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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TGOC Evangelistic Handbook: REACH OUT to The Latter-Day Saints
TGOC Evangelistic Handbook: REACH OUT to The Latter-Day Saints
Shane Fisher
R – Realize The Situation
a. Latter-Day Saints (hereafter LDS) have zeal, but they do not have the proper knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).
b. Christians typically have the knowledge of the truth, but they do not have the evangelistic zeal.
c. We must realize that we need to have a balance of both zeal and knowledge (Romans 10:1-3).
E – Examine Your Own Heart
a. Ask yourself this question: “Why am I evangelizing LDS?”
b. Is your main motivation to win a soul or win an argument? (Matthew 22:28-32; Luke 19:10)
A – Ask Good Questions (“The Columbo Tactic”)
a. It is taken from Lieutenant Columbo, a detective on an old TV show (Koukl, Loc. 616-21).
(1) Purposes of asking good questions: Invite them to talk about what they think (Loc. 596-602).
(2) It takes the pressure off you and allows you not to distort the meaning (Loc. 596-602).
(3) The questions give enough of a challenge to give thought to what the speaker just said (Loc. 603-8).
(4) Reasons to ask good questions: (i) Friendly (Loc. 642-48); (ii) Get an education (Loc. 649-55); (iii) Make progress (Loc. 649-55)
(5) Examples: (1) Why do you believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet? (2) Why do you believe the Book of Mormon (hereafter BOM) is true? (3) Why do you not believe that Muhammed (Ellen G. White, etc.) is a prophet? (4) Why do you believe that the Qur'an is not true? (5) Why do you believe that the Bible has been corrupted? (6) Can you show me in history or in transmission where the Bible has been corrupted?
C – Contradictions Between The LDS System and The Christian System
(1) The progressive nature of revelation – God's way of revealing Himself over time - (a) Patriarchal age (4,000 B.C. - 1500 B.C.) - “starlight age”; (b) Mosaic age (1500 B.C. - A.D. 30) - “moonlight age”; (c) Christian age (A.D. 30 until 2nd coming) - “sunlight age” because the Father revealed Jesus the Son (Hebrews 1:1-4). The New Testament speaks of the mystery of Christ (Matthew 13:11; Mark 4:11; Romans11:25; 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7; 4:1; Ephesians 1:9; 3:1-5; 5:32; 6:19; Colossians 1:26,27; 2:2; 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 10:7). The mystery is described as revelation previously hidden, then revealed through the holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit in the first century A.D. In the BOM, the “cat is out of the bag” (already hundreds of years even before Christ comes to the earth) in that it fully reveals almost everything before the 1st century A.D. (see for example, 2 Nephi 25:19; 26:12; 30:2; 31:17; Alma 7; Helaman 10-12)
(2) The passing away of the old covenant – the old covenant was established with Israel at Mount Sinai (Nehemiah 9:13; Exodus 24:1-8). It was temporary (Galatians 3:19); a “shadow of the good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1); written for the Christian's learning, example, and instruction in righteousness (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:6,11; 2 Timothy 3:16,17). Jeremiah prophesied that this covenant with Israel would pass away and be replaced by a better covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Jesus came to fulfill the Law of Moses; He nailed it to the cross (Matthew 5:17,18; Colossians 2:14-17). Therefore, nobody is bound under the old covenant today. Why would you want to restore doctrines that were under the old covenant, such as the Levitical priesthood? (Hebrews 7,8)
(3) The preparation of John the Immerser - For almost 400 years (after Malachi), Israel had been without direct written revelation from God. God closed the door of revelation until John the Immerser arrived on the scene to prepare the way of the Messiah (prophesied in Isaiah 40:1,2; Malachi 3:1; 4:5,6; Matthew 11:10-15 in 27 A.D). This was the “Elijah” of whom Malachi spoke (Matthew 17:9-13).During the four hundred years of silence, some of the books in the Book of Mormon were alleged to be written (between 400 B.C. – 27 A.D., the time the door of revelation closed until it was reopened again, such BOM books as Jarom, Mosiah, Alma, and part of 3rd Nephi).
1. Moroni stated that Elijah (prophet of Malachi chapter 4) had not come yet (History of the Church 1:2-79; D & C 110). But the “Elijah” of whom Malachi spoke was John the Immerser (Matthew 11:1-14; 17:10-13).
2. Moroni stated that Joel 2:28-32 had not occurred yet, but Peter said it was being fulfilled (History of the Church 1:2-79; Acts 2:16).
3. Smith's sins were forgiven by God in one of the early appearances, but he was not baptized until six years later (Acts 2:38; 22:16). (Orson Pratt, A Series of Pamphlets, First Series, No. 6, 2-3; Letters of Oliver Cowdery, 14).
Major Premise: Messengers and their messages claiming the authority of God, must agree with other recognized messengers and messages of God. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:15-22)
Minor Premise: But the messenger who visited Joseph Smith, Jr., did not agree with the certified messages of God, namely, Christ, Peter, and Paul. (Matthew 11:1-14; 17:10-13; Luke 1:17; Acts 2:16; 2:38; 22:16; Galatians 1:6-9; D & C 2; 138:46; Joseph Smith – History 1:2-79)
Conclusion: Therefore, the messenger who visited Joseph Smith, Jr., was not of God (Free 21).
(4) The placement of the new covenant - Jesus established a better covenant with His precious blood) in A.D 30 (Matthew 26:28). It went into force after His death on the cross (Hebrews 9:15-17). Therefore, the whole world is subject to the law of Christ (Romans 4:15; 1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2). Those who have been added to the Lord's church partake of the benefits and blessings found in the new covenant (Hebrews 8:8-13). The BOM is “called” another testament of Jesus Christ. A testament would have involved the death of a testator (Heb. 9:15-17). The Bible teaches that Jesus only had to die once for all time (Hebrews 7:27). How can the BOM be another testament when Jesus did not die again? The new covenant is also to be an everlasting covenant (Hebrews 13:20).
Major Premise: The Holy Spirit guided the apostles into all truth (John 16:13).
Minor Premise: But the Holy Spirit never guided the apostles into Joseph Smith's new and everlasting covenant. (Journal of Discourses II, 217; D&C 132)
Conclusion: Therefore, Smith's new and everlasting covenant is not part of “all truth.” (Free 279)
(5) The purpose of miraculous gifts – To reveal and confirm the completed word of God (Hebrews 2:1-4; Mark 16:17-20; Acts 8:14-24). That purpose was certainly completed by the end of the 1st century A.D. (Ephesians 4:7-16; 1 Corinthians 13:8-13). The miraculous gifts have ceased. In the BOM, Moroni wrote the opposite of what the Bible teaches by stating in Moroni 7:2: “And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.” (supposedly written in 400s A.D.)
Major Premise: If the Bible gives us evidence of its sufficiency and reliability, then there is no further need for further revelations.
Minor Premise: The Bible does give us evidence of its sufficiency and reliability. (John 20:30,31; Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10; Ephesians 4:7-16; 2 Peter 1:3; Jude 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16,17)
Conclusion: Therefore, there is no need for further revelation. (Free 38)
H - “Heart of the Matter” - The Prayer (Moroni 10)
a. LDS missionaries use Moroni 10:4-5 to claim they have truth.
b. Moroni 10:4-5: “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”
c. (1) Complete reliance on emotion. How can one know for certain that those emotions came directly from the Holy Spirit? (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12)
d. Don't rely on your own personal, subjective feelings. Place your faith and obedience in religious truth that is objective and verifiable by evidence.
e. Examples of those who relied on personal feelings: (1) Jacob thought his son, Joseph, was dead. (2) Saul of Tarsus thought he was doing the right thing by persecuting Christians (John 16:2).
f. God always gives evidence so that we might have faith. Example: Peter appeals to four types of evidence: (1) the miracles of Jesus (Acts 2:22); (2) prophecy (Acts 2:25-28), (3) resurrection (Acts 2:27-32); (4) the events of the day (Acts 2:33).
g. The fallacy of circular reasoning: Question: “How do you know the BOM is true?”
