While
on the sidelines we can make one of two choices: we can strive about
starring or we can serve while waiting. Jesus told the apostles the second
choice is far better - Luke 22:44-46.
One summer, long ago, I hooked up with a very good ball team. As one of
the team’s youngest players I found myself riding the pine far more than I was
accustomed; however, I eventually broke into the starting line up. No, a
starter didn’t get hurt. No, I wasn’t especially ripping the ball
during batting practice. I broke into the lineup watching my teammates
play. While sitting on the bench I noticed an opponent miss second while
rounding the bases. I told Coach and he had our pitcher appeal the play.
The runner was called out and I started the next game.
Whether in sports, in our families, at work, or in our local churches let us
strive to glorify God in each and every role we are given - 1Cor
12:23-30.
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Smorgasbord
Religion
(July
29, 2005)
My mother was a fine cook, although I did not enjoy everything she cooked.
Tuna casserole was a tough sell, but I ate the food I was given. My father
worked hard to provide, and my sisters and I learned to appreciate a balanced
diet designed for our own good.
But every once in a great while, my father gave my mother the night off by
taking all of us out to dinner. My sisters and I always voted smorgasbord.
We liked smorgasbords because we could skip over the stuff we did not
particularly care for. It was a treat, so anything less than a plate piled
high with dessert was allowed.
Many churches have gone smorgasbord. Doctrine which people find
unpalatable or politically incorrect is ignored. Take a certain
denomination which recently announced that same sex marriage is now acceptable
in their church. This particular denomination did not refute the Bible’s
teachings, nor did they explain away verses such as Rom 1:27. They simply
announced they would ignore the Bible’s teachings on this issue.
I was recently asked if I believed in election and predestination. Part of
me was confused by the question. You see, both these concepts are Bible,
and when you include phrases like "before the world began" and
"ordained unto eternal life" you are talking about a significant chunk
of scripture. I don’t understand the thinking that a reader has the
privilege of believing or skipping over certain teachings. Each verse of
the Bible reconciles to one whole. The Bible is not a smorgasbord.
God never intended His words to be consumed smorgasbord. Job, David,
Jeremiah, Peter, nor did Jesus pass over any teaching from the word of God
- Job 23:12, Ps 119:103, Jer 15:16, 1Pe 2:2, Mat 4:4. May we learn
to: appreciate the whole truth, that it was designed for our good and none
of it is grievous. For this is the love of God, that we keep His
commandments: and His commandments are not grievous - 1John 5:3.
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The
"S" Word
(August
5, 2005)
Surely the Lord did not have Eph 5:22, Col 3:18, & 1Pet 3:1 in mind when He
charged his ministers to preach the whole counsel of God. Eph 5:22 says,
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."
Col 3:18 says, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is
fit in the Lord." 1Pet 3:1 says, "Wives, be in subjection to
your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the
word be won …" Surely the Lord did not intend His ministers to
preach the "S" word in the year 2005. Let us find some way to
wiggle out of the responsibility of preaching these verses.
Well, 2Tim 3:16-17 says the whole Bible is inspired, and the inspired Bible is
whole. Rats! This passage leaves no room to discount the teachings
in Eph 5:22, Col 3:18, or 1Pet 3:1.
2Pet 1:20-21 says God wrote the Bible and that no scripture is open to
private interpretation. Rats again! This passage leaves no room to
tweak the teachings in Eph 5:22, Col 3:18,or 1Pet 3:1.
Deut 4:2 says scripture is not to be added to or taken away from. Rats!
This passage leaves no room to skip over Eph 5:22, Col 3:18, or 1Pet 3:1.
Greek Lexicons define the word hupotasso (submit) as: to obey, be
subordinate to. Double rats! The Greek leaves no room to water down
the teachings in Eph 5:22, Col 3:18, or 1Pet 3:1.
Sorry wives, I tried to discount, tweak, skip over, and water down submission to
husbands, but could not. So I suppose I ought to preach submissiveness,
both in season and out of season - 2Tim 4:2-4.
Husbands, before you cut and tape this article to your refrigerator, realize it
is much easier for a wife to submit to a husband who loves his wife as Christ
loved the church. In reality, wives have the easier assignment.
