Expository Files 12.7; July 2005
Editors: Warren E. Berkley, Jon W. Quinn
A Sad Page In History
The Front Page
(1 Kings 12:25-33)
By Warren E. Berkley
The divided kingdom period in Old Testament history is not an easy narrative to follow and learn. You can read and study the history of the Northern Kingdom, then read and study the history of the Southern Kingdom. Or, try to read and study about both in chronological order. In either case it is one of the most difficult sections of history to read. It can also be discouraging to read about God's people living in such self-created chaos.
Nevertheless, there are vital messages to learn from this history. The sin of idolatry is clearly defined. The emptiness of materialism is quickly perceived. We can observe in this period the danger of trusting in political alliances with nations and men. Positively, we are able to understand the value of remaining faithful to God, though there be few. The strength of trusting in God and finding encouragement with others who serve Him is apparent in this time. Most important, in the divided kingdom period, the faithfulness of God to His people is prominent. So, though there is challenge in the task, don't skip this part of Old Testament history.
Here's a key event that initiated the chaos of the divided kingdom:
1 Kings 12:25 - 33 (NKJV) 25Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the mountains of Ephraim, and dwelt there. Also he went out from there and built Penuel. 26And Jeroboam said in his heart, "Now the kingdom may return to the house of David: 27If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah." 28Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!" 29And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. 31He made shrines on the high places, and made priests from every class of people, who were not of the sons of Levi. 32Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did at Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he had made. And at Bethel he installed the priests of the high places which he had made. 33So he made offerings on the altar which he had made at Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had devised in his own heart. And he ordained a feast for the children of Israel, and offered sacrifices on the altar and burned incense.
This was all about man! This was the fear and ambition of Jeroboam. This was about human rivalry, human convenience, human will and human weakness. This movement found its power in the readiness of men to worship according to their will instead of God's. Whenever this happens, in any dispensation, another sad page in history has been written.
From Expository Files 12.7; July 2005
Justification Grace Redemption
(Romans. 3:24)
By Warren E. Berkley
The problem in the human race is established by the apostle Paul in the first three chapters of Romans. The conclusion is: "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Rom. 3:23). That's the bad news.
The good news is immediately stated: "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus," (Rom. 3:24). Study this verse through the key words.
"Justified" is a legal word which conveys "acquittal," or pronouncement of innocence. "It is a legal term and does not mean that the person is made righteous; rather, the sense is that one is declared to be acquitted or righteous," (Clinton Hamilton, Truth Commentaries, Romans, p.#217). When one believes (with all that is comprehended in belief), from the mind of God there is acquittal. This is based on the death of Jesus Christ.
"Grace" is the unmerited favor of God. Though man has sinned, falling short of the glory of God, God's attitude toward man is seen to be favorable in His willingness to forgive. God is not obligated by any internal or external standard to forgive us. "It is something that God desired to do out of His love because God is love (1 Jno. 4:8-10). It is a gift from God that is undeserved on any basis," (Clinton Hamilton, Truth Commentaries, Romans, p.#217).
"Redemption" is deliverance from bondage by the payment of a price, or ransom. Thayer says of this word, "deliverance effected through the death of Christ from the retributive wrath of a holy God and the merited penalty of sin." Based on His death, redemption is located in Him, and we enjoy that deliverance when faith becomes active in obedience.
Each sinner, every one of us (Rom. 3:23), find no escape from sin expect by the activity of faith in Christ. We have all sinned but the gospel tells us, we can be freely justified and redeemed by the grace of God. This is possible because of Christ Jesus, who died for us. Paul has identified the problem, and announced the remedy; the only remedy God has given. "The grace of deliverance from the bondage of sin is by means of Christ Jesus. There is no room for the boasting of man, but there ought to be in all who are redeemed praise and thanksgiving for the great sacrifice for sin," (Hamilton, p.#219).
