#1 – Grace and peace?
Have you ever thought about…the sequence of the words “grace and peace” each time they appear in scripture? They always appear in the same order, never “peace” preceding “grace.”
The apostle Paul, in every epistle addressed to a church or individual, includes in his salutation, the words “grace” and “peace.” There is no exception to this sequence throughout the Bible. Is this a coincidence or is it a constant reminder that there is no peace in the world or in our souls unless it is predicated upon God’s grace?
Mankind continues to strive for peace while ignoring God’s grace and it just will not happen. Only grace can give peace and grace only comes from God. Grace does not proceed from education, wealth or power, only from God. It was at Calvary that God extended His amazing grace. It is the cross that is so repulsive to mankind. If Christ was God in the flesh and He alone could pay for our sins, then the cross is a constant reminder of man’s failure.
God’s grace to man comes only as man gives glory to God. The announcement to the shepherds by the angels retained the same order,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14
Note the sequence, “Glory to God” precedes “peace” on earth. Only then can men experience God’s “good will
#2 – Dry baptisms?
Have you ever thought about…there are more “dry” baptisms in the Bible than “wet” ones? The first baptism mentioned pertained to Israel crossing the Red Sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-2.) This was obviously a “dry” baptism, since everyone who got “wet” perished. 1 Peter 3:20-21 uses Noah’s flood as a “like figure” of baptism that saves. Again, this must be a dry baptism for those who got wet were not saved, but died in the flood. Noah and his family were saved by staying out of water, not by getting into it. The Bible speaks of the baptism with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11,) obviously, a dry baptism. In the same verse, Jesus spoke of the baptism of “fire,” again a dry baptism. In Matthew 20:22, Christ spoke of the baptism of “death” and His statement in Luke 12:50 suggests that Christ’s death was a type of baptism, not that baptism is a type of death. Of the five dry baptisms mentioned above, one (baptism with fire) is for the lost, not the saved (Matthew 3:11-12) and not one can be performed by a human being.
A complete study of baptism in scripture will reveal that some converts were baptized and some were not. Even though the words “baptize” or “baptism” does not appear in the Old Testament, it obviously was not something new when John the Baptist began doing it. Not one person questioned what “baptism” was, but readily responded to John’s preaching (Mark 1:4-5.) Evidently they knew exactly what he was talking about.
Some teach baptism as a requirement using Acts 2:38 as their proof text:
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Please note that Peter spoke this to dedicated, Sabbath keeping, pork-abstaining, circumcised Jews who were attending the feast of Pentecost. It had nothing to do with a sinner’s salvation.
Some teach that baptism is only by immersion and only for a testimony that they have trusted Christ as their Saviour, using Acts 8:36-38 as their proof text:
“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? [37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
According to this verse, there are no others present, so this can hardly be a testimony to others. If it proves immersion, then it proves immersion of both the “baptiz-er” and “baptis-ee,” since they “both” went down into the water!
Those who specialize in correcting the English with the Greek (baptize, baptisma, baptismos,) run aground when they find that people “baptized” themselves when returning from the market, “baptizing” their pots and pans (Mark 7:4, 8 and all the various baptisms included in the priesthood (which is no longer operative.)
A thorough study of this subject will help us clarify what has caused much dissension.
#3 – Gay marriages?
Have you ever thought about…what kind of reaction the mention of a gay marriage would have received only twenty-five (25) years ago? It would not have even been considered for discussion, let alone for a vote. Not one Christian group would have had to protest this situation only a few short years ago. Marriage has always been between men and women in all countries since creation.
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24
The “wife” has always been “woman” (v. 23.) All intelligent people have known this. All native and backward cultures have always known this. One purpose for marriage was to bring forth children. Only a man and woman can do this. It is impossible for two men or two women to reproduce. This also answers the argument that homosexuality is hereditary. Since homosexuals cannot reproduce with each other, they would be extinct after one generation. Mankind has always had perversion, just as there has been murder and theft, but it was never accepted as normal, only abnormal and wrong.
God spoke of this practice as an “abomination.”
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” Leviticus 18:22
If you would like to see what lies ahead, you may want to read the next verse!
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this prevailing practice.
These are not old-fashioned, out of date, non-contemporary practices. Note Paul’s statements in the New Testament:
“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.” Romans 1:26-27
I would think it dangerous to sanction what God has called an abomination. Their next vote along this line will be to allow child sex or at least, lower the age of a consenting adult.
#4 – Addiction or Disease?
Have you ever thought about…why alcoholism or drug addiction is called a disease? The term is actually an oxymoron. In all substance abuse treatment, the clients are instructed to work at changing people, places and things. They are to find new friends, go to different places and do different things. This is their formula for successfully breaking their addiction to harmful substances. Do you think this formula would work with any other “disease?” Could anyone practice this formula and rid himself of cancer, heart problems or even the mumps?
This is not just a Biblical slant, it is also a medical one.
“The mind cannot really become diseased anymore than the intellect can become abscessed. Furthermore, the idea that mental “diseases” are actually brain diseases creates a strange category of “diseases” which are, by definition, without known causes. Body and behavior become intertwined in this confusion until they are no longer distinguishable. It is necessary to return to first principles: a disease is something you have, behavior is something you do.”