LDS Response: “The BOM is true because of the feelings I have received in my prayer.”
Question: “How do you know those warm, fuzzy feelings came from the Holy Spirit?”
LDS Response: “I am having these warm fuzzy feelings because the BOM is true.”
h. What about the previous testimony of those who have left the LDS denomination?
i. Examine the testimonies of the three “witnesses” of the BOM – Martin Harris, David Whitmer, and Oliver Cowdery. (Recommend resources: Youtube - “Eyewitness Testimony – Shane Fisher”)
Major Premise: People who are dishonest and who knowingly circulate false and slanderous reports, cannot be accepted as trustworthy and reliable witnesses.
Minor Premise: But Harris, Whitmer, and Cowdery circulated false and slanderous reports. (D&C 3; Elders' Journal, I., 59; Millenial Star, VIII, 124,128; David Whitmer, An Address To All Believers In Christ, 31; Times and Seasons I, 81, 22-23; II, 482).
Conclusion: Therefore, Harris, Whitmer, and Cowdery cannot be accepted as trustworthy and reliable witnesses. (Free 78)
j. Examine whether Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God.
Major Premise: Joseph Smith, Jr.'s reputation as a true or false prophet rests upon the truth of his doctrine of the gathering of the saints in Independence, MO. (D&C 84; Journal of Discourses 3:18).
Minor Premise: But Joseph Smith, Jr.'s prophecy of the gathering of the saints in Independence, MO is proven false by the evidence of historical records and the testimony of the LDS such as Orson Pratt. (Orson Pratt, A Series of Pamphlets, First Series, No. 6, 2-3; No. 7, 18-20) [https://archive.org/details/cu31924029474685]
Conclusion: Therefore, Joseph Smith Jr. is proven to be a false prophet because the prophecy did not come to pass. (Free 30-31).
Major Premise: History proves the truth or error of prophecy.
Minor Premise: History proves that Christ fulfilled the prophecies made by prophets of God concerning Him (Isaiah 2,11,53; Zech. 9; Daniel 2,7,9; Ezek. 34)
Conclusion: Therefore the prophets who spoke concerning the fulfillment of the prophecies of Christ are true. (Acts 2,8,15)
Major Premise: History proves the truth or error of prophecy.
Minor Premise: History proves that Joseph Smith Jr.'s prophecies were not fulfilled.
Conclusion: Therefore Joseph Smith is in error. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:15-22)
O – Origin of the Book of Mormon
a. The BOM originated from a historical novel by Solomon Spalding that was named Manuscript Found. It was suspected of being stolen by Sidney Rigdon.
b. Recommended Resources: Youtube: (1) “The Human Origin of the Book of Mormon – Shane Fisher” (9-part series); (2) “The Latter-Day Saint Denomination – Shane Fisher” (7-part series)
U – Understanding Their Past and Present Doctrines
a. Blood atonement – (1) There are sins for which Christ's blood cannot atone; (2) the only way to atone for those sins is the shedding of the sinner's blood; (3) if individuals are caught in the act of sin and slain while committing that sin, their blood would atone for their sin (even without repentance); (4) the LDS church has authority to exact such a penalty if the laws of the land permit. (Free 334) [NOTE: This is no longer taught in the LDS church, but it originated from their “inspired” prophets.]
(http://www.utlm.org/newsletters/pdfnewsletters/27saltlakecitymessenger.pdf)
Major Premise: A doctrine which denies the efficacy of Christ's blood is not of God (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22; 10:1-4; 1 John 1:7-9).
Minor Premise: But the LDS doctrine of blood atonement denies the efficacy of Christ's blood (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, 247; Vol. 4, 53-54; C.W. Penrose, Blood Atonement).
