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  • Ron Thomas 8:00 am on June 11, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , bible, credible, defendent, ,   

    Tested and Verified 

    I am in a current discussion with a man with regard to God’s existence. Currently, the nature of our discussion is on the credibility of the biblical source in its declaration that God exists. Is the Bible a credible source document for determining God’s existence? The answer is yes.

    Consider the following points in a trial scenario: 1) Every defendant in a trail has the occasion to defend self, 2) The defendant is allowed to submit evidence to support the claim maintained; this evidence can then be checked and/or tested, 3) The witnesses for the defendant are allowed to step up and verify the claim of the accused; again, this can be checked for reliability, 4) This material is submitted to the jury for verdict.

    The Bible has each of these points in its favor. God exists. Those who lived during the time (era) of those described are allowed to present their evidence for that which they claimed (God exists); this can be tested or verified. If that claim can be verified, then the evidence is in favor of the accused. The evidence is then collected, accumulated, and used in the verdict to be rendered. Jesus, as a historical person, claimed the existence of God and that He came from God. That He lived as a historical person only a fool would deny. How will you handle the evidence (cf. John 20:30-31)? RT

     

  • Richard Mansel 6:59 pm on June 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , surveillance   

    Americans are under Surveillance 

    surveillance11

    America is buzzing over all the announcement that our government is spying on all of us under the guise of fighting terrorism. But that is little consolation to millions of Americans who have always feared this moment.

    Anyone who has read George Orwell’s terrifying novel, “1984″ has expected this to happen. However, that doesn’t make it any less chilling.

    The main focus of this post is simple. For now, they are mining our data to look for terrorists. How long before this is used against Christians?

    The government is already engaged as a propaganda machine for the promotion of homosexuality. Activists want to silence everyone who speaks against homosexuality and, if possible, send them to jail.

    How long before the government realizes that the full-scale surveillance of Americans allows them to make that happen?

    We live in frightening times. For decades, we have been asking when persecution will come to our shores. Well, that is no longer an academic question.

     

     

  • Richard Mansel 11:26 am on June 1, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , itching ears, itching eyes, ,   

    Digital Technologies and Itching Eyes 

    bible_holding555

    The Bible is God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and we must respect it with great reverence. Paul says that we should “not even think beyond what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6). When we stand to preach and teach, we must never step outside of God’s Word (1 Peter 4:11).

    “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).

    We should not be afraid of the faces of the doubters and haters (Jeremiah 1:8). We should be fearless as we spread His Word because nothing can stop Christ’s mission (Matthew 16:18).

    However, Paul followed up his admonition to “Preach the Word” with the following sobering reminder:

    “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires,because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

    People find preachers who will tell them what they want to hear rather than how they can submit before God in humility. Thanks to the influx of versions of the Bible, people can do the same thing with Scripture. They can find whatever translation that suits them best. Activist groups even make their own Bibles to prove their ideas.

    A recent article said:

    In future people will be able to create their own version of the Bible as multiple interpretations appear online, allowing a different view of the sacred text, according to the country’s leading Biblical scholar.

    David Parker, Professor of Theology at the University of Birmingham, said different translations and readings of the Bible, from the 4th Century until now are already available online.

    He predicted people will download the versions they like best, perhaps even mixing and matching different readings of the Gospels to suit their tastes and even making annotations.

    “In the world we are entering, the concept of the Bible will be completely different,” he said. “It has become like an individual copy you have, you can annotate it and change it within the bounds of technological abilities.”

    What will be the implications, both positive and negative, of these technologies?

    They can be useful as they allow us to have more information in our hands. And when people have the Word of God, they are blessed. Yet, we cannot forget the warnings of Paul. Anything that can be used for good, will also be used for evil (Ephesians 6:12).

    People with itching ears can also have itching eyes, seeking out “versions” that absolve them of sins. Only the blood of Christ can wash away sins (1 John 1:7), and compromise is not the way of God (John 8:44).

    What are your thoughts?

     

  • Ron Thomas 7:00 am on May 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Astray, bible, O'Reilly,   

    O’Reilly and the Bible 

                    In the mail the other day I received a bulletin from the church in Winter Park, Florida. In this March 17, 2013 bulletin is a discussion regarding Bill O’Reilly and his view with regard to the Bible. (I hardly watch the “O’Reilly Factor” program so I did not see what transpired. I did not have to watch it, however, for Gary summers (bulletin editor) had a part of the dialogue in the bulletin; a dialogue that can be downloaded from the FoxNews website, I understand).

    Bill O’Reilly said to a First Baptist Church preacher (Robert Jeffress of Dallas), “…my belief system is that there is a higher power and that evolution was the way He created the world. Now I was taught in my Catholic school that a lot of stories in the Bible are allegorical. There are stories that, just like Jesus spoke in parables, lessons were put forth…and that a lot of believers (such as myself) don’t take them literally.”

    O’Reilly’s understanding of the Old Testament is less than adequate; if Jesus attested to the credibility of what the Old Testament said and O’Reilly dismisses it as being merely “parabolic,” then he has brought the Lord’s credibility into question (something he rejected quickly). For instance, the Lord said that man was made at the time of the beginning (Matthew 19:4). The beginning of what? When the earth begin to exist. This is either true or not. Many in the science community dismiss this as being out of touch with reality. If it comes down to the Lord or science I will be and stay with the Lord. From one vantage point we can take “reality” as interpreted many thousands of years removed from the events associated with creation, or we can take reality from the One who was there and created it all out of nothing (Hebrews 1:2; 11:3).

    O’Reilly might be (or not) good with political discourse that is of the current day, but his teaching ability with regard to the Bible will lead people astray. RT

     

    • Russ McCullough 7:47 am on May 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Romanism is built upon an allegorical foundation specifically one built by Origen who viewed all Scripture as being allegorical. Benedict XVI confirmed this in a statement made in 2007. Allegorical interpretive methods gave us Romanism in the 2nd century and has given us the instrument, Saturday night communion and female leadership in the 21st. Allegory is alive and well, sad to say.

    • Gene 11:03 am on May 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      O’Reilly will repeat whatever religious instruction he is given with little questioning.

  • John T. Polk II 4:24 am on March 29, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , lost sheep, , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:169-176 Tau Speaking to God – Hearing His Word 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:169-176  Tau                       Speaking to God – Hearing His Word

    Verses 169-172 give the connection from my mouth to God’s ear;

    Verses 173-176 summarize God’s blessings from the Word.

    Verses 169-172: (Verse 169) The only concern expressed is that the believer will be heard; the only thing asked for with this “cry” is for “understanding,” is this not what Solomon later will do? (1 Kings 3:5-14) (Verse 170) “Supplication” is presenting sincere needs and asking that something be done; “deliverance” is the blessing asked for that is described in God’s Word. (Verse 171) Coming from “my lips” indicates a heart full of lessons from God’s “statutes” (words marking out the right way). Jesus later would say: “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35). (Verse 172) Just as a healthy tree bursts forth with signs of life; a bird sings when it shares its life; a flower shares its color and fragrance; a believer full of the “righteousness” of God’s “commands” cannot be silent. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:16-17).

    Verses 173-176: (Verse 173) Choosing God’s “precepts” (words that superintend our way) will cause a believer to reach out for God’s leadership. (Verse 174) “Longing” (continuing desire) for God’s “salvation,” means the method of obtaining it is a “delight.” Wanting to be saved is not enough, a person must enjoy obeying God to reach for it. “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:21-22). Since baptism into Christ is the moment of salvation (1 Peter 3:21), it is a delightful response for one who longs to be saved. (Verse 175) Knowing how perfect God’s “judgments” have always been, the soul blessed by God with physical and spiritual life “praises” God for all of these. (Verse 176) All of us can, and probably will, “go astray” by wandering off “like a lost sheep.” Most of us sin without intending to violate God’s Will, but by simply becoming too focused upon what we are doing at the time, and not paying attention to what should be important. God “seeks” “servants,” in other words, those who seek Him. “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him” (Lamentations 3:25). “Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7).

    Thought: By using different words to convey facets of God’s Word, its brilliance is better than any gemstone, diamond, or other precious jewelry. Psalm 119 shows that the Word of God is not a “dead book,” but bursting with life that brings to life any soul that has been numbed, deadened, or abused by the world. God’s Word brings from us a zest for life, enjoyment of life, and praise for the Giver of life!

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

    • preachercarter 10:34 am on March 30, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Your closing statement rings very true. God’s Word is not dead rather His Word (that is the personification of God) lives in all that choose to honour His, well, Word.

    • John T. Polk II 11:39 am on March 30, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Thank you for your agreement. Truly, Jesus Christ is the Word of God in the flesh Who has shown all men what it means to follow Him (Titus 2:11-12; Mark 16:15-16). Feel free to visit our church website for further Bible studies. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.

  • John T. Polk II 4:19 am on March 28, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , bible, , , , , , great treasure, , , religious persecution, ,   

    Psalm 119:161-168 Shin God’s Awesome Word 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:161-168 Shin                                 God’s Awesome Word

    Verses 161-165 show what effect God’s awesome Word has;

    Verses 166-168 show what a soul does who sees how awesome God’s Word is.

    Verses 161-165: (Verse 161) Those in authority may persecute a believer “without a cause,” otherwise known as religious persecution. The “higher ups” may include governments, judges, presidents, dictators, teachers, professors, or bosses, but the heart that “stands in awe of” God’s “word” cannot be downcast. (Verse 162) The believer “rejoices” (delights, thrills) in God’s Word, as if finding “great treasure.” Solomon used this point: “My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you” (Proverbs 7:1). Jesus used this point: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44). (Verse 163) When we “love” God’s “law” (which truthfully points to the straightway), then we “hate and abhor lying,” whether it comes through hypocrisy, false doctrines, lack of integrity, business, politics or conversation. (Verse 164) “Seven times a day” doesn’t refer to a specific number, but symbolizes how completely one is willing to “praise” God because of His “righteous judgments” (all His decisions are absolutely right!). (Verse 165) Those who love God’s “law” (as in verse 163) have “great peace” (serenity, calmness, Philippians 4:6-7) and “nothing” can make them “stumble.” “I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble” (Proverbs 4:11-12).

