Expectations of Well Seasoned Words

Expectations of Well Seasoned Words

Jesus had high expectations of His followers.

“You are the salt of the earth,” Jesus told them, indicating the influence He expected them to have on the world. (cf. Matthew 5:13-14) This phrase, “salt of the earth,” has come to mean a person of great kindness, love and honesty – which is certainly in harmony with how the Lord used it.

Our Lord has great expectations for our words.

Our Lord has great expectations for our words.

Salt has certain well noted characteristics which help us understand why Jesus used it as a metaphor for how His followers were to behave. Firstly, salt enhances food. It adds flavor, texture, and even vital nutrients. Simply put, food with added salt is generally better than food without any salt. Secondly, salt acts as a preservative. It’s one of the oldest and most common methods for preserving food. The salt draws out moisture, while also killing harmful microbes that would spoil the food. Thus food with salt is less likely to go bad.

When it comes to Christians in the world, Jesus expected His followers to make the world a better place through their speech and their actions. He also expected them to be life-preservers, teaching men the Gospel by which God brings salvation (cf. Romans 1:16).

But Jesus also had a warning.

Salt of that era was largely mined. Salt ore, like all ores, was seldom pure, and as salt is water soluble, aged salt, when exposed to moisture would actually start losing the salt, eventually leaving behind nothing but a collection of fine rocks. Such unsalty “salt” was not suitable for food and so it was tossed out on the road where at least the trace elements of remaining salt might still act to kill the grass.

So 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.” (Matthew 5:13; NKJV)

Followers of Christ who fail to be a positive influence on the world around them are of no use to the Lord. As was noted initially, Jesus has high expectations of His followers.

Paul, picking up the same theme, urged the Christians in Colossians, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6; NKJV) In a parallel passion to the Ephesians, he worded it thusly: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29; NKJV)

Our words can be powerful for both good and ill. Christ expects us to use our wordsso as to be a positive influence in the world. Our speech should use such words as impart grace, words which build up and edify others. They should be words that are well chosen. They should be, in short, words that are “seasoned with salt.”

Again, remember that salt makes things better. It improves that to which it is added. If our words do not act to improve the world around us, then they are not the words Christ wants us to be speaking.

There are many ways in which our words can act as a positive influence on the world. They can be words of joy and encouragement. They can be words of hope and faith. They can be words of love and kindness. They should most certainly be words of truth and purity. (cf. Ephesians 4:25-32, 5:3-4)

Salt also works to remove those things which are harmful. In the same way, Christians are told, concerning their deeds and their words, “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) Thus, Jesus urged men to repent, lest they perish (cf. Luke 13:3). Loving, “salted” words are not words which encourage sin, rather they are words which encourage the right choices in life. (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:6). They are words of truth, spoken in love. (cf. Ephesians 4:15)

Followers of Christ should always be choosing our words with care. A well-chosen word is a precious thing of great value (cf. Proverbs 25:11).An improper word reveals a wicked heart. ((cf. Matthew 12:34)For this reason, we should heed James’ advice to be slow to speak. (cf. James 1:19). We should think about what we are going to say, and what effect it will have on others. We should realize that idle words will bring judgment. *cf. Matthew 12:36) But the proper words are life eternal. (cf. John 6:68)

 

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Simple as One, Two, Three

One, Two, Three

Profound truths are often expressed by God in terms which are so simple that one has to have help to misunderstand them. The Lord Jesus spoke so clearly that even the “common” men heard His message and became followers of Him (Mark 12:37). The simplicity of the cross baffles the “scholars” but changes the lives of those who want to find God (1 Cor. 1:18-21). Thank God that the things most important to our eternal destiny are as simple as 1, 2, 3.

Many of God's messages are as simple as 1,2,3.

Many of God’s messages are as simple as 1,2,3.

One

You have but one life to live. Hear His words. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matt. 16:26). Far too many spend their lives seeking to attain what this world has to offer, yet when their lives end, few ever reach their goal. Jesus simply asks what is the profit if a man gained it all, but lost his soul. There is no second chance. There are no invitation songs sung in hell.