Conclusion: Therefore, the LDS doctrine of blood atonement is not of God. (Free 334)
b. Baptism for the dead – if someone died not ever hearing the gospel, then an authorized member of the LDS church will be baptized on behalf of that individual so that they can be saved (this false doctrine is based on a misunderstanding of 1 Corinthians 15:29)
aa. The remote context is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the general resurrection of the dead.
bb. The relationship between water baptism and the general resurrection of the dead
cc. LDS view contradicts the Bible's view of personal accountability and responsibility (2 Corinthians 5:10; Luke 16:19–31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Hebrews 9:27)
dd. “Otherwise, what will they (those that deny the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead) do who are baptized for (on behalf of) the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for (on behalf of) the dead?” (Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12)
ee. “All who are buried with Christ in baptism declare by that act that they believe that he was buried and rose again; and in believing that he rose, we at the same time believe and by our action declare our faith in a resurrection of all the dead. In our immersion, therefore, we declare by that action that we believe in the resurrection of all the dead...If Christ did not rise from the dead, burial with Him in baptism would be meaningless”(Lipscomb and Sewell, 165).
Paul is teaching that baptism for the dead is personal (baptized for one self). Smith taught that baptism for the dead is being baptized for someone else.
The baptism for the dead taught by Paul did NOT require genealogical data; Smith's doctrine does require genealogical data.
The baptism taught by Paul could be performed wherever there was sufficient water to immerse a person, but the doctrine taught by Smith can only be administered in special places. (Free 336)
Major Premise: The baptism for the dead taught by Smith, to be the same as the baptism for the dead taught by Paul, must have the same general characteristics, requirements, and conditions.
Minor Premise: But the baptism for the dead doctrine taught by Smith differs in general characteristics, requirements, and conditions from that taught by Paul.
Conclusion: Therefore, the baptism for the dead doctrine taught by Smith is not the same as that taught by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:29. (Free 336)
c. The organization of the church – the organization of the LDS church differs significantly from the organization of the New Testament pattern – elders and deacons who are qualified in every congregation along with evangelists and teachers (Acts 14:23; 20:1-38; Ephesians 4:7-16; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:5-11; Hebrews 13:17; James 5:14,15; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Major Premise: The true New Testament church must conform to the organization found in the New Testament.
Minor Premise: But the organization of the LDS church does not conform to that of the NT.
Conclusion: Therefore, the LDS church is not the New Testament church restored. (Free 195)
Major Premise: An organization that never existed cannot be restored.
Minor Premise: But the organization of the LDS church never existed before the days of Joseph Smith.
Conclusion: Therefore, the organization of the LDS church was not restored by Joseph Smith. (Free 195)
Major Premise: All high priests ordained of God must have a sacrifice to offer for sin (Heb. 5:1; 7-10).
Minor Premise: But LDS high priests do not have a sacrifice to offer for sin.
Conclusion: Therefore, LDS high priests are not ordained of God. (Free 234)
There are many other doctrines that could be discussed: (a) apostles, (b) miracles, (c) the worship of the church, (d) the plan of salvation, (e) pre-existence, (f) polytheism, (g) the view of the three kingdoms, (h) the priesthoods, etc.
T – Transmission of the Bible: “Has The Bible Been Corrupted?”
a. 1 Nephi 13:26
b. Question: “When and where were these “precious truths” removed from the manuscripts?”
c. Over 25,000 New Testament manuscripts; the “church fathers” quote the New Testament (all the verses are found in them except 11 verses)
d. The Old Testament has been preserved through the Dead Sea Scrolls.
e. Uncontrollable process – “What areas did Peter send his first letter?” (1 Peter 1:1); “Would they have made copies of copies?” - Yes! “How could all these copies have been corrupted over the centuries?”
f. Recommended Resources: The Identity of the New Testament IV – Dr. Wilbur N. Pickering (http://www.walkinhiscommandments.com/pickering3b.htm).
g. God Has Preserved His Text – Dr. Wilbur N. Pickering (http://www.walkinhiscommandments.com/Pickering/Miscellaneous/God%20Has%20Preserved%20His%20Text.pdf)
Major Premise: The Book of Mormon claims as the truth that the Bible has been corrupted (1 Nephi 13:26).
