Abraham a man that we can relate to is know in James 2:23 as being a friend of God. Abraham was a man after God’s own heart. It was his desire to follow God. He left us an example that we should follow to also be known as a friend of God. It was counted to Abraham because of his righteousness.
We may ask ourselves “how we can be known as a friend of God?” All we have to do is look at the example of Abraham. Abraham was a man who lived under the law but it was not the law that justified Abraham as being a friend of God it was his righteousness (Galatians 3:1-9). He was a man who desired to follow what God commanded.
Notice in James 2:14-25 leading up to Abraham being called a friend of God. James is pointing out the need for faith and works both needed together to be pleasing in the eyes of God. Without faith we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6). Without works how can faith be justified James 2?
Abraham was a man after God’s own heart. It was his desire to trust God in helping him through all things.
He left his home land not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8-12). How many of us would do this? Leaving our home and packing up what we could and leaving not knowing the direction. This is what Abraham did. Why? Because God told him to do so (Genesis 12:1-4)! Abraham placed his faith (trust) in God and proved it through his works, by doing what God commanded of him.
This is not all that Abraham did, he also offered his son Isaac, the son of promise as a sacrifice (Hebrews 11:17-19). Abraham was told that through Isaac the inheritance would come (Genesis 18:1-15). Then God commanded Abraham to offer his son as a burnt sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-2). How can any of this make sense? Offer the son of promise yet he was the chosen one of Abrahams seed.
How would we respond? Would we be willing? This is a great question and a very hard question. It is difficult to answer! Is there anything that we would put ahead of Christ?
How did Abraham respond? Isaac asked where the sacrifice was and Abraham responded “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:8). Abraham knew in his heart that God would take care of him as long as he heeded God’s word. This says a lot about the character of Abraham. There was nothing that he would put in front of him and his devotion to obeying God’s will in all things.
Abraham justified his faith and works together by obeying God. In all this he was known as a friend of God. He devoted his life to obeying God and it was actions like this that we see God took care of Abraham and his family.
Abraham was a man that put God first in his life (Genesis 22:12). He is a man after God’s own heart. It was his desire to put God first in all things. Why we may ask? The reason is that God will provide take care and Abraham trusted God, for this he in return was remembered by all as a faithful man. He as we should fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). This is our whole duty. This was Abraham’s duty in life. This is how he was recognized as being a friend of God.
We have the same opportunity to be counted as a friend of God and receive blessings just as Abraham. We have to obey God and his will and we now can do this through baptism (Galatians 3:26-29). We then can be counted as a friend of God and receive an inheritance just as Abraham received his inheritance. Are we desiring to obey God’s will?
Daniel Sanders
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Obeying God Reaps Rewards
It is a hard task to be a child of God. But think about all the great rewards child of God can have (Revelation 21:22-27). It is place in the end where we are not ashamed to call God our God and we are His people (Hebrews 11:16).
However there are many battles that we do face today in the world. Things that can hinder our obedience to god if we allow such things to happen. For instance government is making it harder in this world to be a Christian. The rules and laws that are being passed makes it harder to be a Christian. There are many countries that do not have these same freedoms that we can enjoy. In fact they make it illegal to practice Christianity in certain countries.
Still there are people who are continuing to preach the gospel in these areas. We should feel encouraged by their actions like this. We even have examples of people in the Bible who made a stand like this.
Notice in Daniel 3 where we can find this example. We are introduced to three individuals that took a stand to turn to God instead of man. King Nebuchadnezzar made a decree and an image for all to fall down and worship (Daniel 3:4-7). This however is a direct violation of the law as God stated in Deut. 5:6-9. God explained clearly that idolatry was not to be followed. God is jealous and does not want anyone to worship any other gods.
However, in this decree the king decided this was what he wanted. Because of this it was brought to his attention that people in authority under his rule were not following this decree (Daniel 3:8-18). He offered them another chance to fall down and worship this image but they still declined.
They had an understanding like Peter that it was better to serve the living God than the rule of man (Acts 5:29). However we want to be clear on certain things that we do have to follow the laws of man. However if it is different than what the law of God is then we must follow God first man second. This is what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did. They followed until the king made a decree that went against God and His will.
The King be furious went ahead with the consequences that would come upon those who didn’t fall down and worship the king and this image. They were to be thrown in the fiery furnace. Even with death on the line these three individuals wouldn’t not bow down to these rules. It is with this that we can commend them for their obedience to God. It is this example that we see that we should have the same desire to obey God and not falter in this life of turning away from God.
