Man helps misunderstand

History is filled with men who spread religious confusion but were convinced they were teaching truth. Is religious teaching futile then? Should all religious teachers, including me, simply stop teaching to avoid making things worse? Certainly not! Everyone can know when someone is creating their own doctrinal theories about prophecy (such as relating to our first article). Here are some simple rules.

When leaps are made without scripture

Far too often, people quote an Old Testament passage, associate it with a New Testament verse and claim that the ideas are directly connected to modern events. Recall Peter’s words – people twist the scriptures to their own destruction (II Pet. 3:16).  If a “teacher” is telling you to “trust his interpretation”, especially about passages coming from different testaments, there is an issue. Everybody is capable of understanding the scriptures, and we all know that no scripture is to be of any private interpretation (II Pet. 1:20).

When obscure, difficult passages explain the easy, clear ones

Most Bible verses are plain and direct. Some “teachers” will argue that a verse does not actually mean what it appears to because this verse does not fit with a complex doctrine they teach. This approach is completely backwards! For example, people created a doctrine that the earth will exist forever. They use Psalms 78:69 as evidence. Yet Peter stated that the earth and all its works will be burned up at the end of time (II Pet. 3:9-12). The claim about Psalms 78:69 cannot be reconciled with Peter’s teaching, yet the minds of these people are already made up. Many other things in the Old Testament were described as lasting forever too – animal sacrifices, circumcision, king David, the Passover and the priesthood (Gen. 17:13; Ex. 40:15; Lev. 16:29-34; Ex. 12:14; I Kings 1:31). The word “forever” means “continually; without interruption.” These things lasted “continually” within their context, but they are not eternal as some have decided.

Complex doctrines are not needed if we merely let God’s word speak for itself. Those who seek will find (Matt. 7:7). Let’s make sure we do not put more trust in man than we do in God and His word!

     Chuck

Does God appoint them?

The other day I Goggled, “How many countries are in the world?” Most parties agree that the answer is 196, but some counts were higher or lower depending on whether certain territories were recognized as their own countries. Does our heavenly Father control who governs each of those countries? If there are Christians in every one of those countries, can they use the Bible to say that whatever is happening where they live is a fulfillment of prophecy?

I raise this issue because many religious people mishandle the scriptures. Some contend that whatever is happening in America is a fulfillment of what you read about in the book of Revelation and in other parts of the Bible. Let’s look into this and clear some things up.

First, we need to make note of Romans 13:1-7. In this text, Paul mentions some important facts that would apply to anyone, anywhere, who was reading the passage.  He teaches that it is the responsibility of every saint to be subject to their governing authorities no matter the form of government – a democracy, a republic, a dictatorship, etc. (verse 1). This same verse reveals that all earthly authorities are appointed to rule by God. Christians who resist these earthly authorities are resisting the ordinance of God (verse 2).

But does God ensure that certain people are elected and others are not? “God appointed” means “God has permitted”. For example, Pilate stated that he had power to crucify Christ or release Him. Jesus replied that, “You could have not power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above,” (John 19:11).  Yes, God no more put Pilate in office than He did make Him crucify Christ. Leaders have free will, yet it is also true that our Creator has ordained governments in order to support those who do good works (Rom. 13:3). As Paul told the Roman brethren, citizens who obey should generally not have fear of their governments.

What about immoral governments? Are Christians obligated to live under their rule? Paul taught that Christians are to be loyal subjects and therefore pay taxes. This is done both to avoid the wrath of the government and for the sake of conscience (Rom. 13:5-7). Keep in mind that he was telling this to Christians who lived under corrupts and often cruel Roman rulers. The Roman leaders were sinful, but these Christians were still supposed to respect their authority. This is true for modern Christians too - they should respect their government officials even if they do not agree with every decision they make.

The word of God is relevant for people living in the United States today, but it was not written just those living in the United States. Many people believe that Christianity is a western religion because Jesus was born as a Jew (Luke 1:30). We must remember, though, that Jesus lived as God before coming to the earth (John 1:1). It is also important to remember that all are one in Christ – there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither male nor female (Gal. 3:28).

Christ came and died for all of mankind, not just select groups. He reigns at the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:29-36) and has made eternal life available to those who obey Him. The fulfillment of Gen. 12:3 happens whenever anyone obeys the gospel (Gal. 3:29).  It is dangerous to force modern events to fulfill of Biblical prophecy, especially the figurative language found in Revelations. Those who do this are creating their own doctrine (discussed in the following article).

Saints know that doing anything against the will of God is sin, and God has called us to obey our earthly leaders. We may not love every decision our earthly governments make, but we should recognize God’s wisdom that having government is better than no government!

   Chuck

Overcoming a struggle

Struggles come in all shapes and sizes. Some are very addictive, which makes it even harder to stop. But for those who want to go to heaven, one of the best ways to cease doing that which is wrong is to admit what it really is – sin! Calling sin “a struggle” can lessen the severity to some degree. Moreover, it also conveys the idea that quitting is not controlled by the individual.

