Article - Peace that Passes All Understanding
Peace is one of the most treasured commodities for any society. For many, many years’ people have prayed, died and lived for peace. Jesus often spoke of the idea of peace. Yet, it was a little different than how we think of peace today. Today, we think of peace as military safety. Or, we think of it as financial security. Sometimes, we even feel like we have peace when the home security alarm is working well and the stock market is soaring. This was not the kind of peace Jesus spoke of. Jesus spoke of a peace that transcends the physical. He spoke of a kind of tranquility that regardless of whether or not we were at war, financially broke, or even our lives were at stake would allow us to overcome and be victorious. To His disciples Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). How does one have this kind of peace?
Christian peace comes through a right relationship with God. Paul said, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). When sinners have the faith to obey God’s commands, then we can truly have the peace that passes all understanding (Romans 1:5). You see, dear friend, you can only have spiritual tranquility when you can say to yourself, “The Bible says I’m right with God.” Nothing else can give you greater satisfaction and joy than this.
Christian peace comes through living a spiritual minded life. The Apostle Paul said, “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). This idea find exact accord with what Paul said later to the church in Philippi (Philippians 4:6-8). The only way to maintain Christian peace is to know that you are living according to the commands and wishes of God found in the Bible.
To sum up the idea of Christian peace we could say, the only way to get it is to get right with God and the only way to keep it is to stay right with God. When I do both of these, then truly I can say, “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me” (Hebrews 13:6). Do you really possess this kind of peace in your life? Are you sure you have done what the Bible says and not what some other person told you to do? If so, are you living the Christian life every day? If so, then you know the joy of Christian peace. If not, it’s not too late to know the Christian peace. We would love to help you have a right relationship with God and learn how to live the Christian life. Please contact us and we would be glad to help you. May the peace of God rule in your hearts through Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:15).
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Article - The Christian & Gambling [Part 1]
Can a Christian go down to the local casino or gaming center and gamble? Do God and the Bible sanction gambling? The Bible answers both of these questions with a resounding “No”! With the recent rise of gambling in our country and the growth of casinos, the Christian must honestly consider the biblical subject of gambling. Let us consider several reasons why gambling is a sin.
When a person gambles, he is not a good steward of the things God has given him. The Bible says that every good and every perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). The Christian’s responsibility to these gifts is to use them wisely (1 Peter 4:10; Luke 12:42). Gambling is a complete waste and squandering of God’s gifts. The Bible teaches that all we have ultimately belongs to God (Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10-12). It is sad to see so many families suffering for food and the necessities of life because father or mother had to go and gamble away their paycheck. Gambling is a sin because it violates the stewardship principle.
The gambler does not practice the golden rule. Jesus said, “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also unto them” (Matthew 7:12). If I cheat, trick, or outsmart someone else out of their money, then I am not fulfilling the golden rule. I do not want anyone to beat me out of my hard earned money, do you? You cannot say you love your neighbor and then turn right around and beat him out of his money at gambling. The practice of gambling uses the iron rule “might makes right.” Gambling is a sin because it violates the golden rule.
The practice of gambling breeds laziness and keeps people from making an honest living. The person who gambles builds his whole life around the fact that one day he is going to hit it big and bring in a bunch of money. As a result of this thinking, gamblers can become lazy, dishonest, and a menace to society. The Bible says, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thes. 3:10). I know people today who are selling their welfare check and their children’s WIC stamps to go and gamble. How sad! Gambling is a sin because it promotes laziness.
Dear friend, gambling is becoming more and more the plague of the USA. We must realize that gambling is sinful and that God does not condone it. When the time comes to vote on gambling, may Christians band together and vote “NO”.
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Article - How to Overcome a Sinful Past
Sometimes in our Christian life we really blow it. We know what the Bible says. We know what we ought to do. Sadly, there are times when we do just the opposite and sin. When a person really messes up, how do they overcome that sinful past?
He must recognize and admit the sin in his life. Unless we are willing to says, “I have sinned”, we cannot be forgiven by God (1 Samuel 12:21ff). The beloved Apostle John said, “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” (1 John 1:9-10). Someone has properly stated that to know yourself diseased is half the cure.
