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Expository Files 14.10; October 2007

Editors: Warren E. Berkley, Jon W. Quinn

Double-minded

The Front Page 14.10

By Jon W. Quinn

There's an old saying that "two heads are better than one." I understand the point but there are times when two heads are not better than one... like when they occupy the same space! The Bible uses the term "double-minded" to describe a person of two minds, or we could say "two-headed." Now, of course, he only has one literal head but his thoughts, affections, hopes and purposes are divided and even at odds with one another. He will not take a stand against God, but he won't stand up for God either.

The prophet Elijah described such non-commitment as "limping between two sides." (1 Kings 18:21). A couple centuries earlier Joshua had told his people to make a firm commitment to one side or the other. He said, "Choose this day whom you will serve." (Joshua 24:15). Jesus said that He would rather people be for Him or against Him rather than be half-hearted. He called it being "lukewarm" and He was, and is, disgusted by it (Rev. 3:15-16). He insisted that no one can serve two masters (Matt. 6:24). The Lord calls upon us to make Him our clear-cut choice.

Today, perhaps more than ever, believers need to be of a single mind - to bring God glory through Jesus Christ. Many different opponents are attacking faith from many different directions. If now is not the time to take a firm stand, then when will the time come? Our Lord deserves better than a lukewarm response to the attacks of the enemy.

The Bible says that the "double-minded" are unstable and encourages us to be single minded in our efforts to glorify God in our lives (James 1:8). Christianity is not for the weak willed or for those who lack the courage to make strong decisions. But in Christ the faithful disciple can accomplish all things through Him.

From Expository Files 14.10; October 2007

Casting Out Frear By Love

1 John 4:8-21

By Jon W. Quinn

The Scriptures concisely summarizes man's purpose in the Book of Ecclesiastes. We are told, "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person." (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

On the other hand, concerning "fear" the Scriptures also admonish us with the following: "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7). I like the fact the NASB version uses the word "timidity" here. The KJV unfortunately uses the word "fear" and therefore could be the source of some confusion. But we need not be afraid to talk about fear, and begin by noticing different words used in the Bible to talk about different kinds of fear.

Defining "Fear"

We get our English word "phobia" from the Greek word "phobos". It means to be put in fear, alarm, fright, to be made exceedingly afraid, to have terror. But like many words, it is also defined to have a reverential respect for someone or something. It is the kind of fear that causes a poor swimmer to make sure he is wearing his life jacket or keeps someone from putting his hand into a hole in the ground that might contain a rattlesnake.

There is also the Greek word "deilia" which refers to timidity. This is the word used in the 2 Timothy 1:7 passage. It means to be fearful or cowardly.

Love of God and Fear of God

There is a rather lengthy discussion of fear and love with respect to God written by the apostle John.

8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

9 By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.

10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

12 No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

17 By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

19 We love, because He first loved us.

20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.

21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.

(1 John 4:8-21)

How Love Casts Out Fear

The word "love" in this passage is active and therefore observed through the behavior it causes. It is also a matter of choice. It describes a concern for another that is chosen and manifested by behavior. For example, God's love was shown through His sending His Son so that we might live (v.9).

Likewise, we love one another in similar ways. That is, while we can never give to the extent that God has given, our love will still be an active choice of seeking to bring good to others (v. 11-12).

We have come to know the love of God by coming to know His gift. We learn of this through the testimony of the apostles which has been written for us (v. 13-14). This is the good news, or gospel of Christ. The love of God comes into our lives when we obey the gospel (see 3:23-24). Again, love is active, not passive. We cannot truly love God if we do not obey Him (see 2:3-6).

Love is also to grow and mature. That is the meaning of the word "perfected" in verse 17. As we continue to live and act through love, love is being perfected. Love on our parts is active just as God's love is active.

As love grows, a neat thing begins to happen with 'fear". Speaking in this context of the terror of divinely appointed eternal wrath, this passage tells us that this kind of fear diminishes and vanishes. In its place there is built confidence (v. 17-18).

While reverential fear (respect) is a fear we should never lose, that is not the fear being talked about in this passage. Rather, it is the fear, or terror, of the judgment to come, that is driven out by our love.

