Costa Rica 2018

Costa Rica 2018

This year was my third trip to Costa Rica.  The first two years my son Sterling went with me.  Currently, he is attending the Memphis School of Preaching and was unable to travel on this trip.  In lieu of his absence, my wife April went with me and the other seven members of our evangelism team.  To be clear, our purpose in going each year is strictly for the purpose of evangelism.  While there may be an hour or so free here and there, our trip is not a vacation or site seeing tour.  Every member (5 men 4 women – Myself and my wife April, Phil Grear and His Wife Darlene, their daughter Katie Gilchrist, Jonathan McAnulty and His Wife Sandra, Tim Gainer, and Clinton Rowand) is expected to utilize their time for the kingdom of God.  We believe our efforts were successful and a good representation of Christ’s Church.

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Changes at the Bagaces Church of Christ

Last year was the first year our team worked in Bagaces, Costa Rica.  The congregation was meeting in a small home adjoining other homes on the right and left.  With 40 people inside, there was hardly room to move.  The located preacher at the time was Heiner Montealto.  Since that time, Heiner has moved on to work with a Church plant in San Jose, Costa Rica.  The Bagaces congregation has moved approximately ¾ mile to the west of the town to a new building which they financed themselves.  There appears to be much room for Bagaces to grow in that direction.  Luis Diego Mejias Zamora is currently taking the majority of the preaching responsibilities in Bagaces.  He is a nice man who speaks Spanish, but only a little English at this point.  The congregation has a Sunday attendance of approximately 45 people at this time.  The congregation is composed of a wide variety of ages, but predominantly of those in their 20’s to 30’s.  I believe the congregation has a great potential for growth within a community of approximately 7000 and surrounding areas which may be twice that number.  During our time in Bagaces, the evening lessons saw 50-60 people each evening.  The Sunday morning lesson was counted at 78 and the evening at 46.  The number of different visitors to the services during the week was said to be 20.

The Work Schedule in Bagaces for 2018

This year, for the most part, we revisited our 2017 schedule.  We grabbed breakfast in town around 6:30-7:00.  There was a congregational devotion in the morning at 8:30, followed by visitation.  Congregational lunch was served around noon to as late as 2 o’clock, followed by visitation.  Dinner was taken around 5-5:30 (typically in town), then followed by evening classes 7-8 o’clock.  A number of evenings, the group would gather in town for a snack before retiring to our rooms for the day around 9:30-10:00 p.m.  Sunday was open (except I spoke both in the morning and night that day).  Tuesday afternoon, I taught an afternoon class and participated in a second, so our group also did not go out at that time.  Thursday afternoon was also open, though most of us had studies at that time.

The Work in Bagaces

Personally, I taught three lessons.  The lessons were requested and planned by the congregation.  The first was entitled “What is man”.  The second: “What is Faith”.  The final lesson was a class format to the men and was entitled “Godly Husbands”.  This was done in conjunction with Clinton Rowand (another team member) who taught on “Godly fathers”.  Following our lessons, we engaged in a good group discussion.  Other lessons our evangelism team taught were:  “What is the Bible”, “What is the Gospel”, “What is the Church”, “What is Repentance”, “What is Confession”, “What is Baptism”, “What is Judgment”, “When God Says Marriage”, “Keys to a Successful Marriage”, and “Helping Your Family Go to Heaven”.  Additionally, the women taught ladies classes on: “Godly Wives” and “Godly Mothers”.

The group I evangelized with this year consisted of myself, my wife, our fellow brother in Christ from Bagaces, Carlos Araya, and our interpreter (brother, comedic fill-in, menu reader, cultural guide, and top-notch preacher from Nicaragua) Noel Masis.  With April in place of my son, this was the same group I worked with last year.  Depending on the individual(s) with whom we were studying, Noel or I typically took the lead in teaching.  However, when necessary we all took part in providing assistance in the study.  Approximately a third of our studies this year were follow up studies from previous contacts made by the Christians in Bagaces or from our visits last year.   Overall, we had approximately 16 studies, as well as some shorter visitations.  Most of our studies lasted 2 or more hours.  Consequently, 3 to 4 studies each day was normal for our group.  Most studies were with single or married women at home, alone or with children.  Our group was told “no” in regard to sharing the gospel by only two people.  However, our group chose to work predominantly outside of the city.  The Costa Ricans were very, very willing to discuss God’s Word.  Nearly all the individuals were catholic.  A couple of people were evangelicals and a couple others were members of the Lord’s Church.  The two members of the Lord’s Church with whom we visited had not been to services for some time.  Both returned to the congregation acknowledging the need to attend and asked for prayers and further interaction with the brothers and sisters of Bagaces.

While I have covered our team’s approach to evangelism in past reports, I will give a brief summary of it for this one.  In general, our approach to sharing the gospel begins with the greeting.  Our greeting involves noting that we are out inquiring if the individual(s) would like to study the scriptures.  As in America, this is met with “I am XXXX religion” a good deal of the time.  This is not a door closer, but an opener!  We often then ask the location they attend.  If they were Catholic or Evangelical, Noel, who once was a member of both these religions, attempted to build some common ground.  This led us into discussions about why he became a member of the Lord’s Church.  It all comes down to authority.  What does the Bible say?  We emphasized from the beginning that our visit would focus on the words of scripture, not ours.  Thus, we often got a Bible into the hands of those we studied with as soon as possible.  We encouraged them to read the passages we mentioned as we went.  In examining the authority of the scriptures, we looked at the name of the Church and its practices of worship.  Every single time, this allowed the individual(s) to see what the Bible said, vs. their religious body’s practices.  Depending on the study and individual(s), we then discussed doctrine as it pertained to their situation.  Without fail, when our studies were done, it was obvious to the individual(s) that their religious body was not practicing what the Bible commanded.  It was obvious also what was needed to be saved.  Without fail, every person understood it was not our words which had been shared, but those of scripture.  Most visits resulted in exclamations such as “No one has ever shown this to me before” or “You only teach using the Bible”.  We watched the Jehovah’s Witnesses visit a home.  After they left (5 minutes), we approached the house and had a two hour Bible study.  The woman told us that the Jehovah’s Witnesses only gave her their “Watchtower” publication and she asked them if they were afraid to evangelize to her.