From Expository Files 12.7; July 2005
The Curse of Riches
(Ecclesiastes 5:10-17)
By Steven Harper
The society in which we live today is one that is, without a doubt, materially-minded. About half of what is shown on television is an advertisement for one thing or another, in one way or another [whether blatantly or subtly]. Our economy is what is often called "consumer-driven" but might be more properly identified as "salesman-driven." We are constantly bombarded with advertisements that tell us we cannot be healthy without the latest diet program, that we cannot be beautiful without the latest fashionable clothing, that we cannot be happy unless we drink a certain brand of alcoholic drink, that we cannot be noticed by others unless we drive the right brand of automobile, and that we cannot really be happy with the income we now make so we are encouraged to gamble or get a higher education or learn the latest strategy so we all can make more money. Money is the bottom line!
But, as we have all probably heard, "Money doesn't buy happiness," and the studies prove it true. Kennon Sheldon, University of Missouri [Columbia] psychology professor, said, "We consistently find that people who say money is most important to them are [the unhappiest]." [Gaming Magazine, April 17, 2002] The same article listed several lottery winners who, after winning, had much less happier lives. One was sued by his best friend; another was divorced and arrested for selling drugs; one declared bankruptcy within five years and his wife divorced him; and another was broke within two years and convicted of selling drugs. Other stories abound of winners whose lives worsened because of the extra money, one even committing suicide within two years of winning over $31 million. Truly, money was not what brought happiness, yet this country spends over $70 billion dollars each year on legal gambling in the hopes of winning the proverbial "big one." And money again is the bottom line. Let us be reminded of the words of the apostle Paul, who said, "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Tim. 6:9, 10).
Today, we will consider these facts as we seek to see the folly of the pursuit of riches. Far too many in the world make the pursuit of riches their sole or primary aim in life, yet many Christians have joined in the pursuit and are revealing themselves as even more foolish because they of all people should know the folly of such a pursuit. Have we not learned the words of the inspired writers who speak of the folly and foolishness of pursuing vain riches? Have we not read the many passages that speak of what might honestly be called The Curse of Riches? Today, we will do just that.
There Is Never Enough. [vv. 10, 11] The mind set on material possessions particularly on riches is one that is set for a fall, for those possessions are not what brings happiness and, as many find out, they always want more. There is no satisfaction in material possessions, and yet God's own people followed this path, chasing after the things that did not last, and God chastised them, asking, "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?" (Isa. 55:2) They failed to see that the pursuit of earthly gain was not what would bring true joy, and they would find no satisfaction when it was attained. Ask those lottery winners if their riches brought contentment! Surely we, as God's people today, can see beyond the false claims of those who would have us believe we'll be happy if we just have enough or make enough money. And even if we should somehow find satisfaction in money, what does that say of our heart? (cf. Rom. 8:5-9)
The mind set on obtaining and amassing financial wealth and riches is the one that is set on personal destruction. The apostle warned that many "who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition," and went on to say, "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Tim. 6:9, 10) Have we not learned this lessons after 2000 years?!?
Real contentment will not be found in the riches this world has to offer, but only when we can be happy with what we have, and not believing it is in what we do not have (Heb. 13:5). Real contentment will be found when the Lord blesses those whose hunger is for righteousness and not material goods (Matt. 5:6).
It Give No Real Comfort. [vv. 12, 13] Solomon himself learned this lesson the hard way, after many attempts to find happiness in material pleasures (Eccl. 2:4-10). His conclusion was that it was all "vanity and grasping for the wind" (Eccl. 2:11). There is an abiding principle that applies to this subject and many others: "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required" (Luke 12:48). The fact that a man has more material goods is not in itself a comfort, for the more he has, the more he has to tend and to worry over and protect. He, in fact, loses sleep over his gain!
Sadly, there is no comfort to the one who has gained these material possessions for another reason: the end of the riches and his own end. Regarding the material possessions, he knows that when he dies he has to pass it on to one who has not worked for it as he has (2:21-23). Knowing this, he finds "his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest." And the rich man himself? If he ever had the word of God in his heart, it will soon be choked out by the cares and riches of this world and he becomes unfruitful (Luke 8:14). Surely this can be a source of discomfort!
