You remember the story - How the Amalekites attacked the children of Israel on their way to the Promised Land. (Exodus 17:8) And how Moses commissioned Joshua to form an army and defeat them. (verses 9-10) As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites would win; but, when Moses got tired of holding up his hands, the Amalekites would start winning. In the end, Aaron and Hur managed to hold up his hands long enough for Joshua and his forces to defeat them. (verses 11-3)
Even so, those Amalekites had really gotten God's dander up. We read: "After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, 'Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.'" (Exodus 17:14) Later, God gave the task for dealing with these scoundrels to the Israelites - after they had an opportunity to get settled in the Promised Land. We read: ""Never forget what the Amalekites did to you as you came from Egypt. (Talk about holding grudges!) They attacked you when you were exhausted and weary, and they struck down those who were straggling behind. They had no fear of God. Therefore, when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your enemies in the land he is giving you as a special possession, you must destroy the Amalekites and erase their memory from under heaven. Never forget this!" (Deuteronomy 25:17-19)
Nevertheless, according to Scripture, this "Divine" declaration was not carried out until several hundred years later. After the establishment of Saul as Israel's king, we read: "One day Samuel said to Saul, It was the Lord who told me to anoint you as king of his people, Israel. Now listen to this message from the Lord! This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies has declared: 'I have decided to settle accounts with the nation of Amalek for opposing Israel when they came from Egypt. Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation - men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys.'" (I Samuel 15:1-3)
Now that is pretty harsh! They must have really pissed off God to get a sentence like that (Please don't get offended, that word is used in the King James Version of the Bible). Think about it, Saul was commanded to exterminate everything that belonged to these people - not just the male soldiers. The instructions are explicit and include women, children and livestock. Moreover, if we read further into the account, we are told that Saul made God even more angry by sparing the king of Amalek and a few of the livestock. (verses 7-11)
How does one reconcile that kind of language with a loving and compassionate God that notices when a sparrow drops dead? The short answer is that you can't! I've heard all of the explanations: God has the right to do whatever he deems necessary (including killing humans), All humans are ultimately worthy of death, God was showing compassion to the Amalekites by cutting off their suffering (He has the ability to resurrect them later and have mercy on them), etc. Even so, don't all of those explanations seem to come up short when we really think about what happened? What did the women, children and babies do to deserve being butchered? What about the poor livestock? OK, maybe some of the donkeys and camels were a little stubborn - but was that enough to justify indiscriminately slaughtering them?
Why is it so hard for us to just say that this account is completely inconsistent with what is revealed about God's character elsewhere in Scripture? In the end, the only things that such an admission actually discredits are the stories that attribute such a horror to God! I don't know about you, but my God isn't vindictive - doesn't hold grudges for hundreds of years - and never told anyone to commit genocide!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Monday, July 7, 2014
God and tithing
Tithing is a biblical principle that has been misunderstood by some (and abused by other) "Christian" leaders for centuries. Indeed, it has been used by some unscrupulous individuals as a way to enrich the church and/or themselves. Lay members eager to obey and please God have been encouraged to give anywhere from one tenth to thirty percent of their gross income to the church.
Nevertheless, if our objective is to honestly try to apply this Old Testament principle to New Testament giving, then it is essential that we understand the way that tithing worked in ancient Israelite society. In this regard, the first thing to understand is that ancient Israel was an agricultural society. As a consequence, the principle of tithing was applied to crops and farm animals. There was a "tithe of the land" (crops) and a "tithe of the herd" (livestock). Leviticus 27:30, 32
The next thing that is crucial to a proper understanding of the practice of tithing in Israel is the fact that this was done on the "increase" or profit that was produced each year. Deuteronomy 14:22 In other words, the tithe was "paid" on the crop that was produced that year or the livestock that was born that year. In this formulation, it was understood that the farmer owned his home and land. The farmer did not receive a paycheck or have mortgage or utility payments to make. Likewise, it was understood that the farmer had to feed and provide for his family's needs.