In the end of this they were thrown in the fiery furnace. But, they were not forgotten! God took care of these three men because of their obedience to God. They came out of this fire with no hair burnt on their heads nor even the smell of fire when they came out. Three men went in and four were seen in there (Daniel 3:19-25). God sent help to these individuals in their time of need.
It is a lesson to us that we should recognize that God takes care of His people (I Peter 2:9). We can be His people if we will obey His will (Matthew 7:21). In the end God rewards and takes care of His people (Revelation 22:14). In seeing the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego we can see that God prevails takes care and rewards those who will obey His will. Are you obeying God’s will?
Daniel Sanders
However there are many battles that we do face today in the world. Things that can hinder our obedience to god if we allow such things to happen. For instance government is making it harder in this world to be a Christian. The rules and laws that are being passed makes it harder to be a Christian. There are many countries that do not have these same freedoms that we can enjoy. In fact they make it illegal to practice Christianity in certain countries.
Still there are people who are continuing to preach the gospel in these areas. We should feel encouraged by their actions like this. We even have examples of people in the Bible who made a stand like this.
Notice in Daniel 3 where we can find this example. We are introduced to three individuals that took a stand to turn to God instead of man. King Nebuchadnezzar made a decree and an image for all to fall down and worship (Daniel 3:4-7). This however is a direct violation of the law as God stated in Deut. 5:6-9. God explained clearly that idolatry was not to be followed. God is jealous and does not want anyone to worship any other gods.
However, in this decree the king decided this was what he wanted. Because of this it was brought to his attention that people in authority under his rule were not following this decree (Daniel 3:8-18). He offered them another chance to fall down and worship this image but they still declined.
They had an understanding like Peter that it was better to serve the living God than the rule of man (Acts 5:29). However we want to be clear on certain things that we do have to follow the laws of man. However if it is different than what the law of God is then we must follow God first man second. This is what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did. They followed until the king made a decree that went against God and His will.
The King be furious went ahead with the consequences that would come upon those who didn’t fall down and worship the king and this image. They were to be thrown in the fiery furnace. Even with death on the line these three individuals wouldn’t not bow down to these rules. It is with this that we can commend them for their obedience to God. It is this example that we see that we should have the same desire to obey God and not falter in this life of turning away from God.
In the end of this they were thrown in the fiery furnace. But, they were not forgotten! God took care of these three men because of their obedience to God. They came out of this fire with no hair burnt on their heads nor even the smell of fire when they came out. Three men went in and four were seen in there (Daniel 3:19-25). God sent help to these individuals in their time of need.
It is a lesson to us that we should recognize that God takes care of His people (I Peter 2:9). We can be His people if we will obey His will (Matthew 7:21). In the end God rewards and takes care of His people (Revelation 22:14). In seeing the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego we can see that God prevails takes care and rewards those who will obey His will. Are you obeying God’s will?
Daniel Sanders
Tutoring
While I was in junior high and high school, I served as tutor to a fellow student who had special needs. I had opportunity to work with him in math and science. Over this time I had helped him continue to study and learn more about these certain subjects. As a tutor, it was my job to make sure the lessons were understood. It was my duty to share with him an understanding of each lesson and what was the point of each one.
It is opportunities like this that we should take in tutoring others and ourselves more about the Bible. As a tutor, we need to take opportunities to not only help others but help ourselves also. We should listen to what we may be tutoring others about! We should not play the hypocrite and not believe in what we are sharing with others (II Timothy 3:16-17).
As we have studied the Old Testament, it served as a tutor for us in this life. The Old Testament served as a tutor to guide to an understanding of obedience that Gods will must be followed (Galatians 3:19-25)! It has been a tutor for us also in the fact that it has led us to Christ. The Old Testament has served as a guide to see the spiritual state of humankind. It served a purpose to see how sinful man was in turning away from God to their own reasoning (Judges 21:25). It is with this mentality that man has pushed further away from God in all this. It has led to the point that God’s only Son had to come into the world to be a Savior for us all (John 3:16). This was God demonstrating His love still for us.