Real comfort will not be found in the accumulation of riches, but in the fact of being a faithful servant of the Lord. The psalmist could say each night "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psa. 4:8). He could rest easy because he knows where he stands with the Lord and he knows where he will be should he die, and in this knowledge he can sleep an uninterrupted sleep, comforted by the Lord's promises of protection. Those faithful ones will be further comforted in knowing what lies ahead (1 Thess. 4:13-18).
They Can Be Lost. [v. 14] Another sad fact about the riches which so many pursue and which so many seem to ignore is the reality that they can and will be lost sometimes through absolutely no fault of the owner and many times in spite of the owner's best efforts to prevent it. Does anyone remember their history? Do we remember the day called "Black Tuesday" when fortunes were erased within a matter of hours and people were turned to begging for food where they had lived in luxury just the day before? It can happen again! Truly, as the wise writer said, "Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven" (Prov. 23:5). Just open your wallet at your local mall and watch!
And should he be so careful and lucky to hold onto his material possessions for a long time, it is still a futile pursuit because when this world ends, everything including his wealth so carefully protected will be burned up and he will have nothing once again (2 Pet. 3:10).
Real security will not come with those riches, but there ARE some riches that are secure, and it is that promised by God to the faithful what Peter described as "an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet. 1:4). Let us never forget that we have "a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven" (Heb. 10:34) better than any earthly possession! The reward we have been promised is also described as "an imperishable crown" (1 Cor. 9:25), versus the corruptible rewards of this life. Paul called later his future reward "a crown of righteousness" (2 Tim. 4:7, 8). We may be enjoy the earthly riches for awhile, but why not seek the riches that do not fade away and, once received in judgment, can never be taken away?
You Can't Take It With You. [vv. 15, 16] The old adage, "You can't take it with you" is certainly true, and one that should not be ignored in the context of the wise writer's words. Though he enjoyed the earthly riches that most men can only imagine, he knew that when his life ended, those riches would go to someone else and he would take nothing with him. He also understood it would not prevent death (Psa. 49:6-9). As rich as Bill Gates is now and as rich as Andrew Carnegie was in the 1800s and as rich as an Arabian sultan may be, they all died and none will take one thin dime with them into eternity. The fact is, "it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Heb. 9:27) and all the riches in the world will not prevent it! And neither will those riches sway the Judge in the end (Prov. 11:4). Some wealthy man may understand and even believe his death is inevitable, but then think those riches will somehow sway the judgment he faces. It will not. Again the wise writer warns, "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." Material wealth will do absolutely nothing in the saving of the soul, but righteousness will go far!
Real treasure is not the riches the world sees, but we can hold one great treasure in our hands: the word of God (Psa. 19:10). The psalmist said it best when he said of the word of God, "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." In the precious words of God are found things more valuable than any earthly treasure, for these are the words of life (John 6:63); these are the words by which we may be saved from our sins (Acts 11:14); these are the words given to us by God that we might know His will and the very words that will judge us in the end (John 12:47, 48)! We need these words!
But let us not forget the treasures we seek are not on this earth, but the ones we lay up in heaven (Matt. 6:20). Real treasures are not those we can hold and see and feel and spend here on earth, but the treasures that we may have when we begin by taking up our cross and following Jesus (cf. Mark 10:21). Those treasures do not fade away, cannot be lost, and are more valuable than any earthly possessions we may accumulate. Do you have those treasures?
Where is your treasure? Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt. 6:21). Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? I plead with you to set your heart on the heavenly things and make heaven your goal not earthly things and earthly treasures and earthly riches. You may, in the eyes of the world, "go far" but in the eyes of the righteous Judge, you will go nowhere unless you have riches laid up in heaven. Let us not be as the foolish man who laid up for himself treasures and had none reserved in heaven (cf. Luke 12:16-21). Why not begin now laying up those treasures?
From Expository Files 12.7; July 2005
The God of Hannah
(1 Samuel 2:1-10)
By Jon W. Quinn
She was the mother of the last judge of Israel, for it would be her son who would, by God's direction, appoint Israel's first king. Hannah had long sought for a baby. She was one of two wives of Elkanah who lived in the hill-country of Ephraim. Elkanah's other wife and mother of several children, unmercifully taunted the childless Hannah. Elkanah did his best to console her and confirm his love for her, but Hannah would not be consoled.