A person must also be ashamed of their sinful past. Too often people who have lived a life of sin go around bragging about the “sins” they used to commit. Sin should be something that should cause us great shame, not give us an avenue to boast (Romans 6:21). How sad it is when we reach a point that we can no longer blush over sin (Jeremiah 8:12).
To overcome a sinful past a person must deal with sin in a God-approved way. The only way to deal with sin properly is through obedience to Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9). Jesus made it clear that to deal with sin one must believe in Him (John 8:24), repent of past sins (Luke 13:3), confess Him as Lord (Romans 10:10), be baptized for the remission of one’s sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16), and be faithful to death (Revelation 2:10).
Finally, to overcome a sinful past one must put the past behind him and forget it. The Apostle Paul said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). To overcome the past, we must put the past behind us and look forward to the future. If God has forgotten our sins (Hebrews 8:12-13), can’t we? It has been aptly stated, “Those who live in the past are doomed to repeat its mistakes.”
Dear friend, all of us have made mistakes in life that we are not proud of. The difference between a person who has overcome sin and one who has not is Jesus Christ. Have you dealt with sin a God-approved way? If not, why not? Why not do that today?
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Article - What is Eschatology??
The word “eschatology” is a big 5-dollar religious word that means “a study of the last things, or end things.” In our world, there is much confusion about matters relating to the end of time. Some believe the end can be traced down to a specific time and date. Others believe the end has already passed. What does the Bible say on this subject? Let us look at several passages about “last things” and let the Bible speak.
Eschatology & the Second Coming. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36). “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thes. 4:13-18). “Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed” (2 Thes. 1:7-10).
Eschatology & the Resurrection. “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). “Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:24-26).
What does the Bible say about “last things?” The Bible teaches that one cannot know the exact time of Christ’s coming. However, the Bible also teaches that it is a future event that we must be prepared for. The Bible, as we have read it today, contains all the answers to eschatology. If we will put aside the fiction books of men and any hobbies we have developed, we can clearly understand God’s view of eschatology.
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Article - The Christian Influence
An old Korean Proverb illustrates the power of one’s influence when it says, “Power lasts ten years, influence not more than a hundred.” Sometimes we may think, “Am I influencing anyone? The question asked is really a faulty one. It’s not IF we are influencing anyone, but HOW are we influencing them. All of us are an influence on others either for good, bad, or indifference. What type of influence should a Christian possess? Let’s notice what God says.
Concerning our influence Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16). Jesus likened our influence to two powerful examples in this text: salt & light. All of us can see the value and effect of these in our everyday life. For example, think back to the most bland and boring meal that you have eaten. Don’t you remember thinking to yourself, “This needs some spice?”. Our influence is that “spice” that adds flavor to life. Oh how we need to add good “spice” to this life. Then, think about the effects of light. When you walk into a room at night the very first thing you do is…turn on the light. Why? Light helps us to see and adds beauty, vividness and life to all it touches. The same is true of our example. Our “light” must shine in such a vivid and beautiful way that others can see it and glorify our God!
Parents especially have an influence on their children. Henry Ward Beecher so eloquently said, “ What a mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin.” How parents need to be that good example to set a principle for their children’s lives. Of the lasting effect of parents upon children the Holy Spirit said, “…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). As the old hymn says, “God give us Christian homes” and especially Christian influence in the home!
As we think about influence may our question not be, “Am I influencing anyone?” But rather, “How am I influencing everyone I come in contact with?” May God help us to be influential for Him!
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Article - How To Go To Hell In A Hurry
Have you ever met people in life who seemed like they were in a real hurry to go to Hell? You know the kind of people I’m talking about. These are the people who give no forethought to their actions. These people live for the moment. These people will believe anything any religious person tells them. These types of people, whether they realize it or not, are headed down the road to Hell in a real hurry. If a person wanted to go to Hell in a hurry, here are two things that would get him there.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry for Tomorrow We Die! One of the quickest ways to destroy one’s soul is to live a life based on momentary pleasure. Esau is a prime example of this. In Genesis 25 Esau sold his birthright, the most important things he had, for a bowl of soup. Why? At that moment in time he let his physical need for food outweigh anything else. Today many people fall into the same sensual trap as Esau. For example, the teenager who will do anything for his next high is only living for the moment. The man who will sell his soul to the Devil for his next drink is head down a treacherous road. Parents who have to have every luxury of this world while their children are neglected are destroying their own souls and helping to destroy their children’s souls. If you really want to go to Hell in a hurry, just eat, drink and be merry!