God also designated that the tithe be brought to the place designated by God at the time of harvest. There were two harvests that coincided with the annual festivals outlined in the twenty-third chapter of Leviticus. The Israelites were instructed to bring this tithe to the feast and present offerings to the priesthood and eat it "before the Lord." Deuteronomy 14:23 In this connection, they were specifically forbidden from using the tithe at home. Deuteronomy 12:17 Hence, it was made very clear in Scripture that most of the tithe was to be used in the celebration of the religious festivals (first at Shiloh and later at Jerusalem).
Finally, as there was no central government when the tithe was instituted, the Israelites were instructed to use the tithe every third year to support the Levites and the poor among them. Deuteronomy 14:28-29 Hence, in attempting to apply this principle in modern times, one must take into account current taxation by our central government and its programs to help the poor among us.
In similar fashion, most of the people in our society are not farmers. Most of our people are paid wages for work performed for someone else. Likewise, most of us have mortgage, car and utility payments to make each month. Hence, when trying to apply the principle of tithing to modern times, we need to ask ourselves what part of our income constitutes an "increase" or profit. So, when you attempt to adopt this practice, you might want to think twice about giving ten to thirty percent of your gross income to a single church organization! Sorry preachers, I know that's going to make some of you mad.
Nevertheless, if our objective is to honestly try to apply this Old Testament principle to New Testament giving, then it is essential that we understand the way that tithing worked in ancient Israelite society. In this regard, the first thing to understand is that ancient Israel was an agricultural society. As a consequence, the principle of tithing was applied to crops and farm animals. There was a "tithe of the land" (crops) and a "tithe of the herd" (livestock). Leviticus 27:30, 32
The next thing that is crucial to a proper understanding of the practice of tithing in Israel is the fact that this was done on the "increase" or profit that was produced each year. Deuteronomy 14:22 In other words, the tithe was "paid" on the crop that was produced that year or the livestock that was born that year. In this formulation, it was understood that the farmer owned his home and land. The farmer did not receive a paycheck or have mortgage or utility payments to make. Likewise, it was understood that the farmer had to feed and provide for his family's needs.
God also designated that the tithe be brought to the place designated by God at the time of harvest. There were two harvests that coincided with the annual festivals outlined in the twenty-third chapter of Leviticus. The Israelites were instructed to bring this tithe to the feast and present offerings to the priesthood and eat it "before the Lord." Deuteronomy 14:23 In this connection, they were specifically forbidden from using the tithe at home. Deuteronomy 12:17 Hence, it was made very clear in Scripture that most of the tithe was to be used in the celebration of the religious festivals (first at Shiloh and later at Jerusalem).
Finally, as there was no central government when the tithe was instituted, the Israelites were instructed to use the tithe every third year to support the Levites and the poor among them. Deuteronomy 14:28-29 Hence, in attempting to apply this principle in modern times, one must take into account current taxation by our central government and its programs to help the poor among us.
In similar fashion, most of the people in our society are not farmers. Most of our people are paid wages for work performed for someone else. Likewise, most of us have mortgage, car and utility payments to make each month. Hence, when trying to apply the principle of tithing to modern times, we need to ask ourselves what part of our income constitutes an "increase" or profit. So, when you attempt to adopt this practice, you might want to think twice about giving ten to thirty percent of your gross income to a single church organization! Sorry preachers, I know that's going to make some of you mad.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Job had ideas about God too!
Like all of us, Job had his notions about what God was like. Job had a set of beliefs and opinions about God that were based on incomplete and sometimes inaccurate knowledge. Nevertheless, Job held tenaciously to his beliefs throughout his trials and sufferings. Those beliefs kept him from sinking into despair and gave him confidence in himself - in his righteousness before God.
Even so, Job was clearly frustrated by his misfortunes. He felt that what had happened to him was unfair and unjust. In his arrogance and pride, Job was in a mood to confront God. He wanted to know: "What's going on here?" "Why has God allowed me to experience these things?" In short, Job wanted answers; and he clearly felt that he deserved them.
God, however, clearly had a different perspective on things. In fact, God's response to Job sounds exactly like something that God would say to all of us: "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them." -- Job 38:1-3 God then proceeds to ask Job a series of questions relative to the creation of the earth and the life that inhabits it that no one alive today would be able to answer definitively. -- Job 38-41
When God was finished, Job finally realized that his beliefs and opinions were clearly not up to this Divine challenge. We read: "Then Job replied to the Lord: 'I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, 'Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?' It is I - and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, 'Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.' I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show (demonstrate) my repentance." -- Job 42:1-6
I think that there is a great deal of wisdom in Job's reply. What do you think?
