May 1, 2009

Who Is My Brother?

Two Men

“Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17).

The brotherhood that Peter mentioned was a special group of people. We know this because it was distinguished from “all people” in the same verse. Because a distinction was made, it would be good for us to understand who our brethren are.

We often talk of those with whom we worship and those with whom we agree in religious matters as being brethren. We are generally careful not to use the term to refer to those in denominationalism. We also talk about brethren in institutionalism with whom we cannot have fellowship. Why? What is the Scriptural basis for making these distinctions?

When told to love his neighbor, the lawyer asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). We are told to “love the brotherhood.” We should ask a similar question: “Who is my brother?”
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April 19, 2009

Impossible to Renew the Fallen

Walking Away

“For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame” (Hebrews 6:4-6).

These verses talk about something that is impossible – restoring a Christian who has fallen away. But what does this mean? Does it mean that if a Christian falls away, they are without hope because they are simply unable to come back to God?
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April 10, 2009

Easter in the Bible

This Sunday is when many religious people celebrate Easter. Easter is used to commemorate the resurrection of Christ. Just when this day began to be observed is unknown. The practice is absent from the pages of the Bible.

However, we do have one mention of Easter in the Bible: “And when [Herod] had apprehended [Peter], he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quarternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people” (Acts 12:4, KJV).

Newer translations, however, do not use the word Easter. Instead, they use Passover. Why is that? Is it because the newer translations are inferior to the “authorized” King James Bible and are, therefore, wrong? No.
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April 3, 2009

Hearers and Doers

James 1:22

“Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:21-22).

James made a contrast between those who are hearers only and those who are doers. When it comes to receiving the word of God, we must do more than just hear it; we must practice it. Our obedience is tied to the salvation of our souls (cf. 1 Peter 1:22).
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April 1, 2009

Doctrine of Baptisms

Baptism

After rebuking his audience for their lack of spiritual growth, the Hebrew writer told them they needed to leave the elementary teachings – those things that made up the foundation of their faith – and press on to maturity (Hebrews 6:1). Included in this foundation was the “instruction about washings” or the “doctrine of baptisms” (Hebrews 6:2).
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April 1, 2009

Jerusalem’s Failings

Destruction of Jerusalem

The prophet Zephaniah warned of the coming judgment against Jerusalem. It would be good for us to consider the reasons why judgment was coming. We can be punished, just as they were, for the same failings. So how did Jerusalem fail?

“She heeded no voice, she accepted no instruction. She did not trust in the Lord, she did not draw near to her God” (Zephaniah 3:2).

Zephaniah gave four reasons why the people of Jerusalem were going to be punished. Let us consider each of these.
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April 1, 2009

A Worship “Experience”

Worship Experience

Many people in the religious world talk about the worship “experience.” What exactly is a worship experience? You will not find this term in the Bible. So what do people mean when they use it?

The worship experience has to do with the worship service in a local church. The experience refers to all the things involved in the service – the message, the music (typically performed by a band), the atmosphere (lighting, décor, etc.). All of these things are part of this “experience.” The things that one sees, hears, and feels make up the worship experience.
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