Believe everything you hear about God and Religion. The quickest way to make sure you go to Hell is to believe everything you are told about God and the Bible. I am appalled at the number of people who are told what to believe. Instead of being told what to believe, we should go to the Bible to see what we must believe (Acts 17:11). Many times I hear people say, “Well that’s what the pastor said.” In all kindness, it doesn’t matter what any person thinks we should believe about God and the Bible. The only person we must be concerned with pleasing is God. I can assure you, if you really want to go to Hell in a hurry just blindly believe everything you are told about religion. Before you know it you may be in South America sipping on a cyanide cocktail and offering your soul on the altar of religious deception.
Dear friend, I hope you will understand that I don’t want anyone to be lost and go to Hell. If you want to avoid the horrors of Hell you must live for eternity not for the moment. Jesus said nothing in the entire world is more important than your soul (Mark 8:36-37). If you want to be sure you are on the path to Heaven do what the Bible says, not what you heard someone else say (Colossians 3:17; John 12:48). May God help us to avoid a life that will lead to Hell in a hurry!
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Article - God’s Grace is Sufficient
Like many of us today, Paul had a “thorn in the flesh”. This was a trial of some kind that gave him great grief. This “thorn in the flesh” bothered Paul so much that he prayed to the Lord three times to remove it. To Paul’s request God responded by saying, “ My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Instead of dealing with Paul’s infirmity, God reminds Paul of the all-sufficiency of His grace. This same principle should apply directly to us today. Instead of dwelling on our problems, we should be able to look beyond those problems to the grace and love of God. Here is how we can do just that.
Look beyond your problems. The Apostle Paul eloquently stated, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Instead of getting discouraged and down about our problems and difficulties, we need to realize that our problems aren’t even a drop in the bucket compared to the beauty of Heaven. Too many times we focus on the physical word of suffering and forget that we are headed to Heaven. Let’s move beyond our physical problems and see the joy of Heaven.
Look above your problems. The brother of the Lord reminded us of the benefit of suffering when he said, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of suffering, we must be able to look above our problems to the good it can bring us. Imagine how closely attached to this world we might be if there were no sufferings. James reminds us that we must be able to rejoice at the difficulties we have because they help us grow as Christians.
While trials are going to come to each of us, we must remember that God’s grace is sufficient to help us deal with our trials. When we remember that Heaven will be worth it all and that suffering help us grow, we can overcome our suffering with God’s grace. May God give us the strength to remain faithful to His all-sufficient grace.
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Article - The Blood of Christ
The Holy Spirit says, “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins” (Hebrews 9:22). The Old Testament Levitical system was a very bloody system (Leviticus 1-5). For every sin of every kind there was a blood sacrifice to be offered (Leviticus 4:1-12). Yet the Scripture records that the blood of all those bulls and goats could never really take away sin (Hebrews 10:3-4). How thankful we should be that Jesus was willing to shed His blood once for all for sin so that the sin problem would have a permanent solution (Hebrews 10:12). Notice just how important the blood of Christ is to our salvation.
Jesus’ blood removes sin from our life. When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper He said, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). When Jesus was on the cross “…one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:34). It was at this point in time when a fountain was opened for cleansing sin (Zechariah 13:1). Without the shedding of Jesus’ blood we would not have forgiveness (Romans 6:1-4; Acts 2:38).
Jesus’ blood redeems us to God. The Apostle Paul said, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Paul later wrote that we are brought near to God through the blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:13). The word “redeem” literally means to “buy back.” Before Jesus shed His blood we were enslaved to sin (Romans 6:17-18). Jesus paid the ransom price to free us from sin. Paul said of Jesus’ sacrifice, “who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” (Galatians 1:4). Only through the blood of Christ could we be bought back into a right relationship with God (John 14:6).
Jesus’ blood brings us into a peaceful relationship. Because of sin, the relationship with God and man had been severed (Isaiah 59:1-2; Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 3:23). Yet, how wonderful it is to hear Paul tell the Colossian Christians that Jesus made “peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). Through the blood of Christ we can have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-8).
