March 8, 2011

Lessons from the Melodeon at Midway

Midway Melodeon

One of the most significant events of the Restoration Movement was the introduction of a melodeon in the assembly of the church in Midway, Kentucky. According to L.L. Pinkerton, the preacher at Midway, this was the first time an instrument had been successfully introduced among those of the Restoration Movement. He made this claim in 1860.

The reason why this was significant was because of the plea voiced by the preachers of the Restoration – speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where it is silent. Every religious practice would have to pass the test of Scripture. If one could not demonstrate that a practice was according to the New Testament pattern (2 Timothy 1:13), that practice was to be rejected because everything must be done by the authority of Christ (Colossians 3:17). Therefore, instrumental music in worship was widely rejected in the Restoration Movement. It did not fit the pattern revealed in the New Testament which, therefore, made it unauthorized.

So how did the melodeon find its way into the worship of the church in Midway? It certainly did not happen overnight. If we can learn the lessons from this event, then we will hopefully be prepared to guard ourselves against potential apostasies today.
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March 5, 2011

Your Sin Will Find You Out

Fingers crossed

Shortly before the Israelites were to cross the Jordan to conquer the promised land, the sons of Rueben and Gad came to Moses and requested that they be allowed to take possession of the land east of the Jordan rather than the land across the river where the rest of their brethren were going (Numbers 32:1-5). At first Moses objected, accusing these tribes of abandoning and discouraging their brethren as they were about to go to war with the inhabitants of Canaan (Numbers 32:6-7). But the sons of Rueben and Gad assured Moses that they would first build cities for their families and sheepfolds for their livestock, then they would cross over and fight with their brethren, not returning to their homes until the other tribes took possession of the land (Numbers 32:16-19).

Moses agreed to this proposition. If the men would cross the Jordan with their brethren, fight with them, then after their victory return to their homes, they could have the land east of the Jordan as their inheritance (Numbers 32:20-22). But Moses warned them against failing to carry out what they had promised to do: “But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

These men needed to be sure they understood the seriousness of both their words and their actions, and the consequences of their failure. We need to learn these lessons today as well.
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February 28, 2011

Christians In Name Only

Open Bible

If you listen to certain conservative political commentators, you will likely hear the term “RINO” used to describe a particular kind of politician. If you are unfamiliar with the term, it is an acronym that means “Republican In Name Only.” These individuals are often criticized for claiming to be Republicans, while often siding with the Democrats, thus giving the Republican party as a whole a bad name.

I bring up this example because there are too many who are like these RINO Republicans, but in a matter that is far more important than politics. The ones I am referring to are “Christians In Name Only.” These individuals not only jeopardize their own soul, but also have a negative impact upon the cause of Christ.
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February 24, 2011

Silenced Cries: A New Blog Dealing with the Issue of Abortion

In July 2009, I posted a review of Aaron Erhardt’s book, Silenced Cries, A Study of Abortion. Aaron has recently started a new blog dealing with the topic of abortion. He approaches the issue, not only from a religious and moral perspective, but also as it relates to society in general, as well as politics.

His most recent article is particularly good — Answering Pro-Choice Arguments. In it he clearly and concisely answers some of the common arguments made in favor of abortion

You can visit the site by clicking the link below. I encourage you to check it out and also tell others about it who might be interested.

Silenced Cries

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February 11, 2011

Are the Jews Still God’s Chosen People Today?

Flag of Israel

The United States, both its people and its government, have generally been supportive of Israel over the years. While I personally believe this is good, it is not for the reason that is often given by those who are or want to sound religious. Many today will say that we need to support Israel because the Jews are God’s chosen people. The necessary conclusion then is that if we want to remain in God’s good favor, we must continue to support the nation of Israel. This reasoning is faulty and without Biblical support.

This is not to say that the Jews were never God’s chosen people. The Scriptures plainly tell us that they were. Notice what Moses told the children of Israel after their deliverance from Egypt:
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February 5, 2011

Church Services vs. The Super Bowl

Watching Football

The biggest sporting event of the year – the Super Bowl – will kickoff this Sunday evening. The televised game garners much attention, even from those who are not sports fans. Super Bowl parties, large and small, will be held in every part of the country.

Many congregations typically have regular assemblies scheduled during this time. As Christians, what are we to do? We have several options, though not all are equal in merit. Let us examine these in light of the Scriptures.
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February 3, 2011

God’s Killing of Children in Old Testament Judgments

King Saul received instructions from the Lord regarding the destruction of the Amalekites. “Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey” (1 Samuel 15:3).

This is not the only time we read of children being killed in the execution of divine judgment. The skeptic sees this as an opportunity to attack God, the Bible, and the faith of those who believe in God. Why would God kill, or instruct others to kill, infants and children?

Tim Haile has put together a good study on this question. If you have wondered how a just God could allow these children to be killed along with the wicked, or you want to better equip yourself to answer the skeptic on this point, I encourage you to read his material.

You can find the article at the following link: God’s Killing of Children in Old Testament Judgments (PDF)

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