Husbands, your job is much harder - Eph 5:28. May we glorify
the Lord in our marriages.
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Justified
(August
12, 2005)
The other day my three year old asked impatiently for a glass of water.
She was confused when I responded, Hold your horses. Figures of speech can
confuse a small child. Words with more than one meaning can also confuse
young children. Consider the following words:
DAY: We call the darkness, Night. We call the light, Day.
We call the two together, DAY - Gen 1:5. The pitch black part
of a 24 hour period is considered part of a day. This can be confusing to
a young child.
EARTH: We call the dirt, Earth. We call the water, Seas.
We call the two together, EARTH - Gen 1:10. A space capsule
could drop in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and we say, "It fell safely
to earth." This can be confusing to a young child.
MAN: We call females, Women. We call males, Men. We
call the two together, MAN - Gen 1:27. This has been
irritating to a feminist.
JUSTIFIED: We call the elect who know Jesus, Justified. We
call the elect who do not know Jesus, Unconverted. We call the two
together, JUSTIFIED - Rom 5:9. It could be said of a fetus,
"He is elect" - Rom 9:11-13. It could be said of a
person who never heard the gospel, "He or she is justified."
For not the hearers of the law are just before God,
but the doers of the law shall be justified. For
when
the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature
the things contained in the law, these, having not the
law, are a law unto themselves: which show the work
of the law written in their hearts …
- Rom 2:13-15.
Confusion occurs when we do not recognize words which have more than one
meaning. Justified, sanctified, saved, and world are a few Bible terms
which cause confusion. We must rightly divide God’s word and give the
proper sense to every word - 2Tim 2:15, Neh 8:8.
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Encouraging
Self
(printed August 19, 2005)
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him,
because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his
daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God -
1Sam 30:6.
David
was having a bad day.
Returning from battle, David and his soldiers found their homes burned and their
families gone. Not only was David suffering personal loss but mutiny was
brewing. David’s soldiers spoke of stoning him - 1Sam
30:1-5. No doubt we all have had bad days, but how many of us can claim a
day like this?
The response to loss is often anger, blaming others, or getting high, but
scripture says David did none of these. David encouraged himself in the
Lord. David’s encouragement was not a self reliant "ok buddy, you
can do it." Nor was his a macho "pick yourself up by the
bootstraps" encouragement. David’s encouragement was in the Lord,
seeking God’s will - 1Sam 30:8.
Jesus also sought God’s will when facing a tremendous trial. Consider
Jesus’ prayer the evening before His crucifixion, "Father, if thou be
willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be
done." Was the cup removed? No. God’s response was to
send an angel from heaven and strengthen Jesus - Luke 22:42-43.
Can we encourage ourselves in the Lord? Yes! The Lord does not
promise the absence of trials, but He promises peace during our trials. Be
careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of
God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus - Php 4:6-7. A peace which is also described as
perfect, great and blessed - Is 26:3, Ps 119:165, 29:11. Call
for this peace. Crave it, claim it, cling to it, count on it, and covet
it.
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The
Old Hymns
(printed
August 26, 2005)
A Mighty Fortress - Did we in our own strength confide, our
striving would be losing, were not the right man on our side, the Man of God’s
own choosing (1500’s).
The Doxology - Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise Him all creatures here below (1600’s).
O How I Love Jesus - O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus,
Because He first loved me (1600’s).
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name - Ye chosen seed of
Israel’s race a remnant weak and small, hail Him who saves you by His grace,
and crown Him Lord of all (1700’s).
Amazing Grace - how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like
me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see (1700’s).
Rock of Ages - Could my tears forever flow, could my zeal no
languor know, these for sin could not atone, thou must save and thou alone
(1800’s).
The Solid Rock - My hope is built on nothing less than
Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but
wholly lean on Jesus name (1800’s).
Nothing But the Blood - What can wash away my sin? What
can make me whole again? This is all my righteousness, Nothing but the
blood of Jesus (1800’s).
Blessed Assurance - Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste
of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit,
washed in His blood (1800’s).
Did writers of these hymns worship a bigger God than we worship today. No,
God has not changed, but I suspect has our perception of God has. Maybe
our britches have expanded a bit over the past couple of centuries.