The Old law served its purpose in tutoring us still that obedience to God is still necessary under the new way of life. If you love God and Jesus then keep His commandments (John 14:15). Jesus has taught us what it takes to be ready for things to come (Mark 1:16-17). We must repent, that is we must recognize sin and then turn away from it. It is through God that we can know the way (John 14:1-6). This is how we have been tutored today to be prepared for the things to come. It demonstrates what God expects through the Old and New law that obedience is necessary (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Also in being a tutor it is our duty in this life to help others after we have helped ourselves know what it takes to be a child of God. We have to practice what we teach. In order to be a tutor or help to others we have to know what we are saying. Many have served as a tutor to others but has done it through teaching a false doctrine. We have to be on guard in being a tutor rightly dividing the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15).
Phillip served as a tutor to the Ethiopian Eunuch in helping him know more of the way (Acts 8:26-40). The Ethiopian Eunuch did not know what he was reading. He knew he had scripture but he did need a tutor to help him understand more. Phillip was guided to the Ethiopian Eunuch to serve that purpose to him. It was Phillip would give an understanding of what he was reading, whom it was about, and what he needed to do. Phillip gave him this guidance by being a tutor for him.
It is with this that we can see the results of the Ethiopian Eunuch that he understood more and understood what he must do to be saved. He went on his way rejoicing through being baptized for the remission of his sins. We have to in this life take the role of Phillip and share with others the good news. It comes through being a tutor and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone (Mark 16:15). Jesus has shared with us what we must do now we must share it with others. Are we being a tutor in the world for Christ? DANIEL SANDERS
It is opportunities like this that we should take in tutoring others and ourselves more about the Bible. As a tutor, we need to take opportunities to not only help others but help ourselves also. We should listen to what we may be tutoring others about! We should not play the hypocrite and not believe in what we are sharing with others (II Timothy 3:16-17).
As we have studied the Old Testament, it served as a tutor for us in this life. The Old Testament served as a tutor to guide to an understanding of obedience that Gods will must be followed (Galatians 3:19-25)! It has been a tutor for us also in the fact that it has led us to Christ. The Old Testament has served as a guide to see the spiritual state of humankind. It served a purpose to see how sinful man was in turning away from God to their own reasoning (Judges 21:25). It is with this mentality that man has pushed further away from God in all this. It has led to the point that God’s only Son had to come into the world to be a Savior for us all (John 3:16). This was God demonstrating His love still for us.
The Old law served its purpose in tutoring us still that obedience to God is still necessary under the new way of life. If you love God and Jesus then keep His commandments (John 14:15). Jesus has taught us what it takes to be ready for things to come (Mark 1:16-17). We must repent, that is we must recognize sin and then turn away from it. It is through God that we can know the way (John 14:1-6). This is how we have been tutored today to be prepared for the things to come. It demonstrates what God expects through the Old and New law that obedience is necessary (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Also in being a tutor it is our duty in this life to help others after we have helped ourselves know what it takes to be a child of God. We have to practice what we teach. In order to be a tutor or help to others we have to know what we are saying. Many have served as a tutor to others but has done it through teaching a false doctrine. We have to be on guard in being a tutor rightly dividing the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15).
Phillip served as a tutor to the Ethiopian Eunuch in helping him know more of the way (Acts 8:26-40). The Ethiopian Eunuch did not know what he was reading. He knew he had scripture but he did need a tutor to help him understand more. Phillip was guided to the Ethiopian Eunuch to serve that purpose to him. It was Phillip would give an understanding of what he was reading, whom it was about, and what he needed to do. Phillip gave him this guidance by being a tutor for him.
It is with this that we can see the results of the Ethiopian Eunuch that he understood more and understood what he must do to be saved. He went on his way rejoicing through being baptized for the remission of his sins. We have to in this life take the role of Phillip and share with others the good news. It comes through being a tutor and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone (Mark 16:15). Jesus has shared with us what we must do now we must share it with others. Are we being a tutor in the world for Christ? DANIEL SANDERS
Monday, June 28, 2010
Why Read the Bible?
Growing up as children into adults we all needed to learn. How do we though? We gain understanding through our reading. I was trained in HVAC in high school; did I know everything before I started? How did I know how to work on different heating and air conditioning units? Are they all the same? I learned just like everyone else and that was through reading the manuals!
The Bible is the same way! How do we know exactly where we have come from? On the other hand, even what our purpose is? How can we answer these great questions of life? We must turn to the Bible. We know that in the beginning God created all things Genesis 1-3. We know that our duty is to fear god and keep his commandments is our duty in this life (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Consider with me the example of the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. This man was not a Christian. However, he was doing something that is needed. He was reading from the prophet Isaiah and it was here that Phillip found this man reading. However reading it, he still needed guidance and this is where Phillip began preaching Jesus to him. This all started with the Ethiopian Eunuch reading. After this point Phillip had opportunity to preach more concerning the new way of life.
