Moriah Primitive Baptist Church
Madison County, Georgia
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Articles in this archive |
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| Identifying Baby Jesus - January 1, 2009 | Three Important Words - January 8, 2009 |
| Spiritual Birth - January 15, 2009 | Generate & Regenerate - January 22, 2009 |
| Much Ado About Nothing - January 29, 2009 | Context, Context, Context - February 5, 2009 |
| A Prepared People - February 12, 2009 | Compassion in Action - February 19, 2009 |
| If Only - February 19, 2009 | They Brought - February 27, 2009 |
| Children in the Bible - February 28, 2009 | Just the Same Today - March 5, 2009 |
| Rejoice Evermore - March 12, 2009 | Scripture & Economics - March 19, 2009 |
| Drive Straight - March 26, 2009 | |
(January 1, 2009)
Although foretold centuries before Jesus‘ birth, the Bible gives very few details concerning the event. Much of what is generally accepted contradicts scripture (ie., the December 25th date, three kings greeting a new born, and the holiday’s name). Nevertheless, Jesus’ birth (the Word made flesh) is critical to eternal salvation - John 1:14. And the Lord produced many witnesses confirming Baby Jesus was He whom Old Testament prophets spoke - Luke 1:70.
Consider both, the number of witnesses and the diversity of names used to identify Baby Jesus:
Not only did the Lord produce many witnesses, but He produced reliable witnesses: Zacharias’ righteousness, Gabriel’s prophetic accuracy, Simeon’s spirit filled walk, and Anna’s faithful ministry.
If the weighting of the testimony has anything to do with priority, I’m convinced who was born is much more important than how and when He was born. Where’s your emphasis?
(January 8, 2009)
Properly understood; foreknow, elect, and predestinate generate a great deal of joy and comfort in the heart and mind of a saint. Misunderstood, these three words do right the opposite, they foster anxiety and sense of injustice and in the mind of God’s children. Foreknow, elect, and predestinate are words which a Bible reader may not ignore. Why?
 | 2Tim 3:16 says all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine. If God inspired all scripture then He inspired the words foreknow, elect, and predestinate. These words are found on the pages of our Bibles. We cannot deny their existence - 1Pet 1:2, Rom 8:29. |
| Rev 22:19 says God is jealous over His Word. He curses any who would remove words from His Word, including the words foreknow, elect, and predestinate. We cannot ignore their existence - Deut 4:2, Rom 9:11-13, Eph 1:4-7. |
| Rom 8:30 says God’s plan of salvation is a closed system, with none falling out and no additions. Those who were foreknown (fore loved), are those who were elected (chosen by God), are those who were predestinated (heaven bound). We cannot minimize foreknow, elect, and predestinate in God’s plan of salvation - Eph 1:4-11, 1Pet 1:2-9. |
Purgatory, age of accountability, and dying grace are terms invented by men. Each of these concepts were created by men to catch the folks who fall through the cracks of their doctrine. This patchwork, these non-Bible based terms were created by men who deny the existence of foreknow, elect, and predestinate. Tough language? Sure, but what’s more important - defending the words of God or defending the words of men? Thus saith the Lord ought to be our conviction, and God said He foreknew, elected, and predestinated a people. He never told us to do the limbo.
(January 15, 2009)
Spiritual birth is the transformation whereby a person is made a child of God, it’s the operation whereby God’s spirit takes residence in a person. Scripture refers to spiritual birth with many terms. Some terms are unique to spiritual birth (ie., born again, made alive). Scripture discusses spiritual birth and only spiritual birth each time these words are used. However, other terms used to describe spiritual birth have more than one meaning. These words may or may not be discussing spiritual birth. Some times these words address an entirely different subject. For instance:
| quicken - to make alive: In Eph 2:5 quicken speaks of spiritual birth, but in Ps 119:50 quicken does not speak of spiritual birth. How can we tell? Context. Eph 2:1-4 speaks of dead sinners who are the target of God’s grace; whereas, Ps 119:50 is written by a prophet who gets excited reading God’s word. |
| sanctify - to set apart: In 1Pet 1:2 sanctify speaks of spiritual birth, but in 1Thes 4:4 sanctify does not speak of spiritual birth. 1Pet 1:2 speaks of the trinity’s collaboration in eternal salvation; whereas, 1Thes 4:4 speaks of a life style which ought to be lived by baptized, believing, church members. |
| call - to summon: In 2Tim 1:9 called speaks of spiritual birth, bu t in 1Cor 1:1 called does not speak of spiritual birth. In 2Tim 1:9 called is coupled with grace and immortality; whereas, 1Cor 1:1 speaks of Paul’s call to the ministry, his apostleship. |
| save - to deliver: In Titus 3:5 saved speaks of spiritual birth, but in 2Pet 2:5 saved does not speak of spiritual birth. In Titus 3:5 saved is coupled with regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost; whereas, 2Pet 2:5 speaks of a literal flood. |
This author’s intention is to warn folks about automatic pilots. We all have them. Each time we go to scripture with a preconceived definition, a definition arrived at without consulting context, we risk error in Bible interpretation. And when a definition is off, interpretation and doctrine is off. May the Lord help us read scripture earnestly and honestly.
