Category Archives: FAQ

Words: What is the Biblical view of Homosexuality?

Posted on by
Reply

Homosexuality: What are the Church’s and modern views?

            The homosexual agenda is becoming much more vocal.  Just this week a Senator from Ohio revealed that he was in support of homosexual relationships, because he said he didn’t think he could deny his son a good relationship.1Hillary Clinton also exposed her view that a homosexual relationship should be granted by our society and no one should deny them the dignity of a loving relationship and “gay rights are human rights.”2 The question is what does God say?

1)      God loves everyone, because are we identified as from the Father

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. (Eph 3:14-15)

2)      The whole world is fallen and deserves condemnation  

32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. (1 Cor.11:32)
3)      But God loves the entire world and sent Jesus to pay the penalty for their sin 
 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (1Jn. 2:2)
4)      The issue is always, “What is God’s view?”  Man is only capable of understanding some things.

            8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9          “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And     My thoughts than your thoughts. (Is. 55:8-9)
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Cor. 1:25)
5)      God called it sin in the Old Testament
22 `You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. (Lev. 18:22)
13 `If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them. (Lev 20:13)
6)       God calls it sin in the New Testament
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, (1Cor. 6:9)
7)      God further describes it as a distortion of what is natural
23 …and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man– and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.  24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,  25who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.  26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.  27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. (Rom. 1:23-27) 
8)      Life is not about what feels good or what I want to do
“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luk 22:42) 
9)      The issue is always the holiness of God
15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  16because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Pet. 1:15-16) 

10)  Fathers are to pass on Father greatness by “commanding” holiness to his children and each generation.  

19 “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, (Gen. 18:19)
11)  The modern views are too numerous to delineate.  We don’t go along with experience or feelings.  We are saved by God’s Word and we must live by God’s Word.  We don’t believe the Senator should change his views based on his grown son’s perspective.  We don’t believe that “what God calls sin” should be rendered dignified because people choose that behavior.  What God calls a sinful behavior is not a birth issue.  That would put the blame on God.
a)      We do not endorse pedophiles, even though some people like that.
b)      We do not endorse necrophilia, even though some people choose that.
c)      We do not endorse bestiality, even though some people choose that.
d)      We do not endorse polygamy, even though some people would like that.
e)      All of these are aberrations from the holy standard of God.  It doesn’t matter what someone says or believes contrary to Scripture.  It matters what God says.
12)  However, all grace and mercy should be exercised to help a person who believes or lives that way to recognize God’s view, repent and leave that behavior.  That sin is no worse than worry or rudeness, however, it does fall under judgment from God.
a)      Sodom Gen. 19
b)      SPQR in 476 A.D. when homosexuality was prevalent.
c)      Jesus Christ is the issue for salvation and the issue for life.  It doesn’t matter if the people say they are committed to a loving relationship.
d)      My issue is I want them to experience oneness with the Lord and an eternal relationship with Him.  An ongoing holy relationship is not possible when living in that lifestyle. I do not condemn one who lives that way, for my sins are evident before me. I do want them to trust in Jesus as Savior, grow in Him as Lord and let Him rule in their life as King!

1 http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/15/us-usa-portman-gaymarriage-idUSBRE92E0G020130315

2 http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/18/hillary-clinton-endorses-same-sex-marriage/

 

Five Questions: Bridge Building with the Gospel

Posted on by
Reply

 

Five Questions: Bridge Building with the Gospel

I have a growing concern for the lost in the world.  My concern has gone through ebbs and flows over the years, but as I realize the lack of many days left in life (maybe thirty years), I realize I may not have much time to reach out to others.

There are few things in life more moving than to watch a person put their faith in Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross and His resurrection.  There are few things more fantastic than to watch a rebirth happen before my eyes.  There are few things that motivate me more than witnessing a person who becomes my spiritual brother or sister!

Do you get that opportunity very often? 