One might ask why our efforts to evangelize did not result in baptisms if they understood the problems with their current religious bodies.  Certainly, there are a number of factors.  Most often, the residents of Costa Rica were essentially born Catholic.  It is the state religion.  Every square has a Catholic worship building at its center.  Generations of their family likely was and is Catholic.  Making a break from this tradition is not, nor should be done lightly.  In a number of other situations, the situation was one of an unauthorized marriage or shacking up issues.  While this is similar to the United States, in Costa Rica there is an impediment to getting married – expense.  Consequently, shacking up is very common.  Even those who identify as Catholic realize this is not acceptable.  However, even in their shame, they struggle with correcting the sin.  Add children to the mix of this dilemma and the stress grows.  I have no doubt with further study and care for these individuals that they can come to Christ.  However, this leads me to the next aspect of this report.

Follow Up

Follow up as I am defining it here is as follows:  THE EFFORTS OF A CHURCH TO PROVIDE CONTINUAL SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHERS WITH WHOM THEY KNOW.  This definition purposely is not limited to teaching, home visits, or reaching out to Christians only.  Whether it is a brother or sister or someone outside of the Church, we need to make efforts to be a part of their life.  Certainly, different people have different needs.  Some need study help.  Others need transportation to worship or study.  Others need to talk with someone who will listen and care.  Getting by with little is common in Costa Rica, but a hand willing to provide a bit of physical work can be welcome as well.

I personally like to ponder things.  It takes me awhile to make decisions, because I like to consider what has been said.  If someone came to teach me and I never saw them again, questions may never get answered.  In America, many preachers will say, “I am not the congregational visitor”.  This doesn’t mean they don’t like to visit.  Rather, it is a short way of saying, “God demands that all Christians help, show kindness, encourage, comfort, teach, and come to know one another, as well as, reach out with the Gospel to the lost.”  A single person (who often must be accompanied by another) cannot provide the necessary outreach for any congregation.  Effective follow up requires an active body of Christians stepping up (James 1:22).  It requires individual and collective effort.  If there is not proper follow up to the studies that were conducted in Bagaces, it is likely new-converts will slip back into unfaithfulness and contacts will stop questioning the unauthorized practices they are following and simply wander further into darkness.

A Plan is Needed

Disorganization is one of the quickest ways to turn productivity to futility.  Bagaces made the effort to print out invitations, schedules, and provide tracts for visits.  These are items which were definitely helpful.  Yet, there are even more ways all community evangelistic events could be improved.   If you are having a meeting, get notices out to your community weeks in advance.  Get the congregation out, not to do bible study knocking, but to hand out flyers.  Let the community know you are coming.  If you will be targeting an area for study during the meeting, provide information ahead of time that the community members will likely be visited.  This is a great time to carry tracks about who the church is, if that question is asked.  But these efforts are about covering area, not going in depth.

During the evangelistic efforts of a meeting or when the focus is Bible Study the pace needs to be slow.  The one being visited needs to feel as if all your time is for them.  Do not rush.  Don’t try to hurry them into the water.  Simply plant the seed of God’s Word and answer questions from God’s Word.  The more of the congregation involved with these efforts the better growth and understanding for all.  Young people certainly should be involved, so they too might learn by example and through hearing.

A plan needs to be in place for greeting visitors during the meeting.  Sitting in your pew or chair is not acceptable before the speaking starts.  Get up!  Show your hospitality.  Show interest.  This could be your future brother or sister and they need your attention.  Make certain they have a song book and a Bible.  Don’t just leave seats up front for them where they may feel uncomfortable.  If the place is packed, give them your seat. A visitor should not leave a meeting without material about the topic that was preached.  They should also not leave without being approached again, asked if they have questions, and told how nice it was to see them.  Visiting with members can come later… visit the guests first!  I highly suggest making certain they sign a guest book or address book so that the congregation can contact them afterward.

A email, digital communication of some sort, letter, call, or visit should be made with the visitors soon after the meeting.  For those who were added to the Church the same should occur.  However, much more is needed.  There should be a plan of Bible study in place.  Topics such as Bible Authority, Christian Responsibility, and other foundations should be taught.  Many congregations have manuals with 13-14 weeks of study prepared for new Christians.  This should be something a sound member of the congregation is studying with the new convert.  Often larger congregations provide an ongoing study of the book of Acts to educate the new brother or sister.   Regardless of the method, attention needs to be provided for spiritual growth.  Visitors or new members should be asked if they have transportation to services.  If they don’t, then make arrangements!  Make a plan!  Follow it.  Community members that did not attend, but studies in their home should not be forgotten after the meeting.  These need to be looked after and continued where possible.

