be saved” conditional language of the original Greek with the subjectively arrived at “shall be saved” contractual language of circular interpretation. Under this kind of devilish eisigesis, the universal opportunity of salvation upon responsive obedience morphs into the “assumed” universal “guarantee” of salvation for the non-responsive and non-obedient “believer” regarding the absolute necessity of baptism. (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:1fl; et. al.) Few changes to God’s Word have rendered more damage over the years to the truth of the gospel.

A contextual look at John 3 will reveal that Jesus exegesis of Numbers 21:4-9 in John 3:14 is not only critical to the understanding of the entire John 3 passage, it is core, central and foundational to that understanding. Jesus teaches in John 3 that God’s Salvation requires a RESPONSE to an OPPORTUNITY through OBEDIENCE.

Though Satan twists the passage to teach a “faith only” pseudo-salvation, Jesus clearly teaches that “faith alone” will do as much to save one spiritually as “staying in the tent” saved the Israelites physically!

Non-response and non-obedience to God’s opportunity of salvation will leave one dead in their sins now, just as it did in the wilderness. Here is an exegetical outline highlighting Jesus’ teachings on this critical subject in John 3 in order as they are made:

1. John 3:3 – Jesus tells Nicodemus that “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
2. John 3:5 – Jesus tells Nicodemus that “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
A. When Christ had died on the cross a soldier pierced His side and “out flowed both blood and water.” – John 19:34
B. Christ came “by both blood and water.” – I John 5:6
C. Jesus shed his blood in his death.
D. We are baptized “into his death” (Romans 6:3)
E. There is “no remission (of sins) without the shedding of blood. “ – Hebrews 9:22
F. The Blood of Christ renders many gifts:
1) Propitiation – Romans 3:25
2) Justification – Romans 5:9
3) Salvation – Romans 5:9
4) Redemption – Ephesians 1:7 & Colossians 1:4
5) Forgiveness – Ephesians 1:7 & Colossians 1:4
6) Peace – Colossians 1:20
7) Reconciliation – Colossians 1:20
8) Remission – Hebrews 9:22
9) Sanctification – Hebrews 13:12
10) Cleansing – I John 1:7
G. The blood of Christ renders “remission (of sins).” – Hebrews 9:2
H. Baptism is for “the remission of sins.” – Acts 2:38
I. The Gift of the Holy Spirit is given ONLY in baptism – Acts 2:38
J. “Three” bear witness in the earth.” – I John 5:8
1) The Spirit
2) The Water
3) The Blood
a. These 3 are found together ONLY in Baptism and no where else!
K. NOTE on John 3:5 – The well know evangelical preacher John MacArthur et al assert that this passage could not possibly refer to water baptism for the church had not yet been established and Nicodemus could have had no knowledge of things to come. “IF” such were the case, then the entire gospel section of the New Testament applies ONLY to the Old Testament dispensation! In truth, the gospels contain the WILL of Chirst, His New Testament if you please. This WILL was read on the day of Pentecost and required both repentance and baptism for ALL persons of understanding there present. John 3:5 DOES refer to baptism for the remission of sins, regardless whether Nicodemus understood it or not and is the time, place and portal of salvation under the current Will of Christ.

