Sunday 5th September 2010
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In the Name of Jesus

By Timothy on 08/30/2010

 

Colossians 3:17 reads, “whatever ye may do in word or in work, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus–giving thanks to the God and Father, through him.” The phrase, “in the name of” is found 30 times in the New Testament. In the Bible, it is a statement that connects one to the power or authority of Jesus. Several examples of the phrase are found in Acts 3 and 4. First, Peter heals a lame man, explaining to him, “Silver and gold I have none, but what I have, that I give to you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and be walking” (3:6). When the people stood in amazement, Peter further explains, “Why wonder at this? Or on us why look so earnestly, as if by our own power or piety we have made him to walk?… And by faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is through him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all (3:12, 16). Later, the Jewish leadership asked “in what power, or in what name did ye do this?’ (4:7). Peter answered that it was done in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (4:10). He then adds, “neither is there any other name under heaven given among men wherein we must be saved” (cf. 1 Cor. 6:11). 

The same power that healed the man is the power that saves us today through the gospel (Rom. 1:16). Further usage of the phrase occurs when the Sanhedrin commanded that they no longer teach in the name of Jesus (verse 18), and the prayer references wonders done in the name of Jesus (verse 30).  It is no accident that this phrase is used so much in these two chapters. The power of Christ is seen in the resurrection and now this “notable miracle.” Other examples to study are John 5:43, which states that Jesus came in his Father’s name (authority, power and endorsement), cf. 10:25 and when Paul preached in Damascus, it is said that he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:27).





 The recitation of the phrase “in the name of Jesus” invokes no magical power from above; the power is in saying of the phrase. Saying the phrase does nothing for those on the Day of Judgment who say to the Lord that they have done many works in his name (Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus will say, “I never knew you. Depart from me you workers of iniquity.” The word iniquity means to act without law. Thus, many on that day will be told that they did not have the permission to do the things they were doing. In other words, they did not have the right to act because Jesus had not authored or empowered them. Acting by one’s own power while attributing it to the power of Jesus is a serious practice that will lead to a day of departure from the Lord.

Friends, Christianity is not a form of religion that is open for all to choose how they want to worship and serve Him. It is critical that we not make the same mistake described in the above quote from Matthew 7.  This picture will be duplicated when many will say, “Lord, look at all the people I taught in your name” or, “Did I not worship in your name?” and, “Lord, do you not know that I was baptized in your name?”  So, doing “in the name” is very different from saying, “in the name of Jesus.” It suggests that we are following God’s direction that pleases Him, whether we like it or not.

An application of this phrase is associated with baptism (Mat. 28:19). Again, rather than some baptismal formula, it speaks to the power by which one is baptized. Being baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one that they endorse and approve. Acts 12 is an example of a baptism this side of the cross that was not approved and had no power to save – the baptism of John. When they were taught heaven’s will, they were baptized in the name of Jesus (Acts 19:5). This baptism is a command (Acts 2:38), the answer of a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21) and is in water. The element is not the Holy Spirit, but water (Acts 8:14-17; 10:47-48). In the case of Cornelius, he received the Holy Spirit, but it was before the baptism of verses 47-48.  Claiming Holy Spirit baptism is not the same as being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  One is a promise that is received; the other is a command that is obeyed by faith.

Man has no power to save himself.  God does the saving and therefore stipulates the means and the conditions by which He chooses to save. It is not for us to decide how we would like to be saved and then claim that God saved us.  We act in faith and trust his promise to save us, according to His power.

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ADHD and the Bible-Part 2

By Timothy on 08/09/2010

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is listed in the Manual of Mental Disorders-IV.  The symptoms  are listed here along with a brief biblical guide to dealing with them.  Our emphasis is that school teachers are not given the responsibility to raise our children.  Parents are given that responsibility.  While it is ideal that their work complement the parents’ work, the values and skills to succeed in life rests upon the parents.  The key is training and that requires time, effort, prayer, and patience. 

(1) “Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.”  The importance of doing our best is applicable to all facets of life.   It is stated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:22-23.  They read, “whether, then, you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” and “whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men.”  We have a tendency to measure the importance of our activities with the importance we place in ourselves.  For example, a mother may feel insignificant in her role as a mother and not value the mundane chores of the home.  When doing the laundry becomes a hated task, it may be ignored or cause outbursts of frustration, anger and bitterness. 

The same problem exists in children who view their time in school as an insignificant and boring existence.  Children with this approach are just passing the time in boredom with a view of getting out.  Their work is done quickly and carelessly.  We must all learn to do our best.  Jesus said, “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much” (Luke 16:10).  Employers go through this same experience. You seldom start out on top, and if you do, chances are great that you cannot fully appreciate your position.  Also, checking our work is a good practice but difficult for students.  Having a list to routinely check may be useful.  Why, you ask?   To give God our best!

(2 and 8) “Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities and is easily distracted” Practice is necessary to acquire a disciplined mind and that is exactly what is needed to stay on task. Peter wrote, “Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13).  Set your mind (make a determined choice) and demonstrate self-control. 

(3) “Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.” Once again, if we are not wanting to be accountable, to be called on or be engaged in any way, we may learn to ignore and treat others with indifference.  James says to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19). 

(4) “Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace.” The principle of cause and effect is needed to be taught here.  What will result in finishing the work or not finishing?  This is why rewards for good behavior is as important as correction for bad behavior. We all need encouragement that we can and, therefore, will succeed.  Paul wrote, “Do not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary” (Gal. 6:9).

(5) “Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.” Here is an opportunity to teach the concept of orderliness. Paul wrote, “Let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner” (1 Cor. 14:40).  While organization is drudgery for children, it is well worth the effort to teach organization skills. 

(6) “Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort.” When children are not required to finish tasks at home or allowed to do a chore when they “feel like it,” we are assisting them in developing this reaction toward work.  All of us should be trained away from the words, “I can’t.”  Instead, we should at least say, “I’ll try,” and when challenged beyond our ability, “Will you help me, please.”  The Word of God, too, is positive with statements like, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).

(7-9) “Often loses things necessary for tasks and forgetful of daily activities.” The Biblical principle of stewardship is needed here.  God has placed in our trust and keeping all that we possess.  How we use them defines our stewardship.  Proverbs 18:9 reads, “He who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys.”

These behaviors are not so uncommon in children.  Understandably, some have more problems than others due to their personality, environment and home training.  Yet, giving a child a drug cannot replace parental training nor ease the conscience of our neglect.  Children are a heritage of the Lord.  God has entrusted them to us and we are responsible for their training. Please, commit the time and energy necessary to train them well.

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ADHD and the Bible-Part 1

By Timothy on 08/02/2010

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common diagnosis for children who cannot sit still and pay attention in school.  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV describes the disease with the failure to organize tasks, to give attention to detail, to finish their work, to stay on task; seems not to listen when spoken to, avoids work that require sustained mental effort, looses things required to complete tasks, forgetful and easily distracted. Under hyperactivity, the behavior includes interrupting, impatience, rudeness, excessive talking, inappropriate outbursts, squirming, fidgeting and leaving their seat. If you have these symptoms for six months, you have this disease. There is nothing definitive like blood work that proves a child has ADHD. Consequently, leading theorists disagree among themselves.  Even the DSMV-IV underwent revisions that show the changing criteria of the ADHD diagnosis. Continue reading “ADHD and the Bible-Part 1″

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Sovereignty of God

By Timothy on 07/29/2010

taylorbA common error is comparing God to us in an effort to understand Him.   Intellectually, we know that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isa. 55:8-9).   There is nothing to which we may compare Him that fully describes His nature.  For example, we hear much about the love of God when comparing Him to an earthly parent.  Someone will exclaim, “What loving father would send his child to hell?”  While we know God is love (1 John 4:8), do we also know that he is “a consuming fire?” (Hebrews 12:29) and that it is a “fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31)?  The efforts made by theologians and scholars of the highest sort must acknowledge that our finite minds cannot comprehend His infinite power and wisdom.  Walk in a room full of preachers discussing predestination and foreordination.  It‘s humorous to hear the sophistry of learned men who speak with confidence and appear to have it all worked out.  Of course, so does every other preacher in the room and their views are not shared alike.  The fact remains: Our God is Sovereign and I have a distinct limitation.  I’m not God and all efforts to understand Him are limited.

He acts when it pleases Him (Ps 115:3).  He doesn’t ask anyone’s permission or think it necessary to explain the reason behind those actions (cf. 135:5-6).   I have evidence to believe that while I may not understand His purposes, it will just and righteous.  For example, in Isa 10:5-7, God used Assyrians as a rod of discipline for His people, even though Assyria had no intention or plan to obey Him.  Joseph speaking to his brothers about the evil they committed against him when they sold him into captivity, said in Genesis 50:2, “you meant it for evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”

Also, when He does choose a course of action, it will be accomplished without failure.   God, through Isaiah said, “as I have intended, so it has happened; and as I have planned, so it will stand” (Isa. 14:24).   No one will be able to thwart His purposes (Isa. 43:13; 14:25-27). The apostles, quoting Psalms 2, see the crucifixion of Christ as the fulfillment of His plan. Referencing Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles and the Jews in their prayer to God, enemies of Christ did whatever God’s hand and predestined to occur (Acts 4:24-28).   While some tried to prevent God’s plan to seat His Christ upon the throne, God uses their plan to accomplish what had already been determined.  What’s more is that God did not hide these plans but revealed them through His servants, the prophets.  Consider how amazing it would be to witness a football team who told the opposing team the plays they are going to run and when before game day and then goes out on game day and does exactly what they said they would do.  That’s not possible, you say.  With men, yes; but with God, all things are possible (Mark 10:27).

This is why I do not believe God’s plan to establish the kingdom was thwarted because of the Jews who rejected Him and that He established the church instead.  God sent Jesus into the world to be given the throne of David.   Who is going to admit that He was stopped?   He not only accomplishes what he plans, David explains that if anyone alters plans, it is God.  He writes, “The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation” (Psalm 33:10-11).   This is why the promises of God give the Christian such confidence!   He rules in heaven and on earth.

God’s sovereignty includes His rule among the nations (Ps. 47:8).   After Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling experience, he acknowledges, “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation.  All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but he does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, “What have you done?” (Daniel 4:34-35) Earlier, he is recorded saying, “The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes” (Dan 4:25).  

It is imperative that we seek Him and His will, and not our own.  Either way, God is still sovereign so that in doing our own will, He is using us as he did Joseph’s brothers or ancient Assyria to accomplish his purpose.  How awesome is that?

The proper response to this is that given in Psalm 2:10-12. “Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the LORD with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled.  How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”

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LESSON ONE

By Timothy on 07/20/2010

Online Bible Course

This first of seven lessons has questions at the end and answers can be typed into the spaces provided. After you submit your answers, within a few days they will be reviewed and graded. Your grade with then be returned to your E-Mail address along with the location of the next lesson so that you can also complete it online. This procedure is followed until the entire course is finished. As always, we wish God’s blessings on you in the study and application of His Word.

 

 

JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY

 

LESSON ONE

 

By Sewell Hall

"Man, that is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble." (Job 14:1)

These words, spoken thousands of years ago, express the sentiment of millions living today. Now, however, there is a way out – Jesus Christ. He said of Himself, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)

To everything that is truly good, both in this life and in the life to come, JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY.

FINDING JESUS, THE WAY

Following Jesus as "the way" involves more than just praising Him with our lips. He said,

"But why do you call Me `Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46)

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

The life and teaching of Jesus are found in the first four books of the New Testament — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Other books of the New Testament are also the teaching of Jesus, for He revealed it by the Holy Spirit through men like Peter and Paul. Paul wrote:

"If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 14:37)

Following Jesus as the way, therefore, requires a careful study of the New Testament and a determined effort to live as it directs.

JESUS, THE WAY TO A BETTER LIFE

Jesus stated His purpose in coming to earth in the following words:

"…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

Jesus provides this better life by offering the solution to the problems that make life difficult — guilt, self-pity and fear. He does not promise wealth or luxury, but He does assure us of a loving Father in Heaven who cares for His children and will provide the things they truly need.

"Therefore do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?’ or, `What shall we drink?’ or, `What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matt. 6:31-33)

The happiest people in the world are those who have most completely committed themselves to following Jesus as the way.

"…Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory." (1 Peter 1:8)

JESUS, THE WAY TO FORGIVENESS OF SINS

Sin is a more serious threat to our well-being than any physical, economic or social danger that we face. Yet, all of us are guilty of sin and we are helpless on our own to remove its stain. Sin is a violation of God’s Law and only God can forgive it. He has made provision for our forgiveness through Jesus.

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7)

"Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed." (1 Peter 2:24)

After His sacrifice for us, Jesus explained how those who are lost in sin can have remission of sins and be saved.

"…Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:46-47)

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:16)

JESUS, THE WAY TO GOD

Lost people need more than forgiveness of sins. They need to be restored to that close union with God which they lost by their sin. In sending Jesus into the world –

"…God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself…" (2 Corinthians 5:19)

Jesus stated that one can reach God only through Him. He said:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."(John 14:6)

JESUS, THE WAY OUT OF RELIGIOUS CONFUSION

Many who wish to follow Christ are repelled by the multitude of churches and the conflicting doctrines taught by those who profess to be Christians. One does not have to be a part of this confusion. Jesus did not approve of it.

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus promised:

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church…"

We read of the beginning of His church in Acts, chapter 2.

"…And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47)

The Lord is still adding those who are being saved to His church. If we are saved, we are in His church and united with all others who are in it.

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4-6)

It is good for us to worship and work with other saved individuals who are bound with us in Christ by these unifying ties. But if we join another body (denomination), accept another lord (religious authority), or adhere to another faith (creed), we are leaving the unity for which Jesus prayed in John 17:20-21.

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."

JESUS, THE WAY TO HEAVEN

"It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27)

Death is the door, both to heaven and to hell. To die in Jesus is to die in the way to heaven.

"Then I heard the voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them’." (Revelation 14:13)

"Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)

 

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS?

1. Jesus expects those who call Him "Lord" to
the things which He says. (Luke 6:46)

2. In 1 Corinthians 14:37, Paul claims that the things he wrote were the commandments of the

3. Jesus promised the necessities of life to those who seek first God’s

4. We have redemption through the
of Jesus. (Ephesians 1:7)

5. Jesus said that
and remission of sins should be preached. (Luke 24:47)

6. To be saved, one must
(Mark 16:16)

7. Can Mohammedans, Buddhists or any others reach God without Jesus?
(John 14:6)

8. The Lord added to the church those who were being
(Acts 2:47)

9. How many baptisms does God now recognize?
(Ephesians 4:5)

10. "Blessed are the dead who die in the
(Revelation 14:13)

After you have completed the above questions, simply click:

 




Your answers will automatically be sent to us. We will then Grade Lesson One and tell you where to find Lesson Two on the site.

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Emotion: A by-product

By Timothy on 07/19/2010

taylorbA common fault of human beings is to justify their actions based on their feelings.   In other words, we have to feel a certain way to act accordingly.   For example, someone may say that they just don’t love their spouse anymore?  What is implied is that they must feel affectionate and loving in order to commit to the relationship.   Also, a traditional salvation experience is a response of an emotional call.  Once emotions are stirred, the sinner interprets the feeling as the call of the Spirit and responds.  In both cases, one cannot imagine responding until they feel like it.  The feeling must precede the action.   

While you may see this as perfectly natural and nothing with which to fault humanity, I suggest a different pattern taught in the Bible regarding emotions.   Feelings flow from actions.  When the Ethiopian of Acts 8 came up out of the water, he “went on his way rejoicing.”   He didn’t rejoice, or wait for the feeling and act on the emotion.  He made a conscious choice.  He asked when coming to a body of water, “See here is water.  What hinders me from being baptized?”  Consider Cain whose feelings of anger and depression followed his choice of sacrifice offered to God.  God asked, “If you do right, will your face not be lifted?”  It’s critical that we realize that behavior determines feelings.  Cain did not feel right, because he did not do right.   Peter teaches in 1 Peter 3:10 that to have good days requires doing good deeds.  This is not to say that we can merit salvation and feel good about it.  But, he continues,  in verse 16, to teach that a good conscience depends upon good behavior.  Our conscience is that inner barometer that judges our actions based on our standard of right and wrong.  When it is violated, it activates unpleasant feelings.   This is why feelings follow behavior. 

What do you do when the “check engine” light is on the dash?  Do you take a hammer and smash it or cut the wires?  No – the problem is not the light, as it only warns you of the real problem. Like the light, the conscience must not be ignored while the real problem worsens.  Instead, we must voluntarily choose to lift the hood of our faulty behavior that activates the warning light, fix the behavior (repent) and rest with the warning light removed (“good conscience”).   The axiom is this: voluntary alterations lead to involuntary emotions.  The solution is to alter the behavior – choose to act right.  Some propose a different solution to feel better by preaching a perverted gospel of false securities, empty promises, or taking a pill.  This is addressing the symptom or cutting the wires of the warning light.  This is no real solution. Paul calls this “searing” the conscience as with a branding iron” (1 Timothy 4:2) so as to feel no pain.   Eventually, we reach a point when our actions no longer bother us because we have ignored it or anesthetized it.   We can learn the same reaction to the warning on the dash of our car.  We may get to a point when we no longer “see” it. 

So, what do you do when you do not feel affectionate toward your wife?  Do you wait for your feelings to change toward her?  No!  Change your behavior and love her.  This is a command.  It’s not an option.  Love is a choice that puts her interests before your own, and even sacrifices for her.  This is the love commanded of husbands in Ephesians 5.   The blessing behind this command is that once you start doing for her and putting her first, you will find that the affection is restored.   Notice the order – change of action precedes the change of feelings. 

The same can be said of personal salvation.  Being a disciple of Christ is a choice.  If you are waiting to feel different before you come to Jesus, you may be found still waiting on the day of your death.    But, if you’ll respond in obedient faith to the sacrifice of Jesus, you will rejoice with joy unspeakable.   So, if joy, rejoicing and peace of mind are all by-products of a changed or “changing” (Romans 12:2) life, isn’t it time that we become more proactive and purpose in our heart to become more and more like Jesus?

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