One of the themes emphasized in John’s first epistle is love. In particular, the inspired apostle stressed the importance of loving our brethren in Christ: “Beloved, let us love one another” (1 John 4:7). In this short letter, John provided at least nine reasons why we should love one another. Let us briefly notice each of these.
Why should we love our brethren?
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As time goes on, more churches (even among brethren) are hosting meals as a function of the local church. But should churches be involved in this practice? As with every question, we must strive to determine if such activities are authorized. This will be determined by examining the word of God, not by observing the cultural norms in our society or the current trends in the religious world. So let us examine what Paul had to say to the church in Corinth.
“But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.
“Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper, for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk.
“What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you” (1 Corinthians 11:17-22).
Before the “official” division between the Disciples of Christ and the churches of Christ, David Lipscomb worked hard in doing what he could to prevent the need for division. But eventually he realized that division was inevitable. This deeply saddened him. He had opposed innovations like the missionary society and instrumental music in worship to God. But he lamented the fact that many would not stand with him, thus making division necessary.
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We often remember the “Great Commission” in which Jesus told His apostles, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). However, prior to this, Jesus gave His apostles what we may call the “Limited Commission.” They were to “go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6).
Though we are living in the time since the giving of the Great Commission, there are still important lessons we can learn from the earlier Limited Commission that apply even today.
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Thought from today’s Bible reading from Romans 14-16.
Too many Christians are content to ignore the threat of false teachers. They naively assume the best of their brethren at all times, not wanting to believe that a fellow Christian could ever lead them away from the Lord. But if we notice Paul’s warning to the saints in Rome, we will see that this type of attitude puts one in danger of being led astray by false teachers.
“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Romans 16:17-18).
False teachers are to be marked (KJV) so that we know who they are. This is not popular in a society that values political correctness and religious ecumenism at all costs. Yet this is vitally important for our spiritual survival. Notice some of the things that false teachers do to those who are persuaded by them:
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Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 5-8.
The popularity of the “grace-unity” movement has led many to tolerate sin within their congregations. This was happening in Corinth when Paul wrote to them. He rebuked them for it.
“It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst” (1 Corinthians 5:1-2).
The Corinthians were being more tolerant than God allows within the bounds of fellowship. They accepted one with whom they had been told not to associate (1 Corinthians 5:11). Yet Paul did not just rebuke them for being too tolerant. He rebuked them for arrogance.
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Thought from today’s Bible reading from Galatians 1-3.
When Paul obeyed the gospel and went from being an enemy of Christ to being an apostle of Christ, we might expect that he would have gone and met with the other apostles for encouragement, support, and help as he began his work for the Lord. Yet he told the Galatians that this is not what happened.
“I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. But I did not see any other of the apostles, except James, the Lord’s brother” (Galatians 1:16-19).
Paul did not need to seek out the apostles immediately after his conversion to get some sort of validation from them. He had been given a mission from the Lord, and he simply got busy doing it.
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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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