We Walk By Faith

In 2 Corinthians 5:7, the apostle Paul wrote,  “For we  walk by faith, not by sight.” Many have taken this  verse out of context to mean that we walk by faith not  by knowledge. Of course, this is not what the apostle Paul  was saying. Rather, he was saying, as written in Hebrews  11:1,  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the  evidence of things not seen.” It is not necessary to see  in order to believe. To the contrary, believing is seeing  when one puts one’s faith and trust in God (Prov. 3:5-6).

Relying upon seeing to believe, however, eventually  kills faith altogether. Science says that physical sight is  nothing more than a collection of neurons and chemicals  in precisely the right balance so as to produce sensations  in the brain. Francis Crick, co-discoverer of the DNA  molecule said, “‘You,’ your joys and your sorrows,  your memories and your ambitions, your sense of  personal identity and free will, are in fact no more than  the behavior of a vast assembly of nerve cells and their  associated molecules. Who you are is nothing but a pack  of neurons.” How can chemicals and grouped atoms be  trusted to provide adequate information for knowledge?  Charles Darwin said, “With me, the horrid doubt always  arises whether the convictions of man’s mind, which has  been developed from the mind of the lower animals,  are of any value or at all trustworthy.” Without God,  knowledge is impossible.

The fact, however, that we can perceive this  paradox—to know the physical processes that are  involved in knowledge that allegedly makes knowledge  impossible—proves that we are more than just physical  beings. It shows that we can step outside of our  physical selves with our spiritual person and have real  understanding of truth. We are not like rats in a maze that  have no clue that they are, in fact, rats in a maze. Rather,  we are spiritual beings with a physical apparatus that  enables us to know the physical world. Even knowing  the physical world means walking by faith.

There is no other way around our state of affairs  than to have faith. So why do we need to renew our faith?  We are, unfortunately, creatures of doubt. Doubt can  serve us well when applied in the appropriate contexts.  In the chemistry lab, I had better doubt whether the  beaker in front of me is water or not lest I drink it and  die. In the desert, however, such doubt would kill me. It  is the misapplication of doubt that gets us into trouble,  and over which we may have our biggest controversies.

So, renewing faith is that personal and communal  activity that provides for us the same platform on which  to operate. I renew my faith when I put my trust in God  and His word, the Bible. I pledge before everyone that  this book is the standard upon which I operate my life.  When others make the same pledge, we operate upon  the same standard, and vow to uphold that standard  regardless what may come our way. When we live  faithfully based upon that standard, we find others who  will commune with us in a state of peace, harmony, and  love. No force can overcome such renewal.

However, problems will arise that challenge that  fellowship. How will we manage such problems? Will we  do so based upon the standard of God’s word? Or will we  turn to cultural and societal solutions? Often, we do the  latter instead of the former. The result is devastating for  a people who claim to follow God’s standard of right and  wrong. Confusion and doubt set in, and faith is destroyed.  Few have the integrity that is needed to withstand such  an onslaught and breech of communal standards. As a  result, some may turn to other religions or philosophies.  Some become agnostics and atheists because the stench  of hypocrisy is so strong.

We must renew our faith in God and His word by  going to His word and letting it rule in our lives.  “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Walking by faith means walking by the  word of God, and that must be done in every situation.  If we truly believe the standard of God’s word, then by  following it, we can resolve all issues that stand between  us.

Neither science nor the philosophies of men hold  the basis to resolve human conflict. Darwinian naturalism  doesn’t fight destructive conflict at all. In fact, it claims  that destructive conflict is natural and “good.” It weeds  out the less fit so that the stronger may survive. The  philosophies of men talk a good game, but when it  comes to making critical decisions based upon them,  they always fail and never provide true direction for the  resolution of conflict. God’s word, however, will succeed  when it is applied. We may truly renew our faith both  in God and one another through His will. May we ever  learn to depend upon it and trust in its truths, for vain is  the help of man (Ps. 108:12).

 

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The Defeat of the Last Enemy

It was forty-four years ago that I walked away from the grave of my father, and two years later, I stood at that same gravesite when my mother’s body was laid to rest beside him. I doubt there has been a single day that has passed since then that I have not thought of them. I remember the emotions which flooded my soul as I walked away.

I had those same emotions almost three years ago when I walked away from the grave of the most amazing brother any person could ever imagine having. I am positive that not a single day has passed without me thinking of Jerry Jenkins. He was and is, and always will be, my hero and the one whose footprints I have followed. As I write this, my heart aches as I think of how much I miss him.

The emotions I have experienced at those three graves begin with emptiness in my soul and cavernous holes in my heart. I walked away wondering how I could ever repay the debt I owe them for the eternal impact they have on me. I walked away determined to take every godly trait I saw in them and to the very best of my ability mirror those traits in my life.