(January 22, 2009)
The parallel between generate and regenerate is worthy of consideration. Both operations begin with the same raw material, dirt. In both, the raw material is passive and the operation is by God alone. In other words, God acts first, last, and by Himself.
Generate - to produce offspring, to bring into existence. God scooped a handful of dirt, breathed life into the dirt, and dirt became a living soul (Gen 2:7). The dirt was incapable of asking, responding, or obeying. God did everything by Himself.
Regenerate - to form anew, restore to a better state. God chose a handful of dirt (Is 64:6), placed His spirit into the dirt (Rom 8:16), and dirt became a spiritual being (1Cor 1:23-24). The dirt was incapable of asking, responding, or obeying. God did it all by Himself.
Consider three regeneration passages and see if the dirt-God-new creature pattern doesn’t hold:
| Titus 3:3-7: 1) unregenerate man is described as dirt, 2) but God intervened, and 3) an ugly creature was transformed into a beautiful creature. God and only God transformed dirt into something spiritually beautiful. |
| Eph 2:1-10: 1) once again unregenerate man is described as dirt, 2) but God intervened, and 3) a lifeless being was transformed into a living being. God and only God transformed dirt into something spiritually alive. |
| John 3:3-8: 1) unregenerate man is described without capabilities, 2) God through the Holy Ghost intervened, and 3) an incapable being was transformed into a being able to see and enter. God and only God trans formed dirt into something with abilities. |
To get the full impact of this lesson, sing Amazing Grace substituting dirt for wretch . “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved some dirt like me.”
(January 29, 2009)
Sam, an eleven year old brother in our church, anticipates the what-was-the-sermon-about question from his father each Sunday afternoon. This past week Sam answered, “Nothing!” and he was right, for the sermon surveyed scripture’s use of the word nothing. Surprisingly, scripture has a lot to say about nothing.
Our nothing verses have been separated into two categories: God’s nothings and man’s nothings. In God’s nothings we see providence, sovereignty, eternal security, and oneness in the godhead.
| these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee, thou hast lacked nothing - Deut 2:7 |
| verily, verily, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do - John 5:19 |
| when I sent you without purse, script, shoes, lacked ye anything? They said, Nothing - Luke 22:35 |
| this is the Father’s will, of all He hath given me I should lose nothing but raise it up - John 6:39 |
| for the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did - Heb 7:19 |
In man’s nothings we see vanity, inability, brevity, and dependence. Humbling stuff!
| I am the vine, ye are the branches … for without me ye can do nothing - John 15:5 |
| though I have the gift of prophesy, understanding, and faith, I am nothing without charity - 1Co 13:2 |
| if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself - Gal 6:3 |
| be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving - Php 4:6 |
| for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out - 1Tim 6:7 |
Without Him, we are nothing. After all, He made us from nothing. Let us not forget:
(February 5, 2009)
Long before I was ordained, a co-worker challenged my belief in grace. This fellow challenged me with verses that appear to teach a free will gospel. I share my responses not to exalt victory in debate, but to show the importance of context.
John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. The man said, “See, we become sons by receiving and believing.” But to understand this verse, we must read verse 13, the rest of the sentence - which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Suppose, “All the folks who went camping, were members of Moriah” Did camping make folks members of Moriah? No. Neither does this verse tell us believing made folks born again.