E. Fuller Torrey (Research psychiatrist), The Death of Psychiatry. Radnor: Chilton Book Company, 1974, p. 40 (emphasis mine)
“The disease concept of alcoholism not only has no basis in current science; it has never had a scientific justification.”
Herbert Fingarette, “Alcoholism: The Mythical Disease” Utne Reader, November-December, 1988, p. 65
No one becomes an addict without practice, practice, practice! One becomes an addict after continued use. The first use or the continued use is based upon choice. One can choose to use or refuse to use, but it is still their choice. By utilizing the label of disease, addicts can circumvent their responsibility, for no one can control a disease.
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1
#5 - Liberals
Have you ever thought about…how un-liberal liberals are? By definition, a liberal is one who is tolerant of views other than his own; broadminded. By practice, liberals are anything but tolerant toward views other than their own. The liberal cannot tolerate creation being taught along side evolution in the schools. The liberal is never fair. He is not willing to give the opposing view equal time and consideration. This attitude of the liberal does not change, whether in politics or religion.
In actuality, the liberal wants everyone to be broadminded toward him. He is dismayed that anyone would reject his opinion as equal to their own. It is the liberal who always infringes upon the beliefs of others and expects them to give him equal time. Whether it be with the theory of evolution, governmental control, abortion, gay marriages, new Bible translations, capital punishment, etc., the liberal infiltrates conservatives, never vice versa.
The liberal will work his way into healthy situations just like a cancer. The liberal uses guilt, emotion and deceit to sway the unlearned. The liberal is never big on facts. The liberal will attack individuals, not the concept. The liberal is deceitful in his terminology. He talks of women’s rights instead of the infants’ rights. The terminology is “pro-choice,” adroitly sidestepping the fact of “pro-abortion.” Have you ever thought about what type of person would want to kill an unborn baby? On the other hand they want to spare the life of a serial killer, but are willing to murder an innocent child. When someone wants to show pictures of how the abortions are done, the liberal cries to high heaven. What kind of person does not want their deeds revealed? The Bible gives much information regarding such people (John 3:19-20.) Their arguments are always based on some extreme situation.
Have you ever thought about the reason anyone would be angry toward Jesus Christ? Here is an Individual who never traveled farther than one hundred miles from His home, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, helped the lame walk, returned hearing to the deaf, fed the multitudes and never harmed one person, animal or insect. What lies in the heart of the person who would want to hurt such an individual? During Christ’s short ministry on earth (3½ years,) people grew to hate him so much that imprisoning Him, exiling Him or shutting Him up was not enough. The religious leaders wanted Him killed! Nothing short of crucifying Him would placate their hatred (John 19:6.) People then, as today, want to decide upon who their god will be and how they want him to act. When Christ said He was the only way, the only truth and the only life (John 14:6,) He made enemies for eternity. When He said His word was truth, He created the enmity of all liberals who wanted their “truth” to be as important as His. This is why they keep coming out with another bible.
A person, who is a true liberal according to the definition of the word, would welcome the teaching of creation along with evolution in our schools. They would welcome those who thought gay marriages were abominable to voice and stand on their beliefs. They would not be trying to design laws totally one-sided or enforce their beliefs upon others.
Maybe it was when Jesus chased the money changers out of the temple or when He called the Pharisees, “hypocrites,” that the religious leaders realized that they could not control Him, therefore He must go.
The liberal is not broadminded, he wants total control!
#6 – Christian Psychology?
Have you ever thought about…the term “Christian Psychology” being an oxymoron? It is a real contradiction of terms because psychology exalts man and Christianity exalts Christ. Psychology has no room for Christ and its greatest proponents called Christianity a “crutch.”
While psychology teaches self-esteem, self love, self improvement, self motivation and self goals, Christianity teaches the esteem of others,
“…in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3
Christ taught the denying of self: “…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24
The world’s slogan is “If it feels good, do it.”
Self love never has to be taught, it is part of man’s sinful nature. Christ taught that the TWO great commandments were, (1) love the Lord our God, and , (2) love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40.) The reason I emphasize that Christ specifically spoke of only TWO commandments is because most of religion has placed more emphasis on “self,” as in “love thy neighbor as thyself” than on the neighbor. To verify this statement, you might inquire at your local Christian Book Store and see which sells the most, “self-help” books or “neighbor-help” books. The argument that one cannot really know how to love his neighbor until he knows how to love himself is a beggarly one. Paul said, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church” (Ephesians 5:29.)
No child ever has to be taught self-love. The old adamic nature always puts “me first.” No child ever has to be taught to say “mine” nor do we have to send our children to “lying school.”
We often speak of someone who has no self-esteem as really hating themselves, yet the opposite is true. The one who claims that they hate themselves because they are ugly would really want to be ugly if they, indeed, did hate themselves. They are actually hating their situation and consider that it is unfair that they are ugly. There is more self-centeredness here than self-hate.
Psychology teaches that man is the master of his own destiny; that he can achieve whatever he can believe; that he must look out for #1. All of these things only create more pride in ones self which is an attribute that God hates (Proverbs 6:17) and warns us about (Proverbs 16:18.)
I can do all things is a pompous statement, while “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) is a statement of humility and full dependence upon Christ. This is the difference between psychology and Christianity.