Jesus’ blood is also essential to becoming and remaining a faithful child of God. The Scriptures tell us that Jesus loves us and is willing to wash us from our sins in His own blood (Revelation 1:5). At what point do we contact the blood of Christ? When do we receive that washing of our sins in the blood of Jesus? We contact the blood of Christ in the watery grave of baptism (Romans 6:1-4; Ephesians 5:26; Hebrews 10:22). Paul was told to “arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Since it is the blood of Christ that cleanses our sins, then we must conclude that baptism is the point at which we reach the blood of Christ (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16). Furthermore, in light of the fact that we can lose the benefit of Jesus’ cleansing blood as a child of God (Hebrews 10:24-26), we must continue to walk in the light as Jesus is in the light, and we must continue to confess our sins as His children so that the blood of Jesus can keep on cleansing us from all sin (1 John 1:7-9). Thank God for the precious blood of Jesus that not only makes us pure, white, and whole in God’s sight, but maintains our purity in His sight so that one day we can “see God” for eternity (Isaiah 1:18; Matthew 26:28; 5:8).
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Article - Miracles Have Ceased
The Bible is filled with accounts of various miracles. In studying these accounts, a pattern becomes evident. The miracles were performed for a divine purpose. Once the miracles served their purpose, they ceased. For example, God created the heavens and earth, then He ceased creating heavens and earth (Genesis 1-2:3; Hebrews 11:3). God fed Israel with manna, then He ceased (Exodus 16:31-35; Joshua 5:12). The same is true in the New Testament. The primary purpose of miracles in the first century A.D. was to reveal God’s word unto completion and to confirm God’s word and Jesus’ divinity in order to make believers (Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 16:20; John 10:25, 37-38; 20:30-31; Acts 2:22; Hebrews 2:1-4). Once Jesus’ divine nature was adequately demonstrated and all the truth of His word was fully revealed, the miracles that served to validate these facts ceased. Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 (and Ephesians 4:8-13) Paul makes it clear that the miracles of the first century were not designed to last. He stated that the miraculous abilities to prophesy, speak in languages never studied and gain instant knowledge would fail, cease, vanish away. He even tells us when this would occur, namely, when “that which is perfect has come.” God’s word was made know in parts, that is, gradually as it was revealed and confirmed through “childish things” called spiritual gifts. Once God’s word was made perfect/complete, these gifts fulfilled their purpose and ceased (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:25; Jude 1:3).
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Article - Does It Really Matter?
The question, “Does it really matter?” is becoming the motto for our modern society. We used to have moral belief, but “Does it really matter anymore?” At one time people had strong conviction about ungodliness and sin but, “Does it really matter that much?” In the past, we had faith in the Bible and its teaching but, “Does the Bible really matter anymore?” To God, IT REALLY DOES MATTER A LOT! Notice several areas in which it does matter.
Does it matter if I believe in God or Evolution? Yes! The downward spiral that society is facing is due in large to the affects of evolutionary thinking. For example, the increasing suicide rate is a direct result of evolution. If there is no God and life ends at death, then why not end your life if you are not happy with it. In addition, the current rise of sexual immorality is a direct result of evolution. If there are no standards for marriage (Genesis 2:18-24), then I can marry or live-with whoever I want for however long I want and there are no repercussions to this lifestyle. Friend, can you not see that it really does matter that there is a God?
Does it matter what church I am a part of? Our society tells us to choose the church of our choice and God will be happy with that. Is this biblical thinking? No. The bible teaches that Jesus only built one church (Ephesians 1:21-23; Ephesians 4:4). That one church must call itself by a biblical name (Romans 16:16). When Jesus spoke about the church, He called it His church (Matthew 16:13-18). Therefore, we also should call the church Jesus purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28), the church of Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus will deliver a singular “kingdom” or church back to the father at the end of time (1 Corinthians 15:24). If you are not a part of the church that Jesus built, then it really will matter!
