Is One as Good as Another?

There is an attitude in our society toward religion that they are all pretty much the same. Once this concept is embraced, the door is open for each of us to make choices which best suit our own lifestyles. This really makes it easy, but it may be too easy!

The concept that “one is about as good as another” just does not make sense. Is one wife just as good as another? Is one school just as good as another? Is one boss just as good as another? Is one residence just as good as another? Is one parent just as good as another? Is one doctor just as good as another? Hardly anyone uses this “one is as good as another” in making life choices.

What about religious books? Is the Koran just as good as the Bible? Is the Book of Mormon just as good as the Bible? Are books written by fallible men just as good as the Bible? Are the edicts which come from church councils just as good as the Bible?

What about life styles and the partners we choose? Are “one night stands” just as good as marriage? Are “same sex marriages” just as good as marriage? Are those “living together but not married” arrangements just as good as marriage? Is polygamy just as good as marriage?

As you think more deeply about this, you sense an element of truth that “one is as good as another,” until you consider that this all changes when there is divine intervention. One book might be as good as another book as long as you leave the Bible out of it! When the Bible becomes part of the consideration, one is not as good as another.

One “marriage” arrangement might be as good as another, until you consider the divine arrangement for marriage. As long as one leaves holy matrimony out of consideration, one way might be equal to another and this allows personal choices. Yet, when God’s arrangement is included, one is not as good as another.

The same is true of churches. Jesus established a divine church and purchased it with His blood. It teaches His morality. It worships in His divinely given ways. There are humanly designed churches and one of these is just as good as another. But when His church enters the picture, one is not as good as another. As the Bible is a divine book and marriage is of divine origin, so the church itself is divine.

Because of this, we are not at liberty to ignore His revelation about any spiritual matter! His thoughts and His ways are higher than our thoughts (Isa. 55:8-9). My thoughts and yours are equal, but His thoughts are all that matter!

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The Uncertainty of Life

The normal life time of a person today averages about 75 years. As we consider these facts we ought to determine to live according to God’s instruction so that our years here will be pleasant and perhaps a bit longer than 75. We know that the Bible teaches that man may live perhaps 80 years if by reason of physical care and condition of the physical man as well as the spiritual man; God’s Book tells us this in … {1 Peter 3:10 – For, He that would love life, And see good days , Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: ASV — Psalms 90:10: “The days of our years are three score years and ten ; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow [RSV, “trouble”] …” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.)

As we look thoughtfully at the teaching of the Bible and to past history and experiences in our lives {i.e. depending on age} we may realize the importance of our existence each day. Indeed; God created each one of us for great things but the extent of our greatness is dependent upon our reaction to events in our live from God’s perspective.

The accomplishments of ours as individuals may be meager but as part of an active and approved of God congregation {i.e. a faithful member of a sound church of Christ –cf. Romans 16:16}; we may be a sound, growing, united, and faithful to God’s Word movement in a city of false religions, doing God’s work without failing in our responsibilities to our wives/husbands and children as well as doing everything that WE CAN TO ENCOURAGE THOSE IN OUR FAMILY, OUR NEIGHBORS AND ANYONE ELSE WHO WILL LISTEN TO US AND CONSIDER OUR ENCOURAGEMENT TO VISIT THE CONGREGATION, TEACH THEM ALSO TO CONSIDER SALVATION FROM SIN BECAUSE WE PURSUE THEM, TALK ABOUT THE GOODNESS OF GOD; THE CHURCH AND APPLAUD THE INFLUENCE OF THE CHURCH AMONG THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

Yes; life here is uncertain but we can make our lives count for Almighty God if we will volunteer to be a Christian and live a faithful and fruitful life in His service – cf. 1 Peter 1:3-10 – 3 Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, (being) more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ: 8 whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 receiving the end of your faith, (even) the salvation of (your) souls. 10 Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that (should come) unto you: ASV

by Garreth L. Clair

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Contradictions in the Bible (Part 4)

Matthew 1:16 “And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”

Luke 3:23 “And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli.”

