Jesus’ Way is the Best

Jesus’ Way is the Best

Not too long ago, I saw on Facebook an article about an almost pristine Caddo canoe that was discovered in Louisiana. Archeologists were examining it, but it looked to be authentic. Such discoveries thrill us because they give us some insight into the history of our area and how native people’s lived hundreds of years ago. We believe that we can learn from the past, and so we invest energy into discovering things of the past and studying them. We also value primitivism. This is the notion that the peoples of the past did things better than we did. We may view their lifestyle as superior to ours because of its simplicity, resourcefulness, and originality.jesus way canoe

While the things that we learn from a Caddo canoe are limited, we can certainly apply these principles to our spiritual life. We look to the teaching, example, and life of Jesus as the one who did things better than we do them. His was truly a superior lifestyle being simple, resourceful, and original in its spirituality. Jesus didn’t complicate things like we do; He didn’t seek all the worldly pursuits that we engage in; He trusted in the blessings of His Father one day at a time. His plan is simple, resourceful, and original, and it is best to stick with Him. This is why He said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Let’s not complicate things with so-called “contemporary” spiritual pursuits, but trust in the primitive, simple words of Jesus.

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Paying Attention to the Spices

Paying Attention to the Spices

The words of Jesus just hours before His death had to be so startling to His listeners. Their religious leaders had taught them the importance of giving tithes (10%) of all that the Lord had given to them. The leaders went beyond the obvious gifts like giving the tithe of crops they had planted and harvested. Based on Leviticus 27:30, they devoted the principle to the spices that were part of their lives.

Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe of mint and dill and cummin…” (Matt. 23:23). All of these were used in cooking, and cummin was also used as a medicine. While wheat and barley involved large sections of the land, the spices were grown in a far smaller place.  Think about the spices that you have to use in your cooking, and you will see how devoted these leaders were in tithing. Imagine counting out all of these “seeds” and giving every tenth one to God.

Before looking at the rest of what Jesus said, do not make the mistake some have in applying these verses today. We hear individuals talking about “majoring in minors,” and in the application they conclude the only thing God is concerned about is the “weightier” aspects of what God says and concluding that the “lesser” matters really do not matter at all.

Jesus did not minimize the tithing of spices. In fact, He said that you should not ignore them, you should do them. However, He then addressed the ignoring of the “weightier” matters and called these leaders, “Hypocrites.” They substituted attention to the “lesser” items and gave the appearance that they were far more religious than others. He said that the motivation to all their works were done to be seen by men (Matt. 23:5). This is a classic illustration of hypocrisy.

Look at the “weightier” matters which the leaders had neglected. Jesus said that they had “…neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” They had devoted all their energies to lesser aspects of what God said (it was easier for a hypocrite to do this), while at the same time ignoring what God said.

The tithe of these spices was external and far easier to do. These “weightier” matters were internal and had to do with the heart and soul of the servant of God. They are not “seed” items because they are “soul” items.

That first commandment, the greatest commandment, involves loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. Take time to see how this has such great application in our walk with the Lord in the new covenant. Service given to God that is only external is far removed from the greatest commandment. Think about this!

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Do You Seek Togetherness?

Do You Seek Togetherness?

Over the last thirty years, my wife and I have moved many times. It seems as if the number is a lot larger, but for certain we have lived in at least 20 different locations.  We have also worshipped with brethren in numerous states.  Whether as the located preacher, conducting a meeting or a class, or just visiting, it is likely we have assembled with well over 100 congregations large and small.  Beyond the places of worship, we have gathered with Christians in even far more venues enjoying their company, sharing their lives, coming to know their families, and comforting one another over the trials and struggles that present themselves.  Whether in a home, an auditorium, a gym, a grange, a restaurant, sitting at a ballgame, out fishing, taking a walk, at conferences, the park, antique malls, countless settings, the togetherness made a difference.  Who knows how many emails I have received from Christians over the years or calls I have received or made to other Christians/preachers.  It helped and continues to beat back the feeling of being a Christian and being alone.Togetherness

Christians since the first century have met together on the first day of the week to worship God and remember their Savior at His command by communing with other Christians though the Lord’s Supper, singing, study, and prayer.  They follow the example and inference of coming together from Luke 22:19, Acts 20:7, I Corinthians 11: 17-29, I Corinthians 16:2. This practice has been verified and recorded through plentiful extra-biblical writings of Christians and non-Christians from the first century forward.  This has been observed from those early days throughout the world.  However, there are examples, not commanded by God, when Christians in the past gathered.  Acts 2:46 records Christians gathering at the temple as well as “house to house” sharing meals together.  The fact that Christians early on did not meet in “church” buildings is without dispute.  Equally as true is that the preponderance of times they met together was not for the purpose of worship.  People lived normal lives of work, play, and other occasions when they came together individually and as a community to share their time with one another.  Why do they do this?  Because people typically do not spend their time alone.  They enjoy building relationships, having fun, sharing conversation, encouraging one another, and helping one another in life.  This is true for Christians and non-Christians alike.

