The Kingdom & the Resurrection

Understanding the Kingdom & the Resurrection

It is remarkable how intertwined Biblical truths are. To fully understand one opens the door to better understanding of another truth found in His word. This is true concerning the truth about the resurrection and the nature of the kingdom Jesus promised to establish. There is no way the idea of a future millennial reign of Jesus in Jerusalem where He will establish the kingdom can be possible when one looks at what the Bible says about the resurrection.

What will the resurrection be like?

What will the resurrection be like?

The truth about the resurrection. Read the following words of Jesus and consider carefully what is taught. “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). Look at what Jesus says. First, notice that He speaks of “all who are in the grave” (both those who have done good and who will receive life in the resurrection, and those who have done evil who will face a resurrection of condemnation). The subject under discussion is every dead person.

He then says that all of these will “hear His voice and come forth.” There is no way to misunderstand these words. Now, notice that all of this will happen in the same hour. There is no room in this verse for there to be a 1,000 years between the resurrection of the righteous and the resurrection of the unrighteous. It will happen for all of them at the same time. They will all hear, will all come forth, and will all be judged.

The truth about the reign of Jesus at the resurrection. Hear the words from God’s Holy Spirit. “Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death” (1 Cor. 15:24-26). Consider the truths taught in these words. Jesus must reign until death, the last enemy, is destroyed.  At that point, Jesus will end His reign and give the kingdom to God. The text says that this coming will mark “the end.” When death is destroyed Jesus will cease His reign.

The truth about the resurrection and the kingdom. Now combine these truths. Jesus affirmed that in the same hour everyone will be raised, both the good and the evil. The only conclusion is that at this point death will be destroyed. When the righteous are raised at His coming so will the unrighteous. At this time, Jesus will not begin His reign but will end His reign. These truths clearly show how mistaken men are who believe in the 1,000-year reign in Jerusalem. Read these words and thank God for the consistency of eternal truth!

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Lessons from Esther

Lessons from Esther

I was one of the privileged ones to have been able to sit at the feet of the late and lamented Bobby Duncan, and I still remember hearing him preach this sermon on lessons from the book of Esther. Esther could be renamed, “God in the Shadows,” for while the name Jehovah or God does not appear in this book, it does not mean that one will not find His presence in studying this inspired literary piece.

Please read the story of Esther, and then let us notice some lessons from this great woman and the book that is named after her.

  1. Let us learn the danger of unholy ambition. The Hebrews writer wrote, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). Ahasuerus and Haman were both guilty of worldly and unholy ambition.
  1. Let us learn the danger of drinking (1:10). Solomon sternly signaled, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is de – ceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).
  1. Let us learn how a person discharges his duty to benevolence, seen in how Mordecai provided for Esther. James declared, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their afflic – tion, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). The apostle Paul penned, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10), and he told Timothy, “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Tim. 5:8).
  1. Let us learn the value of true devotion and con – secration. Esther could have used her beauty for showiness—something even Vashti would not do. Think about the harsh lessons young girls are learning whose parents put them into beauty pageants. Let us not use our blessings as curses.
  1. Let us learn the difference between sorrow and repentance. We do not know if Ahasuerus ever repented of what he did to Vashti. The apostle Paul teaches us that repentance is a change of mind leading to a change of action brought about by godly sorrow (cf. 2 Cor. 7:10).
  1. Let us learn the smallness of a proud person. Haman is a perfect example of this lesson; he felt threatened by an insignificant Jew, Morde – cai. Indeed, pride is a sin: “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).
  1. Let us learn the value of determination (loy – alty). Upon hearing the decree of Haman, Mordecai was determined to save Esther and the Jews. We need to have loyal determination to God!
  1. Let us learn the source of comfort, as seen through Esther and Mordecai (as well as all of the Jews). We all need comfort at times. Threatened troubles do not always come; we should not worry. Nevertheless, so many sorPage 2 The Southwesterner August 2, 2015 rows are so many times accompanied by so much good. The apostle Paul promised, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). No matter what threat, God has the power to deliver (i.e. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego).
  1. Let us learn the value of opportunity. The apostle Paul penned, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, es – pecially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). No queen ever had an opportunity like Esther, and she had it one time! This is a lesson that young people need to learn as well (think about the Senior Prom; this may be the only opportunity to stand for the right!).
  1. Let us learn a lesson of self-restraint. Esther was patient with her request, planning another feast night before she revealed her request. Pa – tience is a marvelous virtue—it is a portion of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), as well as something for which Christians should aspire (2 Pet. 1:5-11).
  1. Let us learn the blessing of a good wife. Aha – suerus had Vashti and Esther both for wives in two instances. We need to appreciate good spouses (cf. Prov. 5:18).
  1. Let us learn that courage is often a feminine virtue. Women are very courageous. Not only do we see such with Vashti and Esther, but think about the women that went to Jesus’ tomb early Sunday morning.
  1. Let us learn the lesson of providence. We can see the providence of God in Ahasuerus’ sleep – less night. We can see the providence of God in Ahasuerus calling for a reader. We can see the providence of God in the reader reading the chronicles in the exact spot. We can see the providence of God in Haman’s entrance. We cannot pinpoint God’s workings, but we do know that He works through His providence.
  1. Let us learn from the character of Mordecai— he did not let his honor go to his head. Pride did not get him.
  1. Let us learn that we will reap if we faint not— Paul proclaimed, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9). Both Mordecai and Esther abided their time.
  1. Let us learn how to accuse an enemy. Esther not only used a great deal of tact; she also ac – cused him to his face, not behind his back. We should not talk behind people’s backs. Jesus taught us, “Moreover if thy brother shall tres – pass against thee, go and tell him his fault be – tween thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother” (Matt. 18:15).
  1. Let us learn how fleet is fortune. One day Ha – man is rejoicing over his position and riches; the next day he is hanging by his neck. Jesus preached, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will you heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21; cf. Luke 12:16-21). James warned against stating, “Go to now, ye that say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain’: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:13-14).
  1. Let us learn that retribution is as much a law of the universe as gravity. Haman is a perfect example. Paul clearly declared, “Dearly be – loved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19).
  1. Let us learn the mercy of God. Look at the mercy of God expressed to Mordecai and the Jews. One has said, “God’s mercy is in his outstretched hand, but his sword of justice is in his scabbard.”
  1. Let us learn that some things cannot be undone. For example, once the law of the Medes and Persians was in effect, it could not be undone. We cannot unscramble eggs, and we cannot put toothpaste back into the tube once we squeeze it. Young people especially need to learn that they cannot undo what they did yesterday. Paul penned, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).
  1. Let us learn that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Esther knew that God was there. What we cannot do, God can!
  1. Let us learn that there are two great elements in salvation—God’s mercy and man’s obedience (both of which we see demonstrated in this book). Paul spoke of both elements when he stated, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). Jesus declared that we have a response: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).