7 – Tithe
Have you ever thought about…that the “tithe” in the Bible was never money? In the first mention of tithe it is identified as a tenth of the “seed of the land,” “fruit of the tree,” “of the herd,” and “flock.” The normal response to this is that these commodities were used as mediums of exchange because they did not have money. This answer is unacceptable when one reads Deuteronomy 14:22-26,
“Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the Lord thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household.” (Underlining mine)
Note the underlined words. Primarily the tithe (tenth) was to provide for the tribe of Levi, who received no inheritance in Israel. Actually, the twelve tribes paid a tenth to the tribe of Levi for their caring for the things of the tabernacle or temple. It was not bad for Levites because they received 12 tenths! It was a type of tax within the nation of Israel.
Abraham was the first to pay tithes, but he only paid of the spoils he won while delivering Lot (Genesis 14:20 with Hebrews 7:4.)
The tithe never played a part in the Gentile nations anymore than circumcision, sabbath-keeping or abstaining from pork.
In the New Testament we do not find tithing mentioned other than the Pharisees who were tithing to satisfy the law (Matthew 23:23.) We do not find tithing mentioned in regard to any church. Paul dealt with “giving” very well in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, and did not once speak of
tithing. Paul explained that “giving” was a “grace” and was not predetermined by some rule or law, but every man was to look to his own heart (2 Corinthians 9:7,) and not to give “grudgingly, or of necessity.” This is a far cry from the guilt trips laid on Christians by using such scriptures as Malachi 3:8-10, which has nothing to do with money or Christians!
Have you ever thought that God is not broke or in need. Giving is for the benefit of the giver, not God or God’s causes. The truth is that one can give without loving, but none can love without giving.
Think about it!
8 – Thieves and malefactors
Have you ever thought about…the difference between a thief and a malefactor? There were two malefactors crucified with Christ (Luke 23:33) before the soldiers cast lots for Christ’s clothes. There were two thieves crucified with Christ (Matthew 27:38) after the casting of lots (Matthew 27:35.) The scripture says that both thieves railed on Him (Matthew 27:44,) while only one malefactor did so (Luke 23:39.)
This would help explain John 19:32:
“Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.”
Why would a tired Roman soldier, at the end of a long day, break the legs of a person, then walk around Christ, break the legs of the other, then come back to Christ? This would hardly be the procedure. Everything falls into place when we see that the soldier broke the legs of one thief, then of one malefactor and then comes to Christ.
Think of the number of sermons that have been preached about the thief on the cross being repentant, yet nothing in scripture gives the slightest indication that it was a thief, but the malefactor.
The difference between a thief and malefactor is thus: All thieves are malefactors, but not all malefactors are thieves. Malefactors may be murderers, kidnappers, etc. It is like saying that all Texans are Americans, but not all Americans are Texans. A malefactor was a common criminal while a thief was a specific criminal.
The Bible throws much light on our interpretations when we will just believe It.
9 – Legalism
Have you ever thought about…why the term “legalist” or “legalism” is always used to brand those who teach separation for the Christian? Legalism actually pertains to one’s concept of salvation, not the Christian lifestyle.
Legalism is adding something to the work of Christ for salvation. It could be baptism (of any form,) communion, service, abstaining from that which is considered harmful, doing that which is considered good, practicing different rituals or commemorating certain days (like sabbath keeping) or eating certain foods. Legalism, from the Biblical viewpoint, is anything that a person can do or abstain from, that would aid in his salvation.
On the other hand, separation from the things of the world (non-Christian) has nothing to do with legalism. A Christian is commanded to practice separation from worldly things because he has been saved, not in order to be saved. How often we hear those that preach against sinful practices, such as smoking, social drinking, immodest dress, watching pornography, skipping church for entertainment, etc. called “Pharisees.” This is an un-biblical charge. The Pharisees were lost and very anti-Christ. The Pharisees wanted Christ dead. They hated Him. To accuse Christians of being Pharisees is not only deceptive, but also very unkind. Remember who the “accuser of our brethren” really is! Have you ever thought about that the old hard, hell fire preachers were those with the most concern for souls. It was under their “preaching against sins” that more people come to be saved and their lives changed. It was (and is) that kind of preaching that brings changes in lifestyles. People are not changed because of how we might act. For one to be saved, he must believe that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again. Before one can “call upon the name of the Lord” (Romans 10:13,) he must experience Romans 10:14d:
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”
In our time, someone should be selling “programs”…it is hard to tell the Christians without a program! Try it at Wal-Mart.
Have you ever thought about what Christ will have to say to those worldly Christians that made fun of His other children who took His word seriously? Ridiculing someone will not eliminate God’s instructions, regardless of who does it.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” Colossians 3:17
This verse is for Christians, not lost people. This is our criteria and it has nothing to do with “legalism.”
Think about it.
10 – Changing Music
Have you ever thought about…why the music is changing in conservative churches? In most respectable churches today we note that only the song leader and a few others even know the words or the tunes of the songs. Today, the title of song leader or music director has been changed to “worship leader”. As a rule, today’s music has become very animated, which causes me to wonder why we ignore Christ’s words in John 4:24:
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that Christ’s instruction eliminates anything of the flesh. Nothing that you or I can do physically can involve worship!