3. John 3:9-13 – When Nicodemus asks the question (“How can these things be?”) Jesus replies with ALL the authority of the Godhead.
A. As “The” teacher of Israel, Jesus asserts that Nicodemus should have already been aware of Messianic prophesies in the Old Testament in the form of a rhetorical question.
B. “WE speak of what WE know, and bear witness to what WE have seen…” – If Nicodemus ever listened to anyone or anything…this is that time!
1) Jesus speaks with the authority of the triune Godhead.
C. Jesus speaks on His own singular authority as well as the “son of man.”
1) No one ever (except Jesus Christ) EVER did, or ever will, ascend and descend to and from heaven as He did.
D. These verses contain perhaps the most powerful introduction to any
statement in the entire Scripture! What follows next is the key verse
in the entire passage and essential to understanding the passage in
it’s proper context. In fact, ANY exposition of John 3 not hinging upon
John 3:14-15 will miss the message of salvation!
4. John 3:14 – “And as Moses…” are the three most important words in the entire passage. Jesus sets up a metaphoric parallel between the uplifted serpent and the soon to be uplifted Christ. In other words the physical salvation of physical Israel in the wilderness is a type, a shadow, of spiritual salvation of spiritual Israel. Salvation in the wilderness required a physical response to God’s free offer of salvation just as God’s free offer of spiritual salvation requires a physical response today. Jesus tells Nicodemus in the very strongest of terms (a direct message from the Triune God by way of the Son of Man) that Nicodemus (and us by extension) cannot understand what Christ says next in 3:16-17 until Nicodemus (and us by extension) grasps what Christ says in 3:14-15.
A. The word “as” is from the original kathos which, according to Strong’s means: “…according to which thing, that is, precisely as, in proportion as: - according to that, (inasmuch) as.”
1) By using kathos, Jesus makes clear the fact that we understand, comprehend and partake in our spiritual salvation “as” the Israelites in the wilderness understood, comprehended and partook in their physical salvation.
5. John 3:15 – Jesus here uses very specific language when discussing the opportunity for and response to the free gift of salvation just alluded to by the serpent / cross parallel.
A. “Whomsoever / Whoever” – The opportunity of salvation is universal and is offered to every person.
B. “Should / May” – The response, however, is conditional. Some will respond and be saved, others will not and be lost…JUST AS with the Israelites and the brazen serpent. All were offered salvation in the wilderness, not all took advantage of the free gift of life. The same parallel reigns true today, ALL are offered salvation…some respond to it, some reject it. The language is clearly conditional when these words are chosen. Mere belief without response is not sufficient as it was not sufficient in the wilderness…those who stayed in their tents perished. “Just as….”
6. John 3:16 – The world’s most beloved verse…for all the wrong reasons.
A. God DOES love the world enough to send His only begotten Son that…
1) “Whosoever / Whoever” – The opportunity for salvation is universal and open for all.
2) “Should / May” – The response Jesus referred to in vs. 14 and 15 requires responsive action “just as” the Israelites in the desert had to physically respond to God’s free gift of life…
a. They had to move out of their tents far enough to actually look upon the brazen serpent to complete their obedience and be saved from physical death.
b. In like manner, (“And as Moses..”) we must contact the saving blood of Christ in the waters of baptism (water and spirit of vs. 5) where “the Spirit and water and the blood bear witness in the earth” for “life is in the blood.” (Leviticus 17:11) Jesus Christ shed his blood in his death, into which we are baptized, for “without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22)
c. Jesus’ language here to Nicodemus is not contractual in a quid quo pro kind of way with God, it is conditional upon a proper physical response…just as in the desert.
7. John 3:17 – “…in order that the world through Him might be saved.”
A. Again, the language of salvation used by Jesus to Nicodemus is conditional.
8. John 3:18 – “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned…”
A. As the Israelites “belief” in the desert required a response, so does the belief Jesus is relaying (the new birth) to Nicodemus, and by extension, you and I.
1) Belief and obedience are synonymous
a. “He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.” – John 3:36 (ASV)
A) Believeth – pisteuo – “…to entrust, commit…”
B) Obeyeth – apeitheo – “…to disbelieve, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving…”
1. Belief and obedience are synonymous as are faith and works (James 2:14-26)
a) Repentance cannot be achieved and validated without baptism (Acts 2:38)
b) Forgiveness of sins cannot be achieved without both repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38)
c) The Gift of the Holy Spirit cannot be received without both repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38)
9. John 3:19 – Judgment is that Light has come into the world and the people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.
A. Evil deeds = darkness
10. John 3:20 – Evil deeds mean two things:
A. Evil deeds = a hater of the light
B. Evil deeds = will not take one to the light
C. Why?
1) So evil deeds will not be exposed by the light
11. John 3:21 – True deeds mean one thing
A. True deeds take one to the light
B. Why?
1) So that it will be clearly seen that “his works have been carried out in God.”
12. Conclusion of John 3:19-21:
A. Belief…true belief that is both intellectual and responsive…is required of Nicodemus, and by extension, you and I.
B. Evil deeds condemn
C. True deeds save.

The conclusion of the entire passage is that God’s free gift of salvation, just as it was with Moses and the children of Israel in the wilderness, requires a RESPONSE to the message. The message of salvation is an OPPORTUNITY that can be accepted or rejected. The proper RESPONSE to the OPPORTUNITY is OBEDIENCE. OBEDIENCE requires that a person must be “born again of both the water and the spirit.” Jesus came by both “blood and water.” We access the saving blood of Christ in the waters of baptism. OBEDIENCE to both repentance and baptism is a “true deed” that takes us to the light. One cannot be saved without OBEDIENCE to the commands of Christ which includes baptism. Repentance and baptism is a “true deed” that RESPONDS to the OPPORTUNITY of salvation in complete OBEDIENCE. Thank God for the inquiry of Nicodemus!

