When two people respond differently to the same ethical situation does it mean one is right while the other is wrong? Is it possible for truth to be relative? Does the context of the situation define the correct outcome? Modern society shouts, “Why don’t you just keep your beliefs to yourself; what is right for you may not be right for me!” The redefinition of truth has transformed our world, and not for the better. What one person accepts as truth is not anything like the next. What one does in a certain situation may or may not be an acceptable response for another. In the homes, in the supermarket aisle, in the classrooms filled with children, people hold radically different perspectives on truth. This is the frame of mind of our modern world—a world that has accepted the errant philosophy known as “situation ethics!”

Situation Ethics Defined

Situation ethics is defined as, “a system of ethics by which acts are judged within their contexts instead of by categorical principles” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). It is the belief system in which all actions must be determined to be right or wrong depending on the contemporary and cultural setting. Situation ethics rejects the idea of absolute truth and deems all truth “relative.”  According to situation ethics truth is defined by the individual in a particular situation.

The manner in which people are changing truth is nothing new; it has been an ongoing, gradual process for a long time. Within the past few hundred years humanity has started to perceive things differently. Consider the shift away from the biblical standard through the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the Industrial Revolution.  Josh McDowell remarks, “The inventions, innovations and improvements of the Industrial Age fueled more than factory furnaces; it stoked the fires of human confidence. The progress that men and women saw all around them encouraged them to look to themselves for hope and guidance. Man no longer felt the need to look upward (to God); he need only look inward (to himself).”

The technological and societal changes wrought during these successive historical movements set the stage for gullible man to accept Darwinism. Few men have so profoundly shaped the mind and morality of modern man more than Charles Darwin. His theories have altered the world’s understanding of morality and ethics.

What we now call “Situation Ethics” has evolved through the work and writings of many individuals through the years. One writer, in particular, has articulated the modern concept and enjoyed a wide influence among those who embrace Situation Ethics.  In the mid 1960’s, Joseph Fletcher published his work, Situation Ethics, becoming known as the “Father of Situation Ethics.” Weldon Warnock in his article “Situation Ethics” quotes from Fletcher’s book: “As we shall see, Christian situation ethics has only one norm or principle or law (call it what you will) that is binding and unexceptionable, always good and right regardless of the circumstances. That is ‘love’—the agape of the summary commandment to love God and the neighbor” (p. 30); “For the situationist there are no rules—none at all” (p. 55); “…circumstances alter rules and principles” (p. 29); “…all laws and rules and principles and ideals and norms, are only contingent, only valid if they happen to serve love in any situation…the Christians chooses what he believes to be the demands of love in the present situation” (pp. 30, 55).

According to Fletcher, an Episcopalian, all you need is love. If we follow his logic it is acceptable to commit fornication, have extramarital relations, lie, cheat, steal, drink—as long as it is done in with a loving heart. In reality, these are the actions of which the Bible plainly states that those who do such “…shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

Notice carefully the sly infiltration of such thinking. At first it was the product of a Godless world. It is understandable, although sad and tragic, for a world who has rejected God to have a skewed view of right and wrong. However, those without God are no longer the only one’s holding to such a concept. Mr. Fletcher has brought it into “Christianity.” Fletcher attempts to justify situation ethics through appeal to Scripture. Sadly, many in the Lord’s church today have been influenced, either directly or indirectly, and perhaps unwittingly, by Fletcher’s teachings.

The Absolutism of Truth

Scripture teaches that truth is absolute: it is the same for all people, in all places and for all time. Truth is truth and does not change; what is true today will be true tomorrow. With the introduction of situation ethics to the religious world truth has been skewed. In the modern religious atmosphere many have forsaken truth. When one considers one’s religious origins, if one is not in striving for harmony with God’s revealed will, then one’s perception of truth will be fluid and flexible. In the work The Truth About The Truth the following is stated, “If you regard the various truths and practices of a religion as socially constructed—created by certain human beings according to the needs (as they perceived them) of certain times—you are likely to feel free to reconstruct them according to the needs (as you perceive them) of the present time.” That is precisely what has and is happening. Several religious institutions were never founded upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, thus they have no true standard for gauging right from wrong. Truth cannot be reconstructed—ever! Jesus plainly states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn. 14:6). Thayer defines truth as, “the truth, as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of His purposes through Christ, and respecting the duties of man.” He goes on to remark, “Opposed alike to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Jews, and to the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians.” Jesus does not merely point to the truth, or a truth, HE IS the truth!  Thus truth is universal and absolute. The Hebrew author remarks, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (13:8). We are able to conclude that truth cannot be manufactured or ever-changing; it is what it is.

Paul Butler says, “Truth is a representation of the reality of things. The life, and teaching of Jesus Christ is the most complete and perfect fulfillment of the types and figures of all other revelations concerning the reality of all things that can ever be presented to man, this side of Heaven.” In the life of Christ we see as much truth as we can comprehend. The life of Christ establishes for us right and wrong. Thus we understand sin is wrong because it is contrary to Christ.

McDowell sets forth an impressive argument that God is truth.  “If an objective standard of truth and morality exists, it cannot be the product of the human mind (or it will not be objective); it must be the product of another Mind. If a constant and unchanging truth exists, it must reach beyond human timelines (or it would not be constant); it must be eternal. If a universal rule of right and wrong exists, it must transcend individuals experience (or it will no not be universal); it must be above us all. Yet, absolute truth must be something—or Someone—that is common to all humanity, to all Creation.”

Thus, God’s nature and character define truth, informing us of right or wrong. Moses records, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deu. 32:4). The Psalmist penned, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psa. 19:7-9).”

Did Jesus Condone Situation Ethics?

