Milk

Milkshakes, Milk Duds, Milky Way, Chocolate Milk, Milk and Cookies, Ice Milk, Milk and Pepsi…  How does the Bible relate to milk?

1 Peter 2:2 – “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”

Hebrews 5:12 – “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”

Above are two scriptures concerning milk.  Milk is figuratively used as the nutrition of the Word of God.  Milk is the building block of young life.  The young Christian takes in the milk of the word to develop his body.  In doing so, he grows into an individual who is mature.  The following verse, gives an appropriate description of one who is mature:

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.”

Have you ever drank bad milk?  Bleh!  Ick!  It tastes bad!  It smells bad!

2 Peter 2:1-2 – “But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their lascivious doings; by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of.”

Matthew 24:11 – “And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray.”

1 John 3:7-8 – “My little children, let no man lead you astray: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous: he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

Enjoy the sweet pleasures of milk.  Strengthen the body with its nutritional value.  Prize the spiritual milk above all.  Take care to inspect milk before you drink it (Acts 17:11).  Throw the spoiled milk out!

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One Another: Two Important Words

The term “one another” is used frequently in the New Testament.  There are “one anothers” for man to embrace and to avoid.  The mind of God, the Bible, displays many messages which need no additional commentary.  When laid out in front of the reader, verse after verse declares the importance of different concepts God desires man to know and incorporate in their lives.  Consider the two lists of “one anothers” below as part of a self evaluation.  Have you embraced what you ought?  Have you avoided what you should?

“One Anothers” to Embrace

John 13:34 –   love one another

John 13:14 –  wash one another’s feet.

Colossians 3:13 –  forbearing one another, and forgiving each other

Ephesians 4:2 –   forbearing one another

Galatians 6:2 –  Bear ye one another’s burdens

Romans 15:14 –  admonish one another.

Romans 12:10 –   be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;

Romans 16:16 –  Salute one another with a holy kiss.

Romans 15:7 –   receive ye one another

Romans 14:19 –  edify one another.

Colossians 3:16 –  teaching and admonishing one another

1 Thessalonians 4:18 – comfort one another

1 Thessalonians 5:11 –  exhort one another

Hebrews 10:24 –  consider one another to provoke unto love and good works;

1 Peter 5:5 –  serve one another:

1 John 3:11 –  For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another:

“One Anothers” to Avoid

Romans 14:13 –  Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock in his brother’s way, or an occasion of falling.

Galatians 5:15 –  bite and devour one another,… consumed one of another.

Galatians 5:26 – provoking one another, envying one another.

Titus 3:3 –  hating one another.

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Wise Guy (Part 1)

Have you ever been called a wise guy?  Likely, you were called a wise guy for saying something sarcastic.  This happens to me a pretty often.  However, it would be nice if someone meant it in regard to my intelligence on a matter.  Most people would like to be considered a wise person in regard to some aspect of life.  The question then becomes:  “What does a wise person look like?”  Do they look like Isaac Newton? Albert Einstein? Spock?  How about Marie Curie, Elizabeth I, or Hillary Clinton?  In truth, looks are not a reliable factor in determining wisdom.

A wise person is defined by his or her behavior.  Behaviors are driven by knowledge and wisdom comes from knowledge as well.  Man can demonstrate wisdom in regard to an endless number of subjects.  For instance, knowledge gained from a bee sting can lead to the behavior of carefulness around bees.  This is wisdom.  Similarly, knowledge of cooking can lead to caution around a hot oven.  Again, wisdom is shown.  Finally, consider the knowledge gained of the human body which leads to urgency involving strokes.  All of these situations involve the use of wisdom.  If the behaviors of care, caution, and urgency were missing from these scenarios wisdom would be lacking.

When it comes to Godly wisdom, Solomon provides knowledge inspired of the Holy Spirit.  Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”  Fear in this text can involve both being afraid of God and having reverence toward Him.  Fear and reverence come from the knowledge of God who is Holy (I Peter 1:16).  A man with Godly wisdom will exhibit behavior affirming his wisdom.

This series of articles will examine Godly wisdom as seen through the behaviors of a wise Christian.  For this particular article, let us consider Proverbs 13:7-8:

 “There are rich with nothing; poor with abundant riches.  The redemption of an individual’s life is his wealth and the poor do not hear rebuke.”

The individual to imitate in this passage is the poor man.  His wealth results in redemption, not rebuke.  The words of Solomon here are not discussing earthly wealth.  This can be verified through the words of two other scriptures.  First from Solomon’s father David, then from the apostle Peter:

Psalms 49:6-8 – “They that trust in their wealth, And boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him (For the redemption of their life is costly, And it faileth for ever)”

1 Peter 1:18 – “knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, even the blood of Christ:”

The poor of Proverbs 13:7-8 are those who have a humble spirit in God such as in Matthew 5:3 (“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”).  The richness of the poor comes from their claim in the blood of Christ.  Redemption cannot apply for those denying Christ.  How can an individual have a claim in the blood of Christ?