    Verses 166-168: (Verse 166) Because of the awesome contents of God’s Word, we know we are able to “do” His “commandments,” and “hope for” His “salvation.” (Verse 167) God’s “testimonies” (history of His dealing with man) make it plain that what He expects of us is do-able, and loveable. God’s awesome Word demonstrates His love for us, and can produce love from us in return. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:8-9). This is between “my soul” and God because His Word does open heart surgery (Hebrews 4:12). (Verse 168) God’s “precepts” highlight what is right, His “testimonies” show that He has always been right, therefore we may safely place our lives in His hands. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:22 am on March 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , , , , persecutors, , , ,   

    Psalm 119:153-160 Resh “Considerate Faith” 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:153-160  Resh                              “Considerate Faith”

    Verses 153-155 appeal for God to consider a believers’ personal effort;

    Verses 156-158 appeal for God to recognize a believer’s personal devotion;

    Verses 159-160 appeal for God to see a believer’s personal heart.

    Verses 153-155: (Verse 153) God is considerate (Nehemiah 9:32-33). “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not  render to each man according to his deeds?” (Proverbs 24:11-12) God “considers” both the obedient and the disobedient. God considers the “affliction” of one who does “not forget” His “law” (words pointing the straight path), and “delivers.” (Verse 154) Believers who sin (1 John 1:6-2:3) must have representation before God, Who will “redeem” (apply the price for) and “revive” (refresh, renew the effort) them. (Verse 155) “Statutes” (words tracing out right) keep clear who is “wicked,” because they do not seek them, but the “righteous” are mindful of them. “Salvation” is kept far from “the wicked” (Mark 16:15-16).

    Verses 156-158: (Verse 156) God is the Father of “mercies” (2 Corinthians 1:3) which motivate Christians to become living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). His “mercies” (plural) are both “Great” (in forgiving the penitent) and “tender” (in helping the penitent), and Christians should imbed these (Colossians 4:12). (Verse 157) Christians cannot expect the same from “the wicked,” who become “persecutors” (with verbal taunting, physical abuse, or social ostracizing) and “enemies” (adversaries like Satan). “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles–when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:3-5). (Verse 158) Those who “do not keep” God’s Word become “treacherous” (and should be avoided, Ephesians 5:11-13) and are “disgusted” (abhorred, loathed, like Lot, 2 Peter 2:7-8) by the faithful.

    Verses 159-160: (Verse 159) While God is “considering” wicked hearts, His “precepts” (words that highlight what’s right) also “revive” a loving heart with His “lovingkindness.” “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:23-24). (Verse 160) Total confidence in God is produced by studying “the entirety” of God’s Word, for it is always “truth” and “every one” of His “judgments” are right, “forever.”

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 6:11 am on March 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Jer 9.23-24 is one of my favorite passages and makes a great commentary here on this section of Psa 119.

      V. 156 is fascinating in NET: “Your compassion is great, O Lord. Revive me, as you typically do!” (See the site for the reason behind the translation choice; what is often translation “laws” here is apparently “customs.”) The rendering is not only a testimony to our frequent need, but to God’s faithful and loving work, which must often be repeated in us.

      • John T. Polk II 10:00 am on March 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Several “standard” translations use the word “law” for this Hebrew word, so I based my comments upon this English word, which includes “requirement” in its intent. “Custom” can include the idea of an “option, or choice” and weakens the force of the original.

        • J. Randal Matheny 10:19 am on March 27, 2013 Permalink

          I went looking some more. It’s the Hebrew word mishpat, often translated “justice,” but with a wide semantic field, sometimes “mode of life,” “practice” or “procedure” in NASB. So one could go either way, I reckon.

    • John T. Polk II 3:23 pm on March 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Randal,
      My reply was based upon Psalm 119:153, not the verse 156 you were dealing with. I apologize for not catching this with another “proofing.” I was dealing with “torah” you were commenting on “mishpat,” and there is a distinction. Thanks for your review and observation.

  • John T. Polk II 4:26 am on March 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:145-152 Qoph Whose Prayers Are Heard 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:145-152  Qoph                              Whose Prayers Are Heard

    Verses 145-148 tell who is praying;

    Verses 149-152 tell what to expect.

    Verses 145-148: (Verse 145) To “cry” out indicates the sincerity from a “whole heart.” Answered prayer comes from those who “keep” His “statutes” (words marking out the right way). God knows whether His people approached Him with their “whole heart” or “in pretense” (Jeremiah 3:10), and planned for them to return to Him “with their whole heart” (Jeremiah 24:7). The first and greatest commandment under Moses and Jesus Christ is to love God “with all your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30; Acts 8:37). (Verse 146) The appeal for God to “hear” is followed by “save me” for the purpose of keeping His “testimonies” (words showing God’s character in dealing with people). (Verses 147-148) Because “hope” (anticipation, expectation of faith) springs from God’s “word,” prayer begins before sunrise and can extend throughout the night. Not one long prayer, but continually, as Jesus “spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (John 18:1). Paul taught: “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). It is the “meditation” (a lost capability in this electronic age!) upon His “word” that helps one approach God with boldness. It takes time and concentration to “meditate,” not distraction, illusion, fantasy. Prayer is approaching God when one has approached God’s Word.

    Verses 149-152: (Verse 149) When God “hears” (gives attention to), it is because of His “lovingkindness” (used 22 times in Psalms). “I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm” (Jonah 4:2). “Loving” and “kindness” go hand-in-hand, whether in dating, marriage, or devotion! Knowing God’s “justice” (Deuteronomy 10:17-20), we are “revived” (ready for another effort). (Verse 150) Through God’s Word, we know He recognizes people who “are far from” His “law” are following “wickedness.” “The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness” (Proverbs 21:12). (Verse 151) The “wicked” are far from God’s Word, but the faithful find God “near” because they regard “all” His “commandments” as “truth.” NO commandment of God is “burdensome” (1 John 5:3). (Verse 152) God’s “testimonies” have always proved to be accurate throughout every person’s lifetime. Those who have the privilege of knowing the Holy Scriptures “from childhood” will have little difficulty accepting them as having been “given by inspiration of God” and making one “complete” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version,  unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:54 am on March 25, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:137-144 Tsadde Keeping Right 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:137-144  Tsadde                          Keeping Right

    Verses 137-138 say, “God is always right;”

    Verses 139-141 teach that God’s Word shows what’s right;

    Verses 142-144 show one pleased to be forever right;

    Verses 137-138: (Verse 137) God, Himself, is “righteous” (upright, unwavering). “Right” can variously be used of: direction (or “left”); morals (or “wrong”); truth (or “lie”), but God is always correct. God’s character is the absolute definition of “righteous,” just as He is “true” (John 3:33), “faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9), “light” (1 John 1:5), “love” (1 John 4:16). His “judgments” (decisions) are “upright” (not slanted or varied). (Verse 138) God’s “testimonies” (words about His character) are “righteous” and “very faithful” (which isn’t describing an amount, but extent). “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

    Verses 139-141: (Verse 139) “Zeal” is passion, but needs to be for the right if “consuming.” This thought is completely given in Psalm 69:9 and there predicted Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (John 2:13-17). Believers should be “zealous” to correct the ignorance of those without God’s Word. (Verse 140) Just as metals are highly valued when refined or purified, God’s servants highly value God’s Word because of its purity. (Verse 141) A person who is “small” (in stature) and “despised” (in popularity) gains self-esteem by remembering God’s “precepts” (words highlighting or supervising the right way).

    Verses 142-144: (Verse 142) God’s “right-ness” is “everlasting” (always right), and His “law” (defining the proper direction) is “truth” (accurate, factual). (Verse 143) Though “trouble and anguish” find us, we may always turn to God’s “commandments” (words urging, ordering what is right) which give pleasure and restore confidence in ourselves that we at least please God. (Verse 144) The absolute confidence in life is that God’s “testimonies” are always “right,” thus we live better now and forever when we “understand” them.

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:33 am on March 22, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , , , , , redeem, , , ,   

    Psalm 119:129-136 Pe Why The Word Is Wonderful 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:129-136  Pe                                 Why The Word Is Wonderful

    Verses 129-131 give admiration for God’s Word;

    Verses 132-135 make humble requests for God’s help;

    Verse 136 shows concern for those who haven’t appreciated God’s Word.

    Verses 129-131: (Verse 129) God’s “testimonies” (words describing and manifesting God’s character) are “wonderful” (wonder-full, brilliant, captivating), therefore “my soul keeps them.” We are drawn to that which fascinates us: Moses to a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-3); Jesus’ power over afflictions (Matthew 15:29-38); multitude on Pentecost hearing Jesus preached in their own languages by the Holy Spirit’s power (Acts 2:1-11); the man born lame “walking, leaping and praising God” (Acts 3:1-11); Peter’s vision of life without prejudice (Acts 10:9-17). Our rapt attention should be centered in God’s Word. (Verse 130) The Bible is the gradual unfolding of the revelation of God. A light turned on in the darkness draws attention not to the light, but to what can now be seen. There is no surprise, therefore, when Scripture’s “light” enters the darkened soul, and gives “understanding to the simple.” (Verse 131) A soul struggling to be free from the entanglements of sin, trying to be distant from temptations, fighting the influence of ungodliness, “pants” (gasps, gulps) for God’s “commandments” (words authorizing the path to follow).

    Verses 132-135: Having expressed how much God’s Word means, it is appropriate to ask for help from God. It is in His Word we learn that: (Verse 132) He looks mercifully as His “custom is toward those who love” His “name.” God’s habit is always to be merciful to lovers of His name. (Verse 133) His Word “directs” (guides, leads) our “steps,” so that “iniquity” (having no right value) has no “dominion” over us. Obeying God’s Word does not keep on from single sins, but from sinful practices becoming habitual, the thoughts of Jesus (John 8:34) and John (1 John 3:4-8). (Verse 134) He “redeems” (frees, ransoms) the obedient “from the oppression” that comes from “man,” so that we “may keep Your precepts” (words highlighting what is right). Jesus Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). (Verse 135) Since “God is light” (1 John 1:5) He brightens the way of all who are willing to be taught His “statutes” (words marking the right and the wrong way).

    Verse 136: The Word of God is so full of wonder, the obedient weep because the God of love, mercy, salvation, and comfort is ignored by those who need Him most; and because the souls yet burdened down with the toils, tears, troubles, and terrors of sin haven’t seen the wonders of The Word, The God, The Christ. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) for you and me, and so should every Christian.