Rev 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. The man said, “See, Jesus is waiting to be invited.” But to understand this verse, we must read verses 14-22, the entire passage. Verse 20 is addressing born again, baptized church members who have become indifferent. Is Jesus knocking on the door of a dead alien sinner? No. But He is knocking on the door of a luke warm church.
Rom 10:13 - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The man said, “See, one must call on Jesus to be born again.” But to understand this verse, we must read the beginning of the chapter and consider the folks Paul is directing this salvation. Verses 1-3 address a group of fruit bearing Jews who lack understanding. Does verse 13 offer spiritual birth to dead alien sinners? No, but it promises freedom from the law, a burden no man could bear.
Notice, by reading the rest of the sentence, the rest of the paragraph, and the beginning of a chapter, all three verses reconcile with grace. May we mind the context in all bible interpretation - 2Tim 1:15.
(February 12, 2009)
God is not haphazard in His actions. Matter of fact, He is a planner. Consider a
few of His preparations:
| He sent John the Baptist to prepare the way f or Jesus |
| He prepared a place for the devil and his angels |
| He prepared a mansion for each of us, and |
| He planned eternal salvation before the world began. |
Jesus is not a haphazard Savior. He was a ready minister. Consider a few of His preparations:
| He prayed before each preaching trip |
| He prepared an upper room |
| For 3½ years He prepared the apostles to witnesses to His resurrection. |
Scripture uses metaphors to teach preparedness. Consider a few such illustrations:
Scripture directly teaches preparedness:
| 2Tim 2:21 - therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work |
| 1Pet 3:15 - 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 within you |
| Ezra 7:10 - Ezra had prepared his heart to study God’s word, and to obey God’s word, and to teach God’s word. |
God blesses prepared people. No, I’m not advocating recipe religion. Sometimes God blesses us despite ourselves, yet other times we miss out on blessings because we are not prepared. May God help us to be better prepared saints.
February 19, 2009
Compassion - to feel sympathy, pity, inward affection, tender mercy; to have bowels yearn.
Consider three folks: a priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan - Luke 10:29-34. The priest neither felt nor acted. The Levite considered but did nothing. The Samaritan both felt and acted. Which man showed compassion?
Whom would God have us show compassion to, and how would God have us show such compassion? To whom? Our neighbor: be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous - 1Pet 3:8. How? Effectively: and of some have compass ion, making a difference - Jude 22.
If “one another” and “making a difference” is too vague, consider what Jesus did and taught. The subjects of Jesus’ compassion are varied:
Matthew 25:31-46 describes the last day of judgment, and compassion is the evidence weighed by the judge. The object of compassion could be the hungry, the sick, the naked, the companionless, or the imprisoned. Is compassion important? Yes, a studious Bible reader will conclude compassion (doing, not just feeling) is very important. Show compassion to someone, today.
How many times do the words if only find their way into our speech? For instance,
| if only I had a higher paying job |
| if only I had a less stressful job |
| if only I were married |
| if only I weren’t married |
| if only I were raised a Christian |
| if only I weren’t raised in such a religious home |
| if only I had more children |
| if only I had less children |
| if only I were more disciplined |
| if only I weren’t so anal … |
Ever say or think any of these? I’m guilty. The if only’s above evidence discontentment with one’s condition, while the if only’s below demonstrate discontentment with one’s state.
| the child says, if only I were big |
| the teen says, if only I were on my own |
| the college student says, if only I had a job |
| the graduate says, if only I were married |
| the married says, if only I had child ren |
| the parent says, if only the children were grown |
| the empty nester says, if only I were retired |
| the retired says, if only I were young again |
The real problem with this set of if only’s is the dreamer has just wished his or her life away.
Contentment is the only remedy which can cure if only. Paul wrote, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content - Php 4:11. Paul was right, for I know of no individual who found true happiness once if only had been attained.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content - 1Tim 6:6-8.
(February 27, 2009)
Saints did a lot of bringing, but what did they bring? Sometimes they brought
sick folks to Jesus, and other times they brought Jesus to sick folks. These
saints were flexible.