The Ethiopian Eunuch after reading and Phillip giving time teaching him gave him a clear direction on what he needed to do. Can we see there is a need and important for us to read. How could the Ethiopian Eunuch know about Jesus and how could Phillip teach and preach Jesus without reading and knowing about Jesus. Think about for ourselves. How can we know more about Jesus and what God’s will is if we do not read? Is it going to come to us miraculously? Of Course not!
Think about what Paul was giving to Timothy as instruction not only as a preacher but also as a Christian in I Timothy 4:12-16. Paul was pointing out that reading was important. How could Timothy know more about the doctrine if he did not read? He needed to give attention to reading the scriptures that he had! He needed to focus and give all attention and meditation to these things for him to continue being a Christian. If he did give the necessary attention notice verse 16, again, he would be able to save those who would hear and believe but Timothy must first give attention to reading.
Reading is also important to give proof to knowing truth. Think about those of Berea in Acts 17:10-11. How would they know whether they received the truth? How do we know if we have received the truth? We have to search the scriptures and check whether these things are so. It is not going to magically enter our brains and we will know truth. We must apply to our lives and that comes through reading the scriptures.
There is a need for us to read the Bible. How do we know how to live our life? What does God’s Word do for us? In Psalms 119:97-105 God’s word is a lamp and light for us. God’s word gives more understanding than the wisdom of man. God’s word should be our focus and it is the only knowledge and way that we can follow to have eternal life. The question is are you giving attention to reading? Are taking opportunity to know more about God’s will? Do you understand what you are reading? Do you need a helping hand? Brethren are eager to help if you do not know. Are taking opportunity to follow and read God’s Word? Are you giving necessary application? Will you take time for your soul and eternity to open and read God’s Word?
Daniel N. Sanders
The Bible is the same way! How do we know exactly where we have come from? On the other hand, even what our purpose is? How can we answer these great questions of life? We must turn to the Bible. We know that in the beginning God created all things Genesis 1-3. We know that our duty is to fear god and keep his commandments is our duty in this life (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Consider with me the example of the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. This man was not a Christian. However, he was doing something that is needed. He was reading from the prophet Isaiah and it was here that Phillip found this man reading. However reading it, he still needed guidance and this is where Phillip began preaching Jesus to him. This all started with the Ethiopian Eunuch reading. After this point Phillip had opportunity to preach more concerning the new way of life.
The Ethiopian Eunuch after reading and Phillip giving time teaching him gave him a clear direction on what he needed to do. Can we see there is a need and important for us to read. How could the Ethiopian Eunuch know about Jesus and how could Phillip teach and preach Jesus without reading and knowing about Jesus. Think about for ourselves. How can we know more about Jesus and what God’s will is if we do not read? Is it going to come to us miraculously? Of Course not!
Think about what Paul was giving to Timothy as instruction not only as a preacher but also as a Christian in I Timothy 4:12-16. Paul was pointing out that reading was important. How could Timothy know more about the doctrine if he did not read? He needed to give attention to reading the scriptures that he had! He needed to focus and give all attention and meditation to these things for him to continue being a Christian. If he did give the necessary attention notice verse 16, again, he would be able to save those who would hear and believe but Timothy must first give attention to reading.
Reading is also important to give proof to knowing truth. Think about those of Berea in Acts 17:10-11. How would they know whether they received the truth? How do we know if we have received the truth? We have to search the scriptures and check whether these things are so. It is not going to magically enter our brains and we will know truth. We must apply to our lives and that comes through reading the scriptures.
There is a need for us to read the Bible. How do we know how to live our life? What does God’s Word do for us? In Psalms 119:97-105 God’s word is a lamp and light for us. God’s word gives more understanding than the wisdom of man. God’s word should be our focus and it is the only knowledge and way that we can follow to have eternal life. The question is are you giving attention to reading? Are taking opportunity to know more about God’s will? Do you understand what you are reading? Do you need a helping hand? Brethren are eager to help if you do not know. Are taking opportunity to follow and read God’s Word? Are you giving necessary application? Will you take time for your soul and eternity to open and read God’s Word?
Daniel N. Sanders
Thursday, June 3, 2010
THE GUIDING LIGHT PSALMS 119:97-105
We all need guidance. As children growing up, they seek and need that guidance from their parents. As we continue to get older and begin preparing for our careers, we seek instruction from those that are in the same, profession and teachers to help us be prepared for our job in life.