Now, if I have not obeyed the gospel out of my love for God and my fear of judgment, then I need to do that. Fear is proper and good if it motivates us to seek the remedy. But once we have secured the remedy, and trust that remedy, we need not be afraid any longer, because there is no longer an expectation of wrath and punishment. 4:18)

Love and Keeping God's Commandments

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith. (1 John 5:2).

The world tells us to "Feel good about yourself." That is fine, but many miss the mark about how to do this. I cannot imagine a better "feeling good about yourself" than an awareness that I have "overcome the world" . The power is not in self, but in God and His love.

Love obeys God and love casts out fear. Those two things go together. It is not a reverential love that does not obey.

Love obeys God in every way possible (Colossians 3:17). Love treats others the way God has commanded (1 John 4:20-21). God's love is the love of service to Him and to our fellow man. When we are engaged in these, it is then that fear (the fear of punishment and wrath) has no place in our lives. After all, God is for us. God is love. He wants us to have victory. By His grace and power, neither He nor we shall be disappointed!

From Expository Files 14.10; October 2007

The Work of Deity in Our Salvation

1 Peter 1:1-2

By Matthew Allen

There is much to discuss when studying 1 Peter 1:1-2. At first glance, the Bible student might quickly dismiss these verses as merely the standard greeting the apostles used when writing an epistle. But, these verses, comprising of just fifty-six words in the New American Standard Version contain two powerful doctrinal statements concerning the Christian faith. In short and concise statements, Peter establishes gospel doctrine on the Godhead and on Deity's desire for mankind's salvation.

In verse two, three Persons of the Godhead are mentioned. God the Father, the Spirit, and Jesus Christ are all mentioned as active participants in the salvation of mankind. The work of the Father is seen in His choosing those who reside as aliens through His foreknowledge. Because God has chosen Christians, after their birth in Christ, they become as aliens in a strange land while living on earth. Later in his epistle, Peter reiterated the fact that Christians are only temporary residents on earth, 1 Peter 2:11. See also Philippians 3:20. The Father is responsible for our transitory stay. Peter says that He chose or selected Christians. This selection is based upon our willful compliance with His terms of forgiveness. Our calling and election is purely conditional. In his second letter, Peter would write, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you, for as long as you practice these things you will never stumble, 2 Peter 1:10. As long as we choose to remain faithful to God through obedience to Christ we can remain part of the chosen few. The plan to redeem mankind from sin was implemented before the foundation of the world. Through His foreknowledge, God set into motion His design to save mankind from sin.

The work of the Spirit in our salvation is seen through His sanctifying work. What is the "sanctifying work" of the Holy Spirit? We might say that it refers to the active process of making mankind holy. The Spirit constantly works to make us holy and acceptable in the sight of God. But, the Spirit's work is not alone. We must respond by putting on holiness. Later, Peter writes, like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all of your behavior, 1:15. Of course, we learn how to put on holiness through our reading and application of the Word of God. Note verse two very carefully. Why does the Spirit sanctify those that are chosen? The answer is seen in that they obey Jesus. When we do our best to become imitators of God (Ephesians 5:2), the Spirit pronounces us justified and acceptable in the sight of God.

Finally, we see Jesus' part in our salvation. If the Father in His foreknowledge, devised the plan of man's redemption and the Holy Spirit revealed the message of salvation through the word of God, then it is Jesus who executed God's plan by willingly coming to earth and shedding His blood for our sins. Jesus redeemed and purchased Christians through the shedding of His blood. Peter writes, you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ, 1:18-19. Those who obey Christ have been sprinkled in His blood, 1:2. This phrase is metaphorical in that it alludes to an Old Testament practice mentioned in Exodus 24:1-8. Just as those under Moses' law were purified after being sprinkled with blood, we are purified when coming into contact with the blood of Jesus through the waters of baptism, 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:22.

God, in His foreknowledge, devised a plan whereby mankind can be saved. We have the right to freely accept or reject His terms of pardon, grace, and forgiveness. When we choose to obey the commands of Jesus then we can be assured that salvation is ours! Deity has and continues to do its part in helping mankind be saved.

Have you been saved from your sin? Do you believe that Jesus Christ has the power to forgive you of your sin, John 1:29? Do you believe that He is the Son of God, resurrected on the third day, and now reigns in heaven? Will you repent of your sins, Luke 13:3? Are you willing to confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, Romans 10:32-33? And, will you submit to Jesus by being baptized, coming into contact with His blood, Mark 16:16? Why not respond today?

mhallen@brownsburgchurch.info

From Expository Files 14.10; October 2007

Preaching in Jeremiah 7

Jeremiah 7

By Warren E. Berkley

Someone said: "It was Jeremiah's lot to prophesy at a time when all things in Judah were rushing down to the final and mournful catastrophe; when political excitement was at its height; when the worst passions swayed the various parities, and the most fatal counsels prevailed . . . to see his own people, whom he loved, plunge over the precipice into the wide weltering ruin of sin..."

Here's part of his message, Jeremiah 7:1-11.

1The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2"Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, 'Hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah who enter in at these gates to worship the Lord!'" 3Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: "Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. 4Do not trust in these lying words, saying, 'The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are these.'

5"For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings, if you thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbor, 6if you do not oppress the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, or walk after other gods to your hurt, 7then I will cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.

8"Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. 9Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, 10and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, 'We are delivered to do all these abominations'? 11Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it," says the Lord.

This passage can supply good instruction concerning what kind of preaching God desires. We could inquire, what is the preaching men want. And we could easily supply all the popular answers. But here is our interests: What Is The Preaching God Wants?

1. Telling People To Listen To God.

Verse 2: "Stand at the gate of the Lord's house, and there proclaim this message: 'Hear the word of the Lord...'." Good preaching calls upon people to listen to God. In Biblical preaching, the preacher is not the center of attention. The idea is not to get people to listen to a man, and believe what a man says, because of their regard for the man.

The point of biblical preaching is about listening the God; hearing His Word. In the charge God gave to Jeremiah back in 1:17 - God said, "speak to them all that I command you!"

Likewise, when you learn what preaching is from the New Testament - same thing; telling people to listen to God. Peter stood up one time and said: "We ought to obey God rather than man," (Acts 5:29). Philip the evangelist, preached from the text of Scripture, according to Acts 8:26-30. Apollos was a man with a great mind and eloquent speech, but the power of his message was he reasoned from the Scriptures (Acts 18:28). And I'm sure you know what Paul said to Timothy, in 2 Tim. 4:2 - these three words define biblical preaching: "Preach the Word."

The preaching God desires means telling people to listen to God. The man delivering the message must be willing to be secondary to the whole process; to find his place in the background. Preaching that doesn't call upon people to listen to God may be entertaining; may be eloquent; may compete with professional public speakers, and you may enjoy it. But it is weak and empty if it doesn't call upon people to listen to God, and present the truth from the text of Scripture. Jeremiah was to say, "Hear the word of the Lord."

2. He Was To Tell People To Change.

Verse 3: "This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions..."

A preacher may give people the right information but his work is incomplete if he doesn't call for the people to change; to give up their wrong ways, and commit to righteousness (repentance). You tell people what God has said. Then, you charge people to accept it and act on it! Reform your ways and your actions!

Preachers must master some technique of challenging their listeners - to apply what God's Word says. There is nothing as boring as a cold, academic, information machine. You must feel the importance of the message, convey that to the audience, and do your best to awaken in them, the desire, the motivation to act on the message. Dee Bowman said: "Information is good. Acting on good information is better."

3. God Expects Preachers To Tell People, There Are False Teachers.

4Do not trust in these lying words, saying, 'The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are these.'

8"Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. 9Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know...," (Jer. 7:4-8).

Jeremiah's duty was to tell people the truth, and that meant, telling them the truth about liars, about false prophets. This was a huge problem in Judah. There were men who claimed to be men of God . . . who posed as spiritual leaders - but they were telling lies. And their message was popular; they were, in many cases, telling people just what they wanted to hear. Jeremiah's duty was to tell the truth, and that meant, telling the truth about men who were not telling the truth.

There is a spirit of indifference to truth, causing some people to say to preachers: Just preach Christ, and leave other religions alone. Yes, there are preacher and churches and whole systems of religious error. Just ignore it and don't stir anything up. That sounds sweet and accommodative, but it is compromise.

Let me illustrate the fallacy of this. Parents - do you want your children in a math class, where the teacher doesn't correct mistakes? Sick people - do you want a Dr. who will talk to you about good health, but never identify the dangers and diseases that threaten good health? Investors - do you want a financial consultant who will not identify the wrong investments that threaten to drain you of your resources?

Likewise, we need preaching and teaching that will identify the fact of error and it may be necessary to identify specific systems of error and the advocates. When Jesus came, the principal religion of Palestine was a human religion, a false religion - Judaism, as enforced by the traditions of men, and advanced by the corrupt Scribes and Pharisees.

Jesus spoke directly against that system - exposed the error point by point, and denounced the men who advanced it ~ you can read about this in Matthew 23. Why didn't Jesus just leave them alone . . . why was He so bold to expose the error? Because people were being deceived by liars. You can be lost by deception and error.

Jesus told His disciples, in the Sermon on the Mount - and this applies to us today: Beware of false prophets (Matt. 7:15). Jesus said, in Matt. 15, false teachers were transgressing God's law, to uphold their own agenda. The truth should be proclaimed in such a way - the light of truth exposes the darkness. And when people are being deceived, it is for their eternal good, to tell them they are being deceived.

R. L. Whiteside wrote this, in one of the first books I read as a young preacher:

"If you become a little squeamish about

denouncing false teachers, READ JEREMIAH.

If you begin to wonder if it is necessary to

teach the Word of God, as it is written, READ

JEREMIAH. If you think people are so

hardened in sin that they hate you for preaching

the Word, READ JEREMIAH."

In preaching the truth, there should be no effort to tone down the difference between truth and error. (See 2 Tim. 4:1-5).

4. God Wants Preachers Of The Gospel To Tell People How To Live.

The whole point, in presenting the Word of God is - to change lives as indicated earlier. The work is, to give people the instruction, the motivation, the information from the highest source, about how to live right! Now once we use the Word to lead people to see their sin, and their need to change - what then?

I tell young preachers - stop from time to time and reflect on the people in your audience. Husbands and fathers, trying to work out how to earn a living, and spend good time with their family - without conflict. Mothers, who encounter the daily hard work of caring for and raising children. Single people who are contemplating marriage. It could be - married people who are tempted to divorce. Teenagers who need help resisting the pressures they face daily. Then, School teachers, business men, retired people . . . every age group; people undergoing a variety of trials and pressures.

Now, what do all these people need? They need to know what the Word of God says about how to live in this world!! And they need to know it urgently. . . simply put . . . with appropriate motivation and balance. People need the simple truth from God's Word. Do not oppress. Stealing, murder and adultery will hurt you. You cannot walk after other gods. You have to treat people right. God is worthy of our reverence, and Christ should be honored by our daily behavior. (See Titus 2:1-3:2).

Preaching that doesn't show people what the Word of God says about daily living misses the mark and leaves people cold, and perhaps - lost.

So Jeremiah had this great work to do, under very depressing conditions; an unpleasant task. But in the end, he was able to take confidence that he did what was right. Preachers today should be held to these standards, and part of the responsibility lies with elders and people in the pew - - to be certain the Word is being delivered.

From Expository Files 14.10; October 2007

Complaining and Disputing

Philippians 2:14-15

By Matthew King

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:14-15).

Here are a couple of suggestions as you go about your week...

Don't complain...come-pray. The best way to ruin a good job/car/computer/etc. is to complain about all of its imperfections. If you want to make every day the worst day of your life, describe everything that is wrong about anything to yourself or someone else. That should do the trick! Rather than complaining about what is wrong, let's remember to thank God for what's right! Also never forget that God DOES answer prayer! John said, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" (1John 5:14). If there is something you need to pray about, PRAY ABOUT IT!! God would much rather listen to your problems through a prayer than to hear you grumble about them to Joe while you drink your morning coffee.

Don't dispute...dis-problem. Petty disagreements arise. They forever will and it is foolish to ignore them when they do. What is more foolish than ignoring them, however, is arguing or disputing about them until you lose focus of what the problem was in the first place! Paul said, "But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife" (2 Tim. 2:23). The best way to bring strife on a good relationship is to argue about every little detail that can be split in two. Prov. 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger". Let's solve our problems in a way that won't lead to excessive arguing and further disputes. Disagreements are one thing; "foolish and ignorant disputes" are another. Let's recognize the difference and make sure we don't cross the line.

