Heresy is a most hurtful cancer that can ravage a church congregation. One of Paul’s purposes in writing to the Colossian church was to address the false teachings that had infected a portion of the people there. In his letter he admonished the hearers to "see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ" (2:8).
Right teaching is essential to keeping God’s people on the right track. Paul recognized that sending a letter was helpful, but there was more that was needed. Paul saw that he needed to send someone to the Colossians to help them in addressing the spiritual challenges they were having.
Paul chose to send a man named Tychicus. Why would Paul choose to send this particular man? He speaks of this elder as “a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord (Colossian 4:7).
Paul referred to him as a “brother” indicating a closeness and a bond that had developed in his work as an apostle. He knew the character of the man he had designated to travel from Rome to Colossae. Paul also notes that he was a “faithful minister and fellow servant”. Paul, with these words, expresses that Tychicus has been trained in the faith and has proven that he would adhere to the faith in working with the Colossian church. In other words, he had great confidence in Tychicus being able to point the Colossians toward sound biblical teaching which would give them stability.
Finally, he points to Tychicus as being a servant to the people of God. Service is the hallmark of minister and Tychicus had obviously displayed that in working for Paul.
So Paul was sending Tychicus to the Colossians to relay to them what was happening with Paul in Rome and to find out how the Colossians were doing.
Additionally, Tychicus was to do something most important for the Colossian Christians. “I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts” (Colossians 4:8). Tychicus was to learn their “circumstances” and to “comfort” their hearts.
Being a part of a congregation in which there is heresy is anything but comfortable. It creates division and stress for the membership. Additionally, if the false teaching is not eradicated, it will inevitably lead to division.
Paul tasked Tychicus with comforting the hearts of the Colossian church members. He would do this by encouraging them, teaching them the truth, and refuting the errors that were being propagated in their midst.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 states, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Our God is a “comforter” and He works in us through the Holy Spirit to become men and women who can comfort and encourage others.
Paul had seen Tychicus grow as a Christian and a minister. Knowing his qualities allowed Paul to confidently send this faithful man to provide comfort and encouragement to the Colossians.
Hopefully, we are becoming men and women who can comfort and encourage the hearts of others in the congregation.
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Friday, August 11, 2017
Friday, July 7, 2017
United Youth Camp: A Microcosm of God's Kingdom Where One Day All Will Fit In
Dinner at Camp Pinecrest was already under way when the last camper finally arrived. His mom drove him up close to the dining hall in order to unload his luggage and to begin his first year as a camper. The young man clearly did not want to be at camp. He was definitely a most reluctant camper.
His unhappiness with being at camp continued as he was introduced to his counselor and took a seat in the dining room. All around this young man, campers and staff were conversing, laughing, and enjoying the evening meal. The boy chose not to eat and sat slouched in his chair, talking to no one. By his body language it was clear that he felt himself to be the proverbial “fish out of water”.
As I looked at the boy slouching in his chair, he did not fit. He was new to the church and only knew one other person at camp. The question was, “Would he ever begin to fit in as a camper?”
To have a successful teen camp, staff come from many parts of the country. In 2017, staff came from Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Camp volunteers not only come from different parts of the country, but they have different skills and personalities.
To make it more interesting the camp has the responsibility of serving campers from the same areas mentioned above plus Virginia and British Columbia.
So, camp begins with quite a diverse mix of people.
How does it all mesh together to produce an environment that is pleasing to God, an environment conducive to helping the outsider fit in? It is not achieved by human skill, might or intellect.
This question could be asked concerning the events that took place on Pentecost 31 A.D.
We are told in Acts 2 that God’s Holy Spirit was poured out upon those who followed Jesus’ instruction to be in Jerusalem at the Temple on Pentecost.
Note what we are told about this event, “Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs — we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"” (Acts 2:7-12).
What this event meant was that God, through his Holy Spirit, was bringing together a diverse group of people: different cultures, different languages, and different personalities. But through the Spirit of God they were to be one and through yielding to that spiritual power they could be one (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
Acts 2 further tells us what happened with the thousands who became a part of the Church of God that day. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). They sought to follow the teachings of the apostles, to fellowship, and to offer up prayers to God. This approach allowed them to be “of one accord” (Acts 2:46-47) and to begin to function effectively as the body of Christ.
Those who come to camp are a most diverse group, but as we seek to continue “steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” camp cannot help but be a success.
What about the young man that did not fit in? The staff recognized that this young man did not want to be at camp. He was struggling. Our job was to welcome him into the group. He was welcomed by his dorm and by other members of the staff. A concerted effort was made to help him become a part of the camp instead of an outsider.
As I observed him during the week, I saw him smiling, participating in activities, and slowly beginning to enjoy his first camp experience.
On the final morning, I spoke with the young man and he indicated he did enjoy camp. His experience had been more positive than he ever thought it would be. He told me that he
looked forward to coming back in 2018 and even gave me a hug.
On day one, I am certain that he would have left camp if offered the opportunity, but by the end he was happy he stayed.
Such a positive outcome is predictable when people yield to God’s Spirit in application of the truths of the Bible. Amazingly, such a positive result can be achieved in a week of summer camp. Imagine when God’s Kingdom begins the inclusion and transformation of all of the outsiders who don’t fit in as the Millennium gets underway.
A week of summer camp is a reminder that God’s way does work.
Gary Smith
His unhappiness with being at camp continued as he was introduced to his counselor and took a seat in the dining room. All around this young man, campers and staff were conversing, laughing, and enjoying the evening meal. The boy chose not to eat and sat slouched in his chair, talking to no one. By his body language it was clear that he felt himself to be the proverbial “fish out of water”.
As I looked at the boy slouching in his chair, he did not fit. He was new to the church and only knew one other person at camp. The question was, “Would he ever begin to fit in as a camper?”
To have a successful teen camp, staff come from many parts of the country. In 2017, staff came from Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Camp volunteers not only come from different parts of the country, but they have different skills and personalities.
To make it more interesting the camp has the responsibility of serving campers from the same areas mentioned above plus Virginia and British Columbia.
So, camp begins with quite a diverse mix of people.
How does it all mesh together to produce an environment that is pleasing to God, an environment conducive to helping the outsider fit in? It is not achieved by human skill, might or intellect.
This question could be asked concerning the events that took place on Pentecost 31 A.D.
We are told in Acts 2 that God’s Holy Spirit was poured out upon those who followed Jesus’ instruction to be in Jerusalem at the Temple on Pentecost.
Note what we are told about this event, “Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs — we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"” (Acts 2:7-12).