First, consider saints who brought sick folks to Jesus. These sick folks could not bring themselves to Jesus - so friends pitched in and took them to Jesus.
| Mark 2:1-5 - they brought a man with palsy, one who could not walk |
| Mark 7:32 - they brought a deaf man, one who could not ask directions |
| Mark 8:22 - they brought a blind man, one who could not find the way |
| Mark 9:20 - they brought a mad man, one who had not the mental capacity |
| Mark 10:13 - they brought children, those who had not the maturity |
Second, consider saints who brought Jesus to sick folks. These sick folks could20not bring themselves or be carried to Jesus - so friends pitched in and took Jesus to them.
| Mark 1:30 - Family and friends brought Jesus to Simon’s mother in-law sick of a fever; |
| Mark 5:23-24 - Jairus brought Jesus to his dying daughter |
| Matt 8:6 - a centurion attempted to bring Jesus to his sick servant, but Jesus healed from a distance |
| Matt 15:21 - a Syrophenician mother attempted to bring Jesus to her possessed daughter, but Jesus healed from a distance |
| John 4:46 - a father attempted to bring Jesus to his dying son, but Jesus healed from a distance |
If you can’t bring Mohammad to the mountain, bring the mountain to Mohammad - an Arabic proverb. There’s more then one way to skin a cat - an American saying. Sometimes, we religionists have a difficult time seeing an alternative way of doing things. Lord, help us be more flexible.
(February 28, 2009)
What does the Lord expect of children? Sure, children ought to obey parents (Eph 6:1), but are children all that accountable when it comes to obeying God? Don’t respond too quickly, for the answer isn’t as clear cut as one might think. Consider:
| Children who bad mouthed Elisha received judgment; whereas, children who bad mouthed Moses received clemency - Num 14:29, 2King 2:23-24. |
| Isaac was thrown a party the day he was weaned; whereas, Samuel began a ministry the day he was weaned - Gen 21:6-8, 1Sam 1:24-25, 2:11. |
| Certain laws applied to embryos; whereas, other laws kicked in thirty days after birth - Judge 13:12-14, Lev 27:1-7. |
| O.T. children were exempt from soldiering; whereas, N.T. children make the best soldiers - Num 1:3, Matt 18:3. |
| O.T. children were exempt from certain covenants; whereas, N.T. children made the sincerest covenants - Num 30:3-5, Matt 19:14. |
| O.T. children were exempt from various civil obligations; however, holding office was not one of them - Ex 30:13-15, 2Chr 34:1. |
Is there an age of accountability? Eternally? NO! Sin is sin, and all sin is worthy of death, even the sins of children. All sin requires the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Earthly? SOMETIMES! At times, God is lenient with children; and other times, He is very strict. At times, children are the benefactors of parents, and other times, children stand on their own.
In a negative sense: Children have been the victim of politics, jealousy, paranoia, and evil - Ex 1:10-22, Gen 21:14-20, Matt 2:16, 2Ki 1 7:16-17. However, in a positive sense: Children have been the benefactors of election, providence, sovereignty, and true religion - Ro 9:11-13, Ex 2:1-6, 2Sa 4:4, Jam 1:17. Recipe religion does not fit the case of children, but then again, recipe religion fits very few cases. No pattern is the pattern. We must look at nearly all situations case by case.
(March 5, 2009)
The sun has risen each morning for the past 19,000 mornings (19,000 is the number of mornings this author has experienced). I pray Jesus returns, but plan work as if the sun will arise again. That my friends, is an example of interpolating the past forward - using the past to forecast the future.
Just the Same Today is a hymn encouraging saints to interpolate the past forward. The hymn writer asks folks to consider the great love God manifested toward saints in the past and project that same great love forward to today. The hymn writer interpolated when he wrote: God raised the water and opened up the way; by a stone the giant low did lay; God shut the lion’s mouth and robbed them of their prey; 3000 were converted and added right away. The hymn writer fully expects us to believe, the God of the olden times is just the same today.
Interpolation is a line of reasoning often used by God’s men. Moses interpolated the past forward as he passed the baton to Joshua, David did as he passed off to Solomon, Nehemiah did as the post-Babylon revival began, and Paul did as he prepared Timothy and Titus.
David interpolated the past forward when King Saul tried to dissuade David from accepting Goliath‘s challenge. David said, God was with me when I battled a lion, He was with me when I battled a bear, and I fully expect Him to be with me when I battle the giant - 1Sam 17:33-37. And Joshua interpolated the past forward before leaving this world. Joshua told Israel, God was with Abraham in Canaan, with Jacob in Egypt, with Moses leaving Egypt, with you in Canaan, and I fully expect Him to be with you going forward - Josh 24:1-13. If them, why not us?