Christians have everything to be thankful for. If you believe that, then show it to the world. The best way to turn the world away from God is to show it that Christians are the people who complain about every detail, argue about every issue, and get angry about every difficulty. Show the world that Jesus HAS made a great difference in your life and CAN make a great difference in theirs. Remember, "You are the light of the world...Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:14,16). Be that light!

From Expository Files 14.10; October 2007

An Apostle Named John

"Amen! Come Lord Jesus"

Topical Study

By Jon W. Quinn

John was the "disciple whom Jesus loved." He was a fisherman who worked at the family business. He and his brother James were the sons of Zebedee and Salome. His mother was also a disciple, and one of the women to visit the empty tomb of Jesus on that best of all Sunday mornings. John wrote five books of the New Testament; The Gospel of John, the three epistles that bear his name, and the Book of Revelation.

John Becomes A Disciple

We first see John as a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35). Scholars, with good reason, believe that the "other disciple" mentioned in John 1:35-42 is John. We find that John never mentions himself by name in his gospel. Whenever John wants to indicate himself, he simply uses terms such as "another disciple" or "the disciple whom Jesus loved." We are given no reason for this, but most think it has to do with John's modesty.

These disciples in this passage left John the Baptist and stayed with Jesus the remainder of the day. John vividly recalls the exact time (the 10th hour would be 4 pm) when they first met Jesus.

John the Baptist was not envious or angry over the loss of his disciples to Christ (John 3:22-36). He knew it was to be that way according to God's plan. Later, John the Baptist was imprisoned, and Jesus leaves for Galilee (Mk. 1:14; Matt. 4:12-16). Some disciples, including John, seemed to be called a second time in Galilee while they were fishing. From now on, John would be more than just a disciple. He would become an apostle (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20).

John was from Galilee, but had traveled far to the south to hear John the Baptist and become his disciple, as had James, Peter and Andrew. These men were seeking for something, and they came to the right place (Matthew 6:33; 7:7). They would hear the prophet speak of the Son;. "Behold the Lamb of God!" (Isaiah 53:7,8; 1 Peter 1:19,20).

John's Life With Christ

John tells us about Jesus' first miracle. It was done at a wedding feast in Cana (John. 2:1-12). Since this is recorded in Scriptures as the first miracle Jesus did, we know He had not done any as a child, as some fables suggest in what people miscall "the lost books of the Bible".

John also saw Jesus drive the money changers out of the temple in Jerusalem (John 2:13-17). He wondered about things Jesus taught that he did not yet understand, but would eventually. One example was Jesus predicting His own death and resurrection by referring to the destruction and rebuilding of "this temple" . Everyone thought He was referring to the literal temple (John 2:18-22).

John records many things that he saw as an on the spot eyewitness. He tells us of the secret visit with Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews (John 3:1-21). He heard Jesus in Judea calling for repentance when he and the other apostles baptized many (John 4:1-3). He tells of the conversation Jesus had at the well with the Samaritan woman (only John records this event) (John. 4:5-42).

John was ready to follow Jesus. Discipleship calls for sacrifice. Jesus said we must be so willing to put Him and His kingdom first.

John witnessed the life of Christ firsthand. We read that witness through the Holy Spirit inspired scriptures (John 20:30-31; 1 John 1:1-3).

John, "Son Of Thunder"

John was one of the more prominent disciples. He was a part of Christ's inner ring of beloved

disciples which included Peter and James. These three alone were privileged to witness some events the others were not.

1. They witnessed the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51)

2. They were present at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1; Mark. 9:2; Luke 9:28)

3. They were with Christ in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37; Mark 14:33).

Both John and his brother earned the nickname "sons of thunder" when some Samaritan villages rejected Jesus. John and James asked for fire from heaven to be sent on the villages (Luke 9:51-54; Mark 3:17). Of course, Jesus declined, but did give them the nickname. John was rebuked for his desire to see the city in Samaria destroyed. Sometimes we see and hear things that makes us angry as well. We must not allow our anger to cause us to forget God's love for the sinner or for our enemy.