Therefore, there are so many great lessons to learn from this marvelous book about a truly virtuous woman of God. May our lives be blessed by a constant study of this piece of scripture.

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The Grace of God

The Grace of God

Praise God for His Amazing Grace.

Praise God for His Amazing Grace.

The terms “grace” and “mercy” are special words to us, aren’t they?   Just to say them aloud is sweet and soothing to the ears.  These two terms, though different in meaning, are so compatible that we can hardly say the one without mentioning the other. They are as twin brothers, as one preacher put it. “Grace” is often defined as “unmerited favor;” whereas “mercy” basically means  “compassion.” But more to the point, “grace” is receiving something that we do not deserve (i.e., salvation); whereas “mercy” is not receiving something that we do deserve (i.e., condemnation).  The concept of grace does not mean that all men will be saved, for not all will be (Mt. 7:13-14, 21-23).  Nor does it mean that no works are needed, for “faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:14-26; 1:22-25).  Nor does it mean that we may continue in sin without fear of eternal punishment (Rom. 6:1-2, 12, 23).

Though “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Tit. 2:11), not all will receive it.  Imagine a wealthy man having compassion on a poor, homeless man, in his impoverished and despicable condition, and deciding to do something to save him. The poor man doesn’t deserve the rich man’s help (he’s done nothing to earn it), yet the offer is there.  The rich man offers to take the poor man and get him cleaned up and to give him a job and a place to live.  If the poor man takes him up on his offer, then (and only then) is he saved (from his plight) by grace. If he does not take up the rich man’s offer, he forfeits grace and cannot benefit from it at all.  You see, all because mercy and grace was shown toward the poor man doesn’t mean he was automatically saved from his predicament.  He has to be willing to receive it.  And if the poor man did accept the offer, but then turned back to his miserable lifestyle, he would no longer receive the rich man’s act of grace.

The same is true spiritually, friends.  God offers to give you something you neither can earn nor obtain on your own.  If you will do what He tells you, you will be saved by grace (Tit. 2:11-14).  If you will not, or if you turn back, you forfeit His grace (Gal. 5:1-4).  Can you see the difference, friends?

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Standard of Right and Wrong

Is There a Moral Standard?

Is there a moral standard of right and wrong.

Is there a moral standard of right and wrong.

While it may seem to be a vast generalization that all humans agree morals exist, the fact remains that all humans recognize certain behaviors as wrong. On many occasions when I correspond with atheists I will ask them if they would mind if I came to their house and robbed them blind and killed their children? Without fail, everyone I have corresponded with has stated that they would definitely have a problem with that. On one occasion an atheist argued that criminals have no ethics. I simply questioned what would happen if two criminals robbed a bank and one of the thieves tells the other that he is taking 90% of the stolen money. The other criminal is not going to view that as “fair.” Everyone, even criminals, recognizes a standard for right and wrong.

Mankind, unlike the animals, has a moral code. Where did it come from? The very existence of our moral code places atheists into a unique situation. There are forced to argue that morals came from naturalistic measures—in other words, they must argue morals and ethics simply evolved. Imagine visiting more than 10 different island populations who were completely isolated from one another…and learning that they all possessed laws regarding murder and adultery. Furthermore, each group viewed things like lying and stealing as wrong. Even though these islands did not communicate they held to a similar moral standard. Where did these independent groups come up with such a similar moral code? (This experiment was actually carried out—and the results pointed to a similar moral code.)