What this event meant was that God, through his Holy Spirit, was bringing together a diverse group of people: different cultures, different languages, and different personalities. But through the Spirit of God they were to be one and through yielding to that spiritual power they could be one (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
Acts 2 further tells us what happened with the thousands who became a part of the Church of God that day. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). They sought to follow the teachings of the apostles, to fellowship, and to offer up prayers to God. This approach allowed them to be “of one accord” (Acts 2:46-47) and to begin to function effectively as the body of Christ.
Those who come to camp are a most diverse group, but as we seek to continue “steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” camp cannot help but be a success.
What about the young man that did not fit in? The staff recognized that this young man did not want to be at camp. He was struggling. Our job was to welcome him into the group. He was welcomed by his dorm and by other members of the staff. A concerted effort was made to help him become a part of the camp instead of an outsider.
As I observed him during the week, I saw him smiling, participating in activities, and slowly beginning to enjoy his first camp experience.
On the final morning, I spoke with the young man and he indicated he did enjoy camp. His experience had been more positive than he ever thought it would be. He told me that he
looked forward to coming back in 2018 and even gave me a hug.
On day one, I am certain that he would have left camp if offered the opportunity, but by the end he was happy he stayed.
Such a positive outcome is predictable when people yield to God’s Spirit in application of the truths of the Bible. Amazingly, such a positive result can be achieved in a week of summer camp. Imagine when God’s Kingdom begins the inclusion and transformation of all of the outsiders who don’t fit in as the Millennium gets underway.
A week of summer camp is a reminder that God’s way does work.
Gary Smith
Friday, February 3, 2017
When Does a Baby's Life Begin? God Knows.
As the Sabbath approaches, I thought it worthwhile to
consider two marches held in Washington the first full week
of the new U.S. president’s term.
In looking at the two marches, one can see an immediate
contrast between those involved in the Women’s March on
Washington and the March for Life. In examining the two
groups there could be no more vivid example of the cultural
divide that plagues our country in 2017.
The women’s march on January 21 was characterized by
vulgarity, coarse language, and the primary goal of the
gathering was to ensure that abortion on demand continues to
be available. It is sad to see ladies taking pride in being called
“nasty” women and heartily endorsing the killing of potential
children of God before they have a chance at life.
In contrast, we have another group of people who gathered to
promote the right of the unborn to life. The demeanor of the
participants in the January 28th march was much more
positive. Interestingly, many people gathered for the pro-life
event were motivated by God’s word on the subject. The view
of many among them is that God is the giver of life and He
alone has the right to give or take life.
Sadly, the marches are over but the cultural war will continue.
But if the Bible were the guide there would be no abortions
and Roe vs. Wade would be superseded by God’s truth on the
matter.
One great question that arises out of this controversy is,
“When does life begin?” Consider the example of Jesus Christ
in this regard.
Consider that the one we know as Jesus Christ dwelled in
heaven throughout eternity as John 1 makes clear.
But it was God’s plan to send a Savior in the likeness of men
in order to save man from the penalty of sin. God’s plan to
send a Savior was instituted immediately after the sin of Adam
and Eve (Genesis 3:15).
At the right time in His great plan of salvation, God sent His
son, in the likeness of flesh, to redeem mankind of the death
penalty because of sin. “But when the fullness of the time had
come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under
the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we
might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5).
The Apostle Paul tells us that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was
an eternal being inhabiting eternity with God the Father. But
the one who became the Son of God was willing to let go of
being God in order to enter human realm (Philippians 2:6-7).
So, we find that Jesus Christ had eternal life. Yet He was
willing to place His very existence in the hands of the Father
to bring about a transference from being at the Father’s right
hand to life in the womb of Mary.
How did Jesus’ life begin in Mary’s womb? Luke 1:34-35
explains how this came about, “Then Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel
answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon
you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you;
therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called
the Son of God.”
The scriptures equate the Holy Spirit with the power of God,
and the power of God with the Holy Spirit. It is through God’s
power that the life of Jesus Christ began in the womb of Mary.
Mary supplied the ovum and God supplied the rest. What God
began in the womb of Mary was not some glob of tissue, but
the life of the one who would become the Savior of the world.
If we look to the example of Jesus Christ’s, we see His life
began in the womb. The womb is where all human life begins
as well, at conception.
Sadly, at this time, there is a controversy, a cultural divide
over when life begins. Someday, there will be no marches in
Washington, D.C. But mankind will come to know that life
begins at conception and every baby is a potential member of
the family of God.
Gary Smith
consider two marches held in Washington the first full week
of the new U.S. president’s term.
In looking at the two marches, one can see an immediate
contrast between those involved in the Women’s March on
Washington and the March for Life. In examining the two
groups there could be no more vivid example of the cultural
divide that plagues our country in 2017.
The women’s march on January 21 was characterized by
vulgarity, coarse language, and the primary goal of the
gathering was to ensure that abortion on demand continues to
be available. It is sad to see ladies taking pride in being called
“nasty” women and heartily endorsing the killing of potential
children of God before they have a chance at life.
In contrast, we have another group of people who gathered to
promote the right of the unborn to life. The demeanor of the
participants in the January 28th march was much more
positive. Interestingly, many people gathered for the pro-life
event were motivated by God’s word on the subject. The view
of many among them is that God is the giver of life and He
alone has the right to give or take life.
Sadly, the marches are over but the cultural war will continue.
But if the Bible were the guide there would be no abortions
and Roe vs. Wade would be superseded by God’s truth on the
matter.
One great question that arises out of this controversy is,
“When does life begin?” Consider the example of Jesus Christ
in this regard.
Consider that the one we know as Jesus Christ dwelled in
heaven throughout eternity as John 1 makes clear.
But it was God’s plan to send a Savior in the likeness of men
in order to save man from the penalty of sin. God’s plan to
send a Savior was instituted immediately after the sin of Adam
and Eve (Genesis 3:15).
At the right time in His great plan of salvation, God sent His
son, in the likeness of flesh, to redeem mankind of the death
penalty because of sin. “But when the fullness of the time had
come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under
the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we
might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5).
The Apostle Paul tells us that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was
an eternal being inhabiting eternity with God the Father. But
the one who became the Son of God was willing to let go of
being God in order to enter human realm (Philippians 2:6-7).
So, we find that Jesus Christ had eternal life. Yet He was
willing to place His very existence in the hands of the Father
to bring about a transference from being at the Father’s right
hand to life in the womb of Mary.
How did Jesus’ life begin in Mary’s womb? Luke 1:34-35
explains how this came about, “Then Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel
answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon
you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you;
therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called
the Son of God.”
