The Bible and Trust

There are some Biblical questions that I would like to respectfully request that you might earnestly ask some of your most ardent religious friends and neighbors who are denominational “church-goers” or church leaders to consider the next time you interact with them…

First off: Do they believe the Bible is the absolute and inerrant, eternal and exclusive truth of almighty God, and that it therefore contains everything we need to know in order to be saved (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:14-4:4; 2 Ptr. 1:2-11)?

Secondly: do they subsequently and relatedly believe therefore, that the same process which the Bible repeatedly chronicles as having saved people in the 1st century is the same process by which people are still saved today?

And then, if they answer those two questions “yes,” then please ask them to very carefully consider this… If they believe that they were saved when they said the so-called “sinner’s prayer,” ask them where exactly is that found in the Scripture – book, chapter, and verse, please? Again; of the thousands of conversions to Christ that are Biblically chronicled since the establishment of Christ’s New Testament (Hebrews 9:15-17; Luke 22:17-20) church in Acts 2 (3,000 in Acts 2:14-47; 2,000 in Acts 3:13-4:4; Samaritans of Acts 8:5-13; the eunuch in Acts 8:25-39; Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9:3-19 and as again reported in Acts 22:1-16; Cornelius and his household in Acts 10:34-43; the people of Antioch in Acts 13:14-48; Lydia in Acts 16:14-15; and the jailor and his household in Acts 16:30-34), where was even one of those thousands of people ever taught to be saved/converted by saying that prayer and “receiving Jesus into their heart?” They weren’t were they? They can’t find it can they? It’s not there is it? (No it isn’t. And that’s why on the back of every tract that the Baptist and other man-made protestant denominations pass out, they list no Scripture whatsoever after they feature that prayer: It’s not in the Bible!)

And yet, those first century folks were absolutely saved according to the Scriptures… weren’t they? And so the question quickly becomes: “Where they say they believe that the Bible is the ultimate God-given authority, can they really, truly, honestly then turn completely around and trust their eternal salvation to something completely foreign to the Scripture?” You see, that prayer did not even come into religion until the mid 1600’s – some 1500 + years after Christ’s apostles began converting people to Christ His way in 33 A.D. without any hit of such an element. So; do they really, truly trust Jesus… or uninspired men of the mid-1600’s with their eternal soul? THAT is the question! And they answer it far more honestly with their actions at that point, than they do with their words…  Hmmm… didn’t Jesus say something about exactly that in Mark 7:6-13? Yeah, He said a whole lot… and folks better listen. God bless!

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What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?

PLEASE SPEAK ABOUT WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ON TATTOOS AND BODY PIERCINGS

Perhaps you have heard of television shows like “Miami Ink, LA Ink, New York Ink.”  It is generally on the TLC channel.  It features a bunch of tattoo artists performing their work.  They are clearly quite talented in rendering images and designs on a person’s flesh.  So, there is obviously a fair amount of interest in tattoos.  But, does the Bible forbid tattoos?  Now, we are not asking did the Bible forbid a tattoo for the answer to that is clearly yes.  The question I think deals with whether it is inherently wrong under the law of Christ (i.e., the new covenant) for people to be tattooed.

Let us first see what the law of Moses said about this subject and why it was forbidden.  In Leviticus 21:1-6 Moses was told to instruct the priests not to defile themselves.  They were not to “make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh” (21:5).  The reason given for this was so they would be holy to God and not profane the name of their God (21:6).  The practices mentioned in verse 5 were common among the Gentiles and God said not to do such things. Why?  Because it would defile them.  Why?  Because these were things that the Gentiles practiced in their worship of other things.

This point is brought out clearly in Leviticus 19:28.  This verse deals with all the Israelites and not just the priests (19:23).  God commanded them saying, “You shall not shave around the sides of your head, nor shall you disfigure the edges of your beard. You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord” (Lev. 19:27-28—NKJV).  Please note tattoos were forbidden in connection with making cuttings in the flesh for the dead.  Reading further to verse 31 shows the prohibition against consulting the dead through mediums or spiritists.  Thus, these two passages in Leviticus show the forbidden practices were associated with witchcraft or sorcery, idolatry.  However, since Leviticus is part of the old law, it is no longer in force today.  Otherwise, it would be wrong for Christian men to go beardless!

