Posted by Roy on January 1, 2010 under Articles
Introduction: 1 Timothy 2:12 places a restriction on women who would teach. 1 Corinthians 14:23 and verse 34 show us it is when the whole church comes together.
God gave women the ability to teach. Philip had four virgin daughters that “prophesied,” meaning to teach in a miraculous way. But they were not to use this gift in the assembly.
When Aquila and Priscilla heard Apollos teaching in the synagogue in Ephesus and realized he needed further instruction, they took him aside and taught him more accurately. Priscilla could not teach him in the assembly of the synagogue.
Older women are commanded to “…teach younger women [not men] to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children…” (Titus 2:3-5).
“God who at various times and in different manners spoke in time past unto the fathers [not mothers] by the prophets…” (Hebrews 1:1).
When you read the New Testament you find that all of the apostles were men, all of the elders were men, all of the evangelists and preachers were men. This is in perfect harmony with everything taught in the New Testament concerning women teachers.
Yes, God has given women the command and ability to teach, but not in the assembly (2 Corinthians 14:23, 34), nor in a class situation where she is taking the leading role over men (1 Timothy 2:12). “For Adam was first formed then Eve, and Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”
Also, man is the head of woman (1 Corinthians 11:3). Wives are to “be subject to their husbands in everything” (Ephesians 5:24). This arrangement is not based on the customs of the first century, but on the divine command of God.
Let us not be displeased with God’s arrangement; let us work with God that He may be glorified. Miriam, Moses’ sister, was displeased with God’s arrangement of Moses being the spokesman. She rebelled and God smote her with leprosy.
Posted by Roy on under Articles
There are churches that have left their first love, and churches that are lukewarm and dead (Revelation 2 and 3), but we are interested in what makes a strong church. The best role model we have is the church in Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 2:42-47. In verse 42 “… they continued steadfastly in …”
Doctrine – “The Apostles’ doctrine.” While the New Testament was being written, the church was instructed by inspired men, men guided by the Holy Spirit. As a result they were united. “They continued daily with one accord” (verse 46). They recognized the apostles’ teaching as the only source of authority in religious matters. This brought them together in belief and practice. They were strong because they were united.
Fellowship – There was joint participation in all areas of their life. They prayed together, they ate together, they shared their possessions with those in need, they worshipped together. “They continued daily with one accord.” They were a strong church because of their fellowship.
Breaking of Bread – We learn from Acts 2:42 and 20:7 that the church came together every first day of the week to partake of the Lord’s Supper. This memorial feast would keep their heart and mind centered on Christ. The only way the church can be strong and remain strong is by keeping its eyes fixed upon Jesus — the Lord designed the communion for this purpose (1 Corinthians 11:20-26).
Prayer – They continued steadfastly in prayer. They recognized their weakness, and they recognized the unlimited power of God, therefore they prayed continually. When they were threatened and commanded not to preach the word of God, they prayed for boldness to preach, and God answered their prayer. When they appointed deacons, they prayed. When they were being put to death, they prayed for their enemies. When Peter was in prison with the execution date set, the church prayed and God sent an angel to set him free. Jesus had taught them, “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” They believed in prayer. It is my prayer that each congregation of the Lord’s church will “… continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” If so, we will remain a strong church.
Posted by Roy on under Articles
The teacher must speak to the heart of man. The heart includes the intellect; it thinks (Proverbs 23:7), it understands (Proverbs 8:5), and it believes (Romans 10:10). The heart includes not only the intellect but the emotions. The heart desires (Romans 10:1), loves (Matthew 22:37), and trusts (Proverbs 3:5). The heart also includes the will. The will is that part of the heart where decisions are made. The heart intends (Hebrews 4:12), purposes (II Corinthians 9:7) and obeys (Romans 6:17).
First, a good teacher presents the facts of the gospel as well as its promises and warnings in order to enlighten and give understanding. A good teacher must first appeal to man’s intellect. Second, a good teacher appeals to man’s emotions. He shows him the horrors of sin, what sin has done, what it is doing and what it will do. A teacher must also speak from a heart of love. He must tell his student of the love of Christ and the mercies of God (John 12:32). Thirdly, the teacher must be persuasive. As a teacher you have appealed to his intellect, you have educated him about Christ and the gospel and you have appealed to his emotions. Now, you must be persuasive. You must bring his will into action in obeying the gospel. Fear, love and the promises of God are all factors in bringing man to repentance (Romans 2:4).
