Patience

The Bible clearly teaches us that we should exercise patience in our life. Some of the Bible facts regarding this subject will be the study for this issue. The Bible texts are always the best teacher with regard to subjects that God would have His people to imbibe in their life here; please note the following references …

PATIENCE

In the New Testament hupomone carries in it the ideas of endurance, continuance (Luke 8:15; 21:19; Romans 5:3-4, the American Standard Revised Version”stedfastness”; 8:25, etc.).

In all places the American Revised Version margin has “steadfastness,” except James 5:11, where it has “endurance”; makrothumia is translated “patience” (Hebrews 6:12; James 5:10); makrothumeo, “to bear long” (Matthew 18:26,29; James 5:7; See LONGSUFFERING ); the same verb is translated “be patient”

(1 Thess. 5:14, the Revised Version (British and American) “longsuffering”; James 5:7-8, the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) “patient”); makrothumos, “patiently” (Acts 26:3); hupomeno (1 Peter 2:20); anexikakos is translated “patient” (2 Timothy 2:4, the Revised Version (British and American), the King James Version margin, “forbearing”); epieikes, “gentle” (1 Timothy 3:3, the Revised Version (British and American) “gentle”); hupomeno (Romans 12:12, “patient in tribulation”). For “the patient waiting for Christ” (2 Thessalonians 3:5), the Revised Version (British and American) has “the patience of Christ.”

Patience is often hard to gain and to maintain, but, in Romans 15:5, God is called “the God of patience” (the American Revised Version margin “steadfastness”) as being able to grant that grace to those who look to Him and depend on Him for it. It is in reliance on God and acceptance of His will, with trust in His goodness, wisdom and faithfulness, that we are enabled to endure and to hope steadfastly. See also GOD.

(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Electronic Database Copyright © 1996, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

From the ISBE we see that the word is used in several ways in the New Testament but we also understand that this is a quality that each person develops which enables them to maintain steadfastness “{i.e. faithfulness} in the Lords service.

Two Examples …

1-The parable of the good seed and the  …

Luke 8:14-15 – 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. KJV

2-The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple …

Luke 21:16-19 – 16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. 18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19 In your patience possess ye your souls. KJV

The Apostle Paul gives us an understandable picture of patience in his writings; note the following …

Romans 5:3-4

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience , experience; and experience, hope: KJV

Romans 8:25

But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. KJV

Hebrews 6:12

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. KJV

Hebrews 10:36-39

36 For ye have need of patience , that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. KJV

Indeed, we must exercise patience in our life for Christ in this world; it is always good to remember that we are beset with trials and temptations many times during our life. Even so we must be faithful with patience.

Posted in Garreth L. Clair | Tagged , | Comments Off on Patience

Works of the Flesh

“The Works of the Flesh Are Manifest…”

I would like our readers to consider a serious study of the “works of the flesh.” Please take the time to examine carefully this ugly series of sinful things. We need to realize the imminent danger of these in our lives today, because the apostle Paul closes Galatians 5:19-21 by saying that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. It cannot be simpler to understand!

In the context, Paul has encouraged the churches of Galatia to allow the gospel to influence their hearts and minds so that they may control the fleshly part of life (Gal. 5:16-18). He has warned them about the danger of fulfilling the lust of the flesh and how that there was the battle that is ongoing between the lust and our inward man that has as its purpose and its intention to serve the Lord. When we think about the pagan society that was in existence in the first century, these were sins that were prominent among them. Some of them were prevalent even in relationship to idolatrous worship, which Paul indicates within these “works of the flesh.” Yet, when we look at our society today in view of these things, then we can see that society has not changed much. There is not a great deal of difference in our world and the pagan society in which Paul lived, which tells us that as these things increase more and more, there is less and less influence of the Bible in the hearts and the lives of the people. Therefore, these things are very prominent today.

Thus, beginning in Galatians 5:19, Paul will begin a list of the works of the flesh: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these….” Notice carefully some thoughts as we begin to consider these sins.