Isn’t it rather strange that seldom are the great old hymns heard anymore? Most of the dedicated Christians have learned new songs. Some great hymns have been written within the last fifty years. I do not know of anyone who would resent the introduction of a new song that honored the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. What is amazing is that we are not talking about the introduction of a new song or two. We are speaking of the abandonment of the old and replacing with the new.
One gentleman called this “7-11” music. The verse has seven words and we repeat them eleven times. I wonder if some of these lyrics come under “vain repetitions?” (Matthew 6:7)
Another thing I often see in these new lyrics is the emphasis on one’s dedication to the Lord, not one’s burden for their sins. Self plays much more of a part in the new songs than in the older ones.
Often instrumentation, i.e., “noise,” plays more of a part than in the past. The churches are having more “Christian Rock (?) “music. This has to be a contradiction of terms, an oxymoron, if I have ever seen one. Can we have “Christian pornography” or a “Christian drug dealer?” That is like saying “dry water” or a “tall midget!” In this music, the lyrics play little or no part…you can’t hear them!
I know the arguments for using the music…”We must appeal to the youth…to the un-churched.” My question is, “Are we to lead them or follow them?” Who’s example are we following, the lost or the saved? You know, you can carry this argument to all kinds of disasters. Should our “youth ministers” smoke a little dope with them in order to get them in church? I think it was Bob Jones, Sr. who said, “It is never right to do wrong in order to do right.”
The strength of any church is not in its youth. The Bible teaches about the leadership of “elders,” not youth. Paul told Timothy (who was probably in his 30”s) to let no man “despise thy youth.” How was Timothy to accomplish this?
“…be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
The onus was on Timothy to gain the respect of the elders, not vice versa. We should extend the gospel to any and all. No one has to meet any requirements to get saved, just simply “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” (Acts 16:31.) Once one is saved, then one’s service and life have responsibilities. Even though some may lower the bar, it does not mean that God does.
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12
Think about it.
11 – Spiritual Titles
Have you ever thought about…the four spiritual titles than should be used for mankind? Men have constantly tried to be their own god. Men have continually tried to exalt themselves above other men.
During Christ’s ministry, He addressed three (3) of those titles in Matthew 23:8-10. The first title Christ said not to be called was “Rabbi” (Matthew 23:8.) The term is used today only by Jewish spiritual leaders, but according to Jesus Christ, it should not be used at all. The term should only be used of Christ. By using this term, a person is spiritually placing one person above another.
The second term not to be used is “father.” We now move from the Jewish religion to the Catholic religion. Christ said that we only have one spiritual “Father” and that He is in heaven. To address an earthly person as a “spiritual father” is blasphemy against God the Father. Remember, these are the words of Jesus Christ.
The third term forbidden by Christ to be used was “master.” While the Jews use “rabbi,” the Gentiles use “master.” It is not unusual to read of someone being the “Most Worshipful Master” of their Masonic Lodge.
Isn’t it amazing that all of these titles are worn with pride as if they were an honor? How little we pay attention to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some people work hard to attain the position that will place them in the position to be called one of these titles.
The fourth title was introduced long before Christ’s time:
“He sent redemption unto His people: He hath commanded His covenant for ever: holy and REVEREND IS HIS NAME.” Psalm 111:9 (caps mine)
This is by far the most used spiritual title for mankind. In America, just about anyone can qualify to be addressed as “reverend.” It takes no education or qualifications to get a mail order minister’s license and then you can be called “reverend.”
Notice that all four titles are to be reserved for God, not for man. You will remember that Satan’s promise to Adam and Eve was that “ye shall be as gods” (Genesis 3:5.) Of course, that did not happen. Satan always lies (John 8:44.) All Adam and Eve knew after eating the fruit was that they were naked!
Is it not amazing that men covet the four titles that specifically belong to God and men gladly use them to describe another man?
I wonder what Christ’s comments would be today after seeing how His words were disobeyed and ignored?
Think about it!
12 – Women in the church
Have you ever thought about…that women occupied no office in any church in the Bible. There is no record of any woman being an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, bishop or deacon. In the instructions for the qualifications of a bishop (used for modern day pastor) or deacon, one must be “the husband of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:2, 12.) A qualification impossible for a woman to achieve.
Paul specifically stated that the woman was not to “teach” or “usurp authority over a man” (1 Timothy 2:12.) When Paul was instructing the church at Corinth about the confusion caused by “unknown tongues,” (a language that the hearer could not understand, not a language that no one understood,) he emphatically commands the women to keep silent.
There are no excuses for any woman that wants to flaunt herself as some spiritual icon. She is out of God’s will and order the moment she claims to be a pastor, evangelist or Bible teacher to the masses. What the Bible teaches has nothing to do with whether men are more godlier than women. The truth of the matter is that there are probably more spiritual women than men in any church. God does not see women as less spiritual. God made men and women different for His own purpose. He gave to each certain duties and responsibilities, like child bearing and spiritual leadership. While the woman is the “weaker vessel,” she is equal spiritually, for she and her husband are “heirs together” (1 Peter 3:7.)
In God’s order, “…the head of the woman is the man…” (1 Corinthians 11:3.) In God’s order, “Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.” (1 Corinthians 11:9.) These are God’s words. They are plain and simple. They are easy to understand, whether we choose to believe and/or obey them is up to us. What we do with His words does not affect them. Whether we agree or disagree with them does not strengthen or weaken them.