John asked when Christ's prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem would come to pass (Mark. 13:3, 4). He would live to see it happen just as Christ has said it would.

John and Peter were sent by Jesus to prepare a place to observe the final Passover (Luke 22:8). We find John sitting next to Jesus at the Passover meal. Later, John, like the other apostles, fled into the night when Jesus was arrested. Next, he and Peter managed to get into the courtyard to see what was happening to Jesus (John 18:15-16). As Jesus hung on the cross the following day, He asked John to take care of His mother (John 19:26). On the following first day of the week, the third day after Jesus' death, John and Peter ran to the tomb of Christ after receiving word that His body was gone (John 20:2, 3).

Later that day, John would see and talk with Jesus again! We are blessed if we believe in Jesus as God. John writes of the first post resurrection appearance of Jesus to the apostles (John 20:19-23) and also of his informing Thomas of what Thomas had missed, (vs. 24-25). Note John's record of Thomas' reaction to seeing Jesus and his identification of Him as "my Lord and my God!" (27-29).

John makes reference repeatedly to "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 20:2; 13:23; 19:26; 21:7, 20, 24). This appears to be a reference to himself.

John After Pentecost

After John's involvement with the twelve apostles in the preaching of the gospel on Pentecost, we find him with Peter at the healing of the lame man (Acts 3&4). Peter and John were arrested and brought before the council.

Later, John and Peter were sent to Samaria to impart gifts of the Holy Spirit on new converts (Acts 8:14, 15). John is spoken of as "a pillar of the church" (Galatians 2:9). He wrote the books of John, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Revelation. (Revelation was written while exiled on the isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:9). According to secular sources, John spent the last years of his life preaching in Ephesus and to the seven churches of Asia.

Christ changed John. Christ is trying to change us as well (Colossians 3:9,10; 12-14). Christians are to be selfless people. We must sacrifice ourselves to the cause of Christ our Lord. John saw himself only in relation to Christ, "the beloved of Jesus." (1 John 2:3-6) People marveled because John "had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). Our lives should also reflect the glory of Christ. By our lives they should be able to tell that we have been with Jesus (spiritually by a living faith). In John's final words of Scripture, "Amen. Come Lord Jesus!"

From Expository Files 14.10; October 2007

The Plan of Salvation

By Jon W. Quinn

Plan #1

Announced by the apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to new believers in Christ who asked what they must do:

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ -- this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:36-38).

Plan #2

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 14.10; October 2007

What Are You Tired Of?

The Final Page 14.10

By Warren E. Berkley

Bible Study? God has given exactly the instruction you need to govern your thinking, speaking, acting and reacting. This truth from the Creator involves history, people, places, wisdom, motivation and insight. The Bible gives vital information available nowhere else, and tells you clearly about your problem (sin) and the only remedy (Christ). Are you at a place in life where you think you have outgrown the Bible? Do you no longer "long for the pure milk of the world?" (1 Pet. 2:2). Are you tired of Bible reading and study? This is not a good sign.

Worship? God's people come together to do what He has instructed through the apostles of Christ. Worship is about God, who He is and what He should mean to us. We sing His praises, remember and honor Christ, pray and hear God's Word. Has this become boring? A.W. Tozer once said: "It is scarcely possible in most places to get anyone to attend the meeting where the only attraction is God. One can only conclude that God's professed children are bored with Him for they must be wooed to meeting with a stick of striped candy in the form of religious movies, games and refreshments." Are you tired or bored with worship?

Small Numbers? Have you noticed the ill-advised attention our society places on numbers. A few people doing something good and right goes unnoticed. The greater the numbers, the greater the attention. This habitual thinking that elevates numbers or size can taint us. Contrary to modern obsession, read about Paul and Silas in Philippi, with just a few others (Acts 16:25-40). Or think about the seven churches in Asia (Rev. 2 & 3).

What are you tired of? Pray, open your Bible, repent of your sin and you can develop a better attitude and clearer perspective. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart," (Gal. 6:9). {If you want more on this subject, visit the Laurel Heights website and listen to two sermons: When Motivation Runs Low. http://www.lhmcallen.org/Mp3s.htm}.

From Expository Files 14.10; October 2007

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