May 22, 2009

Even Barnabas

Paul told the brethren in Galatia of the time when he came to Antioch and had to rebuke his fellow apostle Peter or Cephas (Galatians 2:11-14). The reason why Paul rebuked him was because of his hypocrisy. Peter knew that God accepted the Gentiles (Acts 10:34-35; 11:17-18). He also knew that God accepted them without them adopting certain aspects of the Law of Moses like circumcision (Acts 15:5-11). Yet when certain Jews arrived, he withdrew and refused to associate with his Gentile brethren.

Peter’s sin is usually what we emphasize in these verses, and rightly so. But Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, believed it was also good to single out Barnabas as one of the ones who went along with Peter. Paul said, “Even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy” (Galatians 2:13), indicating that Barnabas’ fault was significant. What lessons can we learn from Barnabas’ sin here in Antioch?
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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 1, 2009

    The Grace-Unity Movement

    Candy Heart

    The grace-unity movement has been one of the major controversies among brethren over the past twenty years or so. It is often called “unity in diversity” and it is the idea that we can continue to have unity despite our differences in matters that pertain to the faith because the grace of God saves us and covers our sins.

    This movement has not just affected those in churches of Christ. It is all through the denominational world. We hear of multi-denominational programs, ministries, and worship services. We have community churches which are open to people from all denominations to come together, ignoring the things that could divide them. The differences and distinctions between the denominations do not mean all that much anymore. Members of one denomination are free to jump between churches without being out of place because these churches accept, tolerate, and endorse one another.
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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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    March 1, 2009

    Redemption & Forgiveness; Sin & Judgment

    [This article was written by Robert A. Sochor.]

    In Ephesians 1:3-10, salvation is described using very noble words and ideas, especially verse 7 which contains much information concerning the New Testament plan and need of salvation. Redemption through His blood presents the idea to buy back that which would otherwise be lost. It is central to the gospel — one might say it is the gospel. The purpose of the gospel is not to make the world better but to redeem some out of the world. Titus 2:14 shows we are redeemed by Christ to be a special, pure people zealous for good works. Christians are to consider redemption as most precious because of the great price paid for it (1 Peter 1:18,19). The spiritual blessings we have in high places (Ephesians 1:3) we have because of the blood of Christ (Revelation 5:9,10).

    Forgiveness of sins is also mentioned in Ephesians 1:7. Forgiveness is defined as giving up resentment against or the desire to punish — to stop being angry with — also, to cancel or remit a debt (Webster). This idea is also central to the New Testament. It must be very special to the Christian (1 John 2:12). It must be central to gospel preaching (Acts 13:38) and based upon the work of Jesus and the terms of the gospel. The idea of pardon also helps describe forgiveness. We might think of a convicted prisoner who has no right by his or her own merit to be free again but is granted a pardon or forgiveness of the crime by one in authority, thus regaining freedom. Christians have forgiveness of sins through blood and by grace which make it quite important in light of Romans 6:23. In the affairs of men, forgiveness of crime or wrongdoing may or may not come with conditions. In the area of eternal salvation, forgiveness has very well defined conditions required in the gospel.

    Ephesians 1 uses very eloquent terms to describe what God has done for our salvation. But there are some very common ideas today that undermine the teaching of this chapter and much of the New Testament. If we believe there is no such thing as sin or fail to see our works as transgressions before God, then we will never appreciate passages like Ephesians 1 which speak of redemption and forgiveness of sins. If sin does not exist or is really not so bad, then redemption (or the blood of Christ) has little meaning to us. If sin does not result in eternal loss (Romans 6:23), then why did Jesus die? It would have little or no significance to us. We cheapen the ideas of redemption and forgiveness by dismissing the idea of sin, and passages such as Ephesians 1 could be removed from the Bible and not be missed. It has been said that true understanding of sin and its consequences is the only way to fully understand and appreciate the grace of God, our salvation, and the price that was paid for it.

    The same thing could be said for denying the idea of Judgment Day or that anyone could be lost eternally at that time. Some believe God will save all at the last day. The Bible is clear that there will be a day of judgment (Romans 14:10) and that some will be eternally lost that day (Matthew 25:46). If this is not true, then why would we ever need the blood of Christ? We would need redeeming from what and for what?

    Our salvation is great and precious. Having a good Bible understanding of sin and eternal loss will help us understand what Christians have been blessed with in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3-10).

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    February 5, 2009

    Ted Haggard’s Complaint Against “The Church”

    Fallen Evangelical “pastor,” Ted Haggard, has been speaking out recently about the scandal involving homosexuality that brought him down and the reaction of the religious community to his sin, particularly the “Christian Right.” Notice the following article from the Christian Post about how he believes the “Christian Right” needs to change.

    Haggard: Christian Right Off Course, Needs to Change

    It’s a short article, and an interesting read. I just wanted to comment on three things Haggard says.
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    January 1, 2009

    Tools to Help Us Overcome Temptation

    Tools

    There are certain things that every one of us will face in life. One of these things is the temptation to sin. The Bible teaches us that “each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust” (James 1:14). James went on to show the end result of one giving in to temptation: “Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (James 1:15).

    Sadly, all men and women of accountable age must acknowledge that there have been times when they have given in to temptation and have sinned. “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). The Scripture plainly says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

    In spite of this, we can find encouragement in God’s promise about temptation: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
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