These words have nothing to do with the compared worth of a man or woman. They have nothing to do with God’s love toward them. In Christ, “there is neither male nor female” (Galatians 3:28.) Though the woman is called a “weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:7,) she is never the lesser vessel. The master may be less spiritual, less intelligent and less kind than the servant, the master is still the master and the servant is still the servant!
Regardless of the size of the ministry, regardless of how profitable and regardless of how much good she might do in men’s eyes, any woman who deliberately disobeys God’s word is building on “wood, hay, stubble” (1 Corinthians 3:12.)
When woman began women’s lib, it had nothing to do with rights, but with their attitude toward what God says. That is why you never see a happy, contented women’s libber! Anyone, man or woman who rebels against God’s direct orders will constantly have a rock in their shoe!
Think about it.
#13 – Wise men and other Christmas myths
Have you ever thought about…that the arrival of the wise men was a long time after Christ’s birth, maybe as long as two years?
In Luke 2 we learn that Mary took the Child to Jerusalem after her days of purification (v. 22.). The days of her purification were forty, according to Leviticus 12:2-3. From Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary returned to their home in Nazareth (Luke 2:39.) This is obviously where the wise men came. In Matthew 2:11, we learn that the wise men came to their “house,” not a manger.
The wise men followed the star to Jerusalem and inquired about Him that “is born King of the Jews.” I think it would be safe to say that the star appeared at the birth of Christ. If so, then the wise men would have been traveling for months. When they enquired of Herod, he, in turn, inquired of the chief priests and scribes. They informed Herod of the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that stated the city of Bethlehem would be the Messiah’s birthplace. Isn’t it amazing that they had the knowledge, but no conviction that God was telling the truth?
Herod sends the wise men to Bethlehem, but as they depart, the star appears again, directing them Nazareth. There would have been no reason for the star to appear if they had gone to Bethlehem. The star brings them to the house where they saw the young “Child,” (Matthew 2:11,) not a “Babe” (Luke 2:16) that the shepherds visited.
There is no mention of the number of wise men. It was probably a large entourage, since their trip is estimated at 1500 miles, quite a journey on camel or horseback. Obviously, some have arrived at three wise men since there were three gifts mentioned, gold, frankincense and myrrh.
On the night of His birth, there is no record of angels singing anything. The heavenly hosts were “praising God, and saying.” These heavenly beings gave us the formula for world peace. It can only occur as the result of “Glory to God in the highest.” Peace pacts, treaties and threats of war cannot bring peace, only when we recognize the Creator and give Him the glory.
Only through Christ is there “good will toward men.” This has nothing to do with men whom God favors. He favors no one outside of His Son’s atoning death. The “good will” of God was sent to all men through His only begotten Son.
While we are dealing with myths, the tree described in Jeremiah 10:2-5 has absolutely nothing to do with any Christmas tree ever put up. The “heathen” worshipped many things, but the Christmas tree is not one of them. I have never heard of a Christmas tree being worshipped or decked with real silver and gold. This occurred 500 years prior to Christ’s birth. Even then, God told His people not to pay any attention to them, that it, like all idols was harmless.
Some have claimed that Christmas was shortened from Christ’s Mass. Others have berated the abbreviated Xmas, claiming that the X stands for the unknown. That is only true in algebra, which is not a language! In the Greek language it can symbolize Christ.
Actually the birth of Christ was not a miracle. He was born like all other children, from His mother’s womb. The miracle was His conception; He was conceived by the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:35.) According to the time of service of Zacharias (John the Baptist’s daddy), Christ’s conception can be determined as close as December 24 or 25 (see notes in the Companion Bible.) Dr. C.E. McLain published a work on this that can be obtained from Northside Bible Church, 1401 NW 100th, Oklahoma City, OK 73114.
Have a great Christmas and rejoice in God’s “unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15.)
#14 – The Night of His Birth
Have you ever thought about…some interesting facts often overlooked on the night Jesus was born? Mary was required by Jewish law (Leviticus 12:2) to be separated from the people when she gave birth. Inns then, unlike the motels of today, were more communal, especially in areas of sleep and day use. The innkeeper has taken a lot of “bashing” from well meaning preachers because “there was no room for them in the inn.” The manger should have been clean, since it was not being used. The flock was in the field. From scripture, we learn that Christ was born at night (alluding to the spiritual darkness of that time) and that it was not winter. The sheep and the shepherds were in the field at night.
Is it not interesting that God’s only begotten Son arrived in Bethlehem, not Jerusalem? Great Jerusalem, with all of its religious history, the home of the Jewish Temple, where the scholars, scribes and priests were located was not informed of this event.
It is just as interesting that God chose to make this world-changing announcement to shepherds! Not the scholars, nor the priests, nor the scribes, nor the teachers, nor the wealthy, nor famous, but to the lowly shepherds. From God’s vantage point, shepherds were the ideal group, for He was sending the One Whom John the Baptist called “The Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 36.) The heavenly host did not arrive at the university nor the chamber of commerce nor the stock exchange nor the Temple, but in the field.