Yet there was, and is, an even greater emotion which I carried from those dark hours, and that is the absolute assurance that I will see them again someday. So many times over the years I left their presence and would say, “I will see you later.” It always happened. I would leave, and then later we would be together again. As I walked from those gravesites my thoughts were, “I will see you later!” Oh, the blessedness of such thoughts! Oh, the debt I owe to their righteous lives for leaving me the assurance that I will see them, later!

The grim reaper comes to all, but how blessed we are that his appearance is overshadowed by the One who, by His own resurrection, opens the graves of those who are no longer with us. He not only opened the graves, but by faith we know He has gone to prepare a place for the saints. When He returns He will bring with Him those very saints and eternally we shall all be together. This is not a fairy tale. It is not a fond wish. By faith it is an absolute truth! The reality is that the grim reaper is a blessing. He opens the door to that for which we have all lived. Godly people leave behind a world cursed by sin and enter into a paradise with the redeemed.

When that last trumpet sounds there will be the ultimate defeat of the last enemy. “The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.” So when the trumpet sounds we shall be raised. No longer mortal and corruptible, but incorruptible and immortal. At that time the words will be fulfilled, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” Lord, hasten that day!

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Bible Perspective

Almost all religious peoples’ perspectives in the world of so-called “Christendom” can be traced directly back to their individual perspectives of what they believe about Scripture. In other words, what such a person believes and how one behaves regarding anything spiritual, is largely if not totally governed by their particular view of what the Scripture actually is.

To those who believe it to be simply a collection of old stories handed down from generation to generation about the history of God’s people, then accurately dividing and obeying it won’t really matter much. These people will feel inclined to let it only peripherally impact their lives, if at all.

To those who believe it is only just “a love letter sent from God,” it will have very little effect or impact on their lives either, other than to give them the false and eternally-fatal impression that God ‘loves’ them so much that no matter how they live, He will simply take them all to Heaven.

But; we here at the church of Christ believe that God’s word is absolutely true, perfect, flawless, and timeless (Psalm 19, 119; John 17:17); that every single sentence, word, and letter, is divinely inspired and sent directly from God Himself to guide His people (II Timothy 3:14-4:4; II Peter 1:20-21); and that His word alone is what will judge us all in the last Day (John 12:48).

This is why we, like the apostles, dare not tamper with, add to, or subtract from, His Holy word (John 6:60-69, 8:31-55; II Corinthians 4:2-4; Revelation 22:18-19), and why we seek to follow it in everything.

What about you? What do YOU believe the Bible is? Do you really and truly believe that it is the very word of God Himself as do we, or something far, far less? And if you truly believe it to be what we do, then how is it possible to attend or be loyal to a ‘church’ that is completely foreign to, and  found not in, it? And if you aren’t sure exactly what you believe about it, or would like to know what supporting facts we have that cause us to believe what we do as strongly as we do, then come and see and set and study with us! “The churches of Christ greet you” (Romans 16:16).

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Handling Your Spiritual Sword

A sword is, “a weapon with a long blade for cutting or thrusting that is often used as a symbol of honor or authority.” (Webster’s Dictionary). For centuries, the sword was the primary weapon of warfare and was carried by people from all walks of life for the purpose of personal defense. The sword could protect and defend as well as attack and destroy. It was an awesome weapon in the hands of a skilled knight or samurai. In medieval times, sword training began at an early age and it took years of hard work and dedication to truly master its use. Swordsman-ship was a vital part of a young nobleman’s education, without it, he could never attain the rank of knight or be able to fulfill his obligations in time of war. Training with the sword was not simply a classroom or verbal exercise – it required intense physical training and actual practice with the sword to achieve mastery over it.

The Word of God is a “spiritual sword” to be used as a weapon of spiritual warfare and personal defense. The Holy Spirit, by inspiration, speaks of the Bible as His Sword, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:17). Again in Hebrews 4:12, He speaks of His Word as, “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” With the Spirit’s Sword, the Christian is to wage an aggressive warfare against forces of darkness. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

The Spirit’s Sword is also useful for defense of the Gospel. We are to use it to, “earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 3 – ASV). To be able to use the Spirit’s Sword we must be trained in its use. How do we train? Answer: by a dedicated study of God’s word and by putting the word into action.  “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15). “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:“ (1 Peter 3:15).

Although the physical sword was once the most important weapon in the arsenals of history, today the sword is primarily a symbol used solely for ceremonial purposes. Many of these “ceremonial” swords are not even sharpened and are essentially useless as weapons of warfare or personal defense. Today the sword is a relic of history on display in museums or as a decoration in homes. Very few train in its use; even fewer still are masters of the sword.

The same is true of the Spirit’s Sword today. Very few people know how to use it. Most people have a Bible, yet few ever read it or even open its cover. They have a Bible, but it is only a “ceremonial” Bible to be brought out only when the preacher or one of the elders visits. The remainder of the time, it is simply the centerpiece of the coffee table or bookshelf to be taken out and dusted once or twice a year.