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 5:48 am on March 21, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:121-128 Ayin Justice In The Word 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:121-128  Ayin                               Justice In The Word           

    Verses 121-123 describe a righteous person before God;

    Verses 124-125 make a request of God;

    Verse 126 asks God to help with the godless;

    Verses 127-128 mention good things God’s Word does for the obedient.

    Verses 121-123: (Verse 121) Keeping covenant with God, man’s part is not a statement from pride (Luke 18:9-14), but from a clear conscience (1 John 3:21), and asks God to keep His part: not to abandon the obedient among “oppressors;” (Verse 122) guarantee His “servant’s” goodness; relief from the oppression of the “proud.” (Verse 123) Mention is made of a servant’s diligence with tired eyes searching God’s “righteous word” (statements which make clear what God expects).

    Verse 124-125: (Verse 124) Obedience to God justly brings the hope of “mercy” in one willing to be taught God’s “statutes” (words that trace around to make clear). (Verse 125) A “servant” of God will be given “understanding” (insight, comprehension) “to know” God’s “testimonies” (proof of His good character). “Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7). “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

    Verse 126: (Verse 126) The “proud” are those who think God’s “law” (words that make a straight path) is empty of force. Maybe God will choose to do something promptly that turns the godless back to the Bible.

    Verses 127-128: (Verse 127) Because of the straight path, clear law, hopeful promises, and God’s character, His “commandments” (words authorizing or forbidding conduct) deserve: our greatest bond (“love”), our highest esteem (“more than fine gold”), and (Verse 128) our purest judgment (“all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right”). We, therefore, accept God’s justice and “hate every false way.” God’s command to “Hate evil, love good” (Amos 5:15) is repeated for Christians in Romans 12:9: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Thanks to God and His Word, there is no confusion as to which is which!

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:47 am on March 20, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , double-minded, , , , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:113-120 Samek The Certainty of the Word 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:113-120  Samek                  The Certainty of the Word

    Verses 113-114 tell why God is our choice;

    Verse 115 tells which direction we are going;

    Verses 116-117 describe how God helps;

    Verses 118-119 show how certain God is of the outcome;

    Verse 120 describes how this certainty should affect us.

    Verses 113-114: (Verse 113) “The double-minded” are people who are torn between two opinions, skeptical of truth, and can’t decide which to follow. Elijah, the prophet, called for people to make up their minds: “And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21). Faith is to be “with no doubting,” or else we are “a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8). To love God’s “law” (words that make straight) means we have made a definite decision. (Verse 114) God’s “word” (what God actually has said) keeps our “hope” alive, so that we know God is our “hiding place” and our “shield.”

    Verse 115: Once we have decided whose “commandments” (authoritative orders) we “will keep,” it is easier to reject the “evil doers.” Jesus will, on the Judgment Day, say these very words (Matthew 7:21-23).

    Verses 116-117: (Verse 116) We need to be upheld (propped up) by God’s “word,” “that I may live” (the believer knows life begins with faith) without “shame” (timidity). “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). (Verse 117) We need for God to “hold [us] up” (above evil) that we may be “safe.” But this requires “observing” God’s “statutes” (words marking out proper conduct) “continually” (cannot dismiss it from thought).

    Verses 118-119: (Verse 118) God has made His decision, not about individual names, but of whoever follows “deceit” and “falsehood.” They have made a definite decision to “stray” from God’s “statutes,” and God has decided He will “reject” them “all.” (Verse 119) God definitely will “put away all the wicked of the earth” (which He has before, in Noah’s day, Genesis 6:5-7), as if they were “dross” (rejected impurities of melted metal, Ezekiel 22:18-22). The obedient believer decides to “love” God’s “testimonies” (words proving God’s character to be true) because His decision is final.

    Verse 120: This verse glimpses into the Judgment Day, as described by the Apostle Paul: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences” (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).

    Thought: Every believer should be certain in knowing what way to go, and what way God will reject. “Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?” (Proverbs 22:20-21)

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version,  unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:44 am on March 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , , , TV show the Bible   

    History Channel’s “The Bible” TV Show 

    I was waiting to see if anyone would do any reviews or write a basic post about History’s latest “biblical” blockbuster. I guess it’s been about as popular and intriguing with the fellows as it has been with me, but I thought it would be worth the time to have a review in TFR about it.

    The couple of times that I have watched the show it has been sorely lacking something that I would consider to be key with the whole title and all. Graphics? It’s got that! Drama? It’s got that too! Buzz? Can’t deny that! Bible based lines and actions? Let’s just say it seems like the majority of their script writers didn’t take the lead from the original screen play.

    Now I understand that the show tried to cover a lot of ground in a quick manner, but that’s no excuse for a TV show whose producers feel that they have been “called” by God to do what they’re doing. I also understand (like the original 10 Commandments movie) that they are times when things have to be filled in with subjective calls. Things like wardrobes, sets, lighting, “extras”, dialogue for when larger gaps of time occur…etc. But what I don’t understand is why objective, clearly stated words and actions have to be ignored. Let me give an example. In the scene where Moses and the children of Israel cross the Red Sea, the “Bible” (the show) has Moses walk out into the water and strike it with his stick! I guess they were thinking of Numbers 20:8-11 instead of Exodus 14:15-16 because there the actual Bible says something totally different from what appeared on the small screen:

    “And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” (NKJV – emphasis mine)

    How much clearer can it be? How confusing is that? How can that not be exciting enough? Some may think this is only a small technicality, but I say if you’re going to name your TV show after the greatest book to have been written then the show should follow the book that its name bears. That’s not to mention the rest that they got wrong with the Red Sea scene biblically speaking. There was plenty!

    I am glad that the show has people talking about the Bible; maybe it will cause people to look up what they see on TV in the scriptures – but I am afraid if they do they might not recognize what they’re reading. The TV show may be good for “entertaining” people when it comes to the Bible, but the show comes short when it comes to “educating” people on the Bible.

     

    • Stephen R. Bradd 7:29 am on March 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Hi Eugene. I’ve only seen the first 2 episodes. I enjoyed it, though I agree with your review. I think I may use this series in the future as an exercise with the family. We’ll watch a scene of the movie and then critique it, noting the good, the bad, & the liberties with the text. It could be used this way as a good teaching tool, though it is too bad they didn’t try harder to get as many details right as possible.

      • Eugene Adkins 8:36 am on March 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Good idea. I actually had a conversation with people at Keltonburg about all the stuff we noticed, so it definitely can help a person stay sharp on what’s been read.

    • Ron Thomas 3:47 pm on March 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      I saw the first segment and was not all that encouraged by what I saw. It had enough Bible in it that it gained much attention by some to say it is accurate, but I failed to see it that way.

  • John T. Polk II 4:39 am on March 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:105-112 Nun The Light In The Tunnel 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

     Psalm 119:105-112  Nun                      The Light In The Tunnel    

    Verse 105 shows what God’s Word provides;

    Verses 106-112 show how God’s Word helps.

    Verse 105: God’s “word” (message of instruction) provides “a lamp” for “my feet” (which represents specific action). Lamps usually provide illumination in dark situations. “A light” (usually associated with day) to “my path” (which represents constant course of conduct).

    Verses 106-112: GOD’S WORD HELPS US: (Verse 106) KEEP OUR PROMISES. With the respect as in a court of law, God’s “righteous judgments” (always right decisions) prevail, and people must swear and confirm to keep them. “For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute” (Hebrews 6:16), but God accepts a person’s oath seriously: “Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). (Verse 107) RENEW EFFORTS IN AFFLICTION. When “affliction” (stress, depression, strife, conflict, pain) grows in effect to “very much,” we need to be “revived” (by reconsidering our responsibility before God). (Verse 108) GIVE FERVENT WORSHIP. “Freewill offerings of my mouth” are our prayers, songs, and teaching centered upon God and His Will for us. If worship is begrudging, forced, intimidated, or coerced, it is NOT “freewill.” “Therefore by Him [Jesus] let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16). (Verse 109) MAKE GOD’S WILL MY WILL. No plainer statement is ever made about the freewill nature of humans than: “My life is continually in my hand.” That means no one makes us do anything we do not choose to do, for our decisions come from within our hearts (Proverbs 4:3; Matthew 5:8; Mark 7:20-23). Since God’s “law” (words showing the straight path) must always govern our way, we must never “forget” it. (Verse 110) STAY ON COURSE. The “wicked” are all who “have laid a snare for me,” but the faithful are those who “have not strayed from” God’s “precepts” (words highlighting what is pure). “Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught” (Proverbs 3:25-26). (Verse 111) ENJOY GOD’S CHARACTER. “Testimonies” about God are His dealings with mankind from His Word, and the promise of Heaven is “a heritage forever.” In Christ, we are “giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light” (Ephesians 1:12). We are “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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). (Verse 112) KEEP LOOKING UP. An “incline” is designed to go upward, so God’s “statutes” (words marking out our limits) lift us heavenward if we “perform” them. “Forever, to the very end” shows we should leave this life actively serving God. Eternity is determined, not by the height of the pile of good works or absolute purity we have attained, but the direction we are going when we die! “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:12).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 9:07 am on March 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, ,   

    I’ve got a semantics question fellows after seeing… 

    I’ve got a semantics question, fellows, after seeing this recent FB post:

    “The Bible does not contain the Word of God; the Bible is the Word of God. There is a difference.”

    *What is your definition of “the Bible”?*

    For me, I actually prefer the statement “the Bible contains the word of God.” I define the Bible as Genesis through maps. :) There are lots of things in our modern Bibles that are not the “word of God” (e.g., concordance, chapter & verse divisions, footnotes, etc.). If the imitation leather cover says “Holy Bible,” then everything inside is a part of the “Bible”, right? Thus, is it not better to say: “The Bible contains the word of God”? (I actually prefer lowercase “w” on “word” when not referring to the Logos, but I won’t go in to that right now… :)

    Even some things within Scripture itself (like Satan’s lie in Gen. 3:4) is not really the “word of God,” is it? I understand that Gen. 3:4 is an accurate account of what Satan said AND that the Spirit inspired Moses to make a record of it, but how can a LIE be “the word of God”? I find this terminology troubling. Gen. 3:4 IS Scripture, but is it the “word of God”?

