Blame & Credit

Blame or Credit?

When insurance companies speak of hail damage, flooding waters and tornadoes as acts of God, what are they telling us? When people weep beside their loved ones’ graves, why do they make the statement as Job did: “the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away” (Job 1:21). An older man who was at the foot of his mother’s bed while she was dying asked, “how could God do this to me?”

Do you blame God?

Do you blame God?

So many questions asked. So much concern over what God has done. But, is God really the one to blame? The Bible, which is trusted by many, tells us plainly that the one who has the power of death is Satan (Hebrews 2:14). Therefore, why should God get all the credit when a loved one passes from this world and we are left in a weakened emotional state? Do we not know that sin is what brings forth death (James 1:15)? Indeed it is. In addition, why should God get all the credit when we break our leg walking on an icy sidewalk or come down with lumbago? Just what has God done to deserve such press?

From the very beginning of the Bible, men and women have continually sung and still sing out from its pages to, “give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good” (Psalms 106, 107, 118, 136). Yet for some reason, people have forgotten God’s goodness. Instead, we see the pointing fingers of blame pointed towards heaven claiming that he is to blame when anything evil befalls them. Alas, when we are hurting, we do need to give God credit. Not for afflicting us, but for aiding us. He is strength in times of trouble (Psalms 37:39) and he is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3).

 

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Sinner Temptation

When Sinners Entice

“Come on!” “Why not?” “No one will know!” “What’s the harm?” We’ve all heard the enticing, felt the pressure, endured the ridicule, and on occasion given in to the temptation. However, we know that the sinner’s enticement is not always so forward and easily identifiable. More often than not the inducement is subtle and that nagging voice isn’t from a neighbor or friend but comes from within our own minds.

Are you a wall against temptation?

Are you a wall against temptation?

In Proverbs 1:10 we read, “ My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” From this wisdom we can derive a few things that will help us when the sinner comes calling.

Remember who you are and whose you are. Solomon says, “My son.” Those who have been washed in the blood of Christ have become the sons of God (John 1:12). Giving in to the temptation puts us at odds with our Father. We have given ourselves to serving Him and not ourselves. We are children of the King and need to remember who we serve.

Be prepared! Solomon says “if” but maybe the better word would be “when.” Satan and his minions are busy with enticement and strike when we least expect it and when we are most vulnerable (Matthew 4:1 – 3). Sin is portrayed as innocent and harmless, even pleasurable and Satan often disguises himself as “an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). We need to be prepared when the sinner entices (Ephesians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 2:11).

Do not consent! Who is in control? There is no sin in the temptation for even Jesus was tempted. But far to often we shirk personal responsibility and claim, “I couldn’t help it” or, “The devil made me do it.” Read Romans 6:12 – 17 and tell me who is in control. Someone once said, “You can’t prevent birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building nests in your hair.”

Sometimes I think how much easier living the Christian life would be if God would simply build a protective barrier around me and never allow me to be tempted. But then I think of how weak and ineffective I would be. Prepare yourself by putting on the whole armor of God, face the temptation with courage, wisdom, and knowledge, and never give in.

But what if I do? Recognize it for the sin that it is, repent of it quickly, and ask God to forgive you. But above all remember to “walk in the light as he is in the light” (1 John 1:7) for this is where the cleansing blood flows. “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). This is what it means to be faithful.

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Kingdom & Lord’s Supper

Understanding the Kingdom & the Lord’s Supper

What is the relationship between the kingdom and the Lord's Supper.

What is the relationship between the kingdom and the Lord’s Supper.

Our Lord promised those disciples in the first century that the kingdom would come in their lifetime. Read the following words carefully as though you were standing in the presence of Jesus. What would you have understood when He said, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power” (Mark 9:1)?  Those who believe the kingdom is still future and will be established when Jesus returns to reign for a thousand years have no explanation of Jesus’ word. They also have another problem and that is what Jesus said about the place of the Lord’s Supper in the kingdom.

Jesus taught the Lord’s Supper would be part of the kingdom. It was in the upper room that Jesus promised He would eat the Lord’s Supper with His followers when the kingdom came. Jesus said, “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matt. 26:29). He and eighty-three other Divinely sent messengers had proclaimed that the kingdom was about to be established. Now in the upper room, what Jesus said placed a time limit on the time it would come. He said, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I say to you I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God . . .  I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes” (Luke 22:15-18). His words clearly state that the cup with the fruit of the vine as part of that feast was ending and was about to be fulfilled when Jesus would assemble with the disciples at His table, His supper—the Lord’s supper. The Passover, as a God-appointed feast, was within a year of coming to an end.

The Lord’s Supper became part of the promised kingdom for He made it part of His kingdom, the church. Within two months of His words in the upper room the church began. Peter proclaimed that Jesus ascended on high as an exalted king (Acts 2:20-33). His promised kingdom had come and notice what immediately happened. “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Jesus had become part of the communion at His table in His kingdom!

The Lord’s Supper will end when Jesus returns. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He come” (1 Cor. 11:26). The words “till He comes” proclaim that at His coming the Lord’s Supper will end. Those who see the establishment of the kingdom as a future event cannot reconcile these Divine words with their teaching.

The kingdom has come, as He promised, and He meets with us every week at His table “till He comes.”

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No Evidence Please

No Evidence Please

The profession of “disciple” did not offer a great life expectancy for those willing to preach and teach in His name. For instance, we know James was killed with a sword (Acts 12), Paul was beheaded, whereas Peter and Andrew were crucified. And yet they preached Christ crucified with boldness. This was not a profession for the faint at heart. The question should be asked: Why would men be willing to give up their lives in exchange for preaching the Gospel? The answers lies in a cogent understanding of what the resurrection of Christ really means for mankind.

Are you ready to examine the evidence?

Are you ready to examine the evidence?

Humans living in the twenty-first century do not like buying things “sight unseen”—and I believe this holds true as they consider the resurrection as well. We want to “kick the tires” and evaluate the evidence. Whether you are a “life-long” Christian or skeptical non-believer, evidence exists that an unbiased heart cannot ignore. While many people still cling to a position of unbelief, a true evaluation of the evidence renders their foundation untenable. Lord Darling, former chief justice of England observed, “No intelligent jury in the world could fail to bring in a verdict that indeed the resurrection story is true” (Green, 1968, p. 53-54).

The discipline of science seeks to gain knowledge through observation of the available evidence. When one dissects the resurrection through the eyes of science, there are many things one can defend even almost two thousand years removed from that event:

The Evidence Reveals Jesus Lived
A thorough investigation of history reveals Jesus walked this earth. We can read the testimony from early non-inspired preachers whose writings testify for Christ—men like Clement of Rome (c. A.D. 30-100); Ignatius (A.D. 70-110); Polycarp (A.D. 70-156); Justin Martyr (A.D. 100-165); and Irenaeus (A.D. 130-202). In addition to these non-inspired preachers there is also extensive documentation from “hostile” witnesses such as the Jewish historian Josephus. He noted:

And there arose about this time Jesus, a wise man, if indeed we should call him a man; for he was a doer of marvelous deeds, a teacher of men who receive the truth with pleasure. He led away many Jews, and also Greeks. He was the Christ. And when Pilate had condemned him to the cross on his impeachment by the chief men among us, those who had loved him at first did not cease; for he appeared to them on the third day alive again, the divine prophets having spoken these and thousands of other wonderful things about him: and even now the tribe of Christians, so named after him, has not yet died out.” (Antiquities of the Jews, 18:3:3)

Another “hostile” witness would be the Roman historian, Cornelius Tacitus (c. A.D. 55-117) who observed:

Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus.” (Annals, 15:44)

Additional evidence can be found in the testimony of Roman historian, Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (commonly referred to as Suetonius). Suetonius wrote: “Punishments were also inflicted on the Christian, a sect professing a new and mischievous religious belief” (Nero, 16:2), giving us evidence that Christians existed during this time. In his famous work on The Life of Claudius, he noted: “Because the Jews at Rome caused continuous disturbance at the instigation of Chrestus, he [Claudius] expelled them from the city” (25:4). [Suetonius simply used a variation on the spelling of Christ, but it is virtually the same as the Latin spelling “Christus.”] Considering we date everything by the life of this man Jesus, it is only rational to conclude Jesus lived.