The sooner people see what sin really is, the sooner they can understand how to properly deal with it. Every person I know who drank alcohol, smoked or used hard drugs and now does not had to decide to quit! Unless one makes up their mind, they will continue to give in to “that struggle.”

In writing to the Ephesian brethren, Paul stated that we should not give place to the devil (Eph. 4:27). By that, he specifically mentioned, “put away lying…be angry and sin not….let him who stole steal no more…let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth….” (verses 25-29). One does not overcome anything if they do not repent, which means to turn away from (Luke 13:3). By turning away, measures are put in place to help one not do it again. In the Ephesians text, Paul said instructed the reader to not steal and instead begin labor with hands. For those who spoke corrupt words, Paul admonished them to begin speaking words that edify. In essence, the audience was to told to replace their bad, sinful habits with good ones.

I realize that people who become addicted to something will genuinely struggle to overcome it. However, all sin can become addictive. Some people cannot seem to stop being jealous or envious. Other cannot seem to stop lying to themselves and making excuses for not serving the Lord as they should. Every sin is serious and causes people to be separated from God (Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 6:23).

Everyone struggles with sin, but everyone has also been commanded to STOP sinning (I John 2:1). May we grow in the desire to never sin as the first step in turning away from those sins we personally struggle with.

 Chuck

Can women wear make-up and jewelry?

Recently, a lady described how she was taught that it is a sin for women to wear make-up or jewelry. She wanted to know if this is what the Bible teaches. There are two main passages of scripture in the New Testament that are used:

“In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works,” (I Tim. 2:9-10).

“Do not let your beauty be that outward adorning of arranging the hair, of wearing gold, or of putting on fine apparel; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God,” (I Pet. 3:3-4).

It is vital that we see what these inspired words are saying and are not saying. Notice that women are being admonished to reveal their godliness by adorning themselves with modest apparel and a quiet and gentle spirit. In other words, they should be known for their inward beauty rather than an external, outward show.

We must note that the wearing of gold and braided hair was not forbidden. Women were forbidden from wearing those things for show, as if that external display is true beauty. Does that mean that women can wear anything then? If you read carefully, you will see that immodest dress is sinful, just like anything else that is for show. Words like discretion and tastefulness come to mind.

To help with this, let us consider the book of Song of Solomon. This inspired message speaks of the love between a husband and wife. In chapter one and verse ten it says, “Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with chains of gold.”  In chapter four verses nine and ten it reads, “You have ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; you have ravished my heart with one look of your eyes, with one link of your necklace. How fair is your love, my sister, my spouse! How much better than wine is your love, and the scent of your perfumes than all spices.”

Even though the above passages were under the Old Law, the principles are still valid today. There is no immodest apparel between you and your husband. Also note that wives wore jewelry, but that jewelry was not their inward beauty. Are we to think that the Lord does not want women to have their hair done or brush their teeth? Is our Lord against good hygiene? Is it wrong to buy nice clothing? The answer to all of these questions is no.

There is danger in taking verses on godly behavior to an extreme. God’s word already describes inappropriate attire - that of a harlot (Prov. 7:10). This attire is used to draw attention via seductive, over-the-top means. Rather than taking verses on how we should dress too far, we should simply recognize what God has said about how to dress and also how not to dress.

Men and women need to consider what message they are sending when they dress. So much of the Christian life is having a proper attitude. Jesus taught that those who have a clean inside will reflect this on the outside (Matt. 23:26). Our God is not interested in anyone putting on a front. Those who put on an external show are revealing what is in their hearts as well.

 Chuck

Am I being unkind?

After someone reads the first article, he might get the idea that I do not like the 7^th Day Adventists. This is not be true. Just like the Lord, we are to love everyone (John 3:16; Matt. 22:39). Nor does it mean that I believe that 7^th Day Adventist members are insincere. The scriptures tell us how people can be sincere and full of zeal but still be in error (Rom. 10:1-3). Someone can be kind, generous and even believe in God and yet still be in their sins (Acts 10:1-2; 11:14).

The Bible describes how being straightforward can cause people to think we are enemies (Gal. 4:16). My goal is to not put people down in order to puff myself up. When someone asks a Bible question, they ought to demand an answer from the word of God (I Pet. 4:11). Perhaps most importantly, God’s opinion about the religious sect is far more important than my own opinion.

I realize that it is easy for me to answer someone’s question without discussing this face to face with them or members of the 7^th Day Adventists. As much as I want to give proper representation, I ought to be willing to talk about this with anyone who is a member of that group. The Lord expects me to give an answer for the hope that is within me (I Pet. 3:15). Something is obviously wrong if I will talk about a false doctrine but am unwilling to talk about it publicly.

No one should be ashamed of the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). Getting together and discussing the scriptures in a calm and orderly way is to be encouraged. For the sake of all our readers, this holds true with any religious group that is out there. When a lady asked me to sit down with her preacher so the two of us could discuss the scriptures while she listened to both sides, I jumped at the opportunity. I say this so you know that you can do the same.

Christians have no excuse for being rude and hateful. We should have a genuine concern for all souls. How about you? Would you like to get together and study God’s word? It is my prayer that you will consider this offer and reach out if you are interested. 

                      Chuck