    Your thoughts are most welcome.

     

    • Richard Mansel 9:10 am on March 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      There are those on the Left who have used the phrase, “The Bible contains the Word of God,” to mean that not all of it is inspired. That is also contains some error, which is absurd.

    • J. Randal Matheny 9:16 am on March 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      As Richard mentioned, the phrase appears to counter a type of claim about biblical inspiration. Barth maintained that the Bible becomes the word of God in our encounter with the text to lead us to Christ. Whether the text was factually or not, didn’t matter to Barth. One brother has more here:

      https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1450-the-bible-word-of-god-or-mere-words-of-men

    • J. Randal Matheny 9:21 am on March 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Geisler and Nix summarize: “”The orthodox believe the Bible is God’s Word; liberals believe the Bible contains God’s Word; neo-orthodox hold that the Bible becomes God’s Word”. Quote from this site:

      http://www.dougandmarsha.com/essays-seminary/ch21_inspiration%20of_scriptures.htm

      • Stephen R. Bradd 9:50 am on March 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Thanks for the replies & links. This is a semantics matter with me. Lest anyone misunderstand my initial post, I believe in verbal plenary inspiration.

    • preachercarter 11:34 am on March 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Well, you might be pulling hairs but good points are made. Our Bible is really a record of God’s self-revelation. It has history, poems and other literary styles. Every Word or word is God ordained and has to be taken as absolute. In fact there are many ungodly things recorded in Scripture yet God is seen throughout the text. And, God’s infallible Word actually refers to the original texts. But, that is a whole other story.

    • John T. Polk II 1:17 pm on March 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Is there any time “the word of God” occurs in Scripture that it is NOT “the word of God?”
      Where does the word “Scripture” occur in the Bible that it is NOT “Scripture” given by God?
      Since the word “Bible” doesn’t occur within “the Word of God,” or “Scripture,” then whatever the volume of “Scripture” (a.k.a. “the Word of God”) is called, it is the utterance from God accurately recording everything essential to “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Both sin and righteousness, salvation and condemnation, God’s truth and man’s lies are accurately recorded, verbally inspired (but that is another discussion).

    • Stephen R. Bradd 7:25 am on March 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Perhaps we can all agree with the following…

      As I said initially, Gen 3:4 IS Scripture.
      The lie that Satan told is NOT Scripture, but God’s record of it (via Moses) IS Scripture.

      In fact, what God communicated to Moses was “the word of God.” Thus, God’s record of Satan’s lie IS the word of God.

      So, in general, the lie itself is NOT the word of God, but the inspired RECORD of the lie is.

      What do you think?

  • John T. Polk II 4:06 am on March 15, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , bible, , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:89-96 Lamed God’s Established Word Works! 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:89-96 Lamed                       God’s Established Word Works!

    Verses 89-91 remind us to look around at God’s Word still at working successfully;

    Verses 92-96 show how complete life is when based upon God’s Word.

    Verses 89-91: (Verse 89) Halfway through this chapter emphasizing the importance of God’s Word to deal with life, we might ask: “How certain is this Word, itself?” God’s Word is “settled in heaven,” which means, nothing on earth can, has, or ever will, change it. In our world of public opinion polls, political winds, ignored constitutions, blurred or absent morals, and compromised principles, it is comforting to know God’s Word stays the same! Solomon said: “I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him” (Ecclesiastes 3:14). Jesus practically quoted this verse in Matthew 24:35, and also said: not “one jot or one tittle” (Matthew 5:18) of what God promises to do would change before its fulfillment; the Apostles of Christ (not Peter only!) were told whatever they bound on earth was already bound in heaven (Matthew 16:19); Peter taught obedience to “the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:22-25); and John said, “he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17). God’s Word is NOT settled on earth: by council votes, decrees, traditions, human creeds, smoke, ignorance, or gross immorality! (Verse 90) This is why God’s “faithfulness” (abiding characteristic) “endures to all generations.” God’s dealings with mankind is written in the Bible for all to examine. It is “the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them” (Acts 14:15), who rules in men’s “nations” (Acts 14:16), but established the rules of Earth since the creation (Acts 14:17; Genesis 1), which (verse 91) “continue this day according to” God’s “ordinances” (otherwise translated as “statutes”). Since the Creation, God’s Rules rule; in mankind’s history, God’s Rules rule; in the present-day, God’s Rules rule.

    Verses 92-96: (Verse 92) Through the tossing sea of “affliction” God’s “law” (words showing the straight path) prevents “perishing.” (Verse 93) Without God’s “precepts” (words calling attention to the right way) one would not have “life.” (Verse 94) Without God’s “precepts,” to whom would we know to flee for refuge? “Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’ But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’” (John 6:67-68). Belonging to God by obeying the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16) permits the Christian, with full confidence, to call: “Save me.” (Verse 95) God’s “testimonies” (words demonstrating His character) allow a saint (a.k.a. Christian) to look past the “wicked” who lie in “wait” to destroy. (Verse 96) We see the frailty of human “perfections,” but must also notice God’s “commandment is exceedingly broad” (His orders to be followed extend over anything established by people). In other words, “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses” (Daniel 4:25).

    Thought: People have butchered the Bible, misrepresented its truth, ignored its teaching, altered its doctrine, refused its improvements, questioned its truthfulness, doubted its heavenly origin – BUT NO ONE HAS EVER PROVEN THAT IT IS NOT RIGHT, NOR THAT IT HAS NOT COME FROM GOD!  If not – why not?

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on March 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , bible, , , , , , , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:81-88 Kaph “Finding Strength In Weakness” 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:81-88 Kaph                          “Finding Strength In Weakness”

    Verses 81-83 describe our weakened condition;

    Verses 84-87 show how much worse it gets;

    Verse 88 make an appeal for strength.

    Verses 81-83: (Verse 81) A soul may “faint” (grow weaker, dims) waiting for God’s salvation, but nothing else will do, for “hope” (anticipation) is still in God’s “word” (actual statements). (Verse 82) Eyes “fail” (strain, ache) from constant peering into God’s “word,” searching for God’s answer to: “When will You comfort me?” Under stress, strain, duress, distress, pain, or anguish, we can only tolerate so much. We ask God, not whether or not He will help, but “When.” (Verse 83) “A wineskin in smoke” dries out, becomes brittle, and useless as a liquid container. Before we become useless, we continue to remember God’s “statutes” (words defining proper conduct, lines marking out what we must do).

    Verses 84-87: (Verse 84) We ask, “how long will we live,” and “when will God payback our persecutors?” The souls of those who died in the Jewish persecution of the churches of Christ (Acts 8:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) asked the same question: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:9-10). That answer came back in Revelation 19:1-2. (Verse 85) “The proud” (those lifted in their own minds above God and His word) create pitfalls (or problems) for those who serve God. “The proud” are mentioned 5 times just in this Psalm (verses 51, 69, 78, 85, 122) as representing all who disobey God’s “law” (words that guide in a straight path). (Verse 86) Dangers are not caused by God’s “commandments” (words that tell us what we should and should not do), all of which are “faithful” (producing faith), but are caused by “wrongful persecution” (undeserved, unprovoked, uncaused). “Help me!” is our appeal to our God who cares, can help, and considers our immediate plight. Christians may “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The help we need always comes from the Lord, and His way to help is revealed in His word. (Verse 87) Though oppressed near death, we should never “forsake” (give up, quit) on God’s “precepts” (words that highlight or point out what is important).

    Verse 88: With fainting soul, strained eyes, strength drying up, problems caused by “the proud,” we ask to be “revived” (have our spirit refreshed, renewed vigor, restored ability) that we may finish our task of keeping His “testimony” (words of His character and will), not that God would take over and finish what we are capable of doing. Paul said of Philemon, “For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother” (Philemon 7).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on March 13, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , bible, , , , , , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:73-80 Yod “Keeping Faith Through Affliction” 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:73-80 Yod                   “Keeping Faith Through Affliction”

    Vs. 73-74 confess the faith that God knows me;

    Vs. 75-77 attribute to God good qualities that show through His ways;

    Vs. 78 shows why the believer does not turn to unbelievers in troublesome times;

    Vs. 79-80 state the faith of a believer who remains faithful throughout all.

    Verses 73-74: (Verse 73) Begins with a quotation from Job 10:18: “Your hands have made me and fashioned me,” but Job added, “An intricate unity.” Every human is complex in working, but it works as a unity. The only thing missing from a person is the “understanding” to connect with, and use, God’s “commandments” (words showing what should and shouldn’t be done). (Verse 74) All who “fear God” are “glad” to know there’s another who has “hoped” in God’s “word” (communication of His way).

    Verses 75-77: (Verse 75) “I know” (certainty based upon experience) the evidence proves that Jehovah’s “judgments” (decisions) are the standard of “right.” Abraham asked the question: “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25) God’s character is without a wrong. When “affliction” occurs, we know God wants us to emerge with a yield of “the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (James 1:13). (Verse 76) Afflictions are times to see God’s “merciful kindness” (attempts to help) as “comfort,” according to His “word” (what He actually has said). He is the “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).  (Verse 77) Affliction can help us see God’s “tender mercies” (reminders of His love for us) “that I may live” (still have purpose, knowing God cares for me). Through it all, we see God’s “law” (words guiding the straight path) is the only thing that brings “delight” (satisfaction at progress).

    Verse 78: “The proud” have not triumphed by their wrongful mistreatment “with falsehood,” for the believer has survived their false attacks, seeing truth in God’s Word and ways. After the affliction and false attacks, experience gives even more reason to “meditate” (give slow, thoughtful consideration of) God’s “precepts” (what God has emphasized or pointed out).

    Verses 79-80: (Verse 79) The believer who endures with faith becomes an encouragement to all others who “fear God.” Everyone who “knows God” has combined “testimonies” (words pointing beyond to God) with experiences. “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). (Verse 80) Our prayer should be to survive, knowing “the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5). We must never be “ashamed” of God’s “statutes” (words outlining proper actions), for we need them to remain in “the way,” for Jesus said: “where I go you know, and the way you know” (John 14:4).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 9:45 am on March 12, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , ,   

    “Has the church of Christ Lost Its Head?” (a power point presentation) 

    http://doverchurchofchrist.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/HasTheChurchOfChristLostItshead.swf

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on March 12, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , bible, , , , , , , , thick-hearted, ,   

    Psalm 119:65-72 Teth Learning Good From Affliction 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:65-72   Teth                         Learning Good From Affliction

    Verses 65-66 say experience teaches;

    Verses 67-72 show how God gives good lessons.