Those who support this philosophy claim Jesus condones situation ethics. They appeal to an incident in the life of Christ involving the actions of His disciples on the Sabbath. Matthew records, “At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, ‘Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day’ ” (12:1-2). The Pharisees were ever looking for an opportunity to catch Jesus doing something unlawful. They thought they had caught the disciples of Christ violating the Sabbath.  In reality, the Lord’s disciples never broke the Law of Moses. They only violated the uninspired traditions of the elders. Notice the response of our Lord, “Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?” (Mt. 12:3-4).

Jesus cites the example of David and his men eating the showbread, which would not normally be lawful for them to eat. The Pharisees regarded David as a great king and would never think of condemning David’s actions. The disciples of Christ, however, broke human tradition and the Pharisees were ready to throw the book at them. Their actions were inconsistent.

Although it is claimed the disciples acted according to the situation (they were hungry so they ate even though it were the Sabbath) they did not break a Divine law. The law was simple: “Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death” (Exod. 31:15). The religious leaders had developed several traditions to “clarify” God’s Law.  In reality, these “clarification” were only human traditions, not God’s law. The point Jesus makes is that in the eyes of God the disciples did nothing wrong.

Situation ethics also imply that Jesus justified David’s actions. Such an accusation could not be further from the truth; Jesus only used the story to illustrate the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Jesus said, “…which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him…” (Mt. 12:4). In a very straight forward manner Jesus informed the Pharisees David’s actions were “not lawful.”

On this occasion Jesus made an ad hominem argument. Wayne Jackson paraphrases the Lord’s point as follows, “You Pharisees revere David as a great king and Hebrew hero. David once broke the Law of Moses by the illegal consumption of sacred food. But you do not condemn him for that! By way of contrast, my disciples have violated only your silly traditions—yet you charge them with sin. How very inconsistent you are!”

Jesus is far from allowing situation ethics as acceptable action. The Scripture, concerning Jesus, states, “…was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb 4:15). Sin is a transgressing of God’s Law and Jesus stayed far away from such. Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mat. 5:19). These statements of Jesus lead us to conclude He opposed “situation ethics.”

What Is Wrong With Situation Ethics?

There are several problems with situation ethics. First, it goes against the teaching of Scripture. The Bible is a sufficient guide for humanity. Nothing more is needed to guide us through this life and to prepare for eternity. Paul wrote Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Second, situation ethics makes subjectivity law. Subjectivity is not and can never be the standard for our conduct. Man cannot be the judge of his own actions, for “all the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes” (Prov. 16:2).

Third, situation ethics deifies man. It makes man his own god. Jeremiah said, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (10:23). Man needs guidance and council. Man needs One to show him the higher road, the better way. Situation ethics confers on man the authority to determine right or wrong. McCallum states, “…they argue that because humans are part of the cosmos, we are gods too. This is one reason contemporary spirituality focuses on the self, discovering our divinity within. New Age thinking is explicitly concerned with the journey toward realizing our essential divinity.”

Fourth, situation ethics perverts the concept of love. It teaches one can love and still break God’s commands. According to Fletcher, the overarching principle behind an action must be love. Jesus puts it differently, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:” (Jn. 14:21).

Finally, Situation Ethics allows and encourages permissiveness. It allows a teenager with raging hormones to give vent to their lust in committing fornication. God has clearly revealed to humanity, for a wide variety of reasons, that He wants us to “flee fornication” (1 Cor. 6:18). Situation Ethics justifies adultery when one is living in an unsatisfactory marriage, but according to God’s will, adultery has no place in the marriage relationship. (Gal. 5:19).  According to the doctrine of situation ethics one can insert any sin, as long as they have love. The Scriptures plainly teach sin will be punished (1 Cor. 6:9-10, Gal. 5:19-21, Eph 5:5).

Article by: Brad Shockley

Acts 8:5-24

In the 8^th chapter of the book of Acts there is an amazing story of the conversion of a most unlikely candidate for the gospel. One Simon, better known as Simon the Sorcerer, a man that bewitched the city of Samaria “from the least to the greatest” (v. 10) into thinking that he “is the great power of God” (v. 10).  Using the dark arts of the Magi such as spells, enchantments, drugs and deception Simon preyed on the ignorance of the people of Samaria.

The conversion of this powerful Wizard demonstrates the wonderful power of the gospel of Christ in the changing of human hearts. The gospel can take the most unrighteous, sinful, rebellious, unholy, immoral, lost soul and change them into a son or daughter of God! Simon is soon to feel the conviction that the sword of the Spirit brings to his own evil heart.  It is our purpose in this study to see what this famous charlatan saw when the Evangelist Philip came to town preaching Jesus and the kingdom of God.

SIMON SAW THE DIFFERENCE IN REAL AND COUNTERFITE MIRACLES

Simon used “sorcery” to bewitch the people. He depended upon deceit and deception for his “miracles” (v. 9—11). He readily saw that the miracles and signs performed by Philip are real! Simon is amazed (v.13).

Philip comes into Samaria preaching Jesus (v. 5) and the things concerning the kingdom of God (v.12). He confirms his testimony and that he is a preacher of the word of God by performing miracles and signs that only one from God can do. (Acts 2:22; Heb. 2:3,4; I Cor. 13:8-10).

In the Bible we read of the raising of the dead, healing of the sick, opening of blind eyes, causing the lame to walk. These miracles were instantaneous. The beneficiary of the blessing from God did not get better he is well! He did not recuperate he is healed! Those raised from the dead are alive!

Modern day would be miracle workers just as Simon of Samaria deceive the people into thinking they are “some great one”. They prey upon the desperate, the sick, and the ignorant with their promise of healing. They hawk their prayer cloths, miracle oil, holy water and false promises to poor people in desperate need of hope.

Simon can see the difference in real miracles and the deception that he is used. Simon is awestruck by the power of God. “Simon WONDERED beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

SIMON SAW THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD WAS ESTABLISHED

Philip came to Samaria preaching “things concerning the kingdom of God” (v. 12). This is good news that many today still do not realize. The kingdom of God is established during the lifetime of the apostles (Mk. 9:1). There are those still expecting the kingdom to be established some date in the future. Simon saw that the kingdom of God is in existence.