The scriptures equate the Holy Spirit with the power of God,
and the power of God with the Holy Spirit. It is through God’s
power that the life of Jesus Christ began in the womb of Mary.
Mary supplied the ovum and God supplied the rest. What God
began in the womb of Mary was not some glob of tissue, but
the life of the one who would become the Savior of the world.
If we look to the example of Jesus Christ’s, we see His life
began in the womb. The womb is where all human life begins
as well, at conception.
Sadly, at this time, there is a controversy, a cultural divide
over when life begins. Someday, there will be no marches in
Washington, D.C. But mankind will come to know that life
begins at conception and every baby is a potential member of
the family of God.
Gary Smith
Friday, January 6, 2017
7 Principles of Bible Study
A most pleasant Sabbath to all. As we have been considering
the basics of our walk as Christians, prayer and Bible study, it
was recommended we provide additional input on various
Biblical verses which will serve to edify the congregation.
The short presentations will supply a verse or short passage
along with an exposition of that verse or passage. I hope you
find these Biblical presentations helpful.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Jude calls for returning to "the faith which was once for all
delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). We have a chance to do that
now, and once we have submitted to the Bible's authority, we
can teach it to others (Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 5:12-14).
But in our zeal to contend for the truth, we cannot forget a few
basic principles of Bible study.
1) Here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9-13): God did not
organize the Bible so that all information on a given subject
falls in one chapter or book. The whole Bible must concur
before we can truly call a theological concept "truth."
2) A positive approach (Acts 17:11-12): God left us a
wonderful example of a people who sought to prove the truths
of God rather than disprove them. He can work with those
who have submissive minds, receptive to His revelation.
3) A desire to please God (II Timothy 2:15): Our study should
be intended to merit God's approval of our lives. He is not
impressed with scholarship or intelligence, but He does
respect godly living and spiritual growth (Psalm 111:10; II
Peter 3:18; I John 3:22).
4) No private interpretation (II Peter 1:20-21): The Word of
God and the understanding of it are revealed by the Holy
Spirit (I Corinthians 2:6-16). Any personal understanding or
interpretation must agree in all points with the Bible, or spring
without violence from its principles (cf. II Peter 3:16) -
otherwise an idea is nothing more than an opinion and maybe
a dangerous one.
5) Humility (I Corinthians 8:1-3): It is a good idea to
remember that many others, probably wiser, have faced the
same questions before us. The history of the true church of
God through the centuries should be considered and the
decisions of its leaders taken seriously.
6) Seek counsel (Proverbs 24:6): Not only should one bring
vexing questions to the ministry, but one should also seek wise
advice from brethren, both inside and outside one's normal
circle of friends. After mentioning it to others, give them time
to study the subject thoroughly themselves and reply before
drawing any conclusions.
7) Prayer and meditation (Psalm 119:33-40, 97-99): Seeking
God's will and considering the ramifications of our ideas are
absolutely vital to proper Bible study. Others, weaker in the
faith, may not be able to survive our "spirituality" (I
Corinthians 8:9, 11-13).
If we apply these principles to our Bible study, we will be
heeding the advice of our Elder Brother, "Take heed that no
one deceives you" (Matthew 24:4).
Gary Smith
the basics of our walk as Christians, prayer and Bible study, it
was recommended we provide additional input on various
Biblical verses which will serve to edify the congregation.
The short presentations will supply a verse or short passage
along with an exposition of that verse or passage. I hope you
find these Biblical presentations helpful.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Jude calls for returning to "the faith which was once for all
delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). We have a chance to do that
now, and once we have submitted to the Bible's authority, we
can teach it to others (Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 5:12-14).
But in our zeal to contend for the truth, we cannot forget a few
basic principles of Bible study.
1) Here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9-13): God did not
organize the Bible so that all information on a given subject
falls in one chapter or book. The whole Bible must concur
before we can truly call a theological concept "truth."
2) A positive approach (Acts 17:11-12): God left us a
wonderful example of a people who sought to prove the truths
of God rather than disprove them. He can work with those
who have submissive minds, receptive to His revelation.
3) A desire to please God (II Timothy 2:15): Our study should
be intended to merit God's approval of our lives. He is not
impressed with scholarship or intelligence, but He does
respect godly living and spiritual growth (Psalm 111:10; II
Peter 3:18; I John 3:22).
4) No private interpretation (II Peter 1:20-21): The Word of
God and the understanding of it are revealed by the Holy
Spirit (I Corinthians 2:6-16). Any personal understanding or
interpretation must agree in all points with the Bible, or spring
without violence from its principles (cf. II Peter 3:16) -
otherwise an idea is nothing more than an opinion and maybe
a dangerous one.
5) Humility (I Corinthians 8:1-3): It is a good idea to
remember that many others, probably wiser, have faced the
same questions before us. The history of the true church of
God through the centuries should be considered and the
decisions of its leaders taken seriously.
6) Seek counsel (Proverbs 24:6): Not only should one bring
vexing questions to the ministry, but one should also seek wise
advice from brethren, both inside and outside one's normal
circle of friends. After mentioning it to others, give them time
to study the subject thoroughly themselves and reply before
drawing any conclusions.
7) Prayer and meditation (Psalm 119:33-40, 97-99): Seeking
God's will and considering the ramifications of our ideas are
absolutely vital to proper Bible study. Others, weaker in the
faith, may not be able to survive our "spirituality" (I
Corinthians 8:9, 11-13).
If we apply these principles to our Bible study, we will be
heeding the advice of our Elder Brother, "Take heed that no
one deceives you" (Matthew 24:4).
Gary Smith
Friday, November 4, 2016
Truth Is Fallen In The Street
The prophet Isaiah was inspired to record for us the spiritual
condition of the people of Israel.
A passage that is especially applicable to 21st century America
is found in Isaiah 59:13-15, “In transgressing and lying against
the Lord, and departing from our God, speaking oppression
and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of
falsehood. Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands
afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot
enter. So truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes
himself a prey.”
Consider the issue of truth in light of the current contest for
the presidency of the United States. Each day it seems there
are more lies, denials, and attempts to hide the truth. The saga
that has unfolded with the Hillary Clinton email scandal is a
vivid illustration of what happens when one fails to tell the
truth.
Imagine how sure of a position Mrs. Clinton would be in at
present if when the news of the private email server broke, she
admitted the error and told the truth about what she did. It
would have ended the matter at that point.
Sadly, by lying about the matter, scrubbing the server,
destroying phones and seeking to obliterate the evidence it has
spurred a deeper pursuit of the matter. The process of digging
for the truth has exposed lying on many levels and jeopardized
Mrs. Clinton’s bid for the presidency.