First, let us notice the term “works.” Paul is referencing certain things that come out of a fleshly life by the way that he utilizes this word. We contrast “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21) with “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23), and while Paul engages two distinct terms, he is still contrasting products in both scenarios. For example, Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matt. 7:15). In other words, these men were teaching certain things, and out of that false teaching, certain things would follow:

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matt. 7:16-20)

Therefore, certain things are products of a fleshly lifestyle, which Paul details, but please note that he has not listed all of them, because he notes, “…and such like.” These are only some of the works of the flesh that Paul provides to give us an idea or portrait of what a fleshly lifestyle indicates.

Second, as we examine the term “flesh” in view of the greater context, we ought to see that the following list of things is revolting to the child of God! There ought not to be anything about any single one of these sins that ought to appeal to us! In opposition to these horrific sins, Paul will contrast with the beauty of spiritual things— “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23). It truly is “flesh” versus “spirit.” As we consider these various products of a fleshly lifestyle, we can see how Paul will group these, and we often see how these dovetail together. Avoiding these fleshly works will not come automatically—we must diligently work to avoid/remove these from our lives, and as we remove these, we are to replace them with the necessary attributes that describe “the fruit of the Spirit,” which we will examine next month.

Third, Paul says that the works of the flesh “are manifest.” In other words, they show themselves. They come out. The literal Greek word is phaneros, which really means that they are shining. Thus, we can see the consequences, the outcome and the product of a fleshly life. If these works are in our lives, then we can tell that these are products and the harvest of the flesh.

Therefore, it is imperative that we need to get these things out of our lives, and to prevent them from developing in our lives.

Posted in Sam Willcut | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Works of the Flesh

R.I.P. Church

“I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” – Revelation 3:1b

We see this harsh description of a faltering spiritual state in the letter to the church at Sardis, one of the seven churches of Asia. The message goes on to say that their works were not perfect before God. They were a church who were perceived by others and even themselves as alive and active, but the actions and the lifestyle weren’t there to prove it. The church was resting on reputation rather than doing the works of the Father and excelling still more. In short, the church was dead.

Now consider the church in 21st Century America. Oh, we have our doctrine right, because we worship God in the form He commanded and we obey His explicitly stated commands in the plan of salvation. For many years we were thought of as “people of the book,” and we were (and are) proud of that. And we still have the ’50s and ’60s, when we were one of the fastest growing faiths in America. We like those facts. We like to talk about them, to remember them fondly, and to stand on our doctrine today and say, “We have it right!” But are we patting ourselves on the back for a reputation of being alive while being dead on the inside?

Consider what the primary purposes of the church are. 1. Defend the truth 2. Keep the saved saved 3. Bring souls into the kingdom 4. Do good unto all men. Speaking in a general manner, we’re hitting 1 for 4 there. As we at Focus Press discuss quite frequently, we do a miserable job of holding on to those who are brought up in the church and are baptized as young adults. Evangelism is an after thought. If they come into our building, we think, maybe the preacher will get a chance to study with them. What we do today is a far cry from “Go into all the world.” As for doing good to all men, sure we give our money and that money gets given to someone else who works with people, and that’s not a bad thing, but it’s clear from Jesus’ teaching that He wanted us to be directly involved with helping other people, “doing unto the least of these.” It’s by being in their lives that we can show His love and feel the compassion He had for them. But we’re busy.

We think, “Well, if I just live as a Christian, maybe my example will be enough for someone to ask about the church.” First of all, example is a great starting point for evangelism, but we’ve failed if that’s where it ends. Second, what difference do people see when we go to church all day Sunday and then post to Facebook Sunday night about watching Breaking Bad or The Walking Dead? What difference do they see when we wear bad attitudes on our sleeves or talk negatively about other people? What difference do they see when there are people hurting around us and we don’t have the time of day to help? What difference do they see when they know our family has time for soccer and baseball and school functions, etc., but can clearly see that the Bible isn’t regularly a part of our family lives?