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Preaching
to Wrinkled Foreheads
(September
2, 2005)
Preaching about the finished work of Jesus Christ is fun, for the response of a
congregation often includes: smiles, tears of appreciation, and an
occasional amen. Preaching duty is not nearly as fun, for the response of
a congregation can include: wrinkled foreheads, scrunched up eyebrows, and
the "did you talk to the preacher" look from husband to wife.
My friends, preaching Christian duty is preaching sound doctrine. Paul
charged his son in the ministry, "But speak thou the things which become
sound doctrine" - Titus 2:1. Paul followed this charge
with a list of duty for each person in the congregation: Verse 2 speaks to
aged men: be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in
patience, … Verse 3 speaks to aged women: be of behavior that
becometh holiness, not false accusers, teachers, … Verse 4 speaks to
young women: be sober, love husbands and children, discrete, chaste, …
And verse 6 speaks to young men: be sober, uncorrupt, grave, sincere,
sound in speech, … Paul concludes his charge with, "These things
speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise
thee." - Titus 2:15. Paul was telling Titus to ignore the
wrinkled foreheads and scrunched up eye brows. In other words,
"Brother Titus, preach it!"
Yes, sermons on depravity, spiritual birth, and the second coming address
doctrine. But sermons on marriage, family, prayer, contentment, honesty,
and attitude also address doctrine. From a preacher’s perspective
sermons addressing Christian duty are harder to preach. First, we know our
shortcomings and often feel hypocritical preaching duty to others. Second,
positive feedback is less common.
So, the next time your pastor preaches duty, thank him. Thank him for
preaching the whole counsel of God, and thank him for trying to please God with
his preaching and not man.
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An
Ounce of Prevention
(printed
September 9, 2005)
Paul wrote the Galatian, the Thessalonian, and the Corinthian Churches before
writing the Philippian Church. The following can be found in the
Philippian letter - To write the same things to you, to me indeed is
not grievous, but for you it is safe - Php 3:1. What was Paul warning the
Phillipinas about? Why warn a church on the right tract? The
Philippian Church was doctrinally sound and the main purpose for writing the
epistle was to thank the church for its charity.
The 2nd letter to the Thessalonians was written to fix a misunderstanding
concerning the second coming of Jesus Christ. Paul charged the
Thessalonians to continue in good works until Jesus returns. Paul wrote
the Philippians on the same matters in Php 1:6, 10.
The 1st letter to the Corinthians was written to fix internal divisions,
including variance over preachers. Paul charged the Corinthians to love
each other no matter who was preaching. Paul wrote the Philippians on the
same matters in - Php 2:2-5, 19-30.
The letter to the Galatians was written to fix some Old Testament law service
which crept into the church. Paul charged the Galatians to put no stock in works
service. Paul wrote the Philippians on the same matters in -
Php 3:3-7.
An old saying goes, "Those who do not learn from history, are cursed to
repeat it." Paul saw errors in other churches and forewarned the
Philippians of the same matters. In other words, an ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure.
Athletes, coaches repeat themselves for they know this can be profitable.
Children, parents repeat themselves for they know this can be profitable.
Saints, when pastors re-preach things you have heard before they do so not
because they have run out of material, but they follow a proven apostolic
pattern. Peter wrote, I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before … -
2Pet 3:1-2.
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Is
it I?
Jesus spoke as He ate the Passover meal. He told His disciples, "One
of you shall betray me." The disciple’s immediate reaction was to
ask, "Lord, is it I?" - Mark 14:18-19. Then one
asked, "Lord, who is it?" - John 13:21-25. Soon to
be followed with, "Lord, who shall be greatest?" - Luke
22:21-24.
The disciples’ questions began in self examination but led to the examination
and comparison of others. The amount of time for this transition was
remarkably short. I suspect our tendencies are more like the disciples
than we care to admit.
When we first began courting our spouses and a misunderstanding occurred how
quick would we ask "What did I do to offend?" Then after a few
years of marriage and a misunderstanding occurs think how quick we are to point
out our spouse’s faults. Interesting progression, huh?
When we first realized all that was secured by the blood of Jesus how many of us
asked, "Could I possibly be a child of God?" Then after a few
years of religion think how quick are we to ask, "Is that one a child of
God?" or "How about the one three doors down?" Interesting
progression, huh?