The Evidence Reveals Jesus Suffered Mortal Wounds on the Cross
The Gospel accounts paint a grim picture of the final hours in the life of Jesus. The Romans had perfected the art of torture and slow painful death. The Bible records that Jesus was beaten, spit upon, scourged, mocked with a crown of thorns, crucified, and then a spear was thrust in His side (see Mark 14-15; Matthew 27; Luke 22:54–23:49; John 19). These statements are confirmed by the testimony of historians such as Josephus. The Jews acknowledge that Jesus lived and even concede that He was hung in the Talmud—a major text of the Jews only second to the Hebrew Bible. In the Babylonian Talmud they admit:

On the eve of the Passover Yeshu was hanged. For forty days before the execution took place, a herald went forth and cried, ‘He is going forth to be stoned because he has practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostasy. Any one who can say anything in his favor, let him come forward and plead on his behalf.’ But since nothing was brought forward in his favor he was hanged on the eve of the Passover! (translated by I. Epstein, London: Soncino, 1935, vol. III, Sanhedrin 43a, p. 281).

Prior to the crucifixion, Pilate had Jesus scourged. Scourging was a known legal preliminary for every Roman execution, because without it strong condemned men would remain on the cross for several days before finally succumbing to hunger and exposure. Dr William Edwards and his colleagues described Christ’s flogging in the following manner: “Then, as the flogging continued, the lacerations would tear into the underlying skeletal muscles and produce quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh. Pain and blood loss generally set the stage for circulatory shock” (1986, 256:1457). Add to this John’s record that Jesus’ side was pierced by a soldier (John 19:34), and it’s clear to see that Jesus suffered intense, fatal wounds.

The Evidence Reveals Jesus Died
If for no other reason than the fact that science has never observed anything that (or anyone who) could escape death, Jesus’ death is beyond question. Additionally, the inspired Bible records His death, as do many extra-biblical sources (see above);thus, one can logically rationalize that Jesus lived, suffered, and died.

The Evidence Reveals Jesus was Buried in Tomb
The Bible is clear that the body of Jesus was placed into a new tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; etc.). Theology professor Wilbur Smith noted, “the word for tomb or sepulcher occurs thirty-two times in the four Gospel records of the resurrection” (1971, p. 38). Archaeological evidence supports the burial practice of using tombs and ossuaries during the period under consideration. We also know the body of Jesus was prepared with spices, oils, and linen—a common practice of the day (Mark 15:46-16:1; Luke 23:56). In a letter circulated by the Sanhedrin in the first century, the Jews admit Jesus was crucified and buried in a tomb: “A godless and lawless heresy had sprung up from one Jesus a Galilean deceiver, whom we crucified; but his disciples stole him by night from the tomb, where he was laid when unfastened from the cross, and now deceive men by asserting that he has risen from the dead and ascended to heaven” (emp.added). [Mentioned by Justin Martyr in his Dialogue with Trypho (A.D. 100-165) and Eusebius (A.D. 265-340)].

The Evidence Reveals Measures were taken to Secure the Tomb
A stone was placed in front of the tomb of Jesus (Matthew 27:66). In ancient days this was a protective measure to keep out men and beasts. H. W. Holloman, referencing G. M. Mackie observed “The opening to the central chamber was guarded by a large and heavy disc of rock which could roll along a groove slightly depressed at the center, in front of the tomb entrance (1967, p. 38). Additionally, Matthew records “So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard” (27:66). If this were not the case, why would the women who visited after the Sabbath have been concerned with “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” (Mark 16:3). In addition to the stone, they also “sealed the tomb” most likely with a glob of wax imprinted with the signet ring of one of the Romans in authority. Thus, the door could not be opened without breaking the seal—making it a crime. We learn a little more about the “seal” from Daniel 6:17 , where it is recorded that  the king sealed the stone with his signet ring. Having given Roman authentication to this seal, a guard was placed in front of the tomb (Matthew 27:65-66). Given that death was the punishment for abandoning a post or neglecting duties while on post, it defies reason that anyone could have easily stolen the body of Jesus. The soldiers’ own lives were at stake over the body of Jesus Christ.