In years past this was not so; Christians were “Spiritual Swordsmen”. Most Christian were skilled in its use, not just preachers and elders. Most Christians were thoroughly intimate with  the Bible. They spent hours and hours each week studying and memorizing scripture. They could give a “book, chapter and verse” defense of the gospel at a moments notice without having to even open a Bible – because they were so thoroughly trained in Spiritual Swordsmanship. In our society today – even in the church today – the Bible is seen as a relic of a bygone era;  to be revered for its beauty and for what it symbolizes, but not as actually something to be read or studied, much less put into action.

Does this describe you? Are you a “Spiritual Swordsman”? If not, then it is time to begin your training. Just as there was no easy way of learning the art of swordsmanship, there are no shortcuts in learning to use of the Bible. The only way to become proficient with either sword is to practice, practice, practice. Prayerfully study the Word daily, commit yourself to putting into practice its precepts and you will become a “Spiritual Swordsman.”

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Satan Has Demanded Surrender

In the old part of San Antonio, Texas, stands an aged Spanish mission. That mission later became a fort. We know it as the Alamo. There at the Alamo, inscribed on a bronze plaque hanging on an inside wall, were these words: “Commandancy of The Alamo, Bexar, Feb. 24th, 1836. To the People of Texas and All Americans in the world – Fellow Citizens and Compatriots I am Besieged . . . The Enemy has demanded a surrender . . . I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our Flag still waves proudly from the walls – I shall never surrender or retreat . . . I call on you in the name of liberty, or patriotism and everything dear to the American character to come to our aid…If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country – Victory or death. /s/ Wm. Barrett Travis, Lt. Col. Comdt.” Today, things are not done this way, but instead, they are done by diplomacy and negotiations.

As I think of these things and how I can relate to them spiritually, we too have changed. At one point, Christians have waved their Christianity and made the world notice who they were in the name of their Savior and the freedom that He so richly provided and called to arms all those with the word of God to defend this cause. But now, we have put the Sword of the Spirit back into the sheath, hung it on the wall, and sat down at the conference table with the devil. When was the last time you heard someone say, “I will never surrender or retreat to Satan?” Consider the Scriptures, when Agabus “was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem For the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:11-13). Sadly, these words are rarely heard anymore.

Today, why does the church have the world in them? Today, why do the vainglories of life still reside heavily in Christians (1 Jn. 2:16)? Why are successful men in business more sought after in the world than godly men for elderships in the church? Why are preachers being taught to be so concerned with politics than the saving of souls? Has the church become nothing more than social clubs? I mean, have we sat down and realized that we are building costly buildings and maintaining them while forgetting to build the true temple that resides within us? Have we not read, “our citizenship is in heaven . . .” (Phil. 3:20 ESV) and that knowing all the world “. . . shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,” (2 Pet. 3:11)? Have you surrendered to the devil?

Too often we can see the church as a social club with its businessmen, political actions, shaking of hands, traditions and ear tickling speeches. But let’s consider also for a moment, the buildings we worship in. Buildings are expensive and some are quite costly with brick, oak, marble, or stain glass and some think, “My, how wonderful our building looks,” while all the while, the true temple of God, that which is inside of us is being neglected through carelessness. I think far too often that Christians have forgotten that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20) and that “all these things shall be dissolved” (2 Pet. 3:11).

As we consider the enemy demanding our surrender, do we not remember Onesiphorus and how Paul told Timothy, “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain . . .” (2 Tim. 1:16–‐17). Paul was put in chains, but that did not cause Onesiphorus to flee. It’s like the Alamo in 1836, times were rough and it was necessary to send for help. But at first, Paul, said, “. . . no man stood with me, but all men forsook me . . .” (2 Tim. 4:16). Now some, who were not able to come to Paul, was justified in their absence. Tychicus was manning the post in Ephesus. Trophimus was sick at Miletum. But, others were not there to help because, like Demas, they “loved this present world” and surrendered to the enemy.

You know, most Christians today would insist that they belong with Paul, or at least with Tychicus or Trophimus or Onesiphorus and certainly not with Demas! But even though one may not leave like Demas did, many still prefer his ways and are half hearted because the enemy has a foothold on their heart.

For Paul, he prayed that it may not be laid to their charge (vs. 16) and the reason why Paul could be so forgiving is because he never depended on his own strength or the faithfulness of others to get the job done. He realized that those who put their faith in men are often confounded and even those who are faithful will fall. This is why Paul said as he faced the enemy, “the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me” (vs. 17). When the Lord is a man’s companion he is not only not alone, he is a majority!

You know, while Paul was just a man, we often make the same mistake as the people of Lystra in thinking of him more. But still, he was just a man. Yet, he realized that, “. . . though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:16-18). Paul, in the middle of the enemy demanding his surrender, was strengthening the inner man and looking for the eternal. For you, the enemy has demanded your surrender. What is your reply? Do you focus on the things which are seen or that which is not seen?

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