One of the tools I use to transition to talk through the good news of Jesus Christ is to ask five questions.  The questions are merely a tool to build a bridge to someone so I can share the greatest news in the world – that Jesus died on the cross for his/her sins and that he/she can grow in a relationship with the God of the universe.  The questions are a tool to share that God loves him/her so much that God sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for the sins of the world and that whoever believes in Jesus would have eternal life.  That’s fantastic news!

Here are the five questions I use to start a discussion and build a bridge to a person:

  • Do you ever talk about spiritual things?
  • In your opinion, who is Jesus Christ?
  • Do you believe in a heaven and a hell?
  • If something tragic were to happen, do you know where you would go?

           [If God asked, “Why should I let you into heaven?” what would you say?]

  • If what you believed were not true, would you want to know the truth?

The answers to the first four questions don’t really matter too much, but they do tell me a great deal about where the person is spiritually.  They tell me what the person is trusting in for salvation, if anything.  They get the person talking and allow me to gain credibility that I am interested in them as a person (and I am!). 

The main question is question number five, “If what you believed were not true, would you want to know the truth?”  If they say yes, then I have a free and open door to walk through and share my faith.  I’m not forcing myself onto the person.  I give the person an opportunity to say no, before I start talking about Jesus.  But once they say yes, then I can take them through a gospel presentation, whereby they can make the greatest decision of all time – accepting Jesus as Savior to become a child of God.

What do you use to build a bridge to talk to people about the Lord Jesus Christ?  Does it work well?  I’m interested in your feedback, because I want to be effective in building bridges and sharing Christ.  Let’s go reach the world for the sake of Jesus!

Question: Did Moses compile the first 5 books solely by the Holy Spirit and/or from oral traditions?

Posted on by
Reply

Question:   Did Moses compile the first 5 books solely by the Holy Spirit and/or from oral traditions?

This is a great question, because none of us were there.  We have to learn from Scripture and historical information that agrees with Scripture. The question also begs the question of what is inspired Scripture?

1)      Determine what is inspired Scripture.

a)      There were likely many things written by the authors of Scripture that were not included in canon.  Solomon  is given credit for writing 1005 (1 King 4:32) songs, but we don’t have many.  Paul actually wrote four letters to the Corinthian Church, but we only have two (likely letter 2 and 4).

b)      What is recorded and accepted in Scripture was identified as Canon in 397 A.D. by the Council of Carthage.

2)      Determination of authors.

a)      In some cases this is easy, because the author is listed.  For example, Paul records his name and the intended recipients (Eph. 1:1; Phil. 1:1)

b)      In some cases, the author is not listed, but internal evidence (what was written in the books) makes connections and analysis of the author.  For example, Luke records in his introductions that he is writing to Theolophilus in both Luke and Acts (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1).  Luke was a friend and beloved physician of Paul (Col. 4:14) to get details of Jesus life (Luke) and eye-witness accounts in Acts.  Luke traveled with Paul and we can see from the changes in the use of the pronouns when Luke recorded the growth of the church and when he was with Paul (Acts 20:6). 

c)      In other cases, internal evidence and external evidence must be used.  For example, we say Jonah wrote Jonah as the prophet who rebelled, but humbled himself before God to write about his own sinfulness (Jon. 4). Job wrote Job as a blameless man of God who was rebuked by God (Job 38-42).  This was customary in that day that an author wrote in the third person and would not list his name.  Hence, Moses wrote the first five books (Pentateuch), except for Deuteronomy 34, which records Moses death.

d)      The key is every book is inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).  God superintended the writers of Scripture, so that without destroying their personality, grammatical style or literary ability, God’s complete thought toward man was recorded in the original manuscripts.  Key thoughts are God superintended and original manuscripts.  We don’t have the original manuscripts, because man would have worshiped them instead of God.  We also know the Holy Spirit carried along the writers of Scripture, so that they would write God’s complete thought as God intended using the minds, experience and personalities of the writers (2 Pet. 1:20-21).