Even so, Job was clearly frustrated by his misfortunes. He felt that what had happened to him was unfair and unjust. In his arrogance and pride, Job was in a mood to confront God. He wanted to know: "What's going on here?" "Why has God allowed me to experience these things?" In short, Job wanted answers; and he clearly felt that he deserved them.
God, however, clearly had a different perspective on things. In fact, God's response to Job sounds exactly like something that God would say to all of us: "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them." -- Job 38:1-3 God then proceeds to ask Job a series of questions relative to the creation of the earth and the life that inhabits it that no one alive today would be able to answer definitively. -- Job 38-41
When God was finished, Job finally realized that his beliefs and opinions were clearly not up to this Divine challenge. We read: "Then Job replied to the Lord: 'I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, 'Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?' It is I - and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, 'Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.' I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show (demonstrate) my repentance." -- Job 42:1-6
I think that there is a great deal of wisdom in Job's reply. What do you think?
Saturday, July 5, 2014
The spirit of antichrist
Prophecy junkies love to speculate about the identity of the antichrist, but few people seem interested in exploring what this term actually means. The Greek word "antichristos" literally implies one who is opposed or adversarial to the Messiah. (The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible) Moreover, when we study the scriptures where this word is used, it quickly becomes evident that many people have exhibited this spirit. In other words, there are many antichrists extant in the world.
In his first epistle, John wrote: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust (desire) of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that aknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also." (I John 2:15-23)
Hence, according to John, an antichrist is a Christian who has abandoned their devotion to Christ and his teachings. Christians have been called out of the moral filth and behaviors of this world, but these individuals have been enticed back into their former lifestyles. In other words, they have rejected Christ and the things that he represents - his way of life. John also makes clear that there were many of these individuals around when he wrote his epistle.
Later, in this same epistle, John wrote: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (I John 4:1-4)
So, if someone is teaching something (or behaving in a way) that is not consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ, that person is following a spirit of antichrist. A person who espouses hateful things and is judgmental of others is denying the very Messiah (Jesus Christ) to whom they claim to belong. Jesus Christ once said: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23) In short, you can't be a Christian and behave like a person who disregards Christ's teachings.
In his second epistle, John wrote: "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (II John 7-9) A "Christian" who is not following Christ's teachings is acting in the spirit of antichrist. Hence, people who hate, marginalize and condemn others are steeped in the spirit of antichrist. And, just as in the days of John, there are many of these kinds of folks extant in the world. If you're looking for the antichrist, just turn on your television set and watch the crowds shouting and spitting at bus loads of illegal immigrants or watch one of the clips of those Westboro Baptist Church protests at the funeral of one of our fallen soldiers.
In his first epistle, John wrote: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust (desire) of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that aknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also." (I John 2:15-23)
Hence, according to John, an antichrist is a Christian who has abandoned their devotion to Christ and his teachings. Christians have been called out of the moral filth and behaviors of this world, but these individuals have been enticed back into their former lifestyles. In other words, they have rejected Christ and the things that he represents - his way of life. John also makes clear that there were many of these individuals around when he wrote his epistle.
Later, in this same epistle, John wrote: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (I John 4:1-4)
So, if someone is teaching something (or behaving in a way) that is not consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ, that person is following a spirit of antichrist. A person who espouses hateful things and is judgmental of others is denying the very Messiah (Jesus Christ) to whom they claim to belong. Jesus Christ once said: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23) In short, you can't be a Christian and behave like a person who disregards Christ's teachings.
In his second epistle, John wrote: "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (II John 7-9) A "Christian" who is not following Christ's teachings is acting in the spirit of antichrist. Hence, people who hate, marginalize and condemn others are steeped in the spirit of antichrist. And, just as in the days of John, there are many of these kinds of folks extant in the world. If you're looking for the antichrist, just turn on your television set and watch the crowds shouting and spitting at bus loads of illegal immigrants or watch one of the clips of those Westboro Baptist Church protests at the funeral of one of our fallen soldiers.
