Category Archives: Salvation

Atonement Day

06 Tuesday Feb 2018

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On the DAY of ATONEMENT, in Leviticus 16, one reads of the seriousness of sin in the life of the nation (and individual) – from the Lord’s perspective. Sin in the life of a person, under the teachings of the Old Testament, was so serious it actually adversely affected one’s relationship with the Lord. If not taken seriously by the one who was guilty of sin, that one’s relationship with the Lord would be severed on Judgment Day. Can you envision that?! I can, and thus the words of Paul in 2 Cor. 5:11 become very real to a person like me. “We know what it means to fear the Lord, and so we try to persuade others” (Good News Bible).

It will do us well (spiritually) to reflect on that in our own lives today. I am afraid there are many who fail to understand the seriousness of sin in one’s personal life. It is deadly and damning. RT

Restoration

13 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by in Bulletin Article, Salvation

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Every now and again one will read a bulletin article or, perhaps, a periodical article that addresses whether it is right and proper to restore the church. In this country, a movement over 200 years old, called the Restoration Movement, took hold and swept many out of denominationalism and into the church as established by the Lord through His apostles.

The Restoration Movement is a way of thinking that seeks to reaffirm the sole authority in religious matter as being in the Bible, specifically the New Testament. One popular phrase that came from this way of thinking is, “Let us do Bible things in Bible ways, and let us call Bible things by Bible names.” What this means is this: if the New Testament does not speak of it, there is no authority to do it (whatever topic of discussion might be under consider).

In Christendom, there are three religious thrusts, or ways of thinking. First, there is Catholicism. This is an ideology that seeks to promote all things relative to the Catholic Church. Whatever change may occur within or without must have sanction of the Pope and the College of Cardinals. Second, there is Reformation. This was an effort to reform the Catholic Church (in the early days of the movement) from within. In other words, the Catholic Church was so religiously and morally corrupted that many priests were determined to reform or change what was done to what should be done. From this reformation effort came the Protestant movement, a protest of the Catholic Church and teachings associated with it. Third, there is Restoration. This is a movement seeking to get back to the way things were done in the times of the New Testament.

Some, in their elitist way of thinking, mock the restoration movement by asking which church will you seek to restore? Will it be the Corinthian church, perhaps the church in Colossae, or even the churches of Galatia? In their mockery, they imply that the efforts to get back to the New Testament is misplaced, that it can’t be done because when people are involved problems and corruption can’t be avoided. Even though there is truth in this, it fails to understand and accept the power of God in the Gospel (Rom. 1:16); they fail to understand, and accept, the desire of many people who are determined to stay loyal to the Lord.

Do we need to restore the church? What needs to be done is this: look through the pages of the New Testament and determine what the Lord requires in the way of holiness, that is, the way of holy living. Pursue that, and with the application made, it will no longer be a desire of the individual’s way of thinking holding sway, but it will be a desire of the individual person submitting to the Lord’s way of thinking. With this in place, again study the New Testament and see what the Lord said relative to the church, and those who were members of it in the first-century. Having learned that, implement what they did to what you and others are doing. The New Testament has a plan in place for the structure of the New Testament church. For instance, some passages that will help one gain clarity of understanding: Matthew 16:13-19; Acts 2:37-47; 20:17-28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy chapter 2 and 3.

These are just some passages that may be of help.

Restoration is not a movement of a body of people, but a movement of one to learn from the Lord and obey His holy will. When that one learns, then that same one teaches. With the one come two, with the two comes four and with the four comes eight, etc. It starts with one’s response to the Lord. How do you choose to respond? RT

Oh…What Mercy!

11 Saturday Nov 2017

Posted by in Bulletin Article, Genesis, love, Salvation

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Abraham had a great test given him by the Lord. Because Abraham loved the Lord, he passed the test and, no doubt taught the same valuable lesson he learned to his son, his promised son Isaac. Though little is known of Isaac, we learn at least two things. First, he was a man of great faith. Second, to him were born two sons; their names were Esau and Jacob. Esau was firstborn, but he gave up his responsibility for a moment’s time of fatigue.

Throughout the lives of these two boys turned into men, there seemed to be a strain. Whether that is so or not, one day it came to the point when the the firstborn (Esau) should have chosen a better course than he did. Famished as he was from a day’s activity, he gave up something that should have never been given up, that is, the privilege and responsibility belonging to him. Firstborn status (also known as birthright) meant that with the responsibilities placed on him in leading the family (and those responsibilities were great) came the privileges of receiving half the inheritance. For a moment’s time, physically hungering, Esau gave it up! it had consequences he could not have imagined.