The Apostle Paul and the Apostle John declare that they are members of that kingdom (Col. 1:13; Rev. 1:9).  The Kingdom of God is the church (Matt. 16:18,19). The church that Jesus refers to in these verses as “my church” is established on Pentecost day. The saved are added to the church (Acts 2:37,38; Acts 2:47).

Simon saw that the Kingdom of God the Lord’s church is in existence. Amazingly enough Simon this one time purveyor of magic is soon to become a member of this divine institution.

 SIMON SAW WHAT IS NECESSARY TO BE SAVED

Simon upon hearing Philip preach Christ realized his need for salvation (v. 4).  Simon believes the teaching of Philip (v. 13). Simon is baptized (v.13). When Jesus is preached it includes baptism (Acts 8:35,36).

Jesus said in Mk. 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; … That is exactly what Simon did. Simon moved out of the darkness into the marvelous light of Jesus Christ. Simon is saved! Simon is a Christian a member of the kingdom of God(Acts 2:47).  Man today has the same opportunity for salvation. Upon hearing the gospel we must believe it (Jn. 8-24; Heb. 11:6).

We must repent of our past sins. This change of mind and change of life is evidenced by Simon by the fact he has given up sorcery and now “he continues with Philip (v. 13).  We must be willing to confess that Jesus is the Son of God. Simon no longer considers himself some great power. The greatest power in his new life is Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God. (Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10;10; Acts 8:37).  We must be baptized to be saved (Mk 16:16). Baptism is “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Baptism puts us into Christ (Gal. 3:27).

SIMON SAW THAT BY THE LAYING ON OF THE APOSTLE’S HANDS THE HOLY GHOST IS GIVEN

Simon soon realizes that this ability to work miracles is the result of the laying on of the apostles’ hands (v. 17,18). This is the reason that the Apostles Peter and John come down to Samaria. Although Philip can perform miracles and wonders he cannot pass on these miraculous abilities.  Philip is not an apostle. Only the apostles can bestow this gift that is necessary to maintain the church in the first century.  When the gospel is fully revealed the need for these miracles is finished (I Cor. 13:8-13).

SIMON SAW THAT A CHILD OF GOD CAN FALL FROM GRACE

The devil is not long in laying a great temptation before this former sorcerer. Simon sees that the power to perform miracles is provided through God’s Holy Spirit. He offers the apostles money saying “give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit (v. 17,19).

Simon once again steps back into the darkness of sin. Simon can only imagine what he can do with the power demonstrated by the apostles. The old Simon the sorcerer again takes control of this new Simon the Christian.

It is here that Simon makes a colossal mistake. He makes a brash proposition to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit to the fiery Apostle Peter. Without hesitation Peter says “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money” (v. 20).

Simon is now an erring Christian. Notice the result of Simon’s sin. Simon is destined to perish (v. 20).  His “heart is not right with God” (v. 21). He has fallen back into the “wickedness” of sin (v. 22). He is “in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity” (v. 23). You can also be assured that Peter did not waste any breath in revealing Simon’s now regression into sin!

Simon now knows that a child of God can backslide into sin. The doctrine of “once saved always saved” is a false doctrine. The false doctrine of once saved always saved is totally contrary to the scriptures and will cause many today to step off into eternity with a false sense of hope (I Cor. 9:27; I Cor. 10:12; Heb. 12:15,16; II Pet. 2:19-22).

SIMON SAW GOD’S SECOND LAW OF PARDON

Peter tells Simon “repent therefore of this thy wickedness and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (v. 22). Simon is an erring child of God. He is instructed by Peter to repent and ask God for forgiveness. Simon asks Peter to pray for him (v. 24).

When a Christian sins, because he is a child of God, he has the privilege to ask his Heavenly Father for forgiveness. He can also ask other Christians to pray for him (v. 24; Ja. 5:15,16; I Jn. 2:1,2).

The command for Simon to repent is farther proof that Simon is a Christian. There is no value in telling Simon to repent if he has never been in a covenant relation with God. The Christian who repents of his sins and asks God’s forgiveness will be forgiven.

CONCLUSION

From this point we do not know what happened to Simon. I would hope to think that he repented and asked God for forgiveness. He was restored and became a great leader for the church at Samaria. Simon saw many things that the religious world of today needs to see.

The Apostle John had a message for dying humanity, according to 1 John 1:5, and it was a message that is found in the life and person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, the epistle begins by saying, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (1 John 1:1). Please observe that John begins by presenting a life– a life which appeared in history in the form of a person (who was touched, seen, and heard). We have the assurance here that Jesus was not the figment of their imagination, but the Son of God actually came to this earth and lived among men. After all, John also declared in John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

When you stop to think about it, a man’s life can sometimes take on a single message, showing who the person was and what he stood for. Take the life of Adolf Hitler, for example, and the point is easily illustrated. His life proclaims a dark and dismal message that demonstrates how hatred, pride, and a thirst for power lead to frightening things and eventual destruction. On the other hand, the life of Christ stands in great contrast to someone like Hitler. When we understand who the Lord is and what His life was all about, there is a message that emerges: “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). How wonderful it is to know that we don’t have to guess at what the message is! Indeed, John tells us what the message consists of, proclaiming at least three truths that we need to have a proper understanding of. Let’s notice “the message” that is revealed by the apostle in these verses.