Two

There are only two places where you will spend eternity. On the day of judgement, one is either placed on His right hand or on His left hand. There are only two sentences which will be given. Every person will hear either one or the other of them. You will either hear Him say, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world,” or you will hear Him say, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:34, 41). God, who cannot lie, described these two places. “These will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matt. 25:46). It’s that simple. There are only two places. There is no third option of where you will be eternally.

Three

There are only three choices you can make about how you spend your life. You can choose to ignore God and never become a Christian. You are not a slave of God who has no choice. You can ignore Him and live your life totally free of any acknowledgment of His existence.

Or you can choose to become a Christian and be forgiven of every mistake you have done. The power of His blood can cleanse you of every sin. You can live faithful to the profession of your faith until you die.

Or you can choose to become a Christian then let your love and devotion become lukewarm and indifferent. We have freedom to choose, but every choice has consequences.

Where are you right now? It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3.

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The Cup, The Cross, And The Chaos

One Cup

In John 17:21, Jesus prayed to God that all of His disciples would be one, thus bringing the world to believe in Him. Just prior to that, in the same prayer, Jesus indicated at least seven times that the only way we would ever be able to accomplish, enjoy, and exhibit to the unbelieving world around us such divine oneness and unity, would be by standing together on His word (Vss. 6, 8, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20; see also Philippians 1:27-28, 2:1-2).

Religious dissension has resulted in a lack of unity.

Doctrinal dissension has resulted in a lack of unity.

But today, we who are called and claim to be the Lord’s “one church,” find ourselves sadly and seemingly hopelessly divided over several, different, doctrinal dissensions. One of the most determined and aggressively-defended divisions in the Lord’s church is seen evidenced in the fact, that even in many small towns across America today, we have more than one congregation of God’s people, the memberships of which are often divided over, of all things, the Christ-instituted celebration of the one thing that ought more than any other to bring us forever closer together: communion!

In a 2016 published interview, it was reported that “The most recent volume of the directory Churches of Christ in the United States, published by 21st Century Christian, lists 553 one-cup congregations with a combined membership of 18,929” (“No Such Thing As Individual Communion,” Christian Chronicle, Lynn McMillon, June 22, 2016). That same interview eventually went on to reveal how one-cup brethren in Christ do not consider themselves to be in fellowship with those of their brethren who use multiple cups or containers in their communion celebration. “My beloved brethren, these things ought not to be so!”

In what is intended to be a very loving, as well as scripturally straightforward and doctrinally-sound effort to try to help heal up some of this hurtful, horrible, and gospel-paralyzing division, this writer has been very blessed and privileged by God to be able to author and have published, a brand new and scripturally in-depth work, entitled Clearing Up The Confusion: The Cup, The Cross, And The Chaos (See: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1943245258).

The book was written in the hope that it might help to start the healing process of that ugly, ungodly, ghastly and gaping wound in the beloved, beleaguered, and blood bought body and bride of our Lord Jesus Christ – before her ‘big day’ arrives. It is written for all of God’s children who would like to, in some small way, help to provide and become a part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer for a change. This, by understanding the division, helping to initiate the healing process, and to thereafter assist in inducing the oneness which will once and for all prove to a lost and dying world, the infinitely uniting love and power of our awesome Lord and Savior. As two chapters within that effort conclude:

“Can you even begin to imagine the invincible force for Christ that we could truly become in our lost world today, were we all but to completely humble ourselves before God, get on the same spiritual page, teach the same divinely-inspired doctrine, and become the one, same, united and unified church and answer to Jesus’ prayer which He prayed we’d be the very night before He was crucified (John 17:20-23; 1 Corinthians 4:17, 7:17, 11:16, 16:1-2)? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to help steer toward the day when a new ‘Churches of Christ in the United States’ directory could be published, ‘wherein there was neither one cup nor non-institutional, no no-class nor instrumental, nor male or female pride and power driven agendas, but that we were all truly one in Christ Jesus… instead of a house divided and therefore in danger of falling, according to none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Matthew 12:25)?”

