Articles

     Understanding the Bible can at times be challenging. We find many things in the Bible to be written in a historical perspective. Bible history has time and again been verified with the history of old writings as well as archeological proof. History, however, is not the only presentation in the scriptures. Writings also include prophecy, parables, and apocalyptic language (signs and symbols). It can be very challenging to some readers to grasp what is being said or meant in particular passages and therefore, much falsehood and many misinterpretations can result in what is believed and shared with others.  As we begin these thoughts today, let us start with these certainties:

God does not lie.

1. Numbers 23:19- God is not a man, that He should lie. Nor a son of man that He should repent. Has His said, and will not He not do?
2. 1 Samuel 15:29- And the Strength of Israel will not lie or relent, for He is not a man that he should relent.
3. Hebrews 6:18- That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

All scriptures are inspired.

1. 2 Timothy 3:16- All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2. 2 Peter 1:20-21- Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

God will never lie or try to trick regarding His word. It is TRUTH. We can also understand that all scripture is given by His inspiration. No man came up with what is found within the Bible. For that matter no man could have. It is impossible for man to develop the divine revelation that was presented throughout time to those that God spoke to and be 100% accurate. The conclusion must be that there is harmony within the Biblical text. This is true even when it may appear that a conflict exists. It is my suggestion that careful study is given in those times and conclusions be sought that do not compromise the word of God or bring us to the conclusion that God is a liar.

     An example of such case would be as follows. In Genesis 2: 19, Moses states, “Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name”. Some have read this verse and stated that God does not know everything because He had to see what Adam would name the animals. However, Isaiah 46:9-10 states, “Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, my counsel shall stand”.  Others verses that would include God as being all knowing are Psalms 139:1-4; Job 37:16; Hebrews 4:13. All verses relating to a given topic must be considered in understanding the word of God, who He is and how He is conveyed to the reader. This verse cannot serve as proof that God is not all knowing because it conflicts with other scriptures. The fact that God is all knowing allows Him to send prophecy throughout the Bible.

     The Old Testament is full of prophecies concerning people and places. Some of the greatest prophecies are regarding the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God used prophets to reveal His plan for mans salvation a little a time throughout the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 18:15-18, a great prophet is spoken of that will be like Moses. He would be raised up from the Israelites and speak the word of God. This great prophet that would be like Moses, of course, is Christ. Moses goes on to warn about false prophets in this passage. Only God can give men the information to speak as a prophet. His word will come to be true. The prophecies of Jesus all came true. This includes His time on earth doing the will of the Father as a teacher.

     Jesus frequently used parables in His teaching. These lessons give us religious principles and moral attitudes. Jesus often said one thing is like another. These parables are often referred to as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus was asked why He spoke in parables in Matthew’s account of the Gospel. In short, in Matthew 13:10-16, Jesus explains that in seeing they do not see and in hearing they do not hear. Jesus needed them to understand with their hearts and turn. Even with eyes to see and ears to hear, those that heard were unwilling to understand the deeper meaning that involved their own hearts. Those that would have understood began to gain knowledge into the love of God, Jesus, and the kingdom.

     Great misunderstandings come from the apocalyptic writings. These writings are mostly found in the Revelation, regarding those things which shortly must come to pass, Revelation 1:1. Apocalyptic writings are also found in Daniel and Ezekiel. In depth study that includes an understanding of the churches, the region, the time of writing and the government are necessary for appropriate interpretation in the Revelation. Most importantly, an understanding of the signs, symbols and beasts mentioned in this great book are a must if one is to come to an understanding of the word of God. In studying apocalyptic writing, it is still important to keep the unity of the Bible in mind. The Bible will not contradict itself because God does not lie. Therefore, if a conclusion or interpretation is met regarding the text from the revelation that does not coincide with truth in other scripture, the conclusion or interpretation is wrong. The Bible will not disagree in message. A good way to understand what is more difficult is to understand what is less difficult. Parts of Revelation are difficult to understand. However, better interpretation of Revelation can come from verses that are easier to understand knowing that any interpretation will not contradict itself.      It is my prayer that you are spending time studying your Bible. If you are not studying, set time each day to better understand the word of God. In Him rests our hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. He is our promise of eternal life in heaven one day. Rest assured, the Bible is the word of God and it was given to us by inspired men. The study of His word will prepare us for anything that we may face in life. Timothy 2:15 states, “Be diligent to present yourself approved

