Tag Archives: judgment

THE POWERFUL SWIFT SWORD

02 Wednesday Nov 2016

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The Scripture tells us that God’s word is living, active and sharper than any two-edged sword. The point of that remark is in relation to the weaponry the Roman soldier would carry into battle. History has spoken of the might of the Roman army, but the might (strength/power) could not have been attained and maintained without the proper equipment and skilled leaders that could train men for the endurance and battles that each would have to engage. Rome could not have lasted as a leading community, a city-state, then an empire for as long as it did (about a thousand years) without something going for it. But, in the fifth century A.D., mighty Rome came “tumbling down” because of many factors, one of which was that residing in the heart of each of its citizens.

While they held sway over the empire, not only was there skill in leadership, there was a weapon of choice. The two-edged sword was a short sword of about 18 inches in length—though the point is not its length/size as much as its effectiveness. It could be used in close combat and effectively used by a skilled soldier. It was not a defensive weapon, but a “close quarter offensive weapon” (Baker Bible Dictionary, p. 1588).

The sword was clearly used for judgment purposes!

In Hebrews 4:12, the Lord, also, speaks of the sword used for judgment purposes. Its two-edged sharpness intimates its capabilities associated with exposing us and our way of thinking to the very foundation of who we are. In other words, there is no escaping the Lord’s knowledge of our intents, purposes and actions. The Word in its judgment of us helps us to see who we actually are, helps us to shape our individual lives in such a way that we live in accordance with the way Jesus lived His life. If we fail the Lord in this, then we have failed ourselves. In Revelation 19:15, the rider on the white horse has a two-edged sword coming from his mouth, clearly conveying judgment against those who have refused his admonitions to repent.

On the other hand, having heard the Lord and having obeyed His holy will, we are called upon by the Holy Spirit to use the sword to help others learn the same thing we already learned. One does not use the Lord’s sword to plunk people on the head, but to help them see themselves as the Lord actually sees them in the present. Thus, when you use the “sword of the Spirit,” don’t use it to tell someone how right you are, but use it as designed by God about how right He is, and that we one day will be called to account by Him, with God using the very word spoken by Jesus to judge us (2 Cor. 5:10, John 12:48). RT

Romans 7 Summary

22 Thursday Oct 2015

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In Romans 7, Paul once again goes back to the Law of Moses. Some are of the opinion that the word “law” is not specific, but it is my contention that Paul is specific with his use of the word. Throughout this discourse he has been making reference to the Law of Moses, and there is no reason, in my estimation, to think that he is not doing the same here (cf. Deut. 22:22-24; Num. 5:13-31; Ex. 20:14). In any event, Jesus took the Law of Moses to the cross with Him. When he was buried, the Law also was; when He was raised, the Law was not. The “old husband” (Law of Moses) was now dead. Thus, those of Rome who are in Christ had already been made free to marry a “new husband.” Continuing with the analogy, the “old husband” brought judgment, but the “new husband” brought life and peace. The old husband served “his” purpose, making clear man’s sinful tendencies. Since the Law of Moses could not save anyone (Acts 13:39), all it could do was bring to one’s mind his own failings (sins). This is the nature of the principle of “law” (without specific regard to the Law of Moses); it can only pint out failings. With this knowledge “in hand,” Paul said, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (7:24). The answer is, and can only be, Jesus (7:25).

A Day of Visitation

11 Thursday Jun 2015

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It is difficult to suffer when nothing you did warrants the suffering experienced. Peter spoke about the proper approach a Christian is to have when this occurs. Let your conduct (behavior in life) be of such virtue and righteousness that when others speak against—and they certainly will—when they speak against you, then on Judgment Day those false accusations will not only fall to the “floor,” but the life you lived will bring glory to God before their eyes (1 Peter 2:13). On the other hand, if this “day of visitation” is something that pertains to some earthly experience, then those false accusations will not only fall to the ground, but the accuser will be embarrassed and, perhaps, have a change of thinking and ways, maybe even submitting to God.

The Moral Force of Atheism (Letter to Editor)

14 Thursday May 2015

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There is nothing within atheism that warrants them to identify a moral wrong. When they assert that something is wrong in a moral context all they are really saying is “I think that is wrong, and you should to!” There is nothing more they can say. Thus, in the context of the Holocaust, the moral force of an atheist (agnostic, secularist) is strictly a subjective opinion. They cannot objectively sustain that Nazi Germany did anything morally wrong. This was brought out in Wallace Matson – Thomas Warren Debate on the existence of God (Tampa, 1978).

The tragedy of the Holocaust was recently, and vividly, brought out in the Monday issue of the paper (page A-7, 5.11.2015); in the story, we learned of a little boy’s struggle while in Europe during the Second World War. The heartache experienced and the moral outrage of evil deeds done by an evil people (Nazis) gets every thoughtful person to ponder why evil even exists. That it does is incontrovertible. Yet, while an atheist knows that it exist he (she) can’t tell anyone what evil really is, or why it exists. They can’t do this because they can’t identify a transcendent, objective good.

