Moriah Primitive Baptist Church

Madison County, Georgia

The Mark of God
(printed October 1, 2004)

Circumcision was a sacred observance practiced by the children of Israel in the Old Testament scriptures.  In the beginning, circumcision came by commandment to Abraham while he sojourned in the desert.  He was instructed by God to circumcise himself, along with his male children and servants.  Circumcision was a permanent mark which branded Abraham and his posterity.  Circumcision separated Abraham and his household from the stock of mankind.  Abraham belonged to the Lord.

Abraham’s circumcision was physical, but more significantly it was spiritual in that the mark represented a covenant.  God still requires a special identity for His people.  The New Testament saint’s identifying mark is placed on the inner man, circumcision of the heart  -  Rom 2:29.

Circumcision of the heart manifests itself in two manners, sanctification and conviction.  This permanent brand, left by the Lord, separates God’s children from the world.  It affects their thoughts and ultimately their actions.  It cannot be removed.  Attempts to camouflage God’s mark will fail, and wear on a saint’s conscience - Rom 2:14-15, Act 9:5.  Relief is found in submission, teaching, fellowship and prayer, all of which should be found in the local church  -  Act 2:41-42, 9:17-19.

Circumcision is the painful removal of an unnecessary part, like the removal of worldly affections  -  Col 3:2.  What remains is a people who are devoted to the Lord.  Although the religious practice of physical circumcision is no longer necessary, its spiritual counterpart continues.  Carry the mark of God proudly, knowing its cost nailed our Lord and Savior to the cross.  God’s children are a purchased possession and He marked them, PAID IN FULL.  We belong to the Lord.  

Article Written by Brother Daniel Tompkins

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Heed the Grammar
(printed October 8, 2004)

Paul told Timothy, "Hold fast the form of sound words"  -  2Tim 1:13.  What did he mean by the form?  Paul was telling his son in the ministry to pay attention to grammar.  Even though your English teacher will smile with great satisfaction; subjects, predicates and verb tenses are critical in determining doctrine. 

To illustrate, let us consider the phrase "is born" as it appears three times in 1st John: 

1John 2:29  -  … every one that doeth righteous is born of Him.  Is born is a past participle telling us God works first and spiritual fruit follows.  An individual who behaves righteously does so because God first begat that individual.  Do you see how grammar places spiritual birth before righteous behavior?

1John 4:7  -  … every one that loveth is born of God ...  Is born is a past participle telling us God works first and spiritual fruit follows.  An individual who loves others does so because God first begat that individual.  Do you see how grammar places spiritual birth before loving thy neighbor?

1John 5:1  -  Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God …  Is born is a past participle telling us God works first and spiritual fruit follows.  An individual who believes in Jesus does so because God first begat that individual.    Do you see how grammar places spiritual birth before faith and not visa versa?

Ignoring grammar is called corrupting the Word (2Cor 2:17), deceitful handling the Word (2Cor 4:2), the sleight of men (Eph 4:14), and private interpretation (2Pet 1:20).  Heeding grammar is called living by every Word of God (Matt 4:4), not overlooking a jot or a tittle (Matt 5:18), and rightly dividing the Word (2Tim 2:15).  Let us be true to His Word, which includes paying attention to the grammar.

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Taking Physicians for Granted

(printed October 15, 2004)

When was the last time you stopped to consider the times we live in terms of medical advances?  Suppose we could bring a 1904 doctor forward and give him a tour of Athens Regional Hospital.  Surely the technology and pharmacology advances would astound him.

An eighteen year old member of our congregation recently suffered appendicitis.  In 1904 the young man might have died.  In 1954 the young man would have faced major surgery and five to six weeks recovery.  But, a few weeks ago the young man’s appendix was removed through a small whole and he was up and about in a few days.  We are such a blessed people.

As I think of my brethren I picture the brother who had undergone bypass surgery, the sister who uses a breathing apparatus, the toddler who with antibiotics fought off pneumonia, and the infant who needed ibuprofen to thwart fever of 105.  The probability of full recovery from any of these events is much higher today than it was 100 years ago.  Don’t get me wrong, we still serve a great God who answers prayer  -  2King 20:1-6.  Sometimes He uses earthly means to answer those prayers.  We are blessed despite our lack of thankfulness.

If we can admit to the medical advances we take for granted, surely we can admit to the Great Physician we so take for granted.  Not simply because He blessed us with all these medical advances, but because  He directs every beat of our heart and controls every breathe from our lungs. 