NO DARKNESS IN GOD

Notice again what John wrote: “This then is the message . . . God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” This is a great and comforting message that takes us in several directions. First of all, it is the very foundation of what is affirmed in the following verses, and it is what our Savior’s life and teaching were all about. Also, the message is not simply that God provides us with light, but God is light! In other words, this is His very nature (the essence of who He is) and He is the source of all true light. To drive the point home, John states it both positively and negatively– “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

What does all of this mean? It means that what light is on a physical plane, God is to us on every level of human experience. If we want to know who God is, understanding His character and nature, we need to simply observe what light is. What a powerful truth this is to ascertain! God can do for us in a spiritual sense what light does for us in our earthly existence. The question that needs to be answered is: What does light do? It reveals, making it possible to see things clearly. Jesus said in Luke 11:34 that “when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.” If the eye is defective, not being able to take in light and produce vision, the result is darkness to the body. Likewise, many people today dwell in spiritual darkness, all because they have rejected Christ and His doctrine. After all, He is that “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). That’s why John said that this is the message which we have “heard of him,“ meaning that Jesus reveals the Father unto us (John 1:18), and the truth to live by is what we find in the person and teaching of Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Light is something that energizes. Perhaps that is its most dramatic quality– it quickens, activates, and imparts life. You can see it every morning when the sun rises and wakes up a slumbering world, as birds begin to sing and animals hunt for food, and nature itself is invigorated. This is what God does for us when we allow Him to penetrate our darkened hearts with His light! Jesus declared in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” The Lord makes it clear that light and life are inseparable, helping us to understand why this truth is the foundation for what follows next.

MERE CLAIMS ARE NOT ENOUGH

John continues: “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John. 1:6). There must not be a contradiction between what we claim and how we actually live. Since God is light, if we claim to have fellowship with God while walking in darkness, John says we are not speaking the truth! Fellowship indicates communion with God, as those who are acceptable in His sight, and our spirit is in harmony with His. But how can such be the case if we are walking in “darkness” (the very thing that is contrary to God’s character and will)?

As John used the expression in the above passage, what does it mean to “walk in darkness?” When we notice how he used the term, the answer becomes obvious. First, in this very context John placed emphasis upon the truth: “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John 1:6). 1 John 3:19 talks about being “of the truth,” as those who “keep his commandments” (verse 22). Surely to walk in the “light” (the opposite of darkness) involves the idea of walking according to God’s revealed truth!

Also, darkness refers to unrighteousness, meaning that it can be manifested in how we live. “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in the darkness, even until now” (1 John 2:9). Hatred, which is a work of the flesh (Gal. 5:20), belongs to the darkness. This would be true of everything that belongs to a worldly way of life (1 John 2:15-17). So, if we claim to have fellowship with God while walking in religious error (2 John 9) or while living an unrighteous life, we are not speaking the truth. Just because someone claims to know God does not necessarily mean they do! We must “keep his commandments” and be one that “keepeth his word” (1 John 2:3-6).

FELLOWSHIP WITH EACH OTHER

John continues: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). “Fellowship” denotes communion and partnership, indicating that we are at harmony with each other, and that enables us to be involved in mutual assistance. Please observe that the little word “if” at the beginning of the statement shows this is a conditional thing. Rom. 16:17 says, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” It is sad when that must be done, but those who disturb the church with unscriptural practices and false doctrine bring it upon themselves.

Article by: Billy Dickinson

The 23rd Psalm is not only the most famous psalm in the entire book of Psalms, it is probably the most famous writing in the entire Bible, except for the Lord’s Prayer. It is difficult to say anything about this psalm that has not already been said. I could spend most of the time I have just on the introduction to this psalm. It is most probable that David wrote this psalm after he became king, for his early life was hectic and danger-fraught, being chased by King Saul like a hunted animal. When he wrote this psalm, he is experiencing prosperity, abundance and peace of mind. He is happy, lacks nothing and has no fear. He has but one desire for the future, and that is to dwell in the presence of God forever.

Before I present a brief exposition, let me mention a few things that men have said about this little piece of writing. Much praise has been heaped on this poem by preachers, commentators and writers. It has been said that no passage of the Bible has been read more often and by more people, with the possible exception of the Lord’s Prayer. Probably more people have heard this psalm read in their hearing than any other part of the Bible. It is said to be read more often at funerals than any other passage in the Bible. This psalm has been sung in the assembly of Christians just as it was written and is sung to the tune of at least three different melodies. It will continue to be sung to your children and my children and to their children through all generations of time. It may well be the most famous poem ever written. So much for its popularity. It is loved by Christians and non-Christians alike.

More important than its popularity is the fact there is something about the psalm that comforts people. I don’t fully understand the power of its charm, but it has filled the air of the whole world with joy greater than the heart can conceive. It has been like a special messenger from God to drive away fear, trouble, sorrow and sadness. It has put more grief to rest than all of the philosophy and psychology of the world. It has poured balm and consolation into the hearts of the sick, captives in prison, and orphans in their loneliness. There is something about this psalm that appeals to everybody. It specially appeals to people when they bury their loved ones.

In addition to all these things, it is said to be a piece of writing that has great beauty about it. Our English ancestors compared it to the sweet song of the Nightingale. This little bird of the thrush family lives in western and central Europe. Its beautiful song is so famous that the finest praise that could be given to Jenny Lind, the great singer of the 1800’s, was to call her the, “Swedish Nightingale.” What the Nightingale is among the birds, the 23rd psalm is among the psalms. Everything I have said is introduction, but these things just had to be said.

Let us now read this psalm, and as we read I will present a brief exposition. It begins with the words, “The Lord is my Shepherd . .  .” God is compared to a kind and loving shepherd. This idea is carried over into the New Testament where Christ is called the Chief Shepherd of our souls (1 Pet. 5:4), and Christians are the sheep of His flock. Speaking of the Gentiles, Jesus said, “Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (John 10:16). All Christians, both of Jews and Gentiles, make up one body of people as found in the Lord’s church. Our great need in 2011 is to honor Christ as the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11) of our lives!

Next, David said, “I shall not want . . .” David felt like a sheep well fed, protected and guided by a loving shepherd. I am told sheep will not lie down until they are full and satisfied.. The same thought is expressed in the words, “My cup runs over,” which means fully satisfied and completely happy. As we face another year, we Christians are drinking from a full cup, being blessed with “all spiritual blessings” (Eph. 1:3) in Christ! Since we are certainly lying down in the green pastures of His tender care, we should have a heart that is full of thanksgiving.

