December 1, 2008

Spirit of Faith

Sunrise

“But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed, therefore I spoke,’ we also believe, therefore we also speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13).

Paul wrote this verse as he told the Corinthians of the ministry he had been given, the hardships he faced for it, and the hope he had for eternal life. He quoted from Psalm 116 – a psalm of deliverance – in which the psalmist expressed his faith and trust in God even in the face of severe trials.

We are to have the same spirit of faith that Paul had. Having this spirit of faith, we will do certain things.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
October 1, 2008

Amos the Herdsman

The Prophet Amos

Preaching the gospel is a noble work. Paul wrote, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things” (Romans 10:15). Yet for many, the work of preaching the gospel has evolved into an occupation. They preach in order to make a living. If a congregation cannot pay them enough, they either move on or send out requests far and wide for outside support. If this does not yield any results, then they quit preaching.

Paul told Timothy, “Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). That was the instruction. He did not say, “Do the work of an evangelist and fulfill your ministry as long as you can make a living doing so and do not have to work a secular job to support yourself.” Yes, Paul also instructed that “those who proclaim the gospel [should] get their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14). However, this instruction was given to a congregation telling them to support those who preach. It was not given to a preacher instructing him to solicit support from other congregations until he receives a comfortable living.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , ,
September 1, 2008

The Great Commission: Mission Accomplished

World Map

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19).

These verses contain two different accounts of Jesus’ instruction to His apostles regarding what they were to do following His ascension. We often call this the “Great Commission.” Their responsibility was to tell the world of the gospel of Christ in order to bring followers to Him.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: ,
September 1, 2008

To the Law and to the Testimony!

Holding Out the Bible

When one scans the religious landscape, particularly the segment of religious people who claim to be Christians, it does not take long to see a broad range of doctrines, beliefs, and practices. How is it that people that claim to follow Christ can believe and teach things that are not only different from each other, but completely contradictory to one another? The answer lies in how we use God’s divine standard.

The standard that God has given us is His word. It contains the truth (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). His word is the standard that will judge us in the last day (John 12:48). Therefore, if we want to please the Lord, we must follow His word (John 14:15; Psalm 119:11).

“To the law and to the testimony!” (Isaiah 8:20). These words must be our attitude. Do the things we believe, teach, and practice harmonize with the word of God? When a question arises, our first response must be to consult God’s word.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , ,
April 1, 2008

Some Thoughts on Persecution

Persecution

The Bible plainly affirms that all Christians will face persecution. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Of course, we may not all face the same degree of persecution. Some will be persecuted severely while others, in comparison, will face only minor persecution. Jesus indicated to Peter that he would have to die for His faith even though John might not (John 21:18-22). Today, there is relatively little physical persecution against Christians in this country, but there are brethren around the world in much more difficult situations. This should not surprise us. We will all be persecuted, but not with equal severity.

Even though a degree of persecution is inevitable, we are to pray that some persecution may be avoided. Paul told Timothy that Christians are to pray for those in civil governments “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:2-3). One of the roles God has given to civil governments is implied in this chapter. Civil authorities are to create and preserve an environment in which Christians can freely practice their religion. This means that the civil authorities are to refrain from persecuting Christians and are to protect their citizens (including Christians) from persecution by others. It is good in God’s sight to pray for our government and those around the world that this type of environment may be maintained.

Why should we pray for civil authorities to do their job in preventing persecution? It is not simply for selfish reasons (because we do not want to face persecution). Rather, it is because persecution hinders the teaching of the gospel. Paul went on to explain why it is good in the sight of God for governments to provide and maintain a peaceful environment. It is because God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). When Christians are unable to “lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2), it is harder for them to do the work they need to do in spreading the gospel.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , ,
February 1, 2008

Who Is Qualified to Preach the Gospel?

Preaching

It is a commendable thing for one to desire to preach the gospel. Yet not everyone should do it. James wrote, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). Preaching the gospel is a serious matter.

How would one become qualified to preach the gospel? Many denominations require that their preachers (or pastors/ministers) complete some sort of training at a college or seminary. Some of our brethren believe a preacher should attend a certain college or complete some type of preacher training program or that these somehow make him more able to teach. But if we really want to know what to expect of one who desires to preach, we need not look any farther than the word of God. The New Testament provides a description of one who is qualified (fit) to preach the gospel.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , ,
January 24, 2008

Some Thoughts from 2 Timothy

In February we’re going to start studying 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus in the Sunday morning Bible class I teach. Tonight I’ve been working on the study guides. When I write a study guide, I divide them up a lesson per chapter. At the top of the page in each lesson I list a key verse in the chapter that states one of the main points.

After I finished 2 Timothy, I noticed a pattern in the verses I had chosen. 2 Timothy 1:13, 2:15, 3:16, and 4:2.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , ,