[This article was written by Justin Monts.]
Many people decide to “trust in their heart” with regard to spiritual things and believe that by this they can’t go wrong. To point out from the Bible where they have departed is fruitless because they “know in their heart” they are saved. To press them for authority on infant baptism, praying to Mary, or speaking in tongues leads nowhere because they “know in their heart” these are approved.
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[This article was written by Matt Nevins.]
In life there are occasions that call for celebration and rejoicing. Weddings, births, graduations, job promotions, and many other things cause great joy in our lives. It is easy to get caught up in things of this life and lose sight of spiritual events that ought to cause great joy as well. Paul encouraged the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Note some events that ought to cause rejoicing.
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“Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech” (2 Corinthians 3:12, KJV).
Paul told the Corinthians that he deliberately made his words and his message clear and understandable in his work as a minister of the new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6). The new covenant Paul referred to is the gospel. He used “great plainness” as he preached. Why use such plainness? It is because of the hope we have under the new covenant. Those who obey the gospel have the hope of heaven because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. But why is “great plainness” necessary in preaching the gospel? Let us notice a few reasons.
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[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]
Reminders help us call to remembrance things that are important. At work we may leave notes to remind us to complete a task. We leave a reminder to make sure the task is completed and not forgotten. Therefore we should be able to see the usefulness to be reminded of spiritual tasks that need to be completed. The book of 2 Peter is a book of reminders for Christians (2 Pet. 1:12-15). The apostle reminds Christians of some things that need to be completed before the tasks are forgotten.Continue Reading
[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]
It is important to consider from time to time the things found in the Old Testament. In Romans 15:4 Paul said, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” We can find hope and encouragement by looking at the examples in the Old Testament so we will not fall to the same temptations as those in times past (1 Cor. 10:6). By studying the book of Obadiah, we will be able to evaluate the attitude and treatment of others God desires.
As we open our Bibles to study the text in Obadiah, it is evident that this book is very short. I feel that there are those who will not take the time to study this book with much thought because of its concision. This is the wrong attitude to have towards God’s word. In the first verse of Obadiah we find the phrase “Thus says the Lord God.” We need to remember that this book is God’s inspired word just as much as any other book in the Bible. Therefore we need to look at the things revealed by God to have a better understanding of His will and His mind (1 Cor. 2:10-13). God has spoken, therefore we need to listen and make application!
Obadiah is the account of a vision that Obadiah had (vs. 1) concerning the nation of Edom. Remember that the people of Edom are the descendents of Esau (Gen. 36:6-8). In the first two verses of the book of Obadiah, we read how judgment had already been passed upon Edom. God said Edom would be made small among the nations, to the point where there would be no survivors (Obadiah 18). God shows His power, authority, and Majesty in the realm of mankind. Nebuchadnezzar learned this when he was humbled by God due to his pride in Daniel 4. Nebuchadnezzar, who wrote the declaration of Daniel 4, is warned and informed that God rules in the “realm of mankind” (Dan. 4:1, 25). God will pass judgment and give the power to whomever He desires. Edom was found wanting on God’s balance and was therefore punished by God.
Pride. One of the reasons for the destruction of Edom was the pride the nation bore. It is interesting to note that the land in which the Edomites dwelt contributed to their prideful attitude. Obadiah makes mention of this in Obadiah vs. 3-4:
“The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, You who live in the clefts of the rock, In the loftiness of your dwelling place, Who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the earth?’ Though you build high like the eagle, Though you set your nest among the stars, From there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord.
As Christians today, we need to constantly remember that every good thing is from God (James 1:17). We live in a country that is richly blessed. This is evident by our homes, our clothes, our libraries, and even our accustomed meals! Let us remember the example of the Edomites and how they allowed their surroundings to affect their attitudes.
The Edomites had allowed their pride to deceive them to the point where they thought that they were invincible (Obadiah 3). When a person acquires a pride like this, that person needs to watch out before he/she is destroyed! The Preacher said in Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Those who have pride and believes that they are more than what they truly are will be punished (Prov. 16:5). The type of people that God desires is the meek and humble. God will draw near to those who have a humble spirit, but will reject those who are proud (James 4:6-10; 1 Pet. 5:5-7). God has the power to humble those “who walk in pride” (Dan. 4:37). It is better to be exalted by the Lord than to be exalted by self and be abased by God!
Edom’s Treatment to Israel. The treatment that one extends to another is viewed by God. We find in Matthew 5:44, Jesus instructed the disciples to love their enemies and pray for those that may persecute them. The individual ought to show kindness and love toward others. John encouraged the brethren to love one another just as God has loved us (1 John 4:11). God also sees the actions that a nation bestows upon other nations.
Obadiah records for us some of the things that the nation of Edom did to Israel. In verse 10 it is noted that Edom had shown violence toward Israel. Amos also notes this violence shown by Edom in Amos 1:11. God speaking through Amos said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘For three transgressions of Edom and for four I will not revoke its punishment, Because he pursued his brother with the sword, While he stifled his compassion; His anger also tore continually, And he maintained his fury forever.” Such actions ought not to have occurred against the nation of Israel. Because Edom acted against the Lord’s people, God would punish the nation.