Minor Premise: But the evidence of the transmission process shows a faithful transmission.
Conclusion: Therefore, the Book of Mormon's claim that the Bible has been corrupted is false.
Works Cited
Koukl, Gregory. Tactics. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009). Kindle edition.
Free, Jack. Mormonism and Inspiration. (Concord, CA: Pacific Publishing Company, 1962)
Lipscomb, David and Jesse Sewell,Questions Answered By Lipscomb and Sewell, ed. by M.C. Kurfees (Nashville, TN: McQuiddy Printing Co., 1921)
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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 - How Does the New Testament Define “Fellowship” (part 3)
From previous articles we learned first and foremost that spiritual fellowship is 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). Second, spiritual fellowship is a “sharing in common” with other faithful Christians (1 John 1:3, 7; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 3:15). Finally, in this article we learn that spiritual fellowship is a “sharing in common” with the Godhead and faithful Christians through a daily, loyal walk/way of life (1 John 1:7). Christians are to remain faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10). A Christian is not in fellowship with God if he participates in unauthorized actions (1 Corinthians 10:18, 20), condones sin (2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Timothy 5:22; Romans 1:32; 2 John 1:11) or lives a life of sin (1 John 1:6; Romans 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:26). It is impossible for a faithful Christian to be in spiritual fellowship with an erring Christian, a non-Christian or a counterfeit Christian (that is, one who claims to be a Christian but has not correctly submitted to God’s plan of salvation and therefore is not a Christian, Galatians 1:6-10; 2 Corinthians 11:1-4). In the case of the erring Christian who refuses to repent, a faithful Christian cannot “keep company with” (mix/mingle with) such, but can admonish him as a brother (1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). In the case of the non-Christian/counterfeit Christian, a faithful Christian may keep company with such, but must take heed to the warning “…friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (1 Corinthians 5:9-10; James 4:4); and “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
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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 - 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 - Back to the Bible
Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it” (Jeremiah 6:16). This passage is a sad commentary on the spiritual condition of Israel. Although they thought they were pleasing to God, He tells them they need to repent and go back to the “Old Paths.” Since the institution of Christianity by our Lord, there has been a progressive movement leading many away from the simplicity of the Bible. Many in the religious world have wondered so far from the Bible that they no longer use it as a guidebook for worship and life. Jeremiah 6:16 calls us back to the Bible. In an age where modernism, humanism, and evolution run rampant in the world and the church, we must determine to find the old paths of God’s word and demand they are taught. Let us consider how we should go “Back to the Bible.”
Back to Bible Study. Our technologically advanced age, which has benefited us in many ways, has also made us lazy in other ways. We need to determine to study God’s word regularly, and independently. Paul encouraged Timothy to “Study to show yourself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15). The Bible tells us that a sincere study of the word of God will free us from sin (John 8:32), give us spiritual understanding (Ephesians 3:4), prepare us to answer the critic (1 Peter 3:15), and save our souls (James 1:21). We must stop depending on preachers, commentaries, media and other sources to do our Bible study for us. Let’s go back to the Bible in individual Bible study.
Back to Bible Salvation. Many people are trying to be saved through various avenues. Some try to save themselves. Others depend on men to tell them how to be saved. However, God’s word is the only source for salvation (Romans 1:16). The biblical plan of salvation is very simple. One must believe in Jesus as the Son of God (John 8:24). Then he must be willing to repent of all his past sins and turn to God (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19). Next, one must be willing to orally confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:10, Matthew 10:32-33). Finally, one must be baptized in water for salvation (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, John 3:3-5). Have we been saved the way the Bible tells us to? If not, let’s go back to the Bible for salvation. May God help us as we endeavor to return to the old paths of His Word!!