According to 1 Corinthians 14:33 “God is not the author of confusion….” However, these verses appear to be at odds over the lineage of Christ. Surely two men cannot be the father of Joseph. What is going on here? The answer to this supposed contradiction is relatively simple, but requires some explanation. Most scholars today agree that the first seventeen verses in the first chapter of Matthew give the genealogy of Joseph, while Luke gives that of Mary, making Jacob the father of Joseph and Heli the father of Mary. This is shown by the two narrations of the virgin birth. Matthew 1:18-25 tells the story only from Joseph’s perspective, while Luke 1:26-56 is told wholly from Mary’s point of view.

A logical question to ask is why Joseph is mentioned in both genealogies? The answer is again quite simple. Luke follows strict Hebrew tradition in mentioning only the names of males. Therefore, in this case, Mary is designated by her husband’s name. R.A. Torrey stated: “Joseph’s name is introduced into this place in place of Mary’s, he being Mary’s husband. Heli was Joseph’s father-in-law; and so Joseph was called ‘the son of Heli.’ While Joseph was son-in-law of Heli, he was, according to the flesh, actually the son of Jacob.” The term “son” as commonly used in such tables had three different meanings according to James Coffman: “1. son by actual birth; 2. son-in-law, and; 3. son by creation, as in the case of Adam.”

These two separate genealogies of Jesus Christ were, in fact, absolutely necessary in the establishment of Christ as the Messiah. The Messianic title, “Son of David,” that we so frequently apply to Christ required dual proof: (1) that He was entitled to throne, as Matthew’s genealogy indicated; and (2) that He literally descended from David, as Luke’s genealogy demonstrates. The verses in Matthew clearly establish Christ as the legal heir to the throne by tracing His ancestry down through the royal line of the kings of Israel, with Luke’s account demonstrating that He was a descendant of David.

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Contradictions in the Bible (Part 3)

Whether they are 5 or 50, do your children know they can rely on God’s Word? Think for just a moment before you answer that question. Far too often, children learn the Bible similar to the way in they might study a textbook. They read and isolate passages, and various Scriptures—memorizing verses that are most often repeated. Some may even have a good working knowledge of the way the Bible is laid out. But do they truly look to it for guidance and strength? For many homes, the answer to that question is no. Many children reach an age where doubt and skepticism interfere with their relationship with God. And as such, their reliance on the Truths found in God’s Word become insignificant, and wind up straying away from New Testament Christianity. In John 17:17 we read “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” One way to combat doubt and skepticism is to challenge alleged discrepancies and contradictions that atheists proclaim exist in the Bible.

For instance, Matthew 28:1 records: “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb.” From this passage it would seem safe to presume that these two Mary’s went to the tomb. But what about John’s account in which we are told “On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early…” (John 20:1). There is no mention of the second Mary. If that weren’t confusing enough, Mark then adds another name to the mix: “Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him” (Mark 16:1). So which account is correct? Are these verses contradictory?

The answer is that they are all correct. Some of the Bible writers choose to give more information that others. Technically speaking this is called supplementation—and supplementation does not equal contradiction. Another example of this can be found in the Gospel accounts of the arrest of Jesus, where we are given various pieces of information about the servant of the High Priest whose ear was cut off.

Most people readily understand that a message is often changed according to the audience. For instance, I routinely change my lessons depending on the age and education level of my audience. Likewise, if 4 eyewitnesses to a car wreck were asked to give their testimony they would all probably add different details while explaining the same incident. As we come across passages like the ones above we must remember that the writers were writing to different groups of people, and they stressed different items. This by no means deems the Bible as unreliable.

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Seeking the Perfect Man?

A great number of women wonder if the perfect man exists.  They have scanned the horizon and often come back thinking they must train a man to make him perfect.  That leads them to the question, “Can a man learn to be perfect?” Certainly, a great number of women attempt to find out!  In the long run, the realization of perfection depends upon the standard used and whether or not a man adheres to it.  Many women believe their man reaches near perfection when they can get him to stop leaving his underwear on the floor and he begins putting the dishes in the dishwasher.  Seeking the perfect man is no joke!  A higher standard of perfection exists.  A perfect man can be had!

