Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain are two celebrities who have recently taken their own lives. How many others have ended their lives this week?
These individuals had money, celebrity and every good thing life could offer. Yet on some level something was missing and they concluded there was no point in going on in this life.
I don’t know either one of the celebrities mentioned above but I am acquainted with a young man who Liz and I came to know through camp. For several years it seemed that he was getting his life together. Then he decided, for reasons we don’t understand, to reverse course and go back into the world. In fairly recent times, he made another stab at coming to church services and getting his life in order. Sadly, he could not continue on the positive path and ended his life. His funeral was this week.
There are varying reasons why someone would choose to end their life. Thankfully, for most of those who commit suicide we know that God is merciful. There is a coming second resurrection and a time for them to embrace God’s vision for man and get on the path to salvation.
Many of us still living can probably hearken back to dark times in our lives. We may have contemplated that there was no reason to carry on. The ending of life may have seemed like a viable option. However, this is not godly thinking but Satan’s mindset. The fact that we are still living indicates we chose the better path.
God desires that each and every person who has been given life would fulfill His purpose in their lives. But most people don’t know what God’s purpose is and they have no hope. Paul made this point in Ephesians 2:12-13, “That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
In the verse cited, Paul points out what gives a Christian hope. As Christians, we have Christ, we are part of the commonwealth of Israel (the Church, the body of Christ), and we have entered into covenant with God so we can enjoy the blessings of God’s promises. All of this has been made possible through “the blood of Christ.”
I would venture to say that Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain knew nothing of Ephesians 2:12-13 and were therefore without hope and without God in the world.
Additionally, I would say the young man who ended his life recently did get a glimpse of God’s great plan for him. Sadly, he did not grasp it well enough to establish it as a foundational part of his life. He was not at peace and lost hope. When one reaches this low ebb, this dark place, it actually seems like a reasonable decision to end one’s life.
The question for all of us who remain in the faith, “Do we have peace and hope?”
Regardless of the setbacks, disappointments, and other difficulties in life, we can be at peace. Peace is a state of mind that allows us to hold it together no matter what tribulations we face. In this life we can be at peace. In addition to being at peace, we can have the immovable hope of God’s coming Kingdom. As it is said in Hebrews 6:18-19, “. . . we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast….”
As we have this state of mind, we can reject the negative pull of discouragement and hopelessness and instead keep our eyes on the goal: eternal life in God’s Kingdom. That goal gives us every reason to keep pushing on until the end of the race.
Happy Sabbath
Gary Smith
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christ. Show all posts
Friday, June 8, 2018
Friday, September 1, 2017
And When He Saw Him, He Had Compassion
As one looks at Houston on Friday, September 1, 2017, it is a remarkably different condition compared to the previous Friday. Since Hurricane Harvey came our way trillions of gallons of water have fallen upon Houston and areas east of Houston.
We see on our televisions the vast destruction of flooded homes and people suffering in despair as they cope with the loss of all they own.
Clearly, Houston is down. What is heartening is that people in the community and surrounding communities have risen to the occasion to help those who are down at this time. The attitude of sacrifice and service is heartening to all of us.
At the same time, we have the opposite example of taking advantage of the situation for personal gain or to kick those who are down. As you think of those involved in looting or running scams, those involved in these actions have come to have a predatory nature. They see people forced from their homes by the flooding as an opportunity to take advantage of their plight. Instead of seeing their neighbor in a downtrodden condition and in need of help, they see them as easy prey.
Not only do we see some looting taking place, but we also have those who make truly insensitive statements. One such statement was made on the cover of the French magazine, Charlie Hebdo. The cover reads “God Exists! He Drowned All the Neo-Nazis of Texas.” The words accompany an
illustration showing swastika flags and arms raised in a Nazi salute -- all submerged in water, the New York Post reports. Instead of compassionate words, those at the magazine have chosen to kick those who are down.
While we see looting and scamming and harsh words, we also see people who are putting on display that they care for their fellow men and women. They are serving, sacrificing, and giving because they saw their neighbor in need.
Christ explained for us the model we are to follow in Luke 10:30-36. In this teaching about who constitutes a neighbor, Christ begins his story with the heartless thieves assaulting a traveler and leaving him wounded along the road. We then have a priest and a Levite who see the wounded man and ignore his plight. It is the Samaritan who sees the helpless condition of the injured man and intervenes to help.
We know this as the story of the Good Samaritan and it is an example for us. What was the motivation of the Samaritan? The answer is found in Luke 10:33, “But a certain Samaritan,
as he journeyed, came where he was. w”
This is a quality that we must develop as we grow to the maturity of Jesus Christ. It was a fundamental quality displayed by Jesus Christ throughout his ministry, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).
The tragedy that has unfolded with Hurricane Harvey is not over. The needs of those who have suffered loss will be around for a while. As Good Samaritans, when we see a need in our community, we have the opportunity to show compassion to those in need. Our helping those in need can be a group effort by the local congregation, but it can also be individual displays of compassion and service to those in our community.
A good Sabbath to everyone,
Gary Smith
We see on our televisions the vast destruction of flooded homes and people suffering in despair as they cope with the loss of all they own.
Clearly, Houston is down. What is heartening is that people in the community and surrounding communities have risen to the occasion to help those who are down at this time. The attitude of sacrifice and service is heartening to all of us.
At the same time, we have the opposite example of taking advantage of the situation for personal gain or to kick those who are down. As you think of those involved in looting or running scams, those involved in these actions have come to have a predatory nature. They see people forced from their homes by the flooding as an opportunity to take advantage of their plight. Instead of seeing their neighbor in a downtrodden condition and in need of help, they see them as easy prey.
Not only do we see some looting taking place, but we also have those who make truly insensitive statements. One such statement was made on the cover of the French magazine, Charlie Hebdo. The cover reads “God Exists! He Drowned All the Neo-Nazis of Texas.” The words accompany an
illustration showing swastika flags and arms raised in a Nazi salute -- all submerged in water, the New York Post reports. Instead of compassionate words, those at the magazine have chosen to kick those who are down.
While we see looting and scamming and harsh words, we also see people who are putting on display that they care for their fellow men and women. They are serving, sacrificing, and giving because they saw their neighbor in need.
Christ explained for us the model we are to follow in Luke 10:30-36. In this teaching about who constitutes a neighbor, Christ begins his story with the heartless thieves assaulting a traveler and leaving him wounded along the road. We then have a priest and a Levite who see the wounded man and ignore his plight. It is the Samaritan who sees the helpless condition of the injured man and intervenes to help.
We know this as the story of the Good Samaritan and it is an example for us. What was the motivation of the Samaritan? The answer is found in Luke 10:33, “But a certain Samaritan,
as he journeyed, came where he was. w”
This is a quality that we must develop as we grow to the maturity of Jesus Christ. It was a fundamental quality displayed by Jesus Christ throughout his ministry, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).
The tragedy that has unfolded with Hurricane Harvey is not over. The needs of those who have suffered loss will be around for a while. As Good Samaritans, when we see a need in our community, we have the opportunity to show compassion to those in need. Our helping those in need can be a group effort by the local congregation, but it can also be individual displays of compassion and service to those in our community.
A good Sabbath to everyone,
Gary Smith
Friday, July 28, 2017
Be Anxious For Nothing
We live in age where anxiety and stress are all too common. Webster’s dictionary defines anxiety as:
• A state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties.
Worry is a prime example of apprehensive behavior as we imagine the future in its worst-case terms.
Obviously, anxiety must have been a feature of Paul’s time since he addresses it in his letter to the Church of God in Philippi. In his letter he says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
“Be anxious for nothing!” In other words, don’t worry or fret at all. How is that even possible when we have to deal with the uncertainties and stresses of life?
How do we avoid anxiety? By avoiding thinking about them? By absorbing ourselves in other pursuits? Avoiding facing the challenges in our lives or worrying about them are unhealthy paths that don’t bring resolution to life’s troubles.
Additionally, we can address the distresses of life by working this out our own way. We only have to look at Abraham’s choice to work out having a child his own way. We are still dealing with that choice and its outcome in the 21st century.
Paul gives us a prescription for dealing with the anxieties of life in verse 6. He tells us, “. . . in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. . .” In other words, we don’t avoid, gloss over or minimize our concerns and challenges. We think about them, then take them to God in prayer.
Who knows better than God our predicaments, lacks, and the challenges we are facing? God knows our condition and our needs.
No limits are placed on what we can bring before our God. Note we are told, “in everything” go to God in prayer. Whatever challenges we may be facing, we can take them to God.
Four words are used in verse 6 in regard to going to God:
• Prayer (proseuche) describes a believer's approach to God.
• Petition (deesei) emphasizes requesting an answer to a specific need.
• Thanksgiving (eucharistias) is an attitude of heart which should always accompany one's prayers.
• Requests (aitemata) speak of definite and specific things asked for.
As we take our matters to God in “prayer and supplication”, we trust that He hears us. We trust that He will act in the way and at the time that is best for us. By putting our trust in God, we can let go of the matters that are making us anxious.
What is the outcome of placing worries and concerns into God’s hands through the spiritual solution of prayer? The natural outcome of seeking God’s involvement is, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
As we look at the examples in the Bible, we see the followers of God, repeatedly going to God with those issues that confronted them. The Psalms are replete with examples of taking matters to God’s sanctuary. Asaph states, “I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph” (Psalm 77:11-15).
The Apostle Paul said something similar to the Hebrew Christians, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without
wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:19-23).
Life can make us anxious, but the solution is to go to God in prayer. We can go into the very sanctuary of God in heaven with everything that confronts and know God will be there for us. Knowing that, we can be at peace in a way the world has difficulty understanding.
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
• A state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties.
Worry is a prime example of apprehensive behavior as we imagine the future in its worst-case terms.
Obviously, anxiety must have been a feature of Paul’s time since he addresses it in his letter to the Church of God in Philippi. In his letter he says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
“Be anxious for nothing!” In other words, don’t worry or fret at all. How is that even possible when we have to deal with the uncertainties and stresses of life?
How do we avoid anxiety? By avoiding thinking about them? By absorbing ourselves in other pursuits? Avoiding facing the challenges in our lives or worrying about them are unhealthy paths that don’t bring resolution to life’s troubles.
Additionally, we can address the distresses of life by working this out our own way. We only have to look at Abraham’s choice to work out having a child his own way. We are still dealing with that choice and its outcome in the 21st century.
Paul gives us a prescription for dealing with the anxieties of life in verse 6. He tells us, “. . . in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. . .” In other words, we don’t avoid, gloss over or minimize our concerns and challenges. We think about them, then take them to God in prayer.
Who knows better than God our predicaments, lacks, and the challenges we are facing? God knows our condition and our needs.
No limits are placed on what we can bring before our God. Note we are told, “in everything” go to God in prayer. Whatever challenges we may be facing, we can take them to God.
Four words are used in verse 6 in regard to going to God:
• Prayer (proseuche) describes a believer's approach to God.
• Petition (deesei) emphasizes requesting an answer to a specific need.
• Thanksgiving (eucharistias) is an attitude of heart which should always accompany one's prayers.
• Requests (aitemata) speak of definite and specific things asked for.
As we take our matters to God in “prayer and supplication”, we trust that He hears us. We trust that He will act in the way and at the time that is best for us. By putting our trust in God, we can let go of the matters that are making us anxious.
What is the outcome of placing worries and concerns into God’s hands through the spiritual solution of prayer? The natural outcome of seeking God’s involvement is, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
As we look at the examples in the Bible, we see the followers of God, repeatedly going to God with those issues that confronted them. The Psalms are replete with examples of taking matters to God’s sanctuary. Asaph states, “I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph” (Psalm 77:11-15).
The Apostle Paul said something similar to the Hebrew Christians, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without
wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:19-23).
Life can make us anxious, but the solution is to go to God in prayer. We can go into the very sanctuary of God in heaven with everything that confronts and know God will be there for us. Knowing that, we can be at peace in a way the world has difficulty understanding.
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
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, 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, May 20, 2016
If God’s Word Is Not True, We Have No Hope
This year I decided to go back through a class on Ancient Israel. The class was a wonderful reminder of why I enjoyed the class in my college days.
The final portion of the class went through the arrest and trial of Jesus Christ which is an excellent study prior to the Passover. As this portion of the class began, several books on the subject of the arrest and trial were recommended by the professor. In light of the recommendations made, I ordered three books on the subject. I am currently in the process of reading one of the recommended books.
You would hope that the scholars would be able to give us deep insight into a subject that every Christian would like to know more about. However, the scholars writing the three books come at the subject from the same vantage point. Not one of the learned scholars believes that the Bible is the truth and every word of it is “God breathed” or as we might also say “inspired”.
The three writers view the Gospels as books based on a variety traditions and basically the “fantasies” of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In the scholars view, the four Gospels are not an accurate recounting of the life and death of Jesus Christ.
Here are a few quotes that emphasize the author’s vantage point.
“Thus the Gospels contain no less than seven different descriptions of a scene of a judicial or quasi-judicial character, together with five descriptions of a scene of the maltreatment and mockery of Jesus….Each evangelist retained what he himself had found, and enlarged it by his specific contribution. In this way a discrepancy came about between the various evangelical accounts….The sequence of events now recorded in the four Gospels could not possibly have taken place within the space of six or seven hours, actual time-lag between Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion” (Paul Winter, “On The Trial of Jesus”, pp. 7-8).
“It is now no longer seriously disputed that there was not available to the authors of the Gospels any testimony of eyewitnesses who were present at any of the stages of the arrest, trial, or crucifixion of Jesus and gave a direct account of it” (Haim Cohn, The Trial and Death of Jesus, p. xiii).
“In short, the Gospel traditions are “messages of faith and not historiography”; any historical material in their hands the authors used “to add detail and graphic quality,” but on the whole, they freely exercised their fantasy “in presenting, and in meaning to present, not history but theology” (Cohn, p. xv).
These quotes do not promote faith in God and in His word. If God’s word is unreliable, how can we have confidence in God or His plan of salvation? If God’s word is not true, we have no hope beyond the physical world, so we better be about the business of enjoying the physical life to the hilt.
However, we are reassured by God’s word.
First of all we learn in John 10:35 that, “…the Scripture cannot be broken)….” The point Christ is making concerning the scriptures, as accurately translated, is they are not in error. If we find error or contradiction in the word of God, then how can we believe in the scriptures at all? Thankfully, the scriptures are reliable and without error. If we find a seeming contradiction, we can be assured that if we dig into the scriptures we can find a reliable explanation.
The writers of the gospels sought to truthfully recount for God’s people the truths they witnessed. Their writings were not flights of fantasy made up in order to sell the public on Jesus Christ. Note what the Apostle John relates about his personal experience, “And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe” (John 19:35).
John made a similar point in 1 John 1:1-4, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life — the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us — that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”
The writers of the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament sought to record the truth to serve as a reliable record for the generations to come. The New Testament harmonizes perfectly with Old Testament to give us a complete record in order to follow a path pleasing to God.
In summary, the Gospel accounts are true and accurate and serve to give us insight into our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sadly, so-called experts cannot see the picture clearly and they present a picture that only causes doubt and uncertainty.
Thankfully, God gives us the opportunity every Sabbath to come together as a congregation to delve into God’s word for “doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
The final portion of the class went through the arrest and trial of Jesus Christ which is an excellent study prior to the Passover. As this portion of the class began, several books on the subject of the arrest and trial were recommended by the professor. In light of the recommendations made, I ordered three books on the subject. I am currently in the process of reading one of the recommended books.
You would hope that the scholars would be able to give us deep insight into a subject that every Christian would like to know more about. However, the scholars writing the three books come at the subject from the same vantage point. Not one of the learned scholars believes that the Bible is the truth and every word of it is “God breathed” or as we might also say “inspired”.
The three writers view the Gospels as books based on a variety traditions and basically the “fantasies” of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In the scholars view, the four Gospels are not an accurate recounting of the life and death of Jesus Christ.
Here are a few quotes that emphasize the author’s vantage point.
“Thus the Gospels contain no less than seven different descriptions of a scene of a judicial or quasi-judicial character, together with five descriptions of a scene of the maltreatment and mockery of Jesus….Each evangelist retained what he himself had found, and enlarged it by his specific contribution. In this way a discrepancy came about between the various evangelical accounts….The sequence of events now recorded in the four Gospels could not possibly have taken place within the space of six or seven hours, actual time-lag between Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion” (Paul Winter, “On The Trial of Jesus”, pp. 7-8).
“It is now no longer seriously disputed that there was not available to the authors of the Gospels any testimony of eyewitnesses who were present at any of the stages of the arrest, trial, or crucifixion of Jesus and gave a direct account of it” (Haim Cohn, The Trial and Death of Jesus, p. xiii).
“In short, the Gospel traditions are “messages of faith and not historiography”; any historical material in their hands the authors used “to add detail and graphic quality,” but on the whole, they freely exercised their fantasy “in presenting, and in meaning to present, not history but theology” (Cohn, p. xv).
These quotes do not promote faith in God and in His word. If God’s word is unreliable, how can we have confidence in God or His plan of salvation? If God’s word is not true, we have no hope beyond the physical world, so we better be about the business of enjoying the physical life to the hilt.
However, we are reassured by God’s word.
First of all we learn in John 10:35 that, “…the Scripture cannot be broken)….” The point Christ is making concerning the scriptures, as accurately translated, is they are not in error. If we find error or contradiction in the word of God, then how can we believe in the scriptures at all? Thankfully, the scriptures are reliable and without error. If we find a seeming contradiction, we can be assured that if we dig into the scriptures we can find a reliable explanation.
The writers of the gospels sought to truthfully recount for God’s people the truths they witnessed. Their writings were not flights of fantasy made up in order to sell the public on Jesus Christ. Note what the Apostle John relates about his personal experience, “And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe” (John 19:35).
John made a similar point in 1 John 1:1-4, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life — the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us — that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”
The writers of the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament sought to record the truth to serve as a reliable record for the generations to come. The New Testament harmonizes perfectly with Old Testament to give us a complete record in order to follow a path pleasing to God.
In summary, the Gospel accounts are true and accurate and serve to give us insight into our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sadly, so-called experts cannot see the picture clearly and they present a picture that only causes doubt and uncertainty.
Thankfully, God gives us the opportunity every Sabbath to come together as a congregation to delve into God’s word for “doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Friday, April 15, 2016
The Christian Passover: One Bread and One Body
As the Sabbath of April 16 approaches, we are only a few days away from the Passover. In light of our observance of the Passover, I thought it would be timely to consider a first century problem that is still most important to us today. It is a problem that relates to the Passover.
In the world in which Jesus Christ carried out his ministry, Jewish culture predominated in Judea. It was a culture that impacted all of the Apostles and many Christians with a Jewish heritage. Jewish culture greatly impacting the church should not be surprising because the church was almost exclusively Jewish until God added Cornelius and his household in Acts 10.
Although Peter and those who accompanied him to the house of Cornelius could clearly see that God had added Gentiles to the church just as he had the Jews gathered at the temple on Pentecost in 31 AD, it was hard for them to fully grasp the meaning of this dramatic shift. The first century Jewish Christians, including the Apostles, were “cultural captives”, meaning they operated based upon their cultural heritage which was not God’s perspective in regard to the church.
The impact of Jewish culture on the Apostles is illustrated in the book of Galatians. There in Paul’s epistle, we find that Peter and other Jews had no problem eating meals with the non-Jewish Christians.
However, when leading Jewish Christians came to Antioch and saw Peter and the other Jews in Antioch eating with the Gentiles they created a fuss over this. From the perspective of these visitors from Jerusalem Paul and the other Jews were being made ritually unclean by eating with the Gentiles. Peter, Barnabas and other Jewish Christians stopped eating with the Gentiles feeling uncomfortable and maybe confused about what to do. So they separated themselves for meals from the Gentiles.
Paul seeing this take place could not let this hypocrisy pass. We find him addressing this, “But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?”” (Galatians 2:14).
Paul addressed this because this division between Jew and Gentile was going to create a huge rift in the Church of God if not properly dealt with. Paul intervened in the matter strongly because of the potential for splitting the church into Jewish and Gentile factions. Such division was not God’s intention as illustrated most emphatically in Acts 10 and Acts 15, as well as, in the epistles of Paul.
We might ask, “How does this situation relate to the Passover?”
Consider the footwashing.
We have a separation for the footwashing between men and women for modesty and decorum in a groups setting.
However, should we seek to separate based on whether we are Jewish or Gentile? I am an Israelite and will not wash the feet of a Gentile. If we went down such a path of segregation, we would be back to the same situation as the first century. We would be divided which is not what any part of the Passover service symbolizes.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” In other words, we are one body, bound together through the Spirit of God dwelling in each member.
Our being one body is emphasized by each member partaking of the bread and the wine. Every member of the body of Christ partakes of the Passover symbols. Paul points out what this symbolizes in 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.” As we partake of the Passover symbols we are unified.
The word communion in this passage causes some confusion because it is used by some as a title for the taking of the bread and wine. However, the word used by Paul indicates unity of the body of Christ in partaking of it. The word “communion” is translated as “share a fellowship” in Amplified; “a sharing” in the New Century Version; and the Wuest Expanded New Testament translates the Greek as “our joint-participation”. Paul uses the word “communion” to indicate we are together as one body as observe the Passover.
So as we come together to observe the Passover, we are neither Jew nor Gentile, slave or free, male or female. We are all heirs of salvation.
Enjoy a most pleasant Sabbath.
Gary Smith
In the world in which Jesus Christ carried out his ministry, Jewish culture predominated in Judea. It was a culture that impacted all of the Apostles and many Christians with a Jewish heritage. Jewish culture greatly impacting the church should not be surprising because the church was almost exclusively Jewish until God added Cornelius and his household in Acts 10.
Although Peter and those who accompanied him to the house of Cornelius could clearly see that God had added Gentiles to the church just as he had the Jews gathered at the temple on Pentecost in 31 AD, it was hard for them to fully grasp the meaning of this dramatic shift. The first century Jewish Christians, including the Apostles, were “cultural captives”, meaning they operated based upon their cultural heritage which was not God’s perspective in regard to the church.
The impact of Jewish culture on the Apostles is illustrated in the book of Galatians. There in Paul’s epistle, we find that Peter and other Jews had no problem eating meals with the non-Jewish Christians.
However, when leading Jewish Christians came to Antioch and saw Peter and the other Jews in Antioch eating with the Gentiles they created a fuss over this. From the perspective of these visitors from Jerusalem Paul and the other Jews were being made ritually unclean by eating with the Gentiles. Peter, Barnabas and other Jewish Christians stopped eating with the Gentiles feeling uncomfortable and maybe confused about what to do. So they separated themselves for meals from the Gentiles.
Paul seeing this take place could not let this hypocrisy pass. We find him addressing this, “But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?”” (Galatians 2:14).
Paul addressed this because this division between Jew and Gentile was going to create a huge rift in the Church of God if not properly dealt with. Paul intervened in the matter strongly because of the potential for splitting the church into Jewish and Gentile factions. Such division was not God’s intention as illustrated most emphatically in Acts 10 and Acts 15, as well as, in the epistles of Paul.
We might ask, “How does this situation relate to the Passover?”
Consider the footwashing.
We have a separation for the footwashing between men and women for modesty and decorum in a groups setting.
However, should we seek to separate based on whether we are Jewish or Gentile? I am an Israelite and will not wash the feet of a Gentile. If we went down such a path of segregation, we would be back to the same situation as the first century. We would be divided which is not what any part of the Passover service symbolizes.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” In other words, we are one body, bound together through the Spirit of God dwelling in each member.
Our being one body is emphasized by each member partaking of the bread and the wine. Every member of the body of Christ partakes of the Passover symbols. Paul points out what this symbolizes in 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.” As we partake of the Passover symbols we are unified.
The word communion in this passage causes some confusion because it is used by some as a title for the taking of the bread and wine. However, the word used by Paul indicates unity of the body of Christ in partaking of it. The word “communion” is translated as “share a fellowship” in Amplified; “a sharing” in the New Century Version; and the Wuest Expanded New Testament translates the Greek as “our joint-participation”. Paul uses the word “communion” to indicate we are together as one body as observe the Passover.
So as we come together to observe the Passover, we are neither Jew nor Gentile, slave or free, male or female. We are all heirs of salvation.
Enjoy a most pleasant Sabbath.
Gary Smith
Friday, March 4, 2016
Too Many Distractions For Bible Study?
A few weeks ago a blog was written to address why third and fourth generation Christians are leaving the church. The blog addressed various points and I would like to address one of those points as part of this week’s Sabbath Thought.
The author of the blog writes, “We are inundated with more distractions than the generations before us
Distractions. Distractions. Distractions. At the touch of a button we can pull up porn, dirty comedy, and a host of all kinds of other sinful things. Even if we aren’t out looking for it, it’s constantly being pushed in our faces. While TV and the internet are considered amazing modern advances, they make being a Christian a lot more difficult. Not only do they surround us with temptation, but they distract us from what we should really be doing.”
Are there more distractions today? Probably, but not only do third and fourth generation Christians have to deal with these distractions but so do all Christians living at this time. Distractions are part of this world and have always posed temptations for God’s people. Our challenge is to turn off the TV, the internet, the X-box, the cell phone or the computer. Instead of letting the distractions get the better of us, we must focus upon those things that are pleasing to God.
The Apostle Paul addressed where our minds should be in Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.” Clearly, by conscious choice we must fill our minds with the uplifting things Paul points to in order that we can meditate on them. We must reject the distractions tempting us and deliberately focus on the positive.
The author of the blog continues, “We are trained to think that studying is work. It’s not something we look forward to since we do it all day long at school and even into (sic) our jobs. Studying the Bible in your free time just doesn’t sound relaxing. Now TV, that’s relaxing. We know what we should do, but it’s just so easy to give in to other options when they are sitting right there at our fingertips. However, take all those distractions away, sit in an empty room with just your Bible, and reading it becomes a lot more appealing.
Our relationships with God suffer because of this… and we know it. We ache for the simpler times when people weren’t so overwhelmed by this world and the distractions in it.
When we get distracted, when our relationship with God falls by the wayside, it becomes easier to leave.”
It is true that studying is not always fun or as relaxing as TV. But isn’t that the challenge we face in regard to Bible study? We are told in Hebrews 11:6 that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Diligence implies applying oneself, working hard, striving for a goal. From Hebrews 11:6 we can conclude that if we diligently seek to understand God and His way of life through the Bible we will be rewarded for the effort.
More to the point, where can we find the qualities Paul laid out in Philippians 3 more completely expressed than in the Bible? Paul directs Timothy, a young man in the faith, “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
In the blog post the author gives a great suggestion for avoiding distractions and studying the Bible, “However, take all those distractions away, sit in an empty room with just your Bible, and reading it becomes more appealing.” Clearly, when one shuts out the distractions and focuses his attentions on the scriptures then the word of God has the greatest potential for impacting a person’s life.
As one studies the Bible in a focused manner, the rewards of the effort are great. Note what David recorded in Psalm 19 in regard to God’s word “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7-11).
It is true that our world is filled with many distractions and it is easier to be distracted than to engage in Bible study. However, at the end of the day, what do we have to show for indulging in distractions? In most cases, the distractions we indulge in offer us no lasting result and most importantly they do not contribute to our being in the Kingdom of God.
However, doing the work that Bible study requires, reap results that last forever.
Happy Sabbath,
Gary Smith
The author of the blog writes, “We are inundated with more distractions than the generations before us
Distractions. Distractions. Distractions. At the touch of a button we can pull up porn, dirty comedy, and a host of all kinds of other sinful things. Even if we aren’t out looking for it, it’s constantly being pushed in our faces. While TV and the internet are considered amazing modern advances, they make being a Christian a lot more difficult. Not only do they surround us with temptation, but they distract us from what we should really be doing.”
Are there more distractions today? Probably, but not only do third and fourth generation Christians have to deal with these distractions but so do all Christians living at this time. Distractions are part of this world and have always posed temptations for God’s people. Our challenge is to turn off the TV, the internet, the X-box, the cell phone or the computer. Instead of letting the distractions get the better of us, we must focus upon those things that are pleasing to God.
The Apostle Paul addressed where our minds should be in Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.” Clearly, by conscious choice we must fill our minds with the uplifting things Paul points to in order that we can meditate on them. We must reject the distractions tempting us and deliberately focus on the positive.
The author of the blog continues, “We are trained to think that studying is work. It’s not something we look forward to since we do it all day long at school and even into (sic) our jobs. Studying the Bible in your free time just doesn’t sound relaxing. Now TV, that’s relaxing. We know what we should do, but it’s just so easy to give in to other options when they are sitting right there at our fingertips. However, take all those distractions away, sit in an empty room with just your Bible, and reading it becomes a lot more appealing.
Our relationships with God suffer because of this… and we know it. We ache for the simpler times when people weren’t so overwhelmed by this world and the distractions in it.
When we get distracted, when our relationship with God falls by the wayside, it becomes easier to leave.”
It is true that studying is not always fun or as relaxing as TV. But isn’t that the challenge we face in regard to Bible study? We are told in Hebrews 11:6 that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Diligence implies applying oneself, working hard, striving for a goal. From Hebrews 11:6 we can conclude that if we diligently seek to understand God and His way of life through the Bible we will be rewarded for the effort.
More to the point, where can we find the qualities Paul laid out in Philippians 3 more completely expressed than in the Bible? Paul directs Timothy, a young man in the faith, “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
In the blog post the author gives a great suggestion for avoiding distractions and studying the Bible, “However, take all those distractions away, sit in an empty room with just your Bible, and reading it becomes more appealing.” Clearly, when one shuts out the distractions and focuses his attentions on the scriptures then the word of God has the greatest potential for impacting a person’s life.
As one studies the Bible in a focused manner, the rewards of the effort are great. Note what David recorded in Psalm 19 in regard to God’s word “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7-11).
It is true that our world is filled with many distractions and it is easier to be distracted than to engage in Bible study. However, at the end of the day, what do we have to show for indulging in distractions? In most cases, the distractions we indulge in offer us no lasting result and most importantly they do not contribute to our being in the Kingdom of God.
However, doing the work that Bible study requires, reap results that last forever.
Happy Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Friday, January 15, 2016
Bible and Sword: On the Edge of Prophecy
I am currently reading, Bible and Sword, by Barbara W. Tuchman. It is an exposition on England and its relationship to Palestine. She covers the time from the Bronze Age to the time of the Balfour Declaration which paved the way for a Jewish state. It is a most interesting discussion of how the English took an interest in that small section of the earth that we as Christians would designate the Land of Promise.In this week’s Sabbath Thought it is my goal to note one particular section of the book which I found to be amazing. What I found to be amazing was that there was a time when a group of Englishmen sought to literally implement God’s laws, judgments and statutes on a national scale.
In Chapter VII titled, “On the Edge of Prophecy: Puritan England and the Hope of Israel”, she gives an overview of the Puritans. For most people in modern America and in England, the Puritans are seen as “the lunatic fringe.”
She states, “With the Puritans came an invasion of Hebraism transmitted through the Old Testament, but distorted by the effort to apply to post-Renaissance England the ethics, laws and manners native to a Middle Eastern people of more than two thousand years earlier. In their devotion to chapter and verse of the Hebrew testaments the Puritans, undaunted by the mental jump of two millennia, adapted to themselves the thoughts of tribal herdsmen groping their way out of idolatry toward monotheism in the time of Abraham, or of slaves triumphing over Pharaoh in the time of the Exodus, or of warriors carving the frontiers of a new state in the time of Saul and David. . . .It did not matter that it covered a period, from Abraham to Maccabaeus, of nearly a millennium and a half; the Puritans swallowed the whole with equal zeal.”
“It was not a narrative ideally suited for transplanting word for word, as principle and precedent, to seventeenth-century England. But that was what the Puritans attempted” (Bible and Sword, Barbara W. Tuchman, page 108).
In other words, she sees the Puritans taking the teachings of the Old Testament and seeking to implement them in their time. In other words, they were seeking to take the scriptures and apply them in everyday life. They were seeking to apply God’s word to the whole of England.
There is actually a specific year in which the Puritans sought to bring about implementation of this lofty goal. “For in the year 1653, with the calling of the Barebone Parliament, the “remarkablest” of the modern world according to Carlyle, the peak of Hebraism was reached. The little band of stern, impassioned men hand-picked by Cromwell convened on July 4, 1653 with the set purpose of so remaking England’s constitution as to put into actual practice Mosaic Law and the pristine principles of Jesus. On the Exchange, in the courts, in the markets, the Englishman was willy-nilly going to love his neighbor as himself. It was, says Lord Morley in his life of Cromwell, an attempt “to found a civil society on the literal words of Scripture . . .the high water mark of the biblical politics of the time.
“Cromwell himself was inspired by the move and in his opening speech to the Little Parliament he seemed almost carried away by a vision of himself bringing, like Elijah, a nation back to God. “Truly you are called by God as Judah was to rule with Him and for Him. . .You are at the edge of Promises and Prophecies, he went on, and quoted the Sixty-eighth Psalm: “There it prophesies that ‘He shall bring His people again from the depths of the Sea’ as He once led Israel through the Red Sea. And it may be, as some think, God will bring the Jews home to their station, ‘from the isles of the sea’” And he rose in eloquence, quoting psalms and prophets in every other sentence and assuring his hearers that the triumph promised by the Sixty-eighth Psalm to God’s people of old would be realized by the Commonwealth, God’s people now on earth” (Tuchman, pp. 122-123).
The author is incredulous that the Puritans could not see that the literal implementation of the ancient word of God, formed and shaped over 1500 years, was an impossibility. For her, the Bible applied in its time only, but had little or no application beyond that time. The Bible is ancient and has little modern application.
Was there any positive outcome of this zeal for God’s word among the Puritans? Matthew Arnold wrote of the impact of the Puritans and their zeal to obey the law. Their zeal he says, “left a lasting imprint on the nation.”
“Our race,” Arnold declared, “has yet (and a great part of its strength lies here)…..a strong share of the assuredness, the tenacity, the intensity of the Hebrews. This turn manifested itself in Puritanism and has had a great share in shaping our history for the last two hundred years” (Tuchman, page 113).
From her interpretation of the Puritans, I have two observations.
First, is it really so unrealistic to apply the word of God on a day to day basis? She sees such application as impossible, but is it? What would happen if a nation undertook a full implementation of the word of God? The outcome would be revolutionary as the prophet Isaiah clearly stated.
Isaiah 2:3-4, ““Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
The second observation is that England was impacted positively by the Puritan effort to implement the principles of the Bible. It was not a trend that lasted, but it paved the way for freedom, parliamentary government, liberty, the rule of law and many other positive results in the English speaking world.
The Puritans didn’t fully understand the Bible, but they did understand that God’s way of life is to apply to a nation and our individual lives. Their approach was heavy-handed at times and at times misguided, but what they hoped for will be a reality when Jesus Christ returns.
Have a happy Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Christmas Gifts: Kingly Present or Ancient Eastern Custom?
It is the 26th of December and Christmas is past. Yesterday in many parts of the world Christmas was observed. Families gathered, gifts were exchanged.
On what scriptural basis do people in the Christian world exchange gifts? The scriptural support for gift giving is found in Matthew 2:11,
From the Bibliotheca Sacra, volume 12, pages 153-155, we quote, "The interchange of presents between friends is alike characteristic of Christmas and the Saturnalia, and must have been adopted by Christians from the Pagans, as the admonition of Tertullian plainly shows."
The fact is, this custom of exchanging gifts with friends and relatives at the Christmas season has not a single trace of Christianity about it, strange though that may seem. This does not celebrate Christ's birthday or honor it or Him! Suppose someone you love has a birthday. You want to honor that person on his or her birthday. Would you lavishly buy gifts for everyone else, trading gifts back and forth with all your other friends and loved ones, but ignore completely any gift for the one whose birthday you are honoring? It would seem rather absurd, when viewed in that light.
Yet this is exactly what people the world over do. They honor a day that is not Christ's birthday by spending significant amounts of money to buy presents to trade back and forth among friends and relatives.
Now consider what the Bible says about giving gifts when Christ was born in Matthew 2. Let’s examine the passage:
Now back to the verse we addressed at the outset,
Notice, they inquired for the child Jesus, who was born King of the Jews! Now why did they present gifts to Him? Because it was His birthday? Not at all, because it was some time after the date of His birth! Was it to set an example for us, today, to trade gifts back and forth among ourselves? No, notice carefully! They did not exchange gifts among themselves, but "they presented unto Him gifts." They gave their gifts to Christ, not to their friends, relatives, or one another!
Why did they give gifts to the child? Let me quote from the Adam Clarke on Matthew 2:11, “The people of the east never approach the presence of kings and great personages, without a present in their hands. This custom is often noticed in the Old Testament, and still prevails in the east, and in some of the newly discovered South Sea Islands.” (From Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
They were not instituting a new Christian custom of exchanging gifts with friends to honor Christ's birthday. They were following an old and ancient eastern custom of presenting gifts to a king when they come into his presence. They were approaching Him, born King of the Jews, in person. Therefore custom required they present gifts—even as the Queen of Sheba brought gifts to Solomon—even as many people today take a gift along when they visit the White House for an appointment with the President.
The custom of trading gifts back and forth does not stem from this scriptural incident at all, but rather, as quoted from history above, it is the continuance of an ancient pagan custom.
Have a most pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
On what scriptural basis do people in the Christian world exchange gifts? The scriptural support for gift giving is found in Matthew 2:11,
“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”Does this quote support exchanging gifts in observance of Christmas? Although giving gifts based upon Matthew 2:11 indicates a misinterpretation of what is happening in the verse. First, let us look at the historic origin of trading gifts back and forth, then see exactly what the Bible does say about it.
From the Bibliotheca Sacra, volume 12, pages 153-155, we quote, "The interchange of presents between friends is alike characteristic of Christmas and the Saturnalia, and must have been adopted by Christians from the Pagans, as the admonition of Tertullian plainly shows."
The fact is, this custom of exchanging gifts with friends and relatives at the Christmas season has not a single trace of Christianity about it, strange though that may seem. This does not celebrate Christ's birthday or honor it or Him! Suppose someone you love has a birthday. You want to honor that person on his or her birthday. Would you lavishly buy gifts for everyone else, trading gifts back and forth with all your other friends and loved ones, but ignore completely any gift for the one whose birthday you are honoring? It would seem rather absurd, when viewed in that light.
Yet this is exactly what people the world over do. They honor a day that is not Christ's birthday by spending significant amounts of money to buy presents to trade back and forth among friends and relatives.
Now consider what the Bible says about giving gifts when Christ was born in Matthew 2. Let’s examine the passage:
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."” (Matt 2:1-2)
- Note they were seeking a king they would worship.
“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.” (Matt 2:3-4)
- The arrival of these men from the east upset Herod because he saw this king as threatening his rule in Judea and apparently the men’s search for a king stirred Jerusalem as well.
- An inquiry was made to determine where the Christ was born.
- Matthew 2:5-6 tells us that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem.
- Matthew 2:7-8 informs us that Herod wanted to know when the men began their journey and asks that when they find this king they are to report back to him.
- How long was the journey of these men from the east? Matthew 2:16 tells us that Herod set about killing all infants aged two years and younger. Herod had determined from the inquiries of the men from the east that their journey began approximately two years earlier. Since the men did not return to tell Herod of the location of this king, he killed all that fit into that time frame with the hope of eliminating his supposed rival.
- Note Matthew 2:10 tells us that the child was not in a manger in Bethlehem since about two years had passed. Christ, was no longer a newborn, but was possibly as old as two. He was living in all probability in his home town of Nazareth.
Now back to the verse we addressed at the outset,
“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matt 2:11)
Notice, they inquired for the child Jesus, who was born King of the Jews! Now why did they present gifts to Him? Because it was His birthday? Not at all, because it was some time after the date of His birth! Was it to set an example for us, today, to trade gifts back and forth among ourselves? No, notice carefully! They did not exchange gifts among themselves, but "they presented unto Him gifts." They gave their gifts to Christ, not to their friends, relatives, or one another!
Why did they give gifts to the child? Let me quote from the Adam Clarke on Matthew 2:11, “The people of the east never approach the presence of kings and great personages, without a present in their hands. This custom is often noticed in the Old Testament, and still prevails in the east, and in some of the newly discovered South Sea Islands.” (From Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
They were not instituting a new Christian custom of exchanging gifts with friends to honor Christ's birthday. They were following an old and ancient eastern custom of presenting gifts to a king when they come into his presence. They were approaching Him, born King of the Jews, in person. Therefore custom required they present gifts—even as the Queen of Sheba brought gifts to Solomon—even as many people today take a gift along when they visit the White House for an appointment with the President.
The custom of trading gifts back and forth does not stem from this scriptural incident at all, but rather, as quoted from history above, it is the continuance of an ancient pagan custom.
Have a most pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Friday, December 18, 2015
Black Friday and the Merchants of the Earth
The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday. It is one of the most intense shopping days of the year. It is quite a contrast to the purpose of Thanksgiving which is to express thanks and gratitude to God for all of His blessings. Most shoppers have little thought for God’s blessings as they rush into the Black Friday fray. After all Thanksgiving was yesterday.
Working part-time at Home Depot, Black Friday is a serious time for the store. For weeks prior to that date, freight of all kinds is coming into the store. Once the freight is unpacked the aisles are filled with sale items and covered with black visqueen to hide the items until Black Friday arrives.
Additionally, very few employees are given time off on this Friday. Management wants all hands on deck for the sale.
As one stops to analyze Black Friday one can only stand amazed at the amount of commerce that takes place on that day. Not only is Home Depot swarming with customers but the company has more than 2,200 convenient locations throughout the United States (including the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), Canada, China and Mexico. In considering the amount of business conducted in one day one has to additionally note that J.C. Penney, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and myriads of other stores are running sales also. Not only are the brick and mortar stores busy, but so is e-commerce that accounts for additional sales.
All of this effort by stores, employees and customers is all geared toward maximizing sales for the Christmas season. We might ask, “What does this have to do with the birth of Christ?” The simple answer is that Black Friday has nothing to do with the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Black Friday is about commerce pure and simple. Should we be surprised? Consider what we are told about commerce in the book of Revelation. "The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.' Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?'” (Revelation 18:9-18)
Black Friday is part of a greater commercial system that is central to this present age. The system provides all of the goods that we love as human beings. This system is corrupt and God inspired the Apostle John to let us know that this system will one day cease to exist. There will no Black Friday sales events.
There will no longer be a system based upon get, greed and covetousness. Instead, the world will come to treasure the real treasures that can only be acquired from God. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Put another way, God offers us things that are lasting and cannot be acquired in a store or on a website.
Have a most pleasant Sabbath.
Gary Smith
Working part-time at Home Depot, Black Friday is a serious time for the store. For weeks prior to that date, freight of all kinds is coming into the store. Once the freight is unpacked the aisles are filled with sale items and covered with black visqueen to hide the items until Black Friday arrives.
Additionally, very few employees are given time off on this Friday. Management wants all hands on deck for the sale.
As one stops to analyze Black Friday one can only stand amazed at the amount of commerce that takes place on that day. Not only is Home Depot swarming with customers but the company has more than 2,200 convenient locations throughout the United States (including the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), Canada, China and Mexico. In considering the amount of business conducted in one day one has to additionally note that J.C. Penney, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and myriads of other stores are running sales also. Not only are the brick and mortar stores busy, but so is e-commerce that accounts for additional sales.
All of this effort by stores, employees and customers is all geared toward maximizing sales for the Christmas season. We might ask, “What does this have to do with the birth of Christ?” The simple answer is that Black Friday has nothing to do with the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Black Friday is about commerce pure and simple. Should we be surprised? Consider what we are told about commerce in the book of Revelation. "The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.' Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?'” (Revelation 18:9-18)
Black Friday is part of a greater commercial system that is central to this present age. The system provides all of the goods that we love as human beings. This system is corrupt and God inspired the Apostle John to let us know that this system will one day cease to exist. There will no Black Friday sales events.
There will no longer be a system based upon get, greed and covetousness. Instead, the world will come to treasure the real treasures that can only be acquired from God. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Put another way, God offers us things that are lasting and cannot be acquired in a store or on a website.
Have a most pleasant Sabbath.
Gary Smith
Friday, August 28, 2015
Experts Predicting the Future Might As Well Be Picking Out of a Hat
In considering a topic for this week’s Sabbath Thought, a point made in Megan McArdle’s book, The Up Side of Down, sparked my interest.In a chapter entitled “The Experimenters” she discusses experts and predictions. She discusses a study of experts in various fields who made predictions about a variety of events from the Cold War to Argentina’s Gross Domestic Product. The outcome of the study was surprise because the predictions of the “experts” missed the call. A non-expert could have done as well by picking out of a hat.
She says, “We think that experts do better than they actually do because we tend to remember their successes, but not their mistakes. That’s particularly true if their predictions are spectacular and bold. An economist who goes on television and says that it’s hard to know what the stock market will do is undoubtedly correct, but he will not be famous. One who predicts that it will soar to new heights and sees this prediction borne out will win renown as a prognosticator particularly if everyone else is predicting a bear market.”
Why don’t human experts get it right? Because stock markets, politics, and climate change are all hard to predict precisely. Why? They are hard to predict because they are all complex issues that have a multitude of variables that “experts” cannot fully assess.
One example of this complexity is in the 2016 presidential race. Who of the Republican and Democratic candidates will be president? Experts are predicting sure outcomes, but can they really assess all of the factors? Can they know what will sway the voters? Can they know the backroom deals that are done to infuse money into a particular campaign? Can they predict the voter fraud that can take place in crucial locations? Can they predict economic or societal issues that motivate the electorate? The bottom line in the human realm, it’s hard to predict many outcomes.
That predicting the future is hard doesn’t mean people don’t try. Predictors of the end of the age have repeatedly given this prediction a try.
One of those predictors was William Miller. Based upon Daniel 8:14, Miller became convinced that Christ would come 2300 years after the decree of Artaxerxes in 457 BC. Through his public lectures and publishing his ideas caused many others to become convinced of the timing. All these hopes were dashed when Christ did not return in 1844.
Coming forward in time, the Church of God felt strongly that the tribulation would begin in 1972 and that Christ would return in 1975. However, here we are in 2015 and obviously Christ did not return.
The bottom line is that we can all expertly predict or more actually know that Christ is coming again. We are reassured of this in the book of Acts, to name one passage, “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11).
We know Christ is coming, but we don’t know the day or the hour. “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near — at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:32-36).
It is given to us to know that Christ is going to return. We are assured of that knowledge. And we are further assured of that coming by the Sabbath every seventh day.
Have an enjoyable Sabbath,
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, April 24, 2015
Regardless of Negative World Events, God's Plan Relentlessly Moves Forward
Most Sabbaths a bulletin is produced containing local announcements, the local calendar, and a Sabbath Thought. Most weeks the bulletin also contains news articles addressing current trends from around globe. The time and effort that goes into the bulletin is much appreciated.
In this week’s reflection for the Sabbath, I wanted to consider the current events portion of the bulletin. Consider some of the headlines:
ISIS HAS CAMPS ON THE U.S. BORDER, BUT OBAMA SAYS ‘RIGHT-WING EXTREMISTS’ ARE THE GREATEST TERROR THREAT
ISRAELI OFFICIALS: IRAN MASSIVELY RAMPING UP ARMING OF HEZBOLLAH IN PREPARATION FOR MAJOR ASSAULT ON ISRAEL
RUSSIA-IRAN MISSILE DEAL MAJOR THREAT TO MIDDLE EAST
DESPITE HIS ALL-OUT EFFORT TO DEFEAT ISLAMIC TERRORISM AND INSURGENCY, PRESIDENT SISI HAS YET TO ACHIEVE THE RESULTS NEEDED TO PREVENT THE COUNTRY SLIPPING BACK INTO ANARCHY AND CHAOS
THE EXTINCTION OF EASTERN CHRISTIANITY MAY FIGURE EUROPE’S OWN FUTURE
I cite these five headings, not because they stand out from others, but they are all similar in that not one of them is positive. Each one signals a negative trend in our world.
I know that there have been times when I have finished reading the weeks current events section, and the thought comes to mind, “What’s the point of going on? Every trend, every week is negative.” The reality is that our world is never going to be made right no matter what men do.
But the God who rules heaven and earth has the answers to the problems that plague mankind. It will take the direct intervention of Jesus Christ to bring malice and wickedness to an end.
Every Sabbath, we are reminded that our hope is not in this world but in the God who brought everything into being. He tells all people, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11). God wants us to take a full day to consider that there is a God who is working out a wonderful plan to bring many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10).
God’s plan is working every day of every week. The working of the plan never stops or is thwarted. It relentlessly moves forward.
So as we consider the weekly news, most of which is “bad”, our Creator reminds us through the Sabbath that we are His creation, He loves us, and He has great plans for us. In fact the regularity of the Sabbath is a reminder of what, “He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
In this week’s reflection for the Sabbath, I wanted to consider the current events portion of the bulletin. Consider some of the headlines:
ISIS HAS CAMPS ON THE U.S. BORDER, BUT OBAMA SAYS ‘RIGHT-WING EXTREMISTS’ ARE THE GREATEST TERROR THREAT
ISRAELI OFFICIALS: IRAN MASSIVELY RAMPING UP ARMING OF HEZBOLLAH IN PREPARATION FOR MAJOR ASSAULT ON ISRAEL
RUSSIA-IRAN MISSILE DEAL MAJOR THREAT TO MIDDLE EAST
DESPITE HIS ALL-OUT EFFORT TO DEFEAT ISLAMIC TERRORISM AND INSURGENCY, PRESIDENT SISI HAS YET TO ACHIEVE THE RESULTS NEEDED TO PREVENT THE COUNTRY SLIPPING BACK INTO ANARCHY AND CHAOS
THE EXTINCTION OF EASTERN CHRISTIANITY MAY FIGURE EUROPE’S OWN FUTURE
I cite these five headings, not because they stand out from others, but they are all similar in that not one of them is positive. Each one signals a negative trend in our world.
I know that there have been times when I have finished reading the weeks current events section, and the thought comes to mind, “What’s the point of going on? Every trend, every week is negative.” The reality is that our world is never going to be made right no matter what men do.
But the God who rules heaven and earth has the answers to the problems that plague mankind. It will take the direct intervention of Jesus Christ to bring malice and wickedness to an end.
Every Sabbath, we are reminded that our hope is not in this world but in the God who brought everything into being. He tells all people, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11). God wants us to take a full day to consider that there is a God who is working out a wonderful plan to bring many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10).
God’s plan is working every day of every week. The working of the plan never stops or is thwarted. It relentlessly moves forward.
So as we consider the weekly news, most of which is “bad”, our Creator reminds us through the Sabbath that we are His creation, He loves us, and He has great plans for us. In fact the regularity of the Sabbath is a reminder of what, “He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
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