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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 - What Path Should I Take? (part 3)
In part one and two of our series we learned that Christ/Christianity is the only path of life acceptable to God (Matthew 28:18; John 12:28; 14:6; Colossians 3:17). One might, then, ask, "Are all the hundreds of sects of Christianity different paths to the same ultimate destiny?" Answer: No more than were the religious sects under the Old Testament. For example, Jesus clearly stated to the woman at the well who was of the Samaritan sect, "You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22). With the same force and simplicity Jesus stated that He came to build only one church (not a sect or a sect of sects) -- His church (Matthew 16:18)! Paul made it clear that just as there is only one Holy Spirit, one hope of heaven, one Lord Jesus Christ, one Christian faith/body of truth, one acceptable baptism and one God the Father, so also there is only one body (Ephesians 4:4-6) -- the church of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23)! God demands true worshipers to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Vain or empty/useless worship is caused when you teach as doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9). The apostle John emphatically says, "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God" (2 John 1:9). Paul accurately predicted that there would be "departures" from the one true faith/church of the New Testament (1 Timothy 4:1-5). The first departure was Catholicism, then Protestantism. In fact, departures continue to multiply to this day. Paul pleads "that there be no divisions/denominations among you" (1 Corinthians 1:10). Let's get back to being Christians only and only a member of the true church of the Bible – the church of Christ!
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Article - What Path Should I Take? (part 1)
There are many paths one can take in life. A person can be an atheist and choose not to believe in God (Psalm 53:1: "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'."). Or a person can be an agnostic and take the position that he does not know whether there is a God or not (Jesus does not tolerate lukewarmness, Revelation 3:16). Or a person can be a humanist and believe that he is a god unto himself (this results in exchanging the truth of God for the lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator, Romans 1:25). Then, on the other hand, there are those who choose to believe in God (and/or gods), but they choose to define Him and approach Him in different and sometimes contradictory ways. What is the true path? Unlike the writings of major world religions such as Hindu (a collection of Vedic literature) and Islam (the Koran), the writings of the Jewish religion and the Christian religion (the Bible) contain objective, historical events that have been and continue to be verified by archaeology, geography, ancient history and literature. The Bible was written by over 40 different men on three continents in three languages over a period of 1500 years without one single contradiction! God's Word is truth (John 17:17)! His truth is what sets you free (John 8:32)! What path should you take? Since all authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), I will let Jesus answer the question: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" (John 14:6).
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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 - Do Not Separate A God-Joined Marriage! (part 2)
From our previous article we learned that divorce violates Jesus’ clear command, “What God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). Some take the position that if a non-Christian divorces his spouse (which is a sin, unless it for the reason of fornication) and marries another (another sin according to Matthew 19:9), he has not violated Jesus’ command because a non-Christian is not held accountable to Jesus’ laws until he becomes a Christian. Such a position, however, is false for the following reasons: (1) When Jesus stated His commands concerning marriage, divorce and remarriage, He was talking to a pre-Christian audience that also consisted of unbelievers who were His enemies, Matthew 5:1; 19:2-3; Mark 10:1-2,10; Luke 16:1,14. (2) God’s law that joins marriages is universal and applies to everyone, including non-Christians (notice the universal words “male, female, man, wife” in Matthew 19:4-6). So also God’s law concerning divorce and remarriage applies to everyone universally as indicated by the word “whoever,” Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11; Luke 16:18. (3) John the immerser told Herod it was not lawful for him to have his brother Phillip’s wife, clearly implying that though Herod was not a believer, yet he was held accountable to God’s law, Matthew 14:3-4. (4) When Peter stood before a non-Christian audience, he told them to repent and be converted, Acts 3:19. Hence, a non-Christian is held accountable for his sins (including, divorce and adultery) and must repent of them (and be baptized) in order to be saved, Acts 2:38. “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).
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Article - Raising Godly Children
I never knew how true the old phrase was “everybody’s an expert on raising children until they have their own” until, of course, I had my own children. To say the least, raising godly children is a challenging and at times exhausting task. However, the rewards of molding someone to live a life that is heaven-bound are surely worth all the time, toil, and tears. Since the Bible is our guide for life (Colossians 3:17), we must look to it as the perfect manual for raising children (2 Peter 1:3). What does the Bible say one must do to raise godly children?