If atheists say that what Nazi Germany did was evil, be sure to ask them why they think it was evil. It is likely they will say something along this line: because it “harms” or “hurts” others. This is not a substantive answer because the necessary follow-up is: what makes “harm” or “hurting people” an evil? Ultimately, all an atheist (agnostic, secularist) will be able to say is because “I think it is.”

Evil can only be identified when it is placed alongside that which is good. Without a measuring standard of “good” all any one will be able to offer is a subjective opinion. With God, however, there is no subjective opinion belonging to man concerning what is good. That which Nazi Germany did was evil because the measuring standard of “good” (Matthew 22:34-40) shows it to be exactly that.

Submitted to JC-TC.com (5.11.2015)

Spiritually Dead and Adam’s Sin

16 Friday Jan 2015

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For Bible class this morning I have done much study on Romans 5 and the particular point Paul was making. This study pertained to Romans 5:12-16. I have always enjoyed this portion of the chapter because of its difficulty; if something is difficult, then it requires of me much effort to correctly understand it. This is very stimulating to me. Sometimes, however, difficulty is more in the words used to convey the teaching than the teaching itself.

Paul’s primary point in chapter 5 is associated with the word justified. In 5:1, Paul states that Christians are “justified by faith,” while in 5:15-17, Paul explains this justification in relation to Adam’s contribution of judgment. In other words, Adam’s gift to mankind was death, judgment, and condemnation. Because physical man is of the “seed of Adam,” there is no way for Adam’s posterity to escape his contribution to our present and future. On the other hand, Jesus’ contribution to man was (is) life, acquittal, and pardon (or redemption). Because we have chosen to be of the “seed of Abraham” (4:18-25) in our obedience to God’s will, that from which we could not escape on our own (death) has been overcome/crushed (John 16:33).

One might wonder: “But, we still die. How have we escaped?” What Adam brought into the world was physical death, and the verdict of God from that time forward was the same (Hebrews 9:27). Adam’s spiritual death was not something that transferred to each generation thereafter. Spiritual death became our own (if you will) when we walked the same path Adam walked, that is, a path of disobedience.

Our escape, then, is in two parts. First, Jesus was victorious over physical death in His resurrection. With that, He gave man hope of the same. Second, with man being spiritually separated (dead) and without hope, Christ died for the ungodly (all of us; 5:8), and with this comes forgiveness. This is what Paul is saying in Romans 5.

This is the exegetical idea in Romans 5:12-16. Paul now makes application to this understanding in Romans 6; he exhorts “Since this is the case, then why in the world would you (a saint in Rome) think it is okay to live according to one’s own ideas?” Yet, so many Christians do think it is okay, and this is the challenge the Lord has with “getting through” to His people. Consequently, this rejection of the Lord’s authority and wisdom amounts to one either being totally, or almost the case, spiritually dead. RT

ETHICS

04 Tuesday Nov 2014

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The word “ethic” is defined as “the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation” (Merriam Webster, p. 625). This is a word used often, but though it is expected some will know the meaning and standard used to judge, it is not always the case that it is known. In this section  of the bulletin we will be giving some consideration to the word from the Bible’s perspective. For instance, in Psalm 21, the NKJV used the word “evil” when speaking about the intentions of some people against the Lord’s way (Psalm 21:11). Though it is not explicitly stated, it is clear the standard used to determine exactly what is “evil” is the Lord’s standard of righteousness. In an ethical study or discussion there must be a standard accepted by which behavior is judged. Since the Lord’s standard of righteousness, as seen and revealed in God, is the ONLY standard that transcends man—it will be the Lord’s standard that is firmly in place to help us judge.

The Lord’s Lament

17 Monday Feb 2014

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                The psalmist said: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:15, NKJV). It was a tremendous lament of Jeremiah to watch his city being destroyed by the Babylonians because the people in the city refused to hear what the Lord had to say. Jeremiah warned and warned, but the people wanted to go about their commerce, they wanted to tend to their children’s ballgames, they wanted to be sure they had enough money in the bank so they worked when opportunity was available, and when the family called for an outing it was important to be there so whatever desire the Lord had was to be put to the side for the moment.

In the expression with the use of the word “ballgame” a point is made that can’t be missed but by the spiritually dull. Yet, it is the spiritually weak that needs to hear the Lord all over again. How does the Lord want man to give thanks to Him for His goodness? To begin, one could and should be a faithful Christian; second, one could and should be gathering with the saints whenever there is a meeting; third, one could and should teach others about Him because the life lived is a reflection of the salvation gained. Though a large number of people want salvation from the Lord, a great many of these same people expend little interest and effort in understanding and maintaining that salvation. There is a sad day coming for a great many who call themselves Christians. The Lord’s lament will be the experience gained by those too busy to give thanks to the Lord.