Am I generalizing? To a certain extent, yes. On the other hand, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve seen it in the church. You see it on Facebook. Yes, the church has doctrine right but if we continue to rest on correct doctrine alone it will mean nothing. Ephesians 2:10 tells us we were created in Him for good works. Once God saves us we’re responsible to do as He would do, and that’s where we’re severely lacking. The worst thing about the church at Sardis? They were dead and they didn’t even know it. The church in America isn’t dead, but it’s not exactly healthy, either. It’s time to stop living off of reputation and start doing the perfect works Christ has prepared for us.

Posted in Brad Harrub | Tagged , | Comments Off on R.I.P. Church

Of Chips And Works

The airport staging area was crowded to capacity as the young man returned to his wife and casually commented as to his conclusion that the lady at the concession counter who sold him his soda certainly seemed to have had a “ chip on her shoulder. ” Suddenly, several activities stopped short, as multiple sets of eyes from the surrounding seats of the staging area turned to stare in stunned disbelief at this seemingly simple statement!

The couple from California just could not contemplate how the woman at the concession stand could, or even why she would, have had a California Highway Patrolman setting on her shoulder; and they actually got up and set out to go see such a strange phenomenon! After all, they knew a few… could it possibly be somebody they knew?

Seated nearby, the immaculately well-dressed and overstressed business executive who was also a computer expert wondered silently to himself just how much the “chip” on her shoulder was actually worth and exactly what kind of information it contained…

The thought of a salty snack suddenly made the nearby teenager turn off his computer game and turn his attention to his now-all-of-the-sudden hungry stomach, as he wondered why the woman would waste a perfectly good chip by putting it on her shoulder as opposed to into her stomach by eating it…? And… what kind was it anyway; salt and vinegar perhaps? Ah, his favorite!

The professional painter from Portland pondered the predicament as to whether or not the chip had perchance fallen onto her shoulder from above because the ceiling of her particular kiosk needed new paint perhaps…?

On the other hand, the high-stakes gambler from Georgia wondered if maybe he had dropped one of his lucky, winning, customized casino chips near the concession stand concourse and she had somehow picked it up and put it on her shoulder to display, just for luck. He thought about going to see, but then decided there was really no chance of it.

But the nearby farmer and his wife from Fargo were both obviously and evidently thoroughly disgusted, as they wondered just how and why a woman – and a woman serving food at that – could possibly get by, going through the day with one of “those” on her shoulder! And why on earth would anyone ever buy a drink from there as this young man obviously had?!? Inconceivable! They certainly wouldn’t!

Ten minutes passed. The California couple returned, determined not to believe anything else they overheard this young man ever say again, seeing as how they never did find the woman “piggy-backing” the policeman. The teenager went half-heartedly back to his computer game, grumbling stomach and all. The business executive quietly reviewed his computer files, all the while keeping an ear turned towards the young couple for more potential financial information on the infamous “chip.” Meanwhile, the painter passed the time pondering whether or not to go and explore the problem with his potential new client; the gambler decided to continue to roll the dice and just stay put; while the farmer and his wife still sat nearby with the undisguised look of disgruntled disgust on their faces.

And then suddenly, the startled stares started all over again (except for the now famished teenager who could wait no longer and made off after the young man) when the young woman softly asked her husband if he could go get her a bag of… “chips”…?

And we laugh. Because we know. We know and process the differences in the communicational context of these comments both immediately and automatically. We understand for example, the difference between a California Highway Patrolman (C.HI.P.), a computer chip, a potato chip, a paint chip, a poker chip and a “cow chip.” But do we always? You see, because of the many different kinds of “chips” we could talk about and the many different people’s varied perspectives on them – coupled of course with the young couple’s previously general terminology – there was a huge, but still simply-solvable situational solution! If the young man had but immediately specified that the concession lady he had purchased the soda from had had a psychological, or the stereotypical, temperamental and proverbial type “chip” on her shoulder, all would have been well… but he didn’t. The same could have been said later on if only his loving wife had but simply and immediately specified, “…a big bag of barbecued potato chips.” But she didn’t. Hence the confusion.