Emphasize God from Infancy. The one thing parents can do that will help their children be godly is to emphasize the person and power of God from infancy. This very idea comes from the Scriptures themselves. Paul encouraged Timothy by saying, “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15). An interesting fact about this verse is the word used for childhood is the Greek word which describes the earliest stages of life, and can even describe the baby before it is born (See Luke 1:41). Thus, it is clearly emphasized in this passage that the earlier one starts teaching his child about the Bible and God, the better off he will be spiritually. Recent medical studies have shown the importance of teaching children at a very young age. For example, “During the first eight months after birth, neurons link up at an amazing pace. By the end of that period, a baby can have as many as 1,000 trillion synapses. These synapses, however, operate on a “use it or lose it” principle. In order to become permanent, the connections must be reinforced through everyday experience and stimulation. Many of those early connections end up in the discard pile, and by age 10 a child has about half as many (500 trillion) synapses, roughly the same number as an adult” (The Facts About Baby’s Brain). What is so important about this information is the “use it or lose it principle” that is reinforced and made permanent by everyday experience and reinforcement. Parents, we are that everyday stimulation that can create a permanent link to godliness for our children! We must emphasize God from infancy.
Emphasize Godliness All the Time. To raise godly children, parents must emphasize the importance of God in every part of their life. God gives this instruction to parents when He says, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). From this text, several important points jump off the page of the Bible for raising children. For example, the fact that Godliness is taught sitting down, walking, lying down and rising up should emphasize the supreme importance of teaching about God and the Scriptures at every opportunity. Let me illustrate. Suppose a father and son are out walking and they come upon a covey of birds feeding. What kind of practical lesson can be taught from this scene? This is the prime opportunity to teach a child about God’s providential care for the birds and more importantly for those who put God first (Read Matthew 6:25-34). Or, maybe you have someone in your family who is very sick and will likely die. What lessons can be taught from this life experience? This would be a wonderful opportunity to teach them about things like the importance of prayer in healing the sick (James 5:14), about the brevity of life (James 4:14) and about life after death (John 14:1-6). A second lesson that jumps off the pages of this text is that parents must make Bible study a regular part of home life. What a powerful lesson it is to children when from infancy they see mom and dad studying the Bible and making it the most important priority in the home. Just imagine, if we turned off the old tube, and spent more time studying the Bible what an impact we could make on our children’s lives.
What can parents do to raise godly children? Emphasize God from infancy and emphasize God in everyday life. May God give us the strength and courage to be the best parents and grandparents we can be!
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Article - The Claus Vs. The Christ
Recently I have been amazed by the number of religious groups that are canceling services this Sunday due to Christmas. These cancellations present a great dilemma: Are we honoring Santa Claus over Jesus Christ? The very fact that some are canceling their services says they think the Christmas holiday is more important than gathering to worship God & His Son. The Christmas holiday has not only presented problems for some canceling their services this Sunday, but has caused mass confusion over whether or not Christmas should be observed as a religious holiday. Does the Bible authorize us to remember the birth of God’s son as a religious holiday? Was Jesus born on December 25? Should we ever cancel worship services because they conflict with our holidays? Let’s look to the Bible to answer these questions.