Jews and Christians have often suffered over the ages.  Near to the first century during the time of the Maccabees there was unrest.  Pompey would take Jerusalem in 63 BC for the Romans.  The Jews were under this governance when suffering the murder of their children by Herod during the childhood of Jesus.   Jesus would later go to the cross instead of Barabbus an insurrectionist (an activity drawing the attention of Rome).  The Jews would be forced from Rome at the hand of Claudius during the 40s AD due to concern over insurrection.  The insurrection of the Jews during the 60s Ad ultimately brought about the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by Rome.  Christians were not immune from being tied to the behavior of the Jews.  They were considered just a sect of the Jews.  Unfortunately, not only did Christians suffer because they were either Jews or associated with them, but they also suffered at the hand of the Judaizers for their beliefs.  The witness of this is great throughout the New Testament.  While, the destruction of Jerusalem eased the punishment of the Judaizers upon Christians, Rome would certainly have their hand upon Christians as time would progress.  If you found yourself a Jew or Christian during these times do you think you would isolate yourself from those who could lend you support?  The Christians specifically would need to gather themselves together even more closely as it seemed they were being persecuted from all sides.  They would need the comfort, aid, and fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ to get them through the terrible times.

Enter the book of Hebrews.  Hebrews is written to what is believed to be a Hebrew/Israelite/Jewish Christian audience.  The letter furthermore is believed by many to have been written specifically to the Jewish Christians of Jerusalem possibly months before the 70 AD destruction.  Whether or not that is exact, or the letter was written to Jewish Christians of that timeframe throughout the known world of that time, the Christians were alive during a time of increasing stress, hard times, persecution, and peril.  Apostles were being martyred! Fear and uncertainty most certainly surrounded Christianity.  Herein comes Hebrews 10:23-25:

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but encouraging one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

This passage is most often used to guilt people into making every bible study a body of Christians holds i.e. additional Sunday morning, night, and Wednesday evening gatherings.  No such mandate of these specific times was ever made in scripture.  The authorized command of assembling by Christ in remembrance and examples of assembling on the first day of the week by the Church has been established, but no other has been bound in heaven nor can be upon the earth.  If the context of Hebrews 10 were specifically refencing a congregational time of worship, the first century Christians would not define the time of assembling as done today.  Under such a specific view the time would be the first day of the week.  However, is this what Hebrews 10 is referencing?  The context of Hebrews would resoundingly say “No!”.  The meaning is far deeper and critical.  The assembling here using the logical ability to infer, as authorized by Christ in (Matthew 22:29-32), would always direct Christians to the understanding of communing together for comfort, encouragement, and strength.  Specifically, as they see the time of duress coming near.  Again, in context, a time of judgment would be approaching the Christians (Hebrews 10:13, 27-39).  They had been in and would be through trials.  They needed “encouraging” (25), “compassion” (34), “confidence” (35), and “faith” (38).  If the time coming was the destruction of Jerusalem, persecution from Rome, or the final Judgment of all (unlikely due to the immediacy of the language of Hebrews), as stated earlier, the Christians would need the comfort, aid, and fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ to get them through the terrible times.  This involves a whole lot more cruciality than a mindset of making a Bible study.  It means in one’s life gathering with Christians frequently in a wide variety of settings and locations for multiple purposes.

The Hebrews 10 passage brings about a truth that the entire Bible confirms.  Being in contact with and surrounding ourselves with godly brothers and sisters will build us up and see us through all seasons.  It will help us avoid the feeling of being alone, helpless and stranded in a world of sin.  While it is a truth that frequent Bible study is uplifting and done so in assembling with other Christians has the possibility of making it even more so, we must leave passages in their appropriate context as addressed to the given audience.  To “forsake”, “treat as empty”, “desert”, or “leave behind” assembling with others also has a far different connotation associated with it than being concerned about a specific Bible study time.  Christians we need to remember that at times, there are different needs that must be met.  We are created for the purpose of good works.  This means your time may be better served talking to someone and spending time with them, rather than having your head in the good and holy Book (Matthew 15:1-9).  Value the time to go serve someone and show the love of Christ.  Let us not be like the Pharisees happy to show our check list of successfully attended class times, but rather be as the anonymous good Samaritan who seized the moment to do what is right and pleasing in the sight of God.

 

 

 

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Reproof or Reprove?

Reproof or Reprove?

Yes, words have meaning.  It is important to know what they mean.  As a boy, I once called my father a name I had heard from the boys at school.  I had no clue what it meant.  After I got up off the ground my father explained to me what the word meant.  When it comes to scripture, words are more important than a knock on the head.