How wonderful the title the angel gave to the newborn Christ…”Saviour.” There are many titles given to Jesus Christ in both Testaments. The angel could have called Him a Helper, Healer, Advisor, Reformer, Leader, Counselor, Lord, Master or King. He is certainly all of those things, but first and foremost, He came as a Saviour (Luke 19:10.) This is a unique title. The word “Saviour” denotes (1) a dire need of someone and (2) the inability of that someone to save himself. The title also tells us something about the One entitled “Saviour.” It tells us that He has (1) the power to save, (2) the desire to save and (3) the ability to save.
You will notice that the angels spoke (not sang) a two-part message, “Glory to God” first and “peace of earth,” second. That is always the sequence. There is no peace, whether it be external or internal until glory is given to God. The reason is that all men are sinners. Good will comes from God to men; there is none in themselves (Romans 3:10-23.)
Having heard the angelic announcement, the shepherds did not tarry. They immediately investigated. When the shepherds found it exactly like they had been told, they told everyone within earshot about the good tidings (gospel.)
Yes, I have spelled “Saviour” the old English spelling, simply because it reminds me of “iou.” I am eternally indebted to Jesus Christ for saving me. I owe Him. When I spell “Saviour” the old English way, I am reminded of my debt.
#15 – Evolution in schools
Have you ever thought about…why the NEA and school boards do not want creation taught in our schools? If someone suggests that the “creation side” of the origin of all life be introduced in the classroom, a scream of protest comes from all sides. Why is it that our educators protest that an alternative be given and let the students make up their minds? Doesn’t it seem only fair that all sides of an issue should be presented before one can come to any kind of logical and knowledgeable conclusion? Isn’t it amazing that the leaders of education in our nation would take such a non-educational approach?
Let’s cut to the chase. There is not one substantial proof of evolution. Any honest scientist recognizes it as a theory. After all of these years, not one person has ever seen anything evolve. The reason men resent or ignore creation is very simple. Creation requires a Creator! There can be no design without a designer. If there is a Creator then men become responsible to Him, and God forbid, that we have to be accountable to God.
Evolution is not a scientific issue it is a religious issue. To accuse the teaching of creation as violating the separation of church and state is incorrect. If teaching that God is the Creator is religion, then so is teaching that there is no God. Pure and simple, evolution teaches that there is “no God.”
According to Dr. Duane Gish, “No theory about origins, creation, or evolution fulfills the criteria of a scientific theory. A scientific theory must be based on repeatable observations, be subject to scientific tests, and be potentially falsifiable.”
How does the Bible begin? “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
If one cannot get by that verse, then the rest of the Book means nothing.
Let me give you God’s evaluation of anyone who takes the evolution position.
“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [20] For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”
Romans 1:19-23
#16 – Self led or Spirit led
Have you ever thought about…one of the problems of the most dysfunctional church in the New Testament was that everyone was doing their own thing.
“How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” 1 Corinthians 14:26
Can you imagine what pandemonium this caused? There have been some Christians who looked upon this verse as an asset in worship; as if this were what God intended, when in reality Paul identifies it as problem. Notice his introduction to the situation, “How is it then, brethren?” If it had been (or is) a good thing, don’t you think he would have encouraged them instead of questioning them?
Let’s look at the list carefully. I think it is fairly obvious that “a psalm” refers to singing and/or praising. The phrase “a doctrine” probably refers to one’s particularly “hobby horse” belief. The reason I say this is that each reference is specified with “a,” indicating a particular psalm or doctrine. The same can be said about “a tongue.” The Biblical use of “tongues” was never a problem in scripture. The Holy Spirit had empowered the speaker to speak in the language of the hearer. Every time the Holy Spirit did that (Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6,) there was nothing “unknown” about it. When men spoke in a language “unknown” to the hearers without the empowering of the Holy Spirit, the result was always confusion. It is the same today. That is why we use interpreters as God did in 1 Corinthians 14.
How often we hear of some brother having “a revelation” that may or may not have to do with anything that God has wrought. More often than not, this so called revelation is to draw attention to themselves as being closer to God than others.
I am not sure whether “an interpretation” here pertains to the tongue or the revelation. Either way, it seems to indicate one who has presumed themselves to have superior knowledge or spirituality.
Had these mentioned attributes been good, Paul would have no reason for admonishing us to do all things unto edifying one another. That would be superfluous if we were already doing such. The context of the entire epistle is dealing with carnal, baby Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1-3.)
Do our churches today do much differently? Think about it.
#17 – Bible based or faith based
Have you ever thought about…there can be a vast difference between a ministry being Bible based versus faith based?
The term ”faith based” was probably coined to describe those who embraced the doctrine of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the sins of men. The Protestants are very diverse, but in general they do adhere to this premise. Though there may be variations of lifestyles, rituals and specific beliefs, by and large a person who believed in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ was generally recognized as a Christian.
When jail and prison doors were opened to outside “ministry,” the criteria for those wanting to minister was gauged on their belief in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Though there were strong differences regarding baptism, communion, the return of Christ, interpretation of scripture, etc., the common thread of unity was the threefold emphasis of Paul’s gospel as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4:
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
Those doing ministry in secular places were asked to stay away from those controversial areas and adhere to the main theme of the gospel as stated above. This is basically the Bible based position. This is not the faith based position.
Faith based can mean anyone’s faith. It can be the Buddhist, Catholic, Muslim, Wicca, New Age, Aryan Brotherhood or any god as someone understands him! Those who do not recognize another’s faith, whatever it may be, are considered bigots and are slandered. It is unforgivable in the public’s eye to claim to have the truth and to say that anyone who disagrees with that truth is wrong.