Friday, July 4, 2014
God bless the U.S.A.
On this anniversary of our formal Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, I am reminded how very blessed we have been in this other Eden called America. This country was founded on the premise that all people are created equal and that our Creator has endowed us with certain rights - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The history of this country has been the story of the expansion of those rights - to include more and more of the people.
My ancestor, Chief Powhatan, was there to greet the first English settlers at Jamestown. An uncle, John Howland, was there at Plymouth when that colony was founded. My ancestors settled throughout the colonies and fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Many of our nation's "Founding Fathers" are distant cousins of mine. My ancestors fought for the Union and the Confederacy during the Civil War, and a few of them gave that last full measure of devotion in that struggle to expand the meaning of freedom. My family swept westward to the Great Plains, and one of my uncles died in a shootout on the street of a dusty little town in Oklahoma. My family endured through the Great Depression and gathered around the radio to listen to FDR's fireside chats when times were tough. My grandparents fought to free the world of the tyranny of fascism and empire in World War II. We have survived assassination, Vietnam, Watergate, and 9/11 in my lifetime; and we have also put a man on the moon, expanded civil rights and elected our first Black president during that same period.
God has truly blessed this great country, and I hope and pray that God will continue to do so. Father, guide our leaders to make good decisions for our country and inspire our people to be good citizens. Frustrate the wicked plans of our enemies and help us to expand freedom and opportunity for our citizens and the citizens of the world. Help us to be a blessing to others and an instrument of peace in the world. God bless the USA!
My ancestor, Chief Powhatan, was there to greet the first English settlers at Jamestown. An uncle, John Howland, was there at Plymouth when that colony was founded. My ancestors settled throughout the colonies and fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Many of our nation's "Founding Fathers" are distant cousins of mine. My ancestors fought for the Union and the Confederacy during the Civil War, and a few of them gave that last full measure of devotion in that struggle to expand the meaning of freedom. My family swept westward to the Great Plains, and one of my uncles died in a shootout on the street of a dusty little town in Oklahoma. My family endured through the Great Depression and gathered around the radio to listen to FDR's fireside chats when times were tough. My grandparents fought to free the world of the tyranny of fascism and empire in World War II. We have survived assassination, Vietnam, Watergate, and 9/11 in my lifetime; and we have also put a man on the moon, expanded civil rights and elected our first Black president during that same period.
God has truly blessed this great country, and I hope and pray that God will continue to do so. Father, guide our leaders to make good decisions for our country and inspire our people to be good citizens. Frustrate the wicked plans of our enemies and help us to expand freedom and opportunity for our citizens and the citizens of the world. Help us to be a blessing to others and an instrument of peace in the world. God bless the USA!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
The "True" Gospel!
What a spectacle! The different denominations and churches that call themselves Christians can't even agree on what constitutes THE GOSPEL. Many say that it is a message about Christ. Some say that it is a message about grace. Some say that it is a message about salvation. Others preach what is derisively referred to by more conservative Christians as a Social Gospel (an emphasis on the Christian duty to help those who are poor, suffering and in pain and promote peace in the world). And a few groups insist that the only TRUE GOSPEL is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Which one of these messages is the God-sanctioned Gospel?
The correct answer (at least from a scriptural perspective) is "all of the above." All of the elements listed above are components of the "TRUE" Gospel. In other words, most of organized Christianity has chosen to focus on a part of God's Gospel message and ignore or exclude other parts. They emphasize what they have decided is most important.
The Greek word "euaggelion" that appears in the King James Version of the Bible as "gospel" means "good news" or "glad tidings." (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible) Hence, one could reasonably conclude that all of the messages listed above would qualify as "GOOD NEWS" for humankind.