2 Timothy 2:11-13 – “Faithful is the saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him: if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us: if we are faithless, he abideth faithful; for he cannot deny himself.”

From this verse observe a number of points. First, living with Christ (which would imply a man was redeemed) requires dying with Him.  According to Romans 6:1-9, dying with Christ means man must go through the behavior of baptism.  This brings him into contact with His blood and gives him claim in Christ (Galatians 3:27).  Second, enduring, so that man can reign with Christ, also involves specific behaviors to engage and avoid.  I Corinthians 10:13 makes it clear that temptations to the Christian exist that would cause him to not endure in Christ.  Yet, He is faithful such that man can endure in the required behaviors.  Third, men deny Christ and are denied by Christ though their behaviors: Titus 1:16 – “They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Jesus said in Luke 6:46 – “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”  Finally, to have faithful behavior, men must have faith.  Romans 10:17 declares “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”  Based on this passage, man gains faith by knowledge through the word of God which sparks his godly and therefore wise behavior.

These points being identified, there is a conclusion that exists to be gleaned from Proverbs 13:7-8.  That conclusion is that a man gains his riches through knowing the value of God’s Truth and then using godly wisdom he acts upon it.

Matthew 13:44 – “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”

 

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Love Them Even More

Men often fail to follow God’s will.  They live a life based on the wants, desires, and dictates of manmade standards of popularity, morality, and godliness.  Scriptures can be read and quoted to them regarding their sin, but they seem not to care or pay attention.  Many congregations suffer from a handful of Christians who seem to defiantly continue in sin regardless of any admonition from brothers and sisters or the pulpit.  Rather than engage discipline upon the Christians the Church chooses to put the responsibility for the sin upon itself rather than the sinner. They reason that if they love them even more (code for do nothing about the sin, but increase their outward affection for the individual) the sinner will eventually stop their corrupt behaviors.

I Corinthians 5:1-2 – “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.”

 The question often arising from the reader when examining the above passage:  “Why is the Church puffed up (arrogant) about sin?”  Consider the attitude: “love them even more”.  The nature of the sin represented such vileness that even those of the world understood its shamefulness.  Yet, the Church evidently felt that by putting up with the sin (loving the sinner) that they showed what good Christians they were.  “Look at us!  We are inclusive and open to all.  We won’t condemn you.  Even the world may condemn you, but as for sinners, we love them even more.  We won’t judge you.”  This sounds so nice to those ignorant of God’s will.  Many churches today ignore the sins of adulterous marriage.  They boast of their inclusion of homosexuality and female leadership.  Going to their services may seem at times like going to a ball game or pool party for all the skin that presents itself from immodest attire.

1 Corinthians 5:6-7 – “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.”

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 – “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians that they should not be arrogant over their worldly idea of “love them even more”.  Using the example of leaven in dough which eventually affects the entire lump, he calls for them to get the leaven out.  In other words, get the sin out of the Church because it will cause all to sin.  Paul did not accept the whole concept of “love them even more” by doing nothing.  Rather to love them even more he calls upon the Church to disfellowship the sinner.  What if the Churches after admonishing and teaching Christians to be modest, pure, and walk according to godliness (Ephesians 1:1-21) disciplined them for their lack of repentance?  Some might cry out that this would be a lack of love.  Yet, Proverbs 13:24 states, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes”.  Additionally, Hebrews 12:6 declares, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth”.  If a congregation wants to show a sinner they love them even more, then they will discipline them so they might turn from their sin.

Worldly concerns such as a diminished attendance, angry relatives, or hurt feelings should not enter the equation when following the commands of God.  God’s family comes before the family of the world (Luke 14:26).  Churches need to get themselves in order.  Purify the body by removing the sin.  In regard to the sinner, love them even more by loving and obeying the Word of God (John 14:15).  If Churches do not cast the sin out now, by their own actions they will be condemned (Matthew 7:22-27, Titus 1:15-16).  Love means doing the right thing and sometimes that can be a painful process.  Yet, it is by discipline that Christians will endure to be with their Heavenly Father.  Do not neglect! 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong”.  Discipline the sinful and thereby love them even more.