There are some aspects I have mentioned that Bagaces could engage in to help its congregation.  There are certainly aspects that all congregations could improve upon themselves.  I bring them up in this report so that if future trips are planned by my group or others to Bagaces, ample communication can be engaged in to ensure the success of the spreading of the gospel.

Woman’s Role in Evangelizing

As mentioned previously, the nature of visiting in Costa Rica is that there are many women alone or with children.  Entering a woman’s home without a sister in Christ is not acceptable.  The reputation of the woman and the men would be questioned.  My wife was very uncertain about her role in Costa Rica.  This was one of the most valuable components.  Being able to sit in the comfort of one’s own home when being visited, if desired, rather than standing out in the sun, likely means a longer visit.

A woman also provides a valuable role in teaching.  A third mind provides another aid in remember scripture two minds may not.  Additionally, it is much easier for her to sit next to a sister and offer a Bible or assistance in finding a passage if needed.  A man sitting close by may not only be uncomfortable, but viewed as inappropriate.  In our group, there were times when April was also able to provide information from her personal, applicable Christian walk, that aided the study.  Though not teaching per se, these moments provided an attachment which aided the teaching being given.  Connections when possible should be recognized and developed.  As April observed, Noel and I were often book, chapter, verse… all facts.  This is important, but there must be a recognition that there is emotion involved.  That is, a desire that a soul comes to know God.  Showing you care for one who does not know God is paramount in the spreading of the Gospel.  If not, then we fail to walk in the “spirit and Truth” which God has always commanded in worship and service.  We are to love our neighbor and we must remember to show it.  Evangelism isn’t about numbers, it is about people and God.  Honestly, women are often better at demonstrating that side of our relationship with God than men.

A woman is also a valuable part of the evangelism team in providing a less distracted atmosphere when children are present.  April brought matchbox cars, crayons and color pads, and small containers of PlayDoh to Costa Rica.  When we visited, she would give the children one of these to keep them occupied.  It was very effective.  If needed, the woman is there to sit and play with the children or even read them stories.  Yes, it is certainly helpful to have a Spanish speaking woman present to do this.  Yes, a local sister could do this.  However, it must be taken into consideration that she may have other duties with that congregation at that time in meal preparation and cleaning, or she simply may have family duties for which to tend.  Additionally, when it comes to the teaching, she may not be able add anything, but actually, if not strong in scripture, harm the study.  Noel and I had one instance in prior years where a local sister attempted to lead the study and that was certainly not acceptable.  The accompaniment of a spouse or sound female member to the visiting evangelistic team is very helpful.  If she knows Spanish, she can be even more helpful.

Things to expect

Before closing this report, I would like to mention a few things which you may see or experience in Costa Rica.

Immodesty: Both in the community and within the Church it is likely you will see knees, thighs, cleavage, and shoulders and a variety of improper outfits.  It is quite possible a woman may decide to breast feed in your presence, uncovered, in the middle of a Bible study.

Sewage: It is very likely the water you see in gutters along the street is directly from sewage drained into the street.  Don’t walk in it!  You may actually see kids playing in it.  Don’t!  Nuff said.

Cold water:  If you have warm water in your shower congratulations.  This does not occur often or for very long.  If you have an attachment to the shower head… think twice before touching it.  It is most likely providing an electrical current to heat the water.  Zap!

Heat and Sun:  If you burn easily, wear a hat and bring sun block.  The weather in January has typically been mid to high 70’s with a breeze.  However, this time it was in the upper 80s for a couple of days.  You may or may not have A/C in your housing accommodations as well.

Bugs and creatures:  It is likely you will see an iguana.  Don’t mess with him, he won’t mess with you. There are a normal variety of spiders, flies, etc.  The number of them is not out of the ordinary.  However, they have a little bit better access in most places due to the open air construction of most buildings.  I have only seen a couple of spiders bigger than a dinner plate (heh… just kidding).  Let common sense prevail, don’t go running out into the grass in a place with which you aren’t familiar.   A bug spray is recommended due to instances of dengue fever and potential of Zika.

Current Needs in Bagaces:  Song Books, Bibles, and sound modern tracts for the Church.  Bibles are also needed to hand out during Bible Studies.  Many Costa Ricans do not have Bibles.  Costa Ricans at large do not have cars.  A larger vehicle of some sort for the congregation would be helpful in transporting others to Church.

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who provided support through prayer, well wishes, and financing of this year’s trip to Costa Rica.  The work was energizing, rewarding, and inspires me to want to do more.  The Costa Ricans are wonderful people.  They want to hear the gospel.  They need sound teaching in the scriptures.  There are other religious bodies on the ground.  They are working hard and using means outside of scripture to draw a following.  The only way to combat this is to spread the true seed of God.  Your participation in this effort did exactly that.  If you desire to help more or aid me in future trips to Costa Rica please let me know.  If you would like me to come to your congregation and speak about this trip or hold a meeting on other topics, I can be contacted at hawkinz@hotmail.com or at Travis Main; PO Box 12; Sparta, Ohio.  May God continue to bless our work.

Past Reports and Bible Articles can be found at http://www.churchofchristarticles.com

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It Takes the Faith of the Bible

It Takes Faith

Summary:  The faith of the world vs. the faith of the Bible, is the faith the same?

Ephesians 2:8-9 – for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory.

We have been saved by the Grace of God.  We have not been saved through works, that is, we cannot earn salvation.  God by grace extends salvation through faith.

If salvation requires faith, then we certainly need to understand what faith is.