Now, in the New Testament, while we have no direct prohibition for either piercings or tattoos, we have some principles that would regulate such conduct.  For example: If modern tattoos indicate the tattooed person is trying to contact the dead or is seeking to gain favor from spirits then they would be idolatrous and evil.  However, it seems unlikely a tattoo of a rose or one that says Mom would fall in that category.  Some tattoos certainly would be inappropriate for Christians.   A tattoo of the devil would be sending the wrong message for a child of God.   While we do not know what the devil looks like, the traditional red devil is recognizable to most people.  Thus, a tattoo that is clearly identified with evil should not be on a Christian.  Third, tattoos advertising drug use and sexual immorality and other such things are wrong because they glamorize the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21).

Now there are some who attempt to point out in 1 Cor. 6:19-20 that it forbids tattoos because our body is not our own, it is the temple and that we have been bought with a price.  However, these verses deal with pagan and sexual worship, which is idol worship.  It is not associated with tattooing and we must be so careful not to make a Scripture such as 1 Cor. 6:19-20 a catch all for everything.  Because, when we make these verses a catch all, we open it up to the point that people will argue that it is wrong for anyone to have their ear pierced, or wrong to get a shot from the doctor, or wrong to take any medicine seeing as how they all have side effects or its wrong to have a little belly and this list goes on and on.

According to the New Testament,  it seems that a tattoo lies more in the realm of opinions.  Now, some attempt to bind and others may be prejudice going so far as to say, having a tattoo is as disgusting as having rats on your head or using bugs for toothpaste.  But look, we can argue if it is right or wrong, if it’s proper or not, if its shameful or not.  But ultimately those who desire a tattoo need to know that it is permanent (despite what laser surgery can do) and it will influence all who see it.

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Religious Unity

Is Religious Unity Possible Today?

Throughout time people have asked the question of whether or not religious unity is possible. Most likely, this question is asked because so many different religions exist in our world and so many different “Christian” denominations exist. Over 2,000 different denominations exist in the United States alone. This would indeed suggest that religious unity was not a possibility in our time.

However, if we go to God’s Word, which is to be our final authority on all moral and religious matters (2 Tim 3:16-17), we will find the answer to our question.

RELIGIOUS DIVISION CONDEMNED

Paul, by inspiration, pleaded with the Christians meeting in Corinth to “all speak the same thing,” and he instructed that “there be NO division among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor 1:10). From this inspired direction it is clear that God condemns religious division and says that unity is indeed a real possibility. So then, if division is condemned and unity is required, how can man today please God and come together in harmony of mind and teaching?

  1. Religious unity is achievable if we, as God’s creation, are willing to humble ourselves and respect the commands of Christ. Remember that Christ prayed that all might be one, as He and the Father are one, in unity (John 17:20-21). Would Christ have prayed for something that was not possible? And how is it that the Father and Son are one? Are they at odds with one another on the plan of salvation? Worship? Church Organization? The truth is simple and clear to the honest and humble heart.
  2. Religious unity is possible if we are willing to put aside our preconceived ideas that we have grown up believing, practicing or being taught pertaining to religious matters. We must accept God and His word as our final authority and for complete guidance. The psalmist wrote, “Thy word is a lamp unto feet and a light unto my path” (Ps 119:105). So, God’s Word is to be our only guide, which truly will provide adequate light for all as we walk the pathway of life. Remember that Jeremiah warned that man’s wisdom was not a safe guide (Jer 10:23).
  3. Religious unity is possible if we are willing to give up human creeds and the teachings of uninspired men in favor for doing things in Bible ways. Remember Jesus’ admonition that doctrines and commandments of men lead us into vain, meaningless worship (Matt 7:21).
  4. Religious unity is possible if we simply obey God. Jesus said, “Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt 7:21).

Obedience to God’s word is the key to heaven (Heb 5:8-9) and the key to religious unity today. There is no other way. Religious unity is possible today when men will yield to God’s unchanging word. Be faithful!

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I Don’t Have Anything to Give to God

It is hard to imagine anyone who has faith in God who has not had those moments when they begin to reflect about all that God has done for them and wonder how they could be so blessed. In those sobering moments of reflection, we look at ourselves and think of how many times we have not measured up to the high spiritual aspirations we set for ourselves. Who has not thought, “What does God see in me, and how can I ever repay Him for what He has done?”

If you have ever had such thoughts, just remember that you are not the first.  The Psalmist asked, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me” (Psa. 116:12)? Hundreds of years later Micah asked, “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow before the High God” (Micah 6:6)?

What shall I give to Him? He already owns the world! Did He not say, “For every beast of the forest is Mine and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the bird of the mountains and the wild beasts of the field are Mine”? All of the gold, silver and jewels are already His.  What can I give to Him?