Moreover, when we examine the testimony of the writings of the New Testament, we are forced to conclude that this is the only conclusion that is supported by the evidence. Let's look at a few of those scriptures:
In support of a message about Christ:
"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them." -- Acts 8:5
"And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God." -- Acts 9:20
"For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea." -- II Corinthians 1:19
"What then? notwithstanding , every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." -- Philippians 1:18
In support of a message about grace:
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." -- Acts 20:24
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel." -- Galatians 1:6
"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward..." -- Ephesians 3:2
"Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." -- II Thessalonians 2:16-17
In support of a message about salvation:
"Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent." -- Acts 13:26
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek..." -- Romans 1:16
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise..." -- Ephesians 1:13
"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." -- II Timothy 1:10
In support of a social gospel:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." -- Luke 4:18
"Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached." -- Luke 7:22
"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" -- Romans 10:15
"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." -- Ephesians 6:15
In support of a message about the kingdom of God:
"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." -- Matthew 4:23
"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." -- Matthew 9:35
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." -- Matthew 24:14
"Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." -- Mark 1:14-15
In conclusion, if we truly want to get to the essence of the gospel message, we must look at all of the scriptures related to the subject. When we do that, we must conclude that THE GOSPEL message was:
1) The story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
2) The information that we are saved by grace, not by our own efforts.
3) The knowledge that we have received the salvation of our souls and have been given eternal life.
4) The awareness that we are to live our lives in service to others and promote Christ's values and teachings on this earth.
5) About the establishment of the Kingdom of God on this earth, and all that that entails for humanity.
Hence, THE GOSPEL is not one of these things - IT'S ALL OF THEM!
The correct answer (at least from a scriptural perspective) is "all of the above." All of the elements listed above are components of the "TRUE" Gospel. In other words, most of organized Christianity has chosen to focus on a part of God's Gospel message and ignore or exclude other parts. They emphasize what they have decided is most important.
The Greek word "euaggelion" that appears in the King James Version of the Bible as "gospel" means "good news" or "glad tidings." (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible) Hence, one could reasonably conclude that all of the messages listed above would qualify as "GOOD NEWS" for humankind.
Moreover, when we examine the testimony of the writings of the New Testament, we are forced to conclude that this is the only conclusion that is supported by the evidence. Let's look at a few of those scriptures:
In support of a message about Christ:
"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them." -- Acts 8:5
"And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God." -- Acts 9:20
"For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea." -- II Corinthians 1:19
"What then? notwithstanding , every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." -- Philippians 1:18
In support of a message about grace:
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." -- Acts 20:24
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel." -- Galatians 1:6
"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward..." -- Ephesians 3:2
"Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." -- II Thessalonians 2:16-17
In support of a message about salvation:
"Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent." -- Acts 13:26
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek..." -- Romans 1:16
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise..." -- Ephesians 1:13
"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." -- II Timothy 1:10
In support of a social gospel:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." -- Luke 4:18
"Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached." -- Luke 7:22
"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" -- Romans 10:15
"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." -- Ephesians 6:15
In support of a message about the kingdom of God:
"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." -- Matthew 4:23
"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." -- Matthew 9:35
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." -- Matthew 24:14
"Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." -- Mark 1:14-15
In conclusion, if we truly want to get to the essence of the gospel message, we must look at all of the scriptures related to the subject. When we do that, we must conclude that THE GOSPEL message was:
1) The story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
2) The information that we are saved by grace, not by our own efforts.
3) The knowledge that we have received the salvation of our souls and have been given eternal life.
4) The awareness that we are to live our lives in service to others and promote Christ's values and teachings on this earth.
5) About the establishment of the Kingdom of God on this earth, and all that that entails for humanity.
Hence, THE GOSPEL is not one of these things - IT'S ALL OF THEM!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
God and the democratization of knowledge
While many religious leaders like to talk about their authority to interpret God's will, God and the Bible challenge the idea of such authority in the hands of an individual or elite. Indeed, the idea of exclusive or secret sacerdotal (priestly) knowledge is foreign to the Bible. Instead, the entire message of Scripture (from Genesis to Revelation) is one of empowering the people - the entire community of believers to study, learn, interpret and employ the knowledge that is revealed there.
Unlike the writings, prophecies and oracles of other ancient religious traditions, the Bible was never regarded as the property of priests and/or nobles. Instead, the Hebrew Scriptures and the writings of the New Testament were addressed to the entire community - the people as a whole. Everyone was expected to study the writings and employ the lessons derived from those studies in their own lives. The Bible was never intended for the king's eyes only. Indeed, for a majority of their history, the Hebrew people had no king of their own (and the foreign kings who reigned over them largely ignored their scriptures).