But ever so sadly and life and death seriously, the same can surely be said when it comes to salvation. For example, we often hear those of a particular man-made religious denomination and doctrine which seeks to deny the simple, scriptural, and straightforward eternal truth that baptism is an essential requirement in order to be saved (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38, 22:16; Romans 6:1-5; Gal. 3:26-27; I Peter 3:21; and  etc), scurrilously seek to sell us on the deception that baptism is a work and that the bible clearly says we are not saved by such works in places like Ephesians 2:8-9. Now, while they correctly quote these verses, they fail to understand – or at least fail to correctly inform us – that there are several different kinds of “works” discussed in general in the Scriptures, all of which must be discussed only in light of their own very specific context! In other words, the word “works” in the Scriptures is akin to the word “chips” in the airport! And we must be well-studied in order to truly separate them down and scripturally discuss and doctrinally dissect them (Acts 17:11; II Timothy 2:15).

There are for example, works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19); works of the Law of Moses (Galatians 2:15-16; and incidentally the type of works which Ephesians 2:8-9 is specifically addressing – see verse 15), and meritorious good works, all three of which can never atone or make up for the filthiness of our sins (Isaiah 64:6; And remember: even the good man Cornelius, as good as he was, still wasn’t “good enough,” and had to be immersed in the waters of the one, New Covenant, Christian baptism for the forgiveness of his sins – Acts 10).

And then, on the other hand, there are the God-commanded and required “good works” of faithful adherence and obedience to His word which God saved us specifically to perform! These would be equivalent to what our faithful forefathers in the faith are reported as having done in both Hebrews 11 and Acts 2:37-47, precisely because of their great faith in exactly what God said, which led to their exact and precise obedience to them… and for which they were greatly rewarded for so doing by none other than almighty God Himself! For a list of these sorts of “essential works” references, and of which we must maintain in order to please and be with God, please see: Matthew 5:16; Romans 2:5-10; Ephesians 2:10; I Timothy 2:9-10, 5:9-10, 6:17-19; Titus 1:16, and chapters 2 and 3 in their entirety, along with Hebrews 10:24-25; James 3:13; and I Peter 2:11-13 to name a few.

And finally, what I find most simply amazing of all, is that those who constantly and continually bring up texts such as Ephesians 2:8-9 completely out of their specific, intended, contextual addressing of the “works” of the Old Testament LAW OF MOSES, to somehow say that New Testament Christian baptism specifically for the forgiveness of one’s sins just exactly as the hand-picked apostles of our precious Lord and Savior such as Peter and Paul taught it, is somehow NOT essential before salvation can occur, defies the boundaries of even the most mature of imaginations!

They say that we’re saved by faith only. God says “not so” (See James 2:19-24). And in fact, while the baptism they seek to disclaim (with completely out-of-context verses on works not even associated with the same covenant as Christian baptism for the forgiveness of sins) is never recorded in the Scriptures as a “work” whatsoever, but is instead reported as an act of “faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12), it is actually the “faith” part of their “faith only – no works” equation, which the scriptures resolutely report to be one of the very “works” which God requires! Faith a work?!? Yes! (See John 6:28-29.)

And so, in conclusion, the bottom line is this. There’s some chips you’d never eat (such as computer or poker chips); some chips that could kill you if you did eat them (such as paint or cow chips); and some chips who might arrest more than your development if you were caught speeding in the state of California! Likewise, there are those works which, according to the bible, certainly will not save us, along with some that surely will. So let’s make sure we know exactly – from the biblical context and not the biased con–man – exactly which type of “work” we’re actually talking about when discussing them, shall we? After all, we don’t want to be an eternal and infernal “chip off the old block” of those deceived like Eve, do we (II Corinthians 11:3-4)?

Posted in Doug Dingley | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Of Chips And Works

John Chapter One

In John 1, we learn that God is here. And, while Solomon asked, as he dedicated the temple if God would dwell on the earth (1 Kings 8:27), the writer John affirms that the answer is yes as he gives us snapshots of our Lord’s life on earth. And as John, the beloved disciples, writes for both the Jew and Gentile audience, Jesus is presented as the Son of God. We know that John had Gentiles in mind as well as Jews because he often interpreted Jewish words for his readers (Jn. 1:38, 41-42). And, His purpose for writing was not only to show that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophesies, but He also fulfilled the types. For example, He is the New Temple (Jn. 2:19-21) and He offers the new birth (Jn. 3:4ff). He is the serpent lifted up (Jn. 3:14) and He is the Bread of God that came down from heaven (Jn. 6:35ff). But overall, the major theme that runs throughout John’s account is: Jesus Christ is the Son of God and if you will commit yourself to Him, He will give you eternal life (Jn. 20:31).