First, we must determine from the Scriptures if we are to remember the birth of Jesus as a religious holiday. Does God authorize His people to remember His Son’s birthday? If so, how and when are we to remember it? As a person takes his Bible and looks for words like Christmas & religious holiday he will very quickly notice they are not in the Bible. Christmas is not mentioned one time in the entire Bible. As one studies the birth of Christ, he will also notice that while it was a wonderful event of hope, we are never commanded to remember his birth (Luke 2:1ff). Instead, Christians are commanded to remember the death of Christ every first day of the week by taking the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25; Acts 20:7). As you are reading this you may be thinking to yourself, “It doesn’t say we can’t do it.” To this objection I would ask, “Must the Christian have Bible authority for religious acts, like remembering the birth of Christ?” To answer this question we need only look at a few passages in the Bible that affirm its truthfulness. For example, Paul told Christians not to go beyond what is written in the Bible (1 Corinthians 4:6). Must a person go beyond the Word of God to celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday? Yes! Toward the close of the Bible we are told not to add to or take away from God’s word or divine condemnation will be pronounced upon us (Revelation 22:18-19). Does one have to add to the Word of God to observe the birth of Jesus as a religious holiday? Yes! Paul told Christians, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Colossians 3:17). Can we find one shred of evidence where Jesus authorized his birth to be remembered today? No! Friends, if God doesn’t tell us to do something and we do it anyway, are we going to please God? No. If you think it is possible to add to God’s Word and still please Him, just turn in your Bible and read the example of Nadab & Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2. God did not authorize these men to offer a strange fire, and as a result they perished because of it. God has not authorized Christians to remember His son’s birth, and we must not add to His Word!
Secondly, we must consider the time of Jesus’ birth. Was Jesus born on December 25? Not likely. There are two very strong evidences that suggest Jesus’ birth was not in December. First, we know that shepherds were in the fields watching their flocks at the time of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:7-8). Shepherds were not in the fields during December. Concerning this evidence, commentator Albert Barnes notes, “It is probable from this that our Saviour was born before the 25th of December, or before what we call "Christmas." At that time it is cold, and especially in the high and mountainous regions about Bethlehem.” (Barnes, Luke 2:8). Second, Jesus' parents came to Bethlehem to register in a Roman census (Luke 2:1-4). Such censuses were not taken in winter, when temperatures often dropped below freezing and roads were in poor condition. Taking a census under such conditions would have been self-defeating. No one really knows the exact time of Jesus’ birth. If God had wanted us to remember the birth of Jesus as a religious holiday he surely would have told us when He was born!
Since we are not commanded to remember the birth of Christ and we do not know when His birthday was, we should not cancel services. At this point someone may exclaim, “ba-humbug you ole’ scrooge. You’re just trying to ruin Christmas!” This is not the case at all. I enjoy the holiday season as a time to give gifts, spend time with friends and family and take a break from the routine of life. However, the Bible doesn’t authorize me to remember this time of year as Jesus’ birth, nor does it authorize me to cancel services because of the holidays, New Year’s, a football game or any other event that happens to fall on a Sunday. May each of us ask ourselves, “Are we pitting the Claus against the Christ when we cancel services?” And may we remember the words of the wise sage, “Do not add to His Word lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:6).
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Article - Does Forgiveness Remove All Consequences? (Part 2)
From the previous article we learned that although the consequences of the sins of Adam, Eve, Moses and David continued to affect them until their death, they were forgiven of their sins by God and are likely enjoying the bliss of Paradise to this day (Luke 23:43; Hebrews 11). The Bible says that the blood of Jesus cleanses sins (not the consequences of those sins, Revelation 1:5). However, the cleansing blood of Jesus only comes after one has repented of those sins (and been baptized, if not a Christian, Acts 2:38). If any one of these Old Testament characters had asked God to forgive him but were not genuinely sorry, did not have a change of heart and did not intend to cease their sinful activity, God would not have forgiven him. God does not forgive anyone who is not willing to repent (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9). Furthermore, if a Christian or non-Christian asks God to forgive him of his adulterous marriage, but then enters right back into that same unscriptural marriage, God has not forgiven him. Repentance must precede forgiveness (Luke 17:3). Repentance is not just being pricked in your heart and saying you are sorry (Acts 2:37-38). It involves a genuine change of heart which results in changing any unscriptural action and/or activity (Acts 26:20). Can a thief repent and still keep the car he stole (Mark 6:17-18)? Are you willing to gain or hold on to an unscriptural marriage that you say makes you happy and lose your own soul by exchanging it for the passing pleasures of sin (Mark 8:34-38; Hebrews 11:25)?
This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.