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Voting

Voting exercises one’s opinion and choice of support for one side of an issue, or the election of an individual, group, or entity for specific appointments.  An individual’s associations (I Corinthians 15:33) and actions (Luke 6:44) can give a good indication about what he supports with his votes.  Consider a person who gambles.  It makes logical sense he would likely vote to enable more gambling.  If a person hangs around bookies and casinos, the likeliness of him voting in support of a gambling related measure would be high.  Also consider a person who overtly supports drug use.  Others observed him using drugs in the past on numerous occasions.  How likely would it be that he would vote to legalize drug use?  Quickly drawn conclusions come from lifestyle behaviors of individuals.  Inversely, based on the way an individual votes, assumptions are often made about the voter’s lifestyle and morality.  Since Christians strive not to be conformed to the world, but individuals transformed (Romans 12:1-2), light bearers (Matthew 5:16), and watchmen (I Thessalonians 5:4-6), the way they cast their votes should be done with great discernment knowing that the Will of God stands as their priority (Matthew 6:33).  Christians want to look to the scriptures on how they should vote so they can vote with the authority of God and not strengthen the hand of evil doers (Jeremiah 23:14).

Moral issue voting typically stands most simple for a Christian to engage in according to God’s authority.  Abortion, homosexuality, drug and alcohol legislation, gambling, prostitution: the verdict from God clearly says they cannot be supported.  Not that all moral issues represent clear cut decisions.  Debates involving the topic of capital punishment, military service, home defense, and others continue to involve significant energy by Christians.  A more confounding situation relates to the election of representatives for the people.  A representative serves to represent the values of the people who elect him.  Representatives campaign prior to their election about what they will accomplish if voted into the offices they desire.  Their associations, actions, and voting record typically come under close scrutiny.  Christians acknowledge the fact they the potential representatives, like themselves, have engaged or will engage in sinful behavior (Romans 3:23).  Like any office or position that someone undertakes, the greater the relationship to their sinful behavior and the position the more of a concern it represents.  For instance, in filling the position of county assayer, a man’s support of abortion has no bearing on his function.  He cannot unilaterally or by leadership enact legislation furthering the practice of abortion.  Quite the opposite, if the same man desires to fill the position of President of the United States, the impact represents a great concern.  Barack Hussein Obama’s record made it clear he supported abortion when running for President of the United States in 2008.  Many Christians voted for him knowing this.  His first month in office he forced tax payers to pay a portion of 457 million dollars to support abortions in other nations.  Thousands of babies died horribly with full foreknowledge of American Christians.  The question at hand in this article relates to whether or not Christians commit any sin at all when voting for a representative they believe can and will through the otherwise unavailable power of their position act without the authority of God.  Remember, a vote for something or someone by definition represents support.

First, the faithful of God serve as watchmen to others.  This principle can be seen in Ezekiel 33:7-8: “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.  When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”  This concept repeats in passages like Jude 1:23 in the New Testament.  As an obligation, Christians must share the truth of the gospel to the world (Matthew 28:18-20).  Sometimes this means encouragement, other times, it means admonishment.  Whatever the situation, the worst action is no action.  The Corinthian Christians did this in I Corinthians 5 allowing sin to go on without warning.  The Laodicean Christians also did nothing (Revelation 3:14-22).  At the current state in time, America boasts two leading candidates for the office of President.  They represent two parties, but not all the parties.  When Election Day comes they will not be the only candidates for whom to vote.  Yet, many Christians find themselves afraid of the future.  They currently identify the man in the White House (Barack Hussein Obama – one of the two leading candidates) as using his power for sin.  They loudly proclaim this.  The leading second candidate, Mitt Romney, boasts a record full of support for abortion, homosexuality, homosexual adoption, transgenderism, stem cell research, rejecting the defense of Marriage Act, and has refused on occasions to be identified with pro-life groups or as pro-life.  While Romney declares he has changed his mind on some of the positions, voters show concern over his associations, actions, and voting record.  Unfortunately, many Christians currently choose not to sound the warning trumpet.  James 4:17, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.”  Not by opinion, but by the Word of God, the authority of scripture says these Christians commit sin by their inaction.  Consider this:  If a watchmen trumpets a warning, does he then support the enemy by opening the gates for them?  Why would a Christian who should be sounding a warning open the gate for abuse of the power God gave government officials?  Can such a Christian not be held culpable?

Second, regarding earthly choices remember a spiritual option always exists.  Frequently in politics as in life, when a decision must be made, two options are said to exist:  “Pepsi or Coke”, “Steak or Ground Beef”, “Peas or broccoli”.  Yet, other options exist:  7-Up, chicken, corn or no thank you.  Media and others attempt to frame America’s presidential race into a must choose between one of two options framework though other options will always exist.  The common statement usually stated: “You must choose between the lesser of two evils”.  Scriptural authority does not exist for such an idea.  All knees will bow before Jesus (Philippians 2:10).  They will be judged by His Word (John 12:48).  Since the Words of Jesus are the only option for action hear Jesus declare Matthew 6:23-24 –“But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  No room exists for any acceptance of evil.  Christians have one master not two.  When only supporting evil with your vote exists, look harder, and you will see the righteousness of God towering over it in other forms.  Sarai when she shared her husband with another woman thought she had no other option.  Saul when he offered up the sacrifice without Saul thought he had no other option.  Uzzah when he reached out and grabbed the ark thought he had no other option.  The best option always stands as God’s authorized option, faithful adherence to His Word.  “Hate evil love good!” (Amos 5:15)  Serving God is not a matter of situational ethics where accepting evil can be good at times.