In the pages of the Bible, Jesus stands as a sinless model of perfection.  However, the Bible lists two other men as being perfect.  Genesis 6:9 notes, “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations and Noah walked with God.”  Job 1:1, 1:8, and 2:3 declare Job “perfect and upright, one that feareth God, and turned away from evil”.  The characteristics that went with perfection:  being just, walking with God, being upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil.  Truthfully, these can be reduced to two:  Fearing God and keeping His commandments.  Fearing God means to be reverent toward Him.  Not surprisingly, the concept of these two characteristics of perfection can be found elsewhere in scripture.  God declared these characteristics ought to represent the Israelites whom He delivered from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:29, 6:2, 8:6, 13:4.  The judge Samuel also voiced it to Israel: “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you” (I Samuel 12:24).  King Solomon given great wisdom from God declared: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).  King Hezekiah declared as much when he said: “I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart” (Isaiah 38:3).  Though other Old Testament references exist, consider one last mention of the characteristics that go with perfection spoken from the perfect man Jesus: “God is a spirit and those that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and Truth” (John 4:24).  If a woman wants to find a perfect man, the true standard involves these characteristics.

Is perfection too much to expect from a man?  No!  So Ladies, do not give up!  Not only Jesus, Noah, and Job meet the standard.  David proclaimed God made his way perfect (2 Samuel 22:33).  Jesus called upon man to be perfect in Matthew 5:48, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”  Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)  The words of Paul explain the Word of God directs man to perfection.  Again, Paul declares in Ephesians 4:13 it is the knowledge of the Son of God coming from the gospel which will perfect a man.  He further writes in Romans 12:2 that man is to transform from his worldly ways proving the Will of God.  This is action!  This comes from fearing God and keeping God’s commandments as established long ago stretching even to the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17).

Understand this, perfection does not mean a man will not sin (I John 1:8).  Though perfect men may sin, they realize through the advocate Jesus Christ, their sin will be forgiven (I John 2:1-2).  In the garden, Jesus prayed fervently for himself, his disciples, and those that would believe on Him in the world.  Part of the words he uttered there are as follows: “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:19-23)  Jesus expresses that when man unites with Him, He unites with them.  By the glory of God in Christ, man becomes perfect.  Though God’s grace exists, man does not let sin continue to reign over him, but walks in a life for Christ (Romans 6).

As Christ prayed for the perfection of men, ladies pray for your perfect man.  This is a courageous work that God will aid you in.  Consider Colossians 4:12: “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”  Epaphras worked to pray for the perfection of the saints.  The author of Hebrews also prayed for the perfection of the saints in Hebrews 13:20-21.  James the brother of Jesus wrote: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)  Do not let a day go by that you do not pray for your perfect man.  Let God continue to strengthen him through your prayers.

Finally, as iron sharpens iron, ladies if you want a perfect man, perfect yourselves.  Psalms 18:32 – “It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect”.  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?”  God does not just desire that the male demonstrate the characteristics of perfection, but the female as well.  The words of the mother of King Lemuel which she taught him (Proverbs 31:30)  “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”   Such a woman represents perfection in the eyes of a man and most importantly God.  When a woman cleaves to a man she must remember she stands as his helpmeet.  She aids him in perfection to such a degree that she need not even say a word when he struggles with perfection knowing that her example of perfection appeals to him (I Peter 3:1-2).

Seeking the perfect man?  A perfect standard exists for the perfect man.  Seek a man who fears God and keeps His commandments.  Seek a man who desires the same perfection in you.  Perfect men exist.  Through His Word, Jesus sacrificed Himself to perfect those who would abide in Him (John 8:31-32).  Man on his own cannot achieve perfection, he will sin.  Pray for his perfection.  Show him your perfection in the way you live your life for Christ.  You can be the perfect woman for the perfect man.

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