Then he said, “He restores my soul . . .” To restore the soul involves the idea of relief and restoration. He who first rescued us as straying sheep also reclaims us from other wanderings later on. The early Christians had to have their souls restored. Gal. 6:l says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual restore such a one . . .” James said, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19) Please notice that those who err from the truth are compared to sheep who wander away from the shepherd. Christians are restored and their sins covered when they receive the forgiveness of God.

Verse four contains the thought that has brought so much comfort in the time of death. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” These words have been spoken over a many dying bed. What is the valley of the shadow of death? .A valley is a low place with a mountain on either side. In David’s time these places were dangerous passage ways for travelers. Robbers and ruffians posted themselves in these hills to harass travelers. Death is said to be lurking in such a valley and casting its shadow–a figurative way of saying death may be near. But travelers had to pass through those dangerous hills to get to where they wanted to go. Really the figure is not primarily, as is commonly supposed, our dying moments, though it is an appropriate application. It really refers to the dangers that confront us in life that may take our lives. There may be times in 2011 when we will feel like we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death because accidents, violence and disease are a part of life.  However, it brings us comfort to know that the Lord will be with us through it all!

This psalm impressed an artist of yesteryears to illustrate the passage with a marvelous picture. It is entitled, “The Valley of the Shadow of Death.” In the foreground is a dark and dismal valley, through which a destructive wind has blown. Lying dead is the warrior and the king. The helmet of one and the crown of the other lie useless on the ground. In the center of the picture is Jesus with an aura of glory over His head, a crown of thorns around His brow, and in his hand a shepherd’s staff. On the left is a young maiden, whose face shows some terror in coming through the valley, and yet of great hope as she now sees the Good Shepherd there. She holds His hand, as Jesus stands on a grave stone, and the tombstone is luminous with the words, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” The point of the painting is that Christ has completely abolished the fear of death for those who believe in Him.  Christ declared to Martha in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”

Psalms 23 ends by saying, “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”  Will the decisions we make in 2011 help to make David’s desire a reality for us in eternity?  The Bible affirms that the type of faith by which we are saved (Rom. 5:1) is an obedient faith . . . “But they have not all obeyed the gospel” (Rom. 10:16)  We must believe in Christ (Mark 16:16), repent of our sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as the Son of God (Rom. 10:9-10) and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).  Do it now, before another day passes by, while you have the time and opportunity!

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure (1 Jn. 3:1-3).

The United States Treasury Department has a special group of people whose job it is to track down counterfeiters. Naturally, these people need to know a counterfeit bill when they see one. Oddly enough, however, they are not trained by spending hours examining counterfeit money. Rather, they study the real thing. They become so familiar with authentic bills that they can spot a counterfeit by looking at it or feeling of it.

This approach of authenticating truth is the same one John teaches  in 1 John 3, as John warns us that in today’s world there are counterfeit Christians, whom he identifies frankly as “children of the devil” (v. 10). Instead of listing the evil characteristics of Satan’s children, however, John gives a clear description of God’s children, and the contrast becomes obvious.

We are the Children of God (v. 1)
 “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.”

The word “Behold” means to “see with the mind, perceive, to know” (Thayer). The word is the same as used when John the Baptist introduces Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God.” It is like a flashing light on the highway. It calls on us to stop, to ponder, to consider a truth we might pass up too easily.

The expression, “what manner of love” means “of what sort or quality” (Thayer), and it indicates something foreign. The phrase can read, “Behold what foreign kind of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.” The love of God is foreign to humanity because it is not found in us naturally.

Your sins and my sins were responsible for the death of Jesus on the cross. His crucifixion is not just some isolated event in history in which we were not involved and that does not relate to us. Paul argues, “God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

The mystery of the love of God is beyond human comprehension. Paul expresses the magnitude of God’s love when he prays that God would enlarge our understanding that we might know “what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge…” (Eph. 3:18-19).

That we should be called the sons (children) of God:

The expression “sons” (tekna), is better translated “children.” The expression denotes that as children of God, we receive a new dignity, a new relationship with God, and a new inheritance.

As a child of God, you have a relationship with God that others do not have. Long ago a king returned triumphantly home from battle to a hero’s welcome. As he was carried on his portable throne in the procession, his subjects got down on their knees and bowed in homage to him. A prostrated man noticed a young boy making his way through the crowd, however, stepping over people and around people as he headed in the king’s direction. The man grabbed the boy by the arm and lectured, “Son, that man is your king passing by! You need to bow down and show him honor!”

The boy replied, “Yes, he is my king, but he is also my father!” He jerked his arm away from the man and ran to the king who was waiting for him with outstretched arms.

The story illustrates that regardless of the position a person holds, if the person is your father, you have access to him that others do not have. Jesus says, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matt. 7:11). He adds, “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” (Matt. 6:26).

Furthermore, as children of God we become His legal heirs. Paul explains, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Rom. 8:16-17).

Peter adds, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” (1 Pet. 1:3-4).

In order to claim an inheritance, one must become a legitimate, legal heir. A family can take a child into its household and care for the child, but if the child is never made a legal heir, it can make no claim of inheritance. The same is true with becoming heirs of God. We must go through the process of becoming a legitimate, legal heir by obedience to the gospel (Gal. 3:23-29).

What We Shall Be (v. 2)
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

Verse 1 tells us what we are (children of God) while verse 2 tells us what we shall be. All of the possibilities of eternal life are found in our being the children of God.

It doth not yet appear: The apostle is saying, “We cannot say; and it is not good for us to know. We shall be like Christ and that must be enough for us.”

What we shall be: This expression suggests something unspeakable, contained in the likeness of God (Vincent). What developments await us, to what services God will appoint us, and with what honors He will crown us in the hereafter, we do not know.