As a Christian, we need that same light to brighten our path. The light that God shows and gives as a guide in our life will help us be better servants of God and prepare us for the way that God expects from us. His inspired Word (II Timothy 3:16-17) that he has given to all humanity is a lamp to our feet and light to our path (Psalms 119:105).
All people everywhere have sinned (Romans 3:23) and fallen short of the glory of God. Sin has darkened our way separating and alienating ourselves from God (Ephesians 4:18). When we desire sin, we are seeking a dark life a way that keeps us from God and being in His Light. It is our ultimate doom (Romans 6:23).
God has given us the Bible to be a guiding light for us to make ourselves acceptable to His ways and it should be our desire (Romans 12:1-2). Again, as we have pointed out sin has darkened our way with God and has separated us from God.
The word of God is a lamp and a light. It is profitable in many ways for us (II Timothy 3:16-17). It is profitable for doctrine or the teaching that we need that is inspired by God. It is all profitable for reproof or the judgment that we need to judge ourselves by. It is our standard and way of life. The Bible is also profitable correction in how we judge and how we make ourselves right with God. Lastly, the Bible is profitable for instruction in righteousness. It is our duty to please God and be righteous in the eyes of the Lord. It is a guiding light for our path in everyday life. The Bible is perfect completes us as individuals to be servants of God.
It is up to us as individuals to accept the guiding light that God provides and to understand, follow, and obey the things, which God has given to us in this book. We need to leave the darkness of the world (sin) and enter into the Light (newness of light made by God). How do we do this?
Notice what Paul says over in Ephesians 4:17-24. We need to no longer to walk in a sinful way that has darkened our path and separated ourselves from God. We need to realize the dangers of sin and do whatever it takes to enter into the light of God. We need to make a change. It is a word that many do not like to hear. Many do not like to change because many are comfortable and complacent or fine with where they are. This is dangerous because God will not transform us into His light unless we first willingly choose to obey God and His guiding Light that we find through His inspired word (Psalms 119:105; II Timothy 3:16-17). We must leave our old ways that corrupt us as individuals and become transformed in the light of God. It means we need to follow and obey the word of God.
God’s guiding light is everlasting. We can become children of light (Ephesians 5:8). We all at one point were in darkness but God and His light can make us children of light. We can walk a new life that in the end as eternal benefits. The place that God has prepared for those who walk in the light will know the light of God. This place will have no night (Revelation 21:22-27). It is a new place that God has prepared for the children of light. It is an eternal place for those who have obeyed God and followed His guiding light through His inspired word. It is for the faithful and exclusively for those that have their names written in the Book of Life.
We need to ask ourselves how we are taking the guiding light that God has given and provided for us. Are we using the guidance that God has given us and making the change to become a child of light? If the answer is yes we can be a select and chosen one of God. We can be a royal and chosen generation of God. We are called out of the darkness of sin and into the marvelous light of God that has made us new and righteous. If the answer is no we need to ask “why are we waiting?” We need to act now before it is too late (Acts 22:16). We need to be baptized for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:37-38) and become a new being a child of light that can reap the eternal rewards when this life is over. Are you using God’s Guiding Light to make our way pleasing and acceptable to God?
~Daniel Sanders~
As a Christian, we need that same light to brighten our path. The light that God shows and gives as a guide in our life will help us be better servants of God and prepare us for the way that God expects from us. His inspired Word (II Timothy 3:16-17) that he has given to all humanity is a lamp to our feet and light to our path (Psalms 119:105).
All people everywhere have sinned (Romans 3:23) and fallen short of the glory of God. Sin has darkened our way separating and alienating ourselves from God (Ephesians 4:18). When we desire sin, we are seeking a dark life a way that keeps us from God and being in His Light. It is our ultimate doom (Romans 6:23).
God has given us the Bible to be a guiding light for us to make ourselves acceptable to His ways and it should be our desire (Romans 12:1-2). Again, as we have pointed out sin has darkened our way with God and has separated us from God.
The word of God is a lamp and a light. It is profitable in many ways for us (II Timothy 3:16-17). It is profitable for doctrine or the teaching that we need that is inspired by God. It is all profitable for reproof or the judgment that we need to judge ourselves by. It is our standard and way of life. The Bible is also profitable correction in how we judge and how we make ourselves right with God. Lastly, the Bible is profitable for instruction in righteousness. It is our duty to please God and be righteous in the eyes of the Lord. It is a guiding light for our path in everyday life. The Bible is perfect completes us as individuals to be servants of God.