Isaiah points out that the lack of truth among the people of
Israel had reached the point where they were speaking from
the heart when they uttered falsehoods. As lying is a standard
operating procedure, it reaches a point where the truth is no
longer important. Lying is just a means to self-protection,
self-preservation, or the accomplishment one’s selfish desire.
Who cares about the collateral damage that comes from
falsehood?
The collateral damage that stems from lying is that justice and
righteousness, which depend upon truth, are difficult to find.
Justice which should be fundamental to the legal system is not
attainable when lying is widespread. We only have to look at
the F.B.I.’s handling of the email server matter to more fully
understand what Isaiah is talking about.
When a society reaches the level of corruption described by
Isaiah, the person who tells the truth and departs from evil
makes himself a prey or target.
People tend to completely forget that God is quite aware of a
society’s condition. We are given God’s view in Isaiah 59:15-
16, “Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there
was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered
that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought
salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained
Him.”
God sees the falsehoods which contribute to a lack of justice
in our nation.
More importantly, God notes the sorry condition in which a
society finds itself when there is a lack of truth. God in verse
16 notes that “there was no man” who would correct this
problem. In fact, where it says that He “wondered” that there
was no intercessor, it could be translated “He was appalled”
that there was no intercessor.
This verse tells us all we need to know about the election of a
president. No matter who is elected they are not going to
correct the problem of lying. No matter how much enthusiasm
a presidential candidate inspires they do not have the power to
correct such a fundamental problem as truth failing to be a
society’s standard.
Our only hope is referred to in Isaiah 59:20-21, ““The
Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from
transgression in Jacob," says the Lord. “As for Me," says the
Lord, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon
you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not
depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your
descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants'
descendants," says the Lord, "from this time and
forevermore."
In other words, our Redeemer will bring us to repentance,
redeem us from our sins, and God’s words—the truth—will be
in our mouth forevermore.
Happy Sabbath
Gary Smith
condition of the people of Israel.
A passage that is especially applicable to 21st century America
is found in Isaiah 59:13-15, “In transgressing and lying against
the Lord, and departing from our God, speaking oppression
and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of
falsehood. Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands
afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot
enter. So truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes
himself a prey.”
Consider the issue of truth in light of the current contest for
the presidency of the United States. Each day it seems there
are more lies, denials, and attempts to hide the truth. The saga
that has unfolded with the Hillary Clinton email scandal is a
vivid illustration of what happens when one fails to tell the
truth.
Imagine how sure of a position Mrs. Clinton would be in at
present if when the news of the private email server broke, she
admitted the error and told the truth about what she did. It
would have ended the matter at that point.
Sadly, by lying about the matter, scrubbing the server,
destroying phones and seeking to obliterate the evidence it has
spurred a deeper pursuit of the matter. The process of digging
for the truth has exposed lying on many levels and jeopardized
Mrs. Clinton’s bid for the presidency.
Isaiah points out that the lack of truth among the people of
Israel had reached the point where they were speaking from
the heart when they uttered falsehoods. As lying is a standard
operating procedure, it reaches a point where the truth is no
longer important. Lying is just a means to self-protection,
self-preservation, or the accomplishment one’s selfish desire.
Who cares about the collateral damage that comes from
falsehood?
The collateral damage that stems from lying is that justice and
righteousness, which depend upon truth, are difficult to find.
Justice which should be fundamental to the legal system is not
attainable when lying is widespread. We only have to look at
the F.B.I.’s handling of the email server matter to more fully
understand what Isaiah is talking about.
When a society reaches the level of corruption described by
Isaiah, the person who tells the truth and departs from evil
makes himself a prey or target.
People tend to completely forget that God is quite aware of a
society’s condition. We are given God’s view in Isaiah 59:15-
16, “Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there
was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered
that there was no intercessor; therefore His own arm brought
salvation for Him; and His own righteousness, it sustained
Him.”
God sees the falsehoods which contribute to a lack of justice
in our nation.
More importantly, God notes the sorry condition in which a
society finds itself when there is a lack of truth. God in verse
16 notes that “there was no man” who would correct this
problem. In fact, where it says that He “wondered” that there
was no intercessor, it could be translated “He was appalled”
that there was no intercessor.
This verse tells us all we need to know about the election of a
president. No matter who is elected they are not going to
correct the problem of lying. No matter how much enthusiasm
a presidential candidate inspires they do not have the power to
correct such a fundamental problem as truth failing to be a
society’s standard.
Our only hope is referred to in Isaiah 59:20-21, ““The
Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from
transgression in Jacob," says the Lord. “As for Me," says the
Lord, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon
you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not
depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your
descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants'
descendants," says the Lord, "from this time and
forevermore."
In other words, our Redeemer will bring us to repentance,
redeem us from our sins, and God’s words—the truth—will be
in our mouth forevermore.
Happy Sabbath
Gary Smith
Friday, May 27, 2016
Why Are Some Able To See The Word of God While Others Can’t See It?
Last week in the Sabbath Thought I talked about “the experts.”
I spoke of the scholars and the brightest minds of this world
that cannot see the truth of God’s word. Sadly, they use their
creativity and exceptional abilities to pick God’s word apart.
They use their creative abilities to speculate on how the
writers of the Gospels put their books together. Their
speculations fit with how their carnal minds feel the scriptures
originated. As one analyzes the conclusions the learned put
forward in regard to God’s word, those called out can clearly
see that they are blinded.
Why is that the case? Why are some able to see the word of God while others can’t see it?
Thankfully the Bible helps us to understand the subject of blindness to God’s word. The subject of blindness to God’s truth is spoken of in a variety of ways and places in scripture.
The Apostle John addresses this issue in John 12. Beginning in verse 37, he points out that Christ walked among the people of Judea and the surrounding territories and performed “many signs before them” and “yet they did not believe Him.” John also points out the reason the people did not believe the signs done before them supported that Jesus Christ was the Christ. In fact, he points out in verse 38 that this outcome was prophesied by Isaiah.
He then quotes the prophet, “"Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them" (John 12:38- 40).
What John is pointing out is that one may be able to actually see, hear, and touch Jesus Christ in the flesh, but one can still not truly see or discern the bigger picture. The same is true for God’s word. One may be able to read it and to understand the words, but it seems there is a barrier imposed that does not allow true comprehension.
Paul also makes the point about blindness in Romans 11:7-8. While pointing to the blindness, the Apostle also points out that there are those to whom God has given understanding. “What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is written, "God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day."” Paul not only points out the blindness of Israel, but he points out that “the elect have obtained it”. He is saying that God, through His grace, mercy, and power, has opened the understanding of the elect only, in this age. “The rest,” everyone else besides the elect, “were blinded.”
1 Corinthians 2 reveals how it is that the elect can get beyond the blindness. It has nothing to do with intelligence, intellect, or IQ. It has to do with the spirit of God.
The Apostle writes, “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:6-8). Paul is speaking of God’s wisdom which only the “spiritually” mature can understand. It is not the wisdom of this age. It is not wisdom that the rich, the powerful, the well-educated, or the intellectually gifted can understand. If they had been able to understand it, they would not have crucified Jesus Christ. They were blinded to God’s “hidden wisdom”.
How is it that the elect can see? The ability to see “the glorious light of the Gospel” (2 Corinthians 4:4) is a gift given to us by God through His Holy Spirit. “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10). Through God’s Spirit, we can see and hear, and truly understand, Jesus Christ and His word. God has removed the veil of blindness (2 Corinthians 3:14-15).
As the elect of God, God has opened the Bible. The truths of God make sense to those called out. “These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13).
Through God’s calling and election, we can see the word of God, but what of the rest of the world? “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). To put it bluntly, the rest of the world, at this time is blinded.
Thankfully, there is coming a time when the veil of spiritual blindness will be taken away from the world. Only then will those now blind come to acknowledge their blindness and seek God’s help to clearly see.
As you enjoy the Sabbath day, take time to consider that God has opened your mind to see the spiritual things that most of the world cannot see.
Have a most pleasant Sabbath.
Gary Smith
Why is that the case? Why are some able to see the word of God while others can’t see it?
Thankfully the Bible helps us to understand the subject of blindness to God’s word. The subject of blindness to God’s truth is spoken of in a variety of ways and places in scripture.
The Apostle John addresses this issue in John 12. Beginning in verse 37, he points out that Christ walked among the people of Judea and the surrounding territories and performed “many signs before them” and “yet they did not believe Him.” John also points out the reason the people did not believe the signs done before them supported that Jesus Christ was the Christ. In fact, he points out in verse 38 that this outcome was prophesied by Isaiah.
He then quotes the prophet, “"Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them" (John 12:38- 40).
What John is pointing out is that one may be able to actually see, hear, and touch Jesus Christ in the flesh, but one can still not truly see or discern the bigger picture. The same is true for God’s word. One may be able to read it and to understand the words, but it seems there is a barrier imposed that does not allow true comprehension.
Paul also makes the point about blindness in Romans 11:7-8. While pointing to the blindness, the Apostle also points out that there are those to whom God has given understanding. “What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is written, "God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day."” Paul not only points out the blindness of Israel, but he points out that “the elect have obtained it”. He is saying that God, through His grace, mercy, and power, has opened the understanding of the elect only, in this age. “The rest,” everyone else besides the elect, “were blinded.”
1 Corinthians 2 reveals how it is that the elect can get beyond the blindness. It has nothing to do with intelligence, intellect, or IQ. It has to do with the spirit of God.
The Apostle writes, “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:6-8). Paul is speaking of God’s wisdom which only the “spiritually” mature can understand. It is not the wisdom of this age. It is not wisdom that the rich, the powerful, the well-educated, or the intellectually gifted can understand. If they had been able to understand it, they would not have crucified Jesus Christ. They were blinded to God’s “hidden wisdom”.
How is it that the elect can see? The ability to see “the glorious light of the Gospel” (2 Corinthians 4:4) is a gift given to us by God through His Holy Spirit. “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10). Through God’s Spirit, we can see and hear, and truly understand, Jesus Christ and His word. God has removed the veil of blindness (2 Corinthians 3:14-15).
As the elect of God, God has opened the Bible. The truths of God make sense to those called out. “These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13).
Through God’s calling and election, we can see the word of God, but what of the rest of the world? “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). To put it bluntly, the rest of the world, at this time is blinded.
Thankfully, there is coming a time when the veil of spiritual blindness will be taken away from the world. Only then will those now blind come to acknowledge their blindness and seek God’s help to clearly see.
As you enjoy the Sabbath day, take time to consider that God has opened your mind to see the spiritual things that most of the world cannot see.
Have a most pleasant Sabbath.
Gary Smith
Friday, February 26, 2016
Could You Pass The Marshmallow Test?
I am currently reading, “The Triple Package: How Three Unlikely Traits Explain the Rise and Fall of Cultural Groups in America” by Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld. The book has offered some interesting insights into how and why different groups have achieved success. Most of the book is about conventional success such as money, education, and rising cultural status. While there are some applications to us as Christians in this material, there is one section that is especially pertinent to us as members of the Church of God.
“Led by social and developmental psychologists . . . a large and growing body of research has demonstrated that the capacity to resist temptation to quit when a task is arduous, daunting, or beyond one’s immediate abilities—is critical to achievement. This capacity to resist temptation is exactly what we mean by impulse control, and the remarkable finding is that greater impulse control in early childhood translates into much better outcomes across a wide variety of domains (Chua and Rubenfeld, p. 117).
This finding was first stumbled upon by Stanford psychologist Walter Mischel in his famous “marshmallow test”. He was trying to determine how children learn to resist temptation. His test placed marshmallows in front of three- to five-year-olds. The children were told that if they waited a few minutes they would receive a second treat. Children who held out for fifteen minutes received a second marshmallow.
The result? A majority of the children ate up and only a minority resisted temptation.
The great surprise was discovered later on when Mischel decided to follow up on the 650 children used in the test when they were in high school. “It turned out that the children who had held out were doing much better academically with fewer social problems that those who hadn’t” (Chua and Rubenfeld, p. 118).
In a New Zealand study tracking over 1000 individuals from birth to age thirty two, Mischel’s findings were further confirmed. “. . . the study found that individuals with low impulse control as children were significantly more likely to develop problems with drugs, alcohol, and obesity; to work in low-paying jobs; to have a sexually transmitted disease; and to end up in prison. Those with high impulse control were healthier, more affluent, and more likely to have a stable marriage, raising children in a two-parent household” (Chua and Rubenfeld, p. 118).
There is one additional finding of note in these experiments and findings. “Willpower and perseverance can be strengthened. That’s where culture comes in. Cultivating impulse control in children—indeed in anyone, at any age—is a powerful lever of success” (Chua and Rubenfeld, p. 119).
Does this have any translation to our lives as a Christians?
We only have to turn to Genesis 2 and 3 for the answer. Did God’s first two children display impulse control? It’s as if God put Adam and Eve in the Garden and said, “Don’t eat of the marshmallow and you’ll get a treat later.” Sadly, like most of the children in the “marshmallow test”, they ate of the forbidden fruit, were expelled from the Garden, and have the penalty of death hanging over their heads.
Were their progeny any more successful in delaying gratification than first two people created by God? Sadly, few of those who came along later followed God. The ultimate outcome of a lack of impulse control is brought out in Genesis 6:5-6, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” Human history is a chronicle of man being unwilling to wait for gratification of his desires. The outcome has been disastrous.
As Christians, God wants us to be yielded to God’s Holy Spirit and guided by God’s word so that God can create in us His character. He wants us to resist our carnal desires. The outcome of our denying our carnal impulses, not giving in to temptation, is to be readied for a treat of much greater and lasting value than a marshmallow that treat being eternal life in the family of God.
Happy Sabbath!
Gary Smith
“Led by social and developmental psychologists . . . a large and growing body of research has demonstrated that the capacity to resist temptation to quit when a task is arduous, daunting, or beyond one’s immediate abilities—is critical to achievement. This capacity to resist temptation is exactly what we mean by impulse control, and the remarkable finding is that greater impulse control in early childhood translates into much better outcomes across a wide variety of domains (Chua and Rubenfeld, p. 117).
This finding was first stumbled upon by Stanford psychologist Walter Mischel in his famous “marshmallow test”. He was trying to determine how children learn to resist temptation. His test placed marshmallows in front of three- to five-year-olds. The children were told that if they waited a few minutes they would receive a second treat. Children who held out for fifteen minutes received a second marshmallow.
The result? A majority of the children ate up and only a minority resisted temptation.
The great surprise was discovered later on when Mischel decided to follow up on the 650 children used in the test when they were in high school. “It turned out that the children who had held out were doing much better academically with fewer social problems that those who hadn’t” (Chua and Rubenfeld, p. 118).
In a New Zealand study tracking over 1000 individuals from birth to age thirty two, Mischel’s findings were further confirmed. “. . . the study found that individuals with low impulse control as children were significantly more likely to develop problems with drugs, alcohol, and obesity; to work in low-paying jobs; to have a sexually transmitted disease; and to end up in prison. Those with high impulse control were healthier, more affluent, and more likely to have a stable marriage, raising children in a two-parent household” (Chua and Rubenfeld, p. 118).
There is one additional finding of note in these experiments and findings. “Willpower and perseverance can be strengthened. That’s where culture comes in. Cultivating impulse control in children—indeed in anyone, at any age—is a powerful lever of success” (Chua and Rubenfeld, p. 119).
Does this have any translation to our lives as a Christians?
We only have to turn to Genesis 2 and 3 for the answer. Did God’s first two children display impulse control? It’s as if God put Adam and Eve in the Garden and said, “Don’t eat of the marshmallow and you’ll get a treat later.” Sadly, like most of the children in the “marshmallow test”, they ate of the forbidden fruit, were expelled from the Garden, and have the penalty of death hanging over their heads.
Were their progeny any more successful in delaying gratification than first two people created by God? Sadly, few of those who came along later followed God. The ultimate outcome of a lack of impulse control is brought out in Genesis 6:5-6, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” Human history is a chronicle of man being unwilling to wait for gratification of his desires. The outcome has been disastrous.
As Christians, God wants us to be yielded to God’s Holy Spirit and guided by God’s word so that God can create in us His character. He wants us to resist our carnal desires. The outcome of our denying our carnal impulses, not giving in to temptation, is to be readied for a treat of much greater and lasting value than a marshmallow that treat being eternal life in the family of God.
Happy Sabbath!
Gary Smith
Friday, November 20, 2015
Thanksgiving Gratitude
In light of Thanksgiving, I began a new book, “Thanks! How
Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier” by Robert A.
Emmons, PhD. The book provided a quote to begin this
week’s Sabbath Thought on page one.
The quote stood out because it offers us a sure fire get rich
scheme. When you read of a “sure fire” get rich scheme, you
are probably thinking what I’m about to say is not reliable.
But consider the quote before making judgment. After
reading the quote, you will probably see how it really is a
certain scheme to insure you will be rich.
“I cannot tell you anything that, in a few minutes, will tell you
how to be rich. But I can tell how to feel rich, which is far
better, let me tell you firsthand, than being rich, Be grateful . .
.It is the only totally reliable get-rich quick scheme.”
—Ben Stein, actor, comedian, economist
The author of the book has researched the subject of gratitude
and sees it as helpful to conceive of it in two stages. He says,
“First, gratitude is the acknowledgement of goodness in your
life. In gratitude we say yes to life. We affirm that all things
taken together, life is good and has elements that make life
worth living. . . . Second, gratitude is recognizing that the
source(s) of goodness lie at least partially outside the self.
The object of gratitude is other-directed; one can be grateful to
other people, to God, to animals, but never to oneself. . . .
Thanks are directed outward to the giver of gifts.”
Proper thanksgiving is important. Notice the emphasis the
apostle Paul places on thanksgiving:
Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier” by Robert A.
Emmons, PhD. The book provided a quote to begin this
week’s Sabbath Thought on page one.
The quote stood out because it offers us a sure fire get rich
scheme. When you read of a “sure fire” get rich scheme, you
are probably thinking what I’m about to say is not reliable.
But consider the quote before making judgment. After
reading the quote, you will probably see how it really is a
certain scheme to insure you will be rich.
“I cannot tell you anything that, in a few minutes, will tell you
how to be rich. But I can tell how to feel rich, which is far
better, let me tell you firsthand, than being rich, Be grateful . .
.It is the only totally reliable get-rich quick scheme.”
—Ben Stein, actor, comedian, economist
The author of the book has researched the subject of gratitude
and sees it as helpful to conceive of it in two stages. He says,
“First, gratitude is the acknowledgement of goodness in your
life. In gratitude we say yes to life. We affirm that all things
taken together, life is good and has elements that make life
worth living. . . . Second, gratitude is recognizing that the
source(s) of goodness lie at least partially outside the self.
The object of gratitude is other-directed; one can be grateful to
other people, to God, to animals, but never to oneself. . . .
Thanks are directed outward to the giver of gifts.”
Proper thanksgiving is important. Notice the emphasis the
apostle Paul places on thanksgiving:
In Ephesians 5:20, Paul admonishes us to give,"thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." In 1Thessalonians 5:18, the same apostle instructs us to give thanks "in everything... for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." In Colossians 2:7, Paul says we are to abound, and to overflow with thanksgiving.
Paul practiced what he preached! Aside from the statements of
thanksgiving that he makes in the bodies of his letters, as in
Philippians 4:6, he opens no less than five letters by thanking
God. You will find that in Romans 1:8, 1 Corinthians 1:4,
Philippians 1:3, Colossians 1:3, and 1 Thessalonians 1:2.