If Jesus were to come today as He did 2000 years ago, His ministry would not have lasted as long as it did, which was only 3½ years. Listen to what He told the Samaritan woman:
“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.”
John 4:22
When He addressed the religious of His own nation, He definitely would not have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize:
“Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. [43] Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. [44] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:42-44
If the pressure from the religious group, often times including the religious right cannot hush up those who claim to follow Christ, then we can offer them faith based funding. Every ministry that is doing anything for the lost always needs money. The better the ministry, usually the fewer funds there are available and those ministering live from hand to mouth. The hope of a large amount of money with which to do ministry sounds too good to be true…and it usually is. If I really do my ministry without compromise, then I have offended other religions, which means I can lose the funding. Satan doesn’t care what ministry we do as long as we do not offend his crowd!
#18 – God hates as well as loves
Have you ever thought about…God hates as well as loves? In today’s Christendom, little is spoken of God’s wrath and hate. The masses see God as only a one-sided God, a kind of namby-pamby, everything is alright, type of God. You want to know something interesting? One has to go to the fourth book in the New Testament to find that God loved the world! In the Old Testament, God loved Israel (Deuteronomy 7:7-8,) Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24) and Isaiah (Isaiah 38:17.) That’s it! Nothing about the world or Gentiles (any group other than Israel.)
When we come to the New Testament, we do not read of God loving anybody in the book of Matthew. We do not read of Him loving anybody in the book of Luke. We do read of Christ loving a rich young man (no name) in Mark 10:21. We must come to the 43rd book in God’s Bible (the 4th in the New Testament) to find out that God loved the world (John 3:16.)
The Bible tells us there is a time to love and a time to hate (Ecclesiastes 3:8.) It tells us we are to hate evil and love good (Amos 5:15.) Some have interjected that God only hates sin, but loves the sinner. We often read of God hating idolatry and false worship, but we also read of Him hating the sinner. In both testaments, God said that He loved Jacob, but hated Esau (Malachi 1:3; Romans 9:13.)
When Solomon lists the things that God hates in Proverbs 6:16-19, they all pertain to people. He did not say that God hated pride, but a “proud look,” which must be worn by someone. “A lying tongue” belongs to a person, just as “hands…” “heart…” and “feet…” the last two mentioned are undoubtedly individuals, “a false witness that speaketh lies” and “he that soweth discord among the brethren.”
We often read in the Bible of the “wrath of God” in the Old Testament and we see that Christ got angry with people in Mark 3:1-5. If you would like to see how politically incorrect Christ could be, read Matthew 23!
Anger is obviously not always sin, since Paul gave a command to “Be ye angry, and sin not…” (Ephesians 4:26.)
Remember, it is not “God as we understand Him,” but God as He is! It would behoove all of us to learn more about Him.
Think about it!.
#19 – God hated Esau
Have you ever thought about…why God hated Esau? Esau was the twin brother of Jacob, the progenitor of the nation of Israel. He was the firstborn of Isaac, which entitled him to the birthright. In Israel, the birthright included God’s blessing and advantages to the eldest son. The firstborn functioned as the priest in the family with paternal blessing. By Mosaic Law the firstborn was allotted a “double portion” of the family’s property (Deuteronomy 21:15-17.) The eldest son (firstborn) succeeded to the official authority of the father. We find in Numbers 3:6, 13 that God took the tribe of Levi instead of the firstborn of each tribe to keep the charge of the tabernacle. To an Israelite, being the firstborn was a tremendous honor. It was a precious gift from God.
One of the first things we learn about Esau is that he placed no value on his birthright (Genesis 25:32,) in fact; he even despised it (v. 34.) Because of this attitude, Esau had no problem in selling his birthright for little of nothing. Remember that he sold it, Jacob did not steal it from him as he claimed neither did he take away Esau’s blessings (Genesis 27:36.) Blessings from God or man cannot be stolen or taken by another.
To learn something of Esau’s nature, we can read how he treated his parents (Genesis 26:34-35, 28:8-9.) Esau also hated Jacob (Genesis 27:41) and because of this God pronounced punishment upon him and his descendents (Obadiah 3-10.) Esau was considered no more than stubble (Obadiah 18.)
God’s hatred for Esau is mentioned in both Testaments (Malachi 1:3 and Romans 9:13.)
The author of Hebrews calls Esau a “fornicator…profane person” because he “sold his birthright” for one piece of meat. He obviously cared little about the things of God. Esau was one who chose to have a god of his own understanding instead of the God of the Bible.
Here was man who never showed any remorse or repentance for the things he did wrong. His only concern was what was in it for him, his own fleshly appetites. He was born into a God-fearing family, he was raised to know about God, yet he ended up in hell. What a shame!
Think about it!
#20 – Good Friday
Have you ever thought about…the impossibility of Christ being crucified on Friday?
In Christ’s own words,
“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40
There is no possible way to get three days and three nights from Friday until Sunday.
We know that Christ arose on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1.) The first day of the week is Sunday. It was before dawn, so the daylight part of Sunday could not be counted in Christ’s equation. Let’s do some math.