Words impact the meaning of the context they are in.  A man running from a smoking building and yelling “fire!”, is in a far better place than a man in front of a death squad yelling “fire!”.   When we turn to the scriptures, we want to be able to understand them because they can affect the destiny of souls.  This brings me to the specific topic of this article.  The word “reprove” is Strong’s number H3198 in the Old Testament and its partner in the New Testament is G1651.  These words in Hebrew and Greek carry the idea of rebuking, correcting, or admonishing someone.  This word is not the same as “Reproof”. Fire has multiple meanings.

The “Reproof” I am referring to is in the New Testament.  It is used only two times.  It is the word with Strong’s number #G1650.  It is first found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”.  Nearly every preacher I have ever known or heard has taught this passage is teaching rebuking and then correction.  That is simply not correct.  It is a proof, evidence, or aspect which convicts.  Scripture aids in coming to know doctrine.  It presents convicting evidence.  It enables poor behavior to be corrected.  Finally, it provides direction on how to do right.

The second passage and only other which uses this word, strengthens this understanding.  Hebrews 11:1 states: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Here we come to an understanding of a few things.  Faith is the substance or foundation.  Faith, of course, is built on what is heard from the Word of God (Romans 10:17).  Faith is furthermore composed of what is stated in the latter part of the verse, “evidence” – Exactly what 2 Timothy 2:16-17 claims.  The Word is profitable for evidence and that faith building evidence is what our hope stands on.  Failing to understand the meaning of the word reproof in Timothy (which should be written evidence as in Hebrews 11:1), pulls it from the supporting tool chest drawer of verses that it needs to be in.

The Bible is the mind of God.  Understanding it takes time and study.  It provides continual growth and insight as to who our God is.  Take the time to examine words and find their place in God’s great message.  He has given it to us to uncover and discover as we glorify Him day to day.

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Private Sin

Private Sin

Matthew 18:15-20 provides the foundation for dealing with private sin.  Approaching public sin is a different story for a different day.  With this passage, Jesus provides a very distinct approach for dealing with an individual’s sin against another.  Sadly, though these passages are frequently declared by Christians in and out of the pulpit, rarely are they followed correctly.  In fact, it can be safely said many do not even understand the entire passage properly.

To begin, Jesus has been discussing the value of all men within the Kingdom of Heaven.  Down to the smallest and least prominent there is value.  The spiritual value of men is far more important than what the physical offers.  Indeed, the importance of one single soul is worth our complete focus.  Thus, when the conversation comes to the discussion in verse 15, even when the individual has been sinned against by another, he is to seek out the transgressor to resolve the situation.  The hope is the transgressor will listen and repent.  His soul is precious!

Of course, when tasked with the objective of restoring a soul from private sin, success is not always achieved alone.  Thus, Jesus encourages the inclusion of others in the effort when the first has failed.  Frequently, within congregations, this is when an individual approaches elders rather than other sound brothers and sisters to assist him.  This is not incorrect; it is just common.  When success is not met in this group interaction, the elders frequently inform the congregation as to what is going on, however, they frequently fail to obey what Jesus establishes here.  Verse 17 of the text establishes that if the transgressor does not listen there is supposed to be an interaction of the Church, the Christians, with the one in sin.  The body of Christ is to reach out and talk to the man… not just be informed and leave it in the hands of the elders.  The responsibility lies within the congregation to engage for the sake of the individual’s soul.  His soul is worth the attention of everyone!  The proper path is not to wait for months while a couple of elders engage in a letter writing war.  By then the individual with feet braced often wants no part of anyone at the congregation, the relationships have become irrelevant because the proper steps were not quickly taken, and the individual has moved on and established others.

A second failure, often as a matter of understanding, comes from verse 18: “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”  Correctly understood, those things which are bound or loosed (followed or not followed) are those which have already been established by God’s Word.  Thus, the point is, if the transgressor has either repented or continued in sin, and the brethren who have approached him have done so according to what has been established by God, then God will accept the decision on their course of action.  The text is not encouraging the creation of any course of action outside of what has been revealed by God.

The final failing of understanding in this passage is in verse 20: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.”  This verse is often utilized as “Hey! I want to go camping not meet with the brethren on Sunday, so as long as someone is with me to worship at the campfire, God is with us.”  That is a common and terrible misuse of Jesus’ words.  The wider context of Jesus’ words has been the value of the human soul.  The more narrow context is church discipline.  The proper meaning is that if the discipline is done with authority, God endorses it.

Church discipline is something that is not to be done lightly.  It is something that needs to be done in timely fashion according to God’s authority.  It is a blessing when private sin can be resolved between individuals, but when it cannot, and the concern escalates to the entire Church, let each and every member engage with kindness, love, and concern over the precious soul in trouble.  The Church cannot dismiss their duties as Christians and the Eldership cannot assume those duties as their own.  It is in those scenarios that regardless of how many are gathered together, God will not be among them.

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