Those who knew something of these things and were recalled to life, as far as the record shows, maintained resolute silence about them (Lk. 7:11-16; Jn. 11:38-44). Paul was called up to into paradise where he heard “unspeakable things that are not lawful to be uttered” (2 Cor. 12:1-4).

Such passages as these makes one wonder about “near-death, out-of-body” experiences reported commonly today. A number of Americans have reported having near-death experiences, and there are hundreds of support groups across the nation helping people deal with them.

I honestly do not know what to make of these reports, but I do know that those in the Bible who had near-death experiences, or who were actually dead (Lazarus had been dead for four days!) and brought back to life remain absolutely silent about what they experienced on the other side.

God has wisely and graciously left a veil over our future condition and experiences. There are not symbols or words that can adequately describe it anyway. No music can express it; no painting can portray it. God has been merciful in leaving the future condition veiled because if He were to pull back the curtain and allow us to see the other side, it would be so wonderful we could not patiently continue our duties here. Paul says, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). Also, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain…Having a desire to depart and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Phil. 1:21, 23).

When he shall appear, we shall be like him: Even though most of what the afterlife will be is hidden to us, John does give us a hint when he says we shall be like Christ. He explains in Philippians 3:20-21, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” He adds, “This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Cor. 15:53).

This present body has disease, decay, and death in it. It becomes tired and exhausted. It may have deformities, and parts may be missing due to accident or operation. The future body, however, will have no disease, weaknesses, deformity, or death in it. What a blessed state that will be to have a body that can never die, in which there will be no sinful nature, that will never become weary or exhausted, and in which there will never be anymore pain.

God’s promise that we will be like our Savior’s glorified body should be enough to cause us to strive to obtain that inheritance.

What We Should Be (v. 3)
 “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

Verse 1 tells us what we are, verse 2 tells us what we shall be, and verse 3 tells us what we should be. The hope to be like the Lord in the resurrection should arouse the determination to be pure like Him.

Scientists tell us that rats without hope drown in a jar of water in a little over three minutes. However, if you give them a glimmer of light and hope, they will swim for 36 hours! Hope affects us the same way.

If a doctor tells the patient, “There is no hope,” most patients give up. If an athletic team concludes there is no hope for winning the contest, they too will give up. The same is true of living successfully as Christians. Take away the hope of immortality and of being transformed to be like Christ, and life’s inspiration is gone. It is just a matter of time until one gives in to the old saying, “Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we shall die.”

Purifieth himself: There were Gnostics in John’s day who felt moral purity had nothing to do with being a child of God or with the hope of the resurrection. John says in verses 4-10, however, that if one is not striving toward moral purity, he is not a child of God, but rather a child of the devil. Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mt. 5:8).

John makes a startling statement in verses 6 and 9 when he says that whosoever is born of God “does not commit sin” and “cannot sin.” That statement might sound like a contradiction to what John says in chapter 1:8, 10. There he says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” and “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

The tense of the verbs in each case clarify the meanings. In chapter 1, John is talking about someone who has committed an occasional sin in the past. Every great personality mentioned in the Bible sinned at one time or another. Abraham lied about his wife (Gen. 12:10-20). Moses lost his temper and disobeyed God (Num. 20:7-13). Peter denied the Lord three times in one night (Mt. 26:69-75). These were, however, isolated incidents in their lives, totally contrary to their normal habits. Furthermore, when they sinned, they admitted it and asked God to forgive them.

The word “sin” in chapter 3 is used in the present tense and refers to the practice of consistent sin as a way of life. If you were to graph it on a board and put down a point or dot for every sin, it would look like a continuous line.

Children of God may sin by committing an occasional wrong act, but such is the exception rather than the rule. Children of the devil, however, live a life of habitual, continual sin. Those who persist in drunkenness, drug abuse, fornication, adultery, lying, slander, and such like, are not children of God. Regardless of how loudly they may protest, they are counterfeit Christians who are in reality children of the devil.

Conclusion

What a glorious privilege to be the beneficiary of God’s foreign kind of love that allows us to be freed from our past sins and adopted into the family of God! As God’s children, we enjoy a new dignity, an access to God that others do not have, and an inheritance in heaven. Because of the hope of that inheritance we should strive to purify ourselves and cultivate a genuine love for the other members of God’s family.

Article by: Carl Johnson

If you were to be called an “old goat” by someone, would you take that as a compliment or an insult? While I can’t think of a circumstance where it would be complimentary, this is especially true from a Biblical standpoint! If there is one animal in God’s great and glorious creation that we don’t want to be compared to, especially in the Day of Judgment, it is a goat. It must be admitted that there are some good things that can be said about the goat as an animal. Did you know that globally, for example, more people drink goats’ milk than any other type of dairy product? Throughout the world goats play an important role in some people’s diet and economy. However, the Lord chose to use goats as a representation of those who are lost.

When Jesus comes again to judge the world in righteousness, there is a great separation that will take place at that time: “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left” (Matt. 25:31-33). This is serious business because those on the left hand (the goats) will be condemned to a place of “everlasting fire” (verse 41), while those on the right hand (the sheep) will receive “life eternal” (verse 46). The implication is that we make the choice in life to either follow Christ or refuse His invitation to discipleship. After all, Jesus gave the following explanation: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Spiritually speaking, here is the basic difference between sheep and goats– the sheep follow the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11), while the goats go their own rebellious way.

STUBBORNNESS

It is a beautiful analogy that Christ used in comparing His followers to sheep, pointing us to certain traits that help us to understand what true discipleship is. But why are the lost compared to goats? Surely the Lord wants us to understand that we must not possess the same characteristics that make this animal a perfect representation of lost souls. First, the goat is a stubborn creature that will butt heads with just about anything . . . a gate, the side of a car, a bull, and even with humans. Since this is what they love to do best, goats sometimes stand on their hind legs and then come down with great force to butt each other. Do you know why they don’t knock each other out? It’s because they are hardheaded, so much so that they’d rather butt heads than anything else.