Perhaps, the answer is found in Paul’s letter to Rome. The members there had escaped from the bondage of paganism and false religion. Paul reminded them of the mercy of God. Based upon this mercy, he appealed to them to offer the only sacrifice we have to give to Him which is acceptable. “ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1).

We do have something to give to God! It is worth more than all the treasures of this earth. Jesus described its worth when He said, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matt. 16:26). Our amazing God has given us the right to decide how to use our souls, and the only choice to be made is to give it to Him! We do not bring to Him the resplendent jewels He already owns, nor the decaying carcass of dead animals—we bring Him ourselves as a living sacrifice.

Look at Romans 12 again. That sacrifice is holy. That sacrifice is acceptable. That sacrifice is reasonable. That sacrifice is service to Him.

Now, here is the question each should consider. Have you ever reflected about what you could possibly have to give to God? Here’s an even more important one. Have you brought to Him the only gift worth more than all the world? Have you given your life to Him as a holy sacrifice of service?

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Wicked Abominations

Wicked Abominations Seen Through a Hole in the Wall

Beginning in Ezekiel 8, the prophet begins a description of what is taking place in Jerusalem leading up to the Babylonian captivity (and providing reasons for such). While it seems to be from the perspective of a tour of Jerusalem and the temple, God, through Ezekiel, is giving a tour into the hearts of the Jews therein: “Son of man, seest thou what they do? Even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? But turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations” (8:6).

As his guide led him to the wall of the temple, Ezekiel sees a hole in the wall (8:7), and after his guide told him to dig through such, he went inside to see “the wicked abominations that they do here” (8:9). He begins to describe the idolatrous worship that they were offering inside, influenced by the foreign nations around them. They had so deceived themselves into thinking, “The Lord seeth us not; the Lord hath forsaken the earth” (8:12). Yet, his guide responded to such wickedness, “Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do” (8:13), and again (8:15). He then concluded in this chapter,

Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them. [8:17-18]

As I read this vivid imagery from this prophet, I could not help but contemplate on the condition of America today. I realize that Judah/Israel was a theocracy, and America is not, and I realize that these were the people of God, corresponding more appropriately to the condition of the church today, but they were still a nation that God would soon punish. Try as I may, I cannot ignore the fact that the Bible (not to mention history) demonstrates time and again that God rules as Sovereign King over all nations and kingdoms (cf. Dan. 2:21), and wicked nations that do not practice righteousness will not endure (cf. Prov. 14:34). Therefore, if God would allow us to see the true condition of our nation through “a hole in the wall,” what would we see?

We would peer inside, and therein we would find a woman on her way home from work. An attacker grabs her and stabs her repeatedly over an extended period of time. Nonetheless, none of her neighbors who witness such comes to her aid or calls the authorities until after she dies. Those who do express astonishment are not surprised in the brutality of the murder as much as the apathy of its citizens. Thus, we note a mark of our society—people are not as important to us as our possessions. “Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than they do.”

We look further to see a well-known scientist and entertainer who has taught science to children for many years come out recently and spread falsehood by advocating organic evolution as factual, and urging everyone to deny creationism as truth. Thus, he is further advocating false theories and doctrines, which only continues to confuse the public as to the infamous question, “What is truth?” In a society that already is confused religiously, many people are shirking religion altogether because of the number of “counterfeits” out there! Still others complicate matters by teaching and advocating, “Whatever you believe to be true is truth.” It has led to a society steeped in religious and moral chaos! “Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than they do.”

We look further to see a nation that is increasing its exposure of sexual activities (and aberrations) to its young people. Children are watching exposed nakedness on television and movies. Husbands are viewing pornography on the family computer late at night when everyone is sleeping. Homosexuals are proudly advocating their lifestyles from the halls of Congress to the couches of nightly television viewing. Young girls are crying themselves to sleep because they are either are pregnant from their boyfriends, or because they have contracted herpes. College students are committing suicide because of pressures they never had to face when they lived at home. Childhood innocence is destroyed, and the sexual revolution rolls onward!

Everywhere we look through this hole in the wall, we find immorality, pride, selfishness, lost priorities, every form of worldliness, no respect for any type of authority, violence, lack of compassion for our fellow man and general ungodliness. “Is it a light thing to the United States of America that they commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.” When will we wake up? When will the church rise above the loud voices of wickedness with a call to repentance? When will the church truly weep over the sins of our nation, and beg God to forgive us? Actually, we do not need such a “vision” as this to see these wicked abominations through a hole in the wall—we already know them and see them vividly every day! May God have mercy on us all!

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