Volume 16

Issue #4

October 2024

STUMBLING INTO HEAVEN

              I am concerned with what our Christian community seemingly believes about the Christian life. Preachers have stressed that the blood of Jesus will cover all our sins. (1John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.) It is also stressed among us that worshipping God is very important. (John 4:23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.) We are also well versed on the concept that we must be a good people, and that is true. (Romans 6:1-2  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?) All of this is true. 

              With this in mind, many still go through their daily lives with little thought about their Lord, or His word. We focus on where we will eat, what we will wear, what games to attend, problems at work or school. We go through the day thinking about things of this life. But, is there something more about which we might be concerned? We need to ask the same question of God’s word that the young man asked Jesus in Matthew 19:20.  “The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?”

              First, we must be sure we have forgiven everyone that might have offended or harmed us in some way. The Bible is very clear about this. When Jesus taught about the “unforgiving servant” in Matthew 18:21, He ended with these words. “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.” Matthew 18:35. The Lord delivered that servant to the tormentors. 

              Jesus also tells us he will see to our needs if we always put Him first in our lives. Matthew 6:33  “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” It is so easy to get caught up in this world. We know Jesus is telling us to work in this life for our support. Paul writes “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12). He also said “… if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (1Timothy 5:8.)

              The Bible is also very concerned how we treat other members of the church. Paul addressed the Christians in Ephesus and said, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3). Paul continues with the admonition that we not walk and act as unbelievers, for Jesus didn’t teach us to act that way. As Christians we are to be “renewed in the spirit” of our minds. The new man is to be clothed in righteousness and true holiness. When we are angry with a brother it is easy to allow Satan to be given a place in our lives, and make us feel justified, yet Peter was emphatic that we need to love our brethren. He wrote, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:” (1Peter 1:22).  

              We need to understand that the price of our salvation has been paid, but just as Israel was promised that God would be with them, He warned them that they had an obligation to Him. God told Israel when He led them out of Egypt: 

Exodus 19:4-6 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

              God has expectations of Christians as well. Peter perhaps made that the most plain when he wrote in 2 Peter 2:20-22: 

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

         To bring this all home, what would have happened to Israel if they had “only” worshipped idols? Or if they had chosen not to keep the Sabbath? Or if they had decided not to offer sacrifices to God? The Bible teaches that if we fail to obey one, we have failed to obey all of God’s commands. James 2:10  For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

         Therefore, if we have obeyed the gospel but do not forgive, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ, or we fail to put God first in our lives, or if we do not show love to the brethren; then we will fall under Peter’s admonition and it would have been better for us if we had never obeyed the gospel. As Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure…. Needless to say, no one will “stumble” into heaven.

The Nature, Origin, or Relationships of the Holy Spirit

         God has revealed very little to us concerning these matters, and it should never be our purpose to be wise above that which is written. There are many practical questions that may be asked, the answer to which God has given concerning the Holy Spirit. It is therefore to these practical questions that we shall primarily devote our attention.

         Perhaps no Bible question has been placed in the realm of the mysterious more than has our subject today. And in spite of what I have already said much of this feeling, or attitude, is largely due to a failure on man’s part to study what God has revealed.

         We ask what or who is the Holy Spirit? Many times a thing may be best understood by observing what it does, and I think this may be one of those times. For instance we may not know just that a man is as we see him walking down the street with some kind of grip or box in his hand. However, should we follow the man and watch him as he climbs upon a house being newly constructed, watch him as he takes from his box a saw, a hammer, and other such articles and begin to work upon the house, we would conclude that he is a carpenter. Even so, though God in His divine wisdom has not made a voluminous revelation on the nature, origin, or relations of the Holy Spirit, yet He has sufficiently revealed His Spirit for us to have some practical knowledge concerning Him.

         First we know by Ephesians 4:4 that there is but “one Spirit”. We understand of course that this means there is but “one” true Holy Spirit. It is written, “Many false prophets, that is, false spirits, have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1). And as it is true of God, Christ, the church and baptism, even so, it is true of the Spirit. He is not in any sense associated with or made up of the many false spirits in the world. He is true, He is holy, and He is one.

         The Spirit was in the beginning with God. It is written:

Genesis 1:1-2 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” 

Job 26:13 “By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.”

But we are not through learning what the Spirit does. That will help us to better understand who He is. 

John 16:7-13 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

Notice the Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth. We in turn are led into all truth by what the Spirit gave the apostles to write for us in the Bible. This is also affirmed in 1 Peter 1:12.

“Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”

Consider also the following two passages:

Romans 8:16 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:11 “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”

Though we could continue adding line upon line, yet these are sufficient to help us conclude safely some things about the Holy Spirit.

         In these references we learn this about the Holy Spirit: (1) The Holy Spirit was with God in the beginning, and helped in the creation; (2) He comforts; (3) He hears; (4) He speaks; (5) He reproves; (6) He preaches the gospel; (7) He bears witness; (8) He knows the things of God; and (9) He was to guide the apostles into all truth. In view of the fact that these things can only be said of an intelligent being we conclude that the Holy Spirit is just that! The Holy Spirit of God is not therefore, as some suppose, simply an influence and exerts a power!  In the sublime relation of the deity, or Godhead, the Holy Spirit stands next to the Incarnate Word. It is one God, one Lord, and one Spirit.

         Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Spirit is the Spirit’s relationship to man. Let us examine the Spirit’s work in the salvation of man.

         He is interested in our salvation is seen in His offering the invitation to “come,” as is revealed in Revelation 22:17.

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

His interest in our salvation is further seen in His having revealed the plan of salvation for us. For the scriptures have not been given to us by man’s own imagination, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21). 

         When speaking of the Holy Spirit’s work in connection with man’s salvation Jesus said, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” (John 16:8). Now that He has done so, and the manner in which he does do so, I think to be of unusual interest to both those who have been, and those who ought to be reproved, convinced or convicted of their sins by Him. Now consider how does the Holy Spirit operate in convincing and convicting men?

         There are two kinds of power in the world, the one we call moral power, and the other we call physical power. Certainly the Holy Spirit does not condescend to the use of physical power in drawing men to God, rather, he resorts to moral power. In that the only power one spirit can exert over another spirit is its words and arguments, we can expect to find the Holy Spirit using some such words and arguments in bringing the lost to Christ.

         Whether He does this directly or indirectly has long since been a controversial subject. This is not because the Bible is not a plain book regarding this matter, but it is, as I have previously suggested, because men will not study what the word of the Lord says about it. 

         If the Holy Spirit were to make an appearance to you He would not tell you what to do in order to be saved. This may sound a little strange to your ears but if so it is just because you are not accustomed to hearing Bible doctrine preached and taught. The Holy Spirit does not operate directly upon the man who is to be saved, rather he operates indirectly – either through the word, or human instrumentality or some other such medium.

         An excellent example of this proposition can be found in Acts chapter 8. Notice in verses 25-40, when God would have the Ethiopian saved the Spirit did not work directly upon the heart of the Ethiopian, rather the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip saying:

Acts 8:26 “…Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert…”

The scriptures say he arose and went, and in going found a man riding along in his chariot. Then notice, the Spirit did not say anything directly to the Ethiopian, the man to be saved, rather He said to Philip, “Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.” (v. 29) He did, and after having preached to the man Jesus, the Ethiopian requested to be baptized into Christ. And that is the way the Spirit operates in convincing and converting sinner. (1) The Bible says He testified – John 15:26, (2) He testifies by speaking – John 16:13, and (3) He speaks through the word, or through men presenting the word – 2 Peter 1:21.

         If, therefore, you want the Spirit to lead you, let me urge that you read and study your Bible, for when you read your Bible, you are reading what the Spirit tells you to do. And it is in this way, and in this way only that we can know that we are being led by the Spirit of God.

Editor's Note: You can read weekly articles from Sandy at the following Web site: abiblecommentary.com "Blog for Christian Women"

ODIE’S GOAT

For the last several years, our preacher has been wanting a goat. He didn’t want just any goat. He wanted a miniature, fainting goat. 

Odie doesn’t have a farm, just a very large back yard across the street from the church building. They already have a duck—just one little duck that has his own swimming pool, a warm straw bed, and lots of room to wander.

A few weeks ago, Odie’s oldest son brought him a miniature, fainting goat. Odie named her Sally, anticipating the time he will have another goat that he will name Linus. (Now he really wants baby goats).

I haven’t seen the goat as yet, but I am told by family members that this new addition to the family has adjusted quite well, and she is more dog-like than goat-like, meaning that she will get in your lap if at all possible.

In thinking back before the goat arrived, I realized that Odie’s desire for a goat was very specific. He wanted a particular type of goat, and he had not been able to explain why those particular requirements. 

We are all often like that with things we want—furniture, cars, houses, clothing. You get the picture. 

It made me think about God’s desire for us, especially when it comes to worship. He was very specific from the beginning of time that man should worship him. The first two commandments are very clear. “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:3-6).

God’s people violated those commandments many times. Aaron made a golden calf when the people reached Mt. Sinai. Solomon made images for his many wives to worship their favorite god. Jeroboam changed everything about worship by placing golden calves in Dan and Bethel and changing the time of the feast for worship to God. Ahab built and altar for Baal to satisfy his wife, Jezebel. 

When Jesus died on the cross and His church was established on Pentecost, worship changed. Worship became more about the heart of man toward God. Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:24 that worship must be done in spirit and in truth. Our singing must be from the heart, Ephesians 5:19. We are to be cheerful givers, Second Corinthians 9:7. Our prayers are to be in the Spirit, Ephesians 6:18 and to be constant, First Thessalonians 5:17. Taking the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week is all about the remembrance of Jesus and His sacrifice for us, Matthew 26:28-29. The teaching of God’s Word relies on both the speaker and the hearer, First Timothy 4:2-4. 

Our hearts need to be set on the specifics, spirit and truth, as we worship God. Adding and subtracting to our worship is sin. Nothing else will be acceptable to God but the desires of His heart.

We may not understand Odie’s desire for a miniature, fainting goat. We certainly understand his right to be that specific. Doesn’t it seem strange that we can’t understand God right to give us specific instructions about worship? I think it goes back to what we want and not what God wants.

              One of the great honors that can be bestowed on a Christian man is to be asked to serve as an elder. Four wonderful men have recently been selected to serve as elders for the East Ridge congregation in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This is where I served before moving to Alabama several years ago. These men are Mike Frost, Joe Gass, Luke Griffin, and Jared Hueter. I know and love each of these men, and feel assured that they will be great servants for the Lord in this congregation. 

How Can A Loving God Allow Suffering?

First we need to remember where suffering and death originated. Adam and Eve were told that the day they ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil they would die. That was true of their spiritual condition, and it also brought physical death and suffering. In essence, suffering came about because of man’s sin. By sinning, man put Satan in control of this world. 2 Corinthians 4:4 tell us, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” This is why Christ came to this world to die for us. If we are faithful to Him we will live eternally away from sin, disease, and death. We will spend eternity with God in heaven.

One man wrote while working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The tooth fairy will never believe this!"

Basic Bible Knowledge About the Holy Spirit       Speech & Debate



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