Does it really matter if I am baptized for the remission of my sin? Many are teaching today that all a person has to do to be saved is believe on Jesus and say the sinner’s prayer and you will be saved. Is this really what the Bible teaches? No. In fact, the Bible teaches the exact opposite of this belief. James said, “You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” I often hear people ask the question, “Is baptism really that important?” Let’s let the Bible answer that question for us. Jesus said, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16). Peter proclaimed, “Repent and be baptized everyone of you for the remission of your sins…” (Acts 2:38). Jesus also said, “Unless a man is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3-5). Ananias told Paul, “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the Lord’s name” (Acts 22:16). Friend, from these passages baptism for the remission of sins really does matter to God.
If you are swayed by the popular philosophy that it really does not matter, please come back to the Bible and see that it does. It matters what you believe and how you live your life to God. It also matters what church you are a part of and how you became a Christian. John sums it up by saying, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9). Friend, it really does matter to God!
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Article - Well Done, Good & Faithful Servant
Every faithful Christian longs for the day when he can hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant;…Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21). However, in the context of Matthew 25, not all of God’s servants received this praise. What is it that allowed two of God’s servants to hear this wonderful proclamation and one to hear the said words, “Cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:21).
To enter into the joy of the Lord, we must be faithful servants. The idea of faithful implies that we are willing to follow the Lord’s commands. Jesus himself said, “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter into heaven, but he who does the will of my father who is in Heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
To enter into the joy of the Lord I must use my talents wisely. Our Lord said, “ to whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). A servant of the Lord cannot squander the abilities and talents he has been blessed with. In fact, the one talent man was condemned because he did not make his talents grow as he should have. Instead of using his talents he buried them in the ground due to fear of the Master. As good servants of God, we must take what we have been blessed with and use it for God’s glory.
God wants every person to go to Heaven (1 Timothy 2:4-6). Yet, Jesus made it clear that few will find the way to Heaven (Matthew 7:13-14). The reason some may be lost is due to a lack of faithfulness to the Lord. On the Day of the Lord’s return will you hear the words “Well done, good & faithful servant”? May God help each of us to prepare ourselves to serve the Master!
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Article - Defeating the Devil
The Bible clearly teaches that the Devil is a serious adversary who desires to devour our soul. The Apostle Peter said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). While the devil is a fearful foe, the good news is we can and must defeat the Devil. Here are three ways we can defeat Satan.
Resist the Devil. “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:9). The encouragement Peter gives to suffering Christians is that they can resist the adversary. Although the devil is a fearful foe, you can defeat him!
Realize his Tactics. The devil has many tricks up his sleeve to use against the Christian. Satan is characterized as a wiley and conniving creature (1 Timothy 3:7, Ephesians 6:10-11). Satan has a large arsenal of weapons including worldliness, lust, defeat, and even self. But, if we will study the nature and tactics of Satan it will help us defeat him.
Read the Bible. At the temptation of Jesus, He overcame Satan by saying three times, “It is written” (Matthew 4). Jesus was so well versed in the Bible that it was His primary defense against the devil, and it worked. Today, if we are going to overcome Satan we must know the Word of God. The Psalmist said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:9-11).
God has given us the ability to defeat Satan. We have to arm ourselves for battle and vehemently fight the foe every day. May God help us to truly overcome the enemy (Revelation 2:10).
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Article - Saved Christians Can Lose Their Salvation
John Calvin’s doctrine of perseverance of the saints (a form of which is also known as once saved, always saved; eternal security; unconditional assurance) teaches that once a person is truly saved, he cannot lose his salvation. The Bible teaches the contrary: (1) A Christian who commits unrighteous acts without repenting of such will “not inherit” the Lord’s everlasting kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 5:11-13; Ephesians 5:3-5; Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Peter 1:10-11); (2) A Christian can be “cut off” from Jesus the Vine IF he does not bear fruit/continue in God’s goodness (John 15:1-6; Romans 11:19-22); (3) A Christian can be “estranged” from Christ and “fall” from God’s grace (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 6:4-8; 12:14-17; 1 Corinthians 10:12); (4) A Christian who continues to sin willfully/walk in darkness ceases to benefit from the blood (forgiveness) and fellowship of Jesus (Hebrews 10:26; 1 John 1:7, 9); (5) A Christian can be “disqualified” or “defrauded” of his eternal reward (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Colossians 2:18; Revelation 3:11); (6) A Christian can “depart, stray, wander” from the faith and the living God (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 6:10; 1:19; 6:20-21; 2 Timothy 2:18; Hebrews 3:12; James 5:19-21; for a reference to “death,” see Revelation 20:14); (7) For a Christian to remain part of Christ’s house, a partaker of Christ and one whom Christ presents holy to God, he must follow the “conditions” of continuing in the faith and holding fast the confidence firm to the end (Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 3:5-6, 12-14); (8) A Christian who transgresses and no longer abides in the doctrine of Christ no longer has the Father and Son (2 John 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 4:16). In fact, the condition of his soul is worse off than an unbeliever’s who is hell bound (1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Revelation 21:8); (9) A Christian who does not overcome temptation or who takes away from God’s word is “blotted out from” the Book of Life and from the Holy City/Heaven (Revelation 3:4-5; 22:19).