The Lord’s Desire

09 Thursday Jan 2014

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                The Lord’s prophet, Amos, was a man chosen for a task that was very much a burden to the people. It was to Amos that He spoke the words to Israel (the northern kingdom with its capital in Samaria), “Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; Because I will do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” (4:12). Though the Lord addressed His words to Israel in particular, it is worth notice that the Lord’s pending judgment was toward those outside of covenant relationship.

                The Lord identified seven nations that had judgment against them; not only did He identify these nations, but He also described the problem. Syria was merciless with its army of destruction, the Philistines were the same, Tyre failed to honor its treaty with others, Edom was plagued because of jealous rage, Ammon killed innocent children (a form of abortion), Moab exhibited desecrating destruction, Judah because of their failure to hear and obey the Lord, and to Israel because of slavery, greed, and perversion. The importance of noticing this is because the Lord responded to evil wherever it may have exhibited itself, not simply to those within covenant relationship.

Our country is not in covenant relationship with the Lord; when people speak about this country being a “Christian nation,” what is in view, historically, is the moral foundation put in place that was to guide us. It is clear that the moral foundation put in place has disintegrated. How can we change the direction that our community is traveling? A hard thing to do to be sure, but there are some things that can be done. First, be devoted to the Lord and His way of righteousness. Second, be sure to be a positive influence on those who do not know the Lord’s way. Third, never let your personal politics trump the Lord’s way of righteousness. Fourth, continue to pray for our leaders and our country. These are things that can be done, but in all things the Lord’s desire will be done!

What Have I Done? (2)

23 Friday Aug 2013

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In the bulletin last week we gave a summary article of the sermon of the previous week (8/4). We reminded ourselves that the word EVANGELISM is not a word that pertains only to the leaders of the congregation, but involves us all. We considered a part of an acrostic: E – ETERNITY (2 Corinthians 5:11). V – VENGEANCE (Romans 12:17-21)! A – ASSURANCE (Acts 17:30-31). N – NADAB & ABIHU (Leviticus 10:1-2). G – GOSPEL (Romans 1:16-17). This week we want to finish the acrostic.

E – EXHORTATIONS (2 Timothy 4:1-5). When Paul left Timothy in Ephesus, he left him with the charge to teach no other doctrine; Timothy was faithful to this charge. Now, at the juncture of life when Paul was prepared to leave this world behind, he gave exhortations to Timothy to preach the word of God, and do it faithfully. For a preacher, for a Christian, no better charge can be given.

L – LAW & LIBERTY (James 1:25; Galatians 6:2). The exhortations that come from God’s word are words that pertain to God’s law; it gives liberty to all who obey it. It would be a mistake to think that God’s word is not God’s law simply because some people fear the notion of “legalism.” Legalism practiced is compliance to an outward idea, with no inward movement or motivation that has its origin in love of God.

I – IMMINENT (Revelation 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). The law that gives us liberty also gives us clarity concerning the actuality of the Lord’s return. When the Lord comes He will come as a thief in the night, and if we are fortunate to be alive when He comes, we shall all see Him. On the other hand, we won’t be fortunate at all when the Lord comes and we aren’t prepared to meet Him. Life has a frailty component to it; unprepared, it will be a fearful experience!

S – SALVATION (Acts 2:36-47). The precarious nature of life should encourage us to give consideration to the Lord’s salvation. It may be that many will refuse to do such, and if so, it will be at their own peril. There is coming a day, however, when those in Christ, those who are faithful to His word will enjoy the pleasures of His salvation that He offers to the obedient.

M – MAJESTY (Jude 24-25). The Lord is glorious in all His ways; we may not understand them to our satisfaction, but that He is in control encourages us to put our trust in Him. Whatever good may be seen in another person, it does not compare with the majesty and holiness of the Lord. Paul said that he knew in whom he believed (2 Timothy 1:12), and the faithful Christian does as well.

To all this we can make some applications. Let us consider but a couple. Take inventory with regard to yourself (2 Corinthians 13:5). It is the mark of good business practices to know one’s inventory. When a product quantity is low, procurement of additional inventory keeps happy customers from going to other stores to purchase what one should have on the shelf. Have you considered whether or not you are “low” with regard to something spiritual? It will surely be a wise thing to consider. Pray vigorously (1 Thessalonians 5:17). A faithful Christian prays often because of Him who is the author of life. One not only prays because of Him who is the author, but to Him also. A man may have great ability and navigate the course of life with much success, but with all the success he may muster – what then? In closing, a Christian knows before whom he will stand, and because he knows this he seeks to evangelize with each breath. RT