    Verses 65-66: (Verse 65) Based upon what God has said He would do, no one can say God has done them wrong! Many misrepresent what God has promised; or become impatient before He has acted in their lives; or misunderstand His promises; but God has never failed His servants! (Verse 66) By following His “commandments” (precise obedience), we develop “good judgment and knowledge.” By diligent application of God’s commandments, we learn that “solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

    Verses 67-72: (Verse 67) It’s easy to run wild until we learn where the brick walls are. This is why, for many, it takes: drug addiction before desiring to dry out; pre-marital abuse and parenthood before trying marriage; rejecting parents before acknowledging their contributions to life; failing at jobs before learning good work habits; dented fenders before driving caution; facing loneliness before finding Christians; despairing at personal sins before obeying Jesus’ Gospel and being added to the church of Christ. Unfortunately, only then do people discover God’s Word—but at last, they do that! (Verse 68) God’s “statutes” (lines marking proper behavior), when learned, are always “good, and do good.” Jesus said only God is the source of “good” (Matthew 19:17), Jesus is the “good Teacher” (Mark 10:17), whose disciples do “good works” (Matthew 5:16), even for their enemies (Matthew 5:44-45), and are “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).  (Verse 69) Those ruled by their own pride create lies against do-gooders, but whole-hearted obedience of God’s “precepts” (words which make things clear) will keep us faithful to Him. (Verse 70) God’s “law” (words marking the straight path) keeps us on track, instead of following those whose hearts are “fat as grease” (dull, insensitive, sated by sin instead of righteousness). Isaiah’s prophecy spoke of Jews in his day (Isaiah 6:9-10), Jews in Jesus’ day (Mark 4:11-12), and Jews in Paul’s time (Acts 28:23-29). This very attitude should be avoided by all who obey Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:17-20). (Verse 71) “Affliction” is oftentimes, not always, only a reminder that we need to re-learn and return to God’s “statutes” (words defining lines of proper conduct). (Verse 72) God’s “law” (words guiding conduct), therefore, is worth more than any “gold and silver” (valuable metals). Lessons in life through experience are costly, lessons learned through God’s Word are priceless!

    Thought: Living life gives all of us ample opportunity and time to see that we need to learn what God is trying to tell us in the Bible! Life is “discipline” designed to force, even the dull-hearted and hard-headed, to see truth in God’s Word (Hebrews 12:1-11). Whether they accept it or not, they cannot plead ignorance.

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:29 am on March 11, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Authority of the Scriptures, bible, , , , , manifold wisdom, , , , Wisdom of God   

    Does the church produce the Bible…Or does the Bible produce the church? 

    Here’s an article from the church in Wise, VA that I put in the bulletin at Keltonburg several years ago. I thought some of you might find it useful, specifically during this time of “conclave”:

    Does the church produce the Bible…Or does the Bible produce the church?

    Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions regarding the Bible is that it is a product of the church. Many reject the Bible as our sole source of religious authority and instruction and belittle us for believing in the “Bible alone theory”. Thus, there is a great need to discuss the relationship between the Bible and the church. As always, we will appeal to the scriptures as our only source of authority and not our own wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:6-7).

    For one to understand that the Bible is our only standard for all religious faith and practice, one must understand the church is the result of the Bible and depends on it for everything it preaches and practices. In other words, the Bible produces the church, not the other way around. We are told by some that since the “church is the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), the church itself establishes what truth is. On the contrary, truth emanates only from God (Psalm 86:11; John 1:17; 17:17). Or as Paul put it in Ephesians 3:10, “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in the heavenly places might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” The church, just like individuals, must appeal to the Bible as the only source of authority for it alone contains the manifold wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-13; Ephesians 3:3-5). Just as Moses was admonished to “make all things according to the pattern” (Hebrews 8:5); we must use the Bible alone to ensure we are following God’s revealed pattern for His church. Thus, we must speak where the Bible speaks, remain silent where the Bible is silent, do Bible things in Bible ways, and call Bible things by Bible names (1 Peter 4:11).

    We read in Acts 16:5 that the “churches were established in the faith.” We would like to emphasize very kindly, yet very firmly, that the one true church is established in the faith; it does not establish the faith. The faith which is spoken of in Acts 16:5 is simply the revealed truth of the gospel which was “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) by the end of the first century. As beings created with rights of freedom and choice, why would anyone bind themselves to decrees, councils and conventions of men? “God forbid; yea let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). – Ryan Thomas 

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:09 am on March 11, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:57-64 Heth Life of Self-Examination 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Heth Psalm 119:57-64                          Life of Self-Examination

    Verses 57-60 list ways people uphold their part of their covenant with God;

    Verses 61-64 describe how completely this agreement affects their lives.

    Verses 57-60: (Verse 57) Jehovah is the “portion” (inheritance, benefit) of anyone who commits to keeping God’s “words” (what He has said). (Verse 58) The “entreaty” (prayer) for God’s “favor” (grace) is with the “whole heart” (totally behind the prayer). (Verse 59) To “think” about ones on “ways” simply states the self-examination required for God to bless, and the direction of feet determines the extent of obedience to God’s “testimonies” (commands indicating God’s intent). “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another” (Galatians 6:4). We must understand we are the ones who need new direction to our lives, not for God to change His! (Verse 60) “Haste” does NOT make waste when it is used to create prompt obedience, and “haste” without “delay” means obedience to God’s “commands” (determined limits to be followed) should be immediate.

    Verses 61-64: (Verse 61) Though we may be hampered by enemies, worldly interests, or family miscues, we renew our resolve to keep God’s “law” (instructions describing the way to go). (Verse 62) When it seems darkest (“at midnight”) we can take advantage of the quiet to “rise” and thank God. In other words, 24/7 is always a good time to thank God. “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). (Verse 63) There is a community attitude in those who “fear God” (respect) and follow His “precepts” (that call attention to what is important), for they share a common faith, common love for God, common bond. “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:14-15). (Verse 64) There is abundant proof (“the earth” and its history in the Bible) of God’s “mercy” (pity toward our situations), therefore we are ready to be taught His “statutes” (lines showing what is right and what is wrong).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:54 am on March 8, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , bible, , , , , , , , reproach,   

    Psalm 119:49-56 Zayin Finding Comfort In Affliction 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

     

    Verses 49-50 show our hope is founded upon God’s fulfilled promises;

    Verses 51-54 show how this helps us;

    Verses 55-56 show how this makes God’s Law our own.

    Verses 49-50: (Verse 49) The “hope” of a lover is that the one loved will remember the “word” (covenant, commitment) they have made. God does not forget (2 Peter 3:9), but “remember” lets us know that enough time may have passed from the promise to the fulfillment that we have become edgy. This is why the phrase is used, for God “remembered” his covenant with Noah (Genesis 8:1), Abraham (Genesis 19:29), Rachel (Genesis 30:22), and the Israelites (Exodus 2:24). (Verse 50) When “affliction” (troubles, distresses) attacks us, our “comfort” (ease of mind, confidence) comes from remembering God’s help in the past. “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). God’s Word gives us “life” (vitalizes, refreshes our spirit), Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

    Verses 51-54: (Verse 51) The believer is comfortable to remain in the life set forth in God’s “law” (guide, make straight), so the “great derision” of the “proud” cannot affect me. We may be taunted for our faith, but we will never be taunted out of our faith! “For consider Him [Jesus Christ] who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:3). (Verse 52) The record of God’s “judgments of old” (decisions, actions for the “good” and punishments against the “bad”) is the written Word of God, which when studied, brings comfort to the reader. God will not miraculously give comfort to us, but has Christians who may come for aid and assistance with the proper passages (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) that we may “comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). (Verse 53) The believer may be provoked by the “wicked, who forsake” God’s law, as Solomon observed: “Moreover I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, Wickedness was there; And in the place of righteousness, Iniquity was there. I said in my heart, ‘God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work’” (Ecclesiastes 3:16-17). (Verse 54) Reminding ourselves of God’s “statutes” (definite lines marking the difference between good and evil) become our “songs” while we are in our “house of my pilgrimage” (living on earth in our bodies, 2 Corinthians 5:1-4).

    Verses 55-56: (Verse 55) God’s “name” gives comfort and confidence through “the night” (those dreary days, troublesome times, depressions, dreads) as long as we “keep” (observe, obey) God’s “law” and “precepts” (things to notice, directions for conduct). (Verse 56) The comfort of the word of God “has become mine” for it has guided one through “affliction” and maintained “hope.” These personal experiences are what “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:05 am on March 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , , mercies,   

    Psalm 119 Waw Living A Life “Prepared” 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Waw Psalm 119:41-48                 Living A Life “Prepared”

    Verses 41-44 speak of a person’s covenant with God;

    Verses 45-48 list blessings and responsibilities that accompany God’s salvation.

    Verses 41-44: (Verse 41) God gives “mercies” (plural, because we always need them) which are the only means for which we should receive “salvation.” Jacob spoke to God for all of us when he said: “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant” (Genesis 32:10). Paul tells Christians, it is “by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). These “mercies” are revealed through His “word,” even today (Titus 3:1-8). (Verse 42) “So” (in this way) “shall I have an answer” (can make response, give a reason) to the enemy “who reproaches,” whose verbal attacks cannot weaken my “trust in Your word” (also known as “faith,” Romans 10:17). (Verse 43) As long as “the word of truth” (Scriptural reply, as in 1 Peter 3:15) comes from our mouths, we have “hope” based upon God’s “ordinances” (limits in place for our protection from others). (Verse 44) “So” (in this manner) “shall I keep” (obey) God’s “law” (guide, direction), “forever and ever” (from now on).

    Verses 45-48: (Verse 45) To have freedom to “walk at liberty” one must stay within God’s “precepts” (instructions regarding conduct). The “unfasten your seat belt” sign in an airplane does not free one to walk outside the airplane! “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). (Verse 46) The boldness to “speak” comes from confidence in God’s “testimonies” (bearing witness), whether the audience consists of family, friends, or government representatives! (Verse 47) Personal “delight” (satisfaction) comes from a heart of “love” (caring what’s best) for God’s “commandments” (orders to obey). There is no “ego-stroking” or build-up, without loving and keeping God’s commandments. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). (Verse 48) Waving hands in the air is not what is referred to here, but rather obeying God by making our hands meet up with what God commands, thus to “lift up to Your commandments.” Love of God produces obedience because we “meditate” (focus thoughts) on God’s “statutes” (lines marking out our field of play).