In Colossians 3:17, Paul says that, "whatever you do in word
or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God the Father through Him." Here in this verse Paul
indicates the fundamental benefit of gratitude. Being grateful
to God for all that He has given to us impacts how we
approach every day.
We may be facing adversity, struggles, persecution,
heartbreak, pain, and yet we can approach life as the richest
people on the planet. We may be well off, financially set,
have a nice family and home, and our health is good. But we
realize that our riches are not in this world they are the riches
that come from God.
Our riches are based upon our being called out of this world,
God forgiving us of our sins, opening our minds to His truths
and our being prepared for the soon coming Kingdom of
Heaven through Jesus Christ working in our lives through the
Holy Spirit. God has extended His grace and mercy to us
through His Son. Nothing in the physical world can change
that.
This Sabbath before Thanksgiving take some time to recognize the
blessings God has sent your way and to acknowledge the
Giver of every good gift (James 1:17).
Have a pleasant Sabbath and make this Thanksgiving a day of
gratitude to God.
Gary Smith
Friday, July 3, 2015
Preaching the Gospel
As the Sabbath day arrives, I would
like us to consider “the preaching of the Gospel.”
When Jesus began His ministry, He began
to preach a particular message. Mark mentions this in Mark 1:14-15,
“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching
the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is
fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in
the gospel."”
After His death and resurrection,
Christ re-emphasized the work that the Apostles were to carry out,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and
lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen
(Matthew 28:19-20). Clearly the Apostles were to carry on the work
that Christ began in Galilee. They were to preach the gospel message
of the soon coming kingdom of Heaven. They were to make disciples,
which can only be done by teaching the truths of the Bible. These
verses emphasize repentance since one can only have their sins washed
away in the waters of baptism upon repentance.
Did the Apostles preach the gospel? We
only have to look at what happened on the day of Pentecost in 31 AD.
Acts 2:38-41 “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every
one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission
of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the
promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off,
as many as the Lord our God will call." And with many other
words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from
this perverse generation." Then those who gladly received his
word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were
added to them.”
The Gospel was preached. Disciples were
added to the Church by God and congregations were established
throughout the world. For a time, the Church of God enjoyed a
relative freedom to preach the truths of the Bible and to meet the
Roman Empire and beyond.
However, by the end of the 1st
Century, distortion of the truth and persecution upon the Church had
begun. By 325 AD, with the decisions of the Council of Nicaea and
Roman Emperor, Constantine, God’s people had to go into hiding for
better than 1280 years. At the end of that time, the door was slowly
opened for the Church to go forward to openly preach the Gospel.
For those of us associated with the
Radio Church of God and its later manifestation, the Worldwide Church
of God, we have lived in a remarkable time. A hundred years in which
there has been relatively little suppression of the truth. It has
been a time when the church could proclaim the Gospel to the world,
over the airwaves, on TV, and in print. It has been an era in which
the Church could meet in peace without fear of oppression.
On Friday, June 26, 2015, the Supreme
Court decided a case legitimatizing something that is condemned by
the scriptures. It opens the door for actions to be taken against
those who wish to follow the scriptures.
Some questions:
- Will we be able to meet in peace while holding fast to the truth?
- Will we individually and collectively come under attack because our religious beliefs?
- Will we be able to hold jobs where we are forced to accept something we know to be in opposition to God’s way of life?
- Most fundamentally, can we continue to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ if we can no longer preach the message of repentance from dead works?
Pandora’s Box has been opened and
there is no putting what has been unleashed back in the bottle.
Will we follow the Apostles admonition
as we go forward in preaching the truth even if we are threatened and
persecuted? Note what Peter and the other apostles said in response
to the religious authorities seeking to suppress the truth, “We
ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up
Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to
His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel
and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things,
and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey
Him." (Acts 5:29-32).
How the future will unfold exactly is
unknown, but all of God’s people must be aware that on June 26,
2015 we crossed a threshold that can only bring challenges for God’s
people.
We especially need God’s protection,
wisdom, and guidance as we journey on to the Kingdom of God.
Stay focused on the hope we receive
every Sabbath day and may God hasten the reality that the Sabbath
portrays.
Gary Smith
Friday, May 22, 2015
Pentecost
As this Saturday and Sunday will make up Pentecost weekend, it is only appropriate that we consider a subject concerning Pentecost.
When a person receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of repentance and baptism, what should happen?
There is the mistaken idea that once a person receives the Holy Spirit there should be an immediate display of the Holy Spirit.
The first time it was given, and a few subsequent times, there was a display of some of the special gifts that came with the initial giving of the Spirit. Acts 2 is an example.
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).
The sound of a mighty rushing wind was heard by people in the temple area. People heard the rushing wind and moved toward it. Tongues of fire were manifested at this time as well. Additionally, Peter and the other 11 apostles spoke in different known languages, and people heard them speaking in their own tongue.
This manifestation of the Holy Spirit was not the unintelligible and uncontrolled gibberish associated with Pentecostalism. Such demonstrations have nothing to do with God’s Holy Spirit.
Why this powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit? This all happened to demonstrate to those in the temple on Pentecost that something very powerful was taking place. In fact, what was taking place had been prophesied in the book of Joel. Peter quotes from the book of Joel as he gives the first inspired sermon and states, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
“That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'” (Acts 2:16-21)
As prophesied by Joel, God is beginning to pour out the Holy Spirit on all flesh. He is beginning His church. In time as the plan of God is worked out, there will come a time when the Holy Spirit will be truly poured out on all flesh.
The Bible records speaking in tongues occurred on three occasions to people when they received the Holy Spirit, and they were all given for essentially the same reason. It was a special sign that God was doing something different from the way He had worked with Israel. God was teaching them something they needed to know. God poured out His Spirit in this dramatic way to help His people see the direction He wanted them to go.
The second time the Holy Spirit was poured out was upon the House of Cornelius in Acts 10. This event occurred about 10 years after Pentecost in 31 AD. God was showing that He was going to now work with the Gentiles. The pouring out of the spirit and speaking in tongues showed those of the circumcision that God was now going to work in the Gentiles in the same way as He worked with the circumcision.
The third example of speaking in tongues upon being baptized occurs in Acts 19. In this example the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples of John who were re-baptized in the name of Jesus.
They only knew about of the baptism of John. They did not know of the baptism of Jesus, nor had they known of the Holy Spirit. When hands were laid on them, the Spirit poured out and they spoke with tongues to demonstrate that this was the right thing to do.