Remember, man’s heart is made up of intellect, emotions and a will. A teacher must appeal to the whole heart before man will respond. Acts chapter two is a good example. First, Peter appealed to the intellect by educating the multitude with the facts of the gospel, then he appealed to their emotions by saying, “You have crucified and slain the Son of God.” Next, he appealed to their will by saying, “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. … and with many other words did he testify and exhort saying save yourselves …” First, the intellect, second, the emotions, and third, the will. It is only through the intellect and the emotions that you can reach the will. Unless the will is changed, the individual will perish (Luke 13:3).
Posted by Roy on under Articles
The Washington Post published a survey of what makes a successful home. There were six things that stood out in that survey. Notice as I list these six principles with supporting scripture showing how they also apply to the church.
- Successful families show appreciation for each other.Paul to the Philippians, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3).
- The ability to deal with a crisis in a positive manner; a mutual support system.When James was put to death and Peter was in prison, the church gathered in Mary’s house to pray on Peter’s behalf (Acts 12). The Bible says we are to “bear each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). When a crisis comes we are to be positive because God said “all things work together for good to them that love Him …” (Romans 8:28).
- They spend time together.“Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). “They continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship” (Acts 2:42).
- A strong commitment to each other.“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:11).
- Good communication.“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).”Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6).
- A high degree of religious orientation.“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:23-25).
Let each of us make sure we are practicing these things, not only in our homes but here at West-Ark.
Posted by Roy on under Articles
“If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Romans 8:9). If my eternal destiny depends on me having a Spirit like Christ’s, then I must know Him and follow Him in order to be like Him.
What kind of Spirit did Christ have?
He had a Spirit of Humility.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7).
He had a Spirit of Love.
“This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12-13).
He had a Spirit of Service.
“Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:27-28).
He had a Spirit of Obedience.
Jesus prayed, saying, “O, my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou will” (Matthew 26:39).
He had a Spirit of Optimism.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
He had a Spirit of Forgiveness.
While dying on the cross Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
These are but a few of the characteristics of Christ, but hopefully this will challenge us to see the need for Bible study. If you and I must be like Him in order to go to heaven, then we must know Him. See you in Bible class!
Posted by Roy on under Articles
In the First Century the apostle Paul was God’s spokesman, trying to reconcile men to God (II Corinthians 5:20). Christians in the Twenty-First Century have that same responsibility. The following will help us in our efforts to reconcile men to God as we speak for God.
- Speak with respect. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man. (Colossians 4:6).
- Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
- Speak to man’s deeper needs. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10b).
- Speak with authority. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God (I Peter 4:11; II Timothy 4:1-2).
- Speak with boldness. And now, Lord, behold their threatening: and grant unto your servants, that with all boldness they may speak your word (Acts 4:29).
In conclusion, James said, Be not many teachers (James 3:1). James was not trying to discourage us from speaking for God, but to know the seriousness of it and to speak as God would have us speak.
In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned (Titus 2:7-8).
Posted by Roy on under Articles
A young girl asked me this question: “Should we love Satan?” She clarified her question by saying Jesus taught us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44-45) and that Satan is our enemy (1 Peter 5:8).
After careful consideration of the question, I answered something like this. All of mankind has hope; the apostle Paul said he had a goal or an aim to “… present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28). We are to seek every man’s highest good — that is to love him that he might be saved. On the other hand, Satan’s eternity has been sealed, there is not anything that man can do or should do to change that. We are told that Satan has gone forth with great wrath because he knows that he has but a short time (Revelation 12:12). Jesus tells us that he has prepared a lake of fire for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).
What should be our attitude towards Satan? We should follow the example of Michael the archangel who refused to get involved with Satan, even in a discussion. Michael was willing to leave Satan in God’s hands. He said, “The Lord rebuke thee” (Jude 9). Our attitude towards Satan should be to resist him. God said, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). We are to be on guard and watchful because Satan is our enemy trying to devour us (1 Peter 5:8).
Satan has many devices; he is tricky. He is trying to lead us to the grave separated from God (2 Corinthians 2:11). He is trying to blind our minds to the word of God through unbelief (2 Corinthians 4:4).
We are not instructed in the inspired scripture to love Satan, but to overcome him. The only way we can do this is to fill our hearts with the word of God (1 John 2:14). Jesus is our example; Satan threw everything he had at Jesus — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — and each time Jesus would answer, “It is written.” He defeated Satan with the word of God, and He did not try to convert him (Matthew 4:1-11) because Satan’s eternity in the lake of fire had already been sealed.
In the context of Matthew 5, when Jesus said, “Love your enemies,” He was discussing our relationship with our fellow man and not with Satan.
Posted by Roy on under Articles
Jesus said, “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not life more than meat, and the body more than raiment?” (Matthew 6:25).