This is a perfect description of man’s rebellion against God. Please observe how Jeremiah described it in his day: “O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return” (Jer.5:3). Sin always involves defiance of God’s authority (1 John 3:4). Therefore, when we refuse to repent or in some cases won’t even admit that we have sinned (Rom. 3:23), we are taking our stand with the “goats.” Frederick II, an 18^th century king of Prussia, once went on an inspection tour of a Berlin prison where all the inmates protested their unjust imprisonment. No matter the crime they were charged with, everyone declared, “I am innocent. I didn’t do it!” But the king finally asked of a man who was standing in the corner, “Why are you here?” The reply was, “Armed robbery, your Majesty.” The royal visitor probed a little deeper, “Were you guilty?” The prisoner admitted, “Yes, indeed, your Majesty.” Frederick II then turned to the guards and commanded, “Release this man at once! I will not have him kept in this prison where he will corrupt all of these fine, innocent people who occupy it.”

Surely the King of kings has the right to demand that we humble ourselves before Him, as we seek the forgiveness of sins by the terms of His gospel (Rom. 1:16). Spiritually speaking, here is the difference between the sheep and the goats! The sheep look to the “Good Shepherd” for guidance, while the goats feel self-sufficient. As Jesus declared in John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” This statement implies that if one does not have a strong desire for salvation, he will never see the need to enter into Christ’s “sheepfold” (John 10:1).

STUBBORN DELINQUENTS

It could be argued, I suppose, that the goat is a more capable animal than the sheep. In fact, goats are probably the most independent of all grazing, foraging livestock. The problem is that they are so independent that it is difficult to keep them within enclosures. That’s the reason why they will keep you busy repairing fences, breaking out at all hours of the day and night and going where they’re not supposed to. Please read how one young man described his experience with this animal: “Ok . . . It all started when I got my summer job as a corral assistant at a summer camp. I got to take care of animals, chickens, ducks, cats, rabbits, a miniature horse, and twenty goats. Now, goats aren’t the easiest creatures on earth to control, and with twenty of them, they can destroy pretty much anything they put their mind to. Well, one day one of the ‘head’ goats broke the fence in the back of the corral that conveniently looks over a five-foot cliff, which goes out to a four-foot ledge that extends to a twenty-foot drop down to the beach. Well, it lead six other goats off the cliff with it, down onto the ledge. So, my friend had to crawl down unto the ledge and literally throw the goats up to me.” What a harrowing experience that must have been!

While sheep may be helpless creatures that sometimes get randomly lost, they do not deliberately run away from the shepherd. An escaped goat, however, will stare at you while you talk softly to it, then it will turn its head side to side and run like crazy in the opposite direction. No wonder the Lord had a preference for sheep! Spiritually speaking, we must be like sheep who realize their need for the shepherd’s care and are like submissive children (John 10:2-4). Do we see the need to “abide in Christ” (John 15:4) or do we feel the need to strike out on our own and declare our independence? Are we like those who don’t abide in the “doctrine of Christ” (2 John 9) or are we doing our best to “keep the ordinances” as delivered by inspired men (1 Cor. 11:2). We need to respect the boundaries of God’s word and “learn not to go beyond the things which are written” (1 Cor. 4:6/ASV).

AT THE WRONG THINGS

Goats will eat just about anything! Sometimes people will put a goat in the yard, hoping that it will eat the weeds or keep the grass down, but that often turns out to be a mistake. If the animal gets loose, it will become a disaster area, as it goes about eating flowers, shrubs, small trees, etc. It might even gnaw on the siding of the house. It just isn’t too particular about what it eats.

This is a major difference between Christ’s sheep and the goats. We feed in His pasture and listen to His voice (John 10:27). We desire the milk of God’s word that we might grow thereby (1 Pet. 2:2). While goats aren’t happy with “sound doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:3) and feed their souls on just about anything the world has to offer, we hear His voice and we follow Him. After all, nothing else is satisfying to our souls!  Remember the warning of the Good Shepherd: “Take heed what ye hear” (Mark 4:24).

Article by: Billy Dickinson

As the inspired writer of the book of Hebrews first set down and began writing the great letter to the early Hebrew Christians, a lot of thoughts must have passed through his mind.  He was living in a day and time when many changes were occurring.  Great civil, political and religious unrest was witnessed on every side.  Although the Jewish system was still in existence, it was very plain that it was quickly drawing to an end.  Change and unrest was in the air, and everything pointed to a swift upheaval or overthrow.  The early church herself was taking a beating from every side, persecuted both by the Romans as well as the Jews.  Things looked very bleak for those who had only recently accepted the truth taught unto them by the Lord’s apostles.  The Hebrew letter was penned unto these troubled Christians both as a letter of edification and a letter to bolster their confidence in the stand they were making.  Imagine what the words found in Heb. 13:8 must have meant to each and every one of these Christians.  The inspired writer simply stated “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Everything they had ever known seemed to be changing and nothing seemed to be sure unto any of them.  What a great burst of sunshine and assurance for them to realize there was something that was changeless and certain in their troubled world.  A solid rock upon which they could build and thus weather the storm that raged around them.

We should take great comfort in these words.  We also live in a day and age when nothing is truly regarded as being holy and sacred.  Things that were once accepted by all as truth, are now being questioned by even many of those in the religious world around us.  Great unrest and agitation is seen as men no longer feel that certain truths of God’s word are needed today.  These truths no longer fit in with society and thus truth is being forced into a new mold rather than society changing to fit the truth.  We cannot afford to allow ourselves to get caught up in the ever changing currents of society.  We must recognize that even though laws of our country may be passed that violate the word of God, though even many in the “Christian” realm are willing to lay aside the truth, we cannot be of the number that gets caught up in these changes and swept along with the current.  Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.  His thoughts have not changed.  His words have not changed.  The truth he taught and delivered to his apostles changes not.  Even in the midst of an ever changing world continually seeking to reinvent itself and its moral and religious views, we must stand with Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life.  A wise man once said “Those are weaklings who know the truth and uphold it as long as it suits their purpose, then abandon it.”  I wholeheartedly agree with this statement and am saddened to say that it bears a perfect reflection of what we see, not just in society, but in the church or among those who claim to be Christians.  So many churches today are laying aside certain truths that have been upheld for centuries simply because they no longer suit their purpose or their ideals.  We want to look at a few of these issues in light of the truth that never changes.