Maybe the next time you reach into the medicine cabinet you will say thank you for medical gains.  But even more so, maybe the next time you wake you will say thank you Lord for every breathe and every beat He oversaw during the night  -  1Thes 5:18.

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A Perfect Heart

(printed October 22, 2004)

The Lord is not impressed with looks, stature, athletic ability, grade point average, or any other such quality we might put on our resume.  The Lord looketh at the heart - 1Sam 16:7. 

Hezekiah and Josiah were described as having perfect hearts - 2King 20:1-6, 23:25.  Solomon and Jeroboam were described as having imperfect hearts -  1King 11:4, 15:3.  What made the difference?  Was it commandment keeping?  Not entirely.

King Asa reigned over Judah 41 years.  The Lord described Asa as a man with a perfect heart despite his negligence in removing the high places (places where strange gods were worshipped) - 1King 15:14.  King Amaziah reigned over Judah 29 years.  The Lord described Amaziah as a man with an imperfect heart despite his obedience - 2Chron 25:2.  Commandment keeping may not be the answer; however, the greatest commandment will give us insight:  Thou shalt love thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind - Matt 22:36-37.

Asa, Hezekiah, and Josiah led revivals among the Lord’s people.  Each obeyed all he knew to obey, diligently sought the Lord through the Word, and maintained humility.  The Pharisees never figured this out.  Sure their commandment keeping was second to none, but why did they keep the law?  For self and others, but not for the love of God. 

Noah, David, and Job were described as perfect (Gen 6:9, Act 13:22, Job 1:1)even though each messed up.  However, note their response to sin.  They confessed, asked forgiveness, and turned from their sin.  Sound advice for you and I today.  Let us strive to foster perfect hearts.

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A Perfect Book

(printed October 29, 2004)

      Not too long ago my fourteen year old son asked, do I answer a fool or don’t I?  Which is it?  A reasonable question for he was reading Prov 26:4-5.  It reads:
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.  -  v. 4
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.  -  v. 5

I told my son the first rule of Bible study is that the Bible contains no internal contradiction.  Call it faith but I believe the Lord when He said:  every word of scripture is pure, scripture is not forward or perverse, nor can scripture be broken - Ps 12:6, Prov 8:8, John 10:35.  If there appears to be a contradiction in the Bible, then my understanding is what’s lacking, not scripture.

I admit, my son presented a concept I had never considered, so we began looking through scripture to find the explanation and found it in the actions of Jesus Christ - Matt 16:1-4.  Jesus observed both verses (Prov 16:4-5) when He was challenged by the Pharisees and Sadducees.  Jesus chided his tempters addressing their conceit, and then walked away avoiding their foolish dialogue.  My son and I talked through several scenarios, some he experienced, some I had experienced, and some hypothetical.  We discussed situations in which he might encounter foolish behavior and the occasions he may or may not respond.  The time was profitable to both of us.

I pray my son gained three insights from our conversation.  One, his father is not a man with perfect understanding.  Only one man ever lived up to that label, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Two, his father is a man with a perfect book.  I pray my son will go to the Bible with the same confidence the Lord blessed me.  Three, the Bible is up to date.  The Book of Proverbs is as relevant to a fourteen year old living in the 21st century as it was to King Solomon’s son.  We are a blessed people with a perfect book.  Thank you Lord.

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Eclipses

(printed November 5, 2004) 

        And God made two great lights; the greater light (the sun) to rule the day, and the lesser light (the moon) to rule the night  -  Gen 1:16.  God called both the sun and the moon lights even though the sun is a generator and the moon a reflector.  Both are sources of illumination and hence called great lights.

    Last Wednesday I was blessed to observe a lunar eclipse.  The sky was clear, the moon was full, and the view was spectacular.  The planet earth passed between the sun and the moon darkening the moon until its light shined no more.  When the earth was removed, the moon shined brightly once again.

    Wednesday’s lunar eclipse lasted about an hour which afforded a time of meditation.  The thought came to mind how much I am like the moon.  Scripture tells me, I am the light of the world  -  Matt 5:14; however, I do not generate light, I merely reflect the Son’s light. Furthermore, when I allow the world to pass between the Son and myself, my light shines no more.  My darkening tends to be gradual, noticeable when I am exceptionally dim.  Finally, the eclipse ceases only when the world is removed.

    Jesus charged, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven  -  Matt 5:16.  Our light is our good works, good works that glorify the Father, not self.  The world will eclipse our good works if we allow it to get between us and the Son.  The eclipse passes only when the world is removed.  May the Lord helps us to avoid spiritual eclipses (Ps 42:5, 11).

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Purged Things

(printed November 12, 2004)

… when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of Majesty on high  -  Heb 1-3.