3)      What about the Pentateuch?

a)      Moses is not listed as the author of Genesis, but, for example, circumcision on the eighth day, instructed in Genesis 17:12 (Ex. 12:48; Lev. 12:3) is recorded in the New Testament as the Law of Moses (John 7:23).

b)      Scholars attribute the writing of the Pentateuch to Moses the compiler from oral and written forms passed down.  Leviticus and Numbers record that “God spoke to Moses.”  Deuteronomy 1:1 records, “These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel.” 

c)      We attribute the writings of each of the books because of the consistency, flow and arrangement to a single author, rather than a patchwork of several authors.  Additionally, Moses is the main character for Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

4)      Is the Pentateuch Inspired?

a)      In Genesis, God spoke to the patriarch (Cf. Gen. 12, 26, 46).

b)      In Exodus, “And God spoke all these words…” (Ex. 20:1).

c)      In Leviticus and Numbers, they directly say God called Moses and spoke to Moses (Lev. 1:1; Num. 1:1).

d)      In Deuteronomy, Moses’ speeches are regarded as God’s word (Deut. 4:2; 18:1).

5)      We learn from Acts 7, there were things that weren’t recorded in the Old Testament, which indicate extra illumination to Paul and Luke regarding the Old Testament.

6)      The point is that whether by oral tradition or written form, what was recorded is inspired and there for our learning (Rom. 15:4).

Question: Resurrection: Who and When?

Posted on by
Reply

Resurrection

 

Who is taken at the different resurrections? And when do they take place?

1)      Resurrection comes from a word that means to stand again (anastasis.).  It is the transformation of the physical to the spiritual (1 Cor. 15:50-54), the transition from the temporal to the eternal (1 Cor. 15:52) and the transparency of the ambiguity to clarity (Dan. 12:3; 1 Cor. 13:12).

2)      The basis of the teaching is built upon the empty tomb of Jesus (John 20:1-17).

3)      Resurrection is more about the corporate resurrection than the individual. There are two resurrections: The resurrection order of the living (elect) and the order of unbelievers (non-elect) (Matt. 25:33-46).

4)      Jesus’ first resurrection order is for all believers and includes Jesus (Rev. 20:5-6).

a)      Jesus is the first fruits of the resurrection (Rom. 8:29; 1 Cor. 15:23).

i)        The Father planned that Jesus be raised from the dead (1 Thes. 1:10).

ii)      He was raised by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 1:4).

iii)    Jesus’ resurrection is the basis for our hope in life (1 Pet. 1:3).

b)      The raptured Church is second (1 Cor. 15:51-57; 1 Thes. 4:13-18).

c)      The Old Testament saints and Tribulational martyrs are third at the end of the Tribulation.  There would be a rest for the Old Testament saints until the last days concluded during the Tribulation (Dan. 12:13).

i)        Martha knew Lazarus would rise in the last day (John 11:24).

ii)      The Old Testament saints will rise from the dust (Is. 26:19-20).

iii)    Tribulational martyrs will join the Lord at this point (Rev. 20:4).

d)     Millennial saints are fourth at the Millennium end (Rev. 20:11-15).

5)      The second resurrection occurs at the end of the Millennium and is composed of all unbelievers who rejected the saving work of Jesus on the cross (Rev. 20:11-15).  They will be judged based on their works, because they were not persuaded to believe in Jesus as their Savior (John 3:36).

a)      The Day of Judgment will come (2 Pet. 3:7).

b)      The evil of rejecting Jesus Christ brings condemnation (John 5:28-29).

c)      They will join the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41).

 

 

 

Question: What does hate mean in the Bible?

Posted on by
Reply

What does hate mean in Scripture?

Here are a few thoughts.

Most people think of hate as the opposite of love and it is.1   Hate is often expressed by opposition, or the actions of detesting and despising toward another with whom you have no desire for contact.  Love draws in, while hate separates.  Amnon hated Tamar with a greater hate than the phony love he expressed to her and drove her away from him (2 Sam. 13:15).

We read of how God hated Israel’s festivals, because they were mixed with sin and human glory.  God hates any action of worship from sinful, unholy people (Is. 1:13-15; cf. Zech 8:17).  God hates the wicked (Ps. 11:5).  God hated idols (Deut. 16:22) and those who love God will also hate idolators (Ps. 31:6).   That hatred is acceptable to God.   