“… your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:32b-33).
Jesus is not saying we should not be concerned about important things in life. He was deeply concerned about the lost state of man. At times, He was moved with compassion and wept over Jerusalem.
Jesus is saying, “Do not be concerned over the necessities of life: food, shelter, and raiment, I will provide.” He is saying, “Do not worry about things in which you have no control.”
Someone has estimated that 40% of the things we worry about never happen; and 30% have already happened. Twelve per cent are needless health worries, 10% about petty things, and that 8% are real cause for concern.
The Bible tells us to take our concerns to God in prayer and not be anxious (Philippians 4:6). All of us have made mistakes in the past. We should ask God’s forgiveness and accept it, then forget the past, not dwell upon it and let it haunt us. God forgives and forgets (Hebrews 8:12).
Paul said, “this one thing I do: forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13).
Jesus concluded, “take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34).
Posted by Roy on under Articles
How to Return to the Original Church
In the eighth chapter of Nehemiah we find that Israel had drifted from God and His law. Finally the written law itself was lost. When it was found years later it was carefully read and Israel found in it things they were not doing in service to God which they should have been practicing. They began at once to practice them. When they found things they were doing which the law condemned they ceased practicing them at once. So today, if we will follow faithfully God’s Word; speak as it speaks (1 Peter 4:11), and use it as our pattern (Heb. 8:5), we can return to the original church. We can do this by teaching everything taught by Christ and His apostles, and refusing to teach anything which they did not teach. If each of us will resolve to practice or not to practice within the bounds of the teaching of Christ and His apostles we will be members only of the original church which was established by Christ. I believe this plea, if accepted and followed by all, will do away with denominationalism and sectarianism, and will restore the original church in all its purity and simplicity. If not, why not? If any man living on earth today will do what the apostles told sinners to do, and live as they directed Christians to live; if he does this, nothing more, nothing less, it will make of him what it made of people in the first century, just Christians. These were added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:47). God will also add man today to His church upon his compliance with the same commands or conditions of salvation.
Unity Only Possible in Original Church
Jesus gave us the perfect pattern, a book which contains “all truth” (John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17). He recognized that all believers who followed this pattern would be “one” (John 17:20,21). The vital questions being asked today:
“How do I become a Christian?”
“How must I live?”
“How must I worship?”
are not answered by the wisdom of men, but must only be answered by what the inspired writers penned 1900 years ago.
God did not give us a makeshift church in the beginning that needed to be improved by the ingenuity of men. God gave us a church that was perfect. Our changes and modifications render it imperfect. We need to go back to the original and continue in the “apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). Then we will all be “speaking the same thing” and “there will be no divisions” among us (1 Cor. 1:10).
Perhaps you are saying “amen” to this. If so let us be sure we are not deceiving ourselves. Let us be sure we are following the “apostles’ doctrine” and not the “traditions of men.” To the Pharisees, Jesus said, “Full well ye reject the commandments of God that ye may keep your own traditions” (Mark 7:9). (Perhaps a present day example will help us better understand). Man today observes the traditions of men in such unscriptural practices as “christening” and “confirmation.” God’s Word teaches that baptism is by immersion for the forgiveness of sins, the subject being one capable of believing and repenting (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).
Conclusion
To return to the original church one does not have to give up one single truth. All he needs to do is embrace “all truth.”
Under what name do you serve Christ? Is it scriptural? How did you become a Christian? Is this teaching found in the Bible? Is there an example of “your way” found in the Bible? Will you not, because of your love for God, for the sake of unity and the salvation of your soul, go back with us to the word of God?
Posted by Roy on under Articles
Paul said in Acts 17:26-27, “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.”
There is an old belief, a false belief, called deism, which teaches that God created the universe and man, then abandoned them for some other distant project. Many people today feel and act as if God were millions of miles away. This type of reasoning prevents man from having a right relationship with God. The Bible says He is not far from everyone of us. How near is the Lord?
- He is near enough to see us. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight” (Hebrews 4:13). God sees and knows everything about us.
- He is near enough to hear us. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers” (1 Peter 3:12). Isn’t it wonderful that we can talk to the Lord anywhere at anytime? “Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live” (Psalm 116:2).
- He is near enough to be sympathetic to all our needs. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).
- He is near enough to walk with us “through the valley of the shadow of death.” When Stephen was put to death the Lord was near enough for Stephen to see Him and to speak to Him. “Lord Jesus receive my spirit” (Acts 7:56-60).
- The Lord is nearer to us than any person on earth. If we belong to Him, He has promised “… never to leave us nor forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5). “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