God is the same God today as He was then. He sits on the same throne, with the same power. Can you think of one instance when the Lord of heaven let you down? I can’t. Then why do trials throw us into such a tail spin? Interpolate the past forward.
(March 12, 2009)
Rejoice v. 1) To
enjoy by possessing - 1577. 2) to
gladden, make joyful, exhilarate. 3)
to make glad. 4) to feel joy on
account of - 1611.
Evermore adv. 1) Emphatic for ever - archaic. 2) always, at all times, constantly. 3) at any future time - 1600. 4) ever again - 1832.
. . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
This command to rejoice is not a command to be happy, for happiness is often a function of circumstance. Rather, rejoicing is an attitude to be taken irrespective of circumstances and conditions.
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things - 2Cor 6:10. Paul said he could rejoice despite destitute conditions and sorrowful circumstances. How could Paul do such a thing?
If we inventory a few of the things God says we ought to rejoice in we can understand how Paul could live, write, and command such an attitude.
(March 19, 2009)
Scripture describes much about the planet earth, and did so long before scientists figured it out (ie., wind and water currents, evaporation, star diversity …). Scripture also recorded much history, and did so long before archeologists dug it up (ie., Sodom’s charred remains, Jericho’s fallen walls, bricks made without straw, Ahab’s ivory house …). And, scripture describes much about finance, and did so long before economists understood its principles. Consider:
| Scripture addressed sub-prime lending long before our current mortgage crisis - Ex 22:25-27; |
| Scripture established workfare long before welfare and its much needed reform - Deut 24:19-21; |
| Scripture addressed debtor nations long before deficit spending - Deut 28:43-45; |
| Scripture addressed cartels long before there was OPEC or Adam Smith - Pr 11:26; |
| Scripture protected labor long before unions and OSHA - Col 4:1; |
| Joseph knew to limit money supply during cost push inflation long before there was a Federal Reserve - Gen 47:18; and |
| Scripture sanctioned family long before Social Security and ponzies - 1Tim 5:4, 16. |
The Bi ble truly is an awesome resource, not only as a source to learn about God, but as an instruction manual for every part of life. So when it comes to your financial decisions, what is your first source of information, Scripture or The Wall Street Journal?
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteous (for spending, for saving, for borrowing, for employment, for unemployment …). That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works, including finance and economics - 2Tim 3:16-17.
Drive Straight
(March 26, 2009)
Consider an old country road: compacted dirt sprinkled with gravel, the occasional rut or washboard, crested in the middle to direct rainwater into ditches bordering each side. Can you picture this road?
Now, pretend to be driving down this road: change rattling in the ash tray, cows and corn to the sides, and a rooster tail of dust to the rear. Then a rut grabs a tire and pulls your vehicle to the right. To avoid the ditch on the right, you jerk the steering wheel hard to the left, and now your headed toward the left ditch. So another correction is made, and so on.
That my friends, describes you and I in many aspects of life. We are cruising down the road of life when a trial pulls us off our course - so we adjust. The problem is, most of us have a tendency to over-correct. Burned by a friend - I’ll never make myself vulnerable again. Burned by an employer - I’ll never be that loyal again. Burned by a church - I’ll never join another. Burned in love - … You know the drill.
Paul wrote, Let your moderation be known unto all men - Php 4:5. Included in this exhortation is a warning to avoid over-correction. Driving between the ditches is taught below:
| 1Ti 5:8 describes a man with no initiative, a man who does not provide - one ditch |
| 1Ti 6:6-10 describes a man with too much initiative, a man consumed with provision - the other ditch |
| 1Th 4:11-12 describe a man with balance, a man who’s initiative is just right - He is driving down the center of the road, avoiding both ditches |
There will be times when one has to crank up work and gathering provisions, but making work a god is wrong. There will be other times when one ought to gear down work, but completely shutting off the spigot is unwise.
Avoid the ditches. Avoid over-correction. Or, as my Italian grandmother said, “Spinta diretta.” Which means, “Drive straight.”
All Articles Written by Elder Dolph Painter, Moriah Primitive Baptist Church
This site created by Steve McCannon. This page last updated 12/30/2009