However it is not always a violent separation or opposition.  It can be a passive action as when David hated his friends who stood with him against his rebellious son Absalom.  Joab rebuked David, “…you love your enemies and hate your friends”  (2 Sam 19:6) when he showed mournful love toward his rebellious son Absalom.  That kind of hate is a passive indifference of not caring about those who loyally stood with him.

We can hate someone by not loving the one to whom love is expected (Gen. 29:31-33).  Jacob was not showing love to Leah (unloved, saneh, i.e. hated)  and God blessed her in spite of his indifference.

If a man had two wives, and one was unloved (saneh, hated), the man could not give firstborn status on the son of the loved wife.  He must give firstborn status to the firstborn, even if the son was from the unloved (hated) wife (Deut. 21:15-16).

            The word, therefore, expressed a choice of one over the other.  How that choice is manifested can be expressed in different ways. 

 

1Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, ed. by Harris, Arch and Waltke, Vol. 2, p. 880

Question: What is heaven like?

Posted on by
1

At a funeral this week, one of the passages I addressed was Revelation 21.  I was asked by one of the family members to address what heaven is like.  I only scratched the surface of how great heaven is.  It was just enough to give those who had not trusted in Christ an opportunity to hear that heaven is a place unlike the earth.  Let’s note several principles about heaven:

Heaven is coming. Twice in Revelation 21:1-2, John says, “I saw…” the new heavens and new earth.  We can praise the Lord for the great expression in the Bible, “And it came to pass…”  It didn’t come to stay, but it came to pass, because there is something better coming.  We may or may not experience it on earth, but we, who have trusted in Jesus Christ will experience the better in heaven.

Presence of Jesus. In Revelation 21:3, we see the “Tabernacle of God” is with men.  The Tabernacle in the Old Testament was a type of Christ with all of its articles pointing toward an aspect of Jesus Christ.  For example the showbread spoke of Jesus as the Bread of Life.  The Menorah spoke of Jesus as the Light of the world.  Revelation 21:3 says there will be a new relationship with men far beyond anything even what most Christians will experience on earth.  Jesus will be with Christians in heaven and they will willingly submit to Him as their head.  He is the great Builder of heaven.

No more pain.  Revelation 21:4 provides that great expression, “No more death, no more sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”  Why?  It is because God makes all things new in quality and wipes away every tear.  We will have sorrow and pain on earth, because this is not heaven and it is a sin-dreadful place.  But it will come to pass.

New surroundings.  Revelation 21:5 describes how Jesus will make ALL things new.  Nothing from the old will pass into eternity.  We can’t load up the Uhaul and take anything to heaven.  We won’t want to once we get there.  It will be beyond what we could ever imagine.  That’s the reward for simple faith at the point of salvation.  His words are true and faithful.

Living fresh water. Revelation 21:6 describes Jesus, the Alpha and Omega from Rev. 1:8 and 22:13, promising the water of life to anyone who thirsts.  We can experience that fresh water on earth, and it will be unbelievably real in heaven.

Overcoming friends. Revelation 21:7-8 describes those who overcame will be in heaven and inherit all things.  John writes in 1 John 5:4 that an overcomer is one who has been born again because of faith in Jesus Christ.  However, the rest of humanity who rejected Jesus and showed their rejection by hatred, sexual immorality, idolatry and lying will end up in the Lake of Fire, which is the second death.

Glory of God’s city.  Revelation 21:9-11 describes the Bride, the Lamb’s wife, which is the holy Jerusalem, the glory of God prepared for God’s people to dwell.  It is the presence of God.  It’s hard to understand the infinite, so John records Jesus’ words that He was going to prepare a place for Christians, mansions in heaven (John 14:1-3).

Solid structure for living.  Revelation 21:12-14 describe a city of walls, gates and foundations.  There is perfect protection and orderly living in heaven, because there will be perfect harmony in Jesus Christ.  It will be the best vacation spot, but where every believer will want to worship the Lord forever and ever.