It is up to us as individuals to accept the guiding light that God provides and to understand, follow, and obey the things, which God has given to us in this book. We need to leave the darkness of the world (sin) and enter into the Light (newness of light made by God). How do we do this?
Notice what Paul says over in Ephesians 4:17-24. We need to no longer to walk in a sinful way that has darkened our path and separated ourselves from God. We need to realize the dangers of sin and do whatever it takes to enter into the light of God. We need to make a change. It is a word that many do not like to hear. Many do not like to change because many are comfortable and complacent or fine with where they are. This is dangerous because God will not transform us into His light unless we first willingly choose to obey God and His guiding Light that we find through His inspired word (Psalms 119:105; II Timothy 3:16-17). We must leave our old ways that corrupt us as individuals and become transformed in the light of God. It means we need to follow and obey the word of God.
God’s guiding light is everlasting. We can become children of light (Ephesians 5:8). We all at one point were in darkness but God and His light can make us children of light. We can walk a new life that in the end as eternal benefits. The place that God has prepared for those who walk in the light will know the light of God. This place will have no night (Revelation 21:22-27). It is a new place that God has prepared for the children of light. It is an eternal place for those who have obeyed God and followed His guiding light through His inspired word. It is for the faithful and exclusively for those that have their names written in the Book of Life.
We need to ask ourselves how we are taking the guiding light that God has given and provided for us. Are we using the guidance that God has given us and making the change to become a child of light? If the answer is yes we can be a select and chosen one of God. We can be a royal and chosen generation of God. We are called out of the darkness of sin and into the marvelous light of God that has made us new and righteous. If the answer is no we need to ask “why are we waiting?” We need to act now before it is too late (Acts 22:16). We need to be baptized for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:37-38) and become a new being a child of light that can reap the eternal rewards when this life is over. Are you using God’s Guiding Light to make our way pleasing and acceptable to God?
~Daniel Sanders~
KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS
We are all students of the Bible. We can never learn enough about God’s word. As we recently pointed out it is imperative to keep our Bibles open. However, through our constant studying we need to be asking questions also. Questions are good things! They help give us understanding to learn more about God. We do not know everything about the Bible however there may be others that surround us that may know a little more and we can always ask questions to further our understanding.
There is no such thing as a dumb question. If we have questions they need answers. This proves that we are trying to give the necessary attention to God and His inspired word. We are wanting to know more that we can better our lives to please God. Is this our goal in life? We should never feel embarrassed to ask questions regarding the Bible. This shows the true growth and willingness to learn to apply the Bible to our life.
Again we want to stress that we are students! As students we learn. The minute that we say we know enough and do not need to give more attention to God’s word is the moment that Satan can catch us with temptation and we fail. Satan is like a roaring lion (I Peter 5:8) trying to catch us in a moment of weakness to tempt us and cause to sin and separate ourselves from God. That old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is completely false! We can always learn. I reminded of a well-known gospel preacher who was holding a meeting and hearing the story of how he was teaching the class and he had preaching for several years a during the class as they were studying someone pointed out something form a verse they were studying. The man after hearing this said “after so many years of studying this I never recognized that” proving that no matter how old we are we can learn.
Notice the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-39. The Ethiopian eunuch was as we can understand a religious man because he was on his way to Jerusalem to worship. However as he was reading from the prophet Isaiah, Philip was sent to him and heard him reading. It was at this point that Philip asked him a question of his understanding and he needed help. He needed help and asked Philip to help him because he didn’t know what he was reading. Philip at this point began speaking Jesus to him. Through the eunuch’s willingness to learn he was baptized and continued on his way rejoicing. He knew the truth and the power of the gospel through asking questions and Philip helped guide him to know more.
When we ask questions we show concern for our soul and life as a Christian. The Bible cannot be forced into our heads, we must be willing to learn and if we don’t know we need to ask questions so we can improve our lives. The more we want to learn the better off we will be.
God’s wisdom has unimaginable heights, depths, and widths (Romans 11:33-36). His knowledge is a plethora of knowledge. Our cup can and will run over if we give attention and when we do not know something ask and we can receive the answer(Matthew 7:7-8). Are we asking questions to constantly add to our faith and improve our life (II Peter 1:5-11)?