She prayed for a son. Finally, she made a vow that if the Lord would bless her with a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord's service. Evidently that was what the Lord had been waiting for. His plan called for such a one, and so within a year Samuel was born to Elkanah and Hannah. Indeed, he would be a mighty prophet at a pivotal time in Israel's history. He would appoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.
When Samuel was weaned, she kept her vow and took Samuel to Shiloh, where the tabernacle was located. This was the center of worship for early Israel in Canaan. Samuel was taken in by the High Priest, Eli, and grew up in Shiloh. Hannah continued to visit her son each year and bring him a new robe. Later, she had other sons and daughters.
Hannah's Prayer of Blessing and Confidence in God
"My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD, My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, because I rejoice in Thy salvation.
There is no one holy like the LORD, indeed, there is no one besides Thee, Nor is there any rock like our God.
Boast no more very proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and with Him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are shattered, but the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry cease to hunger. Even the barren gives birth to seven, but she who has many children languishes.
The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts.
He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and He sets the world on them.
He keeps the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; for not by might shall man prevail.
Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered; against them He will thunder in the heavens, The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king, and will exalt the horn of His anointed." (I Samuel 2:1-10).
Hannah's Faith
"My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD, My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, because I rejoice in Thy salvation." (I Samuel 2:1). An animal with large horns is thought to be powerful and beautiful. Hannah speaks of her strength and confidence in the Lord by using this figure of speech. She had a very childlike, trusting faith; the exact kind of humble faith that Jesus said we all need (Matthew 18:1-4).
She had patiently waited for years, praying for what she desired so very much. It was in the Lord's hands, she knew, and during those bleak years of hope she never gave up. And then, after at long last having received of the Lord's goodness, she remembered Him with gratitude. Her joy was enriched because Samuel was the product of the Lord's power. She spoke boldly in the midst of those who would ridicule her, not being ashamed because the LORD was the God of her salvation. May we also enjoy the same exultation, boldness and joy in the Lord today, for He is also the God of our salvation!
God, the Holy Rock
"There is no one holy like the LORD, indeed, there is no one besides Thee, Nor is there any rock like our God." (I Samuel 2:2). The Lord is holy, and therefore trustworthy. He is true and just. Even in the darkest of times, even if we must face injustice of the basest sort, we must understand that in the final reckoning the Lord will ensure that all is well for His people of enduring faith (Hebrews 13:5-6; 10:35-39).
Our God is also described as "a rock." God is solid and dependable. He is an anchor of the soul. His words are a rock amid the shifting sands of human philosophy and pagan beliefs (Matthew 7:24-27).
The God of Knowledge, Judgment and Providence
"Boast no more very proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and with Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are shattered, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry cease to hunger. Even the barren gives birth to seven, but she who has many children languishes. The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and He sets the world on them. (I Samuel 2:3-9). The arrogant of the world put their trust in themselves as they mock the believer for his or her faith. Hannah warns that such is not a wise thing to do because in addition to being a God of strength, Jehovah is also a God of knowledge and providence. God's wisdom renders the wisdom of men foolishness (Isaiah 55:8,9; I Corinthians 1:18-25).
In addition to making the wise foolish God renders the strong weak. The one who stands against God will fall, and the faithful one who has been the victim of evil men will stand (I Corinthians 1:26-31). Hannah had put her faith in God during her trial. It had been well placed. Let us never forget the lesson to be learned by her example. We know that one day God will exalt those who have humbled themselves before Him, as the mighty fall and the boastful are silenced (Matthew 23:12; James 4:10).
God Directs the Work of His People
He keeps the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; for not by might shall man prevail. Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered; against them He will thunder in the heavens, The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king, and will exalt the horn of His anointed." (I Samuel 2:1-10). Those who live for God are never alone. There were times when during Hannah's dark hours that there were no discernible signs of what God was going to do for her. But she knew that if there was any hope at all, it was in her God. Those who are on the Lord's side live their lives according to His word, seek His will, do His work, and wait expectantly for His victory.