     I have been asked both in conversation and in writing if the Kingdom exists today. This presents a very troubling question for some. For others, their reasoning brings them comfort in their belief regarding the what and when of the Kingdom. For the truth of the Kingdom establishment, the Bible must be used rather than an “I think” approach.  Undoubtedly the Bible in Old Testament passages states that a Kingdom is going to be established. Daniel states, in speaking with Nebuchadnezzar in

Daniel 2:44-45, “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure”.

The great statue that was seen in this dream by Nebuchadnezzar was made of four different materials to symbolize four different kingdoms. These kingdoms would be the Babylonian Empire, the Medo-Persian Empire, the Grecian Empire and the Roman Empire. In the days of the kings of the Roman Empire, the Kingdom would be established, and it would stand forever. The kingdom was established on the Day of Pentecost, when Peter opened the door through baptism to those believers who were pricked in their hearts. Thus, the Kingdom began on this day. Christ is the King and this Kingdom will stand forever.

     Many differing opinions are offered regarding the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Some of these opinions include that it is not yet established. I have three scriptures that the Kingdom is now in effect. These scriptures are simply un-get-overable. (This phrase was used by one of my teachers in preaching school.) These verses must be considered when considering the establishment of the Kingdom. Please examine these verses with me.

1. In Luke 9:27, Jesus states, “But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God”. If the kingdom is yet to be established where are these people that have not yet tasted death. This would make them nearly 2000 years old. It is my belief that someone who is that old would have raised some eyebrows over the past 1500 years. Are these people hidden? How can we not know of a person that would be that old? Fact is that some saw the glory of the Kingdom following the death of Christ and on the day of Pentecost. It came with power as the disciples were moved by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
2. Colossians 1:13-14 states, “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins”. I will not write this in the original Greek. However, the language that the New Testament was written in is koine Greek. It is a dead language meaning that it is unchanged in terms of approach, understanding and sentence structure. This verse is understood in the past tense. It is something that has already happened. Those in darkness had been delivered to light. From that darkness there is a transferring to the Kingdom of God. This is not something that was going to happen at a later point in time. Paul and the Christians he wrote to had been moved from darkness to the kingdom at a previous point in time.  If the Kingdom is not established Paul could not have spoken this truth.
3. Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth. As stated in Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen”. We see Jesus in His authority, assignment and assurance in this passage. It is His authority that makes Him King and over a Kingdom. Jesus as King has all authority over all things. His authority includes the church as He is the head (Ephesians 5:22).  Death once had authority over all mankind because of sin. Because Jesus now has authority over death, we have escaped from the second death if we are in His kingdom. Only the king could bring this type of hope to those in a kingdom.

     There are many scriptures that deal with the Kingdom. Some of these have led to confusion by many. In order to fully understand the kingdom, one must look at all verses to gain understanding of what is being stated. To fully understand the establishment of the kingdom, verses easier to understand are helpful in studying the more difficult ones. Certainly, Christ indicated that some would not see death prior to the kingdom coming. Paul states that those Colossians had been led from darkness into the Kingdom of God. The tense of this scripture cannot be disputed. It is past tense. Lastly, the King claims all authority. The authority cannot be changed. It is set and the authority of Jesus will stand forever. 

     I encourage you to study about the kingdom. Study these verses. Truth has been set forth. Member of the Lord’s Church are in the Kingdom and the King reigns supreme. One day, all that have drawn breath will stand before the great King.

     Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30p.m. Please visit our website at elmgrovechurchofchrist.org. He invites any questions or comments and love to sit down and study. He can be reached at the Elm Grove Church of Christ at 740-493-2451.

     A great frustration of a minister is feeling like you are not touching others with the truth of God’s word. I have watched the reactions of others from the pulpit while preaching as well as looked into their eyes as the invitation was extended. Many times, I can’t help but wonder what stops people from turning their lives to God. It is the greatest decision that we will make in life. It is a decision that is based on life and death consequences. Our eternal destination is in the balance. God has extended His grace and love through Jesus Christ. The scales can only be brought into balance for hope of eternal life based on our decision to be obedient. This decision of obedience is in all things pertaining to life from our baptism through a faithful end when death comes. Why do more not come to the cross of Christ?

     I have heard numerous excuses of hesitation and delay. I wonder sometimes if others believe that I can offer forgiveness or if my approval is needed for justification. This is a thought that scares me to death. I have no way to remove sin. I have no way to offer justification or forgiveness on behalf of God. I can only preach the truth and encourage others to make right decisions.  I can help and aid a brother or sister in need. I can live my life in a way that the scriptures demand and pray that God will fully let light shine. I cannot bear the cross of others or give answer to God for their actions. I know however, that each day I must make that conscientious decision to bear my own cross. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul’” (Matthew 16:24-26). Figuratively speaking, I have a cross I must bear every day. Jesus had a great cross to bear as His included so great a sacrifice for the remission of sins for all that would obey him.

     I hope and pray that no one must endure death as Jesus experienced it, the death of crucifixion. Crucifixion is one of the most torturous and humiliating ways to die. However, as a Christian, I must be willing to sacrifice in my life and serve Him at any cost. Jesus asks very clearly asks a question that we all must consider. What are we willing to lose our soul over? Do we have commitments in our life that hinder us from carrying our cross? Are there materialistic desires that hinder us from being the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16)?  Are there other people or places or things that hinder us from coming to the cross? A faithful servant of God can’t meet the morning with the thought, “I can’t come to the cross today”. Rather, the thought should be to do all that is pleasing in His sight. We should be mindful to go to that cross as an example, as a servant trying to avoid sin, and as a child desiring to grow in nurture, wisdom and His will.

     I don’t write as a perfect example. I have fallen short of carrying my cross on many occasions. It is not a credit to my life. It is not something I am proud of. To be honest, as I look at those times that I have not carried my cross, those times that I have had a soul that was hidden in the corner, those times that I was silent when I should have spoken; those times when I was engaged in behavior that was not Christ-like. I am ashamed. I could blame it on immaturity. I could blame it on growing pains.  I could blame it on my friends. I could blame it on the way of the world. True blame, however, has come for the one that has not gone to the cross. ME!   I have repented in tears and great distress. I have grown old enough to know that nothing is permanent except God and His word. It is enough for me to carry my cross and not care for the ways and riches of the world. It is enough for me to be willing to die for the name and cause of Christ. It is because the glorious gospel makes it all worth it. The gospel is what gives me strength. It gives me hope. I can know that in obedience I will one day witness the glory of God and Jesus throughout all the ages.  I am a man that will meet my death. It cannot be avoided. As long as this earth stands, we will all face that time. If my soul is not prepared, all this life will not have been worth it. All things that are in this life will come to an end. We often look for ways to live longer. How do I stay younger? How can I keep my physique from when I was younger? How many treasures can we gain? Though all this, it is our soul that needs the most care. Through all our search for “THE GREAT QUESTIONS OF LIFE”, have we come to the cross today?