Russ McCullough
8 April 2009 – Charlotte, NC

For a FREE Bible Study: e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net

10 Things America Needs to Know...NOW

2009-02-25T06:59:00.000-08:00

A Tale of Two Cities begins with the phrase, “it was the best of times and the worst of times.” We could say the same for The Year of our Lord 2009. (Perhaps our problems began when we quit using the phrase, “in the year of our Lord.”)

Our times are the “best” because, no matter how bad things get, we still get to weather the recession in America instead of somewhere else in the world. What a huge blessing! ”Thank You, God!” Though we have lost much, none of us are sifting through a garbage dump somewhere in the third world looking for a scrap of food to eat today in order not to die tomorrow. I’ve seen that with my own eyes and those scenes are burned in my memory. People elsewhere would fight to the death to get at what you and I put down the disposal every night. Our garden sheds would pass for luxury housing in many parts of the world.

Our times are the “worst” for we find ourselves within the most serious economic crisis, some say even more so, since the Great Depression of 1929-1941. Homes, jobs and fortunes in staggering numbers have simply vanished since last September. Economists, politicians and journalists are scrambling to find an “economic silver bullet.” Even more argue over who to “blame” for our current malaise. These “experts” are pouring over spread sheets in near panic to find that elusive “switch” to turn the economic machine back on.

Regardless as to the symptoms of this latest crisis and regardless of our own individual circumstances…we would do well to understand that our crisis is far more spiritual than economic. Though not primarily a book on economics the Bible contains pure truth revealed by God Himself. He speaks to economics as well as many other subjects. We would be wise to both hear and do what He says! Consider these truths as we all ponder our own economic circumstances:

1. God creates wealth, not the Federal Reserve – Deuteronomy 8:18
2. Just one soul exceeds the value of everything else – Matthew 16:26
3. Debt is slavery – Proverbs 22:7
4. Prosperity is not our top priority – Matthew 6:33
5. Life does not consist of the abundance of one’s possessions – Luke 12:15
6. There is more value in the giving than in the receiving – Acts 20:35
7. Subsidizing the idle is wrong – II Thessalonians 3:10
8. Look to God for your substance, not the government – Genesis 14:22-24
9. Greed is not good, in fact, it is idolatry – Colossians 3:5
10. Sin is our greatest national problem…by far – Proverbs 13:44

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8 (Websters 1833 Bible, courtesy www.e-sword.com, (emphasis added - RM)

For a FREE Bible study - e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Are You an "Ice" or an "Ex?"

2009-02-24T05:45:00.000-08:00

There is a world war being fought with renewed intensity these days. It is a war, not of guns and bullets, but one of truth and error. This war began in the second century and continues to this very moment. It is a war of biblical interpretation.

The Scripture is very clear about what it is and how it is to be interpreted. Two passages come quickly to mind:

II Peter 1:19-21 – We have also a more sure word of prophecy; to which ye do well that ye take heed, as to a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (American Standard Version(ASV)

II Timothy 3:16-17 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works. (ASV)

These verses are saliently clear, ALL Scripture is inspired of God and Scripture is not to be interpreted according to one’s own emotions, feelings or opinions. This was the un-contested understanding of the early church. However, near the end of the 2nd century, this began to change. Origen of Alexandria began to teach that the Scripture had “multiple meanings” and that each person could “interpret” each Scripture “allegorically,” i.e. according to their own individual experiences. This philosophy, grounded in the pagan Homeric Greek philosophy of Plato, took hold in the apostate church and holds sway to this very day. It is a philosophy embraced by the Roman Catholic Church and “emergent” theologians such as Brian McLaren. It is a man centered philosophy that essentially places God in a secondary position in the search for and the establishment of truth. Mechanically, this “allegorical method” is one that looks inside the Sacred Writ and allows the seeker to “pour in” his or her own “meaning” into the passage. The “truth” that is therefore “discovered” is of the making of the seeker and in the “image” of man. This is what Paul warned of in Romans 1:25 when the “interpreters” of his day…”changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.” (Webster' 1833 Bible) This madness is known to us today as eisigesis (ice-a-gee-sis). A relative new term coined ca. 1878, eisigesis is defined as;

“The interpretation of a text…by reading into it one’s own ideas.” (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, (Merriam-Webster, Inc. Publishers, Springfield, MA, 1991), pg. 399)

To coin a phrase, for one to embrace eisigesis in the pursuit of truth would lead one’s search for salvation onto the “thin ice.” Eisigesis has brought us everything from 2nd century Gnosticism to 19th century liberalism to the so-called “Emergent church” of today. The process takes one in circles, always searching and yet never finding. Eisigesis allowed King Saul to rationalize keeping alive the king of Amalek as well as the best of the herds and flocks instead of utterly destroying them as God had clearly commanded in I Samuel 15. Today, eisigesis allows men and women to rationalize all kinds of things un-biblical though the Scripture clearly teaches that additions and subtractions to God’s Word are strictly forbidden as we see in Proverbs 30:6.

