There are many roadblocks to adequately explaining New Testament Christianity to others. One of the main roadblocks is the fact that most people who claim to follow Christ are split into various denominations and sects. Because this is so common, people have the idea that it is absolutely impossible to be a Christian like they were twenty centuries ago. But not only in theory, but in fact, it is possible to go back before any denomination was ever established and be simply a Christian.
In this series of essays, we will explore this idea of being pre-denominational. We will attempt to tear layer after layer of creeds, prayer books, and erroneous teachings to return to the pure and simple teachings of Christ. These teachings have been revealed to us in the New Testament, and that will be our main source of study. First, we will examine the preservation of New Testament Christianity. After that, we will look at the practices of the early Christians. Finally, we will see what God's plan is for those who seek to restore the ancient faith in the present day.
I ask two things of you: open your Bible and your mind. Please put away your preconceived notions and ideas, and "receive with humility the word implanted which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21).
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
The Benefits of Living a Double Life
Man, it is hard to please your friends and be a Christian at the same time! I do my best to not make my friends feel alienated or condemned because of my beliefs about Christ, morality, the church, etc. It is hard, but I have been pretty successful at it. I will list some of the great advantages of having "one foot in the church and one foot in the world."
You can set an inconsistent example for non-believers. I always find this beneficial. You see, since people already know that I am bound to sin, then there is no reason for me to make an attempt of setting a righteous example for them. There really is no real benefit for me to let my light shine all the time (Matthew 5:16), other than glorifying God. Also, what I believe should not really have much of an effect on how I live. If I show others how God condemns alcohol but I still go to parties with drinking, that's really no big deal. Try setting an inconsistent example! It really works if you want to let others know that your service to Christ is lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-15).
You can have the best of both worlds. There is nothing like a good church luncheon! All of the great food and koinonia are very encouraging. Also, there's nothing like lunch at work! All of the great food and profane language always give me a good chuckle and a full stomach. I love to straddle the fence, even though the devil owns the fence (cf. 1 Kings 18:21).
You can feel guilty when others compliment you on your good example for Christ. One day a sister in my congregation came to me to compliment on all the good works I am involved in for the Lord. I left that conversation saying to myself, "If you only knew the REAL me." Deceiving others is an art that I have almost mastered, and that I am not ready to give up yet. I love being a white-washed tomb (beatiful on the outside but full of dead bones)! After a while though, I stopped feeling guilty for my double life because it has become so much a part of my life.
You can serve God at your own convenience. This is probably the greatest benefit. See, fully-devoted Christians have to serve God with their whole life, while I only have to serve Him with part of mine. This reminds me of the story of a certain tribe of Gauls who were converted by missionaries from Rome after their military submission by Roman Legions. They agreed to be baptized in the river that bordered their land. One by one they marched into the river to receive baptism, but as each warrior went under the water, he held up one arm. It was the sword arm. They were converted, but only partially. The sword arm was reserved for use against Rome! How could God really expect "complete devotion" from us? What an outrageous idea!
There are so many benefits to living a double life. There is not even enough room on this page alone to contain it! I love being able to defer others away from heaven by my bad example and would have it no other way.
Side note: This article is a form of satire, but its content rings true with the attitude of many "two-faced" Christians. Jesus gave an excellent commentary on this wretched lifestyle when He said, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other" (Matthew 6:24). Even though in context the Savior was addressing money, this principle is applicable to every Christian's life as a whole. Jesus also condemned the Pharisees for being hypocrites and, "whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27).
May we never live a double life!
You can set an inconsistent example for non-believers. I always find this beneficial. You see, since people already know that I am bound to sin, then there is no reason for me to make an attempt of setting a righteous example for them. There really is no real benefit for me to let my light shine all the time (Matthew 5:16), other than glorifying God. Also, what I believe should not really have much of an effect on how I live. If I show others how God condemns alcohol but I still go to parties with drinking, that's really no big deal. Try setting an inconsistent example! It really works if you want to let others know that your service to Christ is lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-15).
You can have the best of both worlds. There is nothing like a good church luncheon! All of the great food and koinonia are very encouraging. Also, there's nothing like lunch at work! All of the great food and profane language always give me a good chuckle and a full stomach. I love to straddle the fence, even though the devil owns the fence (cf. 1 Kings 18:21).