"He keeps the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; for not by might shall man prevail."
From Expository Files 12.7; July 2005
The Demands of Discipleship ... and the Courage To Meet Them
(Matthew 10:24-39)
By Zeke Flores
In Matthew 10, Jesus lays down some very specific and alarming warnings and instructions for His rag-tag band of followers. By the time Jesus summons His apostles to go out and preach in Galilee, they had already seen some marvelous, miraculous things done by their Master. But they'd also gotten a glimpse of the opposition that Jesus, and later they themselves, would face.
In the middle of the instructions to these men Jesus says, "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become as his teacher, and the slave as his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!" (Matt 10:24-25). The message is plain: If they expected to share in His glory, they could also expect to inherit His sufferings. But even as He imparts foreboding words of warning to them He also offers words of consolation whereby they could take courage. The message He offers extends to saints even today.
Saints suffer, but the Father knows and cares!
Jesus said, "Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known." (Matt 10:26). The reason is that God sees all! Just as He sees each sparrow and knows when it falls to the ground (Matt 10:29-31), so He sees each diligent saint, serving his Master and knowing that the Lord looks out for His own: "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." (2 Chr 16:9).
Sometimes the persecution may be extreme, even to death, but Jesus seems to be saying, "Don't be afraid! The worst they can do is kill you!" (Matt 10:28a). While death, and a violent, painful one at that, seems pretty bad, we're reminded that there is something worse than physical death: the destruction of "both soul and body in hell." (Matt 10:28b). The faithful saint will recognize that, to be like his Lord, he'll have to take the punishment that comes with the territory knowing that his faithfulness will keep him in his Father's favor. Even when faced with the prospect of death for his union with Jesus and testimony of the gospel, the diligent disciple knows that his earthly demise only hastens the rewards promised by the Savior. Easy? Of course not, but the Lord has promised that there will no test, trial, or temptation that His follower cannot overcome IF he leans on Him for support. (1 Cor 10:13).
Relationships will be ripped, but life will be found! The Lord spoke of a sword that He would bring a sword of division that would penetrate even the deepest, most intimate relationships. "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be the members of his household." (Matt 10:34-36). Harsh words indeed but history bears the accuracy of Jesus' chilling prophecy: Children, parents, and siblings betraying one another to oppressive authorities simply because of one's identification with Christ. (See Foxe's Book of Martyrs) But, this is the U.S. of A! It can't happen here, right? Well, maybe a Christian will never be handed over to the executioner (yet) in this country, but hardly a Christian hasn't been touched by the sin that remains in his loved ones after he himself has been converted. As brother Kenneth Chumbley wrote in his excellent commentary on Matthew, "Because of Christ, division can break the family circle. The truly converted mother, for instance, will turn with horror from the impurity of her daughter, a believing wife will risk separation from her husband before joining him in sin, and a godly son will part company with his father before sanctioning his ungodliness."
Yet, even as we suffer the heartbreak of changed relationships, Jesus reminds that there is a relationship, an association, that transcends even those that are nearest and dearest to us on earth: Knowing the Savior. The Lord said that when we confess Him (own Him, identify with Him), He in turn "owns" us before the Father (Matt 10:32) and in being confessed before Him, we have life; real, lasting life. "He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it." (Matt 10:39). In all of this, the demands of discipleship are high, and so is the courage required, and provided, by God. He who asks us to "lose" our lives for His sake, also offers us the strength and succor we need to see this difficult life through.
From Expository Files 12.7; July 2005
Because I Believe
Topic Page
By David Smitherman
Do you believe that the Bible has a Divine, Supernatural origin, as opposed to a derivation that is merely human? Peter did: "for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Peter 1:20).
If this is so, what practical impact should it have upon my life? James 2:14-16 teaches that believing something to be so is one thing, demonstrating that belief by what we do is quite another. In other words, we must prove our faith. So how do I prove to myself and others that I believe the Bible is the word of God? Let me suggest just three of many ways I can demonstrate my confidence in God's word.