People use the term “Faith” all the time.  It is used in many different ways:

Blind Faith, Keep the Faith, Leap of Faith, the Faith, You Gotta Have Faith, Act of Faith, in Bad Faith, in Good Faith, to Break Faith, Article of Faith, Have Faith In, Faith that Can Move Mountains, Faith as a Mustard Seed, Faith Healer…?????

Do you have Faith Jordan will return?

Do you have Faith Jordan will return?

The Collins American Dictionary defines faith as follows:

“unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence”

While there are other definitions for this word, it is my belief that this is largely how society uses the term faith.

Here are a few examples of the type of Faith the Collins Dictionary Defines:

I have Faith Michael Jordan is going to return to play in the NBA.

I have Faith that Obama has the best interest of the United States at heart.

I have Faith the world was created by the Big Bang.

I have Faith Elvis is Alive.

I have faith I am going to win the Lottery.

I have faith the Cleveland Browns are going to win the Superbowl this year. (The browns have never been to a Superbowl, the odds are 75/1)

Worldly Faith can even have a religious context:

My son Sterling once hurt his finger when he was young, he immediately prayed about it, looked at his finger and said… “hey!”

A personal friend of mine once had faith he could miraculously heal.

I suggest these examples of faith differ from the Biblical faith we see in scripture.  As a Christian, the most common verse I hear quoted in regard to Biblical Faith is Romans 10:17 – “For Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” This tells us there is an origination for our faith in God and it is His Word.  Many would conclude from this verse that faith cannot exist unless an individual is exposed to the Bible or His Words directly.  Consider Romans 1:18-20.  Starting in vs. 19 – “… that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.  For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”  If mankind can realize there is a God based on the things which God has created, then they can have faith.  But where is the Word?  John 1:1-3.  In this verse, we see that through creation man is presented the evident attributes of God through the Word.  Thus, in the Bible and creation, the Word is present and Faith can be gained.

At this point we can see the origin of faith within an individual, but let’s go back to the Collins Dictionary definition… “unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence”.

Is the belief the Bible speaks about unquestioning?  In our main text, Ephesians 2:8-9, the Ephesians were said to be saved through Faith.  Their salvation was freedom from the sins they had committed in their life and the freedom to know that future sins would also be washed away by Christ’s once and for all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10), if they continued in repentance (Revelation 2:5).  However, those who have faith can fall away.  Hebrews 6:4-6:6 speaks of those who had miraculous gifts (which only come to those who are obedient to God) and then fell away.  They clearly had belief, but evidently questioned it.  Paul warns the Christians in Hebrews 4:11 – “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”   Some will cry “Lord, Lord did we not…”, but in falling away they must have questioned their belief.  The apostles themselves, workers of the miraculous, viewers of the wonderous things Jesus did, had faltering faith.  Jesus referenced them in Matthew 14:31 – “Ye of Little faith” and they asked Jesus to increase their faith in Luke 17:5.  So can belief be questioned?  Absolutely, the Bible shows it can.  The secular definition of faith falls short.

At this point, it is important to look at the Bible definition of Faith.  It is found in Hebrews 11:1 – Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

To understand this further, look at the next two verses.

Hebrews 11:2-3 – For therein the elders had witness borne to them. By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear.

These next two verses confirm what we stated about Romans 1.  Faith can come from creation.  Faith is being confident in the existence of God, heaven, the angels, the heavenly host, and God’s promises because of the evidence which has been given.  Where does Faith come from today? – The Word in the form of the Bible and creation.  The evidence is found there!  The evidence is our proof or proving of what the Bible says.  Thus, through the Bible we totally refute Collins Dictionary definition of faith.  Faith can be questioning and it absolutely involves evidence or proof.

The Bible reaffirms our conclusions about evidence in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

It is unfortunate that the word “reproof” has been written in English as “reproof”.  It does not mean to correct; we already have correction in this verse.  The word is the same Greek word as evidence in Hebrews 11:1.  This verse tells us the Bible can make man complete – mature – through teaching, evidence, correction, and instruction in righteousness.

Biblical faith, comes from the Word, and is built on evidence which increases our faith.  This type of faith is not the same as worldly faith.  All of the examples of worldly faith that we started this article with do not have any evidence to support them.  There is no evidence that Michael Jordan will ever be a player in the NBA again.  There is no evidence the Cleveland Browns will win the superbowl this year… or ever….  My friend had no evidence he could miraculously heal and scripture actually refutes the claim that anyone can today.

The world today is full of people who believe many things as to whether or not there is a God or many gods, how everything came into existence, and whether or not there is an inspired book such as the Bible that can be believed.  People join great varieties of religions just to be disillusioned.  They become Christians with faith that is not certain of the Bible.  Many Christians even go there whole lives without reading the Bible.  The truth is, if you cannot believe in the Bible as the inspired, inerrant Word of God, you will struggle with the assurance of the hope of what we cannot see.  You will doubt God, you will doubt if He exists, you will doubt in the coming of Jesus, and you will doubt in heaven.  Until I truly sat down with the Bible, questioning, and searching, I was not convicted as a Christian should be.  I have strong faith because of the evidence the Bible provides.  My goal is to help folks see the evidence provided by the Word, so they can believe completely in the Bible, so they can be assured that God is real, his promises are real, and He has a plan for our life.

Before closing, there are some additional attributes of Faith that must be established.  Consider Romans 1:8:

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.”