You can feel guilty when others compliment you on your good example for Christ. One day a sister in my congregation came to me to compliment on all the good works I am involved in for the Lord. I left that conversation saying to myself, "If you only knew the REAL me." Deceiving others is an art that I have almost mastered, and that I am not ready to give up yet. I love being a white-washed tomb (beatiful on the outside but full of dead bones)! After a while though, I stopped feeling guilty for my double life because it has become so much a part of my life.
You can serve God at your own convenience. This is probably the greatest benefit. See, fully-devoted Christians have to serve God with their whole life, while I only have to serve Him with part of mine. This reminds me of the story of a certain tribe of Gauls who were converted by missionaries from Rome after their military submission by Roman Legions. They agreed to be baptized in the river that bordered their land. One by one they marched into the river to receive baptism, but as each warrior went under the water, he held up one arm. It was the sword arm. They were converted, but only partially. The sword arm was reserved for use against Rome! How could God really expect "complete devotion" from us? What an outrageous idea!
There are so many benefits to living a double life. There is not even enough room on this page alone to contain it! I love being able to defer others away from heaven by my bad example and would have it no other way.
Side note: This article is a form of satire, but its content rings true with the attitude of many "two-faced" Christians. Jesus gave an excellent commentary on this wretched lifestyle when He said, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other" (Matthew 6:24). Even though in context the Savior was addressing money, this principle is applicable to every Christian's life as a whole. Jesus also condemned the Pharisees for being hypocrites and, "whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27).
May we never live a double life!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Christ in Isaiah
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this."
- Isaiah 9:1-7
"Who has believed what they heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected[b] by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors."
- Isaiah 53:1-12
"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion--to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified."
- Isaiah 61:1-4
- Isaiah 9:1-7
"Who has believed what they heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected[b] by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors."
- Isaiah 53:1-12
"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion--to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified."
- Isaiah 61:1-4
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
"Please and Thank You" - Overcoming Rudeness
You have experienced it. I have experienced it. You open the door for a person at Wal-Mart or some other store, and they don't say "Thank you." You get mad and say, "People are so rude these days. It didn't use to be this way." This scenario has probably been replayed so many times in my life, that I almost expect others to be rude.
In other areas of life, rudeness tends to simply creep in. It is not obvious when it rears its ugly head. Usually, we become rude to those whom we are closest to. (Not intentionally though). It may begin with a husband and wife who have been married for five years. The husband has gotten so used to his wife's cooking that he fails to thank her for it any longer. On the other hand, his wife forgets to thank him for always taking the trash out. In their mind, those seemingly mundane chores are things that should be expected of one another.
And that is the scary and subtle story of rudeness, it sneaks in unexpectedly, leaving its recepient feeling unappreciated, and maybe even unloved.
The Bible informs us that love is "not rude" (1 Corinthians 13:5). A person who genuinely loving is polite, generous, and shows honor to those who are engaged in a good work. Rudeness has no part in a growing Christian's life.
Practical suggestions regarding rudeness
God wants His people to be thoughtful and considerate. He is a Father who loves His children and is a practitioner of what He expects of us. He was thoughtful enough to send His Son. We should be thoughtful enough to reflect that love and consideration to others.
Berude polite.
In other areas of life, rudeness tends to simply creep in. It is not obvious when it rears its ugly head. Usually, we become rude to those whom we are closest to. (Not intentionally though). It may begin with a husband and wife who have been married for five years. The husband has gotten so used to his wife's cooking that he fails to thank her for it any longer. On the other hand, his wife forgets to thank him for always taking the trash out. In their mind, those seemingly mundane chores are things that should be expected of one another.
And that is the scary and subtle story of rudeness, it sneaks in unexpectedly, leaving its recepient feeling unappreciated, and maybe even unloved.
The Bible informs us that love is "not rude" (1 Corinthians 13:5). A person who genuinely loving is polite, generous, and shows honor to those who are engaged in a good work. Rudeness has no part in a growing Christian's life.