      Let us reason together to see how this purging occurred.

When a computer is purged of a virus, an operator (the active agent) sits down at a computer (the passive object) and erases the virus.  The operator then says, "The computer is purged," which means the virus is gone.  At this point in time can the computer say, "I accept this purging"?  No, the virus is already gone, there is nothing to accept.  Or, can the computer say, "I reject this purging, give back the virus?"  No, the virus was erased into oblivion, it can not be given back.

When a threshing floor is purged of chaff an operator (active agent) fans the chaff from a threshing floor (passive object) and burns it  -  Matt 3:12.  The operator then says, "The floor is purged," which means the chaff is gone.  At this point in time can the floor say, "I accept this purging"?  No, the chaff is already gone.  Or, can the floor say, "I reject this purging, give back the chaff ?"  No, the chaff was burned into oblivion.

When I was purged of my sin Jesus (active agent) voided me (passive object) of sin.  Scripture says, "He had by Himself purged our sins," which means my sin is gone.  At this point in time can I say, "I accept this purging"?  No, my sins are already gone.  Or can I say, "I reject this purging, give back my sin?"  No, my sin was voided into oblivion.  God reemphasizes the active nature of Jesus and my passiveness with the words, "by Himself."

The verb purged is one of 46 past tense verbs we’ve found scripture use to describe Jesus’ work on the cross.  Others include:  abolished, washed, bought, ransomed, put away, removed.  Each of these past tense verbs describe an active agent, a passive recipient, a completed work, and a work that can not be undone.  Praise the Lord for His use of past tense verbs!

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Redeem the Time

(unpublished article of Moriah Newsletter)

The first lesson in every grammar book is verb tense.  Sure, you will find punctuation, capitalization, subjects and predicates, but verb tense is always first.  Verb tense is the first grammar lesson we receive in elementary school and the first topic taught by teachers of foreign languages.

Every verb comes in one of three tenses:  past, present, or future.  Embedded in each verb is an element of time.  Embedded in each sentence is at least one verb.  Embedded in each verse of the Bible is at least one verb.  Which means:
One cannot speak a single sentence without consciously or subconsciously considering time. 
One cannot interpret a single sentence without consciously or subconsciously considering time. 
One cannot read a single verse of the Bible without consciously or subconsciously considering time.

Would you be surprised to find verb tense is where the majority of "updates" occur in newer versions?  I challenge you to look at 1Cor 1:18 in a newer version.  The AV1611 reads:  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  The newer versions read differently.  I ask you, is the difference antiquated English?  No.  Verb tense alters time lines, cause and effect, and doctrine. 

When you remove the time element from language you strip every verb of its intended purpose, to show action as past, present, or future.  A brother in Christ recently said, "When you monkey with tense, you monkey with doctrine."  Past, present, and future tenses are critical to doctrine.  Time is critical to doctrine.  Let us hold fast the form of the sound words (2Tim 1:13) and redeem the time (pun intended).

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A Thanksgiving with Purpose
(printed November 19, 2004)

Celebratory feasts are found throughout the Bible.  The motives for many of these feasts continue today:  the union of a man and woman, a building dedication, time with family, and a successful harvest  -  John 2, 2Chr 5, Job 1, Ex 23:16. 

The purpose for some feasts may not have changed, but others have.  Think what my neighbors would say if I threw a rip roaring feast and explained, "My son is weaned" -  Gen 21:8.  See how many neighbors let their children play in my back yard!  Relax, I have no desire to replicate Abraham’s feast, although there are a few feasts I wish would have come forward, like the feast Nehemiah threw when people understood the Word or the feast the prodigal son’s father threw for the return of a wayward child  -  Neh 8:9-12, Luke 15.  The bottom line is, each feast mentioned above had purpose.  Will yours?

Most are familiar with the first Thanksgiving in America; how the Pilgrims made a feast, invited the Indians, and thanked the Lord for their harvest and worship without persecution.  I further suspect the feast was preached on, meditated over, and prayed for, well in advance.  The Pilgrims had purpose in their feast of thanksgiving.  Will you?

If your thanksgiving is remembered by the long line at the grocery store, a pie crust that was too flaky, or the daughter who dined with in-laws, then your feast may have had purpose, but thanksgiving was not it.  If your conversation is littered with phrases like:  Happy Turkey Day, when do the malls open, or what time is kick off, then your thanksgiving has very little God honoring purpose.  Hey, I got a wild idea.  Let’s give our feast of thanksgiving purpose.  Let’s make Thanksgiving, a day of giving thanks  -  1Thes 5:18.