For Jacob, the consequences of doing what he did was not easily experienced either. He not only deceived his brother (at his mother’s behest), but was always on guard because he knew his brother turned against him. He leaves home and experiences one heartache after another; in fact, so troubled by his life’s experiences, he said to Pharaoh (king of Egypt) that his life has been nothing but trouble (Genesis 47:9). Nevertheless, though Jacob did wrong and paid for it, it was through Jacob that God chose to bless humanity.

Jacob had twelve sons, but it was one son that Jacob wrapped his life around; his name was Joseph. Joseph was the son of his old age, but Joseph soon experienced his own heartache when he was kidnapped by his brothers, sold into bondage and placed in a foreign home where the wife of a significant leader cast her longing eye. For many years, Jacob lived with the knowledge his son had been killed by animal because his other sons told him as much. What Jacob did to his older brother was done to him. In this tumultuous time, Jacob had two sons stand tall. Joseph stood tall for the Lord, and the Lord blessed him accordingly. Jacob taught Joseph well. There was another son; his name was Judah.

There is not much said about Judah in Genesis; that which is said presents to us experiences of the man that also was heart-breaking. In Genesis 38, the experience of Judah was a loss of his wife, the loss of two sons, and an intimate relationship because of loneliness (and sin), but also exposure. It was later in his life, when confronted by the deed he and his brothers were guilty of (kidnapping, selling Joseph and lying about it), he appealed and bowed to Pharaoh’s “right-hand” man, Joseph (unbeknownst to Jacob). The humiliation and horror did not escape any of Jacob’s sons. They were now at the mercy of Joseph.

We are, also, at the mercy of the Lord. Joseph was in perfect position to render justice and judgment, but he chose to take a different course than what his brothers expected. As we read this article right now, do we think of the Lord’s mercy as He extends it to us? If not, perhaps we should. He is in perfect position (and always will be) to render justice and judgment, but oh what mercy! RT

Your Response?

08 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Bulletin Article, Genesis, Salvation

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In our last article, there were two things that were highlighted. First, God created man and woman perfect, but sin was introduced by the Serpent into this world by extending an invitation to the first couple to disobey God. This invitation was received and resulted in  a corrupted relationship with the Lord, a relationship the Lord could not accept. Yet, in His mercy and love, He gave man a temporary bridge wherein man could get back to God.

In this article, our attention will focus on Abraham. Abram (as he was called early on) was a man of great faith, but he was a man without a home. He had a home for the first seven decades of his life, but after he traveled with his father away from his original homeland, the Lord called him to go to a land he would be told about later. Abram gathered his possessions and his family and traveled hundreds of miles on foot to arrive at a land now known as Israel (or Palestine) today.

Abram was a man devoted to the Lord, but in his devotion to the Lord he was perplexed about God’s promise to him (Genesis 12:1-3). The Lord reassured him (15:1-6), and Abram trusted in the Lord answer to his perplexity. Sarai, on the other hand, was still perplexed. She knew about the Lord’s promise, but many years had come and gone and, still, no promise fulfillment. She, then, intervened and gave Abram her maid (Hagar) so children could be born, thus fulfilling God’s promise to Abram. She reasoned that if this occurred, she (Sarai) would be the beneficiary of the union between Abram and Hagar.

Sarai presumed on the Lord’s prerogative and His will. Much heartache came to the family because of Abram, Sarai and Hagar. Apart from the heartache, the Lord’s purpose was not thwarted by confused intentions of three people. About 13 years later, the original promise to Abram was brought to completion in the union between Abraham and Sarah. The promised son, Isaac, was God’s message to Abraham and Sarah there is no obstacle in human affairs the Lord can’t overcome if He chooses to do so. Sarah was beyond the normal years of child bearing, but the Lord was not beholden by any physical limitations.

Abraham and Sarah were tested again, but a test unlike any a parent can comprehend (Genesis 22). Yet, a test (trial) it was. Abraham was called by God to take his son of promise and give him to the Lord. Abraham was prepared to do exactly that. The Lord was pleased with Abraham’s response, and reassurance was given to Abraham about the promise from God much earlier in Abram’s life (12:1-3).