Obadiah also records for us that Edom acted as the other nations when they cast lots for Jerusalem and carried off the wealth of Israel. Edom, who was considered as brethren of Israel (Amos 1:11), did not help defend Israel but aided their enemies to be victorious. Joel mentions God would judge all of the nations that bartered with the children of Israel (Joel 3:3). God said He would judge those nations and Edom was to be one of them!
God warned the Edomites not to: rejoice and gloat because of the punishment that was to be executed upon Judah, to enter the gates of God’s people to loot Judah’s wealth, or to cut down the fugitives and enslave the survivors in Obadiah verses 12-14. Judgment was coming upon Edom and the nation would reap what it had sown (Obadiah 15-18). The destruction of Edom would be so thorough that it would be as if the nation had never existed! We can turn on the televisions and see how much trouble is going on between many of the Middle Eastern nations, but you will never hear of any problems with the Edomites because there is no one left of Esau’s lineage. God said that Edom would be destroyed and it was so!
There are applications Christians today can make. Christians need to remember to associate with the humble and to be humble as well (Romans 12:16; James 4:10). When we have this mind set of being humble, we will put others’ needs before our own. This mind set will aid us to do the things that God would have us to do. One day we will reap what we have sown, therefore let us do good to others (Gal. 6:7-10). These are lessons that we can find in the book of Obadiah. Let us take these things, which God has spoken and preserved for us, and make application to ourselves that we may grow to be stronger and more mature Christians in the Lord’s body!
There will be a day where each person will give an account of the things that he/she has done in this life (Romans 14:12). Edom did evil in the sight of the Lord and was punished; let their example warn us of the severity of God. There are individuals that will say that God loves us too much to send us to hell. Did God preserve Edom, the ancient world, the angels that sinned, Sodom and Gomorrah, or anyone else that disobeyed God? The answer is no! We can read of passages like 2 Peter 2:4-10 and see how God will bring judgment upon the unrighteous. God said that judgment is coming! Will we obey the words of God, or reject Him?
[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]
In life there are basic necessities in order to maintain life. Humans need food, water, clothing, and shelter-these are basic necessities. It is recognized that these are needs that are to be fulfilled, yet when it comes to spiritual necessities, people would rather be starving, thirsty, naked, and homeless rather than being obedient to God and be spiritually established. The text teaches that baptism is essential, thus being necessary, for the salvation of our souls. However, man will twist this simple truth to their own destruction and will lead many into error. What does the text teach concerning the necessity of baptism?
For the purpose of this study, we will not consider all the things man has said in the past. Rather, we will appeal directly to the text and make applications based upon the text, not upon any preconceptions or biases. In Acts 2:36 the apostles were speaking boldly teaching “this Jesus whom you have crucified, God has made him both Lord and Christ.” The pure reaction that is shown in the context is a reaction of a convicted group of people of their sin and they realize the truth. Therefore the question was raised, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) What was the answer given to this group of people? The text continues in verse 38, of Acts 2, with Peter plainly stating, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The answer given is repent and be baptized. Note this was not presented as an option, with other avenues, but presented as necessary.
This is not the only place where baptism is spoken of as being required. Mark 16:16 is a plain statement: “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he who does not believe shall be condemned.” Who is the one that will be condemned? The text teaches the one that does not believe. Therefore, who is the one that will be saved according to the text? He who believes and is baptized is the one that will be saved. Our question is: Is baptism necessary for salvation? Here the text says yes. If this passage does not teach that baptism is necessary, then how should one need to change it to make Mark 16:16 say that baptism is necessary?
These passages show that baptism is necessary for salvation, but other things happen as well as a result of the salvation one obtains through baptism. We find that people are added to the Lord’s Church (Acts 2:47), one is put into Christ (Gal. 3:27), one becomes a child of God (Gal. 3:26), one is crucified, buried, and raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:1-4), spiritually circumcised (Col. 2:8-15), one is washed (1 Pet. 3:21, Acts 22:16), as well as one calls on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). These are all things that happen as a result of baptism being practiced. Since God is not a liar, and the Bible is the word of God, therefore this must be the truth of the matter. If baptism is not practiced then one can’t be a part of the Church, or be a child of God as a result of being in Christ, or remove the old man to start anew, or to be washed, or even call on the name of the Lord. Is there another way for these things to occur without baptism? The text does not show or teach there is another outlet.
If you want to be cleansed and be free again to serve God, how are you going to do so? The Bible teaches that baptism is the means for this transformation and rebirth (Jno. 3:5, Tit. 3:5). Why would one want to deny a simple and basic command and neglect a necessity for our spiritual lives?
What does “propitiation” mean? How is “justification” connected to salvation? What does “sanctification” look like in our day-to-day lives? The Bible uses some powerful words to describe God’s plan to save mankind. However, these words are not always easy to understand, especially when they are not part of our everyday vocabulary. This book explores key Bible terms that unlock the message of the gospel.
Big Words in the Bible examines five important words – Propitiation, Reconciliation, Sanctification, Justification, and Resurrection – using plain language to see how the Scriptures describe these concepts and how the apostle Paul employs them in his letter to the Romans. This book also contains an appendix with eleven additional articles to explore these topics further.
Whether you are new to the Bible and want to grow in your understanding or want a simple way to explain these core gospel doctrines to others, this book will be helpful. With a focus on the Scriptures, Big Words in the Bible helps break down these fundamental topics to shed light on the life-changing message of the gospel and the salvation found in it.
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