Practical suggestions regarding rudeness
- Do not take others for granted. This is one of the hardest challenges of overcoming rudeness. Much of the time, rudeness is totally unintentional. Sometimes rudeness develops out of an attitude of "That's their job anyway." But if we take on an attitude of gratitude and humility, it will become far harder to devalue others for their kind gestures. - Philippians 2:1-5
- Determine to be polite, no matter what. In some circumstances, rudeness develops in retaliation to more rudeness. I don't know how many times I have heard people say, "you're welcome" just because someone failed to say"thank you." Are they accomplishing anything by imitating the rudeness of others. Show kindness and gentleness to all, even if they don't show it in return. - Matthew 5:39-44
God wants His people to be thoughtful and considerate. He is a Father who loves His children and is a practitioner of what He expects of us. He was thoughtful enough to send His Son. We should be thoughtful enough to reflect that love and consideration to others.
Be
Friday, May 04, 2007
Serve God.....Now!
In the course of a conversation with a friend, we touched on the subject of the unpredictability of life. Her words were that we should always live for today, because we are really unsure about tomorrow. What truth in such few words! Let's disect her words for a short bit.
"Yesterday is Gone"
Sometimes it is very hard not to live yesterday. We live in yesterday's worries, fears, insecurities, guilt, and shame. It is so easy to dwell on who we once were, instead of who God wants us to be now. The past can hurt. Much of time when we dwell on our past, we relive the hurt.
Obviously Christians in the first century also struggled with their former lives of sin. Paul assured them that they had been washed from their past sins (1 Corinthians 6:11), that they were a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and that God wanted them to "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). What comfort there is in knowing that we don't have to live yesterday!
"Live For Him....Today"
Paul also stated that, "now is the favorable time; now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Now. This is hard to realize, is it not? Today is the only day that we are assured of (and today is not even promised to end). Now is the time to serve Him. Now is the time to be faithful. Now is the time to obey the gospel.
You may have heard folks say, "Well I'll get to that work next year when things aren't as hectic" or "I'm waiting to obey the gospel when I'm not so involved in sin". What presumptuous statements! Never take God's love and grace for granted!
"Tomorrow is Not Promised"
This was not the attitude of the rich fool. His rationale was "I have plenty of time to relax, eat, drink, and be merry (Luke 12:18-20). However, he realized something totally different when he suddenly died!
We must all meet God in judgment, one day (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27). As I stand before him as an individual, I will give an acoount for my life, not anyone else's. But when will that day be? Jesus said that no one knows (Matthew 24:36). Either I will die first, or the Savior will return first. I really do not know.
That is why it is of utmost importance to live for Christ right now, today, this very moment, this very minute, this very second.
"Yesterday is Gone"
Sometimes it is very hard not to live yesterday. We live in yesterday's worries, fears, insecurities, guilt, and shame. It is so easy to dwell on who we once were, instead of who God wants us to be now. The past can hurt. Much of time when we dwell on our past, we relive the hurt.
Obviously Christians in the first century also struggled with their former lives of sin. Paul assured them that they had been washed from their past sins (1 Corinthians 6:11), that they were a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and that God wanted them to "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). What comfort there is in knowing that we don't have to live yesterday!
"Live For Him....Today"
Paul also stated that, "now is the favorable time; now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Now. This is hard to realize, is it not? Today is the only day that we are assured of (and today is not even promised to end). Now is the time to serve Him. Now is the time to be faithful. Now is the time to obey the gospel.
You may have heard folks say, "Well I'll get to that work next year when things aren't as hectic" or "I'm waiting to obey the gospel when I'm not so involved in sin". What presumptuous statements! Never take God's love and grace for granted!
"Tomorrow is Not Promised"
This was not the attitude of the rich fool. His rationale was "I have plenty of time to relax, eat, drink, and be merry (Luke 12:18-20). However, he realized something totally different when he suddenly died!
We must all meet God in judgment, one day (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27). As I stand before him as an individual, I will give an acoount for my life, not anyone else's. But when will that day be? Jesus said that no one knows (Matthew 24:36). Either I will die first, or the Savior will return first. I really do not know.
That is why it is of utmost importance to live for Christ right now, today, this very moment, this very minute, this very second.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
"You Can't Have It, That's Mine!!" - Overcoming Selfishness
He had a problem. He had lots of things, but he wasn't using them correctly. He had so many things, that he had to build extra room to hold the things in. He was so content with his things, that he said to himself, "you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry". But then, it all came to an end. His "soul was required of him". His life was over. He had been selfish (cf. Luke 12:13-21).