It’s likely you know the story reasonably well, but though it is known, what application can we make? Let me offer two applications. First, there is no obstacle known to man the Lord can’t circumvent. This makes sense, I am sure, because as the Creator of the entire material universe, nothing is beyond Him. To Abram and Sarai, the impossible not only became possible, but was realized in experience. Do you have this kind of trust in the Lord?

Second, the Lord does not need (or want) man to help Him. What can man do to help the Lord? Not-one-thing! If this is so (and it is), then it is our duty and it should be our desire to trust in the Lord, obeying His will. Abraham was called on by the Lord to choose between two of his greatest possessions in life – will he give one or the other away. How would you have responded? RT

Why Blood?

05 Sunday Nov 2017

Posted by in Bulletin Article, Genesis, Salvation

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When was the last time you read Genesis? Perhaps it was not long ago; can you tell someone about the story of Genesis? It’s a very good story, but the people, circumstance and events within its pages are all true. Because many people think it is not, properly understanding worship escapes them.

In six days, the Lord created the heavens and the earth, and on the 6th day the Lord created the male and female. In Genesis 2, the Lord attached the female to the male and humanity has the divine introduction to the smallest unit in the community, the family. This attachment is very important for the family unit and for society. About the family, since the Lord does the attaching, the individual ways of thinking the male and female will certainly have must be bonded together under the banner (teaching) of the Lord to form one unit. Whose opinion holds sway when the perspectives are so different? The only perspective to hold sway is the Lord’s, thus the two become one flesh.

The Lord set up the family, the perfect creation of the smallest unit to beautifully enhance the community. It did not take long, however, before outside influences created havoc with the Lord’s perfect creation of the family. This indicates something important for us. The male and female were created perfect in all-respects, and that included with free-will, or the ability to choose freely. It’s up to each person to choose to do or not do whatever is desired. There are consequences to each choice, the but the choice belongs to each.

Adam and Eve both freely chose to eat fruit forbidden by the Lord, and with this choice sin corrupted the couple. This spiritual corruption could not be helped, but to also pass down to the children taught. Even if the vast-majority of that which was taught was virtuous and righteous, that little bit of corruption was still there! Since that time, man has “bent-over-backwards” to reach God, to bridge a gap that could never be bridged. So, in the interim, God gave a substitutionary method of being pleasing to Him.

The method was blood sacrifice. Why blood? Life is a gift of God, and the life of man is in his blood (Leviticus 17:11). Yet, man’s life (his blood) is now tainted/corrupted by sin. Thus, the life of a human being was not “taint-free” or “corruption-free” of sin. Select animals of God’s choice were not however. Why animals? The blood (life) of man could not atone for his own guilt, his own sin. Yet, the Lord did not want His creation to be left with no remedy to address the separation, wherein he could reach God. He gave man an avenue to cross the bridge to reach God via the substitutionary method of animal sacrifices. The blood (life) of animals was not tainted with corruption like the blood (life) of man. Since life is in the blood (cf. Lev. 17:11; Gen. 9:4-7), and man could not of his own ability bridge the gap to God, God gave a temporary substitute-bridge (the blood of animals).

Why did an animal have to die? When sin enters life, spiritual death results. God could justifiably take one’s life physically since He is the giver of life both spiritually and physically. God, however, chose not to do this. In His mercy, He chose the blood of creatures that could not have sin (ever) taint their blood (or life). Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22; 10:4).

In Genesis, we read of man’s effort to get to God, of man’s effort to live without God and God’s redemptive plan unfold. RT

The Gift(s)

18 Thursday Dec 2014

Posted by in Holidays, Jesus, Salvation

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Mary and Joseph’s troubles had only begun. The joy of a newborn is magnified when one (Mary) learns from the Lord’s angel (Gabriel) that the child she would carry would be the Lord’s anointed. In accordance with Jewish law/tradition, Mary and Joseph circumcise their Son on day eight after his birth. Rather ordinary; the ordinary then turns to marvel when a very old man, Simeon, speaks praise to the Lord and then speaks plainly to both (Mary especially) that their newborn child will bring much joy and anguish to the nation of Israel. In fact, the message and life of the child (then adult) will pierce the heart of his mother (Luke 2:25-35).

This is the part of the “Christmas” story that is often forgotten. So often it is that we hear the joy of the message that God’s Son was brought into the world with that joy expressed in gifts given. But in this joyous occasion it is the forgotten message that He is God’s gift to man. Why would God give a gift to humanity?