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Article - There is Only One Side to Truth (part 1)
One of the widely accepted axioms of our society today is that there are two sides to every story. Such would be worthy of consideration if all things were subjective and based merely on pragmatism. However, when it comes to truth, there is only one right side to truth – and if you are not on the side of truth, you are on the wrong side. Truth is objective or real, not subjective or opinionated. For instance, it is written in 1 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God”. There are not two sides or interpretations of the inspiration of God’s holy word, because God’s word consists of objective truth (Psalm 119:142, 151, 160; Ecclesiastes 12:10; John 17:17, 19; Romans 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15). The inspired men of God were led by God’s Spirit to accurately write God’s word as the very utterances of God Himself (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Peter 1:16-21; 5:6; Revelation 22:18-19). As a result of living in a post modernistic society where truth is seen as subjective, it has become convenient for so many who claim to be Christian to explain away clear truths of God’s word by simply saying “that’s your interpretation”. When you point out to them that we are commanded to speak the same thing and have the same mind and judgment according to 1 Corinthians 1:10, they will say “that only applied to the first century” or “it is impossible to have the same judgment” or “name me one group that speaks the same thing perfectly”, etc. Does such subjective reasoning resolve the pleading of 1 Corinthians 1:10? Is it not the case that we are to “Test all things; hold fast what is good”, “finding out what is the acceptable to the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Ephesians 5:10; Romans 12:2)? If such illogical reasoning is now the accepted norm, then eventually “Christian” proponents of subjective truth will eventually conclude that it is just one’s interpretation that Jesus saves – and some, by the way, are already doing so (pluralism).
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Article - Common Sense Living
The Bible is a book that tells us how to live the best life we can ever imagine (John 10:10). The reason why the Bible is able to do this is because it deals with common sense living. The Bible does not tell you how to stay fit, or be a winning socialite. It is not a book that will give you the edge on the latest fads. It is a book that tells you how to make common sense decisions. Notice several of the principles for common sense living.
Choose Common Sense Friends. “Do not be deceived:"Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33). If a person desires to live a life that will be both healthy and happy, he must choose his friends wisely.
Choose Common Sense Morals. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it is the way of death” (Proverbs 16:25). If we are going to have a clean conscience and the ability to rest well at night, it will only be found by choosing common sense morals. And, only God’s morals are common sense morals. Jeremiah said, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself, it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).
Choose a Common Sense Faith. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of the Lord” (Romans 10:17). A common sense faith is not something that is better felt than told. It is a deep-rooted faith in the Bible as God’s Holy Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Without a common sense faith in God, man will never make it through this life (1 John 5:4; Hebrews 11:6). May God help each of us to live a life that makes good sense!
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Article - Gay Marriage NOT Approved by God
Recently our world and the media have been so consumed with the subject of homosexuality and gay marriage. In fact, it almost seems as though the popular thing to do is “come out” of the closet. For example, when NBA superstar Jason Collins came out about being gay, he even received a phone call from the President of the United States congratulating him. The Boy Scouts of America, one of the last strong holds of good morals and family values, sadly bowed to the winds of pressure and money and decided to start accepting homosexuals. In all this discussion and hype there is one person we forgot to consult on the matter—The Almighty God! Does God approve of homosexuality and gay marriage? Absolutely Not! Notice what the Scripture says about this subject.