Below is what some good, faithful, well-studied and highly-respected preaching brethren from several different states have already had to say after reviewing the pre-publication contents of Clearing Up The Confusion:

[This is a book] that will bless your life. On any religious subject there are scores of books, but often one rises far above all others on a vital Bible topic. I now have my copy of what I consider the definitive book standing above others on this topic. As you read this book you will see how the author combines two charges Paul gives to preachers. “Preach the word” and “The servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all … in humility correcting those who are in opposition.” Those who sincerely believe there can be only one literal cup in the Lord ’s Supper, and who read this book, will find a teacher with a compassionate heart seeking to help us all understand God’s will. This book is a masterpiece. It stands high above all other books on this topic. ~Dan Jenkins; Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

 

Brethren and friends; [this volume] sets out in clear and unmistakable terms, the truth about the Anti (Non-Institutional) “one cup” position. It is a scholarly treatise of an issue that has divided the Lord’s church for decades. It is written in love, with the souls of men in view. The goal of this book is to teach truth and restore unity. This volume treats those who may disagree with the utmost respect, and seeks restoration based upon the Bible. The Bible demands us to follow the pattern of sound words regarding things spiritual and in all of life (II Tim. 1:13; Heb. 8:5). Douglas E. Dingley has met that demand in this volume. This book earnestly contends for the faith (Jude 3). Between the covers you will find each argument in favor of binding the “one cup” issue answered fully and in love. The author has very carefully avoided personal attacks and ascribing to them positions they do not hold. This is a “No straw man” book and will richly bless all who read its pages. 

I have personally done much work and study on Non-institutionalism – and have found no greater material on this issue. I highly recommend this work. I have gladly added this great book to my library. I hope you do as well. ~Robby Eversole; Summerville, GA.

The inspired record warns us of divisions in the Lord’s body; and certainly when we look out over the landscape containing those who claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we see that this warning from the first century has indeed come upon us. Denominationalism is so prevalent now, that to the world, the Lord’s body appears to be a lone candle in an ocean of stars. But as difficult as this is, the most heart wrenching and damaging are those divisions within the Lord’s body itself. The church of our Lord Jesus Christ has long been the pillar and ground of the truth, but in recent years, well-meaning people who have a zeal for God and are dedicated to serving our Lord faithfully and obediently, have unnecessarily burdened themselves in a manner not in accordance with the knowledge of God’s word… 

Speaking the truth in love, brother Dingley has authored this book in hopes that, in the spirit of the Bereans, honest seekers of the truth would examine their own faith and determine for themselves what is God’s will… It is my hope and prayer that all who read this work will approach it with open scriptures, and with an open heart, in an effort to seek the truth. In the end, we are all individually responsible for our own spiritual standing with God. There is nothing more important to any of us than the truth. God’s word is truth and we are all promised that if we will but keep knocking and seeking, the doors of truth will be opened to us. Please read and study this work, approaching it with the same love and concern that brother Dingley had for you when he wrote it, and I’m confident that you will be both encouraged and edified.        ~David Hersey; Granby, Mo. 

This book guides the reader to examine the subject and solution to these matters which have divided the brethren for too long. It is my hope that this extensive, excellent, and exhaustive study will bring the unity for which our Lord prayed (John 17); the unity that the Holy Spirit planned (Eph. 4). Paul plead for unity (1 Cor. 1:10). To be divided is to ignore the prayer, the plan, and the plea.

This book provides the reader with sound doctrine that cannot be condemned (Tit. 2:8). The study of this subject is clear, concise, and complete. The author used the tools of biblical understanding (Psa. 119:130). He handled the word rightly (2 Tim. 2:15). He gathered the scriptures on the subject (Isa. 28:9-13). It is my prayer that the readers of this book will be noble and search the scriptures (Acts 17:11) and become doers of the word (Jms. 2:22). ~David Meek; Lebanon, TN.

For any and all of God’s children who would like to take part in helping to answer our Lord Jesus’ prayer in our generation, might I humbly suggest that you please give this book and its biblical contents some very serious and studious consideration, and then go out and share them, should you too, find them faithful and worthy. This, because only with God’s help, and our thus working together as He instructed, can we finally and truly once again become that one, united, unified, and evangelistically powerful and effective church of our Lord Jesus Christ which He both prayed and died for during His final twenty-four hours of earthly life, agony, and sacrifice. And as always, and for any and all good that might ever arise as a result of these efforts: to God be all the glory; always and in all ways!