The phrase "speak unto the children of Israel" is used thirty-two times in the first five books of the King James Version of the Hebrew Bible. In fact, the people were instructed to thoroughly familiarize themselves with this knowledge and pass it on to their children. We read: "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) For emphasis, these instructions are repeated a few chapters later: "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates..." (Deuteronomy 11:18-20)
Notice that the task of studying and learning this information was assigned to everyone, not just to the elite of the community. Indeed, the people are specifically instructed to discuss these things in the privacy of their own homes, while they were walking along, when they went to bed and when they got up in the morning. In other words, learning and passing this information along was considered the responsibility of each person within the community; and this activity was specifically described in these remarks as taking place without any priestly, scribal or governmental authority's presence. "You do it - on your own - when nobody's watching you!"
In fact, the only time that the subject of their earthly king is mentioned in the Torah, the instructions sound very similar to the instructions that were given to the people as a whole: "And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them..." (Deuteronomy 17:18-19) In other words, the king was to study and learn for himself the same material that his subjects were required to study and learn for themselves.
In similar fashion, the "Wisdom Literature" (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, etc.) was addressed to the widest possible audience. It was envisioned by God (and the people who wrote, recorded and/or collected these writings) that everyone within the community would have access to this material. Likewise, the prophets generally address themselves to the people as a whole. Indeed, even their messages for the king himself are recorded for everyone to read. Ezra read the entire "Book of the Law of Moses" to the entire community (men, women and everyone who could understand it). (Nehemiah 8:1-3)
Moreover, this democratization of knowledge was not confined to the Old Testament. Jesus Christ delivered his message to the masses. (Matthew 4:23-25, 8:1, 18, 9:35-36, 12:15, 13:1-2, 34-36, 54, 14:13-14, etc.) "Yes, but he specifically committed the responsibility for disseminating his teachings to his apostles," my skeptical friends will remind us. (Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8) This is certainly true, but notice that they were given the task of disseminating (spreading) his teachings to the people. In the great tradition of the literature which had preceded them, the apostles gave their information to the community as a whole - it was not theirs to keep or parcel out as they saw fit. Indeed, Peter was later shown that this information about Christ (and salvation through him) was not to be confined to the Jewish community - that it was also for the Gentiles. (Acts 10 and 11)
Likewise, most of the apostolic epistles are addressed to entire congregations. Paul wrote to all the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7), the entire church at Corinth (I Corinthians 1:2 and II Corinthians 1:1), all of the churches of Galatia (Galatians 1:2), all the saints at Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1), all the saints at Philippi (Phillippians 1:1), all the saints and faithful brethren at Colosse (Colossians 1:2) and the entire church of the Thessalonians (I Thessalonians 1:1 and II Thessalonians 1:1). Even in those instances where he addressed a specific individual, we find that those letters were preserved and made a part of the canon for the benefit of the entire community of Christians. James addressed his epistle "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad." (James 1:1) Peter addressed his first epistle "to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia." (I Peter 1:1) John's Apocalypse was addressed to seven churches in Asia. (Revelation 1:11)
Moreover, it is made abundantly clear in the New Testament that there would be no authoritarian elite tolerated in Christ's church. Jesus said: "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." (Luke 22:25-26) In fact, even the apostles did not seek to impose their understanding or interpretation of Scripture on their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul wrote to the saints at Rome: "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." (Romans 14:4-5)
Thus, we can clearly see that the Scriptures were never intended to be the purview of a single individual, ministerial council or group of scholars or elders. The Bible was intended to be the purview of the entire community of God's people. It is not an elite book of state secrets that was intended to be the exclusive intellectual property of a few. Rather, it was intended by its authors (and the One who inspired them) for everyone. It's almost like God has posted a big sign across the Bible that some people refuse to see: "Sorry folks, no religious authorities needed here!"
