August 5, 2008

Fearing the Party of the Circumcision

Paul told the Galatians about the occasion when he had to confront his fellow apostle Peter about his sin (Galatians 2:11-14). This public rebuke occurred in Antioch. Paul explained why Peter “stood condemned” (Galatians 2:11).

“For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision” (Galatians 2:12).

Paul went on to explain that the rest of the Jews, even Barnabas, followed him in his hypocrisy (Galatians 2:13). He then condemned Peter for not being “straightforward about the truth of the gospel” (Galatians 2:14).
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August 1, 2008

No One Is Good Except God Alone

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler

Luke recorded the occasion when a rich young ruler came to Jesus with a question: “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18).

When we talk about this passage, we often begin with Jesus instructing this man to keep the commandments contained in the Law of Moses (Luke 18:20). The man responded that he had done this from his youth (Luke 18:21). So Jesus told him what else he needed to do to inherit eternal life: “Sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor…and come, follow Me” (Luke 18:22). This man was unwilling to do this and departed (Luke 18:23).
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August 1, 2008

The Greater Need

[This article was written by Robert A. Sochor.]

Often in sermons or classes or just in conversations between God’s people the topic of leadership in the church going into the future is discussed. Generally, leadership in such discussions refers to elders, deacons, evangelists, and teachers. Certainly there is a great need for faithful leaders in the church, and these works are noble goals to prepare oneself for. But I also believe there is an even greater need in the church than good leaders; and that is the need for good followers. Being a good follower is so important that good leaders will fail if there are not good followers. Allow me to explain. There are several scriptures that show the need for and define what good followers are.

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August 1, 2008

In the Days of Those Kings

While in Babylonian captivity, Daniel had the opportunity to meet with King Nebuchadnezzar and interpret the king’s dream. The magicians and sorcerers of the land were unable to interpret the dream for the king because he required them to first tell him his dream. Daniel, however, was able to both tell and interpret the dream by the power of God. All of this is recorded in Daniel 2.
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August 1, 2008

Hold Fast the Pattern

Blueprint

“Hold fast the pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, NKJV). This was Paul’s instruction to a young evangelist. Like most other instructions we read in the New Testament, it is just as applicable to us today as it was to Timothy in the first century. But not all of these instructions are emphasized much today. It is not common to hear a denominational preacher talk about the New Testament pattern. There are some in the Lord’s church who do not like to talk about it much either.

In fact, if you emphasize the pattern, some will label you as a legalist or a Pharisee. But we know we must follow the pattern because that is what Paul told Timothy to do. So let us see what the Bible says about holding fast the pattern.
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July 29, 2008

A Lion Outside

Lion

“The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets’” (Proverbs 22:13).

This is one of many verses in the book of Proverbs that talks about the sluggard. The sluggard is lazy. He does not want to do anything or fulfill his responsibilities. Instead, he makes excuses (“There is a lion outside”). Is it a legitimate excuse? Is there really a lion outside lying in wait for him? Actually, it does not matter. His slothfulness has made him believe in the possibility of a lion outside; therefore, just in case, he will decide to stay inside.
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July 22, 2008

Learning to be Idle

“At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention” (1 Timothy 5:13).

This verse comes during Paul’s instruction regarding care for widows by the local church. He explained to Timothy why younger widows were not to be put on the list to receive continuing support. The danger was that they learn to be idle which would leads to other sins – in this case, being gossips and busybodies.
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