DANIEL SANDERS
There is no such thing as a dumb question. If we have questions they need answers. This proves that we are trying to give the necessary attention to God and His inspired word. We are wanting to know more that we can better our lives to please God. Is this our goal in life? We should never feel embarrassed to ask questions regarding the Bible. This shows the true growth and willingness to learn to apply the Bible to our life.
Again we want to stress that we are students! As students we learn. The minute that we say we know enough and do not need to give more attention to God’s word is the moment that Satan can catch us with temptation and we fail. Satan is like a roaring lion (I Peter 5:8) trying to catch us in a moment of weakness to tempt us and cause to sin and separate ourselves from God. That old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is completely false! We can always learn. I reminded of a well-known gospel preacher who was holding a meeting and hearing the story of how he was teaching the class and he had preaching for several years a during the class as they were studying someone pointed out something form a verse they were studying. The man after hearing this said “after so many years of studying this I never recognized that” proving that no matter how old we are we can learn.
Notice the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-39. The Ethiopian eunuch was as we can understand a religious man because he was on his way to Jerusalem to worship. However as he was reading from the prophet Isaiah, Philip was sent to him and heard him reading. It was at this point that Philip asked him a question of his understanding and he needed help. He needed help and asked Philip to help him because he didn’t know what he was reading. Philip at this point began speaking Jesus to him. Through the eunuch’s willingness to learn he was baptized and continued on his way rejoicing. He knew the truth and the power of the gospel through asking questions and Philip helped guide him to know more.
When we ask questions we show concern for our soul and life as a Christian. The Bible cannot be forced into our heads, we must be willing to learn and if we don’t know we need to ask questions so we can improve our lives. The more we want to learn the better off we will be.
God’s wisdom has unimaginable heights, depths, and widths (Romans 11:33-36). His knowledge is a plethora of knowledge. Our cup can and will run over if we give attention and when we do not know something ask and we can receive the answer(Matthew 7:7-8). Are we asking questions to constantly add to our faith and improve our life (II Peter 1:5-11)?
DANIEL SANDERS
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Was Peter a Pope?
And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19). In reading this verse, many will claim that this is the verse that establishes Peter as the pope of the church. There are many in the sect that has claimed Peter as being the first pope. However, let us examine this and consider the question if Peter was the first pope.
Who is the head?
According to many, the Pope is the head of the church. I have yet to discover any verses that say the pope is the head of the church. I have searched the scriptures even to the point of seeing if Peter is the head of the church. Nothing has pinpointed this at all. However, what we do know is that all authority has been given to Jesus on heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18-20). This leaves no authority for anyone else if all authority has been given to Jesus. We read in Ephesians 4:15 that Christ is the head of the church. It goes on to say in Ephesians 1:22 that Jesus is to be head over the church. The body is represented by the members (you and me). How then can authority be given to the pope or even Peter (as the first pope)? Consider this in thinking about the head of the church. Who is to be the head? Is it Christ or man?
Qualifications for pope
According to man the pope is not to be married have children or anything like this. Priests, cardinals, bishops etc. all fall under this same category and circumstance about being married or having children. Again considering Peter and if he was the first pope think about this: how can he then already be married (Mark 1:29-31). Jesus came and healed Peter’s mother-in-law. How does one have a mother-in-law? I am not trying to sound as if I do not understand but what I do know is that in order for one to have for instance a mother-in-law is that one must be married. Thus if Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law then Peter must have been married.
Paul goes on to talk about apostles taking their wives along with them throughout their traveling in preaching and spreading the gospel. As we read in I Corinthians 9:5 Paul mentions, Peter (also known as Cephas) as being one whom then took his wife on his journeys in preaching the gospel.
Paul also mentions in I Timothy 3 about the qualifications of elders (or bishops) and deacons. Notice what is mentioned in both: A deacon has to be married and also have children. The qualification of an elder is one who is married and has faithful children. This is a direct contradiction of qualifications for a priest, bishop, cardinal, or pope. These individuals according to Catholicism cannot be married nor have children. Wouldn’t this disqualify Peter as being a pope? Wouldn’t this make man changing the law? If Peter had this great authority then they were already pointing out the flaws of Peter. Thus, he couldn’t be a pope according to Catholic doctrine.
Considering the Authority
Again, Jesus states that all authority has been given to him on heaven and earth leaving no authority for man in the religious world. However, man has decided to say that he does have authority. Again looking at Matthew 16:18-19 Jesus states that on this rock I will build my church. Notice it is not churches. Then he goes on to say that, Peter is given the keys. This did not mean that Peter was given the authority over the church. As we just discussed Christ is still the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22).