Faith is visible.  How?  The Bible presents many covenants.  However, there are two major ones. The Law of Moses was established on Mt. Sinai.  It was given to the Israelites to bring them to Christ – Galatians 3:23-27. Upon the death of Christ, a new covenant came – the law of liberty.  The new covenant released the Jews from the Law of Moses, being fulfilled by Christ.  Thus, Galatians 2:15-16 establishes that man is not made innocent or given his freedom from sin by doing the works of the Law of Moses.  Paul is very specific in the book of Galatians that anyone who follows the Law of Moses was beholden to keep it all.  Unfortunately, the sins under that law could never be taken away (Hebrews 10:4).  What does this have to do with visible Faith?  Examine these two verses:

Romans 3:28 – We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

Romans 4:5 – But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.

In both of these verses, the context is doing the works of the Law of Moses.  The scripture is clear that faith in doing the works of the Law of Moses does not justify, or make innocent, the individual.  It is the individual who comes to Christ whose faith is seen as doing right.  Now, before examining the next verse, it needs to be pointed out that the previous verses are often explained by saying faith does not require doing what God commands.  That would be an interpretation out of context. James 2:17-26. This is how faith is visible.  Faith is visible in the works of obedience to the New Covenant.  One is justified when he puts on Christ, but once he has done so, he is beholden to the New Covenant.  In following the New Covenant, his faith is visible.

The final attribute of Faith I want to mention is seen in the following verses:

Romans 14:22-23 – The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth.  But he that doubteth is condemned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; and whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

The context is weak faith.  The issue is eating meat when one’s conscience is not comfortable with it.  Why would this be?  Perhaps the meat had been sacrificed to idols. Perhaps the meat was something that was noted as unclean in the Law of Moses and after a life of avoiding the meat, a Jewish Christian could not bring himself to eat what God now said was clean.  Why could he not?  Because he had not heard and understood the Word of God such that he could eat knowing fully it was God’s will.  If the man could not eat with full confidence, then it would be sin.  The attribute to be drawn from this is Faith takes its direction from the Bible.  If you are not positive your actions are authorized by God, do not do them.  The simple verse for this understanding is Colossians 3:17 – “And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

It takes faith to be a Christian.  The faith of the Christian is a Biblical Faith; that is, it is based on a Bible definition and not the world’s.  Biblical Faith today comes from the Bible and creation.  Men may question their faith as it grows.  However, faith is built on evidence and with that we can learn to trust in the Bible and our God.  Faith is visible and accompanied by our obedient actions under the New Covenant of Christ.  If our actions are not from the Word, they are not actions of Faith and are sinful, actions against God.

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Learning from Nadab and Abihu

Learning From Nadab and Abihu

Numbers 3:4 states, “And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered strange fire before the Lord…”  The topic of our examination appears from this verse: Nadab and Abihu.  They died in the presence of, in the face of, or before the Lord.  The occasion involved an offering and the offering was strange.  The Hebrew term for strange means, “foreign, estranged, loathsome, or profane.”  What brought Nadab and Abihu to the presence of the Lord?  They had brought fire before the Lord for the purpose of worship.

Nadab and Abihu, regardless of intention, did not obey or please God.

Nadab and Abihu, regardless of intention, did not obey or please God.

“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therin, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not.  And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.  Then Moses said unto Aaron, ‘This is it that the Lord spake, saying, “I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified.”’ And Aaron held his peace” (Lev. 10:1-3).

This passage makes it clear God did not command the fire Nadab and Abihu offered.  God never suggested, requested, or authorized it.  Thus, Moses describes the fire as profane or loathsome.  Of great importance is the fact that the passage states Nadab and Abihu did not die from an accident with the fire.  They died when God purposely sent fire to devour them.  Moses provided the reason God acted in such a fashion to destroy Nadab and Abihu.  When individuals go before God, He requires glorification and sanctification.  Sanctification means treating something as set apart or holy.  Glorification means to make honorable.  Nadab and Abihu dishonored God with their behavior.

The issues presented by their actions for examination revolve around mankind’s treatment of God, the importance of God’s commands, and the intentions of mankind.

“Be ye holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16)

The concept of sanctification and holiness relates to more than purity or being without sin.  God first used the term holy in Exodus 3:5 when He called a certain ground holy.  Ordinary and common cannot describe holy.  Approaching holiness requires reverence.  Reverence sees holiness and treats it with respect, humility, and even fear.  Fear closely draws to its side the knowledge that the individual cannot be equal to, but rather stands lacking in cleanness, stature, or quality to that which is holy.  Nadab and Abihu failed in this respect.  They approached their Creator in a manner which did not revere Him.  Their approach to worship treated God as nothing more than common.

Consider this.  If the sanctification and glorification of God stands so critical that the consequence of its absence meant death, how ought mankind approach God today?  Does the phrase casual worship service seem inappropriate?  Perhaps consider the irreverence of checking and sending texts and e-mail during worship.  If Moses approached the holy ground in his sandals toting along snacks and sipping on a latte or soda, would God have shown pleasure?

God does not stand on equal footing with a movie, picnic, or other common event.  Being in the presence of God is not a come-as-you-are event.  God is holy!  Nadab and Abihu failed to treat Him so.  We should draw from their example and not behave in the same fashion.

“If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)

The wind and the sea obey God.  Unclean spirits obey Him.  Adam and Eve disobeyed God and were punished.  The world disobeyed God and were destroyed, save eight souls.  Sodom and Gomorrah disobeyed God and God destroyed them.  Israel disobeyed God and He punished them in many ways from diseases, to wandering in the wilderness, to captivity, even to death itself.  Uzzah, like Nadab and Abihu, lost his life disobeying the commands of God.  Paul chastised the apostle Peter and the Galatian Christians for failing to obey the commands of God.  2 Thessalonians 1:8 declares destruction on those who do not obey God, while Jesus stands as the author of salvation to those who do obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).  Why would anyone disobey God willingly?  Yet, this is exactly what Nadab and Abihu did.