The experience of Mary and Joseph illustrate why God gave His unique (one of a kind) Son to man. They learned from the Lord that Herod, a raging and jealous king, was seeking to destroy the child recently born. This insecure man was a servant of Satan. “Now the dragon’s tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and hurled them to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child as soon as it was born. So the woman gave birth to a son, a male child, who is going to rule over all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was suddenly caught up to God and to his throne, and she fled into the wilderness where a place had been prepared for her by God, so she could be taken care of for 1,260 days” (Revelation 12:4-6, NET).

God’s gift to man is not understood; what is learned is rejected exactly because of the efforts of the “dragon” one reads in Revelation. He is the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4), and he seeks to destroy as many as he can.

Though Christmas is not a Bible holiday, it is a time when the Lord’s saints can do much good in helping others learn the true significance of why Jesus came into this world. Whatever gifts are given, it is God’s gift that is truly the most important.

GOING TO CHURCH

07 Tuesday Oct 2014

Posted by in Faithfulness, Relationship, Salvation, Teaching

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“Going to church” is not a matter of going to the building as some sort of check off list. It is not a matter of “works religion.” Gathering together with the saints is much more than that. The saints in the first century did so (Acts 20:7), and Paul exhorted the saints in Corinth to do the same (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 4:17). Those who love the Lord won’t be any place but where the Lord desires, and for the reasons the Lord desires.

Here are some points for your consideration: 1) Matthew 16:13-19—Jesus “built” (established) His church. 2) Ephesians 1:22-23—Jesus is the head of His church, His body. 3) Ephesians 4:4—There is one body (church). 4) Ephesians 5:23-32—The church is the saved. Paul wrote to the local body (in Ephesus); he did not delineate between the local, visible, invisible, and/or universal church. 5) Hebrews 10:19-31—After a lengthy discussion on the differences between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit gives a number of exhortations in this section: a) the saints are to draw near with a true heart (10:22), b) the saints are to hold fast their confession (10:23; cf. Romans 10:9-10), c) the saints are to consider one another (10:24), d) the saints are not to forsake (abandon) the assembling together (10:25); this is your “go to church.” e) to sin willfully is to crucify the Son of God afresh (10:26), f) it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (10:31).

What’s hard to understand? For one who doesn’t want to understand, maybe it’s the heart that is hard.

THE EMPTY PEW

23 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by in Faithfulness, Salvation

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It was Mary’s birthday the other day, but Mary was anything but happy. It seems that she was promised by her dad he would be present for her birthday. She hadn’t seen him in a little while, and she was so looking forward to see him. Mary was even told by her dad the day before that he would be there for her birthday, and he had good intentions of being there. The day came, however, and he never showed. Sadly, Mary did not know why. For all that she knew, her dad could have been in trouble and, if she knew, she would run to help.

Dad was too embarrassed to tell Mary that he would not show; he just hoped she understood. But, she didn’t understand. All that she really did understand what that dad’s good intentions (so he wanted her to believe) fell far short of actual accomplishments. Once again, Mary was saddened and went to bed crying that her dad thought so little of her to not even show up for such an important day to his little girl.

This metaphor illustrates what a parent does who does not love. If dad really loved Mary he would have been there because he promised her he would. If a no-show was unavoidable, he would called and let her know why he could not. In any case, all she knew what he did not show up. It is likely that her dad would have strongly and vigorously disputed anyone who said he did not love his little girl. Mary was home crying because, once again, she did not see her dad when he promised to be there.

Those who love the Lord will be where they promised the Lord they would be, doing what they promised to do. Those who “forget” both will strongly and vigorously dispute anyone who said he (she) did not love the Lord. On Sunday, there sits, still, an empty pew.

Are You Following?

20 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by in Jesus, Salvation

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Judgment is something that we are all very familiar with; the Lord declared that we all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, answering for what we have done in the body, be it good or bad. Of course, the “good” in this context starts with one’s response to the Lord Jesus; the “bad” is everything else. Peter reminds his readers that judgment will start with the church, the “house of God” (1 Peter 4:17). If the church is scarcely saved, then what about those outside the church of our Lord? To ask is to answer. Unless we don’t love our fellow man, we should make it our mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). If we follow Jesus, that is exactly what we are already doing. Are you following Jesus?