Perfect spaciousness.  Revelation 21:15-17 describe the space provided in the city.  God has it measured and God’s perfect character ensures it will be perfect for us.  There will be no fighting because of a lack of room or having to share with another person. Why?  It will be because we will be in perfect harmony with each other.

Perfect beauty.  Revelation 21:18-21 describe using precious gems and stones the construction of the city.  It will be beautiful!  It will cause everyone to have to lift their mouths, like a gal who sees a beautiful one carat diamond ring a guy she loves uses to propose to her.  It will hold our attention because of perfect variety and beauty.

God’s presence.  Revelation 21:22 describes a lack of a temple, because the Father and Lord Jesus Christ are its temple.  It will be beyond anything we could ever imagine today.  Some great cathedrals seize your breath the first time you walk into them, because of their grandeur.  God’s presence will be amazing.

Light of glory. Revelation 21:23-24 describe the lack of light in heaven, because Jesus is the Light and all nations will walk in that light.  The infinite character of Jesus’ light is not easily understood, but in heaven, there will be no need for street lights for seeing or for protection.  Jesus will be the light.

Open access to Jesus.  Revelation 21:25-27 describe the open door policy of Jesus.  He doesn’t just have open door hours.  He is always available.  You won’t have to leave a voice mail or wait for a text message return.  Jesus will be instantly available, not for or to you, but with you because you will be in perfect submission to His glory.

Unending truth provided. Revelation 22:1 describes a river of life coming from the throne of God.  This will be truth that we will continue to enjoy the infinity of God.  Water is used for God’s Word in Ephesians 5:26.

Perfect sustenance. Revelation 22:2 describes 12 varieties of fruit for a different kind of pie or food each month.  God is creative and what is provided will not be boring or monotonous.  It will be better than anything you can imagine.

Freedom from cursing. Revelation 22:3 describes the freedom we will possess from the effects of the curse of sin.  All of God’s children will be servants who serve the Lord in perfect harmony.  There will be no estrangements.  There will be no hurt feelings.  There will be no harsh words spoken, wicked comparisons made, slights made toward anyone.  People will always be focused on the Lord in perfect unity.  THAT will be heaven!

Perfect fellowship with God. Revelation 22:4-5 describe that in the radiance of Jesus’ face, which will be reflected on our foreheads, we will see and reign forever.   Even as Moses’ face shone when he came off the mountain (Ex. 34:29-35), so we will bear that radiance on our face, because we will be face to face with the Lord!  There will be no shadows.  There will be no distrust.  There will be perfect harmony in heaven with each other, because we will be in perfect submission to the Lord.

 

Friends, are you a child of God?  You can become a child of God by trusting in Jesus Christ as your Savior.  There is nothing more important that understanding and taking the gift of salvation that God offers in His grace.  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.  You will be adopted into God’s family and become a part of the Bride of Jesus Christ.  Your destiny will be heaven. 

Jesus was God and when He became man also, He bore the sins of all mankind while He hung on the cross.  God the Father made Him the target of His wrath as sin.  And pouring out His wrath on Jesus, the righteousness of God was satisfied and the world was reconciled to God awaiting that decision of faith by people to accept the gift of salvation.

Then you can begin to enjoy the blessings of heaven on earth as you submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  To the extent that you humble yourself to His Lordship, to that extent you will enjoy heaven on earth.  Yes, there will be tribulations (John 16:33), but you can have His peace and harmony that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7) and be a blessing to others regardless of their actions toward you.  You will be living heaven on earth, which is something the world does not and cannot understand. 

Let me know if you have any questions.

Mortify

Posted on by
Reply

How do you “mortify” the flesh?  It’s the word we looked at last Sunday and means “put to death.”  This phrase is extremely important in the sanctification process of becoming more like Christ.  It is life and death for the Christian, because without this process, he/she cannot grow.

