December 7, 2012

“Obedience of Faith” (12/7)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3.

The epistle of Romans is widely regarded as Paul’s explanation of how we are justified by faith. This is certainly discussed in this letter (Romans 5:1), but many misapply these teachings because they begin with a flawed definition of faith.

Generally, those among Protestant churches define faith in such a way that it is completely separate from works. They believe that salvation could only come by one of two ways: by faith or by works. Therefore, they believe that since salvation is by faith (Romans 5:1), then there are no works (obedience) required on our part to be saved. The problem with this is that it is not taught in the New Testament.

Notice what Paul had to say about faith in the beginning of this letter:

“Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake…” (Romans 1:5).

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November 23, 2012

“That Very Hour of the Night” (11/23)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 15-16.

The conversion of the Philippian jailer is often used by those who wish to argue that belief is the only requirement God places upon man for his salvation. They try to find any passage they think will support their belief that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Yet this example that they often cite does not support their belief at all. In fact, it shows the great importance of baptism. Notice the context:

“And after he brought them out, he said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household’” (Acts 16:30-31).

If we stop here (and many want to stop here), it may appear as though Paul told the jailer that belief is the only prerequisite to salvation. Yet when Paul told this man to believe, he did not know what to believe. He was not acquainted with the gospel. So Paul taught him.
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November 18, 2012

“What Prevents Me From Being Baptized?” (11/18)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 7-8.

Philip met a man from Ethiopia who was returning from worshiping in Jerusalem. This man invited Philip into his chariot to explain the passage he was reading in Isaiah.

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:35-38).

The eunuch wanted to know what prevented him from being baptized. Though they were on a “desert road” (Acts 8:26), with no local church around, this did not prevent him from being baptized. There was no need to wait for a regular assembly of the saints. There was also no need to wait for a special baptismal service like some denominations have today.
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November 15, 2012

The World Could Not Contain the Books that Would Be Written (11/15)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Luke 24; John 20-21.

The gospels record a relatively brief period in the life of Jesus on the earth. There are many things that Jesus said and did that were not recorded. John, at the end of his gospel, explained that it would not be possible to record everything.

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25).

If the gospels do not contain everything that Jesus said or did on the earth, then why did the gospel writers record what they did? Remember, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles “into all the truth” (John 16:13). So why was it that the Holy Spirit had these men include certain things and omit other things? John gave the answer:
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November 12, 2012

“Pressed Into Service to Bear His Cross” (11/12)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 27; Mark 15.

While on the way to crucify Jesus, the Roman soldiers compelled another man to carry Jesus’ cross. Why? Tradition tells us that Jesus stumbled on the way to Golgotha and, because He was physically unable to carry the cross, the soldiers found someone else to carry it. What does the text say?

“After they mocked Him, they took the scarlet robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross” (Matthew 27:31-32).

At what point did Jesus stumble or fall under the weight of the cross? It is absent from the text. Examining the other gospels will also reveal nothing about Jesus stumbling on the way to Golgotha (Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26; John 19:17).

So why was Simon forced to carry Jesus’ cross?
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November 10, 2012

“If I Tell You, You Will Not Believe” (11/10)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Luke 22; John 13.

While Jesus was on trial, He showed us that there will be some who will not accept the truth, even when it is plainly presented to them.

“When it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, tell us.’ But He said to them, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask a question, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of God.’ And they all said, ‘Are You the Son of God, then?’ And He said to them, ‘Yes, I am.’ Then they said, ‘What further need to we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth’” (Luke 22:66-71).

During His time on the earth, Jesus had done enough to prove that He was “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Yet the members of the Council refused to accept it. When they asked this question, Jesus knew that they would not believe the truth. They had already made up their minds that Jesus was a blasphemer and worthy of death.
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October 29, 2012

Believing Only Part of the Truth (10/29)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from John 11.

After receiving word that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests and Pharisees met to determine what needed to be done about Jesus. They were concerned that if He continued, all men would believe Him, which would invite the wrath of the Romans (John 11:47-48). So the high priest, Caiaphas, offered some counsel.

“But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.’ Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. So from that day on they planned together to kill Him” (John 11:49-53).

Notice what the Scriptures tell us about what Caiaphas said. He had received a divine prophecy that “Jesus was going to die for the nation” (John 11:51). This was true. Jesus indicated that He was going to die as well (John 3:14-15; 8:28). Yet even though his message agreed with Jesus’ about this, Caiaphas and his allies were enemies of Christ. How?
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