The Evidence Reveals the Tomb was Found Empty
Scholars agree that the death of Jesus was a major news event in Jerusalem during that time—a focal point that could not be easily ignored. While we think of trials like O.J. Simpson’s as being a media circus, consider how much attention the death and burial of Jesus received. While it is true Jews and Romans lacked 24-hour news coverage (which might not have been a bad thing!), it cannot be overlooked that the trial and death of Jesus would have overshadowed the trial of O.J. Simpson. If Jesus had not made it out of the tomb, word would have quickly gotten around. Furthermore, if His body had still been in a tomb, His followers would have journeyed to worship that location, similar to the way Muslims make their annual pilgrimage today. While Jews agree that a man named Jesus walked the earth, they are unwilling to grant Him the title of Son of God. However, consider their plight—if His bones still existed, no excuses would be necessary regarding Who this man was. Yet, the Bible records that the soldiers were bribed to keep quiet (Matthew 28:11-15). Additionally, the Toledoth Yeshu, Jewish manuscripts dated to approximately the sixth century record: “A diligent search was made and he [Jesus] was not found in the grave where he had been buried. A gardener had taken him from the grave and had brought him into his garden and buried him in the sand over which the waters flowed into the garden” (emp. added).

The Evidence Reveals the Apostles Preached Boldly After the Resurrection
One of the most convincing pieces of evidence that Jesus came out of the tomb is the change in the Disciples’ attitudes following His resurrection. Prior to His resurrection we learn that His disciples “forsook Him and fled” (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50). These were men who were scared. We even find Peter cursing in His denial of knowing Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18). But after they see a resurrected Jesus, their fear changes to boldness. We find them teaching throughout the book of Acts with courage and conviction (see Acts 2, 3:14-15, 4, 5:22-32; 10:34-43; 13:26-39, etc.).

The Evidence Reveals Jesus Appeared to Many After His Resurrection
The following is a record of those to whom Jesus appeared after the resurrection. Once again, if these appearances did not happen, they could have been easily disproven or contested, and yet ancient writings do not contain any challenges to these appearances. If Jesus was not resurrected from the dead, then why didn’t men speak out during Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2)?

Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9; John 20:11).
Jesus appeared to “the other” women at the tomb (Matthew 28:9-10).
Jesus appeared to Peter later in the day (Luke 24:34).
Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32).
Jesus appeared to 10 apostles (Luke 24:33-49; John 20:19-24).
Jesus appeared to Thomas and the other disciples (John 20:26-30).
Jesus appeared to seven apostles by the Lake of Tiberias (John 21:1-23).
Jesus appeared again to all the apostles (Matthew 28:16-20).
Jesus appeared again to all the apostles (Acts 1:4-9).
Jesus appeared to 500 brethren on a Galilean mountain (1 Corinthians 15:6).
Jesus appeared to James (1 Corinthians 15:7).
Jesus appeared to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:7).
Jesus appeared at the ascension (Acts 1:3-12).
Jesus appeared to the first Christian martyr Stephen (Acts 7:55).
Jesus appeared to John at Patmos (Revelation 1:10-19).
If these appearances didn’t happen, then why were they never refuted?

Conclusion
Anyone can choose to ignore evidence. In fact, some scientists are guilty of throwing out evidence that doesn’t agree with their preferred results. But oversight, ignorance, or discounting evidence do not reduce its importance or make it simply “go away”. The facts remain. Last year I interviewed Gary Habermas, a world-renowned scholar on the resurrection. During our time together he noted: “[Y]ou don’t need the inspired New Testament or even a highly reliable translation of the Bible to get a resurrection. If all you had were the historical facts that the vast majority of critical scholars regularly concede, you can make a very strong case for the resurrection using only their data.” Given the mountainous accumulation of evidence for the resurrection, one wonders why more humans have not conceded this Truth and humbly analyzed what it means to their own existence. One also wonders why men are not proclaiming His death, burial, and resurrection today as boldly as the disciples once did?

References
Edwards, William D., Wesley J. Gabel, and Floyd E. Hosmer (1986), “On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ,” Journal of American Medical Association, 256:1455-1463, March 21.
Green, Michael (1968), Man Alive (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press).
Holloman, Henry (1967), An Exposition of the Post-Resurrection Appearances of Our Lord, Thesis, Dallas Theological Seminary.
Smith, Wilbur M. (1971), “The Indisputable Fact of the Resurrection,” Moody Monthly, May.