First of all, we want to at a certain moral issue that seems to dominate our airways today and was recently endorsed in major fashion by Hollywood.  An issue that has been debated throughout time but recently has become an extremely hot topic for all celebrities and politically minded individuals.  Not only has it affected society and the entertainment industry, but even many churches have played turncoat and have begun to endorse it from their pulpits.  Some churches who have earthly headquarters have even been forced by their heads, their tribunals, or counsels, to change their way of thinking about this issue.  Others have met and argued for hours, leaving with great confusion and open division as some call openly for a major change in their way of thinking while others continue to argue that the truth changes not.  This subject that is so hotly debated is that of homosexuality.

 Homosexuality; a manifest sin of the flesh

We are not left in doubt as to what Jesus Christ thinks about this “lifestyle.”  The Bible is certainly not silent about the matter as some like to think and teach.  In speaking for his Father, Jesus showed unto all mankind the parties involved in a proper marriage.  These teachings are found in Matthew 19:1-9.  Jesus begins his defense of marriage by pointing out how God made man in the beginning “male and female.”  He said unto them “For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and they twain shall be one flesh.”  Notice, God created man, saw that he was alone, and then created woman as a helper suitable for man as a mate for life.  The original plan was for father and mother to be one flesh.  There is no room for two fathers, two mothers, two males, or two females.  God’s plan according to Jesus does not allow such unions.

But not only did he speak of what constitutes a legitimate marriage, in delivering his words to his apostles, he also moved them to speak and write about this “lifestyle” in unmistakable terms.  In Galatians 5:19-21 Paul gives us a list of manifest sins of the flesh.  Not just issues or lifestyles, but sins of the flesh.  Fornication is listed as one of these sins and it is defined as illicit sexual intercourse.  All lexicographers of which I am familiar include within their definition of this term, adultery, incest, prostitution, and yes homosexuality.  There is no doubt concerning the Bible’s position on homosexuality.  It is a manifest sin of the flesh of which Paul would go on to add, “they which do such things, shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

If that isn’t enough, consider the teachings of Paul to the early church in Rome as found in Romans 1:26-32.  Paul spells this sin out in as plain a fashion as possible.  In vs. 26-27 he shucks the issue right down to the cob.  “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.”  These people, due to this shameful sin of the flesh, were given up or over by God.  They were no longer God’s people!  He gave them over to a reprobate mind to do things which are not convenient and are sinful.  Yes, the Bible is emphatic on this issue, such sins are not to be allowed among the faithful and they will never be endorsed by any group who actually has allegiance with Christ.

All over our great nation there are heads of churches meeting together debating this issue.  Many have already begun to endorse homosexuality.  But they are able to take the issue a step further.  Due to their position of authority they also are able to force their “parishioners” to accept their ruling on the matter.  I am thankful to say that the church of Christ doesn’t have to worry about some head in some foreign state telling us to accept such a blatant sin.  Our headquarters are in heaven and our marching orders are delivered by Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Women Teachers

But there are other doctrinal issues that have been treated with the same lack of respect, endorsed publicly and forced upon people within these organizations.  We see this with the subject of women teachers.  Years ago all agreed upon this subject, but men refused to remain content in light of our “liberated” society.  The Bible certainly hasn’t changed its teaching on this subject.  In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 we learn that women are to remain silent within the church.  Paul goes on to add “for it is a shame for a woman to speak in the church.”  In 1 Timothy 2:11-15 Paul tells the young evangelist Timothy to “let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.”  He goes on to add “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”  The point of these verses and others is very simple.  Women have their own realm in which they can teach.  They are not allowed to teach publicly nor in the assemblies of the church.  Yet I know of churches that have been forced to accept women preachers though many of these churches are not in agreement with what their “heads” have ruled on the matter.  They recognize the truth of these words, but due to their affiliation, they have been forced to accept a “changed gospel.”

Plan of Salvation

We see this with the Bible plan of salvation.  Man has come along and changed the very core doctrine of the New Testament process of conversion.  All types of different thoughts and ideas have been introduced by these heads of churches.  Rather than simply listening to Jesus and his words as they were spoken by the apostles and recorded for all to see, men are determined to save themselves through some new scheme.  But what was needed in the first century is needed today as well.  We must not throw out or change the gospel plan of salvation just because people don’t like it anymore.  We need to preach the gospel boldly, recognizing that the plan of salvation as delivered by the disciples of our Lord is as changeless as Christ himself.  What did Jesus and his apostles teach?  One must believe, John 8:24; Heb. 11:6. One must repent, Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30.  One must confess Jesus, Mt. 10:32-33; Acts 8:36-38.  One must then be baptized, Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:36; Gal. 3:27; etc…  Has anything changed that we need to be aware of that would change these requirements?  Absolutely not!  Man is still the same, he has not changed, “ all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23) for which “the wages is death” (Rom. 6:23).  Satan is still the same, using his wiles to try and convince men to refuse the Lord.  Christ and his word hasn’t changed thus the gospel has no need of revision today.  The Ethiopian eunuch went on his way rejoicing which shows to us the power of God’s word and obedience to it.

Paul warned the early church of a time when apostasy would reign supreme, a time when they would be carried about with divers and strange doctrines.  If this is not what we are witnessing today, what would it take to constitute such rebellion?  The Bible states plainly, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.  Be not carried about with divers (various) and strange doctrines…”

Article written by: Cecil Smith