Unlike the writings, prophecies and oracles of other ancient religious traditions, the Bible was never regarded as the property of priests and/or nobles. Instead, the Hebrew Scriptures and the writings of the New Testament were addressed to the entire community - the people as a whole. Everyone was expected to study the writings and employ the lessons derived from those studies in their own lives. The Bible was never intended for the king's eyes only. Indeed, for a majority of their history, the Hebrew people had no king of their own (and the foreign kings who reigned over them largely ignored their scriptures).
The phrase "speak unto the children of Israel" is used thirty-two times in the first five books of the King James Version of the Hebrew Bible. In fact, the people were instructed to thoroughly familiarize themselves with this knowledge and pass it on to their children. We read: "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) For emphasis, these instructions are repeated a few chapters later: "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates..." (Deuteronomy 11:18-20)
Notice that the task of studying and learning this information was assigned to everyone, not just to the elite of the community. Indeed, the people are specifically instructed to discuss these things in the privacy of their own homes, while they were walking along, when they went to bed and when they got up in the morning. In other words, learning and passing this information along was considered the responsibility of each person within the community; and this activity was specifically described in these remarks as taking place without any priestly, scribal or governmental authority's presence. "You do it - on your own - when nobody's watching you!"
In fact, the only time that the subject of their earthly king is mentioned in the Torah, the instructions sound very similar to the instructions that were given to the people as a whole: "And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them..." (Deuteronomy 17:18-19) In other words, the king was to study and learn for himself the same material that his subjects were required to study and learn for themselves.
In similar fashion, the "Wisdom Literature" (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, etc.) was addressed to the widest possible audience. It was envisioned by God (and the people who wrote, recorded and/or collected these writings) that everyone within the community would have access to this material. Likewise, the prophets generally address themselves to the people as a whole. Indeed, even their messages for the king himself are recorded for everyone to read. Ezra read the entire "Book of the Law of Moses" to the entire community (men, women and everyone who could understand it). (Nehemiah 8:1-3)
Moreover, this democratization of knowledge was not confined to the Old Testament. Jesus Christ delivered his message to the masses. (Matthew 4:23-25, 8:1, 18, 9:35-36, 12:15, 13:1-2, 34-36, 54, 14:13-14, etc.) "Yes, but he specifically committed the responsibility for disseminating his teachings to his apostles," my skeptical friends will remind us. (Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8) This is certainly true, but notice that they were given the task of disseminating (spreading) his teachings to the people. In the great tradition of the literature which had preceded them, the apostles gave their information to the community as a whole - it was not theirs to keep or parcel out as they saw fit. Indeed, Peter was later shown that this information about Christ (and salvation through him) was not to be confined to the Jewish community - that it was also for the Gentiles. (Acts 10 and 11)
Likewise, most of the apostolic epistles are addressed to entire congregations. Paul wrote to all the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7), the entire church at Corinth (I Corinthians 1:2 and II Corinthians 1:1), all of the churches of Galatia (Galatians 1:2), all the saints at Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1), all the saints at Philippi (Phillippians 1:1), all the saints and faithful brethren at Colosse (Colossians 1:2) and the entire church of the Thessalonians (I Thessalonians 1:1 and II Thessalonians 1:1). Even in those instances where he addressed a specific individual, we find that those letters were preserved and made a part of the canon for the benefit of the entire community of Christians. James addressed his epistle "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad." (James 1:1) Peter addressed his first epistle "to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia." (I Peter 1:1) John's Apocalypse was addressed to seven churches in Asia. (Revelation 1:11)
Moreover, it is made abundantly clear in the New Testament that there would be no authoritarian elite tolerated in Christ's church. Jesus said: "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." (Luke 22:25-26) In fact, even the apostles did not seek to impose their understanding or interpretation of Scripture on their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul wrote to the saints at Rome: "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." (Romans 14:4-5)
Thus, we can clearly see that the Scriptures were never intended to be the purview of a single individual, ministerial council or group of scholars or elders. The Bible was intended to be the purview of the entire community of God's people. It is not an elite book of state secrets that was intended to be the exclusive intellectual property of a few. Rather, it was intended by its authors (and the One who inspired them) for everyone. It's almost like God has posted a big sign across the Bible that some people refuse to see: "Sorry folks, no religious authorities needed here!"
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