     We often find many reasons to not come to the cross. Thankful are we that Jesus came to this earth with this end in mind. He came to earth to do the will of His father. His dying on the cross was the end in some ways and the beginning in others. He died and so did the Old Law. He arose and so did our hope for eternal life. Could you imagine for one moment if Jesus on that day could not go to the cross? It would be easy to make excuses. “I am not going to Jerusalem. People there are trying to hurt me”. “I am not going to the cross. I didn’t do anything to deserve it”. I am not going to the cross. I am physically unable”. How greatly He must have hurt. How the nerves in His back must have felt like they were on fire. How angry He must have been for being mocked and spit on. All of this, and He did the will of the Father. He went to the cross. He endured a hurt beyond what I can imagine. He endured mockery beyond what I can comprehend. Yet despite it all, He hung there on the cross and died so that I may have hope. Jesus, without excuse and without delay, went to the cross.

     Have you ever considered why you don’t go to the cross? Have you ever considered why the thought may run through your mind on any given day, “I can’t go to the cross today”. In sports, we often hear that cliché, “No excuse”. What if Christians lived that type of life? What if we as Christians were strengthened by the desire to go to the cross rather that the mindset to avoid it. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friend”. Jesus went to the cross with love and desire. Neither the cruelties of this world nor the glory of it kept Him from suffering and sacrificing so greatly. I pray that each day that you wake, you declare in heart, mind and soul, “Today, I will go to the cross.”    

     Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Please visit our website at elmgrovechurchofchrist.org. Scott invites any questions or comments and would love to sit down and study. He can be reached at the Elm Grove Church of Christ at 740-493-2451.

Many people in life try to live very quiet lives while others are thrust into a spotlight. This spotlight comes sometimes at the choosing of the individual and at other times because of remarkable talent or a set of circumstances. I guess, for all people, they are known in some way. Each of us have things in our life that gives us identification. For some, it may be stellar athletic ability, for others it may be a spirit of love and understanding. Some individuals are known because of the jobs they have or the place they live or because of their family members. How are you known? Are you known as you think you are known? Are you known how you want to be known?

     In 1995, when my pap was sick in the hospital, I had gone to visit him. It was difficult to see him in bed without strength and so tired. This was the man that took me to the oil field with him at a very young age. This was the man that I had worked side by side with in the garden while the temperatures swelled close to 100 degrees. Pap and I worked in the hay and built fence for livestock. In the best shape of my life, my pap could still work circles around me. I suppose it was this work ethic that helped me to experience success as a football player. He taught how to be tough and continue to work hard when circumstances were tough. He also taught me about being a loving father, grandfather and Christian man. I briefly speak of these experiences with my pap to say that he knew me as we worked together and knew me with what I considered successes in my life.

     While in the hospital with Pap that day, he had other visitors that came to see him. Pap was pleased to see the faces of friends from home who had made the hour and a half drive to see how he was doing. I knew that my Pap was proud of me and I knew that he would introduce me to these gentlemen. How would he introduce me though? I liked to be known as a football player. I like to be known as a college graduate. I liked to be known as working in the field of mental health. These were very important to me. I thought that these identifiers were extremely important to me in my life and surely they would be mentioned by my pap. When the introductions were made, Pap said, “This is my grandson, Scott. He is a member of the church and is working with the youth group at Waverly Church of Christ”. WOW. I have never forgotten this moment. What I thought was important was not really to my pap. And he was right. Being a Christian is the greatest compliment and identifying mark of anyone that lives. 

     I often look back on the lessons that my pap taught me. This is one of the greatest ones that I remember. Though I enjoyed being known a particular way, truly there was no life-giving benefit in it. Being known as a faithful servant and Christian is the greatest identity one can have. Jesus in teaching His disciples said this, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, bur whoever loses his life for My sake will fine it. For was profit is it ta a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26).

     Many people sacrifice a life that is of a faithful Christian to gain the whole world. What a great tragedy as the world and the riches of it will eventually come to an end. The Christian life is the life of promise. The Christian life is the life hope. Whatever we are known for in this life, make sure that you are known as a faithful Christian first. Don’t be known for that which will eventually end but be known for that which will live on forever. “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it: but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).      

     Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30p.m. Please visit our website at elmgrovechurchofchrist.org. He invites any questions or comments and would love to sit down and study. He can be reached at the Elm Grove Church of Christ at 740-493-2451.