Many people today despise following God’s commands, even some within religious bodies bearing His name.  They feel as if God provided His commandments as mere suggestions, used as guidelines, bendable depending on the situation.  Those who desire to follow God’s Word as it was given actively find themselves victims of mockery and shaming by others.  A favorite and misused term which others apply to them is legalist.  The American Heritage Dictionary defines legalism as “strict adherence to the law.”  This sounds exactly like what God desires throughout the entire Bible.  When they stood before the Sanhedrin, the apostles declared obedience to God rather than to men.  Why would they do so if obedience to commands was subjective?

Now, one might quote Matthew 9:13, “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, ’I will have mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I am come to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”  Upon reading, they would declare that God never desired exact obedience.  Yet, all Scripture shows He most definitely did desire obedience.  Contextually, Christ identified that one aspect of the law cannot be dropped and that individual still be pleasing to God.  One cannot worship without spirit and truth.  If a person goes through the motions of obedience in physical acts, but not obedience to a pure and holy spiritual nature, the physical acts presented to God result in God’s dissatisfaction.  He will not desire the sacrifice!

In view of Nadab and Abihu, they presented worship to God.  One might think that God would be thrilled with the “spiritual” demonstration of these individual’s hearts.  Yet, He rejected their worship because it failed to follow His commands.  In so doing, Nadab and Abihu demonstrated disdain in their worship rather than love for God.  They disobeyed and treated God in a profane manner.  Paul declared in his letter to Rome, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).  Learn from Nadab and Abihu’s example of disobedience.

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”  (James 2:20)

Grease fires break out while cooking on occasion.  Good, well-intentioned individuals frequently take action to attempt to put out the fire with water.  This can result in the fire spreading further because “water and oil don’t mix.”  Good intentions do not by themselves result in God’s pleasure.

Nadab and Abihu worshiped God.  Worship indicates a desire to please.  Yet, they attempted to present worship on their terms.  They presented as Can did, who when presenting his offering to the Lord did not do so in faith.  The so-called faith of those who present worship to God is dead if the works are guided by intention and not truth.  God will be treated as holy and will be obeyed.  No matter of intent (again, see Uzzah) will cause God to smile on a worshipful action not requested.

God declared through the apostle Paul that preaching saves.  Jesus commanded the proclamation of the gospel to all creation.  Yet, men in their good intentions decided to present God’s truths through acting and drama rather than proclamation. God declared that man sing as one body to Him in worship.  Yet, the intentions of man to worship in song resulted in playing instruments, choral groups, and praise teams with handclapping rather than what God commanded.  Will God be glorified with such behavior?  Will He be sanctified when His commandments are ignored?  Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper as a memorial of His life, death and resurrection.  The first-century church partook of this on the first day of the week.  Paul exhorted the Corinthians to take it properly and not treat it as a common meal.  Yet, through the intentions of man the Lord’s Supper is not taken every first day of the week in many places.  It is taken yearly, quarterly, monthly, or on special occasion.  In many places the Supper is offered with leavened bread, water, or in the midst of a meal.  Is the intention worship?  These behaviors result in will worship condemned by Paul (Col. 2:23).  If Nadab and Abihu, guided by good intentions to worship God, could not worship Him in a pleasing fashion, what makes men think they can today?

As Paul exhorted the Christian regarding the Scriptures written beforehand, man can learn from Nadab and Abihu how to properly worship God.  Christians treat God as holy.  Christians love Him by obeying His commands.  Do not follow your intentions, Christians.  Follow the truth.

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Mercy and Purity

Mercy and Purity

“Blessed are the merciful” / “Blessed are the pure in heart”

“The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:16-17

Early in His ministry, the Word of Jesus quickly spread even beyond Israel.  Multitudes followed Jesus, sitting at his feet, and He taught them doctrine unique to their ears, differing from the rabbis, scribes, and wise men of Israel.  He did not teach the Law of Moses.  He did not clarify it.  He imparted the teachings of the Kingdom of Heaven.  When Jesus sat down to teach the multitudes in Matthew 5-7, His oration left the people astonished.  At the beginning of His discourse, He stated the following:

Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

Proclaiming how men could do well for themselves, Jesus spoke of mercy and purity.  He opened the door to things not seen by men, a peek into how to ultimately dwell in the presence of God.  Indeed, these two traits are living sermons seen in Jesus, the Word of God, and the Christian.

Do you live your life in purity?

Do you live your life in purity?

The Mercy and Purity of Jesus

John 8:29 – “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.”

The apostle John writes these Words of Jesus.  The Christ declares his actions stand as testament that the Father is always with Him.  What a man Jesus was!  He did not covet His position as Deity, but chose to come as a savior to this world of sin (Philippians 2:6).  And how the world needs Jesus!

Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

Every person walking this earth from the beginning to end – except Jesus – commits sin (Romans 3:23, I John 1:8).  So when Jesus came to this earth, He found a people in need of spiritual mercy.  They were unclean, unhealthy, impure, weighed down with the filth of sin and therefore, separated from the God who created them.  Jesus arrived as a great spiritual purifier for mankind teaching how to return to God (Mark 2:17).  But, this is not why the multitudes of Matthew 5-7 followed Jesus. They were seeking the mercy of His miraculous healing.  Jesus was not just spiritually merciful (Matthew 4:23-24).  Jesus showed compassion in healing all that came to Him (Matthew 9:35-36).  His mercy also caused him to feed the hungry who followed him for days on end (Matthew 15:32-38).  Jesus cared about the physical well being of others and for good reason.  Jesus came to this earth, living in the flesh as a man.  He subjected himself to the intentional and unintentional consequences of the actions of mankind.  He breathed the same air we do under the same sun.  He experienced temptation and hardship just the same as mankind has since the beginning of time.  He endure what the struggle of mankind feels like.  Thus, Jesus shows mercy spiritually and physically for our plight (Hebrews 2:17-18).

However, though merciful, Jesus also needed to be pure.  When an individual lives a life of serving God and not the world that demonstrates purity.  Jesus led a life free from the sins that whirled around Him in the lives of mankind.  He rejected temptation (Matthew 4).  He championed thinking on the good things of life.  “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten…” (I Peter 2:22-23) Peter describes the blood of Christ as that of a lamb without spot (I Peter 1:19).  It was only in this way He would fulfill the Law of Moses and be acceptable as a sacrifice for mankind.  Though he was tempted as us, He did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15).

Jesus in showing mercy to us, obtained the mercy of the Father who raised Him up from the grave.  By living a life of purity, Jesus “after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12).  The life He presented to others in Matthew 5-7, turned out to be a living illustration on how things can go well for one’s life.

The Mercy and Purity of the Word of God

The Word of God which Jesus taught was only that which the Father gave Him (John 12:49-50).  Jesus shared a parable in Matthew 18:22-35 which told of a servant forgiven a huge sum by his master.  Sadly, the servant goes away and refuses to show the same mercy to another owing a small debt.  In fact, he causes the man to be thrown in prison over the sum.  When the master hears of the actions of the unmerciful servant, the servant is delivered over to be punished.  God’s Word declares the same will be done by the Heavenly Father to those not showing mercy.  The parable Jesus spoke in Matthew 18 is the other side of “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy”.  The Word of God displays mercy by not only telling us how to do well, but how to avoid punishment (II Timothy 3:16-17).

How the psalmist declares the purity of the way of God!

Psalm 12:6 – “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.”

Psalm 19:8 -“the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;”

Peter refers to the Word of God when he tells the Christians to long for the “pure spiritual milk that by it you may grow up into salvation”.  As God Himself is pure, so goes His Word.  “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”  Thus, purity at its simplest and more recognizable form is God.  “I AM HOLY!” Many times in scripture God declared this.  Consider John 1:1 now:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1:14 declares Christ as that Word.  We know God to be merciful and pure. We know Christ to be merciful and pure.  The Word of God then, demonstrates the traits of mercy and purity as taught by Jesus on the sermon on the mount of Matthew 5-7.

The Mercy and Purity of the Christian

As Jesus spoke to the multitudes, He offered teaching which established what a citizen of the kingdom of God looked like.  The citizen of the Kingdom of God replicates Jesus in mercy and purity (Ephesians 5:25-27).  The citizen of the kingdom of God replicates the Word of God in mercy and purity as well for the Christian sees salvation through the implanted, merciful, and pure Word of God (James 1:21).  Jesus commanded mankind to be merciful when He shared the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10.  The apostle Paul preached to the Christians of Colossae telling them of mercy and moral perfection which is purity in Colossians 3:12-14.  Christianity represents the light of God.  In action, true Christianity shows faith in our unrealized hope, the coming of Christ and entrance into His kingdom.  That such a belief mandates traits of mercy and purity becomes clear when the Apostle Paul speaks of the selfishness and immorality which will keep us out of the kingdom of heaven (I Corinthians 6:9-10).  Jesus in speaking to His disciples as they were concerned about rank in the Kingdom of Heaven stated the following:

Matthew 18:3 – “…Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

A young child yet unstained by the world wants to please.  He or she will share their cookies, share their toys, and freely give their love.  They want to do anything they can do to help when someone hurts.  Children demonstrate mercy and purity every day, just as Christ.  These traits need to become ours.  The Father longs for this.  Christ lived it.  The apostles taught it.  The world can read this in God’s Word given for their guidance and perfection.

Jesus, the great healer of mankind looked out at the multitudes that constantly surrounded him and He shared words of the Father which provide eternal life.  He did so knowing they were all condemned to die in sin.  He did so knowing they would eventually beat Him, spit on Him, reject Him, and crucify Him.  His greatest act of mercy and purity took place upon the cross as the pure sacrificial lamb of God.  Showing mercy he pleaded, “Father forgive them…”.

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Homosexuality

Homosexuality

In any discussion of opposing groups regarding the topic of homosexuality, there are a litany of “Facts” provided.  Whether the issue is the number of practicing homosexuals, the health risks, the prevalence of violence in homosexual relationships, the number of faithful or promiscuous partners, the conversion to heterosexuality, or the genetic factors suggested to influence homosexuality, there is debate.  An examination of human studies, polls of acceptance, or agendas of various homosexual proponents is not the focus of this article.  What does the Bible say regarding the practice of homosexuality?  This is the central thrust.  Christians as a priesthood of God (I Peter 2:9) have a responsibility to teach the truth of God’s Word (Matthew 28:19-20) and protect it (I Peter 3:15).

What does the Bible say regarding the practice of homosexuality?

What does the Bible say regarding the practice of homosexuality?