Interestingly, we find evidence of speaking in tongues in the Corinthian church, but we don’t have evidence that they were given this gift at baptism. Additionally, we find 3000 were baptized on Pentecost, but there is no indication of special outward signs given upon their receiving the Holy Spirit.
There were outward displays on these occasions. God was putting His approval on what was being done. The three occasions where people spoke in tongues upon receiving the Holy Spirit were only special instances
Some people look for something today. People expect an outward sign. When a person receives God’s Spirit, it is by faith, and there are no outward demonstrations that accompany it.
However, the Spirit has been given to the people of God to accomplish something truly awesome. We are given an inkling of the magnitude of God pouring out His Spirit in 2 Timothy 1:7. There Paul says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Paul gives us something most worthwhile to consider as we keep the Sabbath and Holy Day of Pentecost.
Gary Smith
When a person receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of repentance and baptism, what should happen?
There is the mistaken idea that once a person receives the Holy Spirit there should be an immediate display of the Holy Spirit.
The first time it was given, and a few subsequent times, there was a display of some of the special gifts that came with the initial giving of the Spirit. Acts 2 is an example.
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).
The sound of a mighty rushing wind was heard by people in the temple area. People heard the rushing wind and moved toward it. Tongues of fire were manifested at this time as well. Additionally, Peter and the other 11 apostles spoke in different known languages, and people heard them speaking in their own tongue.
This manifestation of the Holy Spirit was not the unintelligible and uncontrolled gibberish associated with Pentecostalism. Such demonstrations have nothing to do with God’s Holy Spirit.
Why this powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit? This all happened to demonstrate to those in the temple on Pentecost that something very powerful was taking place. In fact, what was taking place had been prophesied in the book of Joel. Peter quotes from the book of Joel as he gives the first inspired sermon and states, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
“That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'” (Acts 2:16-21)
As prophesied by Joel, God is beginning to pour out the Holy Spirit on all flesh. He is beginning His church. In time as the plan of God is worked out, there will come a time when the Holy Spirit will be truly poured out on all flesh.
The Bible records speaking in tongues occurred on three occasions to people when they received the Holy Spirit, and they were all given for essentially the same reason. It was a special sign that God was doing something different from the way He had worked with Israel. God was teaching them something they needed to know. God poured out His Spirit in this dramatic way to help His people see the direction He wanted them to go.
The second time the Holy Spirit was poured out was upon the House of Cornelius in Acts 10. This event occurred about 10 years after Pentecost in 31 AD. God was showing that He was going to now work with the Gentiles. The pouring out of the spirit and speaking in tongues showed those of the circumcision that God was now going to work in the Gentiles in the same way as He worked with the circumcision.
The third example of speaking in tongues upon being baptized occurs in Acts 19. In this example the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples of John who were re-baptized in the name of Jesus.
They only knew about of the baptism of John. They did not know of the baptism of Jesus, nor had they known of the Holy Spirit. When hands were laid on them, the Spirit poured out and they spoke with tongues to demonstrate that this was the right thing to do.
Interestingly, we find evidence of speaking in tongues in the Corinthian church, but we don’t have evidence that they were given this gift at baptism. Additionally, we find 3000 were baptized on Pentecost, but there is no indication of special outward signs given upon their receiving the Holy Spirit.
There were outward displays on these occasions. God was putting His approval on what was being done. The three occasions where people spoke in tongues upon receiving the Holy Spirit were only special instances
Some people look for something today. People expect an outward sign. When a person receives God’s Spirit, it is by faith, and there are no outward demonstrations that accompany it.
However, the Spirit has been given to the people of God to accomplish something truly awesome. We are given an inkling of the magnitude of God pouring out His Spirit in 2 Timothy 1:7. There Paul says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Paul gives us something most worthwhile to consider as we keep the Sabbath and Holy Day of Pentecost.
Gary Smith
Friday, October 3, 2014
A Sabbath Day of Atonement
As the Sabbath begins, it also begins another of the great observances in God’s plan of salvation, the Day of Atonement.
Each Sabbath is to be time in which we stop to consider that God gives us time to rest from our labors and to reflect upon our God and His plan. Each Sabbath we are reminded that we have entered into covenant with God and there is more to life than simply living “under the sun” as Solomon brought out in Ecclesiastes 1.
This particular Sabbath is unique in that the Day of Atonement gives the time of refreshing added meaning.
Is there a being that undermines our lives more than the adversary, Satan? He intrudes in our lives with his attitudes and influences which tempt us to sin, and we see sin around us most every day.
But in being called out of this present evil world we have a unique perspective. I think that perspective is reflected in 1 John 5:19, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
We know we are of God even in the midst of a wicked world. How is that? The Sabbath is a key reminder of our Creator who has given us rest and a great purpose for living. God has led us to repentance and our sins have been blotted out. Christ has entered our lives through the Holy Spirit and is preparing us for “the times of restoration of all things” (Acts 3:19-21).
We know something wonderful is going on in our lives, but we also know that Satan is still hard at work in this world.
The good news for us and the world is this. Through our ongoing relationship with God, we can overcome Satan, enjoy the refreshment of having God in our lives, and we can know that a time of refreshing is coming for all mankind as Satan and the demons no longer hold sway over this world.
Enjoy this Sabbath, this Day of Atonement and the rich meaning for us.
Gary Smith
Each Sabbath is to be time in which we stop to consider that God gives us time to rest from our labors and to reflect upon our God and His plan. Each Sabbath we are reminded that we have entered into covenant with God and there is more to life than simply living “under the sun” as Solomon brought out in Ecclesiastes 1.
This particular Sabbath is unique in that the Day of Atonement gives the time of refreshing added meaning.
Is there a being that undermines our lives more than the adversary, Satan? He intrudes in our lives with his attitudes and influences which tempt us to sin, and we see sin around us most every day.
But in being called out of this present evil world we have a unique perspective. I think that perspective is reflected in 1 John 5:19, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
We know we are of God even in the midst of a wicked world. How is that? The Sabbath is a key reminder of our Creator who has given us rest and a great purpose for living. God has led us to repentance and our sins have been blotted out. Christ has entered our lives through the Holy Spirit and is preparing us for “the times of restoration of all things” (Acts 3:19-21).
We know something wonderful is going on in our lives, but we also know that Satan is still hard at work in this world.
The good news for us and the world is this. Through our ongoing relationship with God, we can overcome Satan, enjoy the refreshment of having God in our lives, and we can know that a time of refreshing is coming for all mankind as Satan and the demons no longer hold sway over this world.
Enjoy this Sabbath, this Day of Atonement and the rich meaning for us.
Gary Smith
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