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Angry Sin

Anger & Sin

In discussing the differences between the Christian and the worldling, Paul writes, “Be ye angry, and sin not…” (Ephesians 4:26). This is a quotation from Psalm 4:4 where both the King James and the American Standard Versions read “Stand in awe, and sin not….” Moreover, the American Standard Version mentions in a footnote that “Stand in awe” may also be translated, “Be ye angry.” In this Psalm, David (like Paul) contrasts the “sons of men” (vs.2) and the “godly” (vs.3). He says that it is characteristic of the godly to “Be ye angry, and sin not.” Thus we ought not to sin as the world does when they become angry, but sin not.

Controlling anger is an important part of Christianity.

Controlling anger is an important part of Christianity.

It is not necessarily a sin to be angry. Certainly God does not expect us to rejoice when people do wrong. We must be angry at sin. “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day” (Psalm 7:11). Paul writes of the indignation that the Corinthian brethren had concerning the sin in which they had formerly been (2 Corinthians 7:11). Jesus also was angry when he overturned the moneychangers’ tables as he cleansed the temple (Mark 11:15-17). However, when we are angry, we want to make sure that our anger does not venture into sin. So, let us look at a few Bible principles that will help us control our “righteous indignation.”

First, we should not be quick to anger. Many sins committed in the wake of anger are like a hot water geyser. They build up and spew out without any control. This is the kind of anger that leads to “crimes of passion.” It is the anger that causes us to say things that later we wish we had not said. This kind of anger strikes out at others and does not help anyone. Anger of this caliber is sinful anger. “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife” (Proverbs 15:18).

Second, when provoked, think before you become angry. Ask yourself a few simple questions. Is this a situation over which it is worth becoming angry? Are there any dire consequences to the catalyst of my impending anger? Am I angry because of this situation, or am I angry because something bad in another part of my life is affecting my judgment? (In other words, am I “kicking the cat”?) Is my getting angry going to affect people in a negative way to hinder good relationships? These are questions that we should ask ourselves when provoked to anger. Life can be frustrating (and often is). However, it just becomes more frustrating for more people when we unnecessarily become angry. James arranges it this way. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).

Third, when we do get angry, we must control ourselves. No problems have ever been solved by losing control. Loss of control builds problems. Although it is sometimes very difficult, we should bring our anger into subjection and deal with it in a rational manner. When we become angry, step away from the situation, cool down, and come back and confront the problem in an adult-like fashion. Throwing a tantrum is childish and will only gain disrespect from those in front of whom the tantrum is thrown. Another thing we might do is think of a person we know who often “blows his stack.” It may be that in thinking of the way this person acts, we ourselves will see how ridiculous that behavior is, and avoid loss of control. Too, sometimes we must confront someone with whom we are angry. When we do, speak calmly and rationally. Keep body movements (especially arms) to a minimum. Further, it is likely that this person with whom we are angry will become angry himself. When both parties are angry things are less productive and more time consuming. Regulation, however, conserves time and increases productivity. Controlling our actions is the key. If our actions are not in control then, our thoughts are not in control. God demands that we bring “. . . into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Finally, we must resolve our anger within the same day it is provoked. A sore left untreated will fester and fester until it becomes infected; it can then cause major complications with serious consequences. The smallest cut left untreated can end up as gangrene; many people have lost limbs and lives because of such. Anger is much the same way. If we allow it to continue it will grow and fester and our anger will become bitterness. Soon it is not simply a small mistake we made which irritates us, but the whole world. Our bitterness then becomes cynicism and we begin to see deceit and dishonesty in every situation. We question peoples motives without reason. Soon we even give up on ourselves as our cynicism becomes despair. The ultimate fruit of festering fury is the destruction of our faith in God. Such a small beginning can have such drastic consequences if we do not confront and resolve our anger. The second half of Ephesians 4:26 says, “…let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” We only hurt ourselves when we let anger foster within us.

Anger is one of the most intense emotions God has given to us. However, we can use anger for a good purpose. Let us resolve: (1) not to become angry hastily, (2) to think before we become angry, (3) to control our anger should we become angry, and (4) to resolve our anger before the end of the day. I certainly have not mastered anger. Nevertheless, I still want to learn God’s principles on the subject for on any subject he has “…given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31, 32).

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