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Reading Distinctly
(printed November 26, 2004)

The Lord blessed Israel with a revival under the leadership of Nehemiah and the preaching of Ezra.  The preaching was described as follows:  So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading - Neh 8:8.  So how does one read distinctly and give the sense? 

Reading distinctly begins with paying attention to words and the way those words are used elsewhere in the Bible.  The philosopher’s question, "Does a tree which falls in the woods make a sound?" illustrates how distinct use of words can clear up confusion.  If sound is defined as the creation of rippling air waves, we answer the philosopher yes.  If sound is defined as rippled air waves hitting an ear drum, we answer no.  Make sense?  Let’s try the same exercise with Bible doctrine:

Are God’s children saved by grace (Rom 11:6)?  If grace is defined as unmerited favor, my answer is yes.  If grace is defined as unmerited favor hitting an ear drum and being responded to, then no.

Did Jesus finish salvation when he bowed his head and gave up the ghost (John 19:30).  If finished is defined as completed, My answer is yes.  If finished is defined as prepared for ear drums, then no.

Did the Lord really mean, "There is none that doeth good, no, not one" (Rom 3:12)?  If none is defined as zero people, then My answer is yes.  If none is defined as those with unresponsive ear drums, then no.

Was John the Baptist filled with the Holy Ghost in the womb (Luke 1:41)?  If filled is defined as made full, My answer is yes.  If filled is defined as full until his ear drums develop, then no.

Use words distinctly and in context to their use elsewhere in the Bible.  Let us be faithful to His Word - 1Cor 4:2.

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Half Empty or Half Full?
(printed December 3, 2004)

How do you look at life?  Or better said, How would the Lord have you look at life?  The pessimist says, "The glass is half empty."  The optimist says, "The glass is half full."

Which of the following O.T. characters glorified the Lord, the pessimists or the optimists?  During the exodus Israel said, "The Red Sea will be our demise."  Moses said, "The Red Sea will be our salvation."  Ten of the twelve spies said, "The enemy is too strong."  Joshua and Caleb said, "God is stronger."  Saul and his army said, "Goliath is too big."  David said, "Goliath is too big to miss."  (Ex 14:11, Num 17:33, 1Sam 17:33).

Which N.T. individuals glorified the Lord, the pessimists or the optimists?  The disciples said, "Children are a pain."  Jesus said, "Children are a blessing."  Upon Paul’s conversion the disciples said, "Paul’s no good."  Barnabas said, "Paul’s not bad."  Speaking of the runaway slave, the elders at Colosse said, "Onesimus was unprofitable."  Paul said, "He is profitable to me."  (Lu 18:15, Ac 9:26-27, Phm 11)

Are you beginning to see a pattern?  Pessimism appears to be "a majority thing," optimism "a minority thing."  Pessimism is part of a crowd mentality.  Think of the last meeting you attended.  I don’t care if it was a business meeting, a PTA meeting, a church meeting, or a family meeting; was the majority saying, "we can do it," or was a solitary voice saying, "we can do it?"

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Php 4:13) is such a wonderful promise.  Claim this promise.  The Lord has been, will be, and is so good to us - 2Cor 1:10.  May each of us become more optimistic, or better said, become more confident in Him.

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Praying for Authority

(printed December 10, 2004)

Compare a recent picture of President George W. Bush with a picture taken of him four years ago and you will see a man whose wrinkles and gray hairs have increased significantly.  This accelerated aging is not unique to Republicans.  Perform the same comparison with pictures of Bill Clinton or Jimmy Carter and you will notice how much they had aged during their presidencies.  (About the only exception to this rule was Ronald Reagan and they say he cheated).   The President has a demanding job and needs our prayers.

Paul exhorts us to consider our president and hold him up in prayer.  Paul did not merely suggest or recommend, but he exhorted us to hold the President up.  1Tim 2:1-2 reads:  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for Kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Notice:  First, we are to hold up all authority, Republicans, Democrats, no Ted Kennedy escape clauses.  Second, the words "first of all" emphasize the need for prayer.  Third, prayer is to be accompanied with thanksgiving.  And fourth, the motive for prayer is not economic prosperity, but a quiet and peaceable life in godliness and honesty.

Economic policy and educational initiatives may motivate us to pray for the President on behalf of self.  Troop deployment and justice nominations may motivate us to pray for the President on behalf of others.  Premature aging may motivate us to pray for the President on behalf of he and his family.  But, thus saith the Word should be all the motivation we truly need.  I trust we have been reminded to pray for our leaders, especially our President.  He needs our prayers!