The sad part of this man's story is that he had so much, yet never used it. He was selfish with his possessions. They could have gone toward much good, and brought so much joy to the less-forunate, but he kept it all to himself. He loved acquiring things rather than giving things away. What a miserable life!
Sometimes, we find ourselves in that same predicament. Selfishness was not confined to that rich fool, but is active in many lives even today. Selfishness manifests itself when we refuse to give time to Bible study, prayer, encouragement of weak brethren, money to the congregation, the less-fortunate, etc. Selfishness is indeed a handicap to living a full and abundant life in Christ.
God's Sefishness
Imagine if God was selfish. There would be no air to breath or food to eat. Life would be bland. It would be hopeless. Life as we know it would be non-existent. If God was selfish, there would have been no Savior to give His life for us. God gave (John 3:16). He did not hold back in giving the gift of His Son. Imagine if He had done so!
God is not one to hold back blessings or time for His children. He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). He allows us rain and other blessings to help sustain our physical lives. To group God and selfishness together in one sentence is an oxymoron. God is totally unselfish, and we should imitate Him in that regard.
Our Selfishness
Selfishness can be very subtle, almost totally unnoticeable. But, it is a hindrance to a Christian's spiritual growth and development. Paul stated that love does not "insist on it own way", but is generous and benevolent (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Love is willing to give of itself, and never ask for anything in return. Selfishness is unloving, harsh, cold, ungrateful, and full of hatred. It is self-centered, and never God-centered.
God does not tolerate our selfishness, and He has the right no to! Why? Because He only requires what He Himself is already doing.
Applying Unselfishness
Heavenly Father wants us to be a people who practice giving, thanksgiving, and forgiving. He wants us to give of our time, energy, and abilities unselfishly. Why? Because He unselfishly gives His for us. What more (or less) could He ask of us?
Beselfish unselfish.
The sad part of this man's story is that he had so much, yet never used it. He was selfish with his possessions. They could have gone toward much good, and brought so much joy to the less-forunate, but he kept it all to himself. He loved acquiring things rather than giving things away. What a miserable life!
Sometimes, we find ourselves in that same predicament. Selfishness was not confined to that rich fool, but is active in many lives even today. Selfishness manifests itself when we refuse to give time to Bible study, prayer, encouragement of weak brethren, money to the congregation, the less-fortunate, etc. Selfishness is indeed a handicap to living a full and abundant life in Christ.
God's Sefishness
Imagine if God was selfish. There would be no air to breath or food to eat. Life would be bland. It would be hopeless. Life as we know it would be non-existent. If God was selfish, there would have been no Savior to give His life for us. God gave (John 3:16). He did not hold back in giving the gift of His Son. Imagine if He had done so!
God is not one to hold back blessings or time for His children. He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). He allows us rain and other blessings to help sustain our physical lives. To group God and selfishness together in one sentence is an oxymoron. God is totally unselfish, and we should imitate Him in that regard.
Our Selfishness
Selfishness can be very subtle, almost totally unnoticeable. But, it is a hindrance to a Christian's spiritual growth and development. Paul stated that love does not "insist on it own way", but is generous and benevolent (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Love is willing to give of itself, and never ask for anything in return. Selfishness is unloving, harsh, cold, ungrateful, and full of hatred. It is self-centered, and never God-centered.
God does not tolerate our selfishness, and He has the right no to! Why? Because He only requires what He Himself is already doing.
Applying Unselfishness
- Be a grateful person. There is no greater combatant of selfishness than gratitude. Paul admonishes us to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). A person who counts his many blessings (i.e. family, friends, material possessions, salvation, Christ, the church), will never have a prroblem being giving and unselfish. "Forget not all His benefits' (Psalm 103:2).
- Do not take life for granted. Isn't that what the rich fool did? At the very moment that he forgot about the uncertainty of life, his "soul was required of him". Life is totally unceertain, therfore, we should always live it as if it is our very last (cf. James 4:14-15). This means never heaping for ourselves vast amounts of material things that will never go to use.
Heavenly Father wants us to be a people who practice giving, thanksgiving, and forgiving. He wants us to give of our time, energy, and abilities unselfishly. Why? Because He unselfishly gives His for us. What more (or less) could He ask of us?
Be
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