In the First chapter, John records seven names and titles of Jesus that identifies Him as eternal God. In vs. 1-3, 14 Jesus is referred to as the Word. In much as our words reveal to others our hearts and minds, Jesus Christ is God’s Word to reveal His heart and mind to us. Thus, Jesus is the eternal, creative and incarnate Word. He was the Word made Flesh through the miracle of the virgin birth and took on Himself sinless human nature and identified with us in every aspect of life from birth to death. In essence, Jesus revealed God’s glory in His person, His works and His words and came with grace and truth (vs. 16).

In vs. 4-13, Jesus is referred to as the Light. Life is a key theme in John’s Gospel and thus Jesus is the Light of life and Light of the world (Jn. 8:12). We learn in 1:15 that God is light and how people either love the light or the darkness (Jn. 3:16-19).

In vs. 15-28, 49, John summarizes what John the Baptist had to say about Jesus Christ (vs. 15-18). First, that He is eternal (vs. 15). Second that he has the fullness of grace and truth (vs. 16-17). Third, Jesus Christ revealed God to us (vs. 18). In this last point, in essence, God is invisible, yet, Jesus Christ reveals God to us for He is the image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15) and the express image of His person (Heb. 1:3). He is the Son of God, which is recorded for us at least nine times in the book of John.

In vs. 29-34, Jesus is called the Lamb of God and it was repeated the next day (vs. 35-36). In the First century, the sacrificial lambs were brought to men, which could not take away sin. But here is God’s Lamb by God to men which could take away sin and His Lamb would shed His blood for the whole world. Jesus would die as that sacrificial Lamb of God (Isa. 53:7; Lk. 12:50) and it would be through death, burial and resurrection that the Lamb of God would fulfill all righteousness (Matt. 3:15).

In vs. 35-42, Jesus is called the Messiah. When John and Andrew were following Jesus, He asked them what they were seeking. And so, Jesus invited them to spend the day with Him and while with them, Jesus answered their questions. They were so impressed that they found their brothers and brought them to Jesus too. Andrew found Simon and John brought James. “We have found the Messiah!” is what Andrew said to Simon, meaning, they had found the Anointed, that is, the Christ. And, that conversation forever changed their lives.

In vs. 43-49, Jesus is called the King of Israel. When Jesus called Philip and He went to get his friend Nathaniel, Philip said, “Come and see” (vs. 39). And, when they came to Jesus, Nathaniel discovered that the Lord already knew all about Him. He told Nathaniel that he was an Israelite with no guile. And, when Jesus revealed His knowledge of Nathanael, this was enough to convince the man that Jesus was indeed the King of Israel. The King of Israel would be a title similar to Messiah or anointed One for the kings were always God’s anointed (Psa. 2:2-7). And, Jesus did present Himself as King (Jn. 12:10ff) and told Pilate that He was also born a King (Jn. 18:33-37).

The last name Jesus is called is found in vs. 50-51. He is called the Son of Man. This was one of the Lord’s favorite titles for Himself in which He is called by it 83 times in the Gospel accounts and thirteen times by John. This title speaks of both the Deity and humanity of Jesus. Being the Son of man, Jesus was showing Himself to be the living link or ladder between heaven and earth. In fact, He said, “No man comes to the Father, but by Me” (Jn. 14:6). The Jewish people also knew this phrase was a name for the Messiah (Jn. 12:34).

Thus, at the close of that day, Jesus had six believing men who were His disciples and eventually forsook all to follow Him. They had trusted in Christ and experienced His power. And in the next three years, they would grow in their faith; learn more about Him and one day take His place in seeking and saving the lost. Truly, Jesus of Nazareth is God come in the Flesh.

Posted in Robert Notgrass | Tagged , , | Comments Off on John Chapter One