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God’s Drawing Power
(printed December 17, 2004)

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day  -  John 6:44.  Let us search scripture to see how this drawing occurs.

The word draw in scripture, more specifically in the Book of John, appears as follows:

John 2:8  -  a servant draws wine from a pot:  the servant was active and the wine was passive, the wine was drawn irresistibly;
John 4:7  -  the Samaritan woman draws water from a well:  the woman was active and the water was passive, the water was drawn irresistibly;
John 18:10  -  Peter draws a sword from its sheath:  Peter was active and the sword was passive, the sword was drawn irresistibly; and
John 21:6  -  fishermen draw a net full of fish from the sea:  the fishermen were active and the fish were passive; the fish were drawn irresistibly.

The word draw is used a fifth time in John 12:32.  This verse speaks of the resurrection in the last day (just like in the 2nd half of John 6:44).  The resurrection of Lazarus will give us insight into this drawing. 

Lazarus, bound hand and foot, lay dead in a tomb.  Lazarus comes forth when Jesus calls out.  Jesus was active and Lazarus was passive.  Lazarus and only Lazarus was irresistibly drawn from the grave in that cemetery  -  John 11:43-44.  So will be the drawing in the last day, and so is the drawing in John 6:44. 

In whom do you find assurance?  In a God which draws His children like an entertainer draws a crowd?  Or in a God which draws His children like a net draws fish?  John 21:11 tells us the fishermen’s net did not brake, and John 6:37-39 tells us God’s net will never brake.  Let us praise God and His drawing power  -  John 5:25.

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How Sweet the Names
(printed December 24, 2004)

The hymn, How Sweet the Name, was written in the late 1700’s by John Newton.  The fifth verse reads:  "Jesus, my shepherd, Husband, Friend; My prophet, priest, and king; My Lord, my life, my way, my end; accept the praise I bring."  Let us consider Jesus, the person behind this list of impressive titles.

Elijah was a prophet and a priest, Solomon was a prophet and a king, Melchisedec was a priest and king; but only Jesus was all three.

Moses led a people out of bondage, Joshua led a people into promise, Caleb’s faith led a people; but only Jesus exceeded all three.

Abraham mediated for Lot, Isaac was a willing sacrifice, Jacob fathered a nation; but only Jesus exceeded all three.

Peter was inspired to write, James was head of the Apostles, John was the apostle of love; but only Jesus exceeded all three.

Samuel interceded for Israel, Elisha had a double portion of Spirit, and Jeremiah was ordained in the womb; but only Jesus exceeded all three.

Paul was spent for evangelism, John the Baptist was beheaded for speaking truth, Stephen was stoned for preaching the gospel; but only Jesus exceeded all three.

And there are the titles which no man can claim:  Savior, Son, I am; Sinless, Physician, and Lamb.  How sweet the names!  Thou art worthy, O Lord to receive glory and honor and power  -  Rev 4:11. 

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A Best Seller

(printed December 31, 2004) 

Have I got a book for you!  This book is the Number One, All Time, Best Seller, in the history of the world.  This book has it all!  It has:

- Stories of war, romance, jealousy, sibling rivalry, and empire building;
- Advice in picking a mate, managing finances, raising children, and time management;
- Case studies of men and women who did things right, not so right, and very wrong;
- Coaching in anger management, peace of mind; meditation, and focusing;
- Historic and scientific information written in the critically acclaimed Elizabethan English;
- Techniques in motivational training and teamwork, the triumphs of underdogs; and
- A happy ending, for its central character is victorious in the end.

In the past, this book would have cost a person two months wages, but since the printing press it can be yours for pocket change.  Are you sold?  I trust you are, although I suspect you have figured out I speak of the Bible.

These first few paragraphs were written tongue in cheek, but humor aside, the Bible is a book that truly has it all.  The Lord promises good to those who would commit themselves to His Word  -  Josh 1:8, Ps 1:2-3.  Those are His promises, not mine.

Would you consider reading the entire Bible in the year 2005?  A few chapters a day.  Call or e-mail and we’ll provide a daily reading schedule (many Bibles contain such schedules). Consider the following before committing to or dismissing just another New Year’s resolution:  "When ye read ye may understand," "Give attendance to reading," and "Blessed is he that readeth"  -  Eph 3:4, 1Tim 4:13, Rev 1:3.  May the Lord bless your 2005 with prosperity and much success is our prayer. 

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All Articles Written by Elder Dolph Painter, Moriah Primitive Baptist Church

pastordolph@aol.com

This site created by Steve McCannon. This page last updated 07/18/2008