Homosexuality and Gay Marriage—An Abomination! In the long ago God said, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22). God uses some very strong language to describe this vile act when He chose the word abomination. Abomination means “extreme disgust or hatred” (Webster online). Imagine the most disgusting or vile thing you can think of: genocide, pedophilia, incest, rape….those feelings we possess when those actions are mentioned are akin to the way God feels about homosexuality and gay marriage.
Homosexuality and Gay Marriage—A Crime Against God & Man! In the Old Testament God placed a heavy sentence upon any person committing the vile action of homosexuality. God said, “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them” (Leviticus 20:13). Naturally from this verse we learn that homosexuality is a crime against God because it violates His Holy Will. It is also a crime against man because it violates the beauty and sanctity of married loved between a man and a woman. God said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). To take marriage, which is natural, beautiful, and should be held in the highest respect, and turn it into something as filthy and disgusting as homosexuality is a crime against God and man.
Homosexuality and Gay Marriage—Vile & Unnatural! In the New Testament God’s language against homosexuality and gay marriage is very plain. The Holy Spirit says, “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (Romans 1:26-27). Notice the descriptive words God uses to help us understand how He feels about homosexuality and gay marriage: vile, against nature, shameful, an error deserving of penalty! Friend, its unmistakable how God feels about this heinous act—God hates it!
Homosexuals & those in Gay Marriages Will Not Go to Heaven! In making a statement this plain there is always the possibility that someone could misunderstand what’s being said. God does not want anyone to be lost (2 Peter 3:9) and those in the Lord’s church want all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Every person in a homosexual marriage who repents and turns from those acts can be right with God (Luke 13:1-5; Acts 3:19). However, the Scriptures clearly teach any person who remains in homosexuality or gay marriages will be lost in Hell! Notice what God says, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Did you notice what God said in that verse? Among other sins that people may live in, God explicitly said, “homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God”. What does that mean? Unless those involved in homosexuality and gay marriage repent they will be lost in Hell forever! Again, God doesn’t want that nor do members of the Lord’s church. However, the biblical fact still remains true!
Friend, while God speaks very clearly on this subject of homosexuality, that same God wants men to turn from sin and turn to him (Acts 17:30-31). Maybe you’ve been caught up in homosexuality or even gay marriage. We urge you in view of your eternal soul please repent of your ways and turn to God. And, in closing I make one final plea to the everyday common person. I know the media is cramming this issue down our throat. I know it is a politically hot topic. Yet, I’m still convinced that the “common” person is disgusted by this action and repulsed by the very thought of homosexuality. If that’s true, then I appeal to you to STAND UP for what you believe and be heard! As Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”. May God give us the courage to clearly say what He has already said about the vile act of homosexuality! --Ben Bailey, Gospel Preacher Central church of Christ
This message is approved by God and supported to the fullest by the Elders, Ministers, Deacons and Members of the Central church of Christ.
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Article - God’s Grace is Sufficient
Like many of us today, Paul had a “thorn in the flesh”. This was a trial of some kind that gave him great grief. This “thorn in the flesh” bothered Paul so much that he prayed to the Lord three times to remove it. To Paul’s request God responded by saying, “ My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Instead of dealing with Paul’s infirmity, God reminds Paul of the all-sufficiency of His grace. This same principle should apply directly to us today. Instead of dwelling on our problems, we should be able to look beyond those problems to the grace and love of God. Here is how we can do just that.
Look beyond your problems. The Apostle Paul eloquently stated, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Instead of getting discouraged and down about our problems and difficulties, we need to realize that our problems aren’t even a drop in the bucket compared to the beauty of Heaven. Too many times we focus on the physical word of suffering and forget that we are headed to Heaven. Let’s move beyond our physical problems and see the joy of Heaven.
Look above your problems. The brother of the Lord reminded us of the benefit of suffering when he said, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of suffering, we must be able to look above our problems to the good it can bring us. Imagine how closely attached to this world we might be if there were no sufferings. James reminds us that we must be able to rejoice at the difficulties we have because they help us grow as Christians.
While trials are going to come to each of us, we must remember that God’s grace is sufficient to help us deal with our trials. When we remember that Heaven will be worth it all and that suffering help us grow, we can overcome our suffering with God’s grace. May God give us the strength to remain faithful to His all-sufficient grace.