 

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The Holy Spirit’s Old Testament Problem

The Holy Spirit’s Old Testament Problem

Among churches of Christ the prevailing view of the work of the Spirit in Christians is that the Holy Spirit is provided to us as God’s gift at our baptism. Our possession of the Spirit is the seal of our faith, the guarantee of our inheritance, and often, considered to be the empowering influence of our faithfulness.

If an indwelling Spirit is essential, what about the salvation of the Old Testament Saints?

If an indwelling Spirit is essential, what about the salvation of the Old Testament Saints?

Central to this understanding is that the gift of the Holy Spirit is the exclusive blessing of Christians.  No one outside of Christ has it.  And critically, no one before the glorification of Jesus ever received this blessing: “Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:39).

This position creates a significant problem once it attempts to describe the specific blessings the Spirit’s presence provides the Christian. The difficulty resides in fact that it is definitionally impossible for any saint of God before Acts 2 to receive the indwelling’s benefit from the Holy Spirit’s presence. If the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the seal of the Christian, then no Old Testament Jew ever experienced it.  So then when proponents of the current understanding of the Spirit’s blessings describe any benefit gifted by the Spirit, they necessarily exclude that benefit from Old Testament saints. This creates a great conflict with the Old Testament as it describes the faithfulness of the Old Testament saints.

For example, it is common to hear preachers assert that the Holy Spirit’s presence is integral in our avoiding sin.  Increasingly, our ability to avoid temptation is linked to (and sometimes given over to) the Spirit’s power working in us. If that is the case, every Old Testament saint’s struggle against sin becomes questionable.  How was Daniel strengthened in the Lion’s Den without the Holy Spirit?  How did three Hebrew young men with no help from the indwelling Spirit walk so confidently into a flame-filled furnace?  We could compile an unending list of Jewish saints who served God and avoided sin daily all without the Spirit’s indwelling.  By modern teachings, this should not be possible (or at least practical).  If the Spirit’s help is needed for us to avoid sin, then He was needed for them to avoid sin as well.  Yet, no one can hold to the modern view of the Spirit’s work and at the same time hold that the Spirit was present in the lives of the ancient saints.

This is no small problem. If one action, influence, leading, nudging, or direction of the Spirit is essential in our salvation today, then that influence’s absence should condemn every Old Testament saint. If a human’s ability to live a faithful life before God requires the presence of the Spirit, then no human can be saved without that presence.  And since no Old Testament saint had that presence, if modern preachers are correct, no Old Testament saint was ever saved.  Yet, if you have any doubts about salvation before the coming of the Spirit, just check Hebrews 11.

However, if the Spirit’s work in our lives is not essential to our salvation (which would account for the salvation of the ancient saints), then His benefit to us exists only of the margins of our faith (at best).  His presence is supplemental, not essential.  Relegating, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit – the seal and guarantee of our faith – to a peripheral role seems inconsistent with a blessing so central to early gospel as the gift of the Spirit.

There must be an understanding of this great gift which allows it to be integral to the early gospel without calling into question the salvation of Old Testament saints.

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FOR TO US A CHILD IS BORN…

FOR TO US A CHILD IS BORN…

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah spoke of the Christ, hundreds of years before he appeared.

Isaiah spoke of the Christ, hundreds of years before he appeared.

A well known passage that is often thought of in relation to the birth of Christ, Isaiah 9:6 has much more to offer.  Consider…

  • “To us” a child is born.  “To us” a son is given.  God “gave” his only begotten Son (John 3:16).  To whom did the Father give the ultimate gift?  “To us.”  Think about the implications of that when it comes to the love God has for us.
  • “The government shall be upon his shoulder.”  Christ has all authority (Matt. 28:18).  He is Lord, and thus we must do what he says (Luke 6:46).
  • He is also our “Wonderful Counselor” as well as our “Mighty God” and “Everlasting Father.”  I’ve found through (sometimes hard) experience that following the counsel of Christ as shown in the New Testament (and the Old – see Proverbs, for example) in all areas of my life is the way to go.  Every time I’ve gone against what he has told me to do, my life has become harder in some fashion.  Every time I’ve followed his counsel, when all was said and done my life was made better in many ways.  He truly is a “Wonderful Counselor” in that his counsel, if followed, brings peace.  That’s why he is also the “Prince of Peace.”
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