There we are enjoined to “…not add to His words or He will rebuke you and prove you to be a liar.” (Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.)

On the other hand, those who wish to honor God and move “neither to the right or to the left,” view Scripture from an exegesis [ex-a-gee-sis (“ex” – out of)] basis. Exegesis is what Jesus Christ referred to as “having ears to hear.” It is the mindset that instead of injecting our own opinions into the Scripture, we humbly extract God’s will for us from the Scripture without question or argument. The exegete is totally subservient to his or her Lord and Master’s Word, the final say in the on-going war of biblical interpretation. In I Samuel 15, Samuel was the exegete while Saul was the eisigete. Samuel is now honored among the faithful while Saul was removed from the throne of Israel. Just how we interpret God’s Word has the most serious of consequences.

Eisigesis views the Word of God as a collection of “stories, historical fiction and fables” to be “interpreted” via one’s own life’s experiences rendering God a god of “confusion” and “contradiction.” It produces a foundation of sand causing both spiritual collapse and spiritual death. The end of eisigesis is unbelief and the end of unbelief is death eternal.

Exegesis views the Word of God as 100% “God breathed,” “Holy Spirit inspired” and is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (Websters 1833 Bible, op. cit., II Timothy 3:16) It has nothing to do with our own life’s experiences, opinions or conjectures. It is not influenced by circumstance or any kind of pragmatically conceived benefit. It produces a foundation of rock solid faith rendering both spiritual stability and spiritual life. The end of exegesis is belief and the end of belief is life eternal.

So dear reader, which are you, an “ice” or an “ex?” Heaven and hell anxiously await your response.

For a FREE Bible Study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Towards Salvation or Resulting in Salvation? - An Analysis of Romans 10:9-10

2009-02-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

Paul speaks of the fact that "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth" in Romans 10:4 (KJV). Words mean things. When we read the word "end," we naturally think of the conclusion, termination or cessation of a matter. Not knowing otherwise, we might interpret this verse to mean that belief in Christ results in righteousness i.e. salvation. However, the word "end" in this verse is the Greek word telos, "...the result of a state or process," according to Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.

The concept of the word "end" meaning "process" is supported by the use of the word "believeth" in the original text. In Young's Literal Translation, this verse is rendered: "For Christ is an end of law for righteousness to every one who is believing, ..." Paul continues in this same vein five verses later in Romans 10:11 where he states again; `Every one who is believing on him shall not be ashamed,...' The phrase, who is believing, indicates an on-going process not the final conclusion of a matter.

We can conclude, therefore, that "believeth" is part of a salvation "process" and not the "completion" of salvation as many would have us to allegorically assume.

You may now ask; "Just what does all of this have to do with the subject at hand?" Simply this: for those who would view the word "end" as a destination, the same would view both "belief" and "confession" in Romans 10:9-10 as resulting in salvation, NOT part of a not-yet-completed process. But they, dear reader, would be in error should they view it so.

There is much mistranslation of these verses in multiple versions. Said mis-translations are due to the fact that many versions are translated (interpreted) by scholars whose theology is driven by the Reformed, Calvinistic and Evangelical tradition. Romans 10:9-10’s treatment by many translators reveals a “theological tail” wagging the “theological dog” in rendering the original meaning of these two key verses. A brief review of how vs. 10 in handeld. Instead of believeth unto righteousness and confession is made unto salvation, we have:

* In the usually accurate English Standard Version: "...one believes and is justified," and "one confesses and is saved."
* The also usually accurate New American Standard Bible says, "resulting in righteousness" and "resulting in salvation."
* The rarely accurate so-called "dynamic equivilence" New International Version says, "are justified" and "are saved."
* The darling of the modern day "Alexandrian School," the Enlish Majority Text Version says, "resulting in righteousness" and "resulting in salvation."

