July 2, 2009

By Faith Abel Offered a Better Sacrifice Than Cain

Cain and Abel

Hebrews 11 contains many examples of faith. The first individual mentioned is Abel. His faith was demonstrated through the sacrifice he offered to God.

“By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4).

In Genesis 4, we read of the sacrifices of these two brothers.

“So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell” (Genesis 4:3-5).

Why did God accept Abel’s offering but not Cain’s? We are not told in Genesis, but we were told in Hebrews 11:4. Abel’s offering was accepted because it was offered “by faith.”
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June 1, 2009

Quibbles About Baptism

Quibbles About Baptism

One of the major distinctions between brethren and the religious world relates to how we understand baptism. We teach that baptism is necessary for salvation (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21), is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), and is our entrance into the Lord’s kingdom (Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Many others teach that baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace (that we are saved before and without baptism) and that it is for membership in a local church or denominational body.

Of course, there are no passages in the New Testament that teach baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace or that we are baptized to gain membership into a local church (and certainly not into a denomination since the New Testament does not speak about them at all). Instead of trying to twist passages in order to provide positive support for these ideas, denominationalists will generally will try to make arguments against the necessity of baptism. They quibble about various passages to try to attack the truth about baptism. Let us notice some passages that people try to use in arguing that baptism is not essential for salvation.
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June 1, 2009

Our Purpose in Life

Sunset by the ocean

People naturally want their lives to have a purpose. Depression often comes when someone thinks his life has no meaning or when he thinks that the things he does have no lasting significance. It is easy to feel a lack of purpose and significance when we focus on physical things.

This is what the book of Ecclesiastes is all about. The wise man began the book with these words: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). He wrote about his search for purpose and satisfaction in many things, but found none. He called wisdom “striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:17). He said pleasure was “futility” and that it accomplished nothing (Ecclesiastes 2:1-2). The great possessions he had obtained were of “no profit” (Ecclesiastes 2:11) and his hard work was “vanity” (Ecclesiastes 2:23). These observations may be summed up in this statement: “So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Many of us have likely had similar thoughts at one time or another.
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May 14, 2009

People Are Not Born Gay

Many homosexuals and those who support their lifestyle have argued that those who are gay are so because of their genetic makeup, i.e., they were born gay. This was given as a reason why we cannot say that homosexuality is wrong because, after all, they cannot help it. Supposedly, there was scientific evidence to back up this claim.

Reasoning from the Bible, Christians have taught that homosexuality is a chosen practice, not a trait that was hardwired into one’s DNA. After all, the Bible calls homosexuality a sin (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:9-10). And we know that God would not allow some people to be born in a state that would guarantee their damnation because “God is not one to show partiality” (Acts 10:35). Paul even alludes to some in Corinth who had once engaged in this practice, but had given it up when they turned to the Lord (“Such were some of you…” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

So we had this apparent conflict. Should we believe the word of God, or scientific evidence?

Well, it turns out that the American Psychological Association is now admitting that there is no evidence that a gene exists that makes one gay. You can read about it here: APA revises ‘gay gene’ theory.

There are surely many factors that contribute to one’s decision to engage in homosexuality. In the same way, there are many factors that might contribute to one’s decision to lie, steal, commit adultery, or murder. But that does not change the fact that these actions are sinful. Instead of looking for excuses for sinful behavior, we must simply repent and follow the Lord.

Jesus is, “to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9). Make the choice to follow Him. As the Hebrew writer went on to say, “let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

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    May 13, 2009

    Do You Have The Lord?

    Tim Haile has recently written an article about what it means to “have the Lord.” It is about our fellowship with God and how to maintain that fellowship. Here is an excerpt from the article:

    Over the years I have been asked this question many times. The question is scriptural and good, but I fear that it is often answered apart from any consideration of the Scriptures. This results in many people affirming to “have the Lord” when they know nothing of what the relationship involves or requires. If we intend to use a Bible phrase, we should use it consistent with its biblical context. Let us see how the phrase is defined in Scripture.

    Read the rest of the article: Do You Have The Lord?

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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

    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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