Third, a Christian’s duty from God demands he do good things and avoid the appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22).  What is evil, but the opposite of good.  Micah 6:8, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”  Walking with God means obeying His Will and stands as good.  Thus, evil equates to man not doing God’s will.  The Thessalonian passage instructs man not to act in a way that would appear contrary to what God directs.  When a Christian supports a candidate who will likely use his power to increase sin, others attribute their behavior as acceptable to God.  Their inclination then becomes to support the same sin in all situations.  The Christian brushing up with sin misrepresents God’s designed intention for him and he cheapens the image of God in the eyes of those who may not be Christians.  The American Presidential election of 2008 opened many divisions between Christians because many chose to vote for race instead of godly obedience.  To this day, confusion exists over how a Christian could support someone with the record of legislative abuse that Barack Obama brought to the table.  Though many asked for repentance, recognizing their choice of man over God, clearly not everyone heeded their example.  When Christians do not avoid the appearance of evil they act without the authority of God.  God’s face is hidden from those associating with evil (Isaiah 59:1-2).   Those who bid the sinful candidate God speed by voting for them become guilty as a partaker of the transgressor’s deeds.  2 John 1:9-11 – “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”  What will people believe about a Christian if he votes for a ballot supporting sin or a candidate with a track record of legislating sin?  He loses his credibility.  He is seen as part of the world.

Fourth, Christians following the Word of God avoid acting as stumbling blocks (I John 2:10).  A stumbling block causes a person to fall from his course.  Christians becomes stumbling blocks when their actions cause others to stray from the Word of God.  “Romney is the best candidate out there!”  Christians call Romney good instead of identifying his associations, actions, and voting record as evil.  Isaiah spoke of men who would “call evil good and good evil” Isaiah 5:20.  He wasn’t mentioning this to flatter.  When Christians do this, they lead others headlong into sin.  Did Christ every support something sinful?  No, of course not!  Would he choose the lesser evil today?  No again!  Christians, who do not know any better and Christians with a weak conscience, follow the stumbling block in support of a candidate who will enact sinful legislation resulting in struggling souls and a weakened Church.  The light on a hill soon becomes one hidden under a blanket due to shame and the darkness of sin.  Why?  They choose not to make the choice with Biblical authority and rather relied on man’s opinion on what to do.

Finally, what if the individual demonstrated a track record of specific behaviors then out of the blue said he would no longer behave that way?  Would you immediately believe him?  Jesus warned, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)  In other words, Jesus knew the track record of the world and did not want his disciples to blindly trust those identified with evil.  Paul warned of folks with a track record of evil in Philippians 3:2-3 and Peter did the same in 2 Peter 3:17.  Consider the episode of Penn State.  Many years ago they had a defensive coordinator for their football team who had been witnessed as someone potentially involved with child molestation.  The coach of the football team, Joe Paterno, upon receiving a report of the allegation reported to his superiors and did nothing more.  The defensive coordinator kept access to the school and youth.  When everything finally came to a climax years later Joe Paterno lost his job.  Why?  He was seen as culpable for enabling someone to engage in sinful behavior based on the power of a position.  His character ended up being frowned upon by others.  How different would it be for a Christian who voted for someone with a track record of sinful legislation?  Christians must be wise with their decisions.  When they blindly trust despite obvious signs that their trust will not be kept, individuals and the Church as a whole can be hurt.  When Christians ignore evil, they act without Biblical authority.

The support individuals receive from a vote does not go unnoticed in society.  Votes are recorded.  Party stances become attributed to the individual.  Society draws conclusions about the association, actions, and voting patterns of others.  Christians need to act with authority behind their voting behavior.  God set the Church up to be seen by the world.  He set the Church up so it would be distinct and not conformed to worldly practices.  Christians as watchmen have the duty to call out the sinful behavior of political candidates and warn others, but when they embrace candidates despite warning signs sin occurs.  Situational ethics do not dictate the voting behavior of Christians.  The written word of God provides perfect knowledge in every situation (2 Peter 1:1-3).  No room exists for choosing evil.  In regard to evil, Christians are to avoid the appearance of it and make certain they do not cause others to stumble in their faith.  While God commands Christians to forgive, he also instructs them to be wise.  Wisdom dictates the voter pay attention to the signs of sin.  When Christians follow God and not the opinions of man, they will act according to Biblical authority.  Biblical authority clearly condemns voting for candidates who will use their power to engage society in sin.

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