How do you mortify the flesh?  First, 1)  Identify what the outward or inward sin is.  You can identify it yourself or ask another trusted friend or discipler to help you.  Scripture is your best guide as the Holy Spirit convicts us when we live apart from faith.  Paul describes the things he does that he doesn’t want to do, “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.”  (Rom 7:15)  Hatred is a good word because it leads to the next course of action.

Next, 2) Choose to put that sin pattern off.  Sometimes, translations use the word “consider”, but that seems very weak.  This is something you have to strongly desire to do.  Do you hate sin?  God does (Hab. 1:13).  The flesh is too strong, sneaky, deceitful, subtle, did I say deceitful?  It will pull the strongest Christian down who does not remain on alert to its ways.  Paul writes, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom 7:24)

Then, 3) Put on the righteous action that honors God (Col. 3:10).  You must have a corresponding godly behavior that Scripture mandates for biblical living and freedom in Christ.  A great spiral-bound handbook called “Transformed Into His Likeness” can give you biblical put ons that will transform your thinking and life.  But don’t stop there.

Finally, 4) write up a plan of action that brings your thoughts, words and actions into captivity to Christ (2 Cor. 10:4-5).  The more specific you can be the better your plan will result in life-changing transformation.  If you write down, “Pray every day,” that is good, but it’s not very specific.  You should write down and practice, “Pray twice a day at devotions in the morning and before going to bed for God to supernaturally take the Scriptures you are meditating on and memorizing and make them real and practical in your life.”  Then keep a journal of how God is answering your prayer, so you personally know how the plan is working.  The journal will also be a measurement that you can check to see if you are actually following your plan.

Friends, if you plan, you’ll have a chance against the flesh.  Above all, make Christ your all in all.  He is the only solution.  The plan is nothing if it is not centered on Jesus Christ!

Question: What does the first class condition in Col. 1:23 mean?

Posted on by
Reply

I have a question about the word “if” in Colossians 1:23 (and others). I understand that it is supposed to be a first class condition meaning “since” but I don’t know what that means. I also don’t know why it isn’t translated “since.” Would you enlighten me?

 This is a great verse.  It gives the believer great hope of future glorification just like the promise of Romans 8:29-30 where Paul uses five verbs to describe how God sees the believer already in a glorified state.  Those five verbs are: He foreknew; He predestined, He called, He justified and He glorified.  So how do we look at the “if” of Colossians 1:23?  The false teachers at the time said God is important, but they added works to the spiritual growth process.  Paul is helping the Colossians see that faith alone in Christ alone is all that is necessary to be presented in glory, holy and blameless.  Let’s get the context:
21And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled  22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight–   23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.  (Col 1:21-23)

 We should note that Paul contrasts our state as unbelievers in Colossians 1:21 with the Blessed Hope of Jesus presenting believers holy, blameless and above reproach in glory in Colossians 1:22.   Later, Paul will call this the “hope of glory” (Col. 1:27).  One day, we’ll be presented holy in glory! Even so, come Lord Jesus!  

When Paul uses the “if” clause beginning in Colossians 1:23, it seems like the presentation is dependent on us.  “If we don’t continue, then we won’t be presented,” some might say.  But Paul states that the believer is already complete in Christ (Col. 2:10). So what must be done?

There are passages like Philippians 1:6 that confirm our completion when we see Jesus.  Paul prays that God will sanctify the Thessalonians completely at the coming of Jesus (1 Thes. 5:23-24).  Paul says, “He will do it!”  In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he prays that God would “fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power” in the believer (2 Thes. 1:11).  Paul also writes to the Corinthians, “[Jesus Christ], who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Co 1:8)   Peter prays, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Pet. 5:10)

So, in Colossians, was Paul making them doubt?  No, God sees them as glorified positionally.  But, they weren’t perfected yet.  They still were exhorted in Colossians 3, because they were failing over and over with many types of sins.  The first class condition is a statement of fact, or “if and the following clause is a fact.”  There are three other conditional clauses in the Greek that are for another study.