    Thought: The more we fill our hearts with God’s Bible, the more prepared we are for whatever we must do, whatever reproach others may say, and where we intend to be in eternity! Jesus said, “blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28)

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Ed Boggess 7:45 am on March 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, diseases,   

    According to the Papyrus Ebers, an ancient Egyptian medical book dating to 1552 BC, the way to prevent baldness is to apply a mixture of horse, hippo, crocodile, cat, snake and ibex fats. I’m thinking of trying if I can only find an ibex! For embedded splinters, it recommends applying worm blood and ass dung. I suppose a lot of Egyptians died of lockjaw because that solution would be full of tetanus spores. This was the same time Moses was raised as and taught all the wisdom of Egypt. Yet when you read Genesis through Deuteronomy that Moses wrote, you see nothing that smacks of such absurd and dangerous prescriptions. Rather, to borrow the words of S. I. McMillen, MD, if we follow the Bible’s directives it will save us from certain infectious diseases, cancers and a gauntlet of psychosomatic sicknesses. This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess

     

  • John T. Polk II 5:11 am on March 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119 He 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    He Psalm 119:33-40                     Living Faithfully “To The End”

     Verses 33-35 picture a heart open to God’s Word;

    Verses 36-37 mention some pitfalls to be avoided;

    Verses 38-40 express the on-going need of help from God.

    Verses 33-35: (Verse 33) Any education must begin with a student who realizes the need for information, and “statutes” (lines laid down to mark-off life’s limits) make the way of knowledge clear. There is no degree or graduation in this education, only obedience “to the end,” presumably, of life. (Verse 34) God gives more “understanding” as we study and “keep” His “law” (direction) with our “whole heart,” a desire to learn, for knowledge cannot be forced. “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). (Verse 35) If we have been taught, and understand what God wants, the “Make me” simply shows an eagerness to put it into practice, because the student sees the “delight in it.”

    Verses 36-37: (Verse 36) The heart must remain tilted (“inclined”) toward God’s “testimonies” (words about the beyond, God’s part in our salvation), and not lean toward “covetousness” (desire for the forbidden stronger than faith in God’s way). Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). The best person is NOT the one who dies with the most: clothing, sexual partners, fame, lands, money, power, “gods,” fans, or bastard children! Notice, the medicine for a covetous heart is leaning away from such toward God’s Bible! (Verse 37) Whatever becomes the heart’s ambition that points away from God’s “way” is defined as “worthless things.” A worthless person is described in Proverbs 6:12-15. “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). This lapse back into nothingness is cured by being “Revived” (brought back to life), or returning to God’s “way.”

    Verses 38-40: (Verse 38) To be “established” means placed back upon the firm ground of Bible study, and will be done by one who will “fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). (Verse 39) The false condemnation from others can be discouraging, but is cancelled by returning to God’s “good” “judgments” (decisions about the obedient and the disobedient!). (Verse 40) One “longs for” (desires to live with) God’s “precepts” (clarifications or descriptions designed to help), which are “righteousness” (always right, clean, holy, wholesome).

    Thought: People who expect God to miraculously intervene, the Holy Spirit to spiritually overwhelm, or Jesus Christ to immediately change their heart and make it better should re-read this section many times. God has placed all such transforming power within His Word, and it works only in those who are “diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:39 am on March 4, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 119 Gimel 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Gimel Psalm 119:17-24:                        “Finding One’s Way”

    Verses 17-20: (Verse 17) This is a request for God’s blessings that they may give long life for keeping God’s word, a thought later taught by Paul (2 Corinthians 9:8-11). (Verse 18) This is a desire to be “wide awake” and not miss “wondrous things.” All of God’s miracles and might cause “wonder” (the impression on a human mind of “marvel”), so Jesus was to be called “Wonderful” (Isaiah 9:6) for His works. (Verse 19) To be “a stranger” is to be in an unfamiliar place, and need to know what to do, instructions which God’s “commandments” provide. Peter will use this term to help Christians know they must rely upon God’s Word (1 Peter 2:11-12). (Verse 20) The person whose heart bursts “with longing,” desire to know God’s decisions about right and wrong (“judgments”) “at all times,” makes it passionate, indeed.

    Verses 21-23: (Verse 21) Recognizes God as unwavering because He doesn’t lower His standards to stroke the ego of those too “proud” to humbly obey Him! (Verse 22) States the other side of verse 21, and that is that God would “remove” the “reproach and contempt” the disobedient people would heap upon someone who obeys God. God’s “testimonies” are the proofs that God’s character is not tainted nor afraid of the wicked, which is His provision for one who has “kept” to God’s side of life. (Verse 23) “Princes” (the “proud” in possession of wealth and power, a.k.a. “government”) “sit and speak against me” (government laws never hold sway over God’s “statutes” (lines marking out the “playing field”), thus it is profitable to “meditate” on what is meaningful. This is echoed by the Apostles of Christ (Acts 4:4-20; 5:27-29; 12:1-5).

    Verse 24: No matter what indignities may be brought upon one of God’s servants who now has become a “stranger” in any land (Matthew 28:18-20), no human can remove the “delight” of studying God’s “testimonies,” for in a confused, immoral, ungodly world, His Bible becomes “counselor” (“advisor, confidante, friend”).

    Thought: The Bible is the only safe, proper, and true guide through life, and it is also much cheaper than psychologists, psychiatrists, prescriptions, friends’ free advice, or faux families!

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 2:43 pm on March 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , Smartphone,   

    Guest Article: iPhones or iDols? 

    The following article is by Josh Gulley. Josh is the son of preacher man, a high school music teacher and member of the church in the same county that I live in, but he’s not a member at Keltonburg…hey, everyone has to have a flaw or two :) Hope you find his words of warning helpful:

    iPhones or iDols?

    Cell phones can be wonderful tools. They have made the world smaller by allowing us to communicate more quickly and conveniently than has ever been possible. Using smartphone technology we can do almost anything, from paying our bills to controlling the lighting and air conditioning in our home while we’re not there. It has made life much easier—no longer must we waste all that energy opening the door or peeking out the window to check the weather: we can do that with just a few touches of the screen. Jesting aside, they have become a useful addition to our lives, and I imagine that there are some children of God who have (as I suppose we should) given Him thanks for the blessings cellular technology has brought to our lives.

    As with every other good thing, however, cell phones can grow on us like warts. Days and weeks pass before we realize that we are touch-screening our lives away. Some of us have perhaps had the experience of turning around and driving miles back to our homes because we were almost to our destination when we realized our phone was not on our person. We feel like the earth’s rotation will stop if we are without our phones for an hour or two. At some point we cease using our phones because our phones are beginning to use us.

    I personally do not have a smartphone (yet), but I know the description above can be true based on simple observation and experiences with other technology. As a teacher in a public school, I constantly have to remind students to put their phones away. If I do this at the beginning of class, within two or three minutes of giving that direction I will see somebody holding their book in just such a way to hide their phone from my sight. I am afraid some of them are drifting into a world where they depend on having that gadget in their hand the way we as humans depend on food and shelter. (More …)

     

  • Eugene Adkins 7:22 am on March 1, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , ,   

    If The Catholic Church Were Biblically Wise 

    If the Catholic church were biblically wise they would allow the vacancy of the pope to stay just that way - vacant. Many Catholics (and even some people who aren’t Catholic???) worry about their church because it has no head. If they understood the true biblical nature of the church they would know that the church is never without her head. Jesus is the head of the church and his reign as such has not ended (Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22-23). Two heads are not better than one!

    If the Catholic church were biblically wise they would allow the vacancy of “Peter’s throne” to stay just that way - vacant. Many Catholics (and even some people who aren’t Catholic???) worry about finding the right person to continue Peter’s legacy. If they understood the true nature of Peter from the Bible they would know that Peter would never allow himself to sit on a “throne” over the church, they would know that Peter would never allow people to “bow and kiss his ring” and they would know that the Bible never refers to an office in the church called the ”pope” (Acts 10:24-26, 1 Corinthians 12:27-28). Peter never sat with a golden scepter upon any “throne” above the church which Jesus Himself rules with a rod of iron (Psalm 2:8-9, Revelation 2:26-27).

    If the Catholic church were biblically wise they would allow the silence of uninspired and fallible words to stay just that way – silent. Many Catholics (and even some who aren’t Catholics???) worry about the lack of spiritual guidance without a pope. If they understood the true biblical nature of the church they would know that they should listen to the inspired and infallible word of God that the church is called to follow. The word of God guides the church of God, the church of God does not guide the word of God (Ephesians 3:3-5; 2 Peter 1:3; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:15-17).

    If the Catholic church were biblically wise they would know there’s a difference between universal unity based upon error and universal unity based upon the truth…that’s one big if though!

    “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 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 4:3-6)

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:51 am on February 28, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , Law of God, , , statutes,   

    Psalm 119 Aleph 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Aleph:                         Walking “In The Way”

    Verses 1-3: The “undefiled” are “in the way” described, because they “walk in the law of the LORD.” Sin is a “transgression” of (crossing over) God’s Law (Hebrews 2:2-3), obedience is respecting and staying within that Law. “Law” is from a word meaning to “direct, guide, teach,” God’s Law led to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:19-24). This “walk” must be “with the whole heart,” and will help one “do no iniquity.”

    Verses 4-6: God has “commanded” that we should “keep His precepts diligently,” that is, apply ourselves to what His instructions say. “Statutes” are the marked-out lines that show the course of conduct God wants us to follow. If “my ways were directed” by God’s Law, then “I would not be ashamed” to read His ways. Many people quit their Bible study, it seems, because they find things God expects of them and they don’t want to do them!

    Verses 7-8: God has given us His “righteous judgments,” or decisions that are right, but the choice to follow them is left up to the individual. Praise to God flows from a heart full of: His Word, submission, appreciation, association with God. When we study and see what God expects, we immediately realize we need His help to accomplish it.