I John 4:21 declares:

“And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

This is the obligation of a Christian.  The command of loving mankind applies to everyone.  It applies to those in all manner of goodness or sin.  Jesus came to save those in sin (I Timothy 1:15).  “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” according to Romans 3:23.  However, the times of ignorance are over and man is called upon by God to repent (Acts 17:30).  Thus, it should be the loving motivation of Christians to share the truth of God’s word to all mankind with no partiality (James 2:1).

Christ declared he would establish his Church in Matthew 16:16-18.  After Jesus’ resurrection, He declared, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).  He promised the apostles that the Holy Spirit would reveal to them “all truth” and “bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26, 16:13).  This leads us to the following statement by the apostle Peter in 2 Peter 1:20-21:

“ knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

 The great importance of this verse is the fact: the apostles did not write by conjecture, cultural teachings, or personal opinion.  The words they wrote were directly from God and are the teachings of Jesus. 

The gospel which Jesus preached was heralded with the coming of John the Baptizer (Mark 1:1).  Under that gospel Jesus declared the only people who would enter the eternal kingdom of heaven would be “he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven”.  This was the one gospel of the kingdom (Ephesians 4:5, Galatians 1:6-9, Jude 1:3).  With the crucifixion of Jesus, the Law of Moses [given only to the nation of Israel] which was old and ready to disappear, became obsolete (Hebrews 8:13).  On the day of Pentecost, when the first Christians were added to the Church (Acts 2:47), the new covenant of the teachings of Christ came into effect.  The Holy Spirit was poured out and the apostles were given the promised truth. The keys of the gospel were used as commanded by the apostles. The teachings Jesus taught during his life were being taught to the world.  The entire world became subject to the law of Christ.

As the teachings of Jesus Christ from His apostles are examined, it is of interest to note that there is no same sex married couple every mentioned in the New Testament (nor is there in the Old Testament).  When Jesus discusses marriage, he talks of man and woman (Matthew 5:31-32 [based on man and woman command in Deuteronomy 24:1-2], Matthew 19:1-19, Mark 10:6-9, & Matthew 15:1-12 for example).  The apostles sharing Christ’s teachings through the Holy Spirit also spoke of marriage between man and a woman (Romans 7:2, I Corinthians 7, I Timothy 5:9-14, Matthew 22:25, Mark 6:17, Luke 14:20, & Ephesians 5:22-33 for example).  The absence of any marriage by the same sex is completely absent from scripture.  The question of whether or not man is authorized to marry a woman or a woman a man is clearly answered in scripture and its guidelines are also clearly taught.  God has authorized the marriage of a man and a woman (Matthew 19:5) and Jesus establishes that as a teaching from the beginning of mankind.

Matthew 22:23-32 discusses the resurrection of mankind.  Jesus demonstrated from the Old Testament scriptures that there is an afterlife.  He was encouraging the Sadducees who were questioning him to use the Words of God to infer a given truth.  There must be an afterlife if physical beings who had died were spoken as of alive.  Following the example and authority of Jesus, if scripture only speaks of a man and a woman being married, then marriage applies to only them.  It does not authorize the marriage of a man and an animal.  It does not authorize the marriage of two non human beings.  It does not authorize the marriage of two people of the same sex. It authorizes only the marriage of a man and a woman.  By this alone, this discussion could finish.  However, we will continue.

The New Testament is not silent about the sexual habits of same sex individuals.  Romans 1:18-2:8 establishes that those who engage in activity that is ungodly and unrighteous will face the judgment of God.  If they do not repent, their stubborn disobedience will cause them to experience the wrath of God.  Is the activity of homosexuals ungodly and unrighteous?  This passage says yes.  The women desired women – something God calls unnatural (vs. 1:26).  The men desire men also abandoning their natural function.  What is the natural?  God established man and woman to come together to create offspring.  They were to share their desires together in marriage, not in non-authorized, unnatural, sexual sin.  God declares such people who do not repent are worthy of death (vs. 1:32).  That judgment is in the hand of God.  Understand clearly, God does not wish that upon them (Vs. 2:4, John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:19).  However, if homosexuals reject God and continue in an unauthorized lifestyle, death by God is what they choose.

The covenant of Christ in the New Testament in I Timothy 1:8-11 says:

“But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”

The words, “for them that defile themselves with mankind” is the Greek word arsenokoitēs – G733 and according to Thayer’s Greek Definitions means: “someone who lies with a male as a female”, in other words, a homosexual.  This passage speaks of such behavior as contrary to sound doctrine.  It is lumped in with other sinful behaviors and appropriately that which is called lawless and disobedient.  2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 declares those who are disobedient will “pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord…”

In I Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul discusses the sinful behavior of the Corinthians.  He declares they had repented from a number of sins which would have kept them from the kingdom of God.  Among those sins from which they had repented was homosexuality [the same Greek word as previously discussed].  While the ultimate penalty is the same as previously mentioned – punishment – the concept of repentance is still very alive in the text.  One practicing homosexuality does indeed have the option of stopping his or her behavior and thus, able to be pleasing to God.

There are those who declare they were born with desires for the same sex.  As mentioned at the beginning of this article, I will not argue genetic factors.  An examination of scripture finds an answer for the proposition that at birth there was such a desire.  I Corinthians 10:13 states:

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Furthermore, James 1:12 says:

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Temptation is part of our life upon the earth.  But giving into it is not something from which we cannot escape.  There are all manners of sins which entrap mankind every day.  Through Christ we can triumph in this swiftly fleeting stay on earth.  We can overcome our trials with love for God and one another by authorized behavior in Christ (I Corinthians 14:15).

 

 

 

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