They will be presented holy, and blameless, and above reproach.  Since they continue in that mode they will be because they are grounded (perfect passive participle), they will see that transformation in time, but ultimately all believers will be caught up to the perfect standard of righteousness.  To what level in time?  To the extent they pursue the holiness of God. 

Paul did not doubt that they would continue and was positively affirming them (yet also exhorting them in Colossians 3).   Paul sees their growth as being fulfilled. They are like a building set on a firm foundation.  As the building is on a firm foundation, so they should stand upright to verify the firm foundation on which they stand – live a holy life, because they were bought with a price of the precious blood of Jesus Christ.  There was no earthquake (they were in a region of land movements) or storm that could shake them from their foundation on Jesus Christ.

We are not saved by continuing in faith.  We continue in faith to demonstrate we are saved.  We have assurance of salvation, because we continue to grow rooted in Christ (Col. 2:7).  Thus, every Christian should examine himself daily to ensure he is growing as Paul writes, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Cor. 13:5)

So, Paul uses “if” as a First Class Condition clause (ei + indicative of the verb) whereby Paul assumes the Colossians will continue in their faith growth to demonstrate they have salvation.

Question: Why does Acts 8:16 not include Spirit baptism?

Posted on by
Reply

Question: Why does Acts 8:16 say that “they had simply been baptized in the name of Jesus” but didn’t receive the Holy Spirit until Peter came and laid hands on them? Does it have to do with the gift of the Holy Spirit just then being given? I have always believed when someone comes to know CHRIST and puts their faith in Him for salvation, that person receives the Holy Spirit at that time?
Great question and thanks for asking.  Let’s get just a little more context.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.  For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Act 8:14-16)
 
Is the Holy Spirit received at salvation? Normally yes.  God the Holy Spirit baptizes, regenerates, indwells, gives a spiritual gift(s) and begins the sanctification process at the moment of salvation – faith in Christ.   However, Acts is a book of transition and is descriptive in nature rather than prescriptive (it describes what happened rather than declares what will happen). In this instance, the people received the Word of God and were baptized in the name of Jesus, but they did not receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Why?

Remember that Jesus in Acts 1:8 told the disciples that they would be “witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”  In Acts 1-7 the gospel was proclaimed in Jerusalem, but it took the persecution against the church to send the gospel scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1-2).  Saul (later Paul) made havoc of the church, but godly men like Philip went down to the city of Samaria preaching Christ (Acts 8:3-5).  Yet, Philip was not one of the disciples directly commissioned by Jesus.

Consider several things.  First, when Peter and John were sent, they took the authority directly given to them by Jesus to Samaria in fulfillment of Acts 1:8 and confirmed Philip’s ministry among the Samaritans. Second, Peter and John would authenticate God’s ministry through them and prevent a schism between the Jews and Samaritans. Consider that when Jesus was returning to Jerusalem and He passed through Samaria, the Samaritans did not receive Him (Luke 9:52-53). So when Peter and John prayed the Samaritans would receive the Holy Spirit, it was far different than when John wanted to call down fire on them (Luke 9:54). And thirdly, Jesus had given the keys of heaven to Peter (Matt. 16:13-20). Peter opened the doors to the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 2).  Here he opens the door to the Samaritans (Acts 8).  Peter will open the door to the Gentiles with Cornelius in Acts 10.   

There are challenges to the timing of the Holy Spirit.  In Acts 10:44-48, the Holy Spirit came on Gentiles before they were baptized. The text says there also, that they were baptized in the name of the Lord (Acts 10:48).   Yet, in Acts 19:5, Paul met some disciples from Ephesus who had been baptized into John’s baptism.  When Paul explained the gospel and when they heard the message, Paul baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Then when Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 19:5-6).

So why? God wanted to demonstrate that the line of authority came through the Jewish apostles.  But He also wanted everyone to know the Samaritans were equal with the Jews, because of the oneness they have in Jesus (Gal. 3:28).  God didn’t want there to be two “universal” churches.  There had been too many years of conflict between Jews and Samaritans.  All believers were equal in Christ.  Again Acts 8:16 is descriptive and transitional.  It does not prescribe what must happen.