The novice historian says, "The Romans slung the whips, drove the nails,
and raised the cross. They were responsible for Jesus’ death."
Another historian says, "The Jews brought the false accusations and
demanded His crucifixion. They were responsible for Jesus’ death."
But the humble saint says, "It was I, for my sins are responsible for
Jesus’ death."
Like the disciples, let us be quick to ask the question, "Is it I?"
Unlike the disciples, let us be longsuffering in asking the question, "Is
it I?"
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Three
Devices
(printed
September 23, 2005)
Jesse’s oldest three sons were in Saul’s army as Israel fought the
Philistines. Jesse commanded his youngest son, David, to leave the sheep
and take bread and cheese to his brothers. As David approached the
frontlines he witnessed the Philistine champion mock Israel and God.
Jealous for God, David desired to quiet the loud mouth, but David met resistance
- 1Sam 17.
The resistance was three-fold. The first challenge came from David’s
oldest brother. Eliab challenged his youngest brother’s motives and
position in life (v. 28). The second challenge came from David’s king.
Saul challenged David’s ability (v. 32). The third challenge came from
David’s enemy. Goliath challenged David’s resources (v. 43). The
three devices used on David were to challenge his position, ability, and
resources.
Jesus’ ability, resources, and position were challenged by the Tempter -
Matt 4:3-9. The same three devices were used to challenge Jesus as He
preached, was on trial, and hung on the cross. Nehemiah and Daniel were
challenged with the same three devices. Paul warned preachers and
non-preachers to expect and overcome these three devices.
Challenges do not always arise from external sources. Moses used position,
ability, and resources in an attempt to dismiss his preaching assignment.
Moses said, "Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh," "the people
will not believe me," and "I am slow of speech and tongue"
- Ex 3:11, 4:1,10.
We ought to know Satan’s devices lest he gain an advantage - 2Cor
2:11. Challenging position, ability, and resources are three commonly used
tools. We are to expect these challenges, whether in the form of peer
pressure or internal excuses. We can overcome these challenges if we keep
in mind: 1) our position in Christ is secure - John
10:28; 2) our abilities through Christ are limitless - Php
4:13; and 3) our God given resources are all sufficient -
2Cor 3:4-5. May the Lord help us all stand strong.
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The
First PTL Club
(printed
September 30, 2005)
The Lord sent Gideon and a band of 300 soldiers to fight the Midianites.
Tongue in cheek, I refer to this little band of soldiers as the first PTL Club
for their weaponry consisted of Pitchers, Trumpets, and Lamps
- Judge 7:19-20. What were they thinking?
Gideon and his soldiers were not thinking, they were obeying. A direct
result of this victory was that Israel Praised the Lord. This objective is
more obvious when we consider God: 1) chose Gideon to lead. Gideon
was the least member of a very humble family. 2) selected a man of low
esteem in order to glorify Himself. 3) reduced the army to 300.
Gideon began with 32,000 soldiers, but God knew man would take credit for a
victory having that many soldiers. God reduced man’s number in order to
glorify Himself. 4) armed soldiers with pitchers, trumpets, and lamps.
The 300 were proven unafraid and vigilant, but the Lord disarmed them. 5)
replaced man’s weaponry in order to glorify Himself. So this group of
300 was truly a PTL club in that God was glorified with pitchers, trumpets, and
lamps.
Think of all the times God wrought victory for Israel while minimizing the
efforts of man. He used an angel to defeat the Assyrians (2Ki 19:32-37),
lightening to defeat the Philistines (1Sa 7:9-11), sound waves to defeat Jericho
(Josh 6:20-21), emerods to defeat Ashdod (1Sa 5:6-9), a sea to defeat the
Egyptians (Ex 14:23-31), and hailstones to defeat the Amorites (Josh 10:6-11).
Wow, we serve one powerful and resourceful God.
We serve a God whom ought to be praised. So then why is it so hard for us
to remember to praise Him? Think of all the times God wrought victory for
us when our efforts were minimized. He is the same today as He was
yesterday. Let us praise Him with our pitchers, trumpets, and lamps.
Top
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