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Article - Christian, Be Strong!
In a world with weak morals, strong temptations, and moderate religious values the child of God must remain strong in his faith to overcome (Revelation 2:10). Paul encourages us to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). In 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Paul gives us a very relevant example of how the Christian can be strong in his faith.
“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2:3-4). A soldier is always on the alert for battle against the enemy, and so should the child of God (1 Peter 5:8). A soldier at war hopes that one-day he will return home, and the Christian must long for Heaven (Philippians 3:20-21). A soldier must always keep his battle armor on or near at all times, and the faithful follower of Christ must be armed for battle at all times (Ephesians 6:10-17). As our young men and women in Iraq must stay strong in their stand from freedom against terrorist, so Christians must remain strong in their faith against the great Terrorist of the soul, Satan!
One of the greatest ways Christians can stay true to God and endure hardships is to continually look to the Captain of their faith, Jesus Christ. The writer of Hebrews reminded us that it was fitting for God “..whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:9). To stay true to God we must keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, the great Captain of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-3). Paul reminded us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). May each Christian take comfort in the phrase, “with God anything is possible (Mark 10:26).
The child of God can win the battle of life. However, to be victorious he must be a strong-hearted soldier and fully submit to the Captain of the Faith. May God bless each of us as we strive to win our battles!
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Article - The Power of Prayer
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). Prayer is one of the most powerful tools the Christian has as his possession. Yet, it is sadly one of the most overlooked and under-used tools God has given us. Just imagine how long we would stay on the phone if we could call God directly from our home phone and talk to Him. In essence, we do have this kind of communication. Jesus said, “Men ought to pray always and never lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Jesus tells us, “If you ask anything in my name I will do it” (John 14:14). Since prayer is such a powerful tool, how can we become a more prayerful people? Let me suggests three principles to strengthen our prayer life.
- Realize the Power of Prayer. In times of trouble and distress of heart God’s people always turned to Him. Peter tells us to “cast all our cares upon Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Paul encouraged the Christians in Philippi to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Until we realize that “prayer moves the hand the moves the world” we will not use it regularly.
- Realize the Purpose of Prayer. All too often prayer becomes a “gimme-session” where all we do is ask God to give us certain things and tell Him what we need. In the Bible, prayer is more often than not a time for God’s people to praise and magnify His holy name (Read Daniel 8:4, Matthew 6:9). Instead of jumping right into telling God what we need, we should take the time to laud His holy name. When we do praise God in our prayers it should humble us and cause us to realize the proper priorities in life.
- Realize the Patience of Prayer. Many people give up on prayer because they do not get an immediate response, or so they think. Garth Brook’s song “ I thank God for unanswered prayers” has done more harm to prayer than we realize. Many people have not yet realized that song is unscriptural. There is NO unanswered prayer. The response may be different than what we expect. It may come at a later time. Or, the answer may be no. Please realize that God knows what is best for us and when it is best (Romans 8:28).
If we truly realize that prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have to praise God then we will begin to use it more. May God give us the strength to be a more prayerful people!
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Article - How Does the New Testament Define “Fellowship” (part 2)
From the previous article we learned that spiritual fellowship is, first and foremost, a “sharing in common” with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1; 1 John 1:3). In this article we will establish that, second, spiritual fellowship is a “sharing in common” with other faithful Christians. The New Testament teaches that Christians are in constant fellowship with one another because we are all part of the household of faith (1 John 1:3, 7; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 3:15). We enjoy this fellowship with one another when we as faithful brethren worship God together (Acts 2:42), such as in the “sharing” of the blood and body of Jesus in partaking of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16) or in “sharing” in the service of evangelism or benevolence through contributions, whether it be in aiding evangelists (2 Corinthians 11:7-9; Philippians 1:5; 4:15) or helping needy Christians (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:13; Romans 15:26). Faithful Christians are to extend the right hand of “fellowship” to other faithful Christians (Galatians 2:9) and are to work together as “partners” in the kingdom of God’s dear Son (2 Corinthians 8:23; Philemon 1:17). Instead of printing “A friendly, loving, caring church” in your church bulletins, just “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). “Let love be without hypocrisy….Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another…serving the Lord…continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” (Romans 12:9-16).
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