Many versions, however, render this passage correctly such as the American Standard Version of 1901:

Rom 10:9 & 10 – “…because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved:
for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. “

The original language texts use the Greek word eis which corresponds in English to our word unto. “Unto” (eis) is defined by Strong’s as “…expressing motion.” In other words, in Romans 10:10, both belief and confession are “flowing towards” a goal not yet achieved. We come now to the crux of the matter. Since belief and confession do not result in salvation, when and how is salvation achieved? Paul quickly tells us in vs. 13:

Rom 10:13 “…for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” KJV

There we have it. We are saved (past tense) once we have “called on the name of the Lord.” Peter proclaimed at Pentecost that this would take place (Acts 2:21). Paul himself clarifies what “calling on the name of the Lord” is…it is baptism! He clearly states in Acts 22:16, in his own account of his own conversion, that this is so:

Act 22:16 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” - KJV

In conclusion, Paul clearly teaches the necessity of baptism for salvation in Romans 10…contrary to the teachings of the vast majority of the denominational world. Our challenge is great is this vast sea of lostness but “God is for us and who can be against us?”

For a FREE Bible study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Dreams Are Expensive!

2009-01-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

Dreams are expensive! Martin Luther King dreamed that one day his children would be judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. He died for that dream. Abraham Lincoln dreamed of a post Civil War America that embraced malice towards none and charity towards all. He died for that dream. Col. Sanders dreamed of success in business that eluded him until he was 65 years old. In the Old Testament Joseph dreamed that he would one day be a leader of men. He was sold into slavery and assumed dead for years for that dream. The Kenny Rogers song opines with the words; “Don’t fall in love with a dreamer!” School children are berated for “day dreaming” by their teachers.

Yes, dreams are indeed expensive! However, as Walt Disney taught us, “dreams do come true!” Our founding fathers dreamed of a new nation where “all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” They pledged their “lives, fortunes and sacred honor” to see the dream of liberty come true. The list is endless. President Roosevelt dreamed of winning World War II. We did. President Kennedy dreamed of putting a man on the moon before 1970. We did. President Reagan dreamed of defeating communism without war. We did. Henry Ford dreamed of assembly lines producing increasing number of goods at ever decreasing prices made by workers paid at every increasing wages. He saw that dream fulfilled.

We might think…WHO is the biggest dreamer of all? Who dreamed the most fantastic dream of all time? It was God! “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever should believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!” (John 3:16) His dream is not just for a few, not just for many, not just for a majority…but for EVERYONE! Peter tells us in II Peter 3:9 that “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God’s big dream of atonement is FAR from “limited!”

Isn’t it GREAT to be the OBJECT of the greatest dream of all history? Our God is a dreamer of expensive dreams! How about you and me? Let’s dream BIG for our God this year! You might ask; “Just how do I become a recipient of God’s great dream?” His instructions are clear, simple and easily identifiable. One must BELIEVE in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), REPENT of all past sins (Luke 13:3), CONFESS that Jesus Christ is the Son of God before witnesses (Matthew 10:32), be BAPTIZED for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and LIVE FAITHFULLY towards God from that point forward (I John 1:7).

Friends, we must not neglect such a great salvation! (Hebrews 2:3)

For a FREE Bible study, e-mail: rmcculls6@bellsouth.net!

Fear, Honor and Submission

2008-11-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, a free people elected a new government in the United States of America. Unlike much of the world, the election was completely without force of arms and absent violence and intimidation. God has truly blessed us as He has few others with peaceful transitions of governments. There has never been a “night of the long knives” as there was in Nazi Germany. We have never seen the guillotine in our public squares as did revolutionary France. We have never seen a bloody communist revolution as did Russia and China. We have never seen a Cromwell execute a sitting monarch as did Great Britton. Why is this so? It is so because the United States of America was founded on the principle that the rights of man descend from God and not other men. Liberty is a gift of God, not a thing to be grasped from other men.

We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. – The Preamble to the Declaration of Independence

Regardless of who each of us as individual citizens might have preferred to obtain the various offices, God’s Will has now been accomplished. It is now our collective opportunity and duty to hold them all up often to Heaven’s providence, care and protection that they might govern in such a way as to make possible the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To do so is God’s express will for it is the purpose of Heaven to lift up various souls to govern. From the lowliest elected clerk all the way to President-elect Obama, we are enjoined by God to continually lift them all up in prayer.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and reverence. – I Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)

We are all blessed by God to have this opportunity for it glorifies Him as our ultimate king. I am told that Thomas Paine was asked after the Revolutionary War if America would ever have a king. Reportedly he replied, “America already has a king, the Lord of Heaven.” God places whom He wills to govern the affairs of men. It is, therefore, our collective opportunity and duty to fear God, to honor the king and to submit to the ruling authorities as we “proclaim liberty throughout the land.” Let us join with Peter and “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” – I Peter 1:17 (NKJV)

May the God of Heaven bless the church of Christ and the United States of America! May He bless every leader for the sake of the gospel! May that gospel ever be proclaimed from our shores, from “sea to shining sea,” until He comes!

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