It is impossible for matter—by itself—to evolve a system of moral “right” and “wrong.” Yet, man recognizes right and wrong. The question then arises from whence did morals originate? In 1967, George Gaylord Simpson admitted, “Morals arise only in man.” However, in order for something to be “right” or “wrong,” there must be an absolute standard for morality. What is that standard? There are really only two options that could adequately explain the existence of morals—either: (1) they were conjured up and created by man, or (2) they originated from God.

Consider the plight of an atheist. They admit morals exist—otherwise they wouldn’t have a problem with your murdering their family members. However, they refuse to acknowledge a belief in God. As such, they must contend that morals arose from man. The question then becomes who gets to decide what behaviors are right and which are wrong? For instance, Adolf Hitler thought what he was doing was “right”. He thought he was perfecting the human race, and in the process he extinguished millions of Jews. The problem with saying man evolved ethics and morals is that each person would view “right and wrong” a little differently. What may seem right to you may seem wrong to me. Humans would constantly be changing what they felt was morally acceptable

Isn’t evolution all about the “survival of the fittest?” So if I decide a certain behavior will allow me to survive better, shouldn’t I participate in it—even if it hurts you? Evolution would presume that furthering one’s genes is a good thing—whether by adultery, rape, incest, pedophilia, or marriage. Yet, we recognize many of those behaviors as wrong. Or how about a “survival of the fittest” competition for your livelihood? For instance, what would be the problem with slicing a coworker’s tires before a job interview if both individuals were applying for the same job?

A more logical conclusion is that man has adopted God’s standard for right and wrong. The very existence of morals presents a large problem to atheists and evolutionists. Morals provide strong evidence for an immutable Creator. God’s unchanging nature allows our morals to be recognized as absolute standards for all situations. Only God is eternal (Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17). Only God is holy (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). Only God is just and righteous ((Psalm 89:14). And only God is forever consistent (Malachi 3:6). The existence of a worldwide system of morals is excellent proof that God exists.

Rather than continually trying to tweak, alter, and redefine a poor naturalistic theory maybe we should give attention to the very existence of the moral code mankind has adopted. And rather than trying to embrace a Godless theory and live an immoral life, maybe we should recognize there truly is a right and wrong way to conduct ourselves. Solomon summed it up well when after tasting all life had to offer he concluded that the whole duty of man was to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiates 12:13).

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Addicted to Porn

(The following article is based on a letter written to a person who asked for help on how to escape the addiction of pornography. I am not a certified counselor nor a psychologist. Individuals with serious addiction problems may need to get professional help. However, the following information is provided as steps that an individual may take in his own personal life to try to deal with the problem. I set it forth here in an effort to help those who have such a problem to escape this insidious sin.)

Porn brings trouble and pain with it.

Porn brings trouble and pain with it.

Dear _________:

The first thing you need to do is to get some software that will block your computer from getting access to it on the Internet. If you really want to stop doing this, then this is absolutely the first thing that must be done. Have someone else that you personally know install it with a password that you don’t know so that you can’t uninstall it. I would recommend the American Family Association software. Once that is installed, it is very difficult to remove and the user cannot control what is or isn’t blocked. That is done from the AFA’s databases.

Second, don’t stop confessing your sin to God (1 John 1:9). You need continue to confess to God each time you stumble and fall and ask God’s forgiveness. If you fail to acknowledge your fault to God, then you will find it easier and easier to do it again and again, but if you know that you have been forgiven for it, that will give you strength to fight committing this sin. Prayer and confession are powerful tools in the arsenal against addiction to porn.

Third, you’ve got to resolve in your mind that you are not going to to do this. Don’t look at any web sites that have to do with girls at all. Don’t rationalize in your own head that you can look at bikinis or underwear models and stop there. Don’t even start. You can’t look at those things anymore. You have to get this through your head and have the self discipline that is necessary to move beyond this. When you experience a strong desire to look at porn, go for a walk, run, or get some exercise and wear yourself out. This will help you get your mind off these things for a while and you can renew the battle afresh. These things will also help you with self discipline as well.

Fourth, if you are not married, then you need to find a mate (1 Corinthians 7:2). If you are married, then you need to talk to your mate about this problem and have her help you with it. Marriage is God’s solution for the avoidance of fornication. Here is where such passions may be pursued with God’s blessing. Take care to get married appropriately, however, and not MERELY for the purpose of trying to avoid porn. There’s more to marriage than sex.

Fifth, I would also recommend that you talk to someone personally about this problem so that you have some direct to deal with it. If someone else knows about your problem, that is great motivation for you not to do it. But so long as no one else knows, then you will continue to be strongly tempted. James 5:16 tells us to confess our faults one to another and pray for one another. This is VERY important in the life of the Christian in overcoming sin. While it may be embarrassing and difficult to do, you will find relief in following this simple advice.

There is no guarantee that if you do these things that you will no longer be addicted to porn. You may need to get professional help in order to overcome it. But, here are five things that you can start doing to work on this problem. Now, get with it.

Sincerely in Christ,

Kevin Cauley

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