PURPOSE OF HEART

LOOKING BACK

     In Genesis 19:26, Moses states, “But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” This would have been Lot’s wife who was given explicit command and chose not to follow instruction. Prior to this text, God had sent messengers to Abraham to inform him that Sodom and Gomorrah were going to be destroyed because of their sins against God. The outcry against these cities had grown great before God as Genesis 19: 13 states. Abraham pleaded for these cities to be spared if righteous souls could be found. He first asked if fifty righteous souls could be found would the cities be spared. Abraham descended in the number of righteous that could be found. He asked for fifty, then forty five, then forty, then thirty, then twenty, then ten. At each account God stated that He would not destroy the cities if righteousness could be found.

     Sodom was the residency for the nephew of Abraham. Lot had parted from Abraham several years earlier so that greener pastures could be found for his livestock.  The same messengers arrived to warn Lot and his family of the destruction that was soon to take place.  Not even ten souls could be found in the city. Lot and his wife and their two daughters were counted as righteous, being able to escape. Lot’s son in laws were also warned but they heeded the news as a joke. When the following morning arrived, Lot and his family were told to escape for their lives. Their instruction was to stay at no place in the plains. Not only was Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed with fire and brimstone but all other cities of the plain as well. The other instruction given was to not look back. Staying in the plain or looking would be reason for destruction (Genesis 19:17). Once Lot, his wife and his daughters got to Zoar, fire and brimstone came upon the cities. They had escaped God’s judgement. However, Lot’s wife looked back. By doing this she became a pillar of salt. What were the reasons Lot’s wife looked back even though great consequence was given for doing so? Did she want to see what was happening? Was it a deeper idea of looking back in the fact that it was a society that she had grown accustomed to and was going to miss life in the city? I believe she literally looked back although a case could be made for her also missing the life she had in Sodom. Regardless, she died because of what she did.

     Going against the command of God always comes with great consequence. God dealt differently with people in the days of Abraham. When God gave instruction, those who didn’t follow were often given an immediate consequence. Though God does not deal with us in this manner today, consequence for us not obeying his command will eventually result in death.

      As God used to speak personally to man and through the prophets in days of old has spoken to us today through His son Christ Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus is clear on where we need to look. Just as Lot’s wife was given a place not to look, Christians are given a place to look. The Apostle Paul gives us great direction with his example in life. He told the Phillipian church that he forgot those things that were behind and was reaching forward to what was ahead. That which was ahead was the hope of eternal salvation in heaven that can only come through a life in Christ Jesus. Paul had a lot of mistakes in his earlier life and could not focus on what once was. The only direction for him was to focus on Christ.

     The same needs to be the focus and concentration for the Christian. It is easy to think in terms of could have, should have, would have. These thoughts are fruitless for the Christian because the past cannot be fixed. It can however be made right. Yesterday cannot be changed but today can be. Focus is not on yesterday but it is on that which lies ahead.  Learn from our past but don’t allow it to be the focus of sight. Focus on serving God and following His commandments. If total concentration is on these things, what shouldn’t will become less evident.              

     It is important in the Christian life to know where we are going. What is the mark that must be aimed for? Jesus said in Luke 9:62, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.”  A farmer that is plowing his field must have his eye and total concentration on where he is going. If he looks to the left, he will soon be plowing to the left. If he looks to the right, he will soon be plowing to the right. The same could be said of someone who is driving a car. If focus is lost, the path of the car will be uncertain. Consider also mowing grass. Focus must be maintained on the line that is to be mown. If distraction comes, grass will soon be missed. Both time and expense are lost if focus is not maintained. The picture is vivid and so is the application that if one does not keep their eye on Christ, they will soon be off course.

     Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30p.m. Please visit our website at elmgrovechurchofchrist.org. He invites any questions or comments and love to sit down and study. He can be reached at the Elm Grove Church of Christ at 740-493-2451.