Armor of God

Posted on by
Reply

This is the passage we discussed on Sunday:

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints　

                Let me give you a few thoughts on the application of the message.  How do you apply the armor of God?  It’s great to “know” the armor, but how do you apply it?  I barely scratched the surface on what to do.  How do you apply the armor of God to marriage? To raising children? To your work environment? To living with neighbors?  To being good citizens?  Let me just take one area like raising children.

                Put on the belt of truth, because you need to know what God says about child rearing.  The truth will set you free to raise children to godliness to bless them to the fourth generation. The belt of truth keeps your toga and all other distractions from hindering you from moving in God’s perfect plan. The truth organizes your life so that you can move around the battlefield and ensure your children learn God’s truth and be ready to raise their own children when they launch from home.  The belt of truth equips you to deal with the lies, the deceptions, the relativity and compromises of the devil and the world.  Only God’s belt of truth equips you to discern righteous thoughts, words and actions.  The belt of truth gives you discernment to know when to discipline and how to discipline children.  It gives you discernment to know what their real needs and desires are.

                Put on the breastplate of righteousness, because it directs your thoughts, words and actions to reflect the holy standards of Jesus Christ.  When you put it on, you are affirming that you will run from sin and pursue righteousness, holiness and truth, instead of compromising in the world.  The breastplate guards the heart from where all sorts of sinful tendencies arise.  The breastplate helps you model holiness for your children and give them something to reflect in their life as they learn about God’s Word.

                Put on the sandals of peace, because we need to be ready to share the gospel with children.  It’s not the church’s responsibility to evangelize the children, but we will.  People who are not ready with the gospel are walking around barefoot on a rocky world.  That’s painful.  The sandals of peace keep children focused on Kingdom issues rather than pursuing all the worldly desires of life.  Sandals of peace keep the family focus on God’s saving grace and reaching neighbors for Christ rather than barring the door from neighbor contact.  Children need to see parents and leaders who are going out of their comfort zone with the gospel – sandals of peace.

                Put on the shield of faith, because every step is observed by the enemy and he is going to send fiery darts at you to neutralize you in the battle.  He doesn’t want you teaching your children truth.  He wants you distracted thinking the children will figure it out for themselves.  The enemy wants you isolated so you can’t interlock your shield with others in order to work together to raise godly children.  Use that shield of faith to ward off every demonic attack to steal the hearts of your children.

                Put on the helmet of salvation, because if you aren’t confident of your salvation, you’ll either end up working in human power for salvation or you’ll doubt your salvation and not want to venture out to disciple your children or win them to Christ.  The helmet brings your thoughts captive to Christ.  The helmet ensures you cast your problems on the Lord.  The helmet of salvation gives you confidence as you go into battle each day that you have already gained heaven, so now you can be bold about diligent work being equipped for the kingdom and serving to build the kingdom.  You are protected.  Do not let your children go unprotected in the world.

                Use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, because that is God’s weapon to fight for the sake of your children.  Do not let anyone pull your children away from God’s truth.  Do not let your children wander off God’s path.  You blaze the trail with God’s sword.  You ensure the path is clear when you lead your family through the valley of the shadow of death.  That sword will protect you and your children need to learn how to use the sword well.  They need to learn every book of the Bible, promises to claim when they face trouble and passages of Scripture that will give them comfort and confidence as they launch into life.

                Put into effect prayer, because that is your communication to headquarters in heaven.  Prayer is your dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit.  Prayer is your mark of humility to unleash the ruling power of Christ in your life.  Prayer is the dynamic your children need to learn, so they will be effective soldiers for Jesus Christ.  Children will learn to pray when parents pray with them.

                I’ve only scratched the surface of applying the armor of God to raising children. This is the intention of the Message Based Discussion Questions.  We need to discuss how to take the “what” of learning in Scripture and apply it to the “how” and “why” for living. How would you use the armor?  How would you use it in marriage? Work? With neighbors?