If Christ were crucified on Friday (and we counted part of a day as a day), then Friday night would give us one (1) day and one (1) night, Saturday and Saturday night would give us two (2) days and two (2) nights. But wait, if He arose before dawn on Sunday, that would mean sometime Saturday night and if we counted a part of a night as a full night, we are still short a day and a night! This has nothing to do with when the Jewish day began or ended. It has to do with three (3) days and three (3) nights.
Part of the problem arises from the fact that the Pharisees wanted Christ down from the cross before a sabbath, which began at dark. Note the explanation,
“The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.” John 19:31
Please note that this was not the weekly sabbath, but a special sabbath. Such days were part of the Jewish feasts each year.
“Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.” Leviticus 23:39
The fifteenth day of the seventh month would fall on a different day each year, but it was to be counted as a sabbath. Obviously it fell on Friday in the year that Christ was crucified. It would not have fallen on Saturday, the weekly sabbath, for if it had, there would have been no reason for John alluding to it as “an high day.”
If Christ was speaking of a day being a full day and a night being a full night, we must go back earlier in the week, meaning the “high sabbath” would have been on Thursday. What we have is that the earliest Christ could have been crucified was Wednesday and the latest was Thursday. First grade arithmetic understands this
“Good Friday” is nothing but a religious tradition, just as Ash Wednesday and 40 days of Lent. He is no longer on the cross, but is risen, waiting to return.
“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
Romans 4:25
Think about it!
21 – Sabbath Worship
Have you ever thought about…that the sabbath was not given for worship. The issue of “sabbath worship” is a straw man developed by those who claim that anyone who worships on Sunday is worshipping a sun god. The first mention of the sabbath is as follows:
“And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the REST of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.”
Exodus 16:23 (caps mine)
This was 2500 years after Adam. There is no mention of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob or Joseph keeping the sabbath. When given as the fourth commandment, the instructions are explicit:
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou SHALT NOT DO ANY WORK, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11 (caps mine)
The issue was one of rest, not worship. When it comes to worship, the Bible is explicit:
“One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded IN HIS OWN MIND. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.” Romans 14:5-6 (caps mine)
Obviously Paul recognized no commandment regarding the sabbath day or he would not have left it up to man to make up his own mind!
“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” Colossians 2:16-17
The truth of the matter is that every day should be a day of worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever we do on any day, we should do to the glory of Christ.
The reason for people going to church on Sunday is because Christ’s resurrection occurred on that day (Matthew 28:1.) Christ’s first appearance to the disciples after His resurrection was on Sunday (John 20:19.) Paul preached to the disciples when they came together on Sunday to break bread (Acts 20:7) and the churches at Corinth and Galatia took a collection for the saints at Jerusalem on Sunday.
God gave rules regarding the sabbath that today’s sabbath worshippers ignore. There were rules about what work could be done, how far one could travel and home fires were not allowed. The penalties for breaking these rules were strict. The Lord had a man killed for gathering sticks on the sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36.)
By focusing on a day of worship, Satan gets our focus off the true object of worship, which is the Lord Jesus Christ. Christianity is not a set of rules, but a relationship with the Person of Christ. This does not mean that one is not without principles under which to live, but that the principles are the result of one’s relationship to Christ, not the purpose. Love contains its own set of disciplinary actions and is never lawless.
The Bible warns of anyone trying to go back under the law after Christ has fulfilled it.
“But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the WEAK and BEGGARLY elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in BONDAGE? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.” Galatians 4:9-10 (caps mine)
Think about it.
#22 – Mary, perpetual virgin or not
Have you ever thought about…how many children Mary had? Catholicism makes much of the belief that Mary was a perpetual virgin. Catholics are instructed to pray to Mary and call her holy. The Bible is very explicit regarding Mary’s position and to deny what the Bible says is to go against God’s words.
“Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?” Matthew 13:55-56
Jesus had four (4) brothers and they are identified by name. We are told that His brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5) until after His death (Acts 1:14.) He had at least two (2) sisters, maybe more, but we are not told their names nor any details about them.
The word “firstborn” would have been redundant in the first gospel if Mary had only given birth to Christ only.
“And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” Matthew 1:25
Luke reiterates “firstborn” speaking in a different vein.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
David prophesied that Jesus would have brothers and sisters by Mary in the Psalms:
“I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.”
Psalm 69:8
In scripture, Mary is given no higher position than any other woman. Note Elisabeth’s words:
“And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou AMONG women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” Luke 1:42 (caps mine)
Nothing is written about Mary being above women. Ironically, the only woman in scripture who was “above” women was Jael, who drove a tent stake through Sisera’s temple! (Judges 5:24)
I guess you could say, “She nailed him!”
Mary never placed herself above anyone or presented herself to be more holy than anyone. Mary recognized that Jesus was her Lord and that she needed a Saviour. Only sinners need a Saviour:
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” Luke 1:46-47
Not one time in the scriptures did Jesus ever call His mother by the title “Mother.” He always calls her “Woman.” This was not a rude term, but a term that would keep the honest inquirer from assuming that Mary was something that God had not intended for her to be. When Christ was informed that His mother and brethren had come to see Him, His answer tells us Mary’s spiritual position in God’s program.
“Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matthew 12:47-50
It is no fault of Mary’s that men have elevated her to a place that belongs only to her Son. Neither is it unusual to find that men want to replace God’s Son with anyone or anything.
Think about it.