Because I believe in the Divine source of the Bible
I will teach it to others "So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:15-16). Since it claims to be God's power to save sinners, all sinners I know should be exposed to its teaching, and who is better to do that than you.
I will look to it first as the solution to my problems, the answer to my questions "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Do you want to know how to engage in the good work of raising children? Do you need training in the righteous undertaking of being the very best husband or wife you can be? Why not look first to biblical instructions? We're assured it equips us adequately for these, and all other, worthy endeavors. Unfortunately, many today are characterized by the ignorance of those in Hosea's day: "Though I wrote for him ten thousand precepts of My law, They are regarded as a strange thing" (Hosea 8:12).
I will apply it as I need to "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does" (James. 1:23-25). None of us likes what we see in the mirror when we arise in the morning. Our hair and face need some attention. We look in the mirror to see what needs correction. It is foolish to look in the mirror but then walk away and do nothing about the mess we've just looked at. Do you get the point? Why look in to (read) the mirror (God's word) and, having seen (learned) what needs corrected, walk away and do nothing about it?
The Bible was not intended to be an impressive coffee table item. It is either "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) or it is nothing at all. Let's use the Bible in the way God intended that it be used and receive the bountiful blessings that follow.
Other articles by David, http://www.parkwaychurchofchrist.us
From Expository Files 12.7; July 2005
The Plan of Salvation
By Jon W. Quinn
Plan #1 - God's Plan
Announced by the apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to new believers in Christ who asked what they must do:
"Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (ACTS 2:38)
Plan #2 - Man's Doctrine
On the back page of a tract, sinner were urged to pray this prayer to be saved. This prayer is not found in the Bible; nor were alien sinners commanded to pray for their forgiveness.
The Sinner's Prayer:
"O' Lord, I accept that I am a sinner and that Jesus died for my sins. I now accept Him into my heart as Lord and Savior asking for your mercy and forgiveness in His name. Amen."
The editors of Expository Files are happy with plan #1 and thankful to the God of all grace for it. We cannot recommend Plan #2 at all, but will change our minds when this prayer can be shown to us in the Bible.
From Expository Files 12.7; July 2005
Does Your Doctor Believe in God?
The Final Page 12.7
By Jon W. Quinn
"But when Jesus heard this, He said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick." (Matthew 9:12)
Of course, Jesus was illustrating His work to mend and heal souls. When His enemies challenged Him wanting to know why He spent so much time with sinners, this was His answer. He came to seek and save the lost. Doctors of this world can help mend bones and hearts and muscles and eyes and throats. Or sometimes not when the task overwhelms their knowledge and technology. But only Jesus can heal the soul.
A recent survey of doctors in the United States found that 76% say that they believe in God. That's slightly more than three out of four professionals in a scientific field.
The survey consisted of 1,044 doctors. While 76% believed in God, only 59% believed in some sort of afterlife. That was curious to me. And 55% said that their religious beliefs had an effect on how they practice medicine. I hope the effect was a positive one.
A part of the clue as to why so many believe in God but not the after-life may be found in the fact that belief in the after-life is a major tenet in Catholic and Protestant churches, and while more than 80% of the U.S. population belongs to one of these two major groups, only 60% of the doctors are. This suggests that a sizeable number of doctors (about 16%) believe in God but probably not the true and living God that is revealed in the New Testament. Part of this is explained by the fact that 14% of the doctors are Jewish (only 2% of the general population is Jewish, so that is an impressive number), 5% are Hindu (versus less than 1% of the general population) and 3% are Islamic ( versus 1% of the general population. But these three groups also tend to believe in an after-life.
Of course, no doctor, believer or not, can keep us from dying. We are mortal. And whatever the doctor who treats you believes, the only power he or she has to help make you better is his or her own knowledge of how God's universe works. I suppose that one does not have to know the watch maker in order to use the watch the watch maker made to accurately tell the time. But there is a very fine doctor who has the remedy to death. He was afflicted with it once, but has the key to overcoming it. Our ultimate trust to be placed in the greatest physician of all!
"Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades." (Revelation 1:17-18).
From Expository Files 12.7; July 2005