When Christ gave Peter the keys, he was given the power to continue on with the work that Jesus came in this world to do. He came in to establish the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15) which he did in giving his life on the cross. The apostles still had work to do in establishing the physical kingdom that we see today. They taught the doctrine of Christ and told others to do what Jesus commanded while He was here in this world. He told them to believe, repent, confess, and be baptized for the remission of sins. This is what Peter and the apostles had to do and set up this physical kingdom but it was all done under Christ’s authority. How can Peter then be the one in authority and control?
Was Peter the first pope? According to the scriptures, we cannot see how this is possible at all. Who is in control? It is Christ as we see throughout the Bible and not Peter! The Bible is to be our guide and I hope as we looked in this discussion that Christ is in authority and not the pope. The pope is one that is not in authority nor has it been authorized in the Bible. The qualifications are not possible but the Bible states that a bishop and preacher can be married and the authority is all with Christ!
He who has an ear to hear let him hear! (Rev. 3:6)
Daniel Sanders
Who is the head?
According to many, the Pope is the head of the church. I have yet to discover any verses that say the pope is the head of the church. I have searched the scriptures even to the point of seeing if Peter is the head of the church. Nothing has pinpointed this at all. However, what we do know is that all authority has been given to Jesus on heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18-20). This leaves no authority for anyone else if all authority has been given to Jesus. We read in Ephesians 4:15 that Christ is the head of the church. It goes on to say in Ephesians 1:22 that Jesus is to be head over the church. The body is represented by the members (you and me). How then can authority be given to the pope or even Peter (as the first pope)? Consider this in thinking about the head of the church. Who is to be the head? Is it Christ or man?
Qualifications for pope
According to man the pope is not to be married have children or anything like this. Priests, cardinals, bishops etc. all fall under this same category and circumstance about being married or having children. Again considering Peter and if he was the first pope think about this: how can he then already be married (Mark 1:29-31). Jesus came and healed Peter’s mother-in-law. How does one have a mother-in-law? I am not trying to sound as if I do not understand but what I do know is that in order for one to have for instance a mother-in-law is that one must be married. Thus if Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law then Peter must have been married.
Paul goes on to talk about apostles taking their wives along with them throughout their traveling in preaching and spreading the gospel. As we read in I Corinthians 9:5 Paul mentions, Peter (also known as Cephas) as being one whom then took his wife on his journeys in preaching the gospel.
Paul also mentions in I Timothy 3 about the qualifications of elders (or bishops) and deacons. Notice what is mentioned in both: A deacon has to be married and also have children. The qualification of an elder is one who is married and has faithful children. This is a direct contradiction of qualifications for a priest, bishop, cardinal, or pope. These individuals according to Catholicism cannot be married nor have children. Wouldn’t this disqualify Peter as being a pope? Wouldn’t this make man changing the law? If Peter had this great authority then they were already pointing out the flaws of Peter. Thus, he couldn’t be a pope according to Catholic doctrine.
Considering the Authority
Again, Jesus states that all authority has been given to him on heaven and earth leaving no authority for man in the religious world. However, man has decided to say that he does have authority. Again looking at Matthew 16:18-19 Jesus states that on this rock I will build my church. Notice it is not churches. Then he goes on to say that, Peter is given the keys. This did not mean that Peter was given the authority over the church. As we just discussed Christ is still the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22).
When Christ gave Peter the keys, he was given the power to continue on with the work that Jesus came in this world to do. He came in to establish the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15) which he did in giving his life on the cross. The apostles still had work to do in establishing the physical kingdom that we see today. They taught the doctrine of Christ and told others to do what Jesus commanded while He was here in this world. He told them to believe, repent, confess, and be baptized for the remission of sins. This is what Peter and the apostles had to do and set up this physical kingdom but it was all done under Christ’s authority. How can Peter then be the one in authority and control?
Was Peter the first pope? According to the scriptures, we cannot see how this is possible at all. Who is in control? It is Christ as we see throughout the Bible and not Peter! The Bible is to be our guide and I hope as we looked in this discussion that Christ is in authority and not the pope. The pope is one that is not in authority nor has it been authorized in the Bible. The qualifications are not possible but the Bible states that a bishop and preacher can be married and the authority is all with Christ!
He who has an ear to hear let him hear! (Rev. 3:6)
Daniel Sanders
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