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • TFRStaff 10:51 am on February 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, ,   

    Why I read Scripture 

    • I READ THE BOOKS OF MOSES (Gen-Deu) to master, from the historical narrative materials, the timeless models of life with God and to learn from the priestly materials a basic sense of what it means to be holy, forgiven, and in communion with God.

    • I READ THE PSALMS to learn how to respond to God with the full range of my faith and feelings.

    • I READ THE OLD TESTAMENT NARRATIVES to understand how God–who is always the hero of these stories–relates to humans as they really are: elusive, complex, culturally conditioned, unpredictable, and inconsistent.

    • I READ THE WISDOM BOOKS (Pro, Ecc) to learn the arts of godly living–how to live sensibly and well in life as it really is.

    • I READ THE PROPHETS to be inspired by God’s vision for a moral and just society that one day will fill the earth and to be amazed as I see God’s spoken word take concrete form when predictions of future events come to past in minute detail.

    • I READ THE GOSPELS to see God in His definitive manifestation of Himself in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth and to respond to Him by growing in ways of life-changing and world-changing discipleship.

    • I READ THE BOOK OF ACTS to enter consciously and confidently into the never-ending story of the triumphant, joyful, spiritual expansion of the Gospel throughout the world. (More …)

     

  • TFRStaff 5:15 am on February 16, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible,   

    Who is Jesus? 

    Was He just a man? What does the Bible say about Jesus?

    1. Jesus is God blessed forever — Romans 9:5
    2. He is Mighty God, or God with us – Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23
    3. He and the Father are “one” – John 10:30; 33
    4. To see Him is to see the Father – John 14:9-10
    5. God said, “This is my beloved Son” – Matthew 3:17
    6. The “Word” (Christ) was God and with the Father in the beginning — John 1:1,14
    7. The Son is called God on His throne forever — Hebrews 1:8
    8. Christ is called the Lord of glory — I Corinthians 2:8
    9. Jesus’ flesh and bones could be handled after being raised — Luke 24:39
    10. His hands could be seen, His side could be touched — John 20:27
    11. All things were created by Christ — Colossians 1:16
    12. In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead (deity) — Colossians 2:9
    13. Christ was equal with God — Philippians 2:6
    14. Christ is the image of God — II Corinthians 4:4
    15. He is the very image of God’s person — Hebrews 1:3
    16. He is superior to angels — Hebrews 1:4-5
    17. The Son has neither beginning nor ending — Hebrews 7:3
    18. Jesus was before Abraham’s birth — John 8:58
    19. He said His body would be raised — John 2:19-21
    20. He showed Himself alive by many proofs — Acts 1:3
    21. If Christ is not raised, apostles are false witnesses — I Corinthians 15:14, 15
    22. Without resurrection, faith and preaching are vain — I Corinthians 15:12-19
    23. He appeared to over 500 at once — I Corinthians 15:3-9
    24. Every eye shall see Him at His return — Revelation 1:7

    —Adapted by Darrell Powell

     

  • John T. Polk II 1:39 pm on February 13, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , Vicar of Christ   

    Jesus Christ Resigns As The Head of the Church of Christ! (that is, if Roman Catholic Church claims are right!) 

    1. The “Papacy” IS The Pinnacle Of Apostasy In “The Roman Catholic Church!” Please read                                                      2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

              A. “There is no difference between the Pope and Jesus Christ” (“St.” Thomas Aquinas, Summa Thelogica xxxiv and Papal Bull of Pope Pius V in 1570.)

    B. Catholic Johann Joseph Ignaz von Dollinger, once wrote: ”In future every Catholic Christian when asked why he believes this or that can and may give but the one answer: I believe or reject it because the  infallible Pope has bidden it to be believed or rejected” (Declarations and Letters, pgs. 101,101.)

    2. The Roman Catholic Church Has Maintained 4 Different Views Regarding The Authority Of The “Pope” [all of which are false, because there is NO  “Pope” of souls except God! (Matthew 23:8-9; 1 Peter 1:3-5)]

              A. Minister not Master, Executive not Legislative held by these: Popes: Pius, Julius, Siricius, Zozimus, Celestine, Sixtus, Gregory,  Eugenius,  Innocent, Adrian; Councils: Pisa, Constantinople (4th Session), Basil (2nd &                     33rd Session); yet he was given “infallible” status.

    B. Unlimited Sovereignty, Civil & Ecclesiastical held by these: Popes:  Celestine, Gelasius, Leo, Nicholas, Gregory the 7th, Urban, Pascal, Boniface the 8th, Clement, Paul the 4th ; Councils: Florence gave authority to teach              all Christians in whole world, Lateran (5th)-gave Leo equal power with the councils, Trent (14th)-“supreme power in the universal church;” Cardillus-The pontiff “holds as a mortal God, the place of Christ on earth, and cannot be judged by a general council;” Orders:  Jesuits.

    C. Equal With God: “The pope and the Lord form the same tribunal, so that, sin excepted, the pope can do nearly all that God can do.”  (Innocent,   Jacobatius, Decius); Popes: Gregory, Nicholas, Innocent;                    Councils:    Lateran, Trent-The pope “has the power of dispensing with  all laws, and the same authority as the Lord.” (Lainez).

    D. Superior With God: Canon Law: “The Pope, in the plenitude of his power, is above right, can change the substantial nature of things,  and transform unlawful into lawful;” Cardinal Bellarmine: “The Pope can transubstantiate sin into duty, and duty into sin.”

    3. The Jesus Christ of the New Testament has NO human representative (“vicar”) on earth, except as reflected in those who keep His commandments (John 15:9-17). This Jesus:

    A. Loves “the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). NO “POPE” EVER SACRIFICED HIMSELF FOR THE CHURCH!

    B. Never abandons His Church “bride” like a husband who should remain with his wife. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the  church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25). NO “POPE” IS FAITHFUL TO THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF CHRIST!

    C. Was raised from the dead to be the head of His body, the church (Ephesians 1:20-23), a position He has in “heavenly places” NOT on earth!  NO “POPE”  QUALIFIED TO BE THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BY BEING RAISED FROM THE DEAD!

    D. “Is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body” (Ephesians  5:23).   NO “Savior of the body” will “resign” – and Jesus never has nor will,   for “He    always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). NO                           “POPE” MAKES INTERCESSION FOR SAINTS LIKE JESUS CHRIST (1 Timothy 2:5)!

    E. NEVER makes mistakes or sins, as “Popes” have! “For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need  daily, as those       high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself” (Hebrews 7:26-27).    NO “POPE” IS WITHOUT SIN, BUT MUST REPENT AND BE FORGIVEN OF HIS OWN SINS, THEREFORE CANNOT  STAND IN THE PLACE OF JESUS CHRIST (Hebrews 4:15)!

    The present Roman Catholic Church does NOT represent New Testament Christianity, NOR does the “Pope” represent Jesus Christ on earth!

    —–John T. Polk II

     

      • John T. Polk II 9:25 am on March 1, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Torrey,
        Thank you for your thorough research, and clear presentation of the truth on this subject. God bless you in your labors in the Vineyard. It is humbling to have some material included in your work. John T. Polk II

  • John T. Polk II 10:38 am on February 12, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , dogma, epistle, , , , , Vatican,   

    Where Was “Vatican Smoke” In The New Testament Church?. 

    Please read Acts 15:1-31, then read the following:

    1. There was NO appeal to Peter, but to “apostles, elders” and the “whole church” gathered to hear Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 12 (“all the multitude”), 22

    2. EVERY speaker proclaimed only the Word of God (Oral & Written):

        (1) Acts 15:2-4:  Paul and Barnabas proclaimed what God had been doing among Gentiles (before Acts 13-14 had been written);

        (2) Acts 15:5-11: Peter reminded them of the events of Acts 10-11 in selecting Gentiles to be saved (before it had been written down);

        (3) Acts 15:12-21: James preached God’s Prophecy about the goal of bringing in Gentiles, quoting Amos 9:11-12, THEN gave HIS “judgment”;

        (4) Acts 15:22:  THE CONCLUSION WAS INSPIRED ENTIRELY BY GOD’S WORD (A.K.A. “SCRIPTURE”), AND IT WAS UNANIMOUS – LIKE NO Roman Catholic Church COUNCIL!!!!

    3. The letter sent to the Gentiles with this Apostolic preaching (Acts 15:23-31) was an Apostolic “letter” (Greek: epistole). When copies are actually distributed to the Christians of a Gentile background (Acts 16:4), they are termed “decrees” (Greek: dogmata): The “DOGMA” was necessary and delivered immediately to the Gentiles!!!!  Refer to Acts 15:1-16:5 and notice that:

    (1) The church didn’t wait hundreds of years to know “dogma.”

    (2) This was an epistle of Scripture from the Apostles, and NOT from a Roman Catholic Church “Magisterium,” or “Vatican Council,” or “College of the Cardinals,” or announced by “smoke!” When Peter and the REAL Apostles of Jesus Christ taught and wrote Scripture, it was in writing that WAS “Scripture,” based upon Scripture, NOT the result of political “in-fighting” and out-maneuvering ,as is continually practiced by the Roman Catholic Church. People who “blow smoke” are NOT Apostles of Jesus Christ!

    (3) “So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily” Acts 16:5. The churches of Christ are always strengthened by Scripture and always apostatize when following human commandments (1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:1-5). Wrong attitudes always produce and defend wrong doctrines(1 Timothy 6:3-5)!

    4. THERE WAS NO VOTE TAKEN, NOR SUCCESSIVE SESSIONS OF THIS COUNCIL!

    5. There was NO: supremacy of Peter, voting on doctrine; waiting hundreds of years to deal with controversy; multiple sessions to arrive at a conclusion; opposition to the views expressed; PRESENTATION OF ANY OUTSIDE “TRADITION;” “COMMENTARIES;” OR PREVIOUS “COUNCIL” CONCLUSIONS; BUT ONLY SCRIPTURE (BOTH WRITTEN & UNWRITTEN)!

    6. This was the ONLY council gathering like it in Scripture.

        (1) The gathering to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:13-26) did nothing to replace James the brother of John
    when Herod killed him (Acts 12:1-2);

        (2) The gathering to disprove Jewish heretics sent Gentiles their “dogma” (Acts 15:1-31) and never met again!

    —–John T. Polk II

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:35 am on February 11, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , ,   

    Another Example of “Penknife Religion” 

    Ole’ Jehudi (Jeremiah 26:33) wasn’t the first person to try to change God’s word but people still love follow in his tradition of cutting out and altering the scriptures to make them fit their sinful lives like a custom suit. Here’s a link to the second part of a two-part series from the GospelofChrist.com about the latest perversion of God’s word called the “Queen James Bible” that’s been translated in a way to make homosexuality seem spiritually/morally acceptable. I thought some here might find it an interesting and saddening read at the same time.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 7:11 am on February 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , ,   

    Why Can’t People Talk Bible When They Say They Want To Talk Bible? 

    This question is one that boggles my mind. People want to talk about biblical topics but they do so without wanting to talk about what the scriptures say.

    The conversation/debate/discussion (whichever may be case) about the scriptures begins but soon reverts into and ends with “I think” or “I feel” or “I believe” or “The catechism says” or “The creed book says” or “The “father” in Rome says” and on and on it goes.

    Why can’t we do what Peter simply said to do when he wrote, “If anyone has anything to say, let it be as the words of God….” (1 Peter 4:11 – BBE) Why do we read that the church is built upon the prophets, the apostles and upon the cornerstone of Christ (Ephesians 2:20), but then try to defend the church we belong to with the words of people other than the prophets, the apostles and Jesus?

    The scriptures aren’t open to personal interpretations that cause people to contradict one another. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2) and the scriptures come from God (2 Timothy 2:16-17), so the obvious conclusion is that the scriptures can’t contradict. If our ”personal interpretation” causes the scriptures to contradict then it’s not the scriptures that have the problem – it’s the interpreter!

    Feelings alone do not interpret the scriptures. The Jews who failed to heed Paul’s preaching about Jesus from the Old Testament scriptures did so because they relied upon personal feelings and human traditions without God’s word. The Jews who believed and accepted Paul’s preaching about Jesus from the Old Testament did so because they relied upon feelings directed by the scriptures of God (Acts 17:11). Human emotions can be turned in the wrong direction, but God’s word reveals the true path of righteousness to stay on (Jeremiah 7:24, 13:10, 17:9; Psalm 119:105, 172; Romans 1:16-17).

    Talking Bible isn’t always easy because talking Bible isn’t what everyone wants to do. But regardless of how we feel about the Bible, we will get much further with the Bible when we talk with it instead of talking about it.

    “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)

     

    • Shelly 8:24 am on February 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      We spend so much time talking about the Bible, but much less time reading it. We read all sorts of books about the Bible, but don’t necessarily go to the source. May we all become consumers of the Word of God! Blessings!

    • Butch Adams 5:45 pm on February 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      I hear you Eugene. I have been working on building tools on my web page to encourage just what you written here. I even have a hard time getting those who are close to me on board with it. This attitude may just be a major factor in Homosexuality and other sins gaining such a wide acceptance – Even among some that attend the Lord’s church.

      • Eugene Adkins 6:25 pm on February 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        If you can come up with a solution then you need to bottle it and sell it…or better yet, give it away for free!

        When it comes to the topic above, I have always kept 1 Peter 4:11 in mind, and Peter gives the wonderful reason why we should speak according to God’s word and not man’s word (or woman’s for that matter) – it’s so that “in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

        When you start talking scripture (and using a fair amount in a conversation) people tend to start throwing around the “intellectual snob” or you think “you’re better than me cause you can quote scripture” attitude, but the opposite is true: When scripture is used it is God who gets the glory and not us. People are more comfortable with following their own heart than they the Bible…or maybe they’re not and that’s the real reason they avoid the revealing light of the Gospel.

        All people have their stumbling blocks and talking Bible is sadly one of them for the majority of the world. I hope your plans are fruitful, Butch. Thanks for commenting.

  • John T. Polk II 4:22 am on January 31, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , ,   

    Psalm 99 

    Vs. 1-3 claim for the LORD a superior place;

    Vs. 4-5 mention His superior characteristics;

    Vs. 6-9 show His superior “track record.”

    This Psalm is one of three beginning with “The LORD reigns” (Psalm 93; 97; 99). Each section ends the same: “He is holy” (verse 3), “He is holy” (verse 5), “God is holy” (verse 9), or He is above any and all taint from sin. Couched in language identified with Old Testament Israelites, its claim for God is true with the churches of Christ.

    Verses 1-3: Jehovah (“LORD,” verse 1) is superior (“reigns”); Gentiles (“peoples”) “tremble;” “between the cherubim” (either over the ark of covenant, Exodus 25:18-22, or Jesus as the Christians’ mercy seat, a.k.a. “propitiation,” 1 John 2:2); and all people be impressed (“moved”). The LORD’s greatness is seen in Jerusalem (“Zion,” Verse 2), but He is also above Gentiles (“all the peoples”), for Jesus taught “true worshipers” must not now go to Samaria or Jerusalem (John 4:21-24). God deserves His “great and awesome name” (verse 3).

    Verses 4-5: But God uses His “name” for the establishment of “justice,” “equity,” “righteousness” (verse 4) among His descendants of Jacob (or “Israel”). Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary, and “the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:30-33). “The house of Jacob” refers not to “children of the flesh” but “the children of the promise” (Romans 9:6-8), or Christians (Galatians 3:24-29). To “exalt” God (verse 5) and for us to “worship at His footstool” would widen the gap between God and His worshippers, for earth is His footstool (Acts 7:48-49).

    Verses 6-9: In verse 6, the accurate Bible records of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel are offered as proof that “They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.”

    That same inspired Biblical record (with no missing books!) shows that God answered (verse 7): Moses with Law (Exodus 33:9); Aaron with judgment (Numbers 12:5-9), and Samuel with victory (1 Samuel 7:9; 12:18). God forgave the sinners (verse 8), but punished the sins of Moses and Aaron (Numbers 12:20), and Samuel’s undisciplined sons (1 Samuel 8:1-20). In Jesus Christ, God forgives sinners who repent (Luke 5:30-32; 24:46-47; Acts 2:38), and punishes sinners’ sins: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). To “exalt God” (verse 9) is to raise Him highest in our devotion; “His holy hill,” once Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 3:1), is anywhere Christians assemble to worship Him His way (Acts 17:24-25; 18:7-8).

    Thought: as each section of this Psalm ends with “He is holy” we may praise Him who is “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty.”

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:28 am on January 28, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , ,   

    One Proud Papa 

    Last night, during evening worship, my 15 month old daughter said the word “Bible” for the first time. Now, you don’t have to be a preacher for that to make you smile…but it sure doesn’t hurt.

    I think we’ll work on “Nebuchadnezzar” next :)

    “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-8)

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:46 am on January 23, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, , , , , , , ,   

    Psalm 93 

    Vs. 1-2 establish God’s throne;

    Vs. 3-4 speak of God’s great power;

    Vs. 5 speaks of God’s holiness.

    There is nothing in the Bible to indicate that this (or any other Psalm!) was used by the Israelites in some special ceremony to recognize God enthroned. Because Jesus Christ was God in the flesh (Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:5-10), Psalms 93-99 have many references to Jesus Christ in these references to God.

    Psalm 93:2: “The author of [The Book of] Hebrews listed the credentials of the King of Kings, namely Jesus Christ; and, of course, those credentials are the same as those of the ruling Jehovah in this passage. These are: (1) King by right of eternal existence; (2) by right of creation; (3) by right of personal excellence, majesty and strength; (4) by divine right; (5) by right of maintenance, upholding all things by the word of his power; (6) by right of purchase (This establishes God’s right to rule over humanity in that he purchased, or redeemed us, through the blood of His Son); and (7) by right of his present position on the Eternal Throne (God is not a mere pretender; his rulership is a fait accompli).”         James Burton Coffman Commentary on Psalms

    Verses 1-2: “LORD” is used 5 times and is the only term for God in this Psalm.  The assertion is made; “The LORD reigns” (verse 1), then reasons for His prominence are given. He: (1)  is “clothed with majesty” (magnificence and splendor);      (2) “girded Himself with strength” (binding up clothing for work or a journey, hence ready to work. No one else could “bind” God!); (3) “established” the world (that operates by His laws which are settled and unchangeable);  (4) is upon a “throne” (verse 2) “established” even before the world; (5) whose existence is “everlasting!”

    Verses 3-4: Multitudes of peoples who have opposed God are couched in the term “floods.” Hence (verse 3) their arrogant attitude “lifted” them up; then “their voice;” then “their waves” (battles and wars). It got them nowhere, for “The LORD on high” proves “mightier” than their “noise,” and their “mighty waves of the sea.” Tsunami victims and many seafarers can attest to the size and power of waves of the seas on earth, but figures of speech aside, “The LORD on high is mightier!”

    Verse 5: Back to The LORD on His throne, all people may totally depend upon: God’s “testimonies,” for “every word of God is pure” (Proverbs 30:5) and “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4); AND “holiness” is throughout God’s “house,” “forever.” If “righteousness” is the right-doing by following God’s laws (1 John 3:7), then “holiness” is the purity of character caused by “righteousness.” “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

    Thought: Since God raised Jesus Christ from the dead “to sit on his [David’s, jtpII] throne” (Acts 2:29-31), and since “to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (Hebrews 1:8), then to claim that Jesus Christ is NOT NOW on the throne of David in Heaven IS TO DENY THAT GOD RAISED JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD! If not, why not? Since Jesus IS now on His throne in Heaven, the kingdom of God has been established (Colossians 1:13). Since Jesus is the King of His kingdom, but also the Head of the church of Christ (Colossians 1:18), the saved people who are in the church of Christ are also in His kingdom! If not, why not?

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • TFRStaff 7:57 am on January 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: bible, ,   

    Who needs a Bible? 

    Some believe the Holy Spirit works directly on the heart of sinners to save them, and then to sanctify them, without any effort on the part of the one being saved or sanctified.

    If that’s so, why are there commands in the Bible? In fact, if the Holy Spirit does the work of saving or sanctifying apart from the knowledge of the truth found in the Bible, then why did God bother to write it at all?

    —Rick Kelley, Prestonsburg KY bulletin

     

    • preachercarter 2:11 pm on January 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Very good point! While I believe the Bible is specific for believers all believers